bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The variations in human orphan G protein‐coupled receptor QRFPR affect PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling
Authors: Li Huanzheng , Lou Ran , Xu Xueqin , Xu Chenyang , Yu Yuan , Xu Yunzhi , Hu Lin , Xiang Yanbao , Lin Xuan , Tang Shaohua
Published: May 2021

Background

QRFPR is a recently identified member of the G protein‐coupled receptor and is an orphan receptor for 26Rfa, which plays important role in the regulation of many physiological functions.

Methods

Here, we employed whole exome sequencing (WES) to examine the patients with intellectual disability (ID) and difficulty in feeding. We performed SIFT and PolyPhen2 predictions for the variants. The structure model was built from scratch by I‐TASSER. Here, results derived from a number of cell‐based functional assays, including shRNA experiment, intracellular Ca2+ measurement, the expression of PI3 K‐AKT‐mTOR, and phosphorylation. The functional effect of QRFPR variants on PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling was evaluated in vitro transfection experiments.

Result

Here, we identified two QRFPR variants at c.202 T>C (p.Y68H) and c.1111C>T (p.R371W) in 2 unrelated individuals. Structural analysis revealed that p.Y68H and p.R371W variants may affect the side chain structure of adjacent amino acids causing reduced binding of QRFPR to 26Rfa. The results show that QRFPR stimulated by 26Rfa leading to the transient rise of intracellular Ca2+. The QRFPR variations p.Y68H and p.R371 W can reduce the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. The phosphorylation levels of the PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were significantly up‐ or downregulated by QRFPR overexpression or silencing, respectively. The QRFPR variations inhibited PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling, resulting in downregulation of p‐mTOR.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that QRFPR acts as important role in neurodevelopment, and the effects of QRFPR are likely to be mediated by the Ca2+‐dependent PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathways. Importantly, these findings provide a foundation for future elucidation of GPCR‐mediated signaling and the physiological implications.
Normal reference intervals of prognostic nutritional index in healthy adults: A large multi‐center observational study from Western China
Authors: Yang Guishu , Wang Dongsheng , He Linbo , Zhang Guangjie , Yu Jianhong , Chen Yaping , Yin Hailin , Li Tian , Lin Ying , Luo Huaichao
Published: May 2021

Background

It has been widely reported that the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) played a pivotal role in nutritional assessment of surgical patients and tumor prognosis. In order to improve the accuracy of evaluation in Western China, we established reference intervals (RIs) of PNI in healthy controls.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on healthy ethnic Han adults (18–79 years) was conducted to explore the influences of age, gender, study centers, and instruments on PNI and to establish RIs. The data came from a healthy routine examination center database and laboratory information system (LIS) of four centers in Western China, and there were 200 persons selected randomly for verification of RIs.

Results

Five thousand eight hundred and thirty‐nine healthy candidates were enrolled. PNI showed a marked gender dependence, and males had significantly higher PNI than females across all ages (p < 0.01). We found that PNI is significantly different between age groups (p < 0.01), the value of PNI tended to decrease with age increasing. There is also an obvious influence of centers and instruments on PNI (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

We established reference intervals of PNI in healthy Han Chinese population in Western China and validated successfully. Further established RIs will lead to better standardizations of PNI for clinical applications.
Effects of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals on hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin systems
Authors: Reilly Michael P. , Kunkel M. Nicole , Thompson Lindsay M. , Zentay Andrew , Weeks Connor D. , Crews David , Cormack Lawrence K. , Gore Andrea C.
Published: May 2021

Exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) perturb hormonal systems. EDCs are particularly problematic when exposure happens in the fetus and infant due to the high sensitivity of developing organisms to hormone actions. Previous work has shown that prenatal polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure disrupts hypothalamic development, reproductive physiology, mate preference behavior, and social behaviors in a sexually dimorphic manner. Based on evidence that EDCs perturb social behaviors in rodents, we examined effects of PCBs on the neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) that are involved in regulating these behaviors. Rats were exposed prenatally (gestational days 16 and 18) to the weakly estrogenic PCB mixture Aroclor 1221 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg), to estradiol benzoate (EB, a positive control), or to the vehicle (3% dimethyl sulfoxide). In adult (~P90) brains, we counted immunolabeled oxytocin and vasopressin cell numbers in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus. EDCs did not change absolute numbers of oxytocin or vasopressin cells in either region, although there were some modest shifts in the rostral‐caudal distribution. Second, expression of genes for these nonapeptides (Oxt, Avp), their receptors (Oxtr, Avpr1a), and the estrogen receptor beta (Esr2), was determined by qPCR. In the PVN, there were dose‐dependent effects of PCBs in males (Oxt, Oxtr), and effects of EB in females (Avp, Esr2). In the SON, Oxt, and Esr2 were affected by treatments in males. These changes to protein and gene expression caused by prenatal treatments suggest that transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms play roles in mediating how EDCs reprogram hypothalamic development.
Multiparametric Rest and Dobutamine Stress Magnetic Resonance in Assessment of Myocardial Viability
Authors: Shaaban Mahmoud , Tantawy Sara W , Elkafrawy Fatma , Romeih Soha , Elmozy Wesam
Published: May 2021

Background

MR feature‐tracking (FT) is a novel technique that quantitatively calculates myocardial strain and can assess myocardial viability.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of FT at rest and with low‐dose dobutamine (LDD), visual assessment of contractility with LDD and left ventricle (LV) end‐diastolic wall thickness (EDWT) in the assessment of viability in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients compared to delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE).

Study type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty ICM patients and 30 healthy volunteers.

Field strength/Sequences

A 1.5 T with balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) cine and phase‐sensitive inversion prepared segmented gradient echo sequences.

Assessment

LDD (5 μg/kg/min and 10 μg/kg/min) was administered in the patient group. LV was divided into 16 segments and MR‐FT was derived from bSSFP cine images using dedicated software. Viable segments were defined as those with a dobutamine‐induced increase in resting MR‐FT values >20%, a dobutamine‐induced increase in systolic wall thickening ≥2 mm by visual assessment, ≤50% fibrosis on DGE, and resting EDWT ≥5.5 mm.

Statistical tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), two‐sampled t‐test, paired samples t‐test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Resting peak global circumferential (Ecc) and radial (Err) strains were significantly impaired in patients compared to controls (−11.7 ± 7.9 vs. −20.1 ± 5.7 and 19.7 ± 13.9 vs. 32.7 ± 15.4, respectively). Segments with no DGE (n = 354) and ≤ 50% (n = 38) DGE showed significant improvement of both Ecc and Err with LDD while segments with >50% DGE (n = 88) showed no improvement. In comparison to viable and nonviable segments identified by reference‐standard DGE, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the four methods were: 74%, 92%, and 89%, respectively, for Ecc; 70%, 89%, and 86%, respectively, for Err; 67%, 88%, and 84% for visual assessment; and 39%, 90%, and 80% for EDWT.

Data conclusion

Quantitative assessment of MR‐FT, along with EDWT and qualitative visual assessment of myocardial contractility with LDD, are feasible alternative methods for the assessment of myocardial viability with moderate sensitivity and high specificity.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage: 2
The relationship between white matter microstructure, cardiovascular fitness, gross motor skills, and neurocognitive functioning in children
Authors: Meijer Anna , Pouwels Petra J. W. , Smith Joanne , Visscher Chris , Bosker Roel J. , Hartman Esther , Oosterlaan Jaap , Königs Marsh
Published: May 2021

Recent evidence indicates that both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance are related to enhanced neurocognitive functioning in children by influencing brain structure and functioning. This study investigates the role of white matter microstructure in the relationship of both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning in healthy children. In total 92 children (mean age 9.1 years, range 8.0–10.7) were included in this study. Cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance were assessed using performance‐based tests. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed using computerized tests (working memory, inhibition, interference control, information processing, and attention). Diffusion tensor imaging was used in combination with tract‐based spatial statistics to assess white matter microstructure as defined by fractional anisotropy (FA), axial and radial diffusivity (AD, RD). The results revealed positive associations of both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning. Information processing and motor response inhibition were associated with FA in a cluster located in the corpus callosum. Within this cluster, higher cardiovascular fitness and better gross motor skills were both associated with greater FA, greater AD, and lower RD. No mediating role was found for FA in the relationship of both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning. The results indicate that cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills are related to neurocognitive functioning as well as white matter microstructure in children. However, this study provides no evidence for a mediating role of white matter microstructure in these relationships.
Correlation Between Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and Immune Response of Distant Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Radiofrequency Ablation in a Murine Model
Authors: Wang Peng , Tian Mi , Ren Weidong
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the relationships between contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the immune status of a distant tumor after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Twenty‐four mice with two liver tumors were randomized into two groups. RFA was performed on the left tumor in the RFA group. Growth of the right tumors in both groups was monitored after RFA. According to tumor growth, two time points at which tumor growth was halted and restored were selected for study. Then, another 24 mice were randomized into RFA and non‐RFA groups. The CEUS parameters, apoptosis, CD8+ T cell, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of the right tumors were analyzed on the two aforementioned time points in each group.

Results

Days 3 and 6 were selected as the time points of tumor retardation and progressive growth, respectively. The different immune status of the distant tumors at the two time points after RFA was confirmed by CD8+ T cell and apoptosis (both P < 0.001). Peak intensity, time to peak, area wash‐in, and area wash‐out of the CEUS parameters increased significantly in the day‐6 RFA group versus the day‐3 RFA group (P < .001, P = .017, P = .005, P = .002, respectively). VM of the day‐6 RFA group was higher than that of the day‐3 RFA group (P = .003).

Conclusions

CEUS maybe a good method to follow the immune response after RFA in an advanced HCC mouse model.
Alkaline hydrogels as ion‐conducting coupling material for electrochemical chloride extraction
Authors: Jung Andre , Faulhaber Armin , Weichold Oliver
Published: May 2021

One method to rehabilitate chloride‐contaminated reinforced concrete structures is electrochemical chloride extraction, by which chloride ions are extracted from the pore system of the concrete using an externally applied voltage. Although many factors influence the efficacy of electrochemical chloride extraction, a number of these, such as the concrete cover and the chloride profile, are predefined by the structure. One factor with major influence that can be improved is the coupling material. In this contribution, we present a suitable coupling material in the form of a highly alkaline hydrogel, with which the applied voltage can be reduced from 40–50 to 1 V under laboratory conditions. The reduction is due to the high conductivity of the gel and its excellent electrolytic contact with concrete. In a field test on chloride‐infested car‐park columns, more than 95% of the chloride could be extracted with 2–3 cycles, each comprising of 21 days of extraction and 7 days of rest. During the entire treatement, the gel did not require any attending to, such as replacing evaporated moisture.
The VANGL1 P384R variant cause both neural tube defect and Klippel‐Feil syndrome
Authors: Cheng Chen , Zhao Sheng , Zhu Xia , Yang Fan , Wang Weiyun , Feng Qian , Liu Ya , Huang Hui , Chen Xinlin
Published: May 2021

Background

Neural tube defect (NTD) is a common birth defect causing much death in the world. Variants in VANGL1 lead to NTD and caudal regression syndrome. NTD displays a complex phenotype encompassing both genetic and environmental factors.

Methods

The fetus was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound examination. Postnatal CT and autopsy were performed. Genetic testing was conducted in the family and Sanger sequencing was validated. Multiple prediction soft‐wares were used to predict the pathogenicity of the variant.

Results

The VANGL1 gene variant c.1151C>G (P384R) was detected in a fetus diagnosed with tethered spinal cord and sacrococcygeal lipoma. The VANGL1 variant c.1151C>G (P384R) was reported in a Klippel‐Feil syndrome patient. The VANGL1 variant was validated in the trio‐family but the mother showed no abnormalities.

Conclusion

Overall, this study presents fetal NTD caused by the same VANGL1 variant found in a Klippel‐Feil syndrome patient with complete clinical information of prenatal ultrasound, postnatal CT, and genetic results as early as 25 GW. Our study not only expands the VANGL1 mutational spectrum but also sheds light on the important role of the VANGL1 P384R variant in human development.
Selection of optimal software reliability growth models using an integrated entropy–Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Saxena Palak , Garg Harish
Published: May 2021

A large number of software reliability growth models (SRGMs) have been studied to estimate the reliability of software systems over the past 40 years. Different models have been developed upon different sets of assumptions. A few models were developed in a practical environment by considering testing effort, testing coverage, time delay fault correction, and fault reduction factor. Generally, SRGMs are not dataset independent, and thus the selection of an appropriate SRGM for use in a specific application is a challenging task in the software reliability area. The wrong selection of SRGMs might create a wrong estimation of reliability and consequently a delay in the release of the software. To overcome this problem, we have proposed a unique hybrid entropy weight‐based multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach for the selection of a suitable SRGM and applied it for optimal selection and ranking of SRGMs. The proposed hybrid approach identifies the need of the relative importance of criteria for a given application without which inter‐criterion comparison cannot be accomplished. It requires a set of model selection criteria along with a set of SRGMs and their level of criteria for optimal selection. It successfully displays the result in terms of a merit value which is used to rank the SRGMs. The proposed approach has been validated on two data sets of the real software failure. The results of the study play a vital role for the decision maker to judge the suitability of the SRGM.
The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on employees organizational commitment and job satisfaction in reference to gender differences
Authors: Chanana Nisha
Published: May 2021

In this study, an attempt has been made to examine the level of organizational commitment and job satisfaction among male and female school teachers working in private schools during the Covid‐19 pandemic. For the present study, descriptive method is used. The sample of 181 private school teachers was drawn using a purposive sampling procedure. The organizational commitment questionnaire is developed by Allen and Meyer in 1990 and job satisfaction index by Brayfield and Rothe in 1951 is used for the study. For descriptive statistics mean, standard deviation (S.D.), and z test is used. Shapiro–Wilks test, Levene's test, and Mann–Whitney U test is used to analyze data in the current study. The results revealed that female teachers are more continuance committed as compared to male teachers during this tough situation of a pandemic. The level of organizational commitment is found low in both female and male teachers during the Covid‐19. No significant difference is found in the overall job satisfaction among male and female teachers during the Covid‐19 pandemic. This study also determines a positive and significant relationship between organizational commitment and job satisfaction during the Covid‐19 pandemic.
Hybrid of multi‐dimensional fillers for thermally enhanced polyamide 12 composites fabricated by selective laser sintering
Authors: Yuan Yue , Hu Huanbo , Wu Wei , Zhao Zhengbai , Du Xiangyun , Wang Zhengyi
Published: May 2021

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing technology that can provide a novel strategy to manufacture complex polymer‐based composites with tailored properties. In this study, polyamide 12 (PA12) composite powders based on Al2O3, boron nitride (BN), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared via a two‐step mixing approach. Morphology characterization techniques indicated that the fillers were uniformly dispersed in the PA12 matrix as expected. Under the optimum 3D‐printing parameters, the fabrication of SLS parts with high filler loading could be obtained. With 40 wt% Al2O3, 8 wt% BN, and 2 wt% CNT hybrid fillers, the thermal conductivity of PA12 composites could reach 1.09 W/mK. It could be attributed to the synergistic effect of multi‐dimensional fillers to form dense and continuous thermal conduction paths. The factors influencing the performance of PA12 composites such as melting and crystallization behaviors, dielectric properties, and mechanical properties were also discussed. The results show that these composites have favorable dielectric and mechanical properties. Overall, the PA12 composites fabricated by SLS technology in this study exhibit excellent thermal management ability.
Synthesis of CO2‐based functional poly(carbonate‐co‐lactide)
Authors: Chen Yao , Wang Wenchuan , Xie Dong , Wu Lili , Zhang Chaocan
Published: May 2021

TPPAlCl‐PPN+Cl− binary catalyst (where TPPAlCl is 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin aluminum chloride, PPN+Cl− is bis[triphenylphosphine] iminium chloride, the molar ratio of TPPAlCl to PPN+Cl− is 1 to 0.5) can initiate the effective one‐pot/one‐step ternary copolymerization of CO2, lactide and 4‐vinyl‐1‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐epoxide, and the quaternary copolymerization of CO2, propylene oxide, lactide, 4‐vinyl‐1‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐epoxide, to form multiblock poly(carbonate‐co‐lactide) products with pendant vinyl group. The ternary copolymerization product composes of polylactide (PLA) block and poy(vinylcyclohexylene carbonate) (PVCHC) block, and the quaternary copolymerization product composes of poy(propylene carbonate) (PPC) block, PLA block and PVCHC block, which are verified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H‐1H cosy, hetero‐nuclear multiple bond correlation, DTG, and Gel permeation chromatography analysis. The functionality and glass‐transition temperature of the products can be easily adjusted by the copolymerization variables, such as the molar ratio of comonomers, copolymerization temperature, pressure of CO2, the concentration of the catalyst.
Toward Improved Device Efficiency and Stability of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes via External Pressure Treatment
Authors: Pan Saihu , Yu Hang , Zhu Zhiqiang , Lan Weixia , Guo Kunping , Wei Bin
Published: May 2021

Herein, the effect of applied external pressure on the electroluminescence characteristics of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is investigated. It is demonstrated that the proper pressure intensity can improve the carrier mobility of organic transport materials and enhance the photoluminescence (PL) intensity. Indeed, the OLED device efficiency is significantly enhanced by applying the pressure of 0.75 MPa for 10 min, achieving >12% increase in current efficiency. Most interestingly, when 0.75 MPa pressure is applied to the specific organic layer instead of the whole device for 10 min, the green fluorescent OLED shows a 20.1% higher current efficiency than that of the reference device. The authors attribute this pressure effect to the closer contact between the organic functional layers and the decreased molecule distance, thereby facilitating more efficient charge transport in OLED device. Furthermore, highly stable OLEDs with long operation lifetime are achieved by specific pressure condition, indicating positive effects of pressure treatment on device stability.
Cathodoluminescence Investigation of Stacking Faults and Dislocations in the Edge Part of Seed‐Grown m‐Plane GaN Substrate
Authors: Chen Jun , Yi Wei , Ito Shun , Sekiguchi Takashi
Published: May 2021

The extended defects in m‐plane seed‐grown GaN substrate have been investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of basal‐plane stacking faults (BSFs) has been confirmed in the edge part of seed growth. The luminescence features of BSFs are characterized by high‐resolution CL with monochromatic image and spatially resolved spectral analysis. Most stacking faults are intrinsic I1 BSFs with characteristic emission peak centered at 3.42 eV. There are a few intrinsic I2 BSFs which show varied emission energies of 3.33–3.38 eV. The motion of dislocations under electron beam irradiation has also been monitored and the correlation with stacking faults is discussed.
Backward joint model and dynamic prediction of survival with multivariate longitudinal data
Authors: Shen Fan , Li Liang
Published: May 2021

An important approach to dynamic prediction of time‐to‐event outcomes using longitudinal data is based on modeling the joint distribution of longitudinal and time‐to‐event data. The widely used joint model for this purpose is the shared random effect model. Presumably, adding more longitudinal predictors improves the predictive accuracy. However, the shared random effect model can be computationally difficult or prohibitive when a large number of longitudinal variables are used. In this paper, we study an alternative way of modeling the joint distribution of longitudinal and time‐to‐event data. Under this formulation, the log‐likelihood involves no more than one‐dimensional integration, regardless of the number of longitudinal variables in the model. Therefore, this model is particularly suitable in dynamic prediction problems with large number of longitudinal predictors. The model fitting can be implemented with tractable and stable computation by using a combination of pseudo maximum likelihood estimation, Expectation‐Maximization algorithm, and convex optimization. We evaluate the proposed methodology and its predictive accuracy with varying number of longitudinal variables using simulations and data from a primary biliary cirrhosis study.
Malicious attacks on the web and crawling of information data by Python technology
Authors: Fu Rui , Li Xinyu
Published: May 2021

On the Internet full of big data, crawlers can greatly improve the efficiency of information search. This paper briefly introduced Python and the hacker attack technology and crawler program based on Python. After that, the web hacker attack program was embedded into the crawler program to crawl the deeper hidden information restricted by permission. Then, the conventional crawler program, C language crawler program, and Python‐based crawler program were tested. The results showed that the normal crawler program failed to crawl the complete information data when facing the web page with permission restriction; the C language crawler program has a low efficiency though it could crawl the hidden information; the Python‐based crawler program obtained the complete information data after bypassing the permission by Structured Query Language (SQL) injection of the web hacker attack module. To sum up, applying Python can write crawler programs in a relatively simple way and embed a hacker attack program to crawl the hidden information on the web.
Scale‐dependent maximum reinforcement percentage in reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Carpinteri Alberto , Accornero Federico , Cafarelli Renato
Published: May 2021

The Cohesive/Overlapping Crack Model is able to describe the transition between cracking and crushing failures occurring in reinforced concrete beams by increasing beam depth and/or steel percentage. Within this Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics model, the tensile and compressive ultimate behaviors of the concrete matrix are modeled through two different process zones that advance independently one of another. Moreover, this model is able to investigate local mechanical instabilities occurring in the structural behavior of reinforced concrete structures: tensile snap‐back and snap‐through, which are due to concrete cracking or steel fracture, and the compressive snap‐back occurring at the end of the plastic plateau, which is generated by the unstable growth of the crushing zone. In this context, the application of the Cohesive/Overlapping Crack Model highlights that the ductility, which is represented by the plastic rotation capacity of a reinforced concrete element subjected to bending, decreases as reinforcement percentage and/or beam depth increase. Thus, a scale‐dependent maximum reinforcement percentage beyond which concrete crushing occurs prior to steel yielding is demonstrated to exist. In particular, the maximum steel percentage results to be inversely proportional to h0.25, h being the beam depth. In this way, a rational and quantitative definition of over‐reinforcement is provided as a steel percentage depending on the beam depth.
Survey on set‐based design (SBD) quantitative methods
Authors: Dullen Shawn , Verma Dinesh , Blackburn Mark , Whitcomb Cliff
Published: May 2021

Product development efforts now more than ever are in need of methodologies that can address the challenges of increased system complexities, shortening time to market, increased demands in mass customization, market instabilities, geographical barriers, improved innovation, and adaptability to emerging technologies. To address these challenges most companies will need to make key decisions early in the product development life‐cycle. In this early phase there are high levels of information uncertainty and information ambiguity. Under these circumstances many companies will converge too early to a point design (Point Based Design—PBD) which will lead to increased cost and schedule delays due to reworking the design later in the product development life cycle. To overcome these challenges many researchers have proposed the Set‐Based Design (SBD) methodology. However, there has been limited guidance on how to define, reason, and narrow sets while improving the level of abstraction of the design. To address such concerns, a literature review was conducted. The contributions of this research include: (1) aggregated literature from over 100 sources on quantitative methods (QM) that has not been considered SBD but does support set‐based thinking, (2) consolidated body of knowledge on QM to help industrial practitioners implement SBD, (3) ​defined gaps and opportunities for future research, and (4) defined strengths and limitations of QM and techniques to define, reason and narrow sets.
Mimicking of the histidine brace structural motif in molecular copper(I) compounds
Authors: Peifer R. , Müller L. , Hoof S. , Beckmann F. , Cula B. , Limberg C.
Published: May 2021

L‐Nτ‐methylhistidine methyl ester, MeHisOMe, has been employed as a potential ligand to mimic the histidine brace‐type coordination of copper ions in enzymes such as the particulate methane monoxygenase or lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases. MeHisOMe was prepared by double‐methylation of histidine methyl ester. Subsequently, its complexation by diphosphine copper(I) precursors [Cu(P^P)(MeCN)2]BF4 was tested, which led to the complexes [Cu(P^P)(MeHisOMe)]BF4 (P^P=dpePhos: 1, P^P=XantPhos: 2, P^P=dppf: 3). 1–3 were fully characterized, also by single crystal X‐ray analysis, thus providing first structural data for copper complexes with a synthetic, authentic histidine brace. The complexes proved inert in contact with dioxygen. To improve the biomimetic character attempts were made to formally replace the diphosphine ligands by bis(pyrazolyl)methanes, Bpm. Correspondingly, [BpmCu(NCMe)x]BF4 precursors were synthesized, with different substituents at the 3‐positions of the pyrazolyl (i. e. Bpm=di(3‐(phenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)diphenylmethane, di(3‐(mesityl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane and di(3‐(tert‐butyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)diphenylmethane). Addition of MeHisOMe to these complexes led to products that were so sensitive towards oxidation by the environment that they eluded isolation. One experiment provided blue crystals as a product of such a reaction. They belonged to a salt with a complex cation consisting of a Cu(μ‐OH)2Cu core ligated by two MeHisOMe ligands, which dimerises in the solid state to give [Cu4(OH)4(MeHisOMe)4]4+.
Using Inclusive Finance to Significantly Scale Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: Wild Robert , Egaru Moses , Ellis-Jones Mark , Bugembe Barbara Nakangu , Mohamed Ahmed , Ngigi Obadiah , Ogwok Gertrude , Roberts Jules , Kutegeka Sophie
Published: May 2021

Reversing land degradation and achieving ecosystem restoration and management are routes to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The financial resources to achieve this are increasingly available. A major challenge is the absence of scalable mechanisms that can incentivize rapid change for rural communities at the decade-long time scale needed to respond to the climate emergency. Despite moves toward inclusive green finance (IGF), a major structural gap remains between the funding available and the unbankable small-scale producers who are stewards of ecosystems. This chapter reports on inclusive finance that can help fill this gap and incentivizes improved ecosystem stewardship, productivity, and wealth creation. A key feature is the concept of eco-credit to build ecosystem management and restorative behaviors into loan terms. Eco-credit provides an approach for overcoming income inequality within communities to enhance the community-level ecosystem governance and stewardship. The paper discusses the experience of implementing the Community Environment Conservation Fund (CECF) over a 8-year-period from 2012. The CECF addresses the unbankable 80% of community members who cannot access commercial loans, has c. 20,000 users in Uganda and pilots in Malawi, Kenya, and Tanzania. The model is contextualized alongside complementary mechanisms that can also incentivize improved ecosystem governance as well as engage and align communities, government, development partners, and the private sector. This complementary infrastructure includes commercial eco-credit as exemplified by the Climate Smart Lending Platform, and the community finance of the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) model upon which CECF builds. The paper describes the technologies and climate finance necessary for significant scale-up.
Agropastoralists’ Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Modeling: Software and Coding Method Accuracies for Best-Worst Scaling Data
Authors: Amadou Zakou
Published: May 2021

Investigating software and coding method accuracies are still a challenge when dealing with best-worst scaling data. Comparing various climate change policy estimates and their relative importance across different statistical packages has received little attention. In this chapter, we use best-worst scaling approach to determine agropastoralist preferences for 13 climate change adaptation policies across two popular statistical packages (R and SAS). While data were collected from 271 agropastoralists, mixed logit was used to analyze data. Results reveal that mean and standard deviation estimates for 13 climate change adaptation policies from R are higher and statistically significant than SAS estimates. Based on R estimates, prolific animal selection, vaccination, settlement, strategic mobility, and strategic destocking are the most popular climate change adaptation policies, and more than two-third of respondents are in favor of these policies.
Rainfall Variability and Quantity of Water Supply in Bamenda I, Northwest Region of Cameroon
Authors: Sedrique Zoyem Tedonfack , Nfor Julius Tata
Published: May 2021

Bamenda I municipality found in the humid tropic is endowed with a dense hydrological network which makes it a water catchment for the entire region. Paradoxically, the region still suffers problems of water shortage. This is due to the spatial and temporal variability in rainfall that greatly affects water supply through its impacts on surface and groundwater. For this reason, we came up with the research topic“Rainfall variability and quantity of water supply in Bamenda 1, Northwest Region of Cameroon.”The objective of this study is to examine the manifestations of rainfall variability, and how it affects quantity of water supply in the humid tropics. Rainfall data use for this study comprised of annual, monthly, and daily rainfall over a period of 55 years. Water supply data was made of monthly and annual supply. With these data, a Pearson’s correlation was computed, and it gave a value of 0.701, with a rainfall proportion of 49.14% and 50.86% for other factors. The seasonality and the Standardized Precipitation Index were equally analyzed. At the end of the study, results showed that rainfall events in Bamenda I fluctuates with time and in space. It equally presented a reduction in the number of rainy days from 204 days in 1663 to 155 in 2018. This led to a reduction in length of rainy season and in rainfall amounts. In addition, the area has witnessed sedimentation of riverbeds and water reservoirs due to erosion and deposition during high rainfall peaks. Equally, floods observed during high rainfall episodes have become a potential threat to water infrastructures imposing exceptional water shortages during the rainy seasons. Due to these, actors in the water supply sector are putting in measures to remedy the situation.
Linking Adaptation and Mitigation Toward a Resilient and Robust Infrastructure Sector in Kenya
Authors: Ruth Onkangi , Lagat David , Lilian Ondari
Published: May 2021

Sustainable city is an oxymoron to many especially in developing nations where the ever extending urban fabric has consequently degraded natural habitats, altered species composition, changed energy flows, and immensely affected biogeochemical cycles. This dims the vision of meeting the present needs with a nondecreasing level of well-being while not compromising that of the future generations to meet theirs. Nairobi as other cities in peer nations is associated with socioeconomic vulnerabilities as well as visible and “invisible” ecological problems such as pollution, climate change, spatial competition, dependency in natural capital use, and congestion. Nevertheless, this is uniquely both a problem and a solution.

Nairobi has grown from a small railway station at the turn of the twentieth century to one of Africa’s largest cities. With this growth, comes an oversized ecological footprint and complex challenges of stresses and shocks. Infrastructure development in developing nations is gaining momentum. It is one of the development indicators and a major contributor to the GDP. However, it is very vulnerable financially and functionally to extreme weather events such as intense and prolonged periods of rainfall, inundation, low retreating rates of flood waters, increased temperatures, and unpredictable wind patterns. This study sought to establish the level of integration of adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change in selected infrastructure projects. It further evaluates the performance of key action plans, projects, and efforts made to enhance resilience to climate change. The study supports the integration of broad investment flows instead of the project-by-project approach.
Determinants of Cattle Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change in the Dry and Subhumid Tropical Zones of Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Idrissou Yaya , Assani Alassan Seidou , Baco Mohamed Nasser , Alkoiret Traoré Ibrahim
Published: May 2021

Understanding the factors influencing the perception of climate change can help improve policies for strengthening the adaptive capacity of pastoralists with regard to climate change. Despite this importance, few studies have focused on this issue, especially among cattle farmers. In order to attempt filling this gap, this study analyzed the determinants of the perception of climate change by cattle farmers distributed in the dry and sub-humid tropical zones of Benin as well as the current adaptation strategies developed by these farmers. For this purpose, surveys were carried out through group discussions and an individual questionnaire administered to 360 cattle farmers in the two climatic zones. The data collected related to the sociodemographic characteristics of cattle farmers and their perception of climate change and adaptation strategies. A binary logit model has identified the factors that influence cattle farmers’ perceptions of climate change. The results of the study showed that cattle farmers perceive a drop in rain (at least 77%), an increase in temperature (at least 80%), and violent winds (at least 60%). Breeding experience, level of education of the farmer, household size, membership of a breeders’ organization, and cattle herd size determine these perceptions. Four major groups of adaptation strategies have been developed by farmers to cope with climate change. These are production adjustment strategies, activity diversification strategies, livestock management strategies, and selection strategies. The political implication of this study is that government and development partners should integrate these factors into projects and programs related to climate change.
Global Strategy, Local Action with Biogas Production for Rural Energy Climate Change Impact Reduction
Authors: Momodu A. S. , Aransiola E. F. , Adepoju T. D. , Okunade I. D.
Published: May 2021

Global climate change impact is predicted to affect various sectors including the energy demand and supply sectors respectively. Combating this impact will require adoption of both global strategy and localized actions. The use of low carbon strategy based on renewables is a global strategy, while waste management of biodegradable materials through the use anaerobic technology to meet energy demand is a local action. Nigeria is among the vulnerable countries to global climate change impact; this is even more aggravated by its dependence on fossil fuel usage as well as poor waste management, which two, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. This chapter presents analysis of purified compressed biogas production, a waste conversion option, as a local action to meet rural household energy demand and contribute to global strategy of reducing climate change impact. It discusses both technical and business model approaches to upscale a laboratory experimental procedure for biogas production through anaerobic digestion using vegetal wastes. It shows that using anaerobic technology can achieve efficient waste management and at the same time generate energy that can be used to achieve avoided emissions for climate change impact reduction. The study also concludes that upscaling the project will be sustainable for rural energy augmentation as it produces clean and renewable energy, reduces the use of fossil fuels, provides jobs for skilled and unskilled labor, and generates new return streams.
Biochar for Climate Change Adaptation: Effect on Heavy Metal Composition of Telfairia occidentalis Leaves
Authors: Akachukwu Doris , Gbadegesin Michael Adedapo , Ojimelukwe Philippa Chinyere , Atkinson Christopher John
Published: May 2021

Gas flaring is a key contributor of greenhouse gases that causes global warming and climate change. Adaptation measures for tackling impacts of climate change have gained much research interest. This chapter assessed vegetable farmers’ perception of gas flaring and the effect of biochar remediation on the heavy metal composition of cultivatedTelfairia occidentalis.A gas-flared area, Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A of Imo State, and a non-gas-flared area, Umudike, Ikwuano L.G.A, were selected for this research. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 120 respondents. Soils were collected from the study sites and transported to the greenhouse. Five different rates, 0 t ha−1, 7.1 t ha−1, 13.9 t ha−1, 20.9 t ha−1, and 28.0 t ha−1, of palm bunch biochar were applied to the soils in plastic buckets. After 2 weeks of mineralization, two viable seeds ofTelfairia occidentaliswere planted in each bucket and watered every other day for 8 weeks. The result revealed that 63% of vegetable farmers where female, while 37% were male in the gas-flared area. A total of 97% of the farmers had knowledge of gas flaring. A total decrease of 55% percent income, 90% yield, and 67% market quality of vegetable farmers was attributed to gas-flared activities. The plant height of cultivated vegetables increased every 2 weeks with greater increase in the test plant. Heavy metal concentration (Pb, and Cr) decreased with increasing biochar rate and was significantly lower for 28.0 t ha−1. Biochar can enhance soil fertility and help immobilize heavy metals. The effect of biochar application on the heavy metal composition is dependent on the rate of application. Biochar use could be a cheap adaptation measure in the face of a changing climate.
Underutilized Indigenous Vegetables’ (UIVs) Business in Southwestern Nigeria: Climate Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Tanimonure V. A.
Published: May 2021

The impact of climate change, especially on agricultural sector, calls for a global and more localized strategies such as cultivation of underutilized indigenous vegetables (UIVs) which adapt better to local climate change. This chapter, therefore, examines the perception of UIVs farmers to climate change, their experiences of UIVs’ responses to climate change, adaptation strategies employed, and the determinants of the decision to adopt them in Southwest Nigeria. The study uses quantitative and qualitative primary household data from 191 UIVs farmers, 8 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and secondary climate data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Descriptive and econometric analyses are employed in the data analyses. The results show that farmers’ perceptions of climate change are high temperature and a high variability in rainfall pattern that has affected the yield, increased insects, pests, and diseases infestations, and reduced soil fertility. The results further show that the responses of UIVs to these resultant effects differ as such, and adaptation strategies farmers adopt are UIVs-specific. The adaptation strategies mostly employed by the UIVs farmers are cultivating UIVs along the river bank and the least is agroforestry and perennial plantation. The determinants of the decision to adopt adaptation strategies include UIVs revenue, age, years of experience, access to climate information, climate change awareness, agro ecological zone, and access to credit. Thus, promotion of UIVs business is advocated and provision of information on climate change essential and will encourage farmers to adopt appropriate climate change adaptation strategies to boost UIVs business.
Role of Small Grains in Adapting to Climate Change: Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Nciizah Tendai , Nciizah Elinah , Mubekaphi Caroline , Nciizah Adornis D.
Published: May 2021

Climate change has become one of the most profound threats to smallholder agriculture in semi-arid and arid areas. Farmers in this sector are especially vulnerable to climate change due to reliance on rain-fed agriculture, limited access to capital and technology among other challenges. While several potential adaptation options exist, many barriers hinder effective adoption of these practices, hence production in marginal areas remains very low. This chapter discusses crop adaptation through the adoption of small grains in Zvishavane rural, a semi-arid area in Zimbabwe. Small grains are conducive in hot areas; their drought-tolerant nature enables them to thrive in marginal areas making them an appropriate strategy in responding to climate change. However, several production and policy challenges associated with small grain production hinder their adoption by farmers. In view of this, this chapter discusses the potential of small grains as an adaptation strategy to climate change in Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe, and addresses potential challenges and opportunities for increased adoption and future research. The review showed that farmers in Zvishavane have perceived climate change due to noticeable changes in rainfall and temperature patterns in the past years. Despite small grain production being the best strategy due to drought and high temperature tolerance, an insignificant number of Zvishavane farmers is involved in small grain production. This is due to numerous barriers such as high labor demand associated with small grain production, the challenge posed by the quelea birds, food preferences, low markets, and low extension services and government support. It is therefore necessary to encourage adoption of small grains by developing improved varieties, adoption of climate smart agricultural practices, improved technical support, and access to markets among other interventions.