bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uremic Sarcopenia: Clinical Evidence and Basic Experimental Approach
Authors: Nishi Hiroshi , Takemura Koji , Higashihara Takaaki , Inagi Reiko
Published: June 2020

Sustained physical activity extends healthy life years while a lower activity due to sarcopenia can reduce them. Sarcopenia is defined as a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength due not only to aging, but also from a variety of debilitating chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart failure. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who tend to be cachexic and in frail health, may develop uremic sarcopenia or uremic myopathy due to an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and catabolism. Here, we review clinical evidence indicating reduced physical activity as renal function deteriorates and explore evidence-supported therapeutic options focusing on nutrition and physical training. In addition, although sarcopenia is a clinical concept and difficult to recapitulate in basic research, several in vivo approaches have been attempted, such as rodent subtotal nephrectomy representing both renal dysfunction and muscle weakness. This review highlights molecular mechanisms and promising interventions for uremic sarcopenia that were revealed through basic research. Extensive study is still needed to cast light on the many aspects of locomotive organ impairments in CKD and explore the ways that diet and exercise therapies can improve both outcomes and quality of life at every level.
A Textile Pile Debridement Material Consisting of Polyester Fibers for in Vitro Removal of Biofilm
Authors: Fu Yijun , An Qi , Cheng Yue , Yang Yumin , Wang Lu , Zhang Haifeng , Ge Yan , Li Dawei , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2020

Biofilms formed on skin wound lead to inflammation and a delay of healing. In the present work, a novel textile pile debridement material was prepared and treated by plasma. Samples before and after plasma treatment were characterized by a series of methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water uptake capacity. Besides, mechanical, coagulation, and in vitro biofilm removal performances of the textile pile debridement material were evaluated, with a medical gauze as a control. The results demonstrate that the plasma treatment produced corrosions and oxygen-containing polar groups on the fiber surface, offering an enhanced water uptake capacity of the textile pile debridement material. In addition, compressive tests certify the mechanical performances of the textile pile debridement material in both dry and wet conditions. The results from a kinetic clotting time test suggest a favorable ability to promote blood coagulation. Furthermore, the results of an MTT cell viability assay, SEM, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) illustrate that the textile pile debridement material demonstrates a more superior in vitro biofilm removal performance than medical gauze. All of these characterizations suggest that the textile pile debridement material can offer a feasible application for clinical wound debridement.
Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Lignin Nanoparticles on Mechanical, Antioxidant and Water Vapour Barrier Properties of Glutaraldehyde Crosslinked PVA Films
Authors: Yang Weijun , Qi Guochuang , Kenny José Maria , Puglia Debora , Ma Piming
Published: June 2020

In this work, PVA nanocomposite films containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and different amounts of lignin nanoparticles (LNP), prepared via a facile solvent cast method, were crosslinked by adding glutaraldehyde (GD). The primary objective was to investigate the effects of crosslinker and bio-based nanofillers loading on thermal, mechanical, antioxidant and water barrier behaviour of PVA nanocomposite films for active food packaging. Thermogravimetric analysis showed improved thermal stability, due to the strong interactions between LNP, CNC and PVA in the presence of GD, while Wide-angle X-ray diffraction results confirmed a negative effect on crystallinity, due to enhanced crosslinking interactions between the nanofillers and PVA matrix. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of PVA-2CNC-1LNP increased from 26 for neat PVA to 35.4 MPa, without sacrificing the ductility, which could be explained by a sacrificial hydrogen bond reinforcing mechanism induced by spherical-like LNP. UV irradiation shielding effect was detected for LNP containing PVA films, also migrating ingredients from PVA nanocomposite films induced radical scavenging activity (RSA) in the produced films in presence of LNP. Furthermore, PVA-CNC-LNP films crosslinked by GD showed marked barrier ability to water vapour.
Preparation and Characterization of Zinc Hydroxystannate Coated by Aluminum Phosphate and Its Application in Poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylidene chloride)
Authors: Song Ji Eun , Kim Ji Su , Lim Daeyoung , Jeong Wonyoung
Published: June 2020

In this study, zinc hydroxystannate ([ZnSn(OH)6], ZHS) was coated with aluminum phosphate (AlPO4, ALP) to prepare the ZHS-ALP composite. During the coating process, the reaction conditions, such as the ALP to ZHS molar ratio, were controlled, and the morphology of the products was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared composites were introduced into poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylidene chloride) (PANVDC), and the change in compatibility between ZHS and the polymer matrix was characterized. The results showed that ALP-ZHS (1:1), which was prepared by ALP-ZHS composite molar ratio of 1:1, could improve the dispersion and compatibility of ZHS in the polymer matrix and decrease the hydrophilicity and viscosity. Moreover, the ALP-ZHS composite had a better flame-retardant effect on PANVDC than ZHS alone. PANVDC could pass the V-0 rating in UL94, particularly the highest limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 33.2% obtained when the ALP-ZHS (1:1) composite was added to PANVDC.
Sustainable Micro and Nano Additives for Controlling the Migration of a Biobased Plasticizer from PLA-Based Flexible Films
Authors: Aliotta Laura , Vannozzi Alessandro , Panariello Luca , Gigante Vito , Coltelli Maria-Beatrice , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: June 2020

Plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) blend-based films containing chitin nanofibrils (CN) and calcium carbonate were prepared by extrusion and compression molding. On the basis of previous studies, processability was controlled by the use of a few percent of a commercial acrylic copolymer acting as melt strength enhancer and calcium carbonate. Furthermore, acetyl n-tributyl citrate (ATBC), a renewable and biodegradable plasticizer (notoriously adopted in PLA based products) was added to facilitate not only the processability but also to increase the mechanical flexibility and toughness. However, during the storage of these films, a partial loss of plasticizer was observed. The consequence of this is not only correlated to the change of the mechanical properties making the films more rigid but also to the crystallization and development of surficial oiliness. The effect of the addition of calcium carbonate (nanometric and micrometric) and natural nanofibers (chitin nanofibrils) to reduce/control the plasticizer migration was investigated. The prediction of plasticizer migration from the films’ core to the external surface was carried out and the diffusion coefficients, obtained by regression of the experimental migration data plotted as the square root of time, were evaluated for different blends compositions. The results of the diffusion coefficients, obtained thanks to migration tests, showed that the CN can slow the plasticizer migration. However, the best result was achieved with micrometric calcium carbonate while nanometric calcium carbonate results were less effective due to favoring of some bio polyesters’ chain scission. The use of both micrometric calcium carbonate and CN was counterproductive due to the agglomeration phenomena that were observed.
Formation Mechanism of Residual Stresses in Micro-Injection Molding of PMMA: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Weng Can , Ding Tao , Zhou Mingyong , Liu Jiezhen , Wang Hao
Published: June 2020

Injection molding is an economical and effective method for manufacturing polymer parts with nanostructures and residual stress in the parts is an important factor affecting the quality of molding. In this paper, taking the injection molding of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer in a nano-cavity with an aspect ratio of 2.0 as an example, the formation mechanism of residual stresses in the injection molding process was studied, using a molecular dynamics simulation. The changes in dynamic stress in the process were compared and analyzed, and the morphological and structural evolution of molecular chains in the process of flow were observed and explained. The effects of different aspect ratios of nano-cavities on the stress distribution and deformation in the nanostructures were studied. The potential energy, radius of gyration and elastic recovery percentage of the polymer was calculated. The results showed that the essence of stress formation was that the molecular chains compressed and entangled under the flow pressure and the restriction of the cavity wall. In addition, the orientation of molecular chains changed from isotropic to anisotropic, resulting in the stress concentration. At the same time, with the increase in aspect ratio, the overall stress and deformation of the nanostructures after demolding also increased.
The Effects of pH Change through Liming on Soil N2O Emissions
Authors: Shaaban Muhammad , Wu Yupeng , Wu Lei , Hu Ronggui , Younas Aneela , Nunez-Delgado Avelino , Xu Peng , Sun Zheng , Lin Shan , Xu Xiangyu , Jiang Yanbin
Published: June 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an overwhelming greenhouse gas and agricultural soils, particularly acidic soils, are the main source of its release to the atmosphere. To ameliorate acidic soil condition, liming materials are added as an amendment. However, the impact of liming materials has not been well addressed in terms of exploring the effect of soil pH change on N2O emissions. In the present study, a soil with pH 5.35 was amended with liming materials (CaMg(CO3)2, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2 and CaO) to investigate their effects on N2O emissions. The results indicate that application of liming materials reduced the magnitudes of N2O emissions. The maximum reduction of soil N2O emissions took place for Ca(OH)2 treatment when compared to the other liming materials, and was related to increasing soil pH. Mineral N, dissolved organic C, and microbial biomass C were also influenced by liming materials, but the trend was inconsistent to the soil pH change. The results suggest that N2O emission mitigation is more dependent on soil pH than C and N dynamics when comparing the different liming materials. Moreover, ameliorating soil acidity is a promising option to mitigate N2O emissions from acidic soils.
A Review of the Criteria and Methods of Reverse Logistics Supplier Selection
Authors: Zhang Xumei , Li Zhizhao , Wang Yan
Published: June 2020

This article presents a literature review on reverse logistics (RL) supplier selection in terms of criteria and methods. A systematic view of past work published between 2008 and 2020 on Web of Science (WOS) databases is provided by reviewing, categorizing, and analyzing relevant papers. Based on the analyses of 41 articles, we propose a three-stage typology of decision-making frameworks to understanding RL supplier selection, including (a) establishment of the selection criteria; (b) calculation of the relative weights and ranking of the selection criteria; (c) ranking of alternatives (suppliers). The main discoveries of this review are as follows. (1) Attention to the field of RL supplier selection is increasing, as evidenced by the increasing number of papers in the field. With the adaption of circular economy legislation and the need resource and business resilience, it is expected that RL and RL supplier selection will be a hot topic in the near future. (2) A large number of papers take “sustainability” as the theoretical approach to carry out research and use it as the basis for determining the criteria. (3) Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods have been widely used in RL supplier selection and have been constantly innovated. (4) Artificial intelligence methods are also gradually being applied. Finally, gaps in the literature are identified to provide directions for future research. (5) Value-added service is underrepresented in the current study and needs further attention.
Robust Infrared Small Target Detection via Jointly Sparse Constraint of l1/2-Metric and Dual-Graph Regularization
Authors: Zhou Fei , Wu Yiquan , Dai Yimian , Ni Kang
Published: June 2020

Small target detection is a critical step in remotely infrared searching and guiding applications. However, previously proposed algorithms would exhibit performance deterioration in the presence of complex background. It is attributed to two main reasons. First, some common background interferences are difficult to eliminate effectively by using conventional sparse measure. Second, most methods only exploit the spatial information typically, but ignore the structural priors across feature space. To address these issues, this paper gives a novel model combining the spatial-feature graph regularization and l1/2-norm sparse constraint. In this model, the spatial and feature regularizations are imposed on the sparse component in the form of graph Laplacians, where the sparse component is enforced as the eigenvectors of their graph Laplacian matrices. Such an approach is to explore the geometric information in both data and feature space simultaneously. Moreover, l1/2-norm acts as a substitute of the traditional l1-norm to constrain the sparse component, further reducing the fake targets. Finally, an efficient optimization algorithm equipped with linearized alternating direction method with adaptive penalty (LADMAP) is carefully designed for model solution. Comprehensive experiments on different infrared scenes substantiate the superiority of the proposed method beyond 11 competitive algorithms in subjective and objective evaluation.
Challenges, Potential and Opportunities for Internal Combustion Engines in China
Authors: Zhao Fuquan , Chen Kangda , Hao Han , Liu Zongwei
Published: June 2020

With the increasing pressure on the automotive industry due to energy consumption, environmental pollution and climate change, internal combustion engines, which occupy a dominant position in traditional automotive powertrains, are facing considerable challenges from battery electric powertrains. This paper presents an in-depth analysis and objective interpretation of the challenges, potential and opportunities for internal combustion engines in this point. Specifically, the global automotive industry is approaching the “Power 2.0 era”, and multiple powertrains will coexist for a long time. The relationships between the various powertrains are complementary rather than simply competitive in China. Only by optimizing the product and technology combination can the best solution be obtained to meet the increasingly stringent regulations and the escalating needs for mobility. At the same time, internal combustion engines will continue to play an important role in the development of the automotive industry, and they have the potential for further improvement in plenty of areas, such as thermal efficiency, emissions and electrification. Internal combustion engines will undergo an important evolution toward high efficiency through fixed-point operation, system simplification and cost reduction. In addition, the electrification of powertrains, the upgrading and diversification of fuel designs, and the development of intelligent and connected technologies will bring unprecedented opportunities for making the internal combustion engine more efficient, green and clean to better serve society in the near future.
Social-LCA. Methodological Proposal Applied to Physical Activity Program Implementation into Old People’s Routines
Authors: Flor-Montalvo Francisco Javier , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Sánchez-Toledo Ledesma Agustín , Álvarez-Kurogi Leandro
Published: June 2020

Progressive population aging and life expectancy increase in Spain, resulting from medical and social improvements, have put this population segment in a privileged position for the implementation of new methodologies aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly. Social life cycle analysis (S-LCA) is a widely studied technique to evaluate the social and environmental impacts generated by a product, service, or process. Throughout this paper, S-LCA is applied to the implementation of physical activity programs in routines for older people, allowing a complete evaluation of the impact of such activities. From this study, it is deduced that the execution phase of the program is the one that causes the most positive impact. Design and programming have a much more notable impact than expected. With regard to the involved categories, the user is the greatest beneficiary of the implementation of these programs, although the local community and administration are other interest groups that will highly benefit, although the impact will be much less than in the case of users.
Integration of IoT and Blockchain to in the Processes of a University Campus
Authors: Villegas-Ch William , Palacios-Pacheco Xavier , Román-Cañizares Milton
Published: June 2020

Currently, universities, as centers of research and innovation, integrate in their processes various technologies that allow improving services and processes for their members. Among the innovative technologies are the Internet of Things that, through a variety of devices, allows obtaining data from the environment and people. This information is processed in cloud computing models and Big Data architectures that obtain knowledge through data analysis. These results lead to improving processes and making better decisions that improve the services available at the university. The integration of technologies allows for the generation of a sustainable environment that seeks the cohesion of the population with the environment, in such a way that economic growth is guaranteed in balance with the environment. However, all technology needs to guarantee the security of processes and data, and for this purpose, a new technology such as blockchain is integrated, which seeks to respond to two needs, the security and agility of processes. Integrating this technology in a university requires the analysis of the blockchain components to generate a new layer that adapts to the architecture of a university campus. This ensures that the data are kept cryptographically private to avoid exposure and that the entire process is verified by multiple blocks.
Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Swine Wastewater Treatments Using Ammonia Stripping and Anaerobic Digestion: A Short Review
Authors: Folino Adele , Zema Demetrio Antonio , Calabrò Paolo S.
Published: June 2020

One of the most promising systems to treat swine wastewater is air stripping. This system simultaneously recovers nitrogen salts, to be used as fertiliser, and reduces the organic pollutant load in the effluents of swine breeding farms. Several reviews have discussed the air stripping as a treatment for many types of industrial wastewater or nitrogen-rich digestate (the liquid effluent derived from the anaerobic digestion plants) for the stripping/recovery of nutrients. However, reviews about the use of air stripping as treatment for raw or anaerobically digested swine wastewater are not available in literature. To fill this gap, this study: (i) Summarises the experiences of air stripping for recovery of ammonium salts from both raw and digested swine wastewater; and (ii) compares air stripping efficiency under different operational conditions. Moreover, combined systems including air stripping (such as struvite crystallisation, chemical precipitation, microwave radiation) have been compared. These comparisons have shown that air stripping of raw and digested swine wastewater fits well the concept of bio-refinery, because this system allows the sustainable management of the piggery effluent by extracting value-added compounds, by-products, and/or energy from wastewater. On the other hand, air stripping of raw and digested swine wastewater has not been extensively studied and more investigations should be carried out.
Sustainable Territories Adapted to the Climate: Insights from a New University Course Designed and Delivered in Guatemala
Authors: Vernooy Ronnie , Bouroncle Claudia , Sandoval Roque Victor , Ramiro García José
Published: June 2020

Since 2014, the CGIAR research program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security has collaborated with different stakeholders to implement climate change adaptation approaches and practices in critical locations in the Central American Dry Corridor. A new university course for professionals in the Dry Corridor aims to scale these approaches and practices. This article presents the core elements of the course, summarizes the main results, and offers recommendations for future editions. It was observed that the different trajectories and experiences of professionals participating in the first edition of the course facilitated a lively exchange of knowledge, the integration of local experiences in teaching, and the integration of learning in follow up proposals of governmental and non-governmental organizations. The following aspects should be central in future course editions: diversity of participants, adaptation of didactic strategies to the needs of different users, and follow-up support, as well as the integration of course concepts and practices in the actions of different organizations. The latter requires strong organizational commitment.
Investigating Labor Market Discrimination in Romania
Authors: Stanila Larisa , Vasilescu Maria Denisa , Militaru Eva
Published: June 2020

An inclusive labor market, with equal opportunities for all, is a desideratum of all states, and one of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations for the year 2030. Discrimination can take many forms, based on many reasons, and has a strong impact on the living standards of individuals. Discrimination in the labor market can negatively affect economic performances. The aim of the research is to investigate the perception of individuals regarding discrimination, with a focus on the characteristics of the individuals who feel discriminated in Romania in a work-related context. In order to capture the relevant aspects, we turned to descriptive analysis and logistic regression. The analysis revealed that around 14% of the respondents participating in the survey faced a discriminating situation in a work-related context during the last year. Moreover, less than half of these individuals have taken any action against the discrimination act, the others believing that nothing would have changed. The logistic regression results indicated that Roma people have 6.7 times higher chances to be discriminated in a work-related context as compared to a Romanian individual. Moreover, higher educated individuals are more likely to experience discrimination in the labor market.
Assessment of Citizens’ Actions against Light Pollution with Guidelines for Future Initiatives
Authors: Zielińska-Dabkowska Karolina M. , Xavia Kyra , Bobkowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2020

Due to the wide reach of media reports about scientific research and technological tools such as the world wide web (WWW), the Internet, and web browsers, citizens today have access to factual information about the negative impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on their dark skies, and their health and well-being. This means they can now make educated decisions and take the necessary steps to help protect themselves and their communities from disruptive light pollution. Whilst this action is positive and welcomed, unfortunately, according to collected data, not all such initiatives have been successful. Although our understanding of this groundswell movement is deepening, further studies are required to complete a worldwide picture of the current situation. This paper therefore investigates the various actions taken by citizens, as well as the challenges, methods, and tools involved, regarding good practices initiated by grass roots activism on how to reduce existing and potential light pollution. The results of a comparative analysis of 262 international case studies (lawsuits and online petitions) reveal that, since the 1990s, there has been an increase in the number of legal cases related to light pollution due to the rise in public awareness, the availability of scientific knowledge via the Internet, and the ability to take accurate lighting measurements and perform lighting simulations. Also, in the last decade a new tool for digital participation in the form of online petitions has established a new movement of citizen action to mitigate the effects of light pollution. Based on this information, a seven-step framework involving recommendations for citizen action has been developed. It is expected that this new knowledge will benefit those citizens planning future efforts involving the development, implementation, and monitoring processes of outdoor lighting. Additionally, it might support the evolution of planning and policy approaches that are sustainable and necessary to improve the application and installation of ecologically/biologically responsible illumination for towns, cities, and natural habitats.
Analysis of the Limit Support Pressure of a Shallow Shield Tunnel in Sandy Soil Considering the Influence of Seepage
Authors: Mi Bo , Xiang Yanyong
Published: June 2020

The objective was to optimize the existing solution for the limit support pressure of a tunnel face. Firstly, based on the numerical simulation results, the existing three-dimensional analytical solution for pore water pressure distribution is expanded to a three-dimensional solution considering the pore water pressure distribution in the upper formation behind the tunnel face. Then, according to the results of physical model tests, a failure model considering the failure range in the upper formation behind the tunnel face is established, and the newly established three-dimensional solution for pore water pressure is introduced into the model, and then the limit effective support pressure of the tunnel face considering seepage is obtained by the method of soil–water joint calculation. Finally, the calculation results in this paper are compared with the experimental results, numerical simulation results and existing theoretical solutions. The major findings are as follows. The distribution of pore water pressure in the front and back strata above the tunnel face is basically symmetrical. The limit effective support pressure of the tunnel face will increase linearly with an increase in the hydraulic head difference between the tunnel face and the ground surface. The calculated results of the new limit equilibrium theory are obviously larger than those of the existing theory and numerical simulation and closer to the results of the physical model tests. Therefore, the new limit equilibrium model can better predict the limit effective support pressure of the tunnel face considering seepage and provide a reference for actual projects.
A Multicriteria Decision Aid-Based Model for Measuring the Efficiency of Business-Friendly Cities
Authors: Jovanović Mihailo , Nedeljković Slobodan , Ranđelović Milan , Savić Gordana , Stojanović Vladica , Stojanović Vladimir , Ranđelović Dragan
Published: June 2020

Local self-government has the task of enabling stable economic development, in addition to enabling a normal quality of life for citizens. This is why the state government should provide guidelines that will improve the local business climate, and by doing so enable local economic development. This can be done through the introduction of a business-friendly certification procedure, which is influenced by uncertain inputs and influences many output factors. Each local government has the important task of determining its rank of efficiency in this process. A number of methodologies developed to solve this problem are generally divided into two groups: Parametric and non-parametric. These two groups of methodologies could provide quite different results. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to create a model using both approaches to achieve a balanced symmetrical approach that produces better results than each approach individually. For this purpose, the paper describes a multicriteria decision aid-based model of optimization to evaluate the effectiveness of this process, integrating classification, data envelopment analysis, and stochastic frontier analysis, as well as its application in a case study of business-friendly certification in the Republic of Serbia.
On Valency-Based Molecular Topological Descriptors of Subdivision Vertex-Edge Join of Three Graphs
Authors: Guirao Juan L. G. , Imran Muhammad , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Akhter Shehnaz
Published: June 2020

In the studies of quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) and quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs), graph invariants are used to estimate the biological activities and properties of chemical compounds. In these studies, degree-based topological indices have a significant place among the other descriptors because of the ease of generation and the speed with which these computations can be accomplished. In this paper, we give the results related to the first, second, and third Zagreb indices, forgotten index, hyper Zagreb index, reduced first and second Zagreb indices, multiplicative Zagreb indices, redefined version of Zagreb indices, first reformulated Zagreb index, harmonic index, atom-bond connectivity index, geometric-arithmetic index, and reduced reciprocal Randić index of a new graph operation named as “subdivision vertex-edge join” of three graphs.
The Comparative Toxicity of 10 Microcystin Congeners Administered Orally to Mice: Clinical Effects and Organ Toxicity
Authors: Chernoff Neil , Hill Donna , Lang Johnsie , Schmid Judy , Le Thao , Farthing Amy , Huang Hwa
Published: June 2020

Microcystins (MCs) are common cyanobacterial toxins that occur in freshwaters worldwide. Only two of the >200 MC variants have been tested for potential toxicity after oral exposure. This paper reports on the toxicity of 10 different MC congeners identified in algal blooms, microcystin-LR (MCLR), MCLA, MCLF, MCLW, MCLY, MCRR, [Asp3]MCRR, [Asp3,Dhb7]MCRR, MCWR, and MCYR after single administrations to BALB/c mice. In a preliminary MCLR dose–response study of 3 to 9 mg/kg doses, ≥5 mg/kg induced clinical changes, increased serum levels of ALT, AST, and GLDH, liver congestion, increased liver/body weight ratios, and reduced serum glucose and total protein. Based on the extent of these effects, the 10 congeners were administered as single 7 mg/kg oral doses and toxicity evaluated. The greatest toxicity was observed with MCLA and MCLR including a high percentage of moribundity. In addition to eliciting effects similar to those listed above for MCLR, MCLA also induced serum alterations indicative of jaundice. MCLY, and MCYR induced changes like those noted with MCLR, but to lesser extents. MCLW and MCLF exhibited some serum and morphological changes associated with hepatic toxicity, while there were few indications of toxicity after exposures to MCRR, [Asp3]MCRR, [Asp3,Dhb7]MCRR, or MCWR. These data illustrate a wide spectrum of hepatic effects and different potencies of these MC congeners.
Effects of Additional Carbon Sources in the Biodegradation of 1,4-Dioxane by a Mixed Culture
Authors: Lee Kang Hoon , Wie Young Min , Jahng Deokjin , Yeom Ick Tae
Published: June 2020

A mixed culture utilizing 1,4-dioxane as a sole carbon and energy source was obtained from the activated sludge at a textile wastewater treatment plant. The biodegradation of 1,4-dioxane was characterized by a model based on the Monod equation. The effects of the presence of easily degradable carbon sources other than 1,4-dioxane were investigated using dextrose. Structural analogs commonly found in 1,4-dioxane-containing wastewater such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and 1,4-dioxene were also evaluated for their potential effects on 1,4-dioxane biodegradation. The presence of dextrose did not show any synergetic or antagonistic effects on 1,4-dioxane biodegradation, while the structural analogs showed significant competitive inhibition effects. The inhibitory effects were relatively strong with heptagonal cyclic ethers such as THF and 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and mild with hexagonal cyclic ethers such as 1,4-dioxene. It was also shown that the treatment of 1,4-dioxane in the raw textile wastewater required 170% more time to remove 1,4-dioxane due to the co-presence of 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and the extent of delay depended on the initial concentration of 1,3-doxolane.
Modeling Approaches for Determining Dripline Depth and Irrigation Frequency of Subsurface Drip Irrigated Rice on Different Soil Textures
Authors: Arbat Gerard , Cufí Sílvia , Duran-Ros Miquel , Pinsach Jaume , Puig-Bargués Jaume , Pujol Joan , Ramírez de Cartagena Francisco
Published: June 2020

Water saving techniques such as drip irrigation are important for rice (Oriza sativa L.) production in some areas. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is a promising alternative for intensive cropping since surface drip irrigation (DI) requires a higher degree of labor to allow the use of machinery. However, the semi-aquatic nature of rice plants and their shallow root system could pose some limitations. A major design issue when using SDI is to select the dripline depth to create appropriate root wetting patterns as well as to reduce water losses by deep drainage and evaporation. Soil texture can greatly affect soil water dynamics and, consequently, optimal dripline depth and irrigation frequency needs. Since water balance components as deep percolation are difficult to estimate under field conditions, soil water models as HYDRUS-2D can be used for this purpose. In the present study, we performed a field experiment using SDI for rice production with Onice variety. Simulations using HYDRUS-2D software successfully validated soil water distribution and, therefore, were used to predict soil water contents, deep drainage, and plant water extraction for two different dripline depths, three soil textures, and three irrigation frequencies. Results of the simulations show that dripline depth of 0.15 m combined with one or two daily irrigation events maximized water extraction and reduced percolation. Moreover, simulations with HYDRUS-2D could be useful to determine the most appropriate location of soil water probes to efficiently manage the SDI in rice.
Removal of Antibiotic Resistance Genes at Two Conventional Wastewater Treatment Plants of Louisiana, USA
Authors: Thakali Ocean , Brooks John P. , Shahin Shalina , Sherchan Samendra P. , Haramoto Eiji
Published: June 2020

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent all known types of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and are considered as the critical points for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The purpose of this study is to investigate the removal of a Class 1 integrase gene (intI1) and a selected set of ARGs (blaTEM, ermF, mecA, and tetA) at two conventional WWTPs by using chlorination in Louisiana, USA. We collected 69 wastewater samples (23 each from influent, secondary effluent, and final effluent) and determined the concentrations of ARGs by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All tested ARGs, except for mecA, were detected in 83–96% and 30–65% of influent and final effluent samples, respectively. Although the ARGs underwent approximately 3-log10 reduction, two WWTPs on an average still released 3.3 ± 1.7 log10 copies/mL of total ARGs studied in the effluents. Chlorination was found to be critical in the significant reduction of total ARGs (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis and the ability of intI1 to persist through the treatment processes recommend the use of intI1 as a marker of ARGs in effluents to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance in effluents. Our study suggests that conventional WWTPs using chlorination do not favor the proliferation of antibiotic resistance bacteria and ARGs during wastewater treatment.
An Extended Ecosystem Model for Understanding EE2 Indirect Effects on a Freshwater Food Web and its Ecosystem Function Resilience
Authors: Clouzot Ludiwine , Haguenauer Charlotte , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: June 2020

Freshwater species are highly impacted by human activities and the consequences on ecosystem functioning are still not well understood. In the literature, a multitrophic perspective appears to be key to advance future biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) research. This paper aims at studying indirect effects of the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on a freshwater food web by creating BEF links, through the interpretation of seasonal cycles and multitrophic interactions. An ecosystem model previously developed using experimental data from a unique whole-ecosystem study on EE2 was extended with the addition of Chaoborus, an omnivorous insect. During the experimental study, a collapse of fathead minnow was measured after one year of exposure. The simulation results showed that EE2 indirect effects on other fishes (horizontal diversity) and lower trophic levels (vertical diversity) were connected to multitrophic interactions with a top-down cascade effect. The results also demonstrated that adding an omnivorous, mid-trophic level group such as Chaoborus enhances resilience. Conversely, missing such a species means that the actual resilience of an ecosystem and its functioning cannot be properly simulated. Thus, the extended ecosystem model offers a tool that can help better understand what is happening after environmental perturbations, such as with EE2.
Variations in the Phytoremediation Efficiency of Metal-polluted Water with Salvinia biloba: Prospects and Toxicological Impacts
Authors: Emiliani Julia , Llatance Oyarce Wendi G. , Bergara C. Daniela , Salvatierra Lucas M. , Novo Luís A. B. , Pérez Leonardo M.
Published: June 2020

The occurrence of heavy metals in industrial wastewater is unanimously considered a major concern since these pollutants cannot be chemically or biologically degraded and therefore have long residence times. Phytoremediation is one of the most widespread biotechnological applications worldwide, which consists in the use of plants to adsorb or accumulate a broad range of inorganic and organic contaminants from water, air, and soil. To improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of phytoremediation-based wastewater treatment systems, it is essential to use plants that are not only efficient in pollutants removal, but also abundant and easily accessible at the target site, requiring no-special culture conditions. In this study, we have evaluated the capacity of naturally-occurring aquatic macrophytes of the genus Salvinia (classified as Salvinia biloba) to phytoremediate water artificially contaminated with cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), or zinc (Zn) at equal molar concentrations (50 ± 2 and 100 ± 1 µM), during 48 h. Additionally, photosynthetic and antioxidant pigments (carotenoids, chlorophylls, anthocyanins, and flavonoids), and soluble carbohydrate content was also measured in floating leaves of Salvinia specimens to appraise heavy metals phytotoxicity. Elemental analyses to plant tissue indicate that S. biloba was able to bioconcentrate all four metals analyzed, albeit with different degrees of affinity. In addition, the mechanisms of uptake and detoxification were dissimilar for each ion, resulting in greater removal of Cu and Pb (≥96%, at both concentrations), in comparison to Cd (79 ± 4% and 56 ± 2% for 50 ± 2 and 100 ± 1 µM, respectively) and Zn (77 ± 5% and 70 ± 4% for 50 ± 2 and 100 ± 1 µM, respectively). Accordingly, the assessment of the selected physiological parameters in floating leaves suggests that different response mechanisms are triggered by each metal in S. biloba to counteract the corresponding toxicological stress.
Medium-Term Rainfall Forecasts Using Artificial Neural Networks with Monte-Carlo Cross-Validation and Aggregation for the Han River Basin, Korea
Authors: Lee Jeongwoo , Kim Chul-Gyum , Lee Jeong Eun , Kim Nam Won , Kim Hyeonjun
Published: June 2020

In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) models were constructed to predict the rainfall during May and June for the Han River basin, South Korea. This was achieved using the lagged global climate indices and historical rainfall data. Monte-Carlo cross-validation and aggregation (MCCVA) was applied to create an ensemble of forecasts. The input-output patterns were randomly divided into training, validation, and test datasets. This was done 100 times to achieve diverse data splitting. In each data splitting, ANN training was repeated 100 times using randomly assigned initial weight vectors of the network to construct 10,000 prediction ensembles and estimate their prediction uncertainty interval. The optimal ANN model that was used to forecast the monthly rainfall in May had 11 input variables of the lagged climate indices such as the Arctic Oscillation (AO), East Atlantic/Western Russia Pattern (EAWR), Polar/Eurasia Pattern (POL), Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO), Sahel Precipitation Index (SPI), and Western Pacific Index (WP). The ensemble of the rainfall forecasts exhibited the values of the averaged root mean squared error (RMSE) of 27.4, 33.6, and 39.5 mm, and the averaged correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.809, 0.725, and 0.641 for the training, validation, and test sets, respectively. The estimated uncertainty band has covered 58.5% of observed rainfall data with an average band width of 50.0 mm, exhibiting acceptable results. The ANN forecasting model for June has 9 input variables, which differed from May, of the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM), East Pacific/North Pacific Oscillation (EPNP), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Scandinavia Pattern (SCAND), Equatorial Eastern Pacific SLP (SLP_EEP), and POL. The averaged RMSE values are 39.5, 46.1, and 62.1 mm, and the averaged CC values are 0.853, 0.771, and 0.683 for the training, validation, and test sets, respectively. The estimated uncertainty band for June rainfall forecasts generally has a coverage of 67.9% with an average band width of 83.0 mm. It can be concluded that the neural network with MCCVA enables us to provide acceptable medium-term rainfall forecasts and define the prediction uncertainty interval.
Constructed Wetlands in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Review of Experiences during the Last Decade
Authors: Rodriguez-Dominguez Marco A. , Konnerup Dennis , Brix Hans , Arias Carlos A.
Published: June 2020

The review aims to report the state-of-the-art constructed wetlands (CW) in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region not limited to national and local conditions. The aim is with a broader view, to bring updated and sufficient information, to facilitate the use of the CW technology in the different countries of LAC. Thus, 520 experiences extracted from the 169 reviewed documents in 20 countries were analyzed. According to the data, horizontal subsurface flow wetlands are the most reported CW in the region (62%), the second most common CW technology in the region is free water surface CW (17%), then vertical flow systems (9%), followed by intensified constructed wetlands (8%), and finally French systems (4%). The performance for nutrient removal is analyzed, finding that the mean of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorous (TP) removal efficiencies varies from 65% to 83%, 55% to 72%, and 30% to 84%, respectively. The results suggest a generally good performance for COD and TN removal, but a low performance for TP removal. Regarding plant species used for CWs, 114 different plant species were reported, being until now the most extensive report about plant species used in CWs in the LAC region.
Digital Transformation of Organizational Culture under Conditions of the Information Economy
Authors: Trushkina Nataliia , Abazov Rafis , Rynkevych Natalia , Bakhautdinova Guzelya
Published: June 2020

This article presents the results of an expert survey as a method of empirical research to identify current problems, barriers, features, trends, and directions of the transformation of organizational culture, and applies the concept of “organizational culture” in evaluating the case of Ukrainian enterprises. First, the authors present the methodological approach, using the analytic hierarchy process, to evaluate the optimal scenario choice for developing the organizational culture of enterprises based on the twelve most important criteria and their systematization into four groups (adaptability, mission, consistency, and involvement). Second, they test a hypothesis that the optimal direction of transforming organizational culture depends on digital transformation which includes introducing digital technologies, information-powered enterprise ecosystems, innovative business models, and efficiency in B2B and P2P communications. Third, they argue that the key barriers hindering the effective development of organizational culture could be provisionally classified into seven groups: personnel, information, organization, marketing, education, technology, and investment-financial. Fourth, the authors evaluate the expediency of applying an integrated approach as a symbiosis and a constant inter-relation of influencing factors, constituent elements, digital competencies and skills, and information technologies. In conclusion, they summarize the findings of the study and discuss formulas to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on the organizational culture of enterprises in the information economy towards a people-oriented, innovative, customer-centric, and agile system in the case of Ukraine.
УЧАСТЬ ІНСТИТУЦІЙ ГРОМАДЯНСЬКОГО СУСПІЛЬСТВА В РОЗВИТКУ СФЕРИ КУЛЬТУРИ
Authors: Rodchenko L.  , Chervjakova O.
Published: June 2020

Системно сформульовано та науково обґрунтовано теоретико-методологічні засади участі інституцій громадянського суспільства в розвитку сфери культури, зокрема ролі в житті сучасного українського суспільства, їх функцій, джерел фінансування, а також впливів зовнішніх та внутрішніх чинників на їхню діяльність. Доведено, що участь інституцій громадянського суспільства у розвитку сфери культури передбачає деідеологізацію освітньо-виховної діяльності з боку владних структур, створення умов для мирного співіснування різних ідеологій і стилів громадянської поведінки, які об’єднують, а не роз’єднують суспільство, так званий “суспільно-політичний консенсус”; поширення через освітню систему, ЗМІ знання культури, відомостей про історію, традиції й демократичні цінності українського народу; зростання й підтримку національної науково-технічної, культурної еліти суспільства, яка, з одного боку, формує майбутню еліту в суспільстві, а з іншого – сама бере активну участь у суспільному житті. А головне – суспільна еліта виступає носієм демократичної політичної культури.
ЛЮДСЬКИЙ ЧИННИК РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ РОЗВИТКУ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ
Authors: Zhadan  O. 
Published: June 2020

Статтю присвячено питанню визначення особливостей впливу людського чинника на процеси реалізації державної політики розвитку інноваційної економіки в Україні та світі. Обґрунтовано об’єктивну необхідність вибору інноваційної моделі розвитку економіки України в умовах інтеграції національної економічної системи до систем країн ЄС. Узагальнено нормативно-правове забезпечення формування та реалізації державної політики розвитку інноваційної економіки в Україні. Виявлено ключові зміни в системі соціально-трудових відносин, освітній та науковій сферах, зумовлені особливостями здійснення інноваційної діяльності, що визначають необхідність максимального й ефективного використання творчого потенціалу робочої сили.