bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors on Financial Sustainability of Public Services: A Comparative Analysis in Regional Governments and Local Governments
Authors: López Subires María Deseada , Alcaide Muñoz Laura , Navarro Galera Andrés , Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro
Published: October 2019

In recent years, financial sustainability (FS) of public policies has become a key concept in all governmental levels due to the need for ensuring public services delivery for future generations. Prior research has been focused on the financial sustainability in local governments (LGs) although its findings suggested the need to analyze this magnitude in other levels of government because political decisions could be different in each type of public entity. So, FS has also become very relevant in the Regional Government (RGs) context because their public policies affect not only at the regional level but also the local one. Therefore, from a comparative approach, this paper seeks to identify socio-demographic factors which could influence on the financial sustainability, in the Spanish context for both LGs vs. RGS in order to establish public policies to make sustainable public goods and services. Findings demonstrate that differences in influential factors between these two levels of public administration exist: factors such as population size and foreign population could have an effect on the financial sustainability of both governmental levels while the unemployment rate, dependent population, and population density affect differently on LGs and RGs.
A Hybrid Method with TOPSIS and Machine Learning Techniques for Sustainable Development of Green Hotels Considering Online Reviews
Authors: Nilashi Mehrbakhsh , Mardani Abbas , Liao Huchang , Ahmadi Hossein , Manaf Azizah Abdul , Almukadi Wafa
Published: October 2019

This paper proposes a hybrid method for online reviews analysis through multi-criteria decision-making, text mining and predictive learning techniques to find the relative importance of factors affecting travelers’ decision-making in selecting green hotels with spa services. The proposed method is developed for the first time in the context of tourism and hospitality by this research, especially for customer segmentation in green hotels through customers’ online reviews. We use Self-Organizing Map (SOM) for cluster analysis, Latent Dirichlet Analysis (LDA) technique for analyzing textual reviews, Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for ranking hotel features, and Neuro-Fuzzy technique to reveal the customer satisfaction levels. The impact of green hotels with spa and non-spa services on travelers’ satisfaction is investigated for four travelling groups: Travelled solo, Travelled with family, Travelled as a couple and Travelled with friends. The proposed method is evaluated on the travelers’ reviews on 152 hotels in Malaysia. The findings of this study provide an important method for travelers’ decision-making for hotel selection through User-Generated Content (UGC) and help hotel managers to improve their service quality and marketing strategies.
Legislation for the Reuse of Biosolids on Agricultural Land in Europe: Overview
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria , Abbà Alessandro , Frattarola Andrea , Carnevale Miino Marco , Padovani Sergio , Katsoyiannis Ioannis , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: October 2019

The issues concerning the management of sewage sludge produced in wastewater treatment plants are becoming more important in Europe due to: (i) the modification of sludge quality (biological and chemical sludge are often mixed with negative impacts on sludge management, especially for land application); (ii) the evolution of legislation (landfill disposal is banned in many European countries); and (iii) the technologies for energy and material recovery from sludge not being fully applied in all European Member States. Furthermore, Directive 2018/851/EC introduced the waste hierarchy that involved a new strategy with the prevention in waste production and the minimization of landfill disposal. In this context, biological sewage sludge can be treated in order to produce more stabilized residues: the biosolids. In some European countries, the reuse of biosolids as soil improver/fertilizer in arable crops represents the most used option. In order to control the quality of biosolids used for land application, every Member State has issued a national regulation based on the European directive. The aim of this work is to compare the different approaches provided by European Member States for the reuse of biosolids in agricultural soils. A focus on the regulation of countries that reuse significant amount of biosolids for land application was performed. Finally, a detailed study on Italian legislation both at national and regional levels is reported.
Patterns and Causes of Food Waste in the Hospitality and Food Service Sector: Food Waste Prevention Insights from Malaysia
Authors: Papargyropoulou Effie , Steinberger Julia K. , Wright Nigel , Lozano Rodrigo , Padfield Rory , Ujang Zaini
Published: October 2019

Food waste has formidable detrimental impacts on food security, the environment, and the economy, which makes it a global challenge that requires urgent attention. This study investigates the patterns and causes of food waste generation in the hospitality and food service sector, with the aim of identifying the most promising food waste prevention measures. It presents a comparative analysis of five case studies from the hospitality and food service (HaFS) sector in Malaysia and uses a mixed-methods approach. This paper provides new empirical evidence to highlight the significant opportunity and scope for food waste reduction in the HaFS sector. The findings suggest that the scale of the problem is even bigger than previously thought. Nearly a third of all food was wasted in the case studies presented, and almost half of it was avoidable. Preparation waste was the largest fraction, followed by buffet leftover and then customer plate waste. Food waste represented an economic loss equal to 23% of the value of the food purchased. Causes of food waste generation included the restaurants’ operating procedures and policies, and the social practices related to food consumption. Therefore, food waste prevention strategies should be twofold, tackling both the way the hospitality and food service sector outlets operate and organise themselves, and the customers’ social practices related to food consumption.
An Ontological and Semantic Foundation for Safety and Security Science
Authors: Blokland Peter , Reniers Genserik
Published: October 2019

When discussing the concepts of risk, safety, and security, people have an intuitive understanding of what these concepts mean, and, to a certain level, this understanding is universal. However, when delving into the real meaning of these concepts, one is likely to fall into semantic debates and ontological discussions. In industrial parks, it is important that (risk) managers from different companies, belonging to one and the same park, have the same understanding of the concepts of risk, safety, and security. It is even important that all companies in all industrial parks share a common understanding regarding these issues. As such, this paper explores the similarities and differences behind the perceptions of these concepts, to come to a fundamental understanding of risk, safety, and security, proposing a semantic and ontological ground for safety and security science, based on an etymological and etiological study of the concepts of risk and safety. The foundation has been induced by the semantics used in the ISO 31000 risk management guidance standard. Hence, this article proposes a coherent, standardized set of concepts and definitions with a focus on the notion “objectives” that can be used as an ontological foundation for safety and security science, linking “objectives” with the concepts of safety, security, risk, performance and also failure and success, theoretically allowing for an increasingly more precise understanding and measurement of (un)safety across the whole range of individuals, sectors and organizations, or even society as a whole.
The Influence of Authentic Leadership on Authentic Followership, Positive Psychological Capital, and Project Performance: Testing for the Mediation Effects
Authors: Tak Jingyu , Seo Jeongeun , Roh Taewoo
Published: October 2019

This study proposes that leaders and followers in university team projects should have authentic leadership (AL) themselves in order to improve the overall performance of the team project. While previous studies have focused mainly on achieving performance through AL on the firm level, this study endeavored to examine the relationship between university students who are expected to serve in an organization’s human resources department in the future and followers’ project performance (FPP). This study also considers both followers’ positive psychological capital (FPPC) and their authentic followership (AF), which can be affected by the degree of AL. In order to verify the hypotheses, we adopted a partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) with 175 samples of valid data from two universities in South Korea. Results showed that all four hypotheses, including the direct and indirect effects, were significantly corroborated. In compliance with these results, this study suggests that a leader’s AL should be a prerequisite to improve FPP. Furthermore, this study establishes the importance of FPPC through the fact that when a leader is authentic, FPPC and FPP can be cultivated. Having compared our findings with previous research, we predict that if students develop AL at university before becoming part of an organization, they will contribute to the performance of the university as well as to attaining the organization’s sustainable performance as a member.
Run Theory and Copula-Based Drought Risk Analysis for Songnen Grassland in Northeastern China
Authors: Wu Rina , Zhang Jiquan , Bao Yuhai , Guo Enliang
Published: October 2019

Droughts are among the more costly natural hazards, and drought risk analysis has become urgent for the proper planning and management of water resources in grassland ecosystems. We chose Songnen grassland as a case study, used a standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) to model drought characteristics, employed run theory to define the drought event, and chose copula functions to construct the joint distribution for drought variables. We applied two kinds of return periods to conduct a drought risk assessment. After evaluating and comparing several distribution functions, drought severity (DS) was best described by the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution, whereas drought duration (DD) was best fitted by gamma distribution. The root mean square error (RMSE) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) goodness-of-fit measures to evaluate their performance, the best-performing copula is Frank copula to model the joint dependence structure for each drought variables. The results of the secondary return periods indicate that a higher risk of droughts occurs in Keshan county, Longjiang county, Qiqiha’er city, Taonan city, and Baicheng city. Furthermore, a relatively lower risk of drought was found in Bei’an city, Mingquan county, Qinggang county, and qian’an county, and also in the Changling county and Shuangliao city. According to the calculation of the secondary return periods, which considered all possible scenarios in our study, we found that the secondary return period may be the best indicator for evaluating grassland ecosystem drought risk management.
Environmental Implications of Taiwanese Oolong Tea and the Opportunities of Impact Reduction
Authors: Chiu Yi-Wen
Published: October 2019

Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, yet its environmental implications are largely unknown. To overcome this knowledge gap, life-cycle analysis was conducted aiming to quantify the environmental impacts associated with tea production and consumption. To achieve this objective, Oolong tea production in Taiwan was selected to investigate the life-cycle impact in global warming potential (GWP) and eutrophication potential (EP) associated with one serving of hot tea consumed in Taiwan domestically and the international market in the U.S. and U.K. The results indicate that each serving of Oolong tea can result in a total of 28.6 g CO2-equivalent of GWP and 0.09 g N-equivalent of EP. Over 52% of GWP and 44% of EP are associated with the tea’s cultivation, in which the application and production of agrochemicals accounts for 90% of GWP and 98% of EP. International consumption can increase GWP and EP by 19% and 26%, respectively, which is largely attributable to the change of cooking energy from natural gases to an electric-gas mixed scheme. The findings from this study articulate the environmental portfolio of Oolong tea. More importantly, we can identify opportunities to mitigate the environmental footprint of Oolong tea in order to advance future sustainability.
Regioselective Acylation of Levoglucosan Catalyzed by Candida Antarctica (CaLB) Lipase Immobilized on Epoxy Resin
Authors: Avelar do Nascimento Marcelo , Ester Gotardo Larissa , Miguez Bastos Eduardo , C. L. Almeida Fabio , A. C. Leão Raquel , O. M. A. de Souza Rodrigo , Wojcieszak Robert , Itabaiana Ivaldo
Published: October 2019

Every year, a large amount of residual agroindustrial waste has been generated and only around 10% is in fact reused. The development of new strategies for biomass valorization is important to add value to these commodities, since biomass is an excellent alternative feedstock to obtain chemicals of interest from renewable resources. The major compound of pyrolytic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass is levoglucosan (1,6-anhydroglucopyranose), an anhydro-sugar that can be transformed into glucose and is greatly valued in the most diverse industrial sectors as a surfactant, emulsifier, or even a lubricant. In this work, levoglucosan was acylated by lipase-catalyzed transesterification in acetonitrile with great conversions and selectivities with different acyl donors such as ethyl esters of lauric, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids prepared in situ in an integrated strategy mediated by commercial lipases Novozym435 (N435), PSIM, and the home-made biocatalyst CaLB_epoxy. As a result, all biocatalyst generated mostly monoesters, with N435 being more selective to produce lauric esters (99% at 50°C) and PSIM to produce oleic esters (97% at 55 °C) while CaLB_epoxy was more selective to produce oleic esters of levoglucosan (83% at 55°C). This is the first report in the literature on the production of high selectivity levoglucosan esters.
Tilted Photovoltaic Energy Outputs in Outdoor Environments
Authors: Lou Siwei , Chen Wenqiang , Li Danny H.W. , Wang Mo , Chen Hainan , Lun Isaac Y.F. , Xia Dawei
Published: October 2019

The direction and environment of photovoltaics (PVs) may influence their energy output. The practical PV performance under various conditions should be estimated, particularly during initial design stages when PV model types are unknown. Previous studies have focused on a limited number of PV projects, which required the details of many PV models; furthermore, the models can be case sensitive. According to the 18 projects conducted in 7 locations (latitude 29.5–51.25N) around the world, we developed polynomials for the crystalline silicon PV energy output for different accessible input variables. A regression tree effectively evaluated the correlations of the outcomes with the input variables; those of high importance were identified. The coefficient of determination, indicating the percentage of datasets being predictable by the input, was higher than 0.65 for 14 of the 18 projects when the polynomial was developed using the accessible variables such as global horizontal solar radiation. However, individual equations should be derived for horizontal cases, indicating that a universal polynomial for crystalline silicon PVs with a tilt angle in the range 0°–66° can be difficult to develop. The proposed model will contribute to evaluating the performance of PVs with low and medium tilt angles for places of similar climates.
Realizing Sustainable Development via Modified Integrated Weighting MCDM Model for Ranking Agrarian Dataset
Authors: Deepa N , Ganesan K , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Chang Chuan-Yu
Published: October 2019

One of the crucial elements in decision-making is the calculation of criteria weights. In this paper, a new Modified Integrated Weighting (MIW) method was proposed to combine the weights obtained using different weight calculation methods into a single set of weights. The weights express the relative significance of the criteria and play an essential role in making correct decisions. The proposed method considered both subjective knowledge of the experts and the objectivity of the problem by combining the subjective and objective weight assignment methods. The proposed weight calculation method was applied to the agriculture dataset for the evaluation of groundnut crop sites. A decision-making model was developed via the proposed MIW method and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) method to rank the given groundnut crop site dataset. The ranking results of the developed decision model were compared with the ranking results of average yield data and other methods for validation purposes. The developed model exhibited better results for the given dataset and could be used to solve various other decision-making problems, thereby realizing sustainable development.
Prevalence and Correlates of Academic Dishonesty: Towards a Sustainable University
Authors: Cuadrado Dámaris , Salgado Jesús F. , Moscoso Silvia
Published: October 2019

Academic dishonesty (AD) is a problem that affects all higher education institutions. It hurts their reputation, undermines integrity programs, and sidelines sustainability efforts. To understand its negative impact, the empirical study of AD is a critical issue. Up to now, the majority of research on AD has taken place in the North American context. The current research analyzes the prevalence of AD in a non-American university and, focusing on individual differences, examines some of its causes and consequences. The results prove that: (1) AD is a problem that occurs frequently among students; (2) three dimensions of the big five personality model correlate with AD. These are conscientiousness (ρ = −0.49, p < 0.01), extraversion (ρ = 0.39, p < 0.01), and agreeableness (ρ = −0.14, p < 0.01); (3) AD is associated to students’ GPA (Grade Point Average) (ρ = −0.34, p < 0.01) and contextual performance (ρ = −0.50, p < 0.01); (4) personality accounts for 30% of AD variance (R = 0.55, p < 0.01); and (5) AD and some of the studied individual differences explain 38% and 41% of GPA and contextual performance variance (R = 0.62, p < 0.01 and R = 0.64, p < 0.01). Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Urban Transition of the Heat Sector in Leipzig toward a Post-Fossil City?
Authors: Büttner Leonie , Rink Dieter
Published: October 2019

The transformation to a post-fossil city is one of the central urban challenges of the 21st century, with heat transition representing an important part of this process. In Germany, a structural change commission has proposed a complete phase-out of coal by 2038. For the city of Leipzig, which is located in a mining region, this opens up the possibility of a post-fossil transformation. Leipzig started an energetic retrofitting process within its housing sector several years ago, and is now planning to phase-out coal-fired district heating as early as 2023. This heat transition could turn Leipzig into one of the pioneering cities of post-fossil transformation. However, such a transition will be accompanied by numerous challenges and problems in the financial, political, technological, and labor sectors. Using the example of Leipzig, we conducted a document analysis and semi-structured interviews to investigate how a transition of the heating sector is conceptualized and planned, which governance structures have emerged, and how they work. In addition, our paper outlines the main interests and goals of the key actors and stakeholders in this transition, as well as their competences and resources. We emphasize that while Leipzig has committed itself to ambitious climate goals, up to now, the city has had no systemic approach for reducing local emissions. Although a window of opportunity has opened for a post-fossil heat transition, this still remains at a niche level due to a lack of interest, path dependencies, and weak governance.
Are Economic Distance and Geographic Remoteness Important in Sustainable Trade? Evidence from the Bilateral Trade between China and Kazakhstan
Authors: Choi Daeheon , Chung Chune Young , Young Jason
Published: November 2019

In this study, we investigate sustainable trade between China and Kazakhstan using the gravity model. We find that the distance between the importer and exporter relative to the distance to other trading partners, rather than the absolute distance, significantly negatively impacts trade volumes. Other factors, such as the structure and availability of free trade zones and unobservable factors related to the characteristics of the checkpoints, also affect trade volumes. To obtain these results, we derive an extended gravity model that considers spatial effects and specific features of the trade between China and Kazakhstan. Thus, we contribute to the fundamental foundations of gravity models.
From Undesired Flaws to Esthetic Assets: A Digital Framework Enabling Artistic Explorations of Erroneous Geometric Features of Robotically Formed Molds
Authors: Zboinska Malgorzata A.
Published: October 2019

Until recently, digital fabrication research in architecture has aimed to eliminate manufacturing errors. However, a novel notion has just been established—intentional computational infidelity. Inspired by this notion, we set out to develop means than can transform the errors in fabrication from an undesired complication to a creative opportunity. We carried out design experiment-based investigations, which culminated in the construction of a framework enabling fundamental artistic explorations of erroneous geometric features of robotically formed molds. The framework consists of digital processes, assisting in the explorations of mold errors, and physical processes, enabling the inclusion of physical feedback in digital explorations. Other complementary elements embrace an implementation workflow, an enabling digital toolset and a visual script demonstrating how imprecise artistic explorations can be included within the computational environment. Our framework application suggests that the exploration of geometrical errors aids the emergence of unprecedented design features that would not have arisen if error elimination were the ultimate design goal. Our conclusion is that welcoming error into the design process can reinstate the role of art, craft, and material agency therein. This can guide the practice and research of architectural computing onto a new territory of esthetic and material innovation.
Calm Before the Storm: A Glimpse into the Secondary Metabolism of Aspergillus welwitschiae, the Etiologic Agent of the Sisal Bole Rot
Authors: Quintanilha-Peixoto Gabriel , Torres Rosimére Oliveira , Reis Isabella Mary Alves , Oliveira Thiago Alves Santos de , Bortolini Dener Eduardo , Duarte Elizabeth Amélia Alves , Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo Vasco , Brenig Bertram , Aguiar Eric Roberto Guimarães Rocha , Soares Ana Cristina Fermino , Góes-Neto Aristóteles , Branco Alexsandro
Published: October 2019

Aspergillus welwitschiae is a species of the Nigri section of the genus Aspergillus. In nature, it is usually a saprotroph, decomposing plant material. However, it causes the bole rot disease of Agave sisalana (sisal), a plant species used for the extraction of hard natural fibers, causing great economic loss to this culture. In this study, we isolated and sequenced one genome of A. welwitschiae (isolate CCMB 674 (Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms of Bahia)) from the stem tissues of sisal and performed in silico and wet lab experimental strategies to describe its ability to produce mycotoxins. CCMB 674 possesses 64 secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs) and, under normal conditions, it produces secondary metabolism compounds that could disturb the cellular cycle of sisal or induce abnormalities in plant growth, such as malformin C. This isolate also produces a pigment that might explain the characteristic red color of the affected tissues. Additionally, this isolate is defective for the production of fumonisin B1, and, despite bearing the full cluster for the synthesis of this compound, it did not produce ochratoxin A. Altogether, these results provide new information on possible strategies used by the fungi during the sisal bole rot, helping to better understand this disease and how to control it.
Trichothecenes in Cereal Grains – An Update
Authors: Foroud Nora A. , Baines Danica , Gagkaeva Tatiana Y. , Thakor Nehal , Badea Ana , Steiner Barbara , Bürstmayr Maria , Bürstmayr Hermann
Published: October 2019

Trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid mycotoxins produced by fungi from the order Hypocreales, including members of the Fusarium genus that infect cereal grain crops. Different trichothecene-producing Fusarium species and strains have different trichothecene chemotypes belonging to the Type A and B class. These fungi cause a disease of small grain cereals, called Fusarium head blight, and their toxins contaminate host tissues. As potent inhibitors of eukaryotic protein synthesis, trichothecenes pose a health risk to human and animal consumers of infected cereal grains. In 2009, Foroud and Eudes published a review of trichothecenes in cereal grains for human consumption. As an update to this review, the work herein provides a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary review of the Fusarium trichothecenes covering topics in chemistry and biochemistry, pathogen biology, trichothecene toxicity, molecular mechanisms of resistance or detoxification, genetics of resistance and breeding strategies to reduce their contamination of wheat and barley.
RETRACTED: Contribution of Host Immune Responses against Influenza D Virus Infection toward Secondary Bacterial Infection in a Mouse Model
Authors: Skelton Raegan , Shepardson Kelly , Hatton Alexis , Wilson Patrick , Sreenivasan Chithra , Yu Jieshi , Wang Dan , Huber Victor , Rynda-Apple Agnieszka
Published: October 2019

Influenza D viruses (IDV) are known to co-circulate with viral and bacterial pathogens in cattle and other ruminants. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding host responses to IDV infection and whether IDV infection affects host susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. To begin to address this gap in knowledge, the current study utilized a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches to evaluate host cellular responses against primary IDV infection and secondary bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Primary IDV infection in mice did not result in clinical signs of disease and it did not enhance the susceptibility to secondary S. aureus infection. Rather, IDV infection appeared to protect mice from the usual clinical features of secondary bacterial infection, as demonstrated by improved weight loss, survival, and recovery when compared to S. aureus infection alone. We found a notable increase in IFN-β expression following IDV infection while utilizing human alveolar epithelial A549 cells to analyze early anti-viral responses to IDV infection. These results demonstrate for the first time that IDV infection does not increase the susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection with S. aureus, with evidence that anti-viral immune responses during IDV infection might protect the host against these potentially deadly outcomes.
The Roles of Ebola Virus Soluble Glycoprotein in Replication, Pathogenesis, and Countermeasure Development
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Banadyga Logan , Emeterio Karla , Wong Gary , Qiu Xiangguo
Published: October 2019

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly lethal pathogen that has caused several outbreaks of severe hemorrhagic fever in humans since its emergence in 1976. The EBOV glycoprotein (GP1,2) is the sole viral envelope protein and a major component of immunogenicity; it is encoded by the GP gene along with two truncated versions: soluble GP (sGP) and small soluble GP (ssGP). sGP is, in fact, the primary product of the GP gene, and it is secreted in abundance during EBOV infection. Since sGP shares large portions of its sequence with GP1,2, it has been hypothesized that sGP may subvert the host immune response by inducing antibodies against sGP rather than GP1,2. Several reports have shown that sGP plays multiple roles that contribute to the complex pathogenesis of EBOV. In this review, we focus on sGP and discuss its possible roles with regards to the pathogenesis of EBOV and the development of specific antiviral drugs.
Analysis of Swine Conventional Dendritic Cells, DEC205+CD172a+/−CADM1+, from Blood and Spleen in Response to PRRSV and PEDV
Authors: Parra-Sánchez Héctor , Bustamante-Córdova Lorena , Reséndiz Mónica , Mata-Haro Verónica , Pinelli-Saavedra Araceli , Hernández Jesús
Published: October 2019

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) cannot be infected by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) but respond to infection via cytokine production, indicating a possible role in initiation/regulation of the immune response against PRRSV. In this work, we evaluated the responses of splenic and blood cDCs, with DEC205+CADM1+CD172a+/− phenotype, as well as those of CD163+ cells against PRRSV and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Both populations were incubated in the presence of PRRSV or PEDV with and without naïve CD3+ T cells, and cytokine responses were evaluated by qPCR and ELISA. Our results showed that cDCs, but not CD163+ cells, produced IL-12 in response to PRRSV. PEDV did not induce IL-12 production. Cocultures of cDCs and autologous naïve CD3+ cells resulted in decreased IL-12 production and low expression of IFN-γ transcripts in response to PRRSV. Interestingly, cDCs increased the proliferation of naïve T cells in the presence of PRRSV compared with that achieved with monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cocultures of CD163+ cells induced IL-10 and IL-4 expression in the presence of PRRSV and PEDV, respectively. In conclusion, cDCs can selectively produce IL-12 in response to PRRSV but poorly participate in the activation of naïve T cells.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome Transmission Risk in Brazil
Authors: Muylaert Renata , Sabino-Santos Gilberto , Prist Paula , Oshima Júlia , Niebuhr Bernardo , Sobral-Souza Thadeu , Oliveira Stefan , Bovendorp Ricardo , Marshall Jonathan , Hayman David , Ribeiro Milton
Published: October 2019

Background: Hantavirus disease in humans is rare but frequently lethal in the Neotropics. Several abundant and widely distributed Sigmodontinae rodents are the primary hosts of Orthohantavirus and, in combination with other factors, these rodents can shape hantavirus disease. Here, we assessed the influence of host diversity, climate, social vulnerability and land use change on the risk of hantavirus disease in Brazil over 24 years. Methods: Landscape variables (native forest, forestry, sugarcane, maize and pasture), climate (temperature and precipitation), and host biodiversity (derived through niche models) were used in spatiotemporal models, using the 5570 Brazilian municipalities as units of analysis. Results: Amounts of native forest and sugarcane, combined with temperature, were the most important factors influencing the increase of disease risk. Population at risk (rural workers) and rodent host diversity also had a positive effect on disease risk. Conclusions: Land use change—especially the conversion of native areas to sugarcane fields—can have a significant impact on hantavirus disease risk, likely by promoting the interaction between the people and the infected rodents. Our results demonstrate the importance of understanding the interactions between landscape change, rodent diversity, and hantavirus disease incidence, and suggest that land use policy should consider disease risk. Meanwhile, our risk map can be used to help allocate preventive measures to avoid disease.
Towards a Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Cattle Health and Production in Uganda
Authors: de la Fuente José , Contreras Marinela , Kasaija Paul , Gortazar Christian , Ruiz-Fons Jose , Mateo Rafael , Kabi Fredrick
Published: October 2019

A meeting and course supported by the Vice-Presidency for International Affairs of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda (NARO) were held at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in Nakyesasa, Wakiso, Uganda on September 2–9, 2019. The activities were conducted within the collaboration program between the Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Spain) and NARO for the development of vaccines and other interventions for the control of cattle ticks in Uganda.
First-In-Human Trials of GamTBvac, a Recombinant Subunit Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidate: Safety and Immunogenicity Assessment
Authors: Vasina Daria V. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Manuylov Victor A. , Mazunina Elena P. , Koptev Egor Yu. , Tukhovskaya Elena A. , Murashev Arkady N. , Gintsburg Alexander L. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Tkachuk Artem P.
Published: November 2019

Tuberculosis is known to be the biggest global health problem, causing the most deaths by a single infectious agent. Vaccine-development efforts are extremely important. This paper represents the results of the first-in-human trial of recombinant subunit tuberculosis vaccine GamTBvac in a Phase I study. GamTBvac is a new BCG booster candidate vaccine containing dextran-binding domain modified Ag85a and ESAT6-CFP10 MTB antigens and CpG ODN adjuvant, formulated with dextrans. Safety and immunogenicity of GamTBvac were estimated in an open-label clinical trial on 60 Mycobacterium tuberculosis uninfected (MTB-uninfected) volunteers previously-vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette—Guérin vaccine (BCG). The candidate vaccine had an acceptable safety profile and was well-tolerated. Three different vaccine doses with a double-immunization scheme were assessed for immunogenicity and induced a significant increase in IFN-γ in-house IGRA response and IgG ELISA analysis. Among them, the half dose vaccine group (containing DBD-ESAT6-CFP10, 12.5 μg; DBD-Ag85a, 12.5 μg; CpG (ODN 2216), 75 μg; DEAE-Dextran 500 kDa, 250 μg; and Dextran 500 kDa, 5 mg) provided high, early and stable in time immune response specific to both protein antigen fusions and is proposed for the further studies.
Pyrolysis Process as a Sustainable Management Option of Poultry Manure: Characterization of the Derived Biochars and Assessment of their Nutrient Release Capacities
Authors: Hadroug Samar , Jellali Salah , Leahy James J. , Kwapinska Marzena , Jeguirim Mejdi , Hamdi Helmi , Kwapinski Witold
Published: October 2019

Raw poultry manure (RPM) and its derived biochars at temperatures of 400 (B400) and 600 °C (B600) were physico-chemically characterized, and their ability to release nutrients was assessed under static conditions. The experimental results showed that RPM pyrolysis operation significantly affects its morphology, surface charges, and area, as well as its functional groups contents, which in turn influences its nutrient release ability. The batch experiments indicated that nutrient release from the RPM as well as biochars attains a pseudo-equilibrium state after a contact time of about 48 h. RPM pyrolysis increased phosphorus stability in residual biochars and, in contrast, transformed potassium to a more leachable form. For instance, at this contact time, P- and K-released amounts passed from 5.1 and 25.6 mg g−1 for RPM to only 3.8 and more than 43.3 mg g−1 for B400, respectively. On the other hand, six successive leaching batch experiments with a duration of 48 h each showed that P and K release from the produced biochars was a very slow process since negligible amounts continued to be released even after a total duration of 12 days. All these results suggest that RPM-derived biochars have specific physico-chemical characteristics allowing them to be used in agriculture as low-cost and slow-release fertilizers.
Quantification of Uncertainties from Image Processing and Analysis in Laboratory-Scale DNAPL Release Studies Evaluated by Reflective Optical Imaging
Authors: Engelmann Christian , Schmidt Luisa , Werth Charles J. , Walther Marc
Published: October 2019

Subsurface DNAPL (dense non-aqueous phase liquid) contamination from (un-) intentional spilling typically leads to severe environmental hazards. A large number of studies have demonstrated the relevance of DNAPL source zone geometry for the determination of contaminant plume propagation in groundwater. Optical imaging represents a promising non-invasive method for identifying DNAPL saturation without disturbing multiphase flow dynamics. However, workflow and image analysis methodologies have not been sufficiently developed or described for general application to related experimental efforts. For example, the choice of dye(s) used for phase colorization affects image processing and can bias final estimations of DNAPL saturations. In this study, we perform a series of DNAPL migration and entrapment studies in transparent tanks that are filled with three different types of porous media. Different dyes are used and raw images are acquired. Subsequently, these are used to evaluate a suite of image processing and analysis approaches, which are organized into a workflow. Our approach allows for us to identify key image processing and analysis steps that introduce the most error. Applicable dye configurations led to uncertainties of up to 41% depending on the selection of processing steps. Based on these findings, it was possible to delineate a flexible framework for image processing and analysis that has the potential for transfer and application in other tank experiment setups.
Numerical Prediction of Background Buildup of Salinity Due to Desalination Brine Discharges into the Northern Arabian Gulf
Authors: Chow Aaron C. , Verbruggen Wilbert , Morelissen Robin , Al-Osairi Yousef , Ponnumani Poornima , Lababidi Haitham M. S. , Al-Anzi Bader , Adams E. Eric
Published: October 2019

Brine discharges from desalination plants into low-flushing water bodies are challenging from the point of view of dilution, because of the possibility of background buildup effects that decrease the overall achievable dilution. To illustrate the background buildup effect, this paper uses the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, a shallow, reverse tidal estuary with only one outlet available for exchange flow. While desalination does not significantly affect the long-term average Gulf-wide salinity, due to the mitigating effect of the Indian Ocean Surface Water inflow, its resulting elevated salinities, as well as elevated concentrations of possible contaminants (such as heavy metals and organophosphates), can affect marine environments on a local and regional scale. To analyze the potential effect of background salinity buildup on dilutions achievable from discharge locations in the northern Gulf, a 3-dimensional hydrodynamic model (Delft3D) was used to simulate brine discharges from a single hypothetical source location along the Kuwaiti shoreline, about 900 km from the Strait of Hormuz. Using nested grids with a horizontal resolution, comparable to a local tidal excursion (250 m), far field dilutions of about 28 were computed for this discharge location. With this far field dilution, to achieve a total dilution of 20, the near field dilution (achievable using a submerged diffuser) would need to be increased to approximately 70. Conversely, the background build-up means that a near field dilution of 20 yields a total dilution of only about 12.
Material Characterization and Analysis on the Effect of Vibration and Nail Penetration on Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Parasumanna Ajeet Babu K. , Karle Ujjwala S. , Saraf Mangesh R.
Published: October 2019

Battery packaging in a vehicle depends on the cell chemistry being used and its behavior plays an important role in the safety of the entire battery pack. Chemical degradation of various parts of a cell such as the cathode or anode is a concern as it adversely affects performance and safety. A cell in its battery pack once assembled can have two different mechanical abuse condition. One is the vibration generated from the vehicle and the second is the intrusion of external elements in case of accident. In this paper, a commercially available 32,700 lithium ion cell with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry is studied for its response to both the abuse conditions at two different states of charge (SoC). The primary aim of this study is to understand their effect on the surface morphology of the cathode and the anode. The cells are also characterized to study impedance behavior before and after being abused mechanically. The cells tested for vibration were also analyzed for dynamic stiffness. A microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface morphology and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterization was carried out to study the internal resistance of the cell. It was observed that there was a drop in internal resistance and increase in the stiffness after the cells subjected to mechanical abuse. The study also revealed different morphology at the center and at the corner of the cell subjected to nail penetration at 50% SoC.
Analysis of consequences of structural damage to the ISS Russian Segment caused by collision with space debris
Authors: SOKOLOV V.G. , GORBENKO A.V.
Published: October 2019

Under the conditions of increasing littering in the near-Earth space, a quantitative estimate of the criticality of consequences of the ISS penetration with fragments of space debris is a necessary tool when developing measures to recover from the contingency related to the penetration. The ISS Russian Segment (RS) is mostly susceptible to penetration due to the fact that it includes transportation spacecraft, which have weaker shielding as compared with the station modules. In connection with this, there arises a problem of determining the degree of criticality for penetration of the pressure hull of the modules, transportation spacecraft, propellant tanks and bottles in the RS taking into account possible types of catastrophic consequences of the penetration and the distribution of the penetration risk over the modules and the transportation spacecraft.
In order to solve the problem, a procedure was developed for calculating the risks of a catastrophic penetration of the station, based on breaking up the original problem into two stages. Calculated during the first stage is the probability of penetration of individual compartments constituting the station and having a certain type of shielding protection, using a finite-element geometrical model of the station and a model of the technogenic environment. The obtained results are used during the second stage of calculation of the catastrophic penetration probability using statistic test method (Monte-Carlo method). This method uses a model of the ISS RS consisting of compartments with simplified shapes (cylinders and truncated cones), which makes it possible to simplify the procedure for obtaining a random penetration location and reduce the time needed to obtain statistically valid results.
Based on the procedure presented in the paper, a program was developed, which is used for calculating the probability of catastrophic consequences of the ISS RS penetration. Analysis of calculation results has shown that the relative probability of a catastrophic penetration accompanied by the loss of the crew and/or the station is 13.3%; probability of emergency crew evacuation because of the threat of hypoxia is 3.716%; probability of emergency crew evacuation in a spacecraft with a punctured orbital module is 21.59%. The paper proposes steps that need to be taken in order to further reduce the risk of catastrophic consequences of the penetration through including into onboard systems the subsystem for promptly determining coordinates of the penetration location, as well as the use of oxygen masks by the crew during recovery operations.
Key words: International space station, ISS Russian Segment, meteoroid, space debris, protective shielding structure, penetration probability, probability of catastrophic consequences of penetration.
TEST RESULTS FOR BALL-BEARINGS IN THE DRIVES OF SYSTEMS AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT OF A SPACECRAFT IN OSCILLATORY OPERATIONAL MODE
Authors: Gorodetsky R.S.
Published: October 2019

This paper aims at elucidating some special operational aspects of instrument ball bearings used in systems and scientific equipment of a spacecraft in oscillatory mode in vacuum with the lubricant VNII NP-274n. The service life of such bearings is mostly determined by the lubrication mode, as well as anti-torque moment, which is an indicator of internal energy losses. To observe these parameters in the course of bearings operation in oscillatory mode in vacuum an electromechanical test rig was set up.
The test data obtained in oscillatory mode were compared with data obtained during continuous rotation of the same bearings. Based on the results of the tests, a lubricating mode was determined, an empirical formula was proposed for the relationship between the anti-torque moment and oscillatory motion parameters, as well as recommendations on extending the service life were provided.
The paper may be of use to developers of systems and scientific instrumentation of a SC with oscillating shaft, which uses as supports ball bearings with predominantly axial load.
Key words: spacecraft life, oscillatory motion, rotational resistance, lubrication mode, inertial slippage
Impactos das contrarreformas nos direitos sociais observando os recortes de classe, gênero, raça/etnia | Impacts of changing in social rights with class, gender, race/ethnic perspectives
Authors: Lolatto Simone
Published: October 2019

Este artigo é fruto de reflexões críticas estabelecidas no exercício das atividades profissionais junto aos segmentos populacionais da classe que vive do trabalho. Mesmo que presenciadas mais diretamente no ambiente da municipalidade, sendo este o lócus do trabalho cotidiano, tem-se como objetivo sublinhar o contexto em que se dá a perda de direitos a nível nacional para o imenso contingente de pessoas exploradas, oprimidas e subalternizadas que se expande velozmente. Neste sentido, são feitas aqui algumas reflexões sobre os impactos das contrarreformas - agressivamente retomadas a partir da instalação de um governo ilegítimo, constituído via alianças entre setores da burguesia econômico-financeira e as bancadas conservadoras do Congresso Nacional – voltadas contra toda uma população marcada pelas especificidades de classe, gênero, raça/etnia, que conformam grande parte da totalidade das relações sociais.