bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivated Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Suffered a Severe Cytoplasmic Bottleneck during Domestication: Implications from Chloroplast Genomes
Authors: Tamburino Rachele , Sannino Lorenza , Cafasso Donata , Cantarella Concita , Orrù Luigi , Cardi Teodoro , Cozzolino Salvatore , D’Agostino Nunzio , Scotti Nunzia
Published: October 2020

In various crops, genetic bottlenecks occurring through domestication can limit crop resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present study, we investigated nucleotide diversity in tomato chloroplast genome through sequencing seven plastomes of cultivated accessions from the Campania region (Southern Italy) and two wild species among the closest (Solanum pimpinellifolium) and most distantly related (S. neorickii) species to cultivated tomatoes. Comparative analyses among the chloroplast genomes sequenced in this work and those available in GenBank allowed evaluating the variability of plastomes and defining phylogenetic relationships. A dramatic reduction in genetic diversity was detected in cultivated tomatoes, nonetheless, a few de novo mutations, which still differentiated the cultivated tomatoes from the closest wild relative S. pimpinellifolium, were detected and are potentially utilizable as diagnostic markers. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that S. pimpinellifolium is the closest ancestor of all cultivated tomatoes. Local accessions all clustered together and were strictly related with other cultivated tomatoes (S. lycopersicum group). Noteworthy, S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme resulted in a mixture of both cultivated and wild tomato genotypes since one of the two analyzed accessions clustered with cultivated tomato, whereas the other with S. pimpinellifolium. Overall, our results revealed a very reduced cytoplasmic variability in cultivated tomatoes and suggest the occurrence of a cytoplasmic bottleneck during their domestication.
Phase Behavior of Gradient Copolymer Melts with Different Gradient Strengths Revealed by Mesoscale Simulations
Authors: Beránek Pavel , Posocco Paola , Posel Zbyšek
Published: October 2020

Design and preparation of functional nanomaterials with specific properties requires precise control over their microscopic structure. A prototypical example is the self-assembly of diblock copolymers, which generate highly ordered structures controlled by three parameters: the chemical incompatibility between blocks, block size ratio and chain length. Recent advances in polymer synthesis have allowed for the preparation of gradient copolymers with controlled sequence chemistry, thus providing additional parameters to tailor their assembly. These are polydisperse monomer sequence, block size distribution and gradient strength. Here, we employ dissipative particle dynamics to describe the self-assembly of gradient copolymer melts with strong, intermediate, and weak gradient strength and compare their phase behavior to that of corresponding diblock copolymers. Gradient melts behave similarly when copolymers with a strong gradient are considered. Decreasing the gradient strength leads to the widening of the gyroid phase window, at the expense of cylindrical domains, and a remarkable extension of the lamellar phase. Finally, we show that weak gradient strength enhances chain packing in gyroid structures much more than in lamellar and cylindrical morphologies. Importantly, this work also provides a link between gradient copolymers morphology and parameters such as chemical incompatibility, chain length and monomer sequence as support for the rational design of these nanomaterials.
Modification of Poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne) in the Supercritical Fluid Medium for Selective Membrane Separation of CO2 from Various Gas Mixtures
Authors: Polevaya Viktoriya , Vorobei Anton , Gavrikov Andrey , Matson Samira , Parenago Olga , Shishatskiy Sergey , Khotimskiy Valeriy
Published: October 2020

The modification of highly permeable films of brominated 1,2-disubstituted polyacetylene, poly(4-methyl-2-penthyne), via incorporation of in situ formed butylimidazolium bromide is reported for the first time. Principal possibility and efficiency of supercritical CO2 and CHF3 use as reaction media for the corresponding process, namely for quaternization of butylimidazole by brominated polymer are revealed. As a result, we prepared new membrane materials possessing promising properties such as stability toward organic solvents, good mechanical properties and significantly improved CO2-selectivity while maintaining gas permeability at high values. Comparative analysis of the results allowed us to determine content and conditions for the incorporation of butylimidazolium groups optimal for most efficient separation of CO2 from industrial gas mixtures. These results are of interest for the designing of new CO2 selective membranes.
Polymeric Coatings with Antimicrobial Activity: A Short Review
Authors: Pinho Ana C. , Piedade Ana P.
Published: October 2020

The actual situation of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and pandemics caused by a virus makes research in the area of antimicrobial and antiviral materials and surfaces more urgent than ever. Several strategies can be pursued to attain such properties using different classes of materials. This review focuses on polymeric materials that are applied as coatings onto pre-existing components/parts mainly to inhibit microbial activity, but polymer surfaces with biocidal properties can be reported. Among the several approaches that can be done when addressing polymeric coatings, this review will be divided in two: antimicrobial activities due to the topographic cues, and one based on the chemistry of the surface. Some future perspectives on this topic will be given together with the conclusions of the literature survey.
Hydrophobic Shape-Memory Biocomposites from Tung-Oil-Based Bioresin and Onion-Skin-Derived Nanocellulose Networks
Authors: Sain Sunanda , Åkesson Dan , Skrifvars Mikael , Roy Souvik
Published: October 2020

The fabrication of smart biocomposites from sustainable resources that could replace today’s petroleum-derived polymer materials is a growing field of research. Here, we report preparation of novel biocomposites using nanocellulose networks extracted from food residue (onion skin) and a vegetable oil-based bioresin. The resin was synthesized via the Diels-Alder reaction between furfuryl methacrylate and tung oil at various ratios of the components. The onion-skin-extracted cellulose nanofiber and cellulose nanocrystal networks were then impregnated with the resins yielding biocomposites that exhibited improved mechanical strength and higher storage modulus values. The properties of the resins, as well as biocomposites, were affected by the resin compositions. A 190–240-fold increase in mechanical strength was observed in the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced biocomposites with low furfuryl methacrylate content. The biocomposites exhibited interesting shape-memory behavior with 80–96% shape recovery being observed after 7 creep cycles.
Recent Progress in Conducting Polymers for Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Mahato Neelima , Jang Hyeji , Dhyani Archana , Cho Sunghun
Published: October 2020

Hydrogen is a clean fuel and an abundant renewable energy resource. In recent years, huge scientific attention has been invested to invent suitable materials for its safe storage. Conducting polymers has been extensively investigated as a potential hydrogen storage and fuel cell membrane due to the low cost, ease of synthesis and processability to achieve the desired morphological and microstructural architecture, ease of doping and composite formation, chemical stability and functional properties. The review presents the recent progress in the direction of material selection, modification to achieve appropriate morphology and adsorbent properties, chemical and thermal stabilities. Polyaniline is the most explored material for hydrogen storage. Polypyrrole and polythiophene has also been explored to some extent. Activated carbons derived from conducting polymers have shown the highest specific surface area and significant storage. This review also covers recent advances in the field of proton conducting solid polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells application. This review focuses on the basic structure, synthesis and working mechanisms of the polymer materials and critically discusses their relative merits.
Religion and Climate Change: Rain Rituals in Israel, China, and Haiti
Authors: Murray Gerald , Xing Haiyan
Published: October 2020

Human populations confront three distinct climate challenges: (1) seasonal climate fluctuations, (2) sporadic climate crises, and (3) long term climate change. Religious systems often attribute climate crises to the behavior of invisible spirits. They devise rituals to influence the spirits, and do so under the guidance of religious specialists. They devise two types of problem-solving rituals: anticipatory climate maintenance rituals, to request adequate rainfall in the forthcoming planting season, and climate crisis rituals for drought or inundations. The paper compares rainfall rituals in three different settings: Israel (Judaism), Northwest China (ethnic village religion), and Haiti (Vodou). Each author has done anthropological fieldwork in one or more of these settings. In terms of the guiding conceptual paradigm, the analysis applies three sequentially organized analytic operations common in anthropology: (1) detailed description of individual ethnographic systems; (2) comparison and contrast of specific elements in different systems; and (3) attempts at explanation of causal forces shaping similarities and differences. Judaism has paradoxically maintained obligatory daily prayers for rain in Israel during centuries when most Jews lived as urban minorities in the diaspora, before the founding of Israel in 1948. The Tu of Northwest China maintain separate ethnic temples for rainfall rituals not available in the Buddhist temples that all attend. The slave ancestors of Haiti, who incorporated West African rituals into Vodou, nonetheless excluded African rainfall rituals. We attribute this exclusion to slavery itself; slaves have little interest in performing rituals for the fertility of the fields of their masters. At the end of the paper, we identify the causal factors that propelled each systems into a climate-management trajectory different from that of the others. We conclude by identifying a common causal factor that exerts a power over religion in general and that has specifically influenced the climate responses of all three religious systems.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms to Estimate the Success Rate in Medically Assisted Procreation
Authors: Brás de Guimarães Beatriz , Martins Leonardo , Metello José Luís , Ferreira Fernando Luís , Ferreira Pedro , Fonseca José Manuel
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to build an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) complemented by a decision tree to predict the chance of live birth after an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) treatment, before the first embryo transfer, using demographic and clinical data. Overall, 26 demographic and clinical data from 1193 cycles who underwent an IVF/ICSI treatment at Centro de Infertilidade e Reprodução Medicamente Assistida, between 2012 and 2019, were analyzed. An ANN was constructed by selecting experimentally the input variables which most correlated to the target through Pearson correlation. The final used variables were: woman’s age, total dose of gonadotropin, number of eggs, number of embryos and Antral Follicle Count (AFC). A decision tree was developed considering as an initial set the input variables integrated in the previous model. The ANN model was validated by the holdout method and the decision tree model by the 10-fold cross method. The ANN accuracy was 75.0% and the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve was 75.2% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 72.5–77.5%), whereas the decision tree model reached 75.0% and 74.9% (95% CI: 72.3–77.5%). These results demonstrated that both ANN and decision tree methods are fair for prediction the chance of conceive after an IVF/ICSI cycle.
Preliminary Estimation and Validation of Polar Motion Excitation from Different Types of the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On Missions Data
Authors: Śliwińska Justyna , Wińska Małgorzata , Nastula Jolanta
Published: October 2020

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission has provided global observations of temporal variations in the gravity field resulting from mass redistribution at the surface and within the Earth for the period 2002–2017. Although GRACE satellites are not able to realistically detect the second zonal parameter (ΔC20) of geopotential associated with the flattening of the Earth, they can accurately determine variations in degree-2 order-1 (ΔC21, ΔS21) coefficients that are proportional to variations in polar motion. Therefore, GRACE measurements are commonly exploited to interpret polar motion changes due to variations in the global mass redistribution, especially in the continental hydrosphere and cryosphere. Such impacts are usually examined by computing the so-called hydrological polar motion excitation (HAM) and cryospheric polar motion excitation (CAM), often analyzed together as HAM/CAM. The great success of the GRACE mission and the scientific robustness of its data contributed to the launch of its successor, GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO), which began in May 2018 and continues to the present. This study presents the first estimates of HAM/CAM computed from GRACE-FO data provided by three data centers: Center for Space Research (CSR), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ). In this paper, the data series is computed using different types of GRACE/GRACE-FO data: ΔC21, ΔS21 coefficients of geopotential, gridded terrestrial water storage anomalies, and mascon solutions. We compare and evaluate different methods of HAM/CAM estimation and examine the compatibility between CSR, JPL, and GFZ data. We also validate different HAM/CAM estimations using precise geodetic measurements and geophysical models. Analysis of data from the first 19 months of GRACE-FO shows that the consistency between GRACE-FO-based HAM/CAM and observed hydrological/cryospheric signals in polar motion is similar to the consistency obtained for the initial period of the GRACE mission, worse than the consistency received for the best GRACE period, and higher than the consistency obtained for the terminal phase of the GRACE mission. In general, the current quality of HAM/CAM from GRACE Follow-On meets expectations. In the following months, after full calibration of the instruments, this accuracy is expected to increase.
Comment on Choi et al. Correlation between Ionospheric TEC and the DCB Stability of GNSS Receivers from 2014 to 2016. Remote Sens. 2019, 11, 2657
Authors: Zhong Jiahao , Lei Jiuhou , Yue Xinan
Published: October 2020

Choi et al. (2019) analyzed the correlation between the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver differential code bias (DCB) and concluded that the long-term variations of the receiver DCB are caused by the corresponding variations in the ionosphere. Unfortunately, their method is problematic, resulting in conclusions that are not useful. The long-term variations of the Global Positioning System (GPS) DCBs are primarily attributed to the GPS satellite replacement with different satellite block series under the zero-mean constraint condition, rather than the ionospheric variability.
A New Method for Estimating Tropospheric Zenith Wet-Component Delay of GNSS Signals from Surface Meteorology Data
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Xia Jingchao , Ye Shirong , Xu Caijun
Published: October 2020

A new concept is proposed for estimating the zenith wet delay (ZWD) and atmospheric weighted average temperature by inputting the temperature, total pressure, and specific humidity from surface weather data. In addition, a new ZWD integral method is described for highly accurate calculation of the ZWD from radiosonde observation. To evaluate the advantages of the new discrete integral formula, we utilized the 8-year radiosonde profiles of 85 stations in China from 2010 to 2017 to validate the accuracy of the radiosonde-derived ZWD. The results showed that the mean accuracy of the ZWD derived from radiosonde data was 4.28 mm. Next, the new ZWD model was assessed using two sets of reference values derived from radiosonde data and GNSS precise point positioning in China. The results confirm that the new development improved the accuracy of the estimation of the tropospheric wet delay from the surface meteorological data. The performance of this new model can be seen as an important step toward accurately correcting the tropospheric delay in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) real-time navigation and positioning. It can also be used in GNSS meteorology for weather forecasting and climate research.
Sustainable Viticulture: First Determination of the Environmental Footprint of Grapes
Authors: Litskas Vassilis , Mandoulaki Athanasia , Vogiatzakis Ioannis N. , Tzortzakis Nikolaos , Stavrinides Menelaos
Published: October 2020

We present for the first time the environmental footprint (EF) of grapes following the methodology proposed by the EU and life cycle assessment (LCA). We used data from three different production systems, conventional high- or low-input and organic from vineyards on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The life cycle inventory (LCI) data were retrieved from the recently released AGRIBALYSE database, and the EF was determined with the Open LCA software. The system boundary was from “cradle to winery door” and the functional unit was 1 ton of grapes delivered to the winery. Organic grape production had the lowest values for most of the 16 EF impact categories. Machinery, fuel, and sulfur production and use were identified as EF hotspots for organic grapes. Fertilizer production and use were identified as EF hotspots for high-input grape production. The EF impact category values for low-input grapes showed similarities with organic production. Future research needs to enrich the LCI databases with data more applicable to the methods and inputs applied in Mediterranean agriculture.
Tourism and Physical Activity Preferences: Development and Sustainability Strategy
Authors: Fromel Karel , Kudlacek Michal , Groffik Dorota
Published: October 2020

The theoretical foundation of tourism policy is based on an interdisciplinary approach, using evidence-based findings from related scientific fields. For this reason, trends in the health and physical activity of the population should be considered as part of the promotion of healthy lifestyles in the field of tourism. The aim of this study is to support the multidisciplinary development of evidence-based tourism by using the results of long-term monitoring of physical activity (PA) preferences among youth. Furthermore, this study aims to support the continuation of education regarding tourism, behavioral changes in lifestyle, health promotion (including physical activity promotion), physical conditioning, as well as related mental conditioning. An interdisciplinary approach should lead to the adoption of knowledge, habits, and interests that lead to a lifelong readiness to participate in active tourism. The research sample of this 10-year survey consisted of 17,032 Czech and Polish respondents, aged from 12 to 25 years. A questionnaire on physical activity preferences was employed to explore the current status and trends in physical activity preferences and realization. The results show the actual status and trends in preferred and realized types of physical activity and represent an important indicator of tourism service choices for these youths, as well as predict future interests for tourism clients in schools. The analysis of the results enabled the suggestion of a prognostic model of tourism strategy focused on the integration of physical activity with tourism activities.
Perception of Sustainable Development in a Local World Heritage Perspective
Authors: Yttredal Else Ragni , Homlong Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Many frameworks, theories and tools exist to help operationalize and comprehend the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability. However, knowledge about how the concepts are perceived at a local level is scarce. The objective of this paper is therefore to gain such insight and, through this, to contribute to the understanding of local sustainability dynamics. A study of perceptions of sustainability was carried out in Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Natural World Heritage Site in Western Norway. Using semi-structured interviews, stakeholders were asked about their perceptions of what sustainable development in Geirangerfjord entails. Several methods of analysis were used, namely, theme analysis, emergent pattern analysis and group comparisons. Furthermore, an approach we call the “What Is Not There (WINT) analysis” was developed to identify themes that are part of the sustainability discourse, but that were not mentioned by stakeholders. Among the results of the analysis are that social dimensions of sustainability dominated the perceptions of stakeholders. Stakeholder perceptions are furthermore context-dependent and are formed by sustainability issues that are close to people’s lives. The study also indicates that place of residence is a strong determinant of perceptions. In this way, the article adds to the existing literature on perceptions of sustainability.
Institutional Innovations and Their Challenges in the Green Climate Fund: Country Ownership, Civil Society Participation and Private Sector Engagement
Authors: Kalinowski Thomas
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the institutional innovations within the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a new international organization that finances climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. In particular, donor–recipient parity in decision making, civil society participation and private sector involvement are explored. The aim of this study is to lay the institutional groundwork for a larger study that will be analyzing the effect of these institutional innovations on the design and result of the fund’s projects. An exploratory qualitative case study approach is used that includes the review of the secondary literature, official sources from the GCF, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. This article concludes that the GCF indeed implemented important institutional innovations that are unique for a major international organization. At the same time, this article reveals that these innovations have created some important challenges for the functioning of the fund. For example, donor–recipient parity, in combination with consensus orientation, initially led to gridlock. It is also difficult for the GCF to balance the goal of transparency and civil society participation with the need for secrecy of private contracts and a speedy process demanded by the private sector.
The Emperor’s New Clothes or an Enduring IT Fashion? Analyzing the Lifecycle of Industry 4.0 through the Lens of Management Fashion Theory
Authors: Oesterreich Thuy Duong , Schuir Julian , Teuteberg Frank
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the recent hype around Industry 4.0 through the lens of management fashion theory to answer the question of how Industry 4.0 has emerged as a management fashion and to what extent it has diffused in organizational practice. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive discourse lifecycle analysis based on 3920 academic and practical publications comprising a rhetoric and content analysis along with a diffusion lifecycle analysis involving selected diffusion indicators. The findings indicate that Industry 4.0 constitutes an enduring management fashion that has recently reached its peak, with the first signs for an upcoming downswing. The discourse around Industry 4.0 illustrates the concept as a panacea for business problems such as a lack of sustainability and intense global competition; however, the diffusion lifecycle analysis indicates hesitation among companies to adopt Industry 4.0 due to the ambiguity in the conceptual interpretation. The findings enable a more holistic understanding of the recent developments around Industry 4.0 and help to identify actions for the involved political, practical and academic actors. To actively shape the Industry 4.0 fashion development path, more institutional work is needed to help Industry 4.0 fashion users with their adoption engagements and hence achieve “professionalization” at an organizational level.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Resilience of Sustainable Mobility in Sicily
Authors: Campisi Tiziana , Basbas Socrates , Skoufas Anastasios , Akgün Nurten , Ticali Dario , Tesoriere Giovanni
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented measures changing travel habits in many countries. Many users have started to prefer traveling by private cars, which is against the sustainability policies of the European cities. The necessity of gaining a deeper understanding of road users’ travel habit changes, their feelings on public transport use, and their perceptions of using sustainable urban mobility modes has emerged for future transport planning. Considering these facts, the study in this paper aimed to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on road users’ perceptions, needs, and use of sustainable travel modes (i.e., public transport, walking, and cycling). An online survey was carried out during the period from March to May 2020 in the case study area, Sicily of Southern Italy. Regarding the population of the case study, the survey was representative, with 431 individuals. The survey included variables, namely gender, age, city of residence, private car ownership, walking and cycling frequency before and during the pandemic, public transport use frequency for leisure activities before and during the pandemic, need for remote working, and the stress and anxiety perception of using public transport during the pandemic. The analysis started with descriptive statistics and it was followed by correlation analysis in order to explore the characteristics of the dataset and relationship between variables. It was found that these were not statistically significantly correlated at a 95% confidence level. An ordinal regression model was applied for determining the predictions. The results suggested that women were less likely to walk during the pandemic than men. Participants were more likely to resume remote work even after the second phase in order to reduce their daily travel needs and keep their isolation. Participants have expressed a positive opinion on the use of micromobility during pandemic situations. These results can be considered as a basis for sustainable urban planning and a guide for decision-makers who aim to encourage the use of public transport, walking, cycling, and micromobility.
What Affects Chinese Households’ Behavior in Sorting Solid Waste? A Case Study from Shanghai, Shenyang, and Chengdu
Authors: He Yanmin , Kitagawa Hideki , Choy YeeKeong , Kou Xin , Tsai Peii
Published: October 2020

The main aim of this study was to examine residents’ environmental behavior in sorting solid household waste, and to identify the integrative factors that contribute to their waste-separation cooperation and other related pro-environmental behaviors. This was achieved based on a questionnaire survey in Shenyang, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Methodologically, we applied a discrete choice model to examine whether individuals’ garbage sorting behaviors differ based on their characteristics, social attributes, residential circumstances, and environmental awareness, and whether these factors are correlated with individuals’ receptiveness to a refuse charge system, or to policies requiring garbage sorting. We further examined whether individuals’ garbage sorting behavior, their receptiveness to fee-based waste collection, and their receptiveness to policies requiring garbage sorting differ across areas. In this particular survey, we introduced a 16 item scale of pro-environmental behavior and a nine item scale of altruism to ascertain the ways in which internal motivational factors affect people’s environmentally conscious voluntary behavior. Overall, the present work is expected to contribute to an important understanding of the motivational forces and incentives behind human pro-environmental behavior and action. It also brings relevance to the analysis of moral solidarity in relation to the household waste disposal problems currently confronting us today.
Between Sustainable and Temporary Competitive Advantages in the Unstable Business Environment
Authors: Sołoducho-Pelc Letycja , Sulich Adam
Published: October 2020

Gaining a competitive advantage assumes that a company should build a unique position, but this concept is related to a relatively stable environment. However, it is difficult to predict the consequences of the enterprises’ changes, leading to changes both in the business and natural environment. Therefore, this study’s authors asked a research question: Is it possible to restore a balance between durability and variability of the organization in terms of strategy? The answer to such a question was drawn upon the literature review and survey research. This paper presents a qualitative and quantitative model of competitive advantage in a changing business environment. This article uses an inductive inference method supported by a literature study and a deduction method supported by statistical calculations, based on a survey conducted among 150 Polish companies in different economic sectors. As a result of the research methods, a dualistic competitive advantage model in a changing environment was proposed and discussed. The article’s aim was achieved in the model combining a sustainable (SCA) and temporary competitive advantage (TCA). Understanding the conditions for gaining competitive advantage allowed to formulate general conditions under which sustainable strategic management can be built to consider sustainability objectives and contribute to the green economy. This research has confirmed that building a competitive advantage in unstable conditions requires finding a balance between implementing the planned development strategy and using new opportunities.
Impact of Movement Control Order (MCO) due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on Food Waste Generation: A Case Study in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Heikal Ismail Muhammad , Ghazi Tinia Idaty Mohd. , Hamzah Muhammad Hazwan , Manaf Latifah Abd , Tahir Ramli Mohd , Mohd Nasir Ahadi , Ehsan Omar Ammar
Published: October 2020

The outbreak of a neurological disorder was first discovered as a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. The infection spread rapidly in China and throughout the world, including Malaysia. Malaysia recorded its initial case on 25 January 2020 with intensifying numbers since March 2020. Due to this uncertain circumstance, Malaysia has introduced the Movement Control Order (MCO) with the main aim of isolating the source of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was effective from 18 March 2020. The restriction has observed fewer vehicles on the road with industrial and commercial activities being suspended. The objective of the study is to quantify the effects of MCO to food waste generation in town and district areas of Klang Valley, Malaysia. Food waste generation data was derived from the Project Delivery Department, KDEB Waste Management on a daily basis before (19 February–17 March 2020) and during the MCO (18 March–14 April 2020) at 12 local authorities in Selangor, Malaysia. The data was obtained with the limitation of assumption that there is no waste compositional analysis to be conducted in 2020. Despite the stay-at-home order, food waste data showed a descriptive reduction of up to 15.1% during the MCO. Statistical analysis of food waste generation from one-way variance has shown that municipal and district local authorities recorded a significant reduction (p < 0.50) during the MCO. The food waste reduction during the MCO will deliver as the evidence-based results to push the need for policies in Malaysia as per the goals outlined in Sustainable Development Goals of global food loss and waste.
Strategizing Smart, Sustainable, and Knowledge-Based Development of Cities: Insights from Florianópolis, Brazil
Authors: Sabatini-Marques Jamile , Yigitcanlar Tan , Schreiner Tatiana , Wittmann Tatiana , Sotto Debora , Inkinen Tommi
Published: October 2020

Unarguably, smart, sustainable, and knowledge-based development is critical for securing a livable future for our rapidly urbanizing world. The aim of this study is to generate insights into determining effective and efficient strategies to increase sustainability and innovation capabilities of cities to achieve long-term desired urban outcomes. This paper places the city of Florianópolis (Brazil) under the smart, sustainable, and knowledge-based urban development microscope. The methodological approach of the study involves a qualitative analysis through surveys (100 submitted forms, 55 responses received) and interviews (12) with key experts and stakeholders from Florianópolis. The findings of the study reveal that Florianópolis’ innovation ecosystem has high potential to thrive, but the city still has structural issues to deal with first, related to the gap between the potential to grow, and acknowledgement from key actors of the city to support the overall territory development considering the complex dimensions. This issue suggests amplifying the ecosystem’s vision, including different sectors and, especially, addressing innovation for the common good. The insights generated from the investigation of Florianópolis’ case are also invaluable to other cities’ planning for strategizing their transformation, and seeking smart, sustainable, and knowledge-based development pathways.
Effects of Operational Parameters on Biofilm Formation of Mixed Bacteria for Hydrogen Fermentation
Authors: Mei Jie , Chen Huize , Liao Qiang , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Xia Ao , Huang Yun , Zhu Xianqing , Zhu Xun
Published: October 2020

Dark fermentation of organic wastes, such as food waste and algae, via mixed hydrogen-producing bacteria (HPB) is considered a sustainable approach for hydrogen production. The biofilm system protects microorganisms from the harmful environment and avoids the excessive loss of bacteria caused by washout, which ensures that the dark fermentation process remains stable. In this study, a downflow anaerobic packed-bed reactor was commissioned to investigate the biofilm formation process of mixed HPB under various operational parameters. Scanning electron microscopy indicated changes in surface morphology during the biofilm formation period. Proteins and polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances were identified by confocal laser scanning microscopy to reveal their distribution characteristics. A hydraulic retention time of 0.5 d, a substrate concentration of 15 g/L and an HPB inoculum ratio of 35% were identified as the optimal operational parameters for biofilm formation. The diversity of bacteria between suspension and biofilm showed significantly different distributions; Clostridiales and Lactobacillales were identified as the dominant orders in the biofilm formation process. The abundances of Clostridiales and Lactobacillales were 15.1% and 56.2% in the biofilm, respectively.
D-Stability of the Initial Value Problem for Symmetric Nonlinear Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Dilna Natalia , Fečkan Michal , Solovyov Mykola
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a method of establishing the D-stability terms of the symmetric solution of scalar symmetric linear and nonlinear functional differential equations. We determine the general conditions of the unique solvability of the initial value problem for symmetric functional differential equations. Here, we show the conditions of the symmetric property of the unique solution of symmetric functional differential equations. Furthermore, in this paper, an illustration of a particular symmetric equation is presented. In this example, all theoretical investigations referred to earlier are demonstrated. In addition, we graphically demonstrate two possible linear functions with the required symmetry properties.
Detecting Optimal Leak Locations Using Homotopy Analysis Method for Isothermal Hydrogen-Natural Gas Mixture in an Inclined Pipeline
Authors: S. Chaharborj Sarkhosh , Ismail Zuhaila , Amin Norsarahaida
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to use the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) to pinpoint the optimal location of leakage in an inclined pipeline containing hydrogen-natural gas mixture by obtaining quick and accurate analytical solutions for nonlinear transportation equations. The homotopy analysis method utilizes a simple and powerful technique to adjust and control the convergence region of the infinite series solution using auxiliary parameters. The auxiliary parameters provide a convenient way of controlling the convergent region of series solutions. Numerical solutions obtained by HAM indicate that the approach is highly accurate, computationally very attractive and easy to implement. The solutions obtained with HAM have been shown to be in good agreement with those obtained using the method of characteristics (MOC) and the reduced order modelling (ROM) technique.
Global Stabilization of a Reaction Wheel Pendulum: A Discrete-Inverse Optimal Formulation Approach via A Control Lyapunov Function
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Dominguez-Jimenez Juan A. , Molina-Cabrera Alexander , Giral-Ramírez Diego A.
Published: October 2020

This paper deals with the global stabilization of the reaction wheel pendulum (RWP) in the discrete-time domain. The discrete-inverse optimal control approach via a control Lyapunov function (CLF) is employed to make the stabilization task. The main advantages of using this control methodology can be summarized as follows: (i) it guarantees exponential stability in closed-loop operation, and (ii) the inverse control law is optimal since it minimizes the cost functional of the system. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the RWP is stabilized with the discrete-inverse optimal control approach via a CLF with different settling times as a function of the control gains. Furthermore, parametric uncertainties and comparisons with nonlinear controllers such as passivity-based and Lyapunov-based approaches developed in the continuous-time domain have demonstrated the superiority of the proposed discrete control approach. All of these simulations have been implemented in the MATLAB software.
Welcome to the New Journal Taxonomy
Authors: Sayas Enric
Published: October 2020

Taxonomy is as old as the human language; it arose from the need to differentiate and name edible as well as poisonous plants and to be able to pass on this knowledge to the next generation [...]
Characteristics of the Protein Complexes and Pores Formed by Bacillus cereus Hemolysin BL
Authors: Jessberger Nadja , Dietrich Richard , Schauer Kristina , Schwemmer Stefanie , Märtlbauer Erwin , Benz Roland
Published: October 2020

Bacillus cereus Hemolysin BL is a tripartite toxin responsible for a diarrheal type of food poisoning. Open questions remain regarding its mode of action, including the extent to which complex formation prior to cell binding contributes to pore-forming activity, how these complexes are composed, and the properties of the pores formed in the target cell membrane. Distinct complexes of up to 600 kDa were found on native gels, whose structure and size were primarily defined by Hbl B. Hbl L1 and L2 were also identified in these complexes using Western blotting and an LC-MS approach. LC-MS also revealed that many other proteins secreted by B. cereus exist in complexes. Further, a decrease of toxic activity at temperatures ≥60 °C was shown, which was unexpectedly restored at higher temperatures. This could be attributed to a release of Hbl B monomers from tight complexation, resulting in enhanced cell binding. In contrast, Hbl L1 was rather susceptible to heat, while heat treatment of Hbl L2 seemed not to be crucial. Furthermore, Hbl-induced pores had a rather small single-channel conductance of around 200 pS and a probable channel diameter of at least 1 nm on planar lipid bilayers. These were highly instable and had a limited lifetime, and were also slightly cation-selective. Altogether, this study provides astonishing new insights into the complex mechanism of Hbl pore formation, as well as the properties of the pores.
Genomics and Proteomics Analyses Revealed Novel Candidate Pesticidal Proteins in a Lepidopteran-Toxic Bacillus thuringiensis Strain
Authors: Khorramnejad Ayda , Gomis-Cebolla Joaquín , Talaei-Hassanlouei Reza , Bel Yolanda , Escriche Baltasar
Published: October 2020

Discovery and identification of novel insecticidal proteins in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains are of crucial importance for efficient biological control of pests and better management of insect resistance. In this study, the Bt strain KhF, toxic for Plodia interpunctella and Grapholita molesta larvae, underwent genomics and proteomics analyses to achieve a better understanding of the bases of its pathogenicity. The whole-genome sequencing results revealed that the KhF strain contained nine coding sequences with homologies to Bt insecticidal genes. The lepidopteran toxic mixture of spores and crystals of this Bt strain was subjected to liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to assess the protein composition. The results of the proteomic analyses, combined with the toxin gene sequences, revealed that two of the main components of the crystals were two new candidate pesticidal proteins, named KhFA and KhFB. These proteins showed a similarity lower than 36% to the other known Bt toxins. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the KhFA and KhFB grouped with the newly denominated Xpp and Mpp (former ETX/Mtx) pesticidal protein groups, respectively. Altogether, this study has led to the discovery of two novel candidate pesticidal toxins in the lepidopteran toxic KhF strain.
Venom of the Red-Bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Shows Immunosuppressive Potential
Authors: Ryan Rachael Y. M. , Lutzky Viviana P. , Herzig Volker , Smallwood Taylor B. , Potriquet Jeremy , Wong Yide , Masci Paul , Lavin Martin F. , King Glenn F. , Lopez J. Alejandro , Ikonomopoulou Maria P. , Miles John J.
Published: October 2020

Venoms act with remarkable specificity upon a broad diversity of physiological targets. Venoms are composed of proteins, peptides, and small molecules, providing the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics. This study assessed the effect of venom from the red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) on human primary leukocytes using bead-based flow cytometry, mixed lymphocyte reaction, and cell viability assays. We show that venom treatment had a significant immunosuppressive effect, inhibiting the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) from purified human T cells by 90% or greater following stimulation with mitogen (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin) or via cluster of differentiation (CD) receptors, CD3/CD28. In contrast, venom treatment did not inhibit TNF or IL-6 release from antigen-presenting cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The reduced cytokine release from T cells was not associated with inhibition of T cell proliferation or reduction of cell viability, consistent with an anti-inflammatory mechanism unrelated to the cell cycle. Deconvolution of the venom using reverse-phase HPLC identified four fractions responsible for the observed immunosuppressive activity. These data suggest that compounds from P. porphyriacus venom may be potential drug leads for T cell-associated conditions such as graft versus host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Covariation of Ergot Severity and Alkaloid Content Measured by HPLC and One ELISA Method in Inoculated Winter Rye across Three Isolates and Three European Countries
Authors: Kodisch Anna , Oberforster Michael , Raditschnig Armin , Rodemann Bernd , Tratwal Anna , Danielewicz Jakub , Korbas Marek , Schmiedchen Brigitta , Eifler Jakob , Gordillo Andres , Siekmann Dörthe , Fromme Franz Joachim , Wuppermann Frederik N. , Wieser Franz , Zechner Elisabeth , Niewińska Małgorzata , Miedaner Thomas
Published: October 2020

Ergot caused by Claviceps purpurea is a problem for food and feed security in rye due to the occurrence of toxic ergot alkaloids (EAs). For grain elevators and breeders, a quick, easy-to-handle, and cheap screening assay would have a high economic impact. The study was performed to reveal (1) the covariation of ergot severity (= percentage of sclerotia in harvested grain) and the content of 12 EAs determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and (2) the covariation between these traits and results of one commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In total, 372 winter rye samples consisting of a diverse set of genotypes, locations from Germany, Austria, and Poland over two years, and three isolates were analyzed. Ergocornine and α-ergocryptine were detected as major EAs. Ergocristinine occurred as a minor component. Claviceps isolates from different countries showed a similar EA spectrum, but different quantities of individual EAs. A moderate, positive covariation between ergot severity and EA content determined by HPLC was observed across two years (r = 0.53, p < 0.01), but large deviation from the regression was detected. ELISA values did neither correlate with the HPLC results nor with ergot severity. In conclusion, a reliable prediction of the EA content based on ergot severity is, at present, not possible.
Islands of Tuberculosis Elimination: An Evaluation of Community-Based Active Case Finding in North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Siahaan Elvi S. , Bakker Mirjam I. , Pasaribu Ratna , Khan Amera , Pande Tripti , Hasibuan Alwi Mujahit , Creswell Jacob
Published: October 2020

Community-based active case finding (ACF) is needed to reach key/vulnerable populations with limited access to tuberculosis (TB) care. Published reports of ACF interventions in Indonesia are scarce. We conducted an evaluation of a multicomponent community-based ACF intervention as it scaled from one district to nine in Nias and mainland North Sumatra. Community and health system support measures including laboratory strengthening, political advocacy, sputum transport, and community awareness were instituted. ACF was conducted in three phases: pilot (18 months, 1 district), intervention (12 months, 4 districts) and scale-up (9 months, 9 districts). The pilot phase identified 215 individuals with bacteriologically positive (B+) TB, representing 42% of B+ TB notifications. The intervention phase yielded 509, representing 54% of B+ notifications and the scale-up phase identified 1345 individuals with B+ TB (56% of notifications). We observed large increases in B+ notifications on Nias, but no overall change on the mainland despite district variation. Overall, community health workers screened 377,304 individuals of whom 1547 tested positive, and 95% were initiated on treatment. Our evaluation shows that multicomponent community-based ACF can reduce the number of people missed by TB programs. Community-based organizations are best placed for accessing and engaging hard to reach populations and providing integrated support which can have a large positive effect on TB notifications.