bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Berchemia floribunda in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells through Regulation of NF-κB and MAPKs Signaling Pathway
Authors: Eo Hyun Ji , Jang Jun Hyuk , Park Gwang Hun
Published: March 2021

Berchemia floribunda (Wall.) Brongn. (BF), which belongs to Rhamnaceae, is a special plant of Anmyeon Island in Korea. BF has been reported to have antioxidant and whitening effects. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of BR has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of leaves (BR-L), branches (BR-B) and fruit (BR-F) extracted with 70% ethanol of BR and elucidated the potential signaling pathway in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. BR-L showed a strong anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of NO production. BR-L significantly suppressed the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. BR-L suppressed the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB-α, which contributed to the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. BR-L obstructed the phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38 and JNK) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Consequently, these results suggest that BR-L may have great potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs to treat acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.
Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Based Aerogels Functionalized with Tajuva (Maclura tinctoria) Heartwood Extract
Authors: Coldebella Rodrigo , Gentil Marina , Berger Camila , Dalla Costa Henrique W. , Pedrazzi Cristiane , Labidi Jalel , Delucis Rafael A. , Missio André L.
Published: March 2021

Aerogels are 3-D nanostructures of non-fluid colloidal interconnected porous networks consisting of loosely packed bonded particles that are expanded throughout their volume by gas and exhibit ultra-low density and high specific surface area. Cellulose-based aerogels can be obtained from hydrogels through a drying process, replacing the solvent (water) with air and keeping the pristine three-dimensional arrangement. In this work, hybrid cellulose-based aerogels were produced and their potential for use as dressings was assessed. Nanofibrilated cellulose (NFC) hydrogels were produced by a co-grinding process in a stone micronizer using a kraft cellulosic pulp and a phenolic extract from Maclura tinctoria (Tajuva) heartwood. NFC-based aerogels were produced by freeze followed by lyophilization, in a way that the Tajuva extract acted as a functionalizing agent. The obtained aerogels showed high porosity (ranging from 97% to 99%) and low density (ranging from 0.025 to 0.040 g·cm−3), as well a typical network and sheet-like structure with 100 to 300 μm pores, which yielded compressive strengths ranging from 60 to 340 kPa. The reached antibacterial and antioxidant activities, percentage of inhibitions and water uptakes suggest that the aerogels can be used as fluid absorbers. Additionally, the immobilization of the Tajuva extract indicates the potential for dentistry applications.
Editorial for the Special Issue: Functional Polymer Composites
Authors: Nguyen-Tri Phuong , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: March 2021

Functional polymer composites are now making significant strides in synthesis, design, preparation, processing, and promising applications [...]
Photocatalytic Activity of Cellulose Acetate Nanoceria/Pt Hybrid Mats Driven by Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Costantino Federica , Cavaliere Emanuele , Gavioli Luca , Carzino Riccardo , Leoncino Luca , Brescia Rosaria , Athanassiou Athanassia , Fragouli Despina
Published: March 2021

A photocatalytic system for the degradation of aqueous organic pollutants under visible light irradiation is obtained by an innovative approach based on ceria/platinum (Pt) hybrid nanoclusters on cellulose acetate fibrous membranes. The catalytic materials are fabricated by supersonic beam deposition of Pt nanoclusters directly on the surface of electrospun cellulose acetate fibrous mats, pre-loaded with a cerium salt precursor that is transformed into ceria nanoparticles directly in the solid mats by a simple thermal treatment. The presence of Pt enhances the oxygen vacancies on the surface of the formed ceria nanoparticles and reduces their band gap, resulting in a significant improvement of the photocatalytic performance of the composite mats under visible light irradiation. Upon the appropriate pretreatment and visible light irradiation, we prove that the most efficient mats, with both ceria nanoparticles and Pt nanoclusters, present a degradation efficiency of methylene blue of 70% and a photodegradation rate improved by about five times compared to the ceria loaded samples, without Pt. The present results bring a significant improvement of the photocatalytic performance of polymeric nanocomposite fibrous systems under visible light irradiation, for efficient wastewater treatment applications.
Upgrading Argan Shell Wastes in Wood Plastic Composites with Biobased Polyethylene Matrix and Different Compatibilizers
Authors: Jorda-Reolid Maria , Gomez-Caturla Jaume , Ivorra-Martinez Juan , Stefani Pablo Marcelo , Rojas-Lema Sandra , Quiles-Carrillo Luis
Published: March 2021

The present study reports on the development of wood plastic composites (WPC) based on micronized argan shell (MAS) as a filler and high-density polyethylene obtained from sugarcane (Bio-HDPE), following the principles proposed by the circular economy in which the aim is to achieve zero waste by the introduction of residues of argan as a filler. The blends were prepared by extrusion and injection molding processes. In order to improve compatibility between the argan particles and the green polyolefin, different compatibilizers and additional filler were used, namely polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA 3 wt.-%), maleinized linseed oil (MLO 7.5 phr), halloysite nanotubes (HNTs 7.5 phr), and a combination of MLO and HNTs (3.75 phr each). The mechanical, morphological, thermal, thermomechanical, colorimetric, and wettability properties of each blend were analyzed. The results show that MAS acts as a reinforcing filler, increasing the stiffness of the Bio-HDPE, and that HNTs further increases this reinforcing effect. MLO and PE-g-MA, altogether with HNTs, improve the compatibility between MAS and Bio-HDPE, particularly due to bonds formed between oxygen-based groups present in each compound. Thermal stability was also improved provided by the addition of MAS and HNTs. All in all, reddish-like brown wood plastic composites with improved stiffness, good thermal stability, enhanced compatibility, and good wettability properties were obtained.
Hyaluronic Acid Treatment Improves Healing of the Tenorrhaphy Site by Suppressing Adhesions through Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in a Rat Model
Authors: Ahn Kwang Hyeon , Park Eun Soo , Choi Chang Yong , Cha Han Gyu , Hwang Yongsung , Nam Seung Min
Published: March 2021

Due to the limited supply of vessels and nerves, acute or chronic tendon injuries often result in significant and persistent complications, such as pain and sprains, as well as the loss of joint functions. Among these complications, tendon adhesions within the surrounding soft tissue have been shown to significantly impair the range of motion. In this study, to elucidate the effects of a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection at the site of tenorrhaphy on tendon adhesion formation, we used a full transection model of a rat’s Achilles tendon to investigate the anti-adhesive function of HA. Our initial findings showed that significantly lower adhesion scores were observed in the HA-treated experimental group than in the normal saline-treated control group, as determined by macroscopic and histological evaluations. Hematoxylin and eosin, as well as picrosirius red staining, showed denser and irregular collagen fibers, with the larger number of infiltrating inflammatory cells in the control group indicating severe adhesion formation. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of tendon adhesion markers in operated tendon tissue, such as collagen type I, transforming growth factor-β1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, was suppressed at both the gene and protein levels following HA treatment. These results suggest that HA injections could reduce tendon adhesion formation by significantly ameliorating inflammatory-associated reactions.
Aggressive Impacts Affecting the Biodegradable Ultrathin Fibers Based on Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate), Polylactide and Their Blends: Water Sorption, Hydrolysis and Ozonolysis
Authors: Olkhov Anatoly A. , Tyubaeva Polina M. , Vetcher Alexandre A. , Karpova Svetlana G. , Kurnosov Alexander S. , Rogovina Svetlana Z. , Iordanskii Alexey L. , Berlin Alexander A.
Published: March 2021

Ultrathin electrospun fibers of pristine biopolyesters, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and polylactic acid (PLA), as well as their blends, have been obtained and then explored after exposure to hydrolytic (phosphate buffer) and oxidative (ozone) media. All the fibers were obtained from a co-solvent, chloroform, by solution-mode electrospinning. The structure, morphology, and segmental dynamic behavior of the fibers have been determined by optical microscopy, SEM, ESR, and others. The isotherms of water absorption have been obtained and the deviation from linearity (the Henry low) was analyzed by the simplified model. For PHB-PLA fibers, the loss weight increments as the reaction on hydrolysis are symbate to water absorption capacity. It was shown that the ozonolysis of blend fibrils has a two-stage character which is typical for O3 consumption, namely, the pendant group’s oxidation and the autodegradation of polymer molecules with chain rupturing. The first stage of ozonolysis has a quasi-zero-order reaction. A subsequent second reaction stage comprising the back-bone destruction has a reaction order that differs from the zero order. The fibrous blend PLA/PHB ratio affects the rate of hydrolysis and ozonolysis so that the fibers with prevalent content of PLA display poor resistance to degradation in aqueous and gaseous media.
Reliability Prediction of Acrylonitrile O-Ring for Nuclear Power Applications Based on Shore Hardness Measurements
Authors: Rodríguez-Prieto Alvaro , Primera Ernesto , Frigione Mariaenrica , Camacho Ana María
Published: March 2021

The degradation of polymeric components is of considerable interest to the nuclear industry and its regulatory bodies. The objective of this work was the development of a methodology to determine the useful life—based on the storage temperature—of acrylonitrile O-rings used as mechanical sealing elements to prevent leakages in nuclear equipment. To this aim, a reliability-based approach that allows prediction of the use-suitability of different storage scenarios (that involve different storage times and temperatures) considering the further required in-service performance, is presented. Thus, experimental measurements of Shore A hardness have been correlated with storage variables (temperature and storage time). The storage (and its associated hardening) was proved to have a direct effect on in-service durability, reducing this by up to 60.40%. Based on this model, the in-service performance was predicted; after the first three years of operation the increase in probability of failure (POF) was practically insignificant. Nevertheless, from this point on, and especially, from 5 years of operation, the POF increased from 10% to 20% at approximately 6 years (for new and stored). From the study, it was verified that for any of the analysis scenarios, the limit established criterion was above that of the storage time premise considered in usual nuclear industry practices. The novelty of this work is that from a non-destructive test, like a Shore A hardness measurement, the useful life and reliability of O-rings can be estimated and be, accordingly, a decision tool that allows for improvement in the management of maintenance of safety-related equipment. Finally, it was proved that the storage strategies of our nuclear power plants are successful, perfectly meeting the expectations of suitability and functionality of the components when they are installed after storage.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Flow and Alignment Behavior of Waste Tire-Derived Graphene Nanoplatelets in PA66 Matrix during Melt-Mixing and Injection
Authors: Dericiler Kuray , Sadeghi Hadi Mohammadjafari , Yagci Yavuz Emre , Sas Hatice S. , Saner Okan Burcu
Published: March 2021

Homogeneous dispersion of graphene into thermoplastic polymer matrices during melt-mixing is still challenging due to its agglomeration and weak interfacial interactions with the selected polymer matrix. In this study, an ideal dispersion of graphene within the PA66 matrix was achieved under high shear rates by thermokinetic mixing. The flow direction of graphene was monitored by the developed numerical methodology with a combination of its rheological behaviors. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) produced from waste-tire by upcycling and recycling techniques having high oxygen surface functional groups were used to increase the compatibility with PA66 chains. This study revealed that GNP addition increased the crystallization temperature of nanocomposites since it acted as both a nucleating and reinforcing agent. Tensile strength and modulus of PA66 nanocomposites were improved at 30% and 42%, respectively, by the addition of 0.3 wt% GNP. Flexural strength and modulus were reached at 20% and 43%, respectively. In addition, the flow model, which simulates the injection molding process of PA66 resin with different GNP loadings considering the rheological behavior and alignment characteristics of GNP, served as a tool to describe the mechanical performance of these developed GNP based nanocomposites.
Investigation of Low-Frequency Phenomena within Flow Pattern in Standard Mixing Vessel Induced by Pitched Blade Impeller
Authors: Brůha Tomáš , Procházka Pavel , Uruba Václav
Published: March 2021

An experimental study on the flow pattern dynamics in a standard mixing vessel with radial baffles filled with water and induced by a pitched blade impeller pumping downward is presented. Investigation is mainly focused on detection and analysis of quasi-periodical or periodical low-frequency phenomenon connected with time- and length-scales considerably exceeding the Blade Passage Frequency (hereinafter BPF) and common turbulent eddies. This phenomenon, which is expressed as large-scale mean-flow variations, is generally known as flow Macro-Instability (hereinafter MI). It could break-down just below the liquid surface, or it crashes to the liquid surface and causes its Macro-Swelling (hereinafter MS). Our investigation was based on classical two-dimensional (2D) Particle Image Velocimetry (hereinafter PIV) measurement within 3 selected vertical planes in the vessel and subsequent analysis of the velocity field. The dominant frequencies evaluated in the selected points and overall analysis of the quasi-periodical macro-flow pattern behavior is to be shown. Identification of the quasi-periodical substructures appeared within the flow pattern was performed using the Oscillation Pattern Decomposition (hereinafter OPD) method. Observation of the macro-flow patterns confirmed presence of the macro-flow structures detected within flow pattern at the identical mixing pilot plant setup by previous investigations of the MIs phenomenon, i.e., the primary circulation loop and strong impeller discharge jet located in the lower vessel segment and the strong ascending wall current at the baffle, which break-down below the surface very often. A further important contribution of the presented work is the investigation of both flow pattern within the baffles vicinity and in the middle of the sector far from the baffle, showing a significant difference. Low-frequency periodical (or quasi-periodical) behavior of the investigated macro-structures was qualitatively confirmed by the presented results and it was quantified using the velocity dominant frequencies evaluation, as noted below. This frequency analysis brings insight into the supposed and detected interconnections between dynamics of the adjacent flow structures. Detected different flow patterns within the main plane near the baffles and in the inclined plane reveal a strong influence of the baffle presence to the local vertical flow, especially within the upper part of the vessel. Quite a different flow pattern appears tangentially in front of and behind the baffle, where a wake is revealed, indicating significant influence of the baffle on the local tangential flow. The new findings represent a contribution to better understanding the physical phenomena behind the standard mixing process.
Assessing the Performance of Random Forests for Modeling Claim Severity in Collision Car Insurance
Authors: Staudt Yves , Wagner Joël
Published: March 2021

For calculating non-life insurance premiums, actuaries traditionally rely on separate severity and frequency models using covariates to explain the claims loss exposure. In this paper, we focus on the claim severity. First, we build two reference models, a generalized linear model and a generalized additive model, relying on a log-normal distribution of the severity and including the most significant factors. Thereby, we relate the continuous variables to the response in a nonlinear way. In the second step, we tune two random forest models, one for the claim severity and one for the log-transformed claim severity, where the latter requires a transformation of the predicted results. We compare the prediction performance of the different models using the relative error, the root mean squared error and the goodness-of-lift statistics in combination with goodness-of-fit statistics. In our application, we rely on a dataset of a Swiss collision insurance portfolio covering the loss exposure of the period from 2011 to 2015, and including observations from 81 309 settled claims with a total amount of CHF 184 mio. In the analysis, we use the data from 2011 to 2014 for training and from 2015 for testing. Our results indicate that the use of a log-normal transformation of the severity is not leading to performance gains with random forests. However, random forests with a log-normal transformation are the favorite choice for explaining right-skewed claims. Finally, when considering all indicators, we conclude that the generalized additive model has the best overall performance.
Short-Term Price Reaction to Filing for Bankruptcy and Restructuring Proceedings—The Case of Poland
Authors: Prusak Błażej , Potrykus Marcin
Published: March 2021

This study aims to check market reaction to filing for bankruptcy and restructuring proceedings and to verify the short-term effect of a price reversal in the Polish market in the years 2004–2019. The research was conducted by dividing the analysed companies according to the procedure (bankruptcy and restructuring) and market (the main market and the NewConnect market). The research methodology used in the study is the event analysis method (AR, CAR, AAR and CAAR rates were used in the research), with a few statistical tests (T-test, Generalized rank Z Test, Generalized rank T-Test, Patell or Standardized Residual Test, Kolari and Pynnönen adjusted Patell or Standardized Residual Test). It was found that share prices in the Polish share market react quickly to public information about filing an application for bankruptcy or restructuring. For all analysed companies, the mean rate of return on the event day was equal to −14%, and on the next day, it was −3%. Regardless of the type of share market and the form of proceedings, the reversal effect was not confirmed in the short term. It was found that cumulative above-average rates of return fall more strongly for companies listed on the less liquid Newconnect market (−23.6%), and when information on the filing for bankruptcy proceedings is provided (−28.5%), as opposed to the main market (−19.1%) and restructuring proceedings (−17%). The cumulative average rate of return for all analysed companies in the research period (−2, +10 days) was equal to −20.6%.
Observation of Maritime Traffic Interruption in Patagonia during the COVID-19 Lockdown Using Copernicus Sentinel-1 Data and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Rodríguez-Benito Cristina , Caballero Isabel , Nieto Karen , Navarro Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Human mobilization during the COVID-19 lockdown has been reduced in many areas of the world. Maritime navigation has been affected in strategic connections between some regions in Patagonia, at the southern end of South America. The purpose of this research is to describe this interruption of navigation using satellite synthetic aperture radar data. For this goal, three locations are observed using geoinformatic techniques and high-resolution satellite data from the Sentinel-1 satellites of the European Commission’s Copernicus programme. The spatial information is analyzed using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform as a global geographical information system and the EO Browser tool, integrated with several satellite data. The results demonstrate that the total maritime traffic activity in the three geographical hotspots selected along western Patagonia, the Chacao Channel, crossing of the Reloncavi Fjord and the Strait of Magellan was totally interrupted during April–May 2020. This fact has relevant repercussions for the population living in isolated areas, such as many places in Patagonia, including Tierra del Fuego. The study also demonstrates the relevance of satellite radar observations in coastal areas with severe cloud cover, such as the one evaluated here.
Change of CO Concentration Due to the COVID-19 Lockdown in China Observed by Surface and Satellite Observations
Authors: Zhou Minqiang , Jiang Jingyi , Langerock Bavo , Dils Bart , Sha Mahesh , De Mazière Martine
Published: March 2021

The nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reduced industrial and human activities in China. In this study, we investigate atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) concentration changes during the lockdown from observations at the surface and from two satellites (TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)). It is found that the average CO surface concentration in 2020 was close to that in 2019 before the lockdown, and became 18.7% lower as compared to 2019 during the lockdown. The spatial variation of the change in the CO surface concentration is high, with an 8–27% reduction observed for Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, and Guangzhou, and almost no change in Wuhan. The TROPOMI and IASI satellite observations show that the CO columns decreased by 2–13% during the lockdown in most regions in China. However in South China, there was an 8.8% increase in the CO columns observed by TROPOMI and a 36.7% increase observed by IASI, which is contrary to the 23% decrease in the surface CO concentration. The enhancement of the CO column in South China is strongly affected by the fire emissions transported from Southeast Asia. This study provides an insight into the impact of COVID-19 on CO concentrations both at the surface and in the columns in China, and it can be extended to evaluate other areas using the same approach.
How Accurate Is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Data-Based Model Applied on Satellite Imagery for Chlorophyll-a Estimation in Freshwater Bodies?
Authors: El-Alem Anas , Chokmani Karem , Venkatesan Aarthi , Rachid Lhissou , Agili Hachem , Dedieu Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2021

Optical sensors are increasingly sought to estimate the amount of chlorophyll a (chl_a) in freshwater bodies. Most, whether empirical or semi-empirical, are data-oriented. Two main limitations are often encountered in the development of such models. The availability of data needed for model calibration, validation, and testing and the locality of the model developed—the majority need a re-parameterization from lake to lake. An Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data-based model for chl_a estimation is developed in this work and tested on Sentinel-2 imagery without any re-parametrization. The Ensemble-based system (EBS) algorithm was used to train the model. The leave-one-out cross validation technique was applied to evaluate the EBS, at a local scale, where results were satisfactory (R2 = Nash = 0.94 and RMSE = 5.6 µg chl_a L−1). A blind database (collected over 89 lakes) was used to challenge the EBS’ Sentine-2-derived chl_a estimates at a regional scale. Results were relatively less good, yet satisfactory (R2 = 0.85, RMSE= 2.4 µg chl_a L−1, and Nash = 0.79). However, the EBS has shown some failure to correctly retrieve chl_a concentration in highly turbid waterbodies. This particularity nonetheless does not affect EBS performance, since turbid waters can easily be pre-recognized and masked before the chl_a modeling.
Research on the Spatio-Temporal Dynamic Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Electrical Power Consumption in Three Urban Agglomerations of Yangtze River Economic Belt, China Based on DMSP/OLS Night Light Data
Authors: Zhong Yang , Lin Aiwen , Xiao Chiwei , Zhou Zhigao
Published: March 2021

In this paper, based on electrical power consumption (EPC) data extracted from DMSP/OLS night light data, we select three national-level urban agglomerations in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt(YREB), includes Yangtze River Delta urban agglomerations(YRDUA), urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River(UAMRYR), and Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration(CCUA) as the research objects. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV), kernel density analysis, cold hot spot analysis, trend analysis, standard deviation ellipse and Moran’s I Index were used to analyze the Spatio-temporal Dynamic Evolution Characteristics of EPC in the three urban agglomerations of the YREB. In addition, we also use geographically weighted regression (GWR) model and random forest algorithm to analyze the influencing factors of EPC in the three major urban agglomerations in YREB. The results of this study show that from 1992 to 2013, the CV of the EPC in the three urban agglomerations of YREB has been declining at the overall level. At the same time, the highest EPC value is in YRDUA, followed by UAMRYR and CCUA. In addition, with the increase of time, the high-value areas of EPC hot spots are basically distributed in YRDUA. The standard deviation ellipses of the EPC of the three urban agglomerations of YREB clearly show the characteristics of “east-west” spatial distribution. With the increase of time, the correlations and the agglomeration of the EPC in the three urban agglomerations of the YREB were both become more and more obvious. In terms of influencing factor analysis, by using GWR model, we found that the five influencing factors we selected basically have a positive impact on the EPC of the YREB. By using the Random forest algorithm, we found that the three main influencing factors of EPC in the three major urban agglomerations in the YREB are the proportion of secondary industry in GDP, Per capita disposable income of urban residents, and Urbanization rate.
Low-Power Sensor Interface with a Switched Inductor Frequency Selective Envelope Detector
Authors: Gazivoda Marko , Bilas Vedran
Published: March 2021

With the growing need to understand our surroundings and improved means of sensor manufacturing, the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming more interesting. To enable continuous monitoring and event detection by IoT, the development of low power sensors and interfaces is required. In this work we present a novel, switched inductor based acoustic sensor interface featuring a bandpass filter and envelope detector, perform a sensitivity, frequency selectivity, and power consumption analysis of the circuit, and present its design parameters and their qualitative influence on circuit characteristics. We develop a prototype and present experimental characterization of the interface and its operation with input signals up to 20 mV peak-to-peak, at low acoustic frequencies from 100 Hz to 1 kHz. The prototype achieves a sensitivity of approximately 2 mV/mV in the passband, a four times lower sensitivity in the stopband, and a power consumption of approximately 3.31 µW. We compare the prototype interface to an interface consisting of an active bandpass filter and a passive voltage doubler using a prerecorded speedboat signal.
Enabling Technologies for Urban Smart Mobility: Recent Trends, Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Paiva Sara , Ahad Mohd , Tripathi Gautami , Feroz Noushaba , Casalino Gabriella
Published: March 2021

The increasing population across the globe makes it essential to link smart and sustainable city planning with the logistics of transporting people and goods, which will significantly contribute to how societies will face mobility in the coming years. The concept of smart mobility emerged with the popularity of smart cities and is aligned with the sustainable development goals defined by the United Nations. A reduction in traffic congestion and new route optimizations with reduced ecological footprint are some of the essential factors of smart mobility; however, other aspects must also be taken into account, such as the promotion of active mobility and inclusive mobility, encouraging the use of other types of environmentally friendly fuels and engagement with citizens. The Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and Big Data technology will serve as the main entry points and fundamental pillars to promote the rise of new innovative solutions that will change the current paradigm for cities and their citizens. Mobility-as-a-service, traffic flow optimization, the optimization of logistics and autonomous vehicles are some of the services and applications that will encompass several changes in the coming years with the transition of existing cities into smart cities. This paper provides an extensive review of the current trends and solutions presented in the scope of smart mobility and enabling technologies that support it. An overview of how smart mobility fits into smart cities is provided by characterizing its main attributes and the key benefits of using smart mobility in a smart city ecosystem. Further, this paper highlights other various opportunities and challenges related to smart mobility. Lastly, the major services and applications that are expected to arise in the coming years within smart mobility are explored with the prospective future trends and scope.
The Italian Validation of OSCI: The Organizational and Safety Climate Inventory
Authors: Platania Silvia , Paolillo Anna , Silva Silvia A.
Published: March 2021

Although safety climate has been the object of multiple studies in the last thirty years, the relationship between safety climate and organizational climate has been scarcely investigated. The Organizational and Safety Climate Inventory (OSCI) was the first and only validated instrument to allow the assessment of organizational and safety climates simultaneously and by using the same theoretical framework. The present work investigated the psychometric properties of OSCI in an Italian sample at the group level; study 1 (N = 745) examined the factor structure of the scale by using confirmatory factor analyses. Study 2 (N = 471) advanced the original Portuguese validation by testing its measurement equivalence across gender and company sector through multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses. Results confirmed one higher-order factor structure with four first-order factors for both Organizational Climate and Safety Climate, with Organizational Climate predicting Safety Climate. Moreover, the scale was found to be invariant between men and women and between different types of company. Reliability, discriminant, and criterion validities of the scale showed very good values. Overall, the findings strengthened the original claim of the OSCI to be a valid and innovative instrument, which allows the identification of specific dimensions of safety climate, starting from a more general model of organizational climate.
Sex Differences in the Association between Internet Usage and Overweight/Obesity: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey in Nepal
Authors: Rana Juwel , Islam Md. Momin , Oldroyd John , Samad Nandeeta , Islam Rakibul
Published: March 2021

Objective: To examine the associations between internet use and overweight/obesity in people aged 15–49 years in Nepal and the extent to which these associations differ by biological sex. Materials and methods: The study analyzed the nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016 data. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the total effects of internet use (IU) in the last 12 months and frequency of internet use (FIU) in the last month on overweight/obesity adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Of the 10,380 participants, the prevalence of overweight/obesity by IU was 38% (95% confidence interval (CI): 35.9%, 40.1%) for males and 44.1% (95% CI: 41.6%, 46.6%) for female. The likelihood of overweight/obesity was significantly higher (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.55; 95% CI: 1.40, 1.73; p < 0.001) among those participants who used the internet compared to the participants who did not use the internet in the last 12 months. Similar associations were observed when using the augmented measure of exposure-FIU in the last month. We observed the modification effect of sex in the associations of IU (p-difference < 0.001) and FIU (p-difference < 0.002) with overweight/obesity in Nepal. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that future overweight/obesity interventions in Nepal discourage unnecessary internet use, particularly among males.
Use of Machine-Learning and Load–Velocity Profiling to Estimate 1-Repetition Maximums for Two Variations of the Bench-Press Exercise
Authors: Balsalobre-Fernández Carlos , Kipp Kristof
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the current study was to compare the ability of five different methods to estimate eccentric–concentric and concentric-only bench-press 1RM from load–velocity profile data. Smith machine bench-press tests were performed in an eccentric–concentric (n = 192) and a concentric-only manner (n = 176) while mean concentric velocity was registered using a linear position transducer. Load–velocity profiles were derived from incremental submaximal load (40–80% 1RM) tests. Five different methods were used to calculate 1RM using the slope, intercept, and velocity at 1RM (minimum velocity threshold—MVT) from the load–velocity profiles: calculation with individual MVT, calculation with group average MVT, multilinear regression without MVT, regularized regression without MVT, and an artificial neural network without MVT. Mean average errors for all methods ranged from 2.7 to 3.3 kg. Calculations with individual or group MVT resulted in significant overprediction of eccentric–concentric 1RM (individual MVT: difference = 0.76 kg, p = 0.020, d = 0.17; group MVT: difference = 0.72 kg, p = 0.023, d = 0.17). The multilinear and regularized regression both resulted in the lowest errors and highest correlations. The results demonstrated that bench-press 1RM can be accurately estimated from load–velocity data derived from submaximal loads and without MVT. In addition, results showed that multilinear regression can be used to estimate bench-press 1RM. Collectively, the findings and resulting equations should be helpful for strength and conditioning coaches as they would help estimating 1RM without MVT data.
The 360° Performance System in Team Sports: Is It Time to Design a “Personalized Jacket” for Team Sports Players?
Authors: Jukic Igor , Calleja-González Julio , Cuzzolin Francesco , Sampaio Jaime , Cos Francesc , Milanovic Luka , Krakan Ivan , Ostojic Sergej , Olmo Jesús , Requena Bernardo , Njaradi Nenad , Sassi Roberto , Rovira Mar , Kocaoglu Baris
Published: March 2021

Elite performance in team sports attracts the attention of the general public. In particular, the best players became incredibly skilled and physically powerful, which is a fact that potentiates the delivery of a product that is considered attractive, exciting, and competitive. Not surprisingly, this is a very valuable product from an economic and social standpoint; thus, all sports professionals are extremely interested in developing new procedures to improve their sports performance. Furthermore, the great interests of the various stakeholders (owners, chief executive officers (CEOs), agents, fans, media, coaches, players, families, and friends) are one of the main reasons for this development under the sports science umbrella and the accompanying sports industry. All their personal performances should be coordinated and put into practice by the sports team. In this scientific and applied study, we primarily dealt with the individual treatment of players in order to improve their personal performance and, consequently, the team’s sporting performance.
Microalgae Cultivation in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Treatment and Biofuel Production
Authors: Low Sze Shin , Bong Kien Xiang , Mubashir Muhammad , Cheng Chin Kui , Lam Man Kee , Lim Jun Wei , Ho Yeek Chia , Lee Keat Teong , Munawaroh Heli Siti Halimatul , Show Pau Loke
Published: March 2021

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is the wastewater produced during the palm oil sterilization process, which contains substantial amounts of nutrients and phosphorous that are harmful to the environment. High BOD and COD of POME are as high as 100,000 mg/L, which endanger the environment. Effective pre-treatment of POME is required before disposal. As microalgae have the ability of biosorption on nutrients and phosphorous to perform photosynthesis, they can be utilized as a sustainable POME treatment operation, which contributes to effective biofuel production. Microalgae species C. pyrenoidosa has shown to achieve 68% lipid production along with 71% nutrient reduction in POME. In this study, a brief discussion about the impacts of POME that will affect the environment is presented. Additionally, the potential of microalgae in treating POME is evaluated along with its benefits. Furthermore, the condition of microalgae growth in the POME is also assessed to study the suitable condition for microalgae to be cultivated in. Moreover, experimental studies on characteristics and performance of microalgae are being evaluated for their feasibility. One of the profitable applications of POME treatment using microalgae is biofuel production, which will be discussed in this review. However, with the advantages brought from cultivating microalgae in POME, there are also some concerns, as microalgae will cause pollution if they are not handled well, as discussed in the last section of this paper.
Applications of Absorbent Polymers for Sustainable Plant Protection and Crop Yield
Authors: Elshafie Hazem S. , Camele Ippolito
Published: March 2021

Natural strategies for protecting the environment as well as plant, animal and human health is considered one of the main goals of developed countries. Recently, the use of absorbent polymers and hydrogel in agriculture has demonstrated several benefits for soil amendments, saving water content, reducing the consumption of soil nutrients, minimizing the negative impacts of dehydration and moisture stress in crops and controlling several phytopathogens. The seed-coating technology for establishing the crops is a recent common practice used for improving seed protection and enhancing plant growth. Coating materials include absorbent polymers and hydrogels based on growth regulators, pesticides, fertilizers and antagonist microorganisms. The current review has highlighted the importance of different types of superabsorbent polymers and hydrogels in an integrated strategy to protect seeds, plants and soil in a balanced manner to preserve the ecosystem.
Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of U-Tube Borehole Heat Exchanger with Different Cross-Sections
Authors: Zhou Aizhao , Huang Xianwen , Wang Wei , Jiang Pengming , Li Xinwei
Published: March 2021

For reducing the initial GSHP investment, the heat transfer efficiency of the borehole heat exchange (BHE) system can be enhanced to reduce the number or depth of drilling. This paper proposes a novel and simple BHE design by changing the cross-sectional shape of the U-tube to increase the heat transfer efficiency of BHEs. Specifically, in this study, we (1) verified the reliability of the three-dimensional numerical model based on the thermal response test (TRT) and (2) compared the inlet and outlet temperatures of the different U-tubes at 48 h under the premise of constant leg distance and fluid area. Referent to the circular tube, the increases in the heat exchange efficiencies of the curved oval tube, flat oval tube, semicircle tube, and sector tube were 13.0%, 19.1%, 9.4%, and 14.8%, respectively. (3) The heat flux heterogeneity of the tubes on the inlet and outlet sides of the BHE, in decreasing order, is flat oval, semicircle, curved oval, sector, and circle shapes. (4) The temperature heterogeneity of the borehole wall in the BHE in decreasing order is circle, sector, curved oval, flat oval, and semicircle shapes. (5) Under the premise of maximum leg distance, referent to the heat resistance of the tube with a circle shape at 48 h, the heat exchange efficiency of the curved oval, flat oval, semicircle, and sector tubes increased 12.6%, 17.7%, 10.3%, and 7.8%, respectively. (6) We found that the adjustments of the leg distance and the tube shape affect the heat resistance by about 25% and 12%, respectively. (7) The flat-oval-shaped tube at the maximum leg distance was found to be the best tube design for BHEs.
Sustainable Development of the Energy Sector in a Country Deficient in Mineral Resources: The Case of the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Resniova Ecaterina , Ponomarenko Tatiana
Published: March 2021

The energy sector is an essential element in an economy’s infrastructure, so a deficit of national mineral resources makes the energy sector dependent on imports of raw materials, which in turn can negatively affect a country’s energy security. The sustainable development of the energy sector for countries with transitioning economies should be based on the energy trilemma. Four principles are proposed: diversification of energy resources and energy generation sources, ensuring energy efficiency, ensuring energy affordability, and green energy production. Based on a comparative analysis of the economic and energy indicators (for the years 2014 to 2019) of European countries that are not members of the European Union, the situation in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova is classified as critical and its fundamental issues are identified (107th place in the World Energy Trilemma Index). The main objectives of the study are: (1) To analyze energy and economic efficiency as well as the conditions for and problems of the functioning of the energy sector in countries with transition economies (using non-European Union countries as an example); (2) To present a substantiation of the directions for development of the energy sector in countries with transition economies that lack energy resources (using the Republic of Moldova as an example), taking into account the identified factors and principles of sustainable development; (3) To develop an economic and mathematical model for assessing the directions for the development of the energy sector in countries with transition economies using multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Decision-making methods can be used to select strategic development alternatives, particularly in the energy sector. MCDA has several advantages and uses in the following situations: comparing several alternatives; identifying the most preferable and unacceptable alternatives; comparing alternatives based on several (sometimes conflicting) criteria; looking for a compromise in a situation where different stakeholders have conflicting goals or values. A methodology including a system of 7 indicators and an economic and mathematical model for assessing development paths for the energy sector in countries with transition economies were developed that are based on multiple-criteria decision analysis. An algorithm and a computer program were developed to carry out MCDA and select the best development path for the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. The article presents a rationale for choosing the best option regarding the development of the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, which is a country with a deficit of its own energy resources.
Are Technological Innovation and Foreign Direct Investment a Way to Boost Economic Growth? An Egyptian Case Study Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model
Authors: Mohamed Maha Mohamed Alsebai , Liu Pingfeng , Nie Guihua
Published: March 2021

Both technological innovation and foreign direct investment have received widespread attention in the literature on their role in promoting economic growth. Therefore, this study aims to test the relationship between foreign direct investment, technological innovation, and economic growth of the Egyptian economy during the period between 1990–2019 using the autoregressive distributed lag model simultaneous integration test. Our findings show of the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) model estimation a joint complementary relationship between the rate of growth of per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in US dollars and the independent variables in the model in the long and short term, which are statistically significant results. We found a positive significant relationship between the variables of incoming foreign direct investment and share of total capital formation in economic growth. Therefore, in the long term, the rate of inflation and the innovation index had a negative impact in the long term and the speed of adjustment towards equilibrium was very large, as it was estimated at 1.5 years (1/0.651). Furthermore, the study also provides valuable lessons and a strategic vision for the Egyptian government, which aspires to advance technology and attract more foreign direct investment.
Economic Convenience Judgments among Seismic Risk Mitigation Measures and Regulatory and Fiscal Provisions: The Italian Case
Authors: Artese Serena , De Ruggiero Manuela , Salvo Francesca , Zinno Raffaele
Published: March 2021

The age of the Italian building heritage has prompted the Government to implement regulatory measures aimed at mitigating the seismic risk, encouraging anti-seismic interventions on residential buildings through specific tax benefits. This work intends to analyze the economic convenience associated with these building transformations from an appraisal perspective, proposing an analysis methodology aimed at evaluating the increase in market value of the transformed properties, and at identifying the most convenient among the various feasible interventions. The application to a case study allows highlighting the net economic benefits in the owners’ portfolios able to compensate the logistical inconveniences associated with this type of intervention, soliciting a greater awareness of seismic risk, and favoring private initiative at a widespread level.