bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to Stakeholder Involvement in Sustainable Rural Tourism Development—Experiences from Southeast Europe
Authors: Wanner Alice , Pröbstl-Haider  Ulrike
Published: June 2019

Participative planning approaches are vital to sustainable development in rural areas. However, stakeholder involvement also faces many barriers. In this Danube region case study, barriers to stakeholder involvement across eight rural regions are investigated. With the standardized conditions provided through an ERDF and IPA funded EU project, special attention could be paid to socio-cultural barriers, specifically concerning perception of sustainability and conflicts of interest. The effects of these barriers to the planning process are seen in the comparison of awareness concerning overall goals, indicators and the regional self-assessments. The implications for planning and management in rural tourism areas find that the perception of sustainability varies greatly, perceived deficiencies increase awareness and that crucial indicators need to be understood by stakeholders beginning a participative planning approach.
Thermodynamic and Exergoeconomic Analyses of a Novel Combined Cycle Comprised of Vapor-Compression Refrigeration and Organic Rankine Cycles
Authors: Javanshir Nima , Seyed Mahmoudi S. M. , Rosen Marc A.
Published: June 2019

In this study, a cooling/power cogeneration cycle consisting of vapor-compression refrigeration and organic Rankine cycles is proposed and investigated. Utilizing geothermal water as a low-temperature heat source, various operating fluids, including R134a, R22, and R143a, are considered for the system to study their effects on cycle performance. The proposed cycle is modeled and evaluated from thermodynamic and thermoeconomic viewpoints by the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. Thermodynamic properties as well as exergy cost rates for each stream are found separately. Using R143a as the working fluid, thermal and exergy efficiencies of 27.2% and 57.9%, respectively, are obtained for the cycle. Additionally, the total product unit cost is found to be 60.7 $/GJ. A parametric study is carried out to determine the effects of several parameters, such as turbine inlet pressure, condenser temperature and pressure, boiler inlet air temperature, and pinch-point temperature difference, on the cycle performance. The latter is characterized by such parameters as thermal and exergy efficiencies, refrigeration capacity, produced net power rate, exergy destruction rate, and the production unit cost rates. The results indicate that the system using R134a exhibits the lowest thermal and exergy efficiencies among other working fluids, while the systems using R22 and R143a exhibit the highest energy and exergy efficiencies, respectively. The boiler and turbine contribute the most to the total exergy destruction rate.
The Game Simulation of “The Belt and Road” Economic and Trade Network Based on the Asymmetric QRE Model
Authors: Zhao Changping , Wang Yecheng , Zhang Tianxiang , Huang Qingbo , Gong Yu
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces the asymmetric Quantal Response Equilibria (QRE) network game model to explain the influencing factors on the cooperative behavior of "The Belt and Road" countries. The findings suggest that the belief in the sensitivity to own payoff and counterparts, the reward for cooperation by neighbor nodes, the trade facilitation index, and the reduction rate of tariffs were incorporated to have a significant impact on the Belt and Road cooperation. Our findings provide important policy references to the belt and road countries.
The Effects of Plant Breeders’ Rights on Wheat Productivity and Varietal Improvement in South African Agriculture
Authors: Nhemachena Charity Ruramai , Kirsten Johann F. , Muchara Binganidzo
Published: June 2019

The strengthening of the intellectual property rights (IPRs) for plant varieties provide incentives for breeding companies to invest more resources in plant breeding. The main objective of this paper was to analyze the effects of strengthening the wheat variety intellectual protection on wheat productivity and the release of new varieties. The strength of IPR systems was measured using an intellectual property (IP) protection index, and plant breeders’ rights (PBRs) granted for wheat varieties. The empirical analyses were based on correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that strengthening IPR systems in South Africa contribute to improving wheat productivity and increasing the number of wheat varieties released. Furthermore, although the robust coefficients of the other IPR variables are positive, they are statistically insignificant for all scenarios. There is a need for more incentives beyond granting PBRs and strengthening of IPR systems to be provided in the whole wheat sector to stimulate increased investments and the release of new varieties.
Simulation to Enable a Data-Driven Circular Economy
Authors: Charnley Fiona , Tiwari Divya , Hutabarat Windo , Moreno Mariale , Okorie Okechukwu , Tiwari Ashutosh
Published: June 2019

This paper presents an investigation on how simulation informed by the latest advances in digital technologies such as the 4th Industrial Revolution (I4.0) and the Internet of Things (IoT) can provide digital intelligence to accelerate the implementation of more circular approaches in UK manufacturing. Through this research, a remanufacturing process was mapped and simulated using discrete event simulation (DES) to depict the decision-making process at the shop-floor level of a remanufacturing facility. To understand the challenge of using data in remanufacturing, a series of interviews were conducted finding that there was a significant variability in the condition of the returned product. To address this gap, the concept of certainty of product quality (CPQ) was developed and tested through a system dynamics (SD) and DES model to better understand the effects of CPQ on products awaiting remanufacture, including inspection, cleaning and disassembly times. The wider application of CPQ could be used to forecast remanufacturing and production processes, resulting in reduced costs by using an automatised process for inspection, thus allowing more detailed distinction between “go” or “no go” for remanufacture. Within the context of a circular economy, CPQ could be replicated to assess interventions in the product lifecycle, and therefore the identification of the optimal CE strategy and the time of intervention for the current life of a product—that is, when to upgrade, refurbish, remanufacture or recycle. The novelty of this research lies in investigating the application of simulation through the lens of a restorative circular economic model focusing on product life extension and its suitability at a particular point in a product’s life cycle.
Quantities, Determinants, and Awareness of Households’ Food Waste in Italy: A Comparison between Diary and Questionnaires Quantities
Authors: Giordano Claudia , Alboni Fabrizio , Falasconi Luca
Published: June 2019

Food waste at the household level accounts for a significant share of total food waste in developed economies, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Studies have shown that this share varies between 0.3 kg to 4.5 kg per person per week, depending on the definitions and methodologies applied. In Italy, quantities, behaviors, and attitudes regarding food waste have been solely explored through the use of questionnaires, typically leading to discrepant values of food waste. In this study, we estimate and analyse the determinants of food waste over a 388 units’ panel spread over the national territory, through a diary and questionnaire study. Moreover, by comparing food waste value that was declared in questionnaires and reported in diaries, we confirm that the awareness of food waste quantities is heavily biased. The results confirm that the average food waste value is significantly higher when gathered through diaries, while questionnaires are able to catch less than one-third of food waste determinants.
A Methodology to Assess the Suitability of Food Processing Technologies for Distributed Localised Manufacturing
Authors: Gimenez-Escalante Pedro , Rahimifard Shahin
Published: June 2019

Food processing technology research and development activities have historically been driven by large-scale manufacture upscaling drivers to profit from economies of scale. Increasing demand for high-quality food with pioneering texture profiles, consumer needs for personalised products impacting product formulation (i.e., fat, sugar and micronutrient content), and constrained availability of ingredients and resources are pressuring industrialists to utilise alternative technologies to enable a more sustainable food supply. Distributed and localised food manufacturing (DLM) has been identified as a promising strategy towards future sustainable systems with technology representing one of its cornerstones. Innovative methods and tools to support the selection of the best alternative technologies for DLM are required. This paper provides an overview of food processing technologies and includes a novel classification created to support future assessments. A novel qualitative assessment method encompassing multiple criteria to understand specific food technologies suitability for future DLM systems is presented. Finally, research benefits are explored through the application of the assessment method to several selected technologies with promising potential in future food manufacturing. The results demonstrate that this methodological approach can assist in the adoption of DLM food systems through the selection of the best technologies integrating individual manufacturer requirements.
The Balance of Individual and Infrastructure Values in Decisions Regarding Advanced Science and Technology
Authors: Hienuki Shunichi , Noguchi Kazuhiko , Shibutani Tadahiro , Saigo Takahiro , Miyake Atsumi
Published: June 2019

A country’s scientific technology policy rarely reflects public opinion. In this study, we created a hierarchical model of societal well-being, comprising five value components for both individual and infrastructure well-being, to analyze the balance among these values. We conducted a survey in two stages; first, both individual and infrastructure well-being were investigated, and then the weights between pairs of value categories composing individual and infrastructure well-being were scored to assess which categories were most important. The analysis of the first stage used the score magnitudes, while that of the second stage used the analytic hierarchy process. The results showed that people value individual well-being more than infrastructure well-being. For both types of well-being, values related to the economy and safety were ranked as more important than the other values, but the weights were distributed over all value components. For individual well-being, the most important value category was the one related to safety, while for infrastructure well-being, it was economy. Therefore, people prioritize different values for themselves and for society as a whole. This suggests that when making decisions regarding technology, it is necessary to understand its effects on all fields and consider the balance between the value categories of well-being.
Semi-Continuous Anaerobic Digestion of Orange Peel Waste: Effect of Activated Carbon Addition and Alkaline Pretreatment on the Process
Authors: Calabrò Paolo , Fazzino Filippo , Folino Adele , Paone Emilia , Komilis Dimitrios
Published: June 2019

The valorization of orange peel waste (OPW) is sought worldwide mainly via anaerobic digestion. A common problem encountered during the biological treatment is the seasonality of its production and the presence of d-Limonene. The latter is a typical anti-microbial compound. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the use of granular activated carbon (GAC) combined with alkaline pretreatment to enhance methane generation during semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of OPW. The experimental design consisted of two groups of experiments, A and B. Experiment A was designed to verify the maximum OPW loading and to assess the effect of pH and nutrients on the process. Experiment B was designed to study the effect of alkaline pretreatment alone and of alkaline pretreatment aided by biochar addition to the process. Apart from the methane yields, the d-Limonene contents were measured in all experiments. The preliminary results showed that OPW alkaline pretreatment after the addition of a moderate amount of GAC can render anaerobic digestion of OPW sustainable as long as the organic loading does not exceed 2 gVS·L−1·day−1 and nutrients are supplemented. The experiment in which GAC was added after alkaline pretreatment resulted in the highest methane yield and reactor stability.
Production of the Hydroxyl Radical and Removal of Formaldehyde by Calcined Green Tuff Powder and Tile
Authors: Fujita Toyohisa , Zhang Lanyin , Dodbiba Gjergj , Anh Ji-Whan , Wei Yuezhou , Kurokawa Hiromi , Matsui Hirofumi , Yamamoto Shigeki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Waste green tuff powder produced by cutting Towada stone has been utilized to eliminate formaldehyde related to greenhouse gases. The green tuff contains TiO2 on zeolite as observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM)t. The green tuff is a natural catalyst that can produce hydrogen peroxide with moisture and oxygen with light. The optimum temperature for calcination of the green tuff powder has been investigated in order to produce hydroxyl radicals from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using ultraviolet light (UV) and no light. The green tuff calcined at 800 °C showed a high decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide with no UV light under high alkaline conditions when measured by using ESR. With UV light, the optimum temperature for calcination of green tuff powder in order to reduce the hydroxyl radical was also 800 °C. Next, the powder calcined at 800 °C was used to produce the tile by compression and heating, and then the formaldehyde adsorption rate was measured. The green tuff powder calcined at 800 °C showed a high adsorption rate, similar to that of the activated carbon. The tiles formed at 40 MPa and heated at 1100 °C were the strongest and also showed adsorption with respect to formaldehyde. The adsorbed formaldehyde on the green tuff tile and powder was possibility decomposed by the hydroxyl radical produced by photocatalysis.
Conditionally Integrable Nonlinear Diffusion with Diffusivity 1/u
Authors: Broadbridge Philip , Goard Joanna M.
Published: June 2019

An explicit mapping is given from the space of general complex meromorphic functions to a space of special time-dependent solutions of the 1 + 2-dimensional nonlinear diffusion equation with diffusivity depending on concentration as D = 1 / u. These solutions have constant-flux boundary conditions. Some simple examples are constructed, including that of a line source enclosed by a cylindrical barrier. This has direct application to electron diffusion in a laser-heated plasma.
Modeling of Glide-Symmetric Dielectric Structures
Authors: Sipus Zvonimir , Bosiljevac Marko
Published: June 2019

Recently, there has been an increased interest in exploring periodic structures having higher symmetry properties, primarily based on metallic realization. The design of dielectric glide-symmetric structures has many challenges, and this paper presents a systematic analysis approach based on Floquet mode decomposition and mode matching technique. The presented procedure connects the analysis of standard periodic structures and glide-symmetric realizations, thus giving insight into the wave propagation and interaction characteristics. The obtained results were verified in comparison with results from known references and using a commercial solver, proving that the proposed analysis technique is inherently accurate, and the degree of accuracy depends only on the number of modes used. The proposed analysis approach represents the first step in the design process of dielectric periodic structures with glide symmetry.
Multi-Attribute Decision Making Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Power Maclaurin Symmetric Mean Operators in the Framework of Dempster-Shafer Theory
Authors: Gao Hui , Zhang Hui , Liu Peide
Published: June 2019

It is well known that there are some unfavorable shortcomings in the ordinary operational rules (OORs) of intuitionistic fuzzy number (IFN), and there exists a close and forceful connection between the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and Dempster-Shafer Theory (DST). We can utilize this relationship to present a transparent and fruitful semantic framework for IFS in terms of DST. In the framework of DST, an IFN can be converted into a basic probability assignment (BPA) and operations on IFNs can be represented as operations on a belief interval (BI), which can break away from the revealed shortcomings of the OORs of the IFN. Although there are many operators to aggregate the IFN, the operator to aggregate the BPA is rare. The Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operator has the advantage of considering interrelationships among any number of attributes. The power average (PA) operator can reduce the influences of extreme evaluation values. In addition, for measuring the difference between IFNs, we replace the Hamming distance and Euclidean distance with the Jousselme distance (JD). In this paper, we develop an intuitionistic fuzzy power MSM (IFPMSMDST) operator and an intuitionistic fuzzy weighted power MSM (IFPWMSMDST) operator in the framework of the DST and provide their favorable properties. Then, we propose a novel method based on the proposed operators to solve multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems without intermediate defuzzification when their attributes and weights are both IFNs. Finally, some examples are utilized to demonstrate that the proposed methods outperform the previous ones.
Effects of Destruxin A on Silkworm’s Immunophilins
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Weng Qunfang , Hu Qiongbo
Published: June 2019

Destruxin A (DA), a major secondary metabolite of Metarhizium anisopliae, has anti-immunity to insects. However, the detailed mechanism and its interactions with target proteins are elusive. Previously, three immunophilins, peptidyl–prolyl cis–trans isomerase (BmPPI), FK506 binding-protein 45 (BmFKBP45) and BmFKBP59 homologue, were isolated from the silkworm, Bombyx mori Bm12 cell line following treatment with DA, which suggested that these proteins were possible DA-binding proteins. To validate the interaction between DA and the three immunophilins, we performed bio-layer interferometry (BLI) assay, and the results showed that DA has interaction with BmPPI, whose affinity constant value is 1.98 × 10−3 M and which has no affinity with FKBP45 and FKBP59 homologue in vitro. Furthermore, we investigated the affinity between DA and human PPI protein (HsPPIA) and the affinity constant (KD) value is 2.22 × 10−3 M. Additionally, we compared the effects of silkworm and human PPI proteins produced by DA and immunosuppressants, cyclosporine A (CsA), and tacrolimus (FK506), by employing I2H (insect two-hybrid) in the SF-9 cell line. The results indicated that in silkworm, the effects created by DA and CsA were stronger than FK506. Furthermore, the effects created by DA in silkworm were stronger than those in humans. This study will offer new thinking to elucidate the molecular mechanism of DA in the immunity system of insects.
Biomonitoring Data for Assessing Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A Exposure by Italian Feedstuffs Workers
Authors: De Santis Barbara , Debegnach Francesca , Sonego Elisa , Mazzilli Gianmarco , Buiarelli Francesca , Ferri Fulvio , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Collini Giorgia , Brera Carlo
Published: June 2019

Mycotoxins exposure by inhalation and/or dermal contact is possible in different branches of industry especially where heavily dusty settings are present and the handling of dusty commodities is performed. This study aims to explore the validity of the biomonitoring as a tool to investigate the intake of mycotoxins in a population of workers operating in an Italian feed plant. Serum samples were collected for the determination of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), AFB1-Lysine adduct and ochratoxin A (OTA). A method based on liquid–liquid extraction coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry determination was developed and fully validated. For AFB1, a high number of non-detected samples (90%) was found and no statistical difference was observed comparing workers and control group. None of the analyzed samples showed the presence of AFB1-Lysine adduct. For OTA, the 100% of the analyzed samples was positive with a 33% of the samples showing a concentration higher than the limit of quantification (LOQ), but no statistical difference was highlighted between the average levels of exposed and control groups. In conclusion, the presence of AFB1 and OTA in serum cannot be attributable to occupational exposure.
Deoxynivalenol in the Diet Impairs Bone Mineralization in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Keçi Marsel , Lucke Annegret , Paulsen Peter , Zebeli Qendrim , Böhm Josef , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U.
Published: June 2019

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most abundant and important trichothecene mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species. In chickens, DON intake causes feed refusal, impairs performance, gut barrier function, and immunity, and raises oxidative stress. To determine the effect of DON on bone mineralization and serum calcium and phosphorus, 80 newly-hatched chickens were fed 4 diets with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg DON/kg feed in this pilot study. In week 5, chickens were euthanized, femur and tibiotarsus bones were separated from the meat, and after incineration ash composition, as well as serum calcium and phosphorus, were determined using clinical biochemistry. Dietary DON reduced chicken dry matter, calcium, and phosphorus intake, and subsequently body and leg weight. DON affected bone density and composition of the tibiotarsus more drastically than of the femur. However, lower mineral intake did not solely explain our observations of the quadratically lower tibiotarsus density and ash content, as well as linearly decreased Ca content in the femur and tibiotarsus with increasing DON levels. Linearly decreasing serum phosphorus concentrations with increasing DON levels further supported impaired mineral homeostasis due to DON. In conclusion, already low dietary DON contamination of 2.5 mg/kg feed can compromise bone mineralization in chickens.
Brown Spider (Loxosceles) Venom Toxins as Potential Biotools for the Development of Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Chaves-Moreira Daniele , Matsubara Fernando Hitomi , Schemczssen-Graeff Zelinda , De Bona Elidiana , Heidemann Vanessa Ribeiro , Guerra-Duarte Clara , Gremski Luiza Helena , Chávez-Olórtegui Carlos , Senff-Ribeiro Andrea , Chaim Olga Meiri , Arni Raghuvir Krishnaswamy , Veiga Silvio Sanches
Published: June 2019

Brown spider envenomation results in dermonecrosis with gravitational spreading characterized by a marked inflammatory reaction and with lower prevalence of systemic manifestations such as renal failure and hematological disturbances. Several toxins make up the venom of these species, and they are mainly peptides and proteins ranging from 5–40 kDa. The venoms have three major families of toxins: phospholipases-D, astacin-like metalloproteases, and the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides. Serine proteases, serpins, hyaluronidases, venom allergens, and a translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) are also present. Toxins hold essential biological properties that enable interactions with a range of distinct molecular targets. Therefore, the application of toxins as research tools and clinical products motivates repurposing their uses of interest. This review aims to discuss possibilities for brown spider venom toxins as putative models for designing molecules likely for therapeutics based on the status quo of brown spider venoms. Herein, we explore new possibilities for the venom components in the context of their biochemical and biological features, likewise their cellular targets, three-dimensional structures, and mechanisms of action.
Emerging Fusarium Mycotoxins Fusaproliferin, Beauvericin, Enniatins, and Moniliformin in Serbian Maize
Authors: Jajić Igor , Dudaš Tatjana , Krstović Saša , Krska Rudolf , Sulyok Michael , Bagi Ferenc , Savić Zagorka , Guljaš Darko , Stankov Aleksandra
Published: June 2019

Emerging mycotoxins such as moniliformin (MON), enniatins (ENs), beauvericin (BEA), and fusaproliferin (FUS) may contaminate maize and negatively influence the yield and quality of grain. The aim of this study was to determine the content of emerging Fusarium mycotoxins in Serbian maize from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 harvests. A total of 190 samples from commercial maize production operations in Serbia were analyzed for the presence of MON, ENs, BEA, and FUS using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The obtained results were interpreted together with weather data from each year. MON, BEA, and FUS were major contaminants, while other emerging mycotoxins were not detected or were found in fewer samples (<20%). Overall contamination was highest in 2016 when MON and BEA were found in 50–80% of samples. In 2017 and 2018, high levels of MON, FUS, and BEA were detected in regions with high precipitation and warm weather during the silking phase of maize (July and the beginning of August), when the plants are most susceptible to Fusarium infections. Since environmental conditions in Serbia are favorable for the occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi, monitoring Fusarium toxins is essential for the production of safe food and feed.
Systematic Review of PCR Proof of Parvovirus B19 Genomes in Endomyocardial Biopsies of Patients Presenting with Myocarditis or Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rigopoulos Angelos G. , Klutt Bianca , Matiakis Marios , Apostolou Athanasios , Mavrogeni Sophie , Noutsias Michel
Published: June 2019

Background: Diverse viral infections have been associated with myocarditis (MC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this meta-analysis, we summarize the published results on the association of parvovirus B19 (B19V) genomes with human MC/DCM versus controls. Methods: n = 197 publications referring to B19V and MC or DCM were retrieved using multiple PubMed search modes. Out of these, n = 29 publications met the inclusion criteria with data from prospective analyses on >10 unselected patients presenting with MC or DCM (dataset: MA01). Data retrieved simultaneously from both controls and MC/DCM patients were available from n = 8 from these publications (dataset: MA02). Results: In the dataset MA01 B19V genomes were detected in 42.6% of the endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) in this cohort by PCR. In the dataset MA02 comprising n = 638 subjects, there was no statistically significant different rate of B19V positivity in myocardial tissues comparing controls (mean: 38.8 + 24.1%) versus the MC/DCM-patients (45.5 + 24.3%; p = 0.58). There was also no statistical difference between the positivity rate of B19V genomes in myocardial tissues of MA01 (46.0 + 19.5%) and the two patient groups of MA02 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This systematic review reveals that the mean rate of PCR detected B19V genomes in patients presenting with MC/DCM does not differ significantly from the findings in control myocardial tissues. These data imply pathogenetically insignificant latency of B19V genomes in a proportion of myocardial tissues, both in MC-/DCM-patients and in controls. More information (i.e., replicative status, viral protein expression) is pertinent to achieve a comprehensive workup of myocardial B19V infection.
Understanding and Exploiting Phage–Host Interactions
Authors: Stone Edel , Campbell Katrina , Grant Irene , McAuliffe Olivia
Published: June 2019

Initially described a century ago by William Twort and Felix d’Herelle, bacteriophages are bacterial viruses found ubiquitously in nature, located wherever their host cells are present. Translated literally, bacteriophage (phage) means ‘bacteria eater’. Phages interact and infect specific bacteria while not affecting other bacteria or cell lines of other organisms. Due to the specificity of these phage–host interactions, the relationship between phages and their host cells has been the topic of much research. The advances in phage biology research have led to the exploitation of these phage–host interactions and the application of phages in the agricultural and food industry. Phages may provide an alternative to the use of antibiotics, as it is well known that the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has become an epidemic in clinical settings. In agriculture, pre-harvest and/or post-harvest application of phages to crops may prevent the colonisation of bacteria that are detrimental to plant or human health. In addition, the abundance of data generated from genome sequencing has allowed the development of phage-derived bacterial detection systems of foodborne pathogens. This review aims to outline the specific interactions between phages and their host and how these interactions may be exploited and applied in the food industry.
Hypsugopoxvirus: A Novel Poxvirus Isolated from Hypsugo savii in Italy
Authors: Lelli Davide , Lavazza Antonio , Prosperi Alice , Sozzi Enrica , Faccin Francesca , Baioni Laura , Trogu Tiziana , Cavallari Gian Luca , Mauri Matteo , Gibellini Anna Maria , Chiapponi Chiara , Moreno Ana
Published: June 2019

Interest in bat-related viruses has increased considerably during the last decade, leading to the discovery of a rising number of new viruses in several bat species. Poxviridae are a large, diverse family of DNA viruses that can infect a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. To date, only a few documented detections of poxviruses have been described in bat populations on three different continents (America, Africa, and Australia). These viruses are phylogenetically dissimilar and have diverse clinical impacts on their hosts. Herein, we report the isolation, nearly complete genome sequencing, and annotation of a novel poxvirus detected from an insectivorous bat (Hypsugo savii) in Northern Italy. The virus is tentatively named Hypsugopoxvirus (HYPV) after the bat species from which it was isolated. The nearly complete genome size is 166,600 nt and it encodes 161 genes. Genome analyses suggest that HYPV belongs to the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, with the highest nucleotide identity (85%) to Eptesipoxvirus (EPTV) detected from a microbat Eptesicus fuscus in WA, USA, in 2011. To date, HYPV represents the first poxvirus detected in bats in Europe; thus, its viral ecology and disease associations should be investigated further.
Frequency of Hepatitis B Virus Resistance Mutations in Women Using Tenofovir Gel as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Baxter Cheryl , Ngcapu Sinaye , Blackard Jason T , Powell Eleanor A , Penton Patricia K , Abdool Karim Salim S
Published: June 2019

Intermittent use of a single antiretroviral agent in the presence of a replicating virus could potentially increase the development of antiviral resistance. The pericoital, before-and-after sex, dosing regimen used in the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 004 tenofovir gel trial meant that women who were infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) were exposed intermittently to tenofovir during their participation. The impact of this dosing regimen on HBV resistance was assessed by amplification of the HBV polymerase region from 37 stored plasma samples of women who were HBV surface antigen positive. All samples belonged to HBV genotype A. None of the known tenofovir resistance mutations (M240V/I, L180M, A194T, V214A, N238T) were identified in any individuals. While it is reassuring that no resistance mutations were found among women using topical tenofovir, the rapidly expanding access to oral tenofovir-containing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with higher systemic exposure to the drug, makes monitoring for potential HBV drug resistance important.
Analysis of Migration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Sewage Sludge Used for Fertilization to Soils, Surface Waters, and Plants
Authors: Stańczyk-Mazanek Ewa , Stępniak Longina , Kępa Urszula
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we discuss the effect sewage sludge (SS) application has on the contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fertilized soils and groundwater. Morver, the contents of these compounds in plant biomass was analyzed. For six months, composted sewage sludge was introduced into sandy soil. The research was conducted under lysimetric experiment conditions with the possibility of collecting soil leachate in natural conditions. The following doses of sewage sludge were used: 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t/ha calculated per experimental object containing 10 kg of sandy soil. The examinations were carried out within a three-year time frame. Dactylis glomerata grass was grown on the fertilized soils. Every year, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was collected from fertilized objects and analyzed in soil leachate, which can contaminate surface water. The following six polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons defined by Polish standards were determined: benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, and benzo(g,h,i)perylene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. Further, the content of PAHs in soils and the bioaccumulation of these compounds in cultivated plants were evaluated after each year. The results of the study showed that the increase in the dose of sewage sludge used for soil fertilization led to the rise in the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analyzed in the soil. The compounds migrated to cultivated plants. This phenomenon was observed especially in the first year following soil fertilization with sewage sludge. Excessive accumulation of PAHs (especially benzo(a)pyrene) was observed in plant biomass in the first year of a lysimetric experiment after sewage sludge fertilization with doses greater than 10 t/ha. The increase in bioaccumulation of this compound in plant biomass compared to control objects was 138%, 288%, and 505% after application of 20, 30, and 40 t/ha, respectively. Fertilization with sewage sludge did not cause contamination with PAHs in water leachates from the soils.
Small-Scale Rainfall Variability Impacts Analyzed by Fully-Distributed Model Using C-Band and X-Band Radar Data
Authors: Paz Igor , Willinger Bernard , Gires Auguste , Alves de Souza Bianca , Monier Laurent , Cardinal Hervé , Tisserand Bruno , Tchiguirinskaia Ioulia , Schertzer Daniel
Published: June 2019

Recent studies have highlighted the need for high resolution rainfall measurements for better modelling of urban and peri-urban catchment responses. In this work, we used a fully-distributed model called “Multi-Hydro” to study small-scale rainfall variability and its hydrological impacts. The catchment modelled is a semi-urban area located in the southwest region of Paris, an area that has been previously partially validated. At this time, we make some changes to the model, henceforth using its drainage system globally, and we investigate the influence of small-scale rainfall variability by modelling three rainfall events with two different rainfall data inputs: the C-band radar data provided by Météo-France at a 1 km × 1 km × 5 min resolution, and the new X-band radar (recently installed at Ecole des Ponts, France) data at a resolution of 250 m × 250 m × 3.41 min, thereby presenting the gains of better resolution (with the help of Universal Multifractals). Finally, we compare the Multi-Hydro hydrological results with those obtained using an operational semi-distributed model called “Optim Sim” over the same area to revalidate Multi-Hydro modelling, and discuss the model’s limitations and the impacts of data quality and resolution, observing the difficulties associated with semi-distributed models when accounting the spatial variability of weather radar data. This work concludes that it may be useful in future to improve rainfall data acquisition, aiming for better spatio-temporal resolution (now achieved by the weather dual-polarized X-band radars) and data quality when considering small-scale rainfall variability, and to merge deterministic, fully-distributed and stochastic models into a hybrid model which would be capable of taking this small-scale rainfall variability into account.
Computational Thermodynamic Analysis of the Interaction between Coagulants and Monosaccharides as a Tool to Quantify the Fouling Potential Reduction in the Biofilm Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Kulesha Olga , Ratnaweera Harsha
Published: June 2019

The membrane bioreactor (MBR) and the biofilm membrane bioreactor (BF-MBR) are among key solutions to water scarcity; however, membrane fouling is the major bottleneck for any expansion of these technologies. Prepolymerized aluminum coagulants tend to exhibit the greatest extent of fouling alleviation, with the reduction of soluble microbial products (SMPs) being among the governing mechanisms, which, nevertheless, has been poorly understood. This current study demonstrates that the investigation of the chemical coordination of monosaccharides, which are the major foulants in MBR and BF-MBR, to the main hydrolysis species of the prepolymerized aluminum coagulant, is among the key approaches to the comprehension of the fouling mitigation mechanisms in BF-MBR. Quantum chemical and thermodynamic calculations, together with the multivariate chemometric analysis, allowed the team to determine the principal mechanisms of the SMPs removal, understand the thermodynamic patterns of fouling mitigation, develop the model for the prediction of the fouling mitigation based on the thermodynamic stability of the inorganic-organic complexes, and classify these complexes into thermodynamically stable and less stable species. The results of the study are practically significant for the development of plant surveillance and automated process control with regard to MBR and BF-MBR systems.
A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States
Authors: Wu Shu , Markus Momcilo , Lorenz David , Angel James , Grady Kevin
Published: June 2019

Many studies have projected that as the climate changes, the magnitudes of extreme precipitation events in the Northeastern United States are likely to continue increasing, regardless of the emission scenario. To examine this issue, we analyzed observed and modeled daily precipitation frequency (PF) estimates in the Northeastern US on the rain gauge station scale based on both annual maximum series (AMS) and partial duration series (PDS) methods. We employed four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) downscaled data sets, including a probabilistic statistically downscaled data set developed specifically for this study. The ability of these four data sets to reproduce the observed features of historical point PF estimates was compared, and the two with the best historical accuracy, including the newly developed probabilistic data set, were selected to produce projected PF estimates under two CMIP5-based emission scenarios, namely Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). These projections indeed demonstrate a likely increase in PF estimates in the Northeastern US with noted differences in magnitudes and spatial distributions between the two data sets and between the two scenarios. We also quantified how the exceedance probabilities of the historical PF estimate values are likely to increase under each scenario using the two best performing data sets. Notably, an event with a current exceedance probability of 0.01 (a 100-year event) may have an exceedance probability for the second half of the 21st century of ≈0.04 (a 27-year event) under the RCP4.5 scenario and ≈0.05 (a 19-year event) under RCP8.5. Knowledge about the projected changes to the magnitude and frequency of heavy precipitation in this region will be relevant for the socio-economic and environmental evaluation of future infrastructure projects and will allow for better management and planning decisions.
The Impacts of Water Demand and Its Implications for Future Surface Water Resource Management: The Case of Tanzania’s Wami Ruvu Basin (WRB)
Authors: Miraji Mngereza , Liu Jie , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: June 2019

River basins around the world face similar issues of water scarcity, deficient infrastructure, and great disparities in water availability between sub-regions, both within and between countries. In this study, different strategies under the Water Evaluation and Planning system (WEAP) were assessed to mitigate water overuse practices under the Current Trend (CT), Economic Growth (EG), and Demand Side Management (DSM) scenarios in relation to current and future statuses of Tanzania’s Wami Ruvu Basin (WRB). The results show that neither domestic nor irrigation water demand will be met based on the current trend. Under the CT scenario, the total water demand is projected to rise from 1050.0 million cubic meters in the year 2015, to 2122.9 million cubic meters by the year 2035, while under the DSM scenario the demand dropped to 990.0 million cubic meters in the year 2015 and to 1715.8 million cubic meters by the year 2035. This study reveals that there is a positive correlation between the highest surface runoff events and the highest unmet demand events in the basin. Terrestrial water demand alters the hydrological cycle of a catchment by modifying parameters such as surface runoff, particularly in small catchments. The results of this study prove that DSM strategies are more amenable to mitigate the impacts and implications of water demand, as they increase water sustainability and ensure ecosystem security by reducing the annual water demands and surface runoff by 15% and 2%, respectively.
Zooplankton Size as a Factor Determining the Food Selectivity of Roach (Rutilus Rutilus) in Water Basin Outlets
Authors: Czerniawski Robert , Krepski Tomasz
Published: June 2019

Fish occurring in the outlets of water basins reduce the abundance of zooplankton. The study was performed at the outlet sections of the lake and waste stabilization pond of a sewage treatment plant. The aim of the study was to determine which zooplankton is chosen more often by the roach (Rutilus rutilus), those drifting from the waste stabilization pond or from the lake. The zooplankton from the pond was dominated by Daphnia pulex while zooplankton from the lake was dominated by small planktonic rotifers. We observed that the larger the plankter-victim’s size, the faster the reduction of its number. The fish were more likely to feed on zooplankton drifting from the waste stabilization pond than from the lake. It was influenced by D. pulex individuals, attractive for fish due to their largest body size among the analyzed zooplankton. The significance of riverine zooplankton in the downstream food web may render this data even more important.
Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Needs in Cities and along Corridors
Authors: Wolbertus Rick , Van den Hoed Robert
Published: June 2019

Fast charging is seen as a means to facilitate long-distance driving for electric vehicles (EVs). As a result, roll-out planning generally takes a corridor approach. However, with higher penetration of electric vehicles in urban areas, cities contemplate whether inner-city fast chargers can be an alternative for the growing amount of slow public chargers. For this purpose, more knowledge is required in motives and preferences of users and actual usage patterns of fast chargers. Similarly, with increasing charging speeds of fast chargers and different modes (taxi, car sharing) also switching to electric vehicles, the effect of charging speed should be evaluated as well as preferences amongst different user groups. This research investigates the different intentions and motivations of EV drivers at fast charging stations to see how charging behaviour at such stations differs using both data analysis from charging stations as a survey among EV drivers. Additionally, it estimates the willingness of EV drivers to use fast charging as a substitute for on-street home charging given higher charging speeds. The paper concludes that limited charging speeds imply that EV drivers prefer parking and charging over fast charging but this could change if battery developments allow higher charging speeds.
Comparative analysis of physiologically important fatty acids
Authors: Gabriella Kövér  , Zoltán Győri
Published: June 2019

Fatty acid composition of some vegetable oils, like wheat germ, walnut, peanut, hempseed, linseed, sunflower-seed, olive, rapeseed, grape seed or pumpkin seed, analysed at Food Science Institute of Debrecen University, are summarised here. The effect of heat treatments usually used in Hungarian cuisine was examined in this paper.The influence of different fatty acids on human health is also reviewed.
The special questions of nutrition of forest plants
Authors: Marianna Marozsán
Published: June 2019

Some physiological effects of bacteria containing fertilizer and some wood ash were examined in the experiments. The minimization of the use of chemicals in agriculture has been an ongoing challenge. One option lies in the intenzification of soil life. The release of organic matters by the roots and bacteria play a significant role in the uptake of minerals. The main problem to usilize wood ash in agriculture is its heavy metal contents. Thesolubility of heavy metals is very low, therefore there is no risk to use the wood ash in the agriculture and in the horticulture according to our experiments. The wood ash and biofertilizer contains several micronutrients in an optimum composition for forestry and agricultural plants.
Climate change: Sources of uncertainty in precipitation and temperature projections for Denmark
Authors: Pasten-Zapata Ernesto , Sonnenborg Torben O. , Refsgaard Jens Christian
Published: June 2019

Global Climate Models (GCMs) are the main tools used to assess the impacts of climate change. Due to their coarse resolution, with cells of c. 100 km × 100 km, GCMs are dynamically downscaled using Regional Climate Models (RCMs) that better incorporate the local physical features and simulate the climate of a smaller region, e.g. a country. However, RCMs tend to have systematic biases when compared with local observations, such as deviations from day-to-day measurements, and from the mean and extreme events. As a result, confidence in the model projections decreases. One way to address this is to correct the RCM output using statistical methods that relate the simulations with the observations, producing bias-corrected (BC) projections.

Here, we present the first assessment of a previously published method to bias-correct 21 RCM projections of daily temperature and precipitation for Denmark. We assess the projected changes and sources of uncertainty. The study provides an initial assessment of the bias correction procedure applied to this set of model outputs to adjust projections of annual temperature, precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET). This method is expected to provide a foundation for further analysis of climate change impacts in Denmark.
ANALISIS PENGARUH KEBIJAKAN DEVIDEN, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, PERTUMBUHAN PENJUALAN, DAN KEPEMILIKAN MANAJERIAL TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN UTANG PERUSAHAAN
Authors: Setiawati Loh Wenny , Kristani Jane
Published: June 2019

In order to gain profit, companies need to manage their capital. One element to note is how big the company is able to meet the needs of funds that will be used to generate profits for the company. The funds can be obtained from external parties, and set in the corporate debt policy. Debt policy is a liability taken by the management in order to obtain the source of financing for the company so that it can be used to finance the company's operational activities. This research uses multiple linier regression analysis method that will test the influence of dividend policy, firm size, sales growth and managerial ownership to corporate debt policy. The samples used in this study are 103 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2012 - 2014. The results of this research indicate that firm size, sales growth affect the corporate debt policy, while dividend policy and managerial ownership have no effect on corporate debt policy.