bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Handgrip Strength in Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Campa Francesco , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino , Greco Gianpiero , Mauro Mario , Mazzuca Paolo , Spiga Federico , Toselli Stefania
Published: July 2020

Background: Resistance training improves health in obese and overweight people. However, it is not clear what is the optimal weekly resistance training frequency and the most efficacious training protocol on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, and handgrip strength (HS). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a supervised structured 24 week resistance training program on obese and overweight women. Methods: Forty-five women (BMI 37.1 ± 6.3 kg/m2; age 56.5 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: A group with a high weekly training frequency of three times a week (HIGH) and a group that performed it only once a week (LOW). Cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometric and HS measures were taken before and after the intervention period. Results: A significant (p < 0.05) group by time interaction was observed for body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, plasma glucose, plasma insulin, homeostatic model assessment, and for dominant and absolute HS. Additionally, only the HIGH group saw increased HS and decreased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol after the intervention period (p < 0.05). The observed increase in HS was associated with an improved insulin resistance sensitivity (absolute handgrip strength: r = −0.40, p = 0.007; relative handgrip strength: r = −0.47, p = 0.001) after training, which constitutes an essential element for cardiovascular health. Conclusions: The results suggest that high weekly frequency training give greater benefits for weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors improvement than a training program with a training session of once a week. Furthermore, the improvement of HS can be achieved with a high weekly frequency training.
A Comparison of Different Wave Modelling Techniques in An Open-Source Hydrodynamic Framework
Authors: Wang Weizhi , Kamath Arun , Martin Tobias , Pákozdi Csaba , Bihs Hans
Published: July 2020

Modern design for marine and coastal activities places increasing focus on numerical simulations. Several numerical wave models have been developed in the past few decades with various techniques and assumptions. Those numerical models have their own advantages and disadvantages. The proper choice of the most useful numerical tool depends on the understanding of the validity and limitations of each model. In the past years, REEF3D has been developed into an open-source hydrodynamic numerical toolbox that consists of several modules based on the Navier–Stokes equations, the shallow water equations and the fully nonlinear potential theory. All modules share a common numerical basis which consists of rectilinear grids with an immersed boundary method, high-order finite differences and high-performance computing capabilities. The numerical wave tank of REEF3D utilises a relaxation method to generate waves at the inlet and dissipate them at the numerical beach. In combination with the choice of the numerical grid and discretisation methods, high accuracy and stability can be achieved for the calculation of free surface wave propagation and transformation. The comparison among those models provide an objective overview of the different wave modelling techniques in terms of their numerical performance as well as validity. The performance of the different modules is validated and compared using several benchmark cases. They range from simple propagations of regular waves to three-dimensional wave breaking over a changing bathymetry. The diversity of the test cases help with an educated choice of wave models for different scenarios.
Development and Use of New Polymer Adhesives for the Restoration of Marine Equipment Units
Authors: Sapronov Oleksandr , Maruschak Pavlo , Sotsenko Vitalii , Buketova Natalia , De Deus Antonio Bertem Da Gloria , Sapronova Anna , Prentkovskis Olegas
Published: July 2020

A new adhesive material and a restoration technology for marine equipment units are proposed. The optimal content of hardeners of different nature is found, and the effect of temperature conditions used for crosslinking epoxy resin DER-331, on the adhesive properties of the polymeric material is determined. The polymerization of the epoxy oligomer DER-331 and polyethylene polyamine (PEPA) hardener at a temperature T = 413 ± 2 K is found to enhance the adhesive properties of the polymeric material by 3.2–3.6 times, as compared to polymer GEN-150. In addition, the separation pattern of metal surfaces was analyzed, which allowed for an in-depth evaluation of the adhesive strength at separation and its variation upon increasing the content of hardeners introduced. Based on complex studies, it is shown that the developed polymeric adhesive should be used in the restoration of marine transport units, in particular, wheel fit in the compressor section of turbocharger.
Effect of Waste Glass Addition as a Replacement for Fine Aggregate on Properties of Mortar
Authors: Małek Marcin , Łasica Waldemar , Jackowski Mateusz , Kadela Marta
Published: July 2020

A responsible approach towards sustainable development requires the use of environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and energy-intensive materials. One positive way is to use glass waste as a replacement for fine natural aggregate. For this purpose, the effects of adding glass cullet to the mechanical properties of mortar were carried out. The glass aggregate made from recycled post-consumer waste glass (food, medicine, and cosmetics packaging, including mostly bottles), were used. This experimental work included four different contents of fine glass cullet (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% of fine aggregate). The compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths were evaluated. Moreover, the modulus of elasticity and Poisson coefficient were determined. The addition of glass sand aggregate increases the mechanical properties of mortar. When comparing the strength, the obtained improvement in split tensile strength was the least affected. The obtained effect for the increased analysed properties of the glass sand aggregate content has been rarely reported. Moreover, it was determined that by increasing the recycled glass sand aggregate content, the density of mortar decreased. In addition, the relationships between the properties for mortar containing glass sand aggregate were observed.
Uncertainty Modeling of Fatigue Crack Growth and Probabilistic Life Prediction for Welded Joints of Nuclear Stainless Steel
Authors: Chang Haijun , Shen Mengling , Yang Xiaohua , Hou Junxia
Published: July 2020

Welded joints are widely used in the pipeline connection of nuclear power plants. Defects in these joints are an important factor leading to the failure of welded joints. It is critical to study the fatigue crack growth and life prediction methods for the welded joints with defects, to reduce their likelihood. In this paper, we present our study of the uncertainty of fatigue crack propagation and probabilistic life prediction for welded joints of nuclear stainless steel. The standard compact tension (CT) specimens were fabricated according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard. Fatigue crack propagation tests with different stress ratios were performed on CT specimens, using the Mei Te Si (MTS) fatigue test system. A fatigue crack propagation rate model considering the uncertainty of material parameters, and based on the Paris formula and crack propagation experimental data, was established. A probabilistic life prediction method based on Monte Carlo simulation was developed. The fatigue crack propagation prediction result of a CT specimen was compared with the actual tested result, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, the method was applied to an embedded elliptical crack in welded joints of nuclear stainless steel, to predict the fatigue crack growth life and evaluate the reliability.
Regulation of Host Immune Responses against Influenza A Virus Infection by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs)
Authors: Yu Jiabo , Sun Xiang , Goie Jian Yi Gerald , Zhang Yongliang
Published: July 2020

Influenza is a major respiratory viral disease caused by infections from the influenza A virus (IAV) that persists across various seasonal outbreaks globally each year. Host immune response is a key factor determining disease severity of influenza infection, presenting an attractive target for the development of novel therapies for treatments. Among the multiple signal transduction pathways regulating the host immune activation and function in response to IAV infections, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are important signalling axes, downstream of various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), activated by IAVs that regulate various cellular processes in immune cells of both innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, aberrant MAPK activation underpins overexuberant production of inflammatory mediators, promoting the development of the “cytokine storm”, a characteristic of severe respiratory viral diseases. Therefore, elucidation of the regulatory roles of MAPK in immune responses against IAVs is not only essential for understanding the pathogenesis of severe influenza, but also critical for developing MAPK-dependent therapies for treatment of respiratory viral diseases. In this review, we will summarise the current understanding of MAPK functions in both innate and adaptive immune response against IAVs and discuss their contributions towards the cytokine storm caused by highly pathogenic influenza viruses.
Maternal Supplementation of Food Ingredient (Prebiotic) or Food Contaminant (Mycotoxin) Influences Mucosal Immune System in Piglets
Authors: Ferret-Bernard Stéphanie , Le Normand Laurence , Romé Véronique , Le Bourgot Cindy , Seeboth Julie , Savary Gérard , Laurent Fabrice , Le Huërou-Luron Isabelle , Guzylack-Piriou Laurence
Published: July 2020

The early life period is crucial for the maturation of the intestinal barrier, its immune system, and a life-long beneficial host–microbiota interaction. The study aims to assess the impact of a beneficial dietary (short-chain fructooligosaccharides, scFOS) supplementation vs. a detrimental dietary environment (such as mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, DON) on offspring intestinal immune system developmental profiles. Sows were given scFOS-supplemented or DON-contaminated diets during the last 4 weeks of gestation, whereas force-feeding piglets with DON was performed during the first week of offspring life. Intestinal antigen-presenting cell (APC) subset frequency was analyzed by flow cytometry in the Peyer’s patches and in lamina propria and the responsiveness of intestinal explants to toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands was performed using ELISA and qRT-PCR from post-natal day (PND) 10 until PND90. Perinatal exposure with scFOS did not affect the ontogenesis of APC. While it early induced inflammatory responses in piglets, scFOS further promoted the T regulatory response after TLR activation. Sow and piglet DON contamination decreased CD16+ MHCII+ APC at PND10 in lamina propria associated with IFNγ inflammation and impairment of Treg response. Our study demonstrated that maternal prebiotic supplementation and mycotoxin contamination can modulate the mucosal immune system responsiveness of offspring through different pathways.
Food Security and Diet Quality in Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino Infants 3 to 12 Months of Age
Authors: Campbell Sally , Chen John J. , Boushey Carol J. , Eicher-Miller Heather , Zhu Fengqing , Fialkowski Marie K.
Published: July 2020

Food insecurity and other nutritional risks in infancy pose a lifelong risk to wellbeing; however, their effect on diet quality in Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino (NHPIF) infants in Hawai‘i is unknown. In this cross-sectional analysis, the association between various indicators of food security and NHPIF infant diet quality were investigated in 70 NHPIF infants aged 3–12 months residing on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. The dietary assessments of the infants were collected using a mobile food recordTM. Foods consumed across four days were categorized into seven food groups. Indicators for food security were examined through an adapted infant food security index and other indicators. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, multinomial logistic regression, and linear regression models. In models adjusting for age and sex, infants defined as food insecure by the adapted index were found to consume foods from more food groups and consume flesh foods on a greater proportion of days. Of the indicators examined, the adapted index was shown to be the best indicator for food group consumption. Further work is needed on a more representative sample of NHPIF infants to determine the impact that food security has on nutritional status and other indicators of health.
Restrained Eating and Vegan, Vegetarian and Omnivore Dietary Intakes
Authors: Brytek-Matera Anna
Published: July 2020

There are a significant number of studies on cognitive restraint among individuals with varying dietary patterns. Although most research has found that vegetarians report higher levels of cognitive restraint compared to non-vegetarians, many studies have contributed inconsistent results. The aim of the current study, therefore, was to assess any differences between groups with varying dietary patterns on cognitive restraint and other disordered eating pattern. The second objective was to examine determinants of cognitive restraint in individuals adhering to a vegan diet, a vegetarian diet and an omnivore diet. Two-hundred and fifty-four participants with varying dietary patterns completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire and the Eating Habits Questionnaire. Our results indicated that both vegetarian and vegan groups showed a significantly lower cognitive restraint, lower emotional eating and lower uncontrolled eating than those who followed an omnivorous diet. In addition, these both groups following a plant-based diet have shown more cognitions, behaviours and feelings related to an extreme focus on healthy eating (orthorexia nervosa) than group following an omnivorous diet. There were no significant differences between the groups in perseverative thinking. Core characteristics of repetitive negative thinking was a significant predictor of cognitive restraint in vegans. Feeling positively about healthy eating predicted cognitive restraint among vegetarians. Problems associated with healthy eating and feeling positively about healthy eating predicted cognitive restraint among individuals following an omnivorous diet. Knowledge of predictors of cognitive restraint may serve as a psychological intervention goal or psychoeducation goal among individuals with varying dietary patterns.
Genetic Diversity Among SARS-CoV2 Strains in South America may Impact Performance of Molecular Detection
Authors: Ramírez Juan David , Muñoz Marina , Hernández Carolina , Flórez Carolina , Gomez Sergio , Rico Angelica , Pardo Lisseth , Barros Esther C. , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto E.
Published: July 2020

Since its emergence in Wuhan (China) on December 2019, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread worldwide. After its arrival in South America in February 2020, the virus has expanded throughout the region, infecting over 900,000 individuals with approximately 41,000 reported deaths to date. In response to the rapidly growing number of cases, a number of different primer-probe sets have been developed. However, despite being highly specific, most of these primer-probe sets are known to exhibit variable sensitivity. Currently, there are more than 300 SARS-CoV2 whole genome sequences deposited in databases from Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina. To test how regional viral diversity may impact oligo binding sites and affect test performance, we reviewed all available primer-probe sets targeting the E, N, and RdRp genes against available South American SARS-CoV-2 genomes checking for nucleotide variations in annealing sites. Results from this in silico analysis showed no nucleotide variations on the E-gene target region, in contrast to the N and RdRp genes which showed massive nucleotide variations within oligo binding sites. In lines with previous data, our results suggest that the E-gene stands as the most conserved and reliable target when considering single-gene target testing for molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in South America.
Bovine Papillomatosis Hiding a Zoonotic Infection: Epitheliotropic Viruses in Bovine Skin Lesions
Authors: Gallina Laura , Savini Federica , Canziani Sabrina , Frasnelli Matteo , Lavazza Antonio , Scagliarini Alessandra , Lelli Davide
Published: July 2020

We describe two cases of skin co-infections with epitheliotropic viruses, detected in two cattle during lumpy skin disease (LSD) surveillance in northern Italy. A diagnostic protocol including different molecular methods as well as negative staining electron microscopy was applied to detect the most common viral agents belonging to the family Papillomaviridae, Poxviridae and Herpesviridae which cause skin diseases in cattle. Two specimens were collected from cases clinically diagnosed as papillomatosis and pseudo-LSD. Both skin lesions were shown to harbor more than one viral species. This case report shows, for the first time, co-infection of zoonotic parapoxvirus with bovine papillomavirus and herpesvirus in skin lesions of cattle. In particular, the simultaneous presence of virions morphologically referable to parapoxvirus and papillomavirus confirms that the replication of both viruses in the same lesion can happen and the so-called papillomatosis can bear zoonotic viruses.
Evaluation and Normalization of Topographic Effects on Vegetation Indices
Authors: Chen Rui , Yin Gaofei , Liu Guoxiang , Li Jing , Verger Aleixandre
Published: July 2020

The normalization of topographic effects on vegetation indices (VIs) is a prerequisite for their proper use in mountainous areas. We assessed the topographic effects on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), the soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and the near-infrared reflectance of terrestrial vegetation (NIRv) calculated from Sentinel-2. The evaluation was based on two criteria: the correlation with local illumination condition and the dependence on aspect. Results show that topographic effects can be neglected for the NDVI, while they heavily influence the SAVI, EVI, and NIRv: the local illumination condition explains 19.85%, 25.37%, and 26.69% of the variation of the SAVI, EVI, and NIRv, respectively, and the coefficients of variation across different aspects are, respectively, 8.13%, 10.46%, and 14.07%. We demonstrated the applicability of existing correction methods, including statistical-empirical (SE), sun-canopy-sensor with C-correction (SCS + C), and path length correction (PLC), dedicatedly designed for reflectance, to normalize topographic effects on VIs. Our study will benefit vegetation monitoring with VIs over mountainous areas.
Noise-sensitivity Analysis and Improvement of Automatic Retrieval of Temperature and Emissivity Using Spectral Smoothness
Authors: Shao Honglan , Liu Chengyu , Xie Feng , Li Chunlai , Wang Jianyu
Published: July 2020

There are numerous algorithms that can be used to retrieve land surface temperature (LST) and land surface emissivity (LSE) from hyperspectral thermal infrared (HTIR) data. The algorithms are sensitive to a number of factors, where noise is difficult to handle due to its unpredictability. Although there is a lot of research regarding the influence of noise on retrieval errors, few studies have focused on the mechanism. In this study, we selected the automatic retrieval of temperature and emissivity using spectral smoothness (ARTEMISS) algorithm—the representative of the iterative spectral smoothness temperature-emissivity separation algorithm family—as the research object and proposed an improved algorithm. First, we analyzed the influence mechanism of noise on the retrieval errors of ARTEMISS in theory. Second, we carried out a simulation and inversion experiment and analyzed the relationship between instrument spectral resolution, noise level, the ARTEMISS parameter setting and the retrieval errors separately. Last, we proposed an improved method (resolution-degrade-based spectral smoothness algorithm, RDSS) based on the mechanism and law of the influence of noise on retrieval errors and provided corresponding suggestions on instrument design. The results show that RDSS improves the accuracy of temperature inversion and is more effective for thermal infrared data with a high noise level and high spectral resolution, which can reduce the LST inversion error by up to 0.75 K and the LSE median absolute deviation (MAD) by 31%. In the presence of noise in HTIR data, the RDSS algorithm performs better than the ARTEMISS algorithm in terms of temperature-emissivity separation.
Machine Learning to Quantify Physical Activity in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Comparison of Group, Group-Personalized, and Fully-Personalized Activity Classification Models
Authors: Ahmadi Matthew N. , O’Neil Margaret E. , Baque Emmah , Boyd Roslyn N. , Trost Stewart G.
Published: July 2020

Pattern recognition methodologies, such as those utilizing machine learning (ML) approaches, have the potential to improve the accuracy and versatility of accelerometer-based assessments of physical activity (PA). Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit significant heterogeneity in relation to impairment and activity limitations; however, studies conducted to date have implemented “one-size fits all” group (G) models. Group-personalized (GP) models specific to the Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS) level and fully-personalized (FP) models trained on individual data may provide more accurate assessments of PA; however, these approaches have not been investigated in children with CP. In this study, 38 children classified at GMFCS I to III completed laboratory trials and a simulated free-living protocol while wearing an ActiGraph GT3X+ on the wrist, hip, and ankle. Activities were classified as sedentary, standing utilitarian movements, or walking. In the cross-validation, FP random forest classifiers (99.0–99.3%) exhibited a significantly higher accuracy than G (80.9–94.7%) and GP classifiers (78.7–94.1%), with the largest differential observed in children at GMFCS III. When evaluated under free-living conditions, all model types exhibited significant declines in accuracy, with FP models outperforming G and GP models in GMFCS levels I and II, but not III. Future studies should evaluate the comparative accuracy of personalized models trained on free-living accelerometer data.
Predictive Models for the Characterization of Internal Defects in Additive Materials from Active Thermography Sequences Supported by Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Manuel , Fueyo José G. , Gonzalez-Aguilera Diego , Madruga Francisco J. , García-Martín Roberto , Muñóz Ángel Luis , Pisonero Javier
Published: July 2020

The present article addresses a generation of predictive models that assesses the thickness and length of internal defects in additive manufacturing materials. These modes use data from the application of active transient thermography numerical simulation. In this manner, the raised procedure is an ad-hoc hybrid method that integrates finite element simulation and machine learning models using different predictive feature sets and characteristics (i.e., regression, Gaussian regression, support vector machines, multilayer perceptron, and random forest). The performance results for each model were statistically analyzed, evaluated, and compared in terms of predictive performance, processing time, and outlier sensibility to facilitate the choice of a predictive method to obtain the thickness and length of an internal defect from thermographic monitoring. The best model to predictdefect thickness with six thermal features was interaction linear regression. To make predictive models for defect length and thickness, the best model was Gaussian process regression. However, models such as support vector machines also had significative advantages in terms of processing time and adequate performance for certain feature sets. In this way, the results showed that the predictive capability of some types of algorithms could allow for the detection and measurement of internal defects in materials produced by additive manufacturing using active thermography as a non-destructive test.
A Certificateless Aggregate Arbitrated Signature Scheme for IoT Environments
Authors: Lee Dae-Hwi , Yim Kangbin , Lee Im-Yeong
Published: July 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) environment consists of numerous devices. In general, IoT devices communicate with each other to exchange data, or connect to the Internet through a gateway to provide IoT services. Most IoT devices participating in the IoT service are lightweight devices, in which the existing cryptographic algorithm cannot be applied to provide security, so a more lightweight security algorithm must be applied. Cryptographic technologies to lighten and provide efficiency for IoT environments are currently being studied a lot. In particular, it is necessary to provide efficiency for computation at a gateway, a point where many devices are connected. Additionally, as many devices are connected, data authentication and integrity should be fully considered at the same time, and thus digital signature schemes have been proposed. Among the recently studied signature algorithms, the certificateless signature (CLS) based on certificateless public key cryptography (CL-PKC) provides efficiency compared to existing public key-based signatures. However, in CLS, security threats, such as public key replacement attacks and signature forgery by the malicious key generation center (KGC), may occur. In this paper, we propose a new signature scheme using CL-PKC in generating and verifying the signature of a message in an IoT environment. The proposed scheme is a certificateless aggregate arbitrated signature, and the gateway aggregates the signatures of messages generated by the device group to reduce the size of the entire signature. In addition, it is designed to be safe from security threats by solving the problems caused by public key replacement attacks and malicious KGC, and adding arbitrated signatures of the gateway to strengthen non-repudiation.
Proposed Methodology for the Calculation of Overview Distances at Level Crossings and the Inclusion Thereof in National Standards
Authors: Ľupták Vladimír , Stopkova Maria , Jurkovič Martin
Published: July 2020

The aim of this article is to find a rational solution for increasing the safety of level crossings in the Czech Republic on the basis of a set of representative level crossings. The Czech Republic was deliberately chosen because of its geographical location, the number of level crossings on the network, and because, according to statistics from the Rail Safety Inspection Office, the country ranks as one of the highest for the number of accidents at level crossings. The rational solution being sought is one that achieves a balance between legislative, technical, and awareness-raising measures. In the practical part, great emphasis is placed on the assessment of the current state of Czech legislation. The identified discrepancies are resolved by adjusting calculations for overview distances and proposing changes to incorrect provisions. The main contribution of this paper is the comprehensive overview that it provides of level crossings and their safety. This overview includes a description of the current state of affairs, i.e., the number of level crossings, their location, classification, construction and type of equipment used, as well as an analysis of accidents and their frequency. The latter is in relation to the proposed construction and technical solution and subsequent assessment of the rationalisation possibilities and investments required to reconstruct or remove existing level crossings, thereby affecting the accident rate.
‘Not in My Bin’: Consumer’s Understanding and Concern of Food Waste Effects and Mitigating Factors
Authors: Vittuari Matteo , Falasconi Luca , Masotti Matteo , Piras Simone , Segrè Andrea , Setti Marco
Published: July 2020

About one third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. Along with a lively debate on food loss and waste definition and quantification, growing attention is dedicated to the faceted dimensions of consumers’ food waste. Drivers, effects, and mitigating factors have been mainly studied in isolation, with limited attention paid to their interrelationships. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the underlying relationship between the causes of food waste and consumers’ perception of their role and of their concern on food waste effects and mitigating factors. The article draws on a survey submitted to 938 respondents while shopping at a supermarket in Italy in 2015. Data were processed by principal components to identify latent dimensions of consumer behavior, and a cluster analysis was performed to identify homogenous groups of consumers. Results emphasize the complexity of the relationship between consumers and food resources. They suggest that while consumers are aware about food waste as a global issue, they often fail to identify the individual contribution they might provide for its prevention and reduction. The article also detects three groups of consumers with different approaches to food waste management and a specific perception of the food waste phenomenon.
Sustainable Development, Governance and Performance Measurement in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs): A Methodological Proposal
Authors: Esposito Paolo , Dicorato Spiridione Lucio
Published: July 2020

Institutionalized Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are a widely debated phenomenon, addressed by both scientific literature and policymakers. The most important contribution of this work is to describe the various theories used for understanding the performance expectations of PPPs, as the focus on performance is still poor despite the growing interest in participant companies (mixed-owned companies), especially at the local level. While analyzing the evaluation of the performance of these entities, a wide stream of literature has focused on profitability and efficiency, showing a substantial difference in terms of the performance of such companies compared to private capital ones. All this leads us to consider the Public Value theory as the best framework in literature to address the many dimensions of performance and business strategy in PPPs while pursuing sustainable development. The interest in this area has increased lately, mainly due to the growing complexity within this dynamic context. Therefore, it seems meaningful to carry out a systematic review of the relevant published literature in this field. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable development in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) that are seen as a form of mixed-owned companies, trying to address their multilayered performance expectations within the public value perspective and to understand how the role of performance measurement is influencing business strategies and the attitude towards sustainable environment. This will prove useful to scholars, policymakers and practitioners alike.
Chemical Destabilization of Fresh and Spent Cutting Oil Emulsions: Differences between an Ecofriendly and Two Commercial Synthetic Lubricants
Authors: Spasiano Danilo , Petrella Andrea , Lacedra Vito
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate if eco-friendly lubricants had an additional advantage over conventional synthetic lubricants in terms of emulsion treatment of metalworking wastewater. To these purpose, two fresh commercial synthetic cutting oil emulsions were compared with an emulsion obtained from a new cutting oil produced from the reuse of slaughtering waste (CADT-605 from Kimya Srl, Bari, Italy). The breaking of the fresh emulsions was carried out with the addition of small amounts of sulfuric acid (2–20 mL/L) followed by pH neutralization by means of calcium hydroxide. During the two-step treatments, COD, BOD5 and non-ionic surfactant (NIS) concentrations were monitored in the aqueous phase. The results demonstrated that the best results were obtained with the emulsion produced with the bio-based lubricant. In addition, this cutting oil was tested in a metalworking plant within 30 days and the resulting spent emulsion was treated with the proposed process. In all the cases, the treatment led to a drastic decrease of the COD, BOD5 and NIS contents that allow the discharge of resulting aqueous phase in sewers or in surface water bodies, together with the other wastewater produced by the plant, in agreement with the Italian regulation.
Sustainability of Green Tourism among International Tourists and Its Influence on the Achievement of Green Environment: Evidence from North Cyprus
Authors: Ibnou-Laaroussi Samah , Rjoub Husam , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: July 2020

Sustainability of green tourism is gaining more attention from different stakeholders due to its environmental benefits. However, empirical studies on the behavioral aspect of the tourists towards sustainability of green tourism and its influence on the achievement of the green environment have not been exhaustively researched, most especially in a small island state like North Cyprus. In this paper, we investigate the behavioral aspects of international tourists towards the sustainability of green tourism employing an extended framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). A sample of 395 questionnaires was administered to the tourists that lodged at the 20 randomly selected five-star hotels in North Cyprus, while the study model was examined through structural equation modelling (SEM). Our study findings indicated that tourists’ perceptions of the sustainability of green tourism and their environmental concerns had a significantly positive impact on their attitudes. In addition, our results revealed that subjective norms had a significantly negative impact on intentions of the tourists to participate in sustainability of green tourism, while attitude was found to have a significantly positive impact on the tourists’ intentions to participate in the sustainability of green tourism. Moreover, we found that both environmental concerns and the intention of the tourists to participate in the sustainability of green tourism had a significantly positive impact on environmentally responsible tourism behavior. Lastly, our study contributes to enhancing the understanding of the perception of tourists on the green environment as it affects their behavior and subsequent influence on their intention to participate in the sustainability of green tourism with the attendant impact on the achievement of environmental degradation reduction.
Density Estimation of Antarctic Krill in the South Shetland Island (Subarea 48.1) Using dB-Difference Method
Authors: Choi Seok-Gwan , Chae Jinho , Chung Sangdeuk , Oh Wooseok , Yoon Euna , Sung Gunhee , Lee Kyounghoon
Published: July 2020

This study is aimed to estimate the density of Antarctic krill that inhabit in the area around South Shetland Island by using a dB-difference method. An acoustic survey was conducted from 13 to 24 April in 2016 in the sea of South Shetland. Acoustic data on frequency 38 and 120 kHz were collected. The Antarctic krill echo was extracted for the SV120-38 kHz range of 0.4–14.3 dB, which was obtained by applying the size of the collected Antarctic krill in this study (25–60 mm). The mean Antarctic krill density across the survey area was 33.65 g m−2 (CV = 45.97%).
Urban and Rural Event Tourism and Sustainability: Exploring Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Wise Nicholas
Published: July 2020

This Special Issue on “Urban and Rural Event Tourism and Sustainability: Exploring Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts” brings together eight papers. The papers focus specifically on either economic, social or environmental impacts or consider practical and conceptual overlaps across different impacts. In this collection, authors offer perspective on pressing issues concerning urban and rural tourism planning, policy and development aligned with economic, social and/or environmental impacts. The papers also outline how different approaches and contexts of urban and rural event tourism regeneration, planning and development are considered in relation to the triple bottom line as well as assess how the triple bottom line is considered when planning for sustainable event tourism futures and legacies in cities. This collection of papers aims to present new theoretical insight, perspective and/or recommendations that address further considerations and directions for urban event tourism research, concerning sustainability, policy, development and regeneration. This editorial introduces some directions and references to direct readers interested in this topical area of research going forward.
Country Ownership as the Means for Paradigm Shift: The Case of the Green Climate Fund
Authors: Zamarioli Luis H. , Pauw Pieter , Grüning Christine
Published: July 2020

Country ownership echoes from the aid effectiveness agenda in climate finance, becoming a means to ensure that (1) projects are aligned with national climate policies and strategies, (2) national systems are used to increase recipients’ accountability in the use of resources, and (3) national public and private stakeholders are engaged in the process. The concept is a key objective of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), considered in light of the GCF’s goal of promoting the paradigm shift towards low emission and climate-resilient development. In the interplay between international commitments and the progress of its in-country activities, the GCF relies on the agency of National Designated Authorities (NDAs). Based on documental sources, GCF data, and a survey, this article first analyzes whether the GCF’s institutional design creates appropriate responsibilities so NDAs can effectively enhance country ownership. As a second level of effectiveness, the article analyzes whether such an institutional design is currently capable of promoting the desired paradigm shift. In the context of the GCF being a young fund, we found that NDAs have the potential to enhance country ownership, but need more tailored capacity building to ensure that in-country activities are effectively equipped to deliver the paradigm shift.
Assessment of Progress towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals of the “Agenda 2030” by Using the CoCoSo and the Shannon Entropy Methods: The Case of the EU Countries
Authors: Stanujkic Dragisa , Popovic Gabrijela , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Karabasevic Darjan , Binkyte-Veliene Arune
Published: July 2020

The United Nations Member States adopted the “Agenda 2030” which contains 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) that involve a certain number of targets and indicators. Although the indicators are helpful in defining the position of the current country relative to the goals’ achievement, it is very complex to determine its position relative to other countries, because this requires an extensive analysis. Therefore, in this paper, the application of the multiple-criteria decision-making approach (MCDM) in defining the position of the EU (Europe Union) countries relative to the SDGs is proposed. The MCDM model is based on the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) and the Shannon Entropy methods. The final results highlight Sweden as the country that best implemented the set SD goals and has the best outputs relative to them, while Romania is in last place. The main reason for these kinds of results could be that the countries on the bottom of the list are relatively new EU members and have not been made to properly implement SDGs yet. The conclusion is that the obtained results are fully objective and rational, and that the applied model is applicable for performing this kind of analysis.
RNA viruses: clinical and diagnostic features and principles of treatment
Authors: Levkova E. , Savin S. , Gulieva K.
Published: July 2020

The review presents generalized data on respiratory RNA viruses, features of clinical course and diagnostic algorithm. Special attention is paid to the principles oftreatment of diseases caused by RNA viruses.
Los Estilos de aprendizaje bajo un modelo de programación neurolingüística y rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Soto Ivan , Zuñiga Blanco Arturo
Published: July 2020

La investigación se realizó en la Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina del Perú en estudiantes de la asignatura de Estadística General en el semestre 2019-1. El propósito fue identificar los estilos de aprendizaje y verificar si existía diferencias significativas en el rendimiento  según estilo de aprendizaje predominante, el trabajo tuvo un alcance descriptivo correlacional, se tomó como referencia el Modelo de Programación Neurolingüística de Grinder y Bandler (1979), donde el instrumento fue el Test de estilo de aprendizaje Modelo PNL o VAK de 40 ítems, mientras que para medir el rendimiento se solicitó las notas de los estudiantes a la unidad de estudios. Comprobando que generalmente se espera las proporciones de 40%, 30% y 30% para las percepciones visual, auditivo y kinestésico respectivamente, además se comprobó mediante la prueba Kruskal-Wallis, que el rendimiento académico en el curso de estadística general no difiere según el estilo de aprendizaje predominante del alumno (p.=0.498), concluimos afirmando que descubrir el estilo de aprendizaje preponderante permite conocer el tipo de estudiante que tenemos en el aula, el cual nos da un diagnóstico de las fortalezas y debilidades de los alumnos. Además, se puede incorporar estrategias de enseñanza en nuestra clase para emparejar con la enseñanza de tareas específicas, el cual va ser útil y beneficioso en los estudiantes, en consecuencia, mejorará su rendimiento.
La deuxième version latine de la passion de saint Denis (BHL 2178)
Authors: Helvétius Anne-Marie
Published: July 2020

La deuxième version latine conservée de la Passion de saint Denis, appelée Post beatam et gloriosam (BHL 2178), constitue une réécriture anonyme de la Gloriosae (BHL 2171). Comme cette dernière, elle a été rééditée récemment par Michael Lapidge, dont les choix éditoriaux et les hypothèses sont discutables. La date et le contexte de rédaction de cette Passion font l’objet de controverses depuis longtemps car, contrairement à la première, elle identifie Denis de Paris avec Denys l’Aréopagite et présente Denis comme un saint céphalophore. Après un état de la question historiographique et une présentation détaillée du contenu de ce texte, une analyse comparée des différentes versions conservées permet d’émettre l’hypothèse que l’identification du martyr de Paris avec l’Aréopagite apparaissait déjà dans la version perdue du Ve siècle, mais qu’elle rencontra trop d’oppositions pour pouvoir s’imposer. La Gloriosae représenterait ainsi une version expurgée de la légende, susceptible d’apaiser les tensions. C’est dans un contexte d’affirmation croissante du pouvoir et de l’indépendance des abbés de Saint-Denis qu’une nouvelle réécriture vit le jour sous la forme de BHL 2178, dans une fourchette chronologique comprise entre c. 690 et c. 780.
La passion de saint Denis écrite par Hilduin (BHL 2175) : le travail d’un historiographe ou l’oeuvre d’un faussaire ?
Authors: Krönert Klaus
Published: July 2020

Abbot Hilduin of Saint-Denis produced a new Latin version of the Passion of St. Denis (BHL 2175), a thorough and expanded rewriting of earlier versions. This work, commissioned by Louis the Pious in 835, circulated far more widely than previous recensions. In his correspondence with the emperor, Hilduin listed the sources he had used for the Passion, which firmly established the identity of each of the Denises : the Parisian martyr, the biblical disciple of the Apostle Paul, the philob. sopher and author of the Dionysian corpus, and the visionary astronomer and author of an alleged Syriac Autobiography. Most scholars who have studied this work, particularly theGerman historianMax Buchner, have regardedHilduin as a forger, who invented many of his sources. A new analysis of the Passion partly clears Hilduin’s reputation and demonstrates that he was a serious historian : apart from the

Conscriptio Visbii and the Letter of Dionysius to Apollophanes, which remain doubtful, the other documents he used were clearly not composed by him. However, the abbot of Saint-Denis was not a simple reporter : he occasionally took liberties with his sources in order to defend his monastery and strengthen its position within the Carolingian Empire.
L’Éloge de Denys l’Aréopagite par Michel le Syncelle (BHG 556) : tradition et sources
Authors: Förstel Christian
Published: July 2020

The Encomium for Dionysius byMichael the Synkellos (BHG556) was an important step in the development of the Greek tradition pertaining to Dionysius. By examining the direct and indirect tradition of the text and especially the sources used by Michael the Synkellos, one can add to the information provided by Pietro Podolak in his 2015 edition. The presence of a lengthy excerpt from the Encomium in the Souda, a Byzantine encyclopaedia compiled at the end of the tenth century, testifies to the success of the work in the first decades after it was composed. Michael the Synkellos certainly used the Greek translation (BHG 554) of the Latin Passion of Denis, but he drew mainly from the Greek writings that had been associated with the Dionysian corpus from the beginning. The author, well informed on the old controversies surrounding the authenticity of Dionysius, produced a work that was primarily Eastern but it also borrowed significantly fromWestern hagiography. Its reception followed an essentially similar pattern : the oldest manuscripts and the indirect tradition of the text testify to its early fortune in the East, but its later circulation was almost exclusively limited to theWest.
La pseudo-autobiographie de Denys l’Aréopagite dans le contexte du corpus dionysien syriaque
Authors: Perczel István
Published: July 2020

The relations between the pseudo-Autobiography ofDionysius the Areopagite and the apocryphal philosophical work known as the ‘‘Dionysian corpus’’, associated with the Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, are undoubtedly complex. After a brief survey of the textual tradition, editions and content of the autobiography, this article examines the relative chronology of the different versions, which makes the text an important witness to the Syriac reception of the Dionysian corpus, in close connection to two other works also attributed to Dionysius : a treatise on cosmology and another against the errors of the Chaldeans, i. e. Persian magicians. Opposing astrology and magic seems to have been a concern of the Syriac translator of the Dionysian corpus in the sixth century, Sergius of Rish Ayno, who belonged to the same Origenist milieu as the likely author of the Book of St. Hierotheos, Stephen bar Sudhaili. Whereas Hierotheos, who appears in the Dionysian corpus as the master of Dionysius, became the patron saint of Origenist doctrine, the pseudoautobiography makes Dionysius the patron saint of the conversion of astronomy into a Christian science, and a symbol of the struggle against magic and astrological divination.