bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretome Analysis of Mouse Dendritic Cells Interacting with a Probiotic Strain of Lactobacillus gasseri
Authors: Mazzeo Maria Fiorella , Luongo Diomira , Sashihara Toshihiro , Rossi Mauro , Siciliano Rosa Anna
Published: February 2020

Probiotics play a key role in the modulation of the gut immune system in health and disease and their action is mediated by molecules exposed on the microorganism surface or secreted probiotic-derived factors. In particular, Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809, a probiotic microorganism isolated from human feces, has the potential to modulate various immune responses. The dendritic cells (DCs) are considered the main players in orchestrating the immune response, and their contact with intestinal microbiota is crucial for the development and homeostasis of gut immunity. To gain a perspective on the molecular mechanisms involved in the maturation process of DCs and investigate factors that could modulate these processes, a differential proteomic analysis was performed on the secretome of immature DCs, mature DCs (mDCs, induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)), and immature DCs challenged with L. gasseri OLL2809 before treatment with LPS (LGmDCs). The maturation process of DCs was associated to profound changes in the protein secretome and probiotic pre-treatment led to a dramatic modulation of several secreted proteins of mDC, not only classical immune mediators (i.e., cytokines, complement factors, T cell Receptor ligands) but also proteins involved in the contractile and desmosome machineries. The latter data highlight a novel mechanism by which L. gasseri can modulate the maturation process of DCs, reinforcing the concept of a protective anti-inflammatory role ascribed to this probiotic strain.
The Effects of the Type of Exercise and Physical Activity on Eating Behavior and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Subjects
Authors: Castro Eliane A. , Carraça Eliana V. , Cupeiro Rocío , López-Plaza Bricia , Teixeira Pedro J. , González-Lamuño Domingo , Peinado Ana B.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to examine whether a type of exercise favors better compliance with a prescribed diet, higher eating-related motivation, healthier diet composition or greater changes in body composition in overweight and obese subjects. One hundred and sixty-two (males n = 79), aged 18–50 years, were randomized into four intervention groups during 24 weeks: strength, endurance, combined strength + endurance and guideline-based physical activity; all in combination with a 25–30% caloric restriction diet. A food frequency questionnaire and a “3-day food and drink record” were applied pre- and post-intervention. Diet and exercise-related motivation levels were evaluated with a questionnaire developed for this study. Body composition was assessed by DXA and habitual physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage decreased and lean body mass increased after the intervention, without differences by groups. No interactions were observed between intervention groups and time; all showing a decreased in energy intake (p < 0.001). Carbohydrate and protein intakes increased, and fat intake decreased from pre- to post-intervention without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI category or gender (p < 0.001). Diet-related motivation showed a tendency to increase from pre- to post-intervention (70.0 ± 0.5 vs 71.0 ± 0.6, p = 0.053), without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI or gender. Regarding motivation for exercise, gender x time interactions were observed (F(1,146) = 7.452, p = 0.007): Women increased their motivation after the intervention (pre: 17.6 ± 0.3, post: 18.2 ± 0.3), while men maintained it. These findings suggest that there are no substantial effects of exercise type on energy intake, macronutrient selection or body composition changes. After a six-month weight loss program, individuals did not reduce their motivation related to diet or exercise, especially women. Individuals who initiate a long-term exercise program do not increase their energy intake in a compensatory fashion, if diet advices are included.
Prognostic Nutritional Index is a Predictor of Free Flap Failure in Extremity Reconstruction
Authors: Yu Jihion , Hong Joon Pio , Suh Hyunsuk Peter , Park Jun-Young , Kim Doo-Hwan , Ha Seungsoo , Lee Joonho , Hwang Jai-Hyun , Kim Young-Kug
Published: February 2020

The nutritional condition of patients is an important prognostic factor in various diseases. Free flap failure is a serious complication in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction, increasing morbidity and hospital costs. We evaluated the predictive factors, including the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), associated with free flap failure in extremity reconstruction. The PNI was calculated as follows: 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm3), with a PNI <40 defined as low. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors predictive of free flap failure. Postoperative outcomes, including duration of hospital stay and rate and duration of intensive care unit admission, were also evaluated. Of the 625 patients included, 38 (6.1%) experienced free flap failure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that predictors of free flap failure were female (odds ratio: 2.094; p = 0.031) and a low PNI (odds ratio: 3.859; p <0.001). The duration of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients who did than those who did not experience free flap failure (62.1 ± 55.5 days vs. 28.3 ± 24.4 days, p <0.001). A low PNI is associated with free flap failure, leading to prolonged hospital stay. This result suggests that the PNI can be simply and effectively used to predict free flap failure.
CgSCD1 Is Essential for Melanin Biosynthesis and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Wang Tan , Ren Dandan , Guo Han , Chen Xue , Zhu Pinkuan , Nie Haozhen , Xu Ling
Published: February 2020

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, an important phytopathogenic fungus, mainly infects tropical fruits and results in serious anthracnose. Previous studies have shown that melanin biosynthesis inhibitor can inhibit the melanization of the appressoria of Magnaporthe grisea and Colletotrichum orbiculare, resulting in limited infection of the hosts. In this study, we identified and characterized a scytalone dehydratase gene (CgSCD1) from C. gloeosporioides which is involved in melanin synthesis. The CgSCD1 gene deletion mutant ΔCgscd1 was obtained using homologous recombination. The ΔCgscd1 mutant showed no melanin accumulation on appressoria formation and vegetative hyphae. Furthermore, the virulence of ΔCgscd1 was significantly reduced in comparison with the wild-type (WT) strain. Further investigations showed that the growth rate as well as germination and appressorium formation of ΔCgscd1 displayed no difference compared to the wild-type and complemented transformant Cgscd1com strains. Furthermore, we found that the appressorial turgor pressure in the ΔCgscd1 mutant showed no difference compared to that in the WT and Cgscd1com strains in the incipient cytorrhysis experiment. However, fewer infectious hyphae of ΔCgscd1 were observed in the penetration experiments, suggesting that the penetration ability of nonpigmented appressoria was partially impaired. In conclusion, we identified the CgSCD1 gene, which is involved in melanin synthesis and pathogenicity, and found that the melanization defect did not affect appressorial turgor pressure in C. gloeosporioides.
Dissemination of Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) during the Early and Regenerating Phases of Infection
Authors: Dhamotharan Kannimuthu , Bjørgen Håvard , Malik Muhammad Salman , Nyman Ingvild B. , Markussen Turhan , Dahle Maria K. , Koppang Erling Olaf , Wessel Øystein , Rimstad Espen
Published: February 2020

Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) can cause heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), but the line of events from infection, pathologic change, and regeneration has not been thoroughly described. In this study, the cellular localization and variation of PRV-1 RNA and protein levels were analyzed at different times post-exposure in experimentally infected Atlantic salmon. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blot were used for assessment of the presence of the PRV-1 σ1 protein, while RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization were performed for viral RNA. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated that PRV-1 infection induced heart lesions typical of HSMI, such as severe epicarditis and myocarditis with degeneration of cardiomyocytes, necrosis, and diffuse cellular infiltration. PRV-1 infection of erythrocytes and the peak viral plasma level preceded virus presence in cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. Arginase-2-positive, macrophage-like cells observed in the heart indicated possible polarization to M2 macrophages and the onset of regenerative processes, which may contribute to the recovery from HSMI. The virus was cleared from regenerating heart tissue and from hepatocytes, but persisted in erythrocytes.
Cell Secretome: Basic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities for CNS Disorders
Authors: Pinho Andreia G. , Cibrão Jorge R. , Silva Nuno A. , Monteiro Susana , Salgado António J.
Published: February 2020

Transplantation of stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), stands as a promising therapy for trauma, stroke or neurodegenerative conditions such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries (SCI or TBI), ischemic stroke (IS), or Parkinson’s disease (PD). Over the last few years, cell transplantation-based approaches have started to focus on the use of cell byproducts, with a strong emphasis on cell secretome. Having this in mind, the present review discusses the current state of the art of secretome-based therapy applications in different central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. For this purpose, the following topics are discussed: (1) What are the main cell secretome sources, composition, and associated collection techniques; (2) Possible differences of the therapeutic potential of the protein and vesicular fraction of the secretome; and (3) Impact of the cell secretome on CNS-related problems such as SCI, TBI, IS, and PD. With this, we aim to clarify some of the main questions that currently exist in the field of secretome-based therapies and consequently gain new knowledge that may help in the clinical application of secretome in CNS disorders.
Grаdiеnt HPLC Mеthоd fоr Simultаnеоus Dеtеrminаtiоn оf Еight Sаrtаn аnd Stаtin Drugs in Thеir Purе аnd Dоsаgе Fоrms
Authors: Zаrеh Mоhsеn M. , Sааd Mоnir Z. , Hаssаn Wаfаа S. , Еlhеnnаwу Mоstаfа Е. , Soltan Moustafa K. , Sеbаiу Mаhmоud M.
Published: February 2020

А grаdiеnt HPLC mеthоd was dеvеlоpеd аnd vаlidаtеd fоr rаpid simultаnеоus sеpаrаtiоn аnd dеtеrminаtiоn оf the following eight drugs оf sаrtаn аnd stаtin clаssеs in thеir purе аnd dоsаgе fоrms within 15 minutes: irbеsаrtаn (IRB), lоsаrtаn (LОS), vаlsаrtаn (VАL), оlmеsаrtаn (ОLM), rоsuvаstаtin (RОS), аtоrvаstаtin (АTR), lоvаstаtin (LОV), аnd simvаstаtin (SIM). Sеpаrаtiоn wаs cаrriеd оut оn а Kinеtеx C18 100А cоlumn (2.60 m, 4.60 mm × 100 mm) using а grаdiаnt binаrу mоbilе phаsе оf 0.05M pоtаssium dihуdrоgеn phоsphаtе buffеr (pH 3.50 аdjustеd bу оrthо-phоsphоric аcid) аnd аcеtоnitrilе аt rооm tеmpеrаturе. Thе flоw rаtе wаs 1.00 mL/min аnd mаximum аbsоrptiоn wаs mеаsurеd using a DАD dеtеctоr аt 280 nm. Thе rеtеntiоn timеs оf IRB, LОS, RОS, VАL, АTR, LОV, ОLM, аnd SIM wеrе rеcоrdеd tо bе 4.72, 5.32, 6.06, 7.19, 7.96, 9.30, 11.91, аnd 14.66 minutеs, rеspеctivеlу. Limits оf dеtеctiоn wеrе rеpоrtеd tо bе 2.01, 1.32, 1.10, 0.76, 0.21, 1.50, 0.38, аnd 0.55 mM fоr thе sаmе sеquеncе оf drugs, rеspеctivеlу, shоwing а high dеgrее оf mеthоd sеnsitivitу. Thе mеthоd wаs thеn vаlidаtеd аccоrding tо the intеrnаtiоnаl cоnfеrеncе оf hаrmоnizаtiоn (ICH) guidеlinеs fоr thе dеtеrminаtiоn оf thе drugs in thеir dоsаgе fоrms with highlу prеcisе rеcоvеriеs. Аlsо, a stаtisticаl cоmpаrisоn with rеfеrеncе mеthоds wаs pеrfоrmеd shоwing nо significаnt diffеrеncеs bеtwееn thе prоpоsеd mеthоd аnd rеpоrtеd оnеs in tеrms оf prеcisiоn аnd аccurаcу.
The impact of a Post-Take Ward Round Pharmacist on the Risk Score and Enactment of Medication-Related Recommendations
Authors: Bullock Brooke , Donovan Peter J , Mitchell Charles , Whitty Jennifer A , Coombes Ian
Published: February 2020

There is a scarcity of published research describing the impact of a pharmacist on the post-take ward round (PTWR) in addition to ward-based pharmacy services. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacists’ participation on the PTWR on the risk assessment scores of medication-related recommendations with and without a pharmacist. This includes medication-related recommendations occurring on the PTWR and those recommendations made by the ward-based pharmacist on the inpatient ward. A pre–post intervention study was undertaken that compared the impact of adding a pharmacist to the PTWR compared with ward-based pharmacist services alone. A panel reviewed the risk of not acting on medication recommendations that was made on the PTWR and those recorded by the ward-based pharmacist. The relationship between the risk scores and the number and proportion of recommendations that led to action were compared between study groups. There were more medication-related recommendations on the PTWR in the intervention group when a pharmacist was present. Proportionately fewer were in the ’very high and extreme’ risk category. Although there was no difference in the number of ward pharmacist recommendations between groups, there was a significantly higher proportion of ward pharmacist recommendations in the “very high and extreme” category in those patients who had been seen on a PTWR attended by a pharmacist than when a pharmacist was not present. There were a greater proportion of “low and medium” risk actionable medication recommendations actioned on the PTWR in the intervention group; and no difference in the risk scores in ward pharmacist recommendations actioned between groups. Overall, the proportion of recommendations that were actioned was higher for those made on the PTWR compared with the ward. The addition of a pharmacist to the PTWR resulted in an increase in low, medium, and high risk recommendations on the PTWR, more very high and extreme risk recommendations made by the ward-based pharmacist, plus an increased number of recommendations being actioned during the patients’ admission.
Challenges of Countering Terrorist Recruitment in the Lake Chad Region: The Case of Boko Haram
Authors: Maza Kangdim Dingji , Koldas Umut , Aksit Sait
Published: February 2020

This article attempts to shed light on the challenges confronting relevant actors (state and non-state) in countering the threat of terrorism recruitment by focusing on the Boko Haram terrorist organization, whose presence and activities threaten the security of the Lake Chad region. The article uses a qualitative research technique combining key informant interviews with stakeholders familiar with the conflict, academic and non-academic documents, reports, and policy briefs. The findings of the article suggest that despite the various initiatives by stakeholders aimed at containing the strategies of recruitment, the group continues to expand its base by launching coordinated attacks that further destabilize the region. These challenges stem from a lack of a clear-cut counterterrorism strategy, a dearth in technological and mutual trust between actors and locals in the management and utilization of intelligence, and the inability of state institutions to ‘coerce and convince’ citizens in terms of its capacity to counter the danger of terrorism recruitment and expansion. The article, amongst other things, recommends a community policing model similar to the ‘Nyumba-Kumi security initiative’ adopted by most countries in East Africa for the effective assessment and detection of threat forces; the state and its agencies should show the capacity to coerce and convince in dealing with the (ideological, religious, social, and economic) conditions, drivers, and factors promoting the spread of terrorism as well as other forms of violent extremism in the society; furthermore, there is a need for stakeholders to adopt a comprehensive and holistic counterterrorism/violent extremism strategy to reflect present-day security challenges as well as to guarantee sustainable peace.
An Analysis of Stormwater Management Variants in Urban Catchments
Authors: Starzec Mariusz , Dziopak Józef , Słyś Daniel
Published: February 2020

In order to identify the most effective variants for reducing flood risk in cities and to provide protection for water resources, an in-depth study was carried out. The research results allowed for the identification of sustainable drainage infrastructure solutions that should be used to increase the efficiency of traditional drainage systems. The most effective solution turned out to be the simultaneous use of low impact development facilities and stormwater flow control devices in drainage systems (Variant IV). Applicationof this variant (maximum discharge QOmax = 246.39 dm3/s) allowed for the reduction of the peak flow by as much as 86% in relation to those values that were established in the traditional drainage system (maximum discharge QOmax = 1807.62 dm3/s). The use of Variant IV allowed for a combination of the advantages of low impact development (LID) facilities and stormwater flow control devices in drainage systems while limiting their disadvantages. In practice, the flow of rainwater from the catchment area to the drainage system was limited, the share of green areas increased, and the drainage system retention capacity grew. The proposed approach for reducing the increasing flood risk in cities and providing protection for water resources provides a structured approach to long-term urban drainage system planning and land use guidelines.
Machine Learning in Least-Squares Monte Carlo Proxy Modeling of Life Insurance Companies
Authors: Krah Anne-Sophie , Nikolić Zoran , Korn Ralf
Published: February 2020

Under the Solvency II regime, life insurance companies are asked to derive their solvency capital requirements from the full loss distributions over the coming year. Since the industry is currently far from being endowed with sufficient computational capacities to fully simulate these distributions, the insurers have to rely on suitable approximation techniques such as the least-squares Monte Carlo (LSMC) method. The key idea of LSMC is to run only a few wisely selected simulations and to process their output further to obtain a risk-dependent proxy function of the loss. In this paper, we present and analyze various adaptive machine learning approaches that can take over the proxy modeling task. The studied approaches range from ordinary and generalized least-squares regression variants over generalized linear model (GLM) and generalized additive model (GAM) methods to multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and kernel regression routines. We justify the combinability of their regression ingredients in a theoretical discourse. Further, we illustrate the approaches in slightly disguised real-world experiments and perform comprehensive out-of-sample tests.
Morphometric Analysis of Groundwater Icings: Intercomparison of Estimation Techniques
Authors: Gagarin Leonid , Wu Qingbai , Melnikov Andrey , Volgusheva Nataliya , Tananaev Nikita , Jin Huijun , Zhang Ze , Zhizhin Vladimir
Published: February 2020

Groundwater icings, typical features of permafrost hydrology, are indicative of hydrothermal interactions between surface and ground waters, and permafrost. Their main morphological parameters, i.e., icing area and volume, are generally estimated with low accuracy. Only scarce field observational data on icing volume and seasonal development exist to date. Our study evaluates and compares performance of several widely used techniques of icing morphometric estimation, based on field data, collected on a giant Icing #2 in the Samokit River basin, southern Yakutia. Groundwater icing area was estimated by: (a) staking, (b) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys, and (c) satellite imagery analysis. Icing #2 area in late February was between 1.38·106 m2 and 1.68·106 m2, icing volume, between 1.73·106 m3 and 4.20·106 m3, depending on the technique used. Staking is the least accurate, but also the only direct technique, which is hence used as a baseline tool in our study. Staking-based assessment of icing morphometry is the most conservative, while UAV-based estimates of icing area are higher by 14% to 17%, and of icing volume, by 74% to 142%, compared to staking. The latter appears, in our case, to be the least accurate method, although a direct one. It requires a sufficient number of staking points and transects, which should be set up to represent all icing zones, i.e., channel branches and alluvial islands. Photogrammetry based on UAV surveys has numerous advantages, i.e., higher precision of a per pixel icing volume calculation, based on an ice-free valley bottom digital surface model (DSM), and potential reusability of a resulting DSM. However, positioning precision suffers from the overlay of multiple flyovers required because of battery replacements, and, in our case, an insufficient number of ground control points. Satellite imagery along with B.L. Sokolov’s empirical approach were used to estimate the annual maximum icing area and volume, and the empirical estimates tend to converge to satellite-based values. Finally, all thing being equal, UAV-based photogrammetry shows higher precision in estimating the icing morphometrical parameters.
Area-Based Dense Image Matching with Subpixel Accuracy for Remote Sensing Applications: Practical Analysis and Comparative Study
Authors: Ye Zhen , Xu Yusheng , Chen Hao , Zhu Jingwei , Tong Xiaohua , Stilla Uwe
Published: February 2020

Dense image matching is a crucial step in many image processing tasks. Subpixel accuracy and fractional measurement are commonly pursued, considering the image resolution and application requirement, especially in the field of remote sensing. In this study, we conducted a practical analysis and comparative study on area-based dense image matching with subpixel accuracy for remote sensing applications, with a specific focus on the subpixel capability and robustness. Twelve representative matching algorithms with two types of correlation-based similarity measures and seven types of subpixel methods were selected. The existing matching algorithms were compared and evaluated in a simulated experiment using synthetic image pairs with varying amounts of aliasing and two real applications of attitude jitter detection and disparity estimation. The experimental results indicate that there are two types of systematic errors: displacement-dependent errors, depending on the fractional values of displacement, and displacement-independent errors represented as unexpected wave artifacts in this study. In addition, the strengths and limitations of different matching algorithms on the robustness to these two types of systematic errors were investigated and discussed.
Training Data Selection for Annual Land Cover Classification for the Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) Initiative
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Tollerud Heather , Barber Christopher , Smith Kelcy , Zelenak Daniel
Published: February 2020

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) initiative involves detecting changes in land cover, use, and condition with the goal of producing land change information to improve the understanding of the Earth system and provide insights on the impacts of land surface change on society. The change detection method ingests all available high-quality data from the Landsat archive in a time series approach to identify the timing and location of land surface change. Annual thematic land cover maps are then produced by classifying time series models. In this paper, we describe the optimization of the classification method used to derive the thematic land cover product. We investigated the influences of auxiliary data, sample size, and training from different sources such as the U.S. Geological Survey’s Land Cover Trends project and National Land Cover Database (NLCD 2001 and NLCD 2011). The results were evaluated and validated based on independent data from the training dataset. We found that refining the auxiliary data effectively reduced artifacts in the thematic land cover map that are related to data availability. We improved the classification accuracy and stability considerably by using a total of 20 million training pixels with a minimum of 600,000 and a maximum of 8 million training pixels per class within geographic windows consisting of nine Analysis Ready Data tiles (450 by 450 km2). Comparisons revealed that the NLCD 2001 training data delivered the best classification accuracy. Compared to the original LCMAP classification strategy used for early evaluation (e.g., Trends training data, 20,000 samples), the optimized classification strategy improved the annual land cover map accuracy by an average of 10%.
Detection of AIS Closing Behavior and MMSI Spoofing Behavior of Ships Based on Spatiotemporal Data
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhao Shuai , Cheng Bo , Chen Junliang
Published: February 2020

In marine transportation, many ships are equipped with AIS devices. The AIS data sent by AIS devices can help the maritime authorities and other ships obtain the navigation condition of the ship, thereby ensuring the safety of ships during navigation. However, when a ship is involved in illegal activities, the crew may close the AIS device or tamper with Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) in the AIS data. To detect these two kinds of behaviors, this paper designs the AIS closing detection algorithm and MMSI spoofing detection algorithm based on the spatiotemporal data provided by AIS and radar. As the radar data does not include the ship’s identification, the associated relationship between radar data and AIS data is difficult to determine in the multi-ship scenario. To solve this problem, the D-TRAP is defined in this paper, it is applied in the process of searching for the associated AIS points of radar trajectory points, when the number of effective AIS points is reduced caused by the above two behaviors, the association method used in the paper has better performance. In addition, real data and simulation data are used to verify the two algorithms. The verification results show that when the ship is simultaneously monitored by radar and AIS, and the monitoring process continues for a period of time, the AIS closing detection algorithm has good performance. When the ship is monitored by AIS and radar before and after MMSI spoofing, and both monitoring processes continue for a period of time, the MMSI spoofing algorithm has good performance.
A Flexible Strain Sensor Based on the Porous Structure of a Carbon Black/Carbon Nanotube Conducting Network for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Yucheng , Li Yuxia , Zhang Yao , Zhang Jian , Huang Liangsong
Published: February 2020

High-performance flexible strain sensors are playing an increasingly important role in wearable electronics, such as human motion detection and health monitoring, with broad application prospects. This study developed a flexible resistance strain sensor with a porous structure composed of carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. A simple and low-cost spraying method for the surface of a porous polydimethylsiloxane substrate was used to form a layer of synergized conductive networks built by carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. By combining the advantages of the synergetic effects of mixed carbon black and carbon nanotubes and their porous polydimethylsiloxane structure, the performance of the sensor was improved. The results show that the sensor has a high sensitivity (GF) (up to 61.82), a wide strain range (0%–130%), a good linearity, and a high stability. Based on the excellent performance of the sensor, the flexible strain designed sensor was installed successfully on different joints of the human body, allowing for the monitoring of human movement and human respiratory changes. These results indicate that the sensor has promising potential for applications in human motion monitoring and physiological activity monitoring.
Thermal Infrared Imagery Integrated with Multi-Field Information for Characterization of Pile-Reinforced Landslide Deformation
Authors: Zhou Chang , Ying Chunye , Hu Xinli , Xu Chu , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2020

Physical model testing can replicate the deformation process of landslide stabilizing piles and analyze the pile-landslide interaction with multiple field information, thoroughly demonstrating its deformation and failure mechanism. In this paper, an integrated monitoring system was introduced. The instrumentation used included soil pressure cells, thermal infrared (TIR) imagery, 3D laser scanner, and digital photography. In order to precisely perform field information analysis, an index was proposed to analyze thermal infrared temperature captured by infrared thermography; the qualitative relationship among stress state and deformation as well as thermal infrared temperature is analyzed. The results indicate that the integrated monitoring system is expected to be useful for characterizing the deformation process of a pile-reinforced landslide. Difference value of TIR temperature ( T I R m ) is a useful indicator for landslide detection, and its anomalies can be selected as a precursor to landslide deformation.
Walking Recognition in Mobile Devices
Authors: Casado Fernando E. , Rodríguez Germán , Iglesias Roberto , Regueiro Carlos V. , Barro Senén , Canedo-Rodríguez Adrián
Published: February 2020

Presently, smartphones are used more and more for purposes that have nothing to do with phone calls or simple data transfers. One example is the recognition of human activity, which is relevant information for many applications in the domains of medical diagnosis, elderly assistance, indoor localization, and navigation. The information captured by the inertial sensors of the phone (accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer) can be analyzed to determine the activity performed by the person who is carrying the device, in particular in the activity of walking. Nevertheless, the development of a standalone application able to detect the walking activity starting only from the data provided by these inertial sensors is a complex task. This complexity lies in the hardware disparity, noise on data, and mostly the many movements that the smartphone can experience and which have nothing to do with the physical displacement of the owner. In this work, we explore and compare several approaches for identifying the walking activity. We categorize them into two main groups: the first one uses features extracted from the inertial data, whereas the second one analyzes the characteristic shape of the time series made up of the sensors readings. Due to the lack of public datasets of inertial data from smartphones for the recognition of human activity under no constraints, we collected data from 77 different people who were not connected to this research. Using this dataset, which we published online, we performed an extensive experimental validation and comparison of our proposals.
Measurement of Gas-Oil Two-Phase Flow Patterns by Using CNN Algorithm Based on Dual ECT Sensors with Venturi Tube
Authors: Xu Zhuoqun , Wu Fan , Yang Xinmeng , Li Yi
Published: February 2020

In modern society, the oil industry has become the foundation of the world economy, and how to efficiently extract oil is a pressing problem. Among them, the accurate measurement of oil-gas two-phase parameters is one of the bottlenecks in oil extraction technology. It is found that through the experiment the flow patterns of the oil-gas two-phase flow will change after passing through the venturi tube with the same flow rates. Under the different oil-gas flow rate, the change will be diverse. Being motivated by the above experiments, we use the dual ECT sensors to collect the capacitance values before and after the venturi tube, respectively. Additionally, we use the linear projection algorithm (LBP) algorithm to reconstruct the image of flow patterns. This paper discusses the relationship between the change of flow patterns and the flow rates. Furthermore, a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm is proposed to predict the oil flow rate, gas flow rate, and GVF (gas void fraction, especially referring to sectional gas fraction) of the two-phase flow. We use ElasticNet regression as the loss function to effectively avoid possible overfitting problems. In actual experiments, we compare the Typical-ECT-imaging-based-GVF algorithm and SVM (Support Vector Machine) algorithm with CNN algorithm based on three different ECT datasets. Three different sets of ECT data are used to predict the gas flow rate, oil flow rate, and GVF, and they are respectively using the venturi front-based ECT data only, while using the venturi behind-based ECT data and using both these data.
Cultural Immersion: A Trigger for Transformative Learning
Authors: Onosu Oghenebruphiyo Gloria
Published: February 2020

This study examines the cultural immersion experience of 26 students who participated in either a study abroad program (SAP) or global service learning program (GSL). Specifically, the study investigates the transformative learning before, during, and after cultural immersion and the impact it had on participants’ attitudes toward diverse others. The findings indicate that attitude change during and after the cultural immersion experience is a multi-dimensional and unique process that differs for individuals. Additionally, the results suggest that during cultural immersion, certain program factors and personal factors are essential for transformative learning to occur. These factors include intentionality in pre-immersion preparation, the intensity of cultural immersion, and willingness to engage in reflection during post-immersion.
Interventions to Promote Positive Affect and Physical Activity in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults—A Systematic Review
Authors: Klos Leon , Feil Katharina , Eberhardt Tanja , Jekauc Darko
Published: February 2020

Interventions to promote physical activity (PA) in children, adolescents and young adults based on social-cognitive theories often fail to increase PA. In recent years, affect-based approaches have gained interest, but the current state of research is not sufficiently reported. Therefore, a systematic review about the influence of interventions to promote positive affect and PA enjoyment and PA in children, adolescents and young adults was conducted. Literature searches were carried out including studies published between September 2009 and April 2019. Intervention studies targeting healthy children, adolescents or young adults and measuring enjoyment and PA were included. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including five group-based PA interventions, three multi-component school interventions, two internet-based interventions and three exergaming interventions. Most studies use multiple components in their intervention. Group-based PA programs incorporating task-oriented teaching styles and opportunities for voluntary PA are most consistently associated with positive findings. This review shows moderate evidence of interventions for children, adolescents and young adults being effective in increasing enjoyment and PA. Besides physical education and comprehensive school interventions, heterogenous intervention designs limit the comparability of studies. Future research should focus on theory-based, multi-component interventions with mediator analyses.
How Do International M&As Affect Rival Firm’s Sustainable Performance? —Empirical Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Hu Xiaoting , Yin Ximing , Jin Zhanming , Li Jizhen
Published: February 2020

International mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have been increasingly used by emerging market enterprises (EMEs) as a springboard for strategic assets to overcome latecomer disadvantages and build sustainable competitive advantages. While current literature only focuses on the M&As’ impacts on acquirers, little is known about the impacts of EMEs’ international M&As on their external stakeholders, such as rival firms. Based on the longitudinal data covering 325 large international M&As completed by Chinese public manufacturing firms during 2009–2015, empirical results show that international M&As at the industry level have significant negative influence on the sustainable performance of acquirers’ rivals, and these negative relationship will be accentuated when the international M&As are horizontal M&As, when rivals are carrying out cost leadership strategy, and when those M&As are completed in the high-tech industry. This study enriches the literature of international M&As and the economic pillar of sustainability by pushing current research toward rival’s perspective and denotes that firms need to consider the potential negative impact on the sustainability of their outside stakeholders (e.g., other firms and whole industry). It also generates practical implications for firms to actively deal with potential negative effects of competitors’ international M&As on their sustainable performance, especially those players in the high-tech industry.
Study on Fluid Movement Characteristics inside the Emitter Flow Path of Drip Irrigation System Using the Yellow River Water
Authors: Feng Ji , Wang Weinan , Liu Haisheng
Published: February 2020

Vigorously developing efficient water-saving agricultural technologies using the Yellow River Water is an important way to achieve sustainable use of water resources. In order to clarify the fluid movement characteristics inside the flow path of the emitter under complicated water quality conditions in a drip irrigation system using the Yellow River Water, the optimal simulation turbulence model for the flow field in the flow path of the emitter was determined by comparing the macroscopic hydraulic characteristics with the microscopic fluid motion characteristics of the fluid in the emitter. On this basis, the two-phase flow model was used to calculate and analyze the characteristics of water flow movement and particle transport in the emitter. The results show that the RNG (Re- normalization group) k-ε turbulence model was the most suitable for the simulation of the flow field in the emitter, considering the macroscopic hydraulic performance and microscopic anti-clogging ability of the emitter synthetically, and both the comprehensive calculation accuracy and the calculation efficiency. The pressure showed a step-like uniform decrease along the direction of water flow. The fluid flow showed the regional movement characteristics of the mainstream and non-mainstream regions. The energy dissipation mainly occurred at the sudden change sites of the flow path structure. The particle phase velocity was slightly lower than that of the water phase. The velocity at the near-wall surface was relatively lower than that at the center, and the velocity distribution along the depth direction of the flow path was relatively uneven. The sediment was mainly deposited in the first half of the flow path. This study can provide a theoretical basis for solving the emitter clogging in the drip irrigation systems applying water from the Yellow River.
Determining the Challenges Encountered by Chinese Expatriates in Pakistan
Authors: Noman Muhammad , Safdar Sial Muhammad , Vianna Brugni Talles , Hwang Jinsoo , Yaseen Bhutto Muhammad , Khanh Thai Hong Thuy
Published: February 2020

The workforce of growing globalization has led to a large number of expatriate employees working overseas for short term employment. An expatriate assignment is strongly correlated with a variety of difficulties that affect expatriates’ adjustment abroad. Therefore, the aim of this article is: (1) to determine the challenges encountered by Chinese expatriates in Pakistan and (2) to determine the role of cross-cultural training for a successful international assignment. The paper adopts a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews; the interviews were conducted with 22 males and eight females, forming a total of 30 Chinese employees with the average age of 34.5 years, working in different Chinese organizations in Pakistan in 2018. The findings of this study revealed that the most significant challenges faced by Chinese expatriates in Pakistan were cultural differences and language barriers in both work and non-work factors, whereas, those Chinese expatriates who were trained through formal and informal learning techniques could facilitate their cross-cultural adjustment.
Purchase Intention of Specialty Coffee
Authors: Ramírez-Correa Patricio , Rondán-Cataluña F. Javier , Moulaz Maria Tereza , Arenas-Gaitán Jorge
Published: February 2020

The main aims of this study are: (1) to test whether the theory of planned behavior (TPB) is useful to explain the intention to purchase specialty coffee; (2) to analyze whether people more involved in social responsibility could manifest a different response from those not so interested in this matter concerning specialty coffee. The sample is composed of 489 specialty coffee consumers from Brazil. The statistical tool for testing the measurement and structural model was partial least squares. Then a multigroup analysis was performed to meet the second objective; the software SmartPLS was utilized. The main contributions of this study are that we can explain the intention to use specialty coffee in a sample of Brazilian consumers using the classical TPB model. Moreover, we demonstrate the moderating effect of consumer perception of corporate social responsibility in this general model.
Multi-Objective Optimal Allocation of Urban Water Resources While Considering Conflict Resolution Based on the PSO Algorithm: A Case Study of Kunming, China
Authors: Chen Junfei , Yu Cong , Cai Miao , Wang Huimin , Zhou Pei
Published: February 2020

With the rapid increase of water demand in urban life, ecology and production sectors, the problem of water resources allocation has become increasingly prominent. It has hindered the sustainable development of urban areas. Based on the supply of various water sources and the water demand of different water users, a multi-objective optimal allocation model for urban water resources was proposed. The model was solved using the algorithm of particle swarm optimization (PSO). The algorithm has a fast convergence and is both simple and efficient. In this paper, the conflict over Kunming’s water resources allocation was taken as an example. The PSO algorithm was used to obtain optimized water resources allocation plans in the year 2020 and 2030, under the circumstances of a dry year (inflow guarantee rate p = 0.825) and an unusually dry year (inflow guarantee rate p = 0.885), respectively. The results showed that those allocation plans can lower the future potential water shortage rates of Kunming. At the same time, the interests of different sectors can all be satisfied. Therefore, conflicts over urban water use can be effectively alleviated.
Recyclable Architecture: Prefabricated and Recyclable Typologies
Authors: Ferreira Silva Marielle , Jayasinghe Laddu Bhagya , Waldmann Daniele , Hertweck Florian
Published: February 2020

Buildings are being demolished without taking into the account the waste generated, and the housing shortage problem is getting more critical as cities are growing and the demand for built space and the use of resources are increasing. Architectural projects have been using prefabrication and modular systems to solve these problems. However, there is an absence of structures that can be disassembled and reused when the structure’s life ran its course. This paper presents three building prototypes of new recyclable architectural typologies: (i) a Slab prototype designed as a shelf structure where wooden housing modules can be plugged in and out, (ii) a Tower prototype allowing for an easy change of layout and use of different floors and (iii) a Demountable prototype characterized by the entire demountability of the building. These typologies combine modularity, flexibility, and disassembling to address the increasing demands for multi-use, re-usable and resource-efficient constructions. Design, drawings, plans, and 3D models are developed, tested and analyzed as a part of the research. The results show that the implementation of the recyclable architectural concept at the first design stage is feasible and realistic, and ensures the adaptation through time, increases life span, usability and the material reusability, while avoiding demolition, which in turn reduces the construction waste and, consequently, the CO2 emissions.
Influence of Relative Humidity on Germination and Metal Accumulation in Vigna radiata Exposed to Metal-based Nanoparticles
Authors: Jung Eun Sang , Sivakumar Subpiramaniyam , Hong Sung-Chul , Yi Pyong-In , Jang Seong-Ho , Suh Jeong-Min
Published: February 2020

The effect of single (0.1, 1, and 10 mg L−1) and binary mixtures (0.1 + 0.1, 1 + 1, and 10 + 10 mg L−1) of metal-based nanoparticles (CdO and CuO) on the germination of Vigna radiata was studied under two humidity ranges (70% and 80%). Filter paper-based tests were conducted. The surface-sterilized seeds were exposed to CdO and CuO under controlled environmental conditions (70% and 80% humidity at 35 °C). Germination rates were scored after 24 h and 48 h. The accumulation of metals was tested in seedlings after 48 h using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Compared with 70% humidity, the germination rate was higher under 80% humidity in all tested conditions. The germination rate of the CdO + CuO treatment was less than that of the single metal exposure under both humidities (70% and 80%) at 48 h. By two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we found that germination was greatly influenced by humidity. The accumulation of metal was higher in the CuO test than in the CdO test. Metal accumulation was concentration and humidity dependent, except for Cd accumulation in the CdO + CuO treatment. Here we show that the germination of seeds depends on the humidity and concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. Understanding these strategies in seeds might help to avoid environmental and chemical stress and improve crop yield.
Internal and External Determinants of Consumer Engagement in Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Piligrimienė Žaneta , Žukauskaitė Andželika , Korzilius Hubert , Banytė Jūratė , Dovalienė Aistė
Published: February 2020

Rapid population growth together with improving living standards is causing bigger and more rapid consumption of resources in industrial, household and personal consumption areas. Unsustainable consumption patterns are negatively affecting our surroundings. In order to promote sustainable consumption it is important to engage consumers in active and mutual dialogue. This study introduces the construct of consumer engagement into the context of sustainable consumption and aims at revealing the factors influencing consumer engagement in sustainable consumption. Two groups of factors, internal and external, each comprising three determinants (environmental attitude, perceived responsibility and perceived behavioral efficiency; and conditions for sustainable consumption, social environment and promotion of sustainable consumption) were identified as having direct positive impact on consumer engagement in sustainable consumption, which in turn had a positive impact on green product buying. The results revealed an important mediating role of the consumer engagement construct, suggesting that application of the engagement construct in the context of sustainable consumption would allow a deepening understanding of actual consumer behavior related with different contexts of sustainable consumption.