bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse Roles of Previous Years’ Water Conditions in Gross Primary Productivity in China
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Zhou Tao , Luo Hui , Liu Xia , Yu Peixin , Zhang Yajie , Zhou Peifang
Published: December 2020

Gross primary productivity is one of the most important indicators of ecosystem function, which is related to water conditions and shown high interannual variation. Due to the time-lag effect, not only the current water condition but also the previous water conditions (e.g., one year before) impact the gross primary productivity (GPP). Revealing the impacts of current and previous years’ water status is currently a hot topic. In this study, we designed a series of water deficit scenarios based on the meteorological dataset of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) and then analysed the responses of the remote sensing-based moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) gross primary productivity (GPP) in China, from which the role of water deficit in time periods was evaluated. The results indicate that the impact of climate factors (i.e., water, temperature and radiation) on GPP has a high spatial heterogeneity and that water-limited regions that are primarily distributed in North and Northwestern China show a stronger water-GPP relationship than water-unlimited regions. The water deficit that occurred in different periods had a variable impact on GPP. Specifically, GPP was primarily controlled by the current year’s water conditions in the water-limited regions, with the importance value of 52.8% (the percentage of Increased Mean Square Error, %IncMSE) and 3.8 (the mean decrease in node impurity, IncNodePurity), but at the same time, it was conditionally affected by the water status in the previous year, with the importance value of 20.4% (%IncMSE) and 0.6 (IncNodePurity). The role of water in previous years is multifarious, which depends on the water conditions of the current year. The results revealed by the scenarios indicate that the influence of water conditions in the previous year was not statistically significant when the water conditions of the current year were in a drought. In contrast, when the current year’s water conditions were normal or wetter, the water conditions in the previous year (i.e., one-year time lag) were also important and the increase of GPP significantly depended on the water condition (p < 0.05). The diverse roles of water conditions in previous years on GPP and its non-ignorable time-lag effect revealed in this study imply that not only the current year’s water condition but also its dynamic changes in previous years should be considered when predicting changes in GPP caused by climate change.
Twist-n-Sync: Software Clock Synchronization with Microseconds Accuracy Using MEMS-Gyroscopes
Authors: Faizullin Marsel , Kornilova Anastasiia , Akhmetyanov Azat , Ferrer Gonzalo
Published: December 2020

Sensor networks require a high degree of synchronization in order to produce a stream of data useful for further purposes. Examples of time misalignment manifest as undesired artifacts when doing multi-camera bundle-adjustment or global positioning system (GPS) geo-localization for mapping. Network Time Protocol (NTP) variants of clock synchronization can provide accurate results, though present high variance conditioned by the environment and the channel load. We propose a new precise technique for software clock synchronization over a network of rigidly attached devices using gyroscope data. Gyroscope sensors, or IMU, provide a high-rate measurements that can be processed efficiently. We use optimization tools over the correlation signal of IMU data from a network of gyroscope sensors. Our method provides stable microseconds accuracy, regardless of the number of sensors and the conditions of the network. In this paper, we show the performance of the gyroscope software synchronization in a controlled environment, and we evaluate the performance in a sensor network of smartphones by our open-source Android App, Twist-n-Sync, that is publicly available.
Identification of Gate Turn-Off Thyristor Switching Patterns Using Acoustic Emission Sensors
Authors: Kozak Maciej , Bejger Artur , Tomczak Arkadiusz
Published: December 2020

Modern seagoing ships are often equipped with converters which utilize semiconductor power electronics devices like thyristors or power transistors. Most of them are used in driving applications such as powerful main propulsion plants, auxiliary podded drives and thrusters. When it comes to main propulsion drives the power gets seriously high, thus the need for use of medium voltage power electronics devices arises. As it turns out, power electronic parts are the most susceptible to faults or failures in the whole electric drive system. These devices require efficient cooling, so manufacturers design housings in a way that best dissipates heat from the inside of the chips to the metal housing. This results in susceptibility to damage due to the heterogeneity of combined materials and the difference in temperature expansion of elements inside the power device. Currently used methods of prediction of damage and wear of semiconductor elements are limited to measurements of electrical quantities generated by devices during operation and not quite effective in case of early-stage damage to semiconductor layers. The article presents an introduction and preliminary tests of a method utilizing an acoustic emission sensor which can be used in detecting early stage damages of the gate turn-off thyristor. Theoretical considerations and chosen experimental results of initial measurements of acoustic emission signals of the medium voltage gate turn-off thyristor are presented.
Learning-Based Methods of Perception and Navigation for Ground Vehicles in Unstructured Environments: A Review
Authors: Guastella Dario Calogero , Muscato Giovanni
Published: December 2020

The problem of autonomous navigation of a ground vehicle in unstructured environments is both challenging and crucial for the deployment of this type of vehicle in real-world applications. Several well-established communities in robotics research deal with these scenarios such as search and rescue robotics, planetary exploration, and agricultural robotics. Perception plays a crucial role in this context, since it provides the necessary information to make the vehicle aware of its own status and its surrounding environment. We present a review on the recent contributions in the robotics literature adopting learning-based methods to solve the problem of environment perception and interpretation with the final aim of the autonomous context-aware navigation of ground vehicles in unstructured environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work providing such a review in this context.
Imagechain—Application of Blockchain Technology for Images
Authors: Koptyra Katarzyna , Ogiela Marek R.
Published: December 2020

Imagechain is a cryptographic structure that chain digital images with hash links. The most important feature, which differentiates it from blockchain, is that the pictures are not stored inside the blocks. Instead, the block and the image are combined together in the embedding process. Therefore, the imagechain is built from standard graphic files that may be used in the same way as any other image, but additionally, each of them contains a data block that links it to a previous element of the chain. The presented solution does not require any additional files except the images themselves. It supports multiple file formats and embedding methods, which makes it portable and user-friendly. At the same time, the scheme provides a high level of security and resistance to forgery. This is achieved by hashing the whole file with embedded data, so the image cannot be altered or removed from the chain without losing integrity. This article describes the basic concept of an imagechain together with building blocks and applications. The two most important issues are embedding methods and block structure.
Modeling the Piezoelectric Cantilever Resonator with Different Width Layers
Authors: Liu Zhenxi , Chen Jiamin , Zou Xudong
Published: December 2020

The piezoelectric cantilever resonator is used widely in many fields because of its perfect design, easy-to-control process, easy integration with the integrated circuit. The tip displacement and resonance frequency are two important characters of the piezoelectric cantilever resonator and many models are used to characterize them. However, these models are only suitable for the piezoelectric cantilever with the same width layers. To accurately characterize the piezoelectric cantilever resonators with different width layers, a novel model is proposed for predicting the tip displacement and resonance frequency. The results show that the model is in good agreement with the finite element method (FEM) simulation and experiment measurements, the tip displacement error is no more than 6%, the errors of the first, second, and third-order resonance frequency between theoretical values and measured results are 1.63%, 1.18%, and 0.51%, respectively. Finally, a discussion of the tip displacement of the piezoelectric cantilever resonator when the second layer is null, electrode, or silicon oxide (SiO2) is presented, and the utility of the model as a design tool for specifying the tip displacement and resonance frequency is demonstrated. Furthermore, this model can also be extended to characterize the piezoelectric cantilever with n-layer film or piezoelectric doubly clamped beam.
Privacy-Preserving Sensor-Based Continuous Authentication and User Profiling: A Review
Authors: Hernández-Álvarez Luis , de Fuentes José María , González-Manzano Lorena , Hernández Encinas Luis
Published: December 2020

Ensuring the confidentiality of private data stored in our technological devices is a fundamental aspect for protecting our personal and professional information. Authentication procedures are among the main methods used to achieve this protection and, typically, are implemented only when accessing the device. Nevertheless, in many occasions it is necessary to carry out user authentication in a continuous manner to guarantee an allowed use of the device while protecting authentication data. In this work, we first review the state of the art of Continuous Authentication (CA), User Profiling (UP), and related biometric databases. Secondly, we summarize the privacy-preserving methods employed to protect the security of sensor-based data used to conduct user authentication, and some practical examples of their utilization. The analysis of the literature of these topics reveals the importance of sensor-based data to protect personal and professional information, as well as the need for exploring a combination of more biometric features with privacy-preserving approaches.
Timely Reliability Analysis of Virtual Machines Considering Migration and Recovery in an Edge Server
Authors: Liu Kangkai , Guo Linhan , Wang Yu , Chen Xianyu
Published: December 2020

For the edge computing network, whether the end-to-end delay satisfies the delay constraint of the task is critical, especially for delay-sensitive tasks. Virtual machine (VM) migration improves the robustness of the network, whereas it also causes service downtime and increases the end-to-end delay. To study the influence of failure, migration, and recovery of VMs, we define three states for the VMs in an edge server and build a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC). Then, we develop a matrix-geometric method and a first passage time method to obtain the VMs timely reliability (VTR) and the end-to-end timely reliability (ETR). The numerical results are verified by simulation based on OMNeT++. Results show that VTR is a monotonic function of the migration rate and the number of VMs. However, in some cases, the increase in task VMs (TVMs) may conversely decrease VTR, since more TVMs also brings about more failures in a given time. Moreover, we find that there is a trade-off between TVMs and backup VMs (BVMs) when the total number of VMs is limited. Our findings may shed light on understanding the impact of VM migration on end-to-end delay and designing a more reliable edge computing network for delay-sensitive applications.
Detection of the TiO2 Concentration in the Protective Coatings for the Cultural Heritage by Means of Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Costanzo Antonio , Ebolese Donatella , Ruffolo Silvestro Antonio , Falcone Sergio , la Piana Carmelo , La Russa Mauro Francesco , Musacchio Massimo , Buongiorno Maria Fabrizia
Published: December 2020

Nanotechnology-based materials are currently being tested in the protection of cultural heritage: ethyl silicate or silica nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous colloidal suspensions mixed with titanium dioxide are used as a coating for stone materials. These coatings can play a key role against the degradation of stone materials, due to the deposit of organic matter and other contaminants on the substrate, a phenomenon that produces a greater risk for the monuments in urban areas because of the increasing atmospheric pollution. However, during the application phase, it is important to evaluate the amount of titanium dioxide in the coatings on the substrate, as it can produce a coverage effect on the asset. In this work, we present the hyperspectral data obtained through a field spectroradiometer on samples of different stone materials, which have been prepared in laboratory with an increasing weight percentage of titanium dioxide from 0 to 8 wt%. The data showed spectral signatures dependent on the content of titanium dioxide in the wavelength range 350–400 nm. Afterwards, blind tests were performed on other samples in order to evaluate the reliability of these measurements in detecting the unknown weight percentage of titanium dioxide. Moreover, an investigation was also performed on a test application of nanoparticle coatings on a stone statue located in a coastal town in Calabria (southern Italy). The results showed that the surveys can be useful for verifying the phase of application of the coating on cultural heritage structures; however, they could also be used to check the state of the coated stone directly exposed over time to atmospheric, biological and chemical agents.
Ti/RuO2-IrO2-SnO2 Anode for Electrochemical Degradation of Pollutants in Pharmaceutical Wastewater: Optimization and Degradation Performances
Authors: Zhang Guozhen , Huang Xingxing , Ma Jinye , Wu Fuping , Zhou Tianhong
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical oxidation technology is an effective technique to treat high-concentration wastewater, which can directly oxidize refractory pollutants into simple inorganic compounds such as H2O and CO2. In this work, two-dimensionally stable anodes, Ti/RuO2-IrO2-SnO2, have been developed in order to degrade organic pollutants from pharmaceutical wastewater. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the oxide coating was successfully fabricated on the Ti plate surface. Electrocatalytic oxidation conditions of high concentration pharmaceutical wastewater was discussed and optimized, and the best results showed that the COD removal rate was 95.92% with the energy consumption was 58.09 kW·h/kgCOD under the electrode distance of 3 cm, current density of 8 mA/cm2, initial pH of 2, and air flow of 18 L/min.
How Blue Carbon Ecosystems Are Perceived by Local Communities in the Coral Triangle: Comparative and Empirical Examinations in the Philippines and Indonesia
Authors: Quevedo Jay Mar D. , Uchiyama Yuta , Muhamad Lukman Kevin , Kohsaka Ryo
Published: December 2020

Blue carbon ecosystem (BCE) initiatives in the Coral Triangle Region (CTR) are increasing due to their amplified recognition in mitigating global climate change. Although transdisciplinary approaches in the “blue carbon” discourse and collaborative actions are gaining momentum in the international and national arenas, more work is still needed at the local level. The study pursues how BCE initiatives permeate through the local communities in the Philippines and Indonesia, as part of CTR. Using perception surveys, the coastal residents from Busuanga, Philippines, and Karimunjawa, Indonesia were interviewed on their awareness, utilization, perceived threats, and management strategies for BCEs. Potential factors affecting residents’ perceptions were explored using multivariate regression and correlation analyses. Also, a comparative analysis was done to determine distinctions and commonalities in perceptions as influenced by site-specific scenarios. Results show that, despite respondents presenting relatively high awareness of BCE services, levels of utilization are low with 42.9–92.9% and 23.4–85.1% respondents in Busuanga and Karimunjawa, respectively, not directly utilizing BCE resources. Regression analysis showed that respondents’ occupation significantly influenced their utilization rate and observed opposite correlations in Busuanga (positive) and Karimunjawa (negative). Perceived threats are found to be driven by personal experiences—occurrence of natural disasters in Busuanga whereas discerned anthropogenic activities (i.e., land-use conversion) in Karimunjawa. Meanwhile, recognized management strategies are influenced by the strong presence of relevant agencies like non-government and people’s organizations in Busuanga and the local government in Karimunjawa. These results can be translated as useful metrics in contextualizing and/or enhancing BCE management plans specifically in strategizing advocacy campaigns and engagement of local stakeholders across the CTR.
A Case Study of Socially-Accepted Potentials for the Use of End User Flexibility by Home Energy Management Systems
Authors: Pfeiffer Christian , Puchegger Markus , Maier Claudia , Tomaschitz Ina V. , Kremsner Thomas P. , Gnam Lukas
Published: December 2020

Due to the increase of volatile renewable energy resources, additional flexibility will be necessary in the electricity system in the future to ensure a technically and economically efficient network operation. Although home energy management systems hold potential for a supply of flexibility to the grid, private end users often neglect or even ignore recommendations regarding beneficial behavior. In this work, the social acceptance and requirements of a participatively developed home energy management system with focus on (i) system support optimization, (ii) self-consumption and self-sufficiency optimization, and (iii) additional comfort functions are determined. Subsequently, the socially-accepted flexibility potential of the home energy management system is estimated. Using methods of online household survey, cluster analysis, and energy-economic optimization, the socially-accepted techno-economic potential of households in a three-community cluster sample area is computed. Results show about a third of the participants accept the developed system. This yields a shiftable load of nearly 1.8 MW within the small sample area. Furthermore, the system yields the considerably larger monetary surplus on the supplier-side due to its focus on system support optimization. New electricity market opportunities are necessary to adequately reward a systemically useful load behavior of households.
Concrete Based on Clinker-Free Cement: Selecting the Functional Unit for Environmental Assessment
Authors: Smirnova Olga , Kazanskaya Liliya , Koplík Jan , Tan Hongbo , Gu Xianyue
Published: December 2020

Improving the environmental situation and obtaining cement composites with new properties for various operating conditions is possible with the use of secondary resources. The paper is devoted to the criteria for evaluating the impact of clinker-free cement on the environment. The methodological approach to the selection of a functional unit for comparative assessment of the ecological footprint of clinker-free cements is justified. The results of studying the properties determining the concrete durability in the aggressive environment of livestock farms and in transport construction are given. The results will contribute to the development of an ecological approach to the components selection for clinker-free cements and to the adoption of design decisions in construction, as well as to the expansion of the field of using clinker-free cements in transport and industrial construction.
Policy Zoning for Efficient Land Utilization Based on Spatio-Temporal Integration between the Bicycle-Sharing Service and the Metro Transit
Authors: Yu Qing , Li Weifeng , Yang Dongyuan , Xie Yingkun
Published: December 2020

Dockless bicycle-sharing is one of the novel transportation modes that emerged in recent years. As a component of the public transit system, it plays an important part in connecting the urban metro system but also generates some problems. With the low parking turnover rate, the oversupply of bicycles will generate parking demand and occupy a large amount of urban public land. To make the dockless bicycle-sharing service a more effective travel mode for connecting the metro system, it is necessary to implement policy zoning with different management strategies for efficient land utilization in the dockless bicycle-sharing system. In this paper, the bicycle-sharing trips data and the metro trips data are utilized to extract indexes to assess the connection performance and operation potential between the bicycle-sharing system and metro transit system. A methodology of coverage area division and policy zoning based on cycling attraction area areas is used. Applying the methodology proposed to a case study in Shanghai, the metro stations in Shanghai are classified into four clusters with different characteristics, including stations with effective land utilization, stations with the potential to promote BS service, stations with deficiencies in BS service, and stations with the potential to improve the land utilization efficiency. According to the different demand patterns and operation performance of the four clusters, corresponding policy suggestions are proposed.
Dynamic Authenticity: Understanding and Conserving Mosuo Dwellings in China in Transitions
Authors: Feng Huichao , Xiao Jieling
Published: December 2020

Mosuo dwellings are distinctive vernacular architecture forms that are shaped by the unique matriarchal society of Mosuo in Southwest China. They have undergone dramatic transformations during the 21st century as a result of modernization and tourism. There is a lack of theoretical and empirical studies regarding the impact on the authenticity. This paper aims to fill this gap and develops a theoretical framework—cultural architectural assets—to understand and interpret the transitions of Mosuo dwellings and their authenticity in transitions. Adopting an anthropological methodology approach, this article examines the changes and continuities of Mosuo dwellings during the last thirty years. Fieldwork was conducted in nine Mosuo villages in Yongning Township through a range of qualitative methods, including participatory observations, photographic survey and photo elicitation interviews. The investigation results revealed cultural-architectural elements that are continued in the transitions include the courtyard form, the sacred chamber and the grandmother’s house; cultural-architectural elements that are changing include the flower house and grass house; cultural-architectural elements that are disappearing include the back room (Dupan) and the upper hearth in the grandmother’s house as well as the wooden shingle roof. As a result, the study constructs a conservation approach for sustainable development in three dimensions: living culture, building culture and values and beliefs. This analytical framework can be adapted to be applied to different contexts as a sustainable approach for the conservation and development of vernacular architecture in transitions.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Properties of a Recycled Composite Sleeper and Its Theoretical Model
Authors: Zhao Zhenhang , Gao Ying , Li Chenghui
Published: December 2020

As a symmetrical structure in track system, the dynamic properties of recycled composite sleepers are important factors affecting the vibration characteristics of track structure. To study the viscoelastic dynamic properties of the composite sleeper, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests of a composite sleeper at −5 to 30 °C and 1–60 Hz were first carried out, and then the time-temperature superposition (TTS) and the Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) formula were used to predict the dynamic properties of a composite sleeper at a wider frequency range. Finally, the generalized Maxwell model was adopted to characterize the dynamic properties of the composite sleeper, which provides parameters and theoretical models for dynamic analysis. The research results show that the composite sleeper has obvious viscoelasticity. Its modulus is large at low temperature or high frequency. On the contrary, the modulus is small at high temperature or low frequency. Under the test conditions, its complex modulus ranges from 1500 to 2700 MPa. The loss factor is in the range of 0.08–0.13. Using the generalized Maxwell model (n = 4), which can better reflect the dynamic properties of the composite sleeper.
Overlapping Community Discovery Method Based on Two Expansions of Seeds
Authors: Li Yan , He Jing , Wu Youxi , Lv Rongjie
Published: December 2020

The real world can be characterized as a complex network sto in symmetric matrix. Community discovery (or community detection) can effectively reveal the common features of network groups. The communities are overlapping since, in fact, one thing often belongs to multiple categories. Hence, overlapping community discovery has become a new research hotspot. Since the results of the existing community discovery algorithms are not robust enough, this paper proposes an effective algorithm, named Two Expansions of Seeds (TES). TES adopts the topological feature of network nodes to find the local maximum nodes as the seeds which are based on the gravitational degree, which makes the community discovery robust. Then, the seeds are expanded by the greedy strategy based on the fitness function, and the community cleaning strategy is employed to avoid the nodes with negative fitness so as to improve the accuracy of community discovery. After that, the gravitational degree is used to expand the communities for the second time. Thus, all nodes in the network belong to at least one community. Finally, we calculate the distance between the communities and merge similar communities to obtain a less- undant community structure. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms.
X-ray Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Analysis of Gem-Aminals-Based Morpholine, Pyrrolidine, and Piperidine Moieties
Authors: Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Haukka Matti , Soliman Saied M. , Alamary Abdullah Saleh , Alshahrani Saeed , Ali M. , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Barakat Assem
Published: December 2020

The gem-aminals of 1,2-dimorpholinoethane (1) and 1-morpholino-3-morpholinium bromide propane (2) were synthesized by reaction of two molar ratio of morpholine with the halogenating agents in the presence of basic condition (K2CO3) in acetone at room temperature (RT) overnight. The structures of the centro-symmetric compound 1 and the morpholinium salt derivative 2 were assigned unambiguous by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and compared with the 1,2-di(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethane 3 and 1,2-di(piperidin-1-yl)ethane 4. The 1,2-dimorpholinoethane molecule has a center of symmetry at the midpoint of the C-C bond of the ethyl moiety leading to two equivalent halves. It crystallized in monoclinic crystal system and P21/n space group, while the unit cell parameters are determined to be a = 6.0430(3), b = 8.0805(3), c = 11.1700(4) Å, and β = 97.475(2)° with unit cell volume of 540.80(4) Å3 and Z = 2 at 170(2) K. The less symmetric analogue 2 crystallized in the lower space group P21 with unit cell parameters of a = 6.37450(10), b = 11.1378(2), c = 9.6549(2) Å, and β = 93.358(2)°, while the unit cell volume is 684.30(2)Å3 at 120(2) K. Using Hirshfeld analysis, the molecules of 1 are mainly packed by weak N…H (4.2%), O…H (16.8%), and H…H (79.0%) interactions. In contrast, the molecules of 2 are packed by significantly short O…H (14.4%) and Br…H (11.6%) interactions in addition to the relatively long H…H (73.3%) interactions. DFT calculations predicted the molecular geometry of the studied compounds showing a good agreement with the experimental X-ray structures. Due to symmetry considerations, compounds 1, 3, and 4 are nonpolar with zero dipole moment, while the less symmetric molecule 2 has a dipole moment of 6.914 Debye. Their electronic aspects, such as natural population charges, HOMO, and LUMO energies as well as the corresponding reactivity descriptors, were also calculated and discussed.
Comparison of Gravitational and Light Frequency Shifts in Rubidium Atomic Clock
Authors: Baranov Alexey , Ermak Sergey , Lozov Roman , Semenov Vladimir
Published: December 2020

The article presents the results of an experimental study of the external magnetic field orientation and magnitude influence on the rubidium atomic clock, simulating the influence of the geomagnetic field on the onboard rubidium atomic clock of navigation satellites. The tensor component value of the atomic clock frequency light shift on the rubidium cell was obtained, and this value was ~2 Hz. The comparability of the relative light shift (~10−9) and the regular gravitational correction (4×10−10) to the frequency of the rubidium atomic clock was shown. The experimental results to determine the orientational shift influence on the rubidium atomic clock frequency were presented. A significant effect on the relative frequency instability of a rubidium atomic clock at a level of 10−12(10−13) for rotating external magnetic field amplitudes of 1.5 A/m and 3 A/m was demonstrated. This magnitude corresponds to the geomagnetic field in the orbit of navigation satellites. The necessity of taking into account various factors (satellite orbit parameters and atomic clock characteristics) is substantiated for correct comparison of corrections to the rubidium onboard atomic clock frequency associated with the Earth’s gravitational field action and the satellite orientation in the geomagnetic field.
Bacillus subtilis Inhibits Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Infection in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Han So-Ri , Munang’andu Hetron M. , Yeo In-Kyu , Kim Sung-Hyun
Published: December 2020

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is a highly pathogenic virus that infects a wide range of host fish species causing high economic losses in aquaculture. Epithelial cells in mucosal organs are target sites for VHSV entry into fish. To protect fish against VHSV infection, there is a need to develop antiviral compounds able to prevent establishment of infection at portals of virus entry into fish. Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic with excellent antiviral properties, of which one of its secretions, surfactin, has been shown to inhibit viral infections in mammals. Herein, we demonstrate its ability to prevent VHSV infection in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and infection in internal organs. Our findings show inhibition of VHSV infection in IECs by B. subtilis and surfactin. In addition, our findings showed inhibition of VHSV in Epithelioma Papulosum Cyprini (EPC) cells inoculated with intestinal homogenates from the fish pretreated with B. subtilis by oral exposure, while the untreated fish had cytopathic effects (CPE) caused by VHSV infection in the intestines at 48 h after the VHSV challenge. At 96 h post-challenge, samples from the untreated fish had CPE from head kidney and spleen homogenates and no CPE were observed in the intestinal homogenates, while the B. subtilis-pretreated fish had no CPE in all organs. These findings demonstrate that inhibition of VHSV infection at portals of virus entry in the intestines culminated in prevention of infection in internal organs. In summary, our results show that B. subtilis has the potential to prevent VHSV infection in fish and that its use as a probiotic in aquaculture has the potential to serve as an antiviral therapeutic agent against different viral infections.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Cholera Toxin-Based Staphylococcus aureus Vaccine against Bovine Intramammary Challenge
Authors: Alabdullah Hussain A. , Overgaard Elise , Scarbrough Danielle , Williams Janet E. , Mohammad Mousa Omid , Dunn Gary , Bond Laura , McGuire Mark A. , Tinker Juliette K.
Published: December 2020

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a primary agent of bovine mastitis and a source of significant economic loss for the dairy industry. We previously reported antigen-specific immune induction in the milk and serum of dairy cows following vaccination with a cholera toxin A2 and B subunit (CTA2/B) based vaccine containing the iron-regulated surface determinant A (IsdA) and clumping factor A (ClfA) antigens of S. aureus (IsdA + ClfA-CTA2/B). The goal of the current study was to assess the efficacy of this vaccine to protect against S. aureus infection after intramammary challenge. Six mid-lactation heifers were randomized to vaccinated and control groups. On days 1 and 14 animals were inoculated intranasally with vaccine or vehicle control, and on day 20 animals were challenged with S. aureus. Clinical outcome, milk quality, bacterial shedding, and somatic cell count (SCC) were followed for ten days post-challenge. Vaccinated animals did not show signs of clinical S. aureus mastitis and had lower SCCs compared to control animals during the challenge period. Reductions in bacterial shedding were observed but were not significant between groups. Antibody analysis of milk and serum indicated that, upon challenge, vaccinated animals produced enhanced IsdA- and ClfA-CTA2/B specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses, while responses to CTA2/B alone were not different between groups. Responses after challenge were largely IgG1 against the IsdA antigen and mixed IgG1/IgG2 against the ClfA antigen. In addition, there was a significant increase in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression from blood cells in vaccinated animals on day 20. While preliminary, these findings support evidence of the induction of active immunity by IsdA + ClfA-CTA2/B, and further assessment of this vaccine is warranted.
Immunogenicity of E2CD154 Subunit Vaccine Candidate against Classical Swine Fever in Piglets with Different Levels of Maternally Derived Antibodies
Authors: Sordo-Puga Yusmel , Pérez-Pérez Danny , Montero-Espinosa Carlos , Oliva-Cárdenas Aymé , Sosa-Teste Iliana , Duarte Carlos A. , Rodríguez-Moltó María Pilar , Sardina-González Talía , Santana-Rodríguez Elaine , Vargas-Hernández Milagros , Cabrera-Otaño Yaneris , Ancizar-Fragoso Julio A. , Fuentes-Rodríguez Yohandy , Pablo Estrada Mario , Suárez-Pedroso Marisela
Published: December 2020

E2CD154 is a novel subunit vaccine candidate against classical swine fever virus (CSFV). It contains the E2 envelope protein from CSFV fused to the porcine CD154 molecule formulated in the oil adjuvant MontanideTM ISA50 V2. Previous works evidenced the safety and immunogenicity of this candidate. Here, two other important parameters related to vaccine efficacy were assessed. First, the existence of high maternally derived antibody (MDA) titers in piglets born to sows vaccinated with E2CD154 was demonstrated. These MDA titers remained above 1:200 during the first seven weeks of life. To assess whether the titers interfere with active vaccination, 79 piglets from sows immunized with either E2CD154 or a modified live vaccine were vaccinated with E2CD154 following a 0–21-day biphasic schedule. Animals immunized at either 15, 21, or 33 days of age responded to vaccination by eliciting protective neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers higher than 1:600, with a geometric mean of 1:4335, one week after the booster. Those protective levels of NAb were sustained up to six months of age. No vaccination-related adverse effects were described. As a conclusion, E2CD154 is able to induce protective NAb in piglets with different MDA levels and at different days of age.
N-terminal VP1 Truncations Favor T = 1 Norovirus-Like Particles
Authors: Pogan Ronja , Weiss Victor U. , Bond Kevin , Dülfer Jasmin , Krisp Christoph , Lyktey Nicholas , Müller-Guhl Jürgen , Zoratto Samuele , Allmaier Günter , Jarrold Martin F. , Muñoz-Fontela Cesar , Schlüter Hartmut , Uetrecht Charlotte
Published: December 2020

Noroviruses cause immense sporadic gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Emerging genotypes, which are divided based on the sequence of the major capsid protein VP1, further enhance this public threat. Self-assembling properties of the human norovirus major capsid protein VP1 are crucial for using virus-like particles (VLPs) for vaccine development. However, there is no vaccine available yet. Here, VLPs from different variants produced in insect cells were characterized in detail using a set of biophysical and structural tools. We used native mass spectrometry, gas-phase electrophoretic mobility molecular analysis, and proteomics to get clear insights into particle size, structure, and composition, as well as stability. Generally, noroviruses have been known to form mainly T = 3 particles. Importantly, we identified a major truncation in the capsid proteins as a likely cause for the formation of T = 1 particles. For vaccine development, particle production needs to be a reproducible, reliable process. Understanding the underlying processes in capsid size variation will help to produce particles of a defined capsid size presenting antigens consistent with intact virions. Next to vaccine production itself, this would be immensely beneficial for bio-/nano-technological approaches using viral particles as carriers or triggers for immunological reactions.
Interferon-α-Induced Dendritic Cells Generated with Human Platelet Lysate Exhibit Elevated Antigen Presenting Ability to Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Authors: Date Ippei , Koya Terutsugu , Sakamoto Takuya , Togi Misa , Kawaguchi Haruhiko , Watanabe Asuka , Kato Tomohisa , Shimodaira Shigetaka
Published: December 2020

Given the recent advancements of immune checkpoint inhibitors, there is considerable interest in cancer immunotherapy provided through dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination. Although many studies have been conducted to determine the potency of DC vaccines against cancer, the clinical outcomes are not yet optimal, and further improvement is necessary. In this study, we evaluated the potential ability of human platelet lysate (HPL) to produce interferon-α-induced DCs (IFN-DCs). In the presence of HPL, IFN-DCs (HPL-IFN-DCs) displayed high viability, yield, and purity. Furthermore, HPL-IFN-DCs displayed increased CD14, CD56, and CCR7 expressions compared with IFN-DCs produced without HPL; HPL-IFN-DCs induced an extremely higher number of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) than IFN-DCs, which was evaluated with a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) peptide. Additionally, the endocytic and proteolytic activities of HPL-IFN-DCs were increased. Cytokine production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was also elevated in HPL-IFN-DCs, which may account for the enhanced CTL, endocytic, and proteolytic activities. Our findings suggest that ex-vivo-generated HPL-IFN-DCs are a novel monocyte-derived type of DC with high endocytic and proteolytic activities, thus highlighting a unique strategy for DC-based immunotherapies.
Platforms Exploited for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development
Authors: Mathew Shilu , Faheem Muhammed , Hassain Neeraja A. , Benslimane Fatiha M. , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Zaraket Hassan , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: December 2020

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the only zoonotic-origin coronavirus (CoV) that has reached the pandemic stage. The virus uses its spike (S) glycoprotein to attach to the host cells and initiate a cascade of events that leads to infection. It has sternly affected public health, economy, education, and social behavior around the world. Several scientific and medical communities have mounted concerted efforts to limit this pandemic and the subsequent wave of viral spread by developing preventative and potential vaccines. So far, no medicine or vaccine has been approved to prevent or treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review describes the latest advances in the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans, mainly focusing on the lead candidates in clinical trials. Moreover, we seek to provide both the advantages and the disadvantages of the leading platforms used in current vaccine development, based on past vaccine delivery efforts for non-SARS CoV-2 infections. We also highlight the population groups who should receive a vaccine against COVID-19 in a timely manner to eradicate the pandemic rapidly.
Serotonin and Tryptophan Serum Concentrations in Shelter Dogs Showing Different Behavioural Responses to a Potentially Stressful Procedure
Authors: Riggio Giacomo , Mariti Chiara , Sergi Valeria , Diverio Silvana , Gazzano Angelo
Published: December 2020

In mammals, serotonin (5-HT) levels depend on the availability of tryptophan (TRP). Low 5-HT concentrations have been linked to behavioural disorders in dogs. This study aimed at investigating possible differences in dogs’ serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations according to their behavioural response to a potentially stressful procedure. Thirty-nine physically healthy shelter dogs, 15 females and 24 males, mean age = 5.6 years, were categorized by a certified veterinary behaviourist according to their behavioural response to medical examination and blood collection, in: relaxation, stress signals, tension without growling, tension with growling, escape attempts, and aggression attempts. Extraction and quantification of 5-HT and TRP were performed using a HLPC method. Data were statistically analysed, applying Chi-square and Spearman tests. Results showed no significant difference in TRP (χ2 = 2.084, p = 0.555) nor 5-HT (χ2 = 0.972, p = 0.808) serum concentrations among different categories of dogs; however, some categories were underrepresented (relaxation = 20.5%, stress signals = 30.8%, tension without growling = 43.6%, tension with growling = 5.1%, escape attempts = 0%, aggression attempts = 0%). No correlation between serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations was found (ρ = 0.086, p = 0.602). Serum 5-HT levels do not seem to be associated with dogs’ behavioural response to a stressful situation nor with serum TRP concentrations. The relationship between serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations and behaviour needs further research.
Hassân bin Sâbit'in Şiirinde Şam ve Hicaz Arasındaki Estetik Değer Kaymaları
Authors: EKHTIAR Ousama
Published: December 2020

Şiirdeki estetik değerler epistemik delalet ile bağlantılıdır. Diğer taraftan, mekân ile olan ilişki şiirdeki o değerlerden bir parça olarak görünmektedir. Bu noktadan hareketle bu çalışmada, Hassân bin Sâbit'in şiirinde Hicaz ile Şam arasındaki estetik değerler ele alınacaktır. Bu konuyu bizim için önemli kılan husus, Hassân bin Sâbit'in Hicaz ve Şam'a karşı bakışında değişen ve değişmeyen unsurları ve özellikle Hassân'ın cahiliye zamanında Şam'a yaptığı yolculuklar esnasında kaleme almış olduğu el-Kasâidü'ş-Şâmiyye'de Hicaz ve Şam ile ilgili mekânın çerçevesini tespit edebilmektir. Bu bağlamda çalışmamızın birinci bölümünde, Hassân bin Sâbit'in şiirlerinde bedevilik ile temeddün arasındaki estetik değerlerin kaymaları incelenecektir. İkinci bölümde ise, Hicaz'a karşı vefa ile beraber Şam medeniyetine karşı sevinç tasavvuru ele alınacaktır. Genelde temel olarak, Hassân bin Sâbit'in İslâm'dan önce Hicaz ve Şam ile ilişkisine dair şiirsel kişiliğini ortaya koymak için, el-Kasâidü'ş-Şâmiyye'de geçen Hicaz tasavvurundaki manevi estetik ve hissî estetik inşaları tespit etmek amaçlanmaktadır.
Flash Flood and Tornado Disaster in Bodrum: Case Study of November 29, 2018
Authors: KOLAY Oğuzhan , ÖZDEMİR Emrah Tuncay , YETEMEN Ömer
Published: December 2020

29 Kasım 2018 tarihinde 10:00 UTC’de Bodrum (Muğla) Yarımadası’nın güneyinde başlayan gök gürültülü sağanak yağış, devam eden saatler içinde şiddetini artırmış ve yarımada geneline yayılmıştır. 15:00 UTC’ye kadar aralıksız şekilde devam eden yağış sonucunda, Bodrum Kaymakamlığı’ndan alınan resmi rapora göre 175 konut, 140 işyeri ve 60 araç hasar görmüş, ilçenin altyapısında büyük zararlar oluşmuştur. Bu çalışmanın amacı, meydana gelen bu şiddetli gök gürültülü sağanak yağışı; yer gözlemleri (otomatik meteoroloji gözlem istasyonları (OMGİ)), yer kartı, yüksek seviye meteorolojik ürünler (Skew-T Log-P diyagramı ve 500 hPa seviye haritası), radar ürünleri (Maximum Display (MAX), Surface Rainfall Intensity (SRI) ve RAINN), uydu görüntüleri (HRV-IR10.8 kompozit uydu görüntüsü) ve sayısal model ürünleri (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ve Application of Research to Operations at Mesoscale (AROME)) yardımı ile araştırarak analiz etmektir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre; oraj hücresinin maksimum eko değerinin 60 dBZ’e yaklaştığı ve bulut tepe yüksekliğinin de 15 km civarına ulaştığı tespit edilmiştir. Bölge üzerinden geçen trofa (oluk) bağlı sağanak hattı, bu hortum ve sel felaketinin yaşanmasına neden olmuştur. Yer gözlemlerinin, oluşan yağışı analiz etmede yetersiz kaldığı ve meteorolojik uzaktan algılamanın, özellikle radar ürünlerinin hem gözlem hem de kısa vadeli hava öngörüsü için ne kadar önemli olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
The Effect of Worm Fertilizer and Peat Applications on the Development of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Plant in Different Pot Environment
Authors: YUKSEK Turan , OĞUZTÜRK Türker , ÇORBACI Ömer Lütfü
Published: December 2020

Sustainable plant production needs to monitor the development of plants, which are important in terms of food, medicinal, and aromatic properties, in different volumes and nutrient media, and to determine their ability to adapt to different ecological environments.For this purpose, the Cuban Oregano Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) plant was chosen as study material. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of organic worm manure and peat applications on the development of the plant of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) in different pot sizes and different media. For this purpose, pots of 3 different sizes and volumes (250, 450 and 700 cc) were filled with commercial peat. Later, randomly selected Cuban Oregano seedlings were planted in pots filled with peat. 8 different doses (peat +10 g vermicompost+ 30 ml vermiwash, peat +10 g vermicompost + 10 ml vermiwash, peat + 15 g vermicompost + 10 ml vermiwash, peat + 20 g vermicompost + 10 ml vermiwash, peat + 10 g vermicompost were applied to seedlings planted in pots, and peat only applications were made as control group. As a result of the research, the best development according to the media was obtained from the experimental plots where 10 grams of vermicompost was applied. The best plant development according to the pot sizes was obtained from the 450 cc pot. The highest leaf surface area by 9.33 cm2 was found in a 450 cc pot, while the highest belowground biomass was found in 700 cc pot and peat medium in T5 treatment where 10 g vermicompost was applied. In addition, increasing the production of medical-aromatic and high landscape value plants can contribute to the success of rural development studies and the development of the national economy.