bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Studies of Gas Permeability through Orthogonal Networks for Isotropic Porous Material
Authors: Wałowski Grzegorz
Published: July 2021

With regard to the problem of gas flow through isotropic porous deposits, the issues were considered in the category of description of gas movement mechanisms for structural models of the skeleton. As part of experimental tests of gas permeability through porous material in the form of polyamide, the numerical simulation method was used, using the k–ε turbulence model. The analysis of hydrodynamic phenomena occurring in the porous material made it possible to confront experimental research with numerical calculations. The analysis shows that, for a porous polyamide bed, there is a certain limit range of gas velocity (10−4–1) ms−1 at which flow resistance is the lowest. On the other hand, the highest value of the flow resistance is gradually achieved in the range of gas velocity (1–10) ms−1. This is due to the different structure of the isotropic polyamide material. The validation of the numerical model with experimental data indicates the validity of the adopted research methodology. It was found that the permeability characteristics of the tested porous material practically did not depend on the direction of gas flow. For porous polyamide, the permeability characteristic is non-linear, which, from the point of view of the measurements carried out, indicates the advantage of turbulent gas flow over its laminar movement. The novelty of the article is a proprietary method of measuring gas permeability for a cube-shaped sample made of a material constituting a sinter of spherical particles of equal dimensions. The method enables the determination of gas flow (in each flow direction) in microchannels forming an orthogonal network, characteristic of isotropic materials.
Radiation-Induced Effect on Spin-Selective Electron Transfer through Self-Assembled Monolayers of ds-DNA
Authors: Bangruwa Neeraj , Srivastava Manish , Mishra Debabrata
Published: July 2021

Stability of the DNA molecule is essential for the proper functioning and sustainability of all living organisms. In this study, we investigate the effect of gamma radiation (γ-radiation) on spin-selective electron transfer through double strand (ds)DNA molecules. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 21-base long DNA are prepared on Au-coated Ni thin film. We measure the spin polarization (%) of the SAMs of ds-DNA using the spin-dependent electrochemical technique. We use a Cs-based γ-radiation source to expose the SAMs of ds-DNA immobilized on thin films for various time intervals ranging from 0–30 min. The susceptibility of DNA to γ-radiation is measured by spin-dependent electrochemistry. We observe that the efficiency of spin filtering by ds-DNA gradually decreases when exposure (to γ-radiation) time increases, and drops below 1% after 30 min of exposure. The change in spin polarization value is related either to the conformational perturbation in DNA or to structural damage in DNA molecules caused by ionizing radiation.
Magnetic Polymers for Magnetophoretic Separation in Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Descamps Lucie , Le Roy Damien , Tomba Caterina , Deman Anne-laure
Published: July 2021

Magnetophoresis offers many advantages for manipulating magnetic targets in microsystems. The integration of micro-flux concentrators and micro-magnets allows achieving large field gradients and therefore large reachable magnetic forces. However, the associated fabrication techniques are often complex and costly, and besides, they put specific constraints on the geometries. Magnetic composite polymers provide a promising alternative in terms of simplicity and fabrication costs, and they open new perspectives for the microstructuring, design, and integration of magnetic functions. In this review, we propose a state of the art of research works implementing magnetic polymers to trap or sort magnetic micro-beads or magnetically labeled cells in microfluidic devices.
Optimal Investment and Proportional Reinsurance in a Regime-Switching Market Model under Forward Preferences
Authors: Colaneri Katia , Cretarola Alessandra , Salterini Benedetta
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study the optimal investment and reinsurance problem of an insurance company whose investment preferences are described via a forward dynamic exponential utility in a regime-switching market model. Financial and actuarial frameworks are dependent since stock prices and insurance claims vary according to a common factor given by a continuous time finite state Markov chain. We construct the value function and we prove that it is a forward dynamic utility. Then, we characterize the optimal investment strategy and the optimal proportional level of reinsurance. We also perform numerical experiments and provide sensitivity analyses with respect to some model parameters.
Implied Tail Risk and ESG Ratings
Authors: Zhang Jingyan , De Spiegeleer Jan , Schoutens Wim
Published: July 2021

This paper explores whether the high or low ESG rating of a company is related to the level of its implied tail risk, measured on the basis of derivative data by implied skewness and implied kurtosis. Previous research suggests that the ESG rating of a company is indeed connected to some financial risk; however, often, only volatility is used as a risk measure. We examined the relation between ESG ratings and implied volatility, and explore the relation between ESG ratings and financial risk in more depth by looking into higher implied moments accessing financial tail risk. First, we found that higher ESG rated companies have a lower implied volatility connected with them, and exhibit more negative implied skewness and higher implied kurtosis. In other words, we observed a higher negative tail risk for higher ESG rated companies. However, on a midsized company data set, we found that higher ESG rated companies both have lower implied volatility, and exhibit less negative implied skewness and lower implied kurtosis. Hence, negative tail risk is typically lower for high ESG rated companies. Our study further investigated similar effects on individual environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) scores of the involved companies. Second, we examined whether such a kind of trend exists for different sectors. Our results indicate that the influence of ESG ratings on implied volatility exhibits a similar trend, except for the industrial, information services, and real estate sectors, while for the materials, healthcare, and communication services sectors, the influence of ESG ratings on implied skewness and implied kurtosis is less pronounced. Moreover, the results show that the ESG ratings are correlated with implied moments for companies in consumer discretionary sectors.
Surface Properties and Biocompatibility of Anodized Titanium with a Potential Pretreatment for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Huang Bai-Hung , Lu Yi-Jung , Lan Wen-Chien , Ruslin Muhammad , Lin Hung-Yang , Ou Keng-Liang , Saito Takashi , Tsai Hsin-Yu , Lee Chen-Han , Cho Yung-Chieh , Yang Tzu-Sen , Liu Chung-Ming , Hou Ping-Jen
Published: July 2021

The effects of anodized titanium (Ti) with a potential hydrogen fluoride (HF) acid pretreatment through cathodization on the formation of nano-porous Ti dioxide (TiO2) layer were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffractometer, and contact angle goniometer. The biocompatibility was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Analytical results found that a well-aligned nano-porous structure was formed on the anodized Ti surface with HF pretreatment concentration above 0.5%. Microstructure of the nano-porous Ti dioxide surface generated by anodization with HF pretreatment was composed of anatase and rutile phases, while the anodized Ti sample with HF pretreatment concentration of 0.5% presented excellent hydrophilicity surface. An in-vitro biocompatibility also indicated that osteoblast cells grown on the surface of the anodized Ti sample with HF pretreatment increased with the increase of culture time. The filopodia of osteoblast cells not only adhered flat, but also tightly grabbed the nano-porous structure for promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. Therefore, the anodized Ti with HF pretreatment can form a functionalized surface with great biocompatibility for biomedical applications, particularly for dental implants.
Dereplication, Annotation, and Characterization of 74 Potential Antimicrobial Metabolites from Penicillium Sclerotiorum Using t-SNE Molecular Networks
Authors: Hebra Téo , Elie Nicolas , Poyer Salomé , Van Elslande Elsa , Touboul David , Eparvier Véronique
Published: July 2021

Microorganisms associated with termites are an original resource for identifying new chemical scaffolds or active metabolites. A molecular network was generated from a collection of strain extracts analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry, a molecular network was generated, and activities against the human pathogens methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum were mapped, leading to the selection of a single active extract of Penicillium sclerotiorum SNB-CN111. This fungal species is known to produce azaphilones, a colorful family of polyketides with a wide range of biological activities and economic interests in the food industry. By exploring the molecular network data, it was shown that the chemical diversity related to the P. sclerotiorum metabolome largely exceeded the data already reported in the literature. According to the described fragmentation pathways of protonated azaphilones, the annotation of 74 azaphilones was proposed, including 49 never isolated or synthesized thus far. Our hypothesis was validated by the isolation and characterization of eight azaphilones, among which three new azaphilones were chlorogeumasnol (63), peniazaphilone E (74) and 7-deacetylisochromophilone VI (80).
Subfractional Spectrum of Serum Lipoproteins and Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Kashtanova Daria A. , Klimenko Natalia S. , Tkacheva Olga N. , Strazhesko Irina D. , Metelskaya Victoria A. , Gomyranova Natalia V. , Boytsov Sergey A.
Published: July 2021

Aim: To reveal the relationship between gut microbiota composition and subfractional spectrum of serum lipoproteins and metabolic markers in healthy individuals from Moscow. Methods: The study included 304 participants (104 were men), who underwent thorough preclinical assessment to exclude any chronic disease as well as cardiovascular pathology. Lipoprotein subfractional distribution was analyzed by Lipoprint LDL System (Quantimetrix, Redodno Beach, CA, USA). Gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 regions. Results: High gut microbiota diversity was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol (C) level and negatively associated with abdominal obesity, BMI, and dyslipidemia. According to selbal analysis, excessive representation of Prevotella spp. was positively associated with IDL-C and LDL-2-C. VLDL-C correlated with Ruminococcus_u/Faecalibacterium_prausnitzii balance. An unexpected positive relationship between LDL-C level and Bifidobacteriaceae_u/Christensenellaceae_u to Bifidobacterium_u balance was found, which may reflect the importance of the integrative microbiota assessment. Low microbiota diversity was associated with obesity, abdominal obesity and low HDL-C level. Conclusions: Gut microbiota imbalance may be one of the components involved in metabolic disorders. The balance of microorganisms and the microbiota diversity may play a more significant role in human health than individual bacterial genera.
An Overview of Twenty-Five Years of Augmented Reality in Education
Authors: Garzón Juan
Published: July 2021

Augmented reality (AR) enables an interactive experience with the real world where real-world objects are enhanced with computer-generated perceptual information. Twenty-five years have passed since the first AR application designed exclusively to be used in educational settings. Since then, this technology has been successfully implemented to enrich educational contexts providing learning gains, motivation, enjoyment, autonomy, among other benefits. This study provides an overview of AR technology in education from its origins to the present. Consequently, based on the analysis of its evolution, the study defines three generations of AR in education. Moreover, the study identifies some major challenges from previous AR applications and, finally, it poses some insights to address these challenges to enhance the benefits of AR for education.
Modulation of the Host Immune Response by Schistosome Egg-Secreted Proteins Is a Critical Avenue of Host–Parasite Communication
Authors: Carson Jack P. , Gobert Geoffrey N.
Published: July 2021

During a schistosome infection, the interactions that occur between the mammalian host and the parasite change rapidly once egg laying begins. Both juvenile and adult schistosomes adapt to indefinitely avoid the host immune system. In contrast, the survival of eggs relies on quickly traversing from the host. Following the commencement of egg laying, the host immune response undergoes a shift from a type 1 helper (Th1) inflammatory response to a type 2 helper (Th2) granulomatous response. This change is driven by immunomodulatory proteins within the egg excretory/secretory products (ESPs), which interact with host cells and alter their behaviour to promote egg translocation. However, in parallel, these ESPs also provoke the development of chronic schistosomiasis pathology. Recent studies using high-throughput proteomics have begun to characterise the components of schistosome egg ESPs, particularly those of Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium. Future application of this knowledge may lead to the identification of proteins with novel immunomodulatory activity or pathological importance. However, efforts in this area are limited by a lack of in situ or in vivo functional characterisation of these proteins. This review will highlight the current knowledge of the content and demonstrated functions of schistosome egg ESPs.
PLGA-Based Nanoparticles for Neuroprotective Drug Delivery in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Cunha Anthony , Gaubert Alexandra , Latxague Laurent , Dehay Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has become one of the most challenging topics of the last decades due to their prevalence and increasing societal cost. The crucial point of the non-invasive therapeutic strategy for neurological disorder treatment relies on the drugs’ passage through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Indeed, this biological barrier is involved in cerebral vascular homeostasis by its tight junctions, for example. One way to overcome this limit and deliver neuroprotective substances in the brain relies on nanotechnology-based approaches. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) are biocompatible, non-toxic, and provide many benefits, including improved drug solubility, protection against enzymatic digestion, increased targeting efficiency, and enhanced cellular internalization. This review will present an overview of the latest findings and advances in the PLGA NP-based approach for neuroprotective drug delivery in the case of neurodegenerative disease treatment (i.e., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases, Amyotrophic Lateral, and Multiple Sclerosis).
Developing a JAK Inhibitor for Targeted Local Delivery: Ruxolitinib Cream
Authors: Smith Paul , Yao Wenqing , Shepard Stacey , Covington Maryanne , Lee Jim , Lofland Jennifer , Naim Ahmad , Sheth Trupti , Parikh Bhavnish , Yeleswaram Swamy
Published: July 2021

Named after the two-faced Roman god of doorways, Janus kinases (JAKs) represent a class of tyrosine kinases. The JAK signaling pathway is pivotal for the downstream signaling of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, and multiple growth factors. This article provides an overview of the JAK pathway and signaling, its significance in immune-mediated dermatologic diseases and the development of a targeted, localized option of a selective JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib cream. In the early 1990s, various discovery and clinical development programs were initiated to explore pharmaceutical inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway. Incyte Corporation launched a strategy to identify molecules suitable for both topical as well as oral delivery. Ruxolitinib was designed as a molecule with low nanomolar potency selective for JAK1 and 2 enzymes, but without significant inhibition of non-JAK kinases, as well as physicochemical properties for both topical and oral administration. An oil-in-water emulsified ruxolitinib cream formulation was developed for topical application and was studied in multiple immune-mediated dermatologic diseases including psoriasis, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. Ruxolitinib cream represents a novel, JAK1/2 selective therapy that can be delivered directly to the skin to treat a number of cytokine-driven, inflammatory dermatoses.
Recent Progress of Electrically Pumped AlGaN Diode Lasers in the UV-B and -C Bands
Authors: Hasan Syed M. N. , You Weicheng , Sumon Md Saiful Islam , Arafin Shamsul
Published: July 2021

The development of electrically pumped semiconductor diode lasers emitting at the ultraviolet (UV)-B and -C spectral bands has been an active area of research over the past several years, motivated by a wide range of emerging applications. III-Nitride materials and their alloys, in particular AlGaN, are the material of choice for the development of this ultrashort-wavelength laser technology. Despite significant progress in AlGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the technological advancement and innovation in diode lasers at these spectral bands is lagging due to several technical challenges. Here, the authors review the progress of AlGaN electrically-pumped lasers with respect to very recent achievements made by the scientific community. The devices based on both thin films and nanowires demonstrated to date will be discussed in this review. The state-of-the-art growth technologies, such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD); and various foreign substrates/templates used for the laser demonstrations will be highlighted. We will also outline technical challenges associated with the laser development, which must be overcome in order to achieve a critical technological breakthrough and fully realize the potential of these lasers.
High Resistance of Potato to Early Blight Is Achieved by Expression of the Pro-SmAMP1 Gene for Hevein-Like Antimicrobial Peptides from Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Authors: Beliaev Denis V. , Yuorieva Natalia O. , Tereshonok Dmitry V. , Tashlieva Ilina I. , Derevyagina Marina K. , Meleshin Alexei A. , Rogozhin Eugene A. , Kozlov Sergey A.
Published: July 2021

In the common chickweed Stellaria media, two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), SmAMP1.1a and SmAMP1.2a, have been shown to be proteolytically released as products of the expression of a single gene, proSmAMP1. In this study, the gene proSmAMP1 was introduced into two potato varieties, Zhukovsky ranny and Udacha. These early-maturing varieties were shown to be susceptible to early blight caused by Alternaria spp. Most transgenic lines of either variety having strong expression of the target gene demonstrated high levels of resistance to Alternaria spp. during three years of cultivation, but did not otherwise differ from the initial varieties. Disease severity index (DSI) was introduced as a complex measure of plant susceptibility to early blight, taking into account the diameter of lesions caused by the Alternaria spp., the fungus sporulation intensity and its incubation period duration. Across all transgenic lines, the DSI inversely correlated both with the target gene expression and the copy number in the plant genome. Our results are promising for improving the resistance of potato and other crops to early blight by expression of AMPs from wild plants.
Effects of Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Needle Extract Produced via Hydrodynamic Cavitation on Seed Germination
Authors: Ugolini Francesca , Crisci Alfonso , Albanese Lorenzo , Cencetti Gabriele , Maienza Anita , Michelozzi Marco , Zabini Federica , Meneguzzo Francesco
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the antigerminant capacity of water extracts of silver fir needles created by means of hydrodynamic cavitation processes. Fir needles (2 kg fresh weight) collected in the winter were blended and crushed in ice, poured in water only (120 L) and processed in a controlled hydrodynamic cavitation device based on a fixed Venturi-shaped reactor. The A. alba water extract (AWE), comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of silver fir needles’ essential oil (100% AWE), was diluted in distilled water to 75% and 50% AWE, and all aqueous solutions were tested as antigerminant against four weeds and four horticultural species and compared to control (distilled water). This study shows the effective inhibitory effect of pure AWE on germination, which mainly contains limonene (15.99 ng/mL) and α-pinene (11.87 ng/mL). Seeds showed delayed germination and inhibition but also a reduction in radicle elongation in AWE treatments as compared to control. This combined effect was particularly evident in three weeds (C. canadensis, C. album and A. retrofllexus) while horticultural species showed mainly effects on the radicle elongation as found in L. sativa, P. crispum and S. lycospermum, which showed on average 58%, 32% and 28%, respectively, shorter radicles than in the control. P. sativum was not affected by AWE, thus raising the hypothesis that seed characteristics and nutrition reserve might play a role in the resistance to terpenes inhibitory effect.
Influence of Mouthwash Rinsing on the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Ligature Ties Used for Dental Applications
Authors: Phukaoluan Aphinan , Khantachawana Anak , Dechkunakorn Surachai , Anuwongnukroh Niwat , Tunthawiroon Phacharaphon , Srirussamee Kasama
Published: July 2021

Mouthwashes are used during dental treatments to mitigate the complications caused by poor oral hygiene. However, these solutions also affect the properties of dental appliances, including those used in orthodontics. This point has been investigated in this study focusing on the changes in mechanical properties of polymeric orthodontic ligature ties. Commercial ties from four brands were characterized in terms of their maximum forces and displacement, delivery forces, molecular structures, and microscopic morphology. These properties were compared against the ties, which were rinsed with commercial mouthwashes from three manufacturers. The results showed that mouthwash rinsing significantly reduced the maximum bearable forces of ligature ties by up to 73.1%, whereas the reduction in their maximum displacement was up to 74.5% across all tested brands. Significant changes in microscopic morphology of ligature ties were observed after mouthwash rinsing, but not their molecular structure. Furthermore, mouthwash rinsing also reduced the delivery forces from ligature ties by between 20.9 and 32.9% at their first deformation cycle. It can be concluded from this study that mouthwashes have significant impact on the mechanical properties of polymeric orthodontic ligature ties and could also potentially affect the overall efficacy of orthodontic and other dental treatments.
Heat-Affected Zone and Mechanical Analysis of GFRP Composites with Different Thicknesses in Drilling Processes
Authors: Khashaba Usama A. , Abd-Elwahed Mohamed S. , Najjar Ismai , Melaibari Ammar , Ahmed Khaled I. , Zitoune Redouane , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: July 2021

This article presents a comprehensive thermomechanical analysis and failure assessment in the drilling of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with different thicknesses using a CNC machine and cemented carbide drill with a diameter of 6 mm and point angles of ϕ = 118°. The temperature distribution through drilling was measured using two techniques. The first technique was based on contactless measurements using an IR Fluke camera. The second was based on contact measurements using two thermocouples inserted inside the drill bit. A Kistler dynamometer was used to measure the cutting forces. The delamination factors at the hole exit and hole entry were quantified by using the image processing technique. Multi-variable regression analysis and surface plots were performed to illustrate the significant coefficients and contribution of the machining variables (i.e., feed, speed, and laminate thickness) on machinability parameters (i.e., the thrust force, torque, temperatures, and delamination). It is concluded that the cutting time, as a function of machining variables, has significant control over the induced temperature and, thus, the force, torque, and delamination factor in drilling GFRP composites. The maximum temperature recorded by the IR camera is lower than that of the instrumented drill because the IR camera cannot directly measure the tool–work interaction zone during the drilling process. At the same cutting condition, it is observed that by increasing the thickness of the specimen, the temperature increased. Increasing the thickness from 2.6 to 7.7 had a significant effect on the heat distribution of the HAZ. At a smaller thickness, increasing the cutting speed from 400 to 1600 rpm decreased the maximum thrust force by 15%. The push-out delaminations of the GFRP laminate were accompanied by edge chipping, spalling, and uncut fibers, which were higher than those of the peel-up delaminations.
The Emergence of Islamist Official and Unofficial Laws in the Erdoganist Turkey: The Case of Child Marriages
Authors: Yilmaz Ihsan
Published: July 2021

Religion in the hands of authoritarian governments can prove to be an effective political instrument to further their agenda. This paper attempts to explore this aspect of authoritarianism with the case of Turkish family laws under Erdoganist Islamist legal pluralism. The paper analyzes the AKP’s government’s attempts at pro-Islamist legislation, fatwas produced by Diyanet (Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs) and by pro-government right-wing religious scholars to explore the changes that have occurred, both formally and informally, in the largely secular family laws of the Republic of Turkey in the last decade. By focusing on the age of marriage, this paper tries to understand the impact of Islamist legal pluralism and unofficial Islamist laws on the formal legal system as well as the social implications of this plural socio-legal reality, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the poor, refugees, children, and women. The trends demonstrate the informal system’s skew towards Islamism, patriarchy and disregard for fundamental rights. This Islamist legal plurality almost always operates against the women and underage girls, which creates profound individual and social problems. The paper concludes by pointing out the critical issues emerging in the domain of family law due to the link between the growing power of Islamist legal pluralism and its political instrumentalization by the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Early Detection of Post-Endarterectomy Complication by Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Chen Bo-Ku , Chiu Po-Wei , Lin Chih-Hao
Published: July 2021

Endarterectomy is an effective intervention to remove the atheromatous plaque in the inner lining of the artery, aiming to revascularize the occluded/stenosed vessel in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). The most common wound-related complication is postoperative bleeding, followed by infection, hematoma, and seroma. However, hematoma complications with air surrounded have rarely been reported in clinical cases. Case presentation: A 90-year-old female patient visited our emergency department because of a rapidly growing hematoma with pulsatile bleeding over her right groin area. She had received bilateral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with endarterectomy for PAOD one month prior. A point-of-care ultrasound revealed a large hypoechoic mass, with a dirty shadow on the right groin area. Computed tomography angiography showed a hematoma over her right femoral region, with free air surrounding the right femoral artery. Angiography revealed an irregular shaped lesion on the right femoral artery without contrast extravasation. The patient was diagnosed with right-femoral post-endarterectomy infection with infected hematoma, with the inclusion of air. She underwent urgent excision and repair of the right femoral artery infectious lesion, debridement of the infectious hematoma and stenting of the right external iliac artery, common femoral artery and superficial femoral artery.
A New HASM-Based Downscaling Method for High-Resolution Precipitation Estimates
Authors: Zhao Na , Jiao Yimeng
Published: July 2021

Obtaining high-quality precipitation datasets with a fine spatial resolution is of great importance for a variety of hydrological, meteorological and environmental applications. Satellite-based remote sensing can measure precipitation in large areas but suffers from inherent bias and relatively coarse resolutions. Based on the high accuracy surface modeling method (HASM), this study proposed a new downscaling method, the high accuracy surface modeling-based downscaling method (HASMD), to derive high-quality monthly precipitation estimates at a spatial resolution of 0.01° by downscaling the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) precipitation estimates in China. A scale transformation equation was introduced in HASMD, and the initial value was set by including the explanatory variables related to precipitation. The performance of HASMD was evaluated by comparing the results yielded by HASM and the combined method of HASM, Kriging, IDW and the geographical weighted regression (GWR) method (GWR-HASM, GWR-Kriging, GWR-IDW). Analysis results indicated that HASMD performed better than the other four methods. High agreement was achieved for HASMD, with bias values ranging from 0.07 to 0.29, root mean square error (RMSE) values ranging from 9.53 mm to 47.03 mm, and R2 values ranging from 0.75 to 0.96. Compared with the original IMERG precipitation products, the downscaling accuracy with HASMD improved up to 47%, 47%, and 14% according to bias, RMSE and R2, respectively. HASMD was able to capture the spatial variation in monthly precipitation in a vast region, and it might be potentially applicable for enhancing the spatial resolution and accuracy of remotely sensed precipitation data and facilitating their application at large scales.
Research on Urban Carrying Capacity Based on Multisource Data Fusion—A Case Study of Shanghai
Authors: Cao Xiangyang , Shi Yishao , Zhou Liangliang
Published: July 2021

Taking Shanghai as an example, this paper uses remote sensing (RS) and geographical information systems (GIS) technology to conduct multisource data fusion and a spatial pattern analysis of urban carrying capacity at the micro scale. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) based on the “production, living and ecology” land functions framework and land use data, Shanghai is divided into seven types of urban spaces to reveal their heterogeneity and compatibility in terms of land use functions. (2) We propose an urban carrying capacity coupling model (UCCCM) based on multisource data. The model incorporates threshold and saturation effects, which improve its power to explain urban carrying capacity. (3) Using the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) technique, this paper studies the spatial pattern of carrying capacity in different urban spaces of Shanghai. (4) We analyse the causes of the cold spots in each urban space and propose strategies to improve the urban carrying capacity according to local conditions.
Oxidative Treatments of Pesticides in Rainwater Runoff by HOCl, O3, and O3/H2O2: Effects of pH, Humic Acids and Inorganic Matters
Authors: Ochir Duuriimaa , Lee Yonggu , Shin Jaegwan , Kim Sangwon , Kwak Jinwoo , Chon Kangmin
Published: July 2021

This study systematically investigated the oxidative treatment of five selected pesticides, alachlor (ALA), carbendazim (CAR), diuron (DIU), pyrimethanil (PYR), and tebuconazole (TEB), by comparing their relative reactivities as a function of three different oxidative treatment processes (i.e., chlorine (HOCl), ozone (O3), and ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2)) under various oxidant dosages, reaction times, and pH conditions. For oxidative treatment, pesticide standards were spiked into rainwater. The removal efficiency of the selected pesticides varied considerably depending on the oxidative treatment processes. HOCl, O3, and O3/H2O2 treatments were highly effective at eliminating CAR (>80%) and PYR (>99%), while they were not significantly effective in removing TEB (<20%). In the case of DIU, HOCl (81%) was shown to be more effective than O3 (24%) and O3/H2O2 (49%). The removal efficiency of ALA was in the order of O3/H2O2 (49%) > O3 (20%) > HOCl (8.5%). The effect of increasing the solution pH from 5.0 to 9.0 on pesticide degradation varied between the oxidative treatment processes. Additionally, NH4+, NO2−, and humic acid in rainwater significantly inhibited pesticide degradation.
Surf Tourism in Uncertain Times: Resident Perspectives on the Sustainability Implications of COVID-19
Authors: Mach Leon John
Published: July 2021

Surf tourism is the principal development driver in many coastal communities around the world. Surf tourism development brings economic opportunities to residents in coastal destinations, but has also been criticized for associations with gentrification, pollution, and inequity. While many have speculated that surfers represent a crisis-resistant tourist segment, this had not yet been empirically demonstrated, nor had the sustainability implications of their travel during crises been explored. Building on ethnographic observations and two interview phases with 25 resident surfers in Bocas del Toro, Panama, this is the first study to do both. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing sustainability challenges by accelerating development near surf-breaks, fomenting tensions within the surf community (related to surf tourism business operations and the distribution of benefits) and facilitating residents to surf more frequently—exacerbating surf-resource crowding. Evidence also revealed, however, a potential shift in surfers’ collective consciousness in the context of the pandemic, which reduced conflicts between visiting and resident surfers. This paper exposes the urgent need for stakeholders in surf communities, and particularly surf tourism business owners, to cooperate in order to preserve surf experiences that are vital to resident mental/physical health and well-being, as well as the attractiveness as a surf tourism destination.
Energy Efficiency and Urban Climate Adaption
Authors: Choi Yongrok
Published: July 2021

When the 25th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP25) was held in Madrid, Spain from 2 to 13 December, 2019, there was a great expectation for the Paris Agreement to be implemented smoothly in a very transparent, predictable way [...]
Connections between Healthy Behaviour, Perception of Olive Oil Health Benefits, and Olive Oil Consumption Motives
Authors: Ilak Peršurić Anita Silvana , Težak Damijanić Ana
Published: July 2021

Olive oil has been consumed since ancient times and appreciated as a source of nutritious fats and as medical remedy, in addition to being praised in ceremonies. Today, when health is one of the top priorities of humankind, we examined what consumers believe and value about olive oil, which is generally considered a healthy product. Our survey examined the associations between the hedonic and health properties of olive oil, the motives important for olive oil consumption, and how these are influenced by healthy behaviour. There was clear evidence of the importance of culture, tradition, pleasure, olive oil health benefits, and healthy behaviour. There was a strong association between healthy behaviour and olive oil benefit perceptions and motives for olive oil consumption, with the olive oil benefits associated with the motives to consume olive oil.
Planning and Markets at Work: Seattle under Growth Management and Economic Pressure
Authors: Wei Hanxue , Wostenholme Lucien C. , Carruthers John I.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an analysis of Seattle’s redevelopment under Washington State’s urban containment policy and the city’s own urban village plan, with a particular focus on outcomes that arise via a combination of urban planning and land market activity. By comparing the city’s parcel layer between 2010 and 2020, the analysis tracks changes in the form of land consolidation and subdivision, which indicate the intensity of redevelopment activities motivated by the market. It reveals that much redevelopment has happened in single- and multifamily areas, but multifamily areas are more likely to have changed. By implementing an exploratory discrete choice model, the analysis also reveals that urban village policy may reduce redevelopment within Seattle—but one subtype, so-called urban hubs, is more likely to accommodate redevelopment. This leads to further discussion of the goals and effectiveness of this urban village policy. Overall, the findings of this work form a picture of a happy, healthy, and sustainable city that sets a high bar for other cities seeking to achieve the same success.
The Dynamics of Subjective Career Success: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Hupkens Leon , Akkermans Jos , Solinger Omar , Khapova Svetlana
Published: July 2021

Current perspectives on career success have yet to show whether and how subjective career success evaluations may change over time and across career phases. By adopting a retrospective life-span approach to careers, our qualitative inquiry into the career experiences of 63 professionals contributes to the temporal understanding of subjective career success by exploring patterns in how subjective career success perceptions and priorities may change over time. The temporal development of subjective career success was explored among early-career, mid-career, and late-career workers by piecing together retrospective evaluations of career success perceptions. Our findings point to common patterns in career success perceptions across the lifespan. Specifically, we found five shift components of career success perceptions during people’s careers: (1) quitting striving for financial success and recognition; (2) an increased focus on personal development across the career; (3) a stronger emphasis on work–life balance across the career; (4) a shift toward being of service to others; and (5) no change in subjective career success components across the career. These patterns reflect ways in which workers engage in motivational self-regulation and the corresponding career goal-setting across the lifespan. The theoretical implications are discussed.
Hermite–Hadamard Inclusions for Co-Ordinated Interval-Valued Functions via Post-Quantum Calculus
Authors: Tariboon Jessada , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Budak Hüseyin , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the notions of post-quantum integrals for two-variable interval-valued functions are presented. The newly described integrals are then used to prove some new Hermite–Hadamard inclusions for co-ordinated convex interval-valued functions. Many of the findings in this paper are important extensions of previous findings in the literature. Finally, we present a few examples of our new findings. Analytic inequalities of this nature and especially the techniques involved have applications in various areas in which symmetry plays a prominent role.
Optical Inspection Systems for Axisymmetric Parts with Spatial 2D Resolution
Authors: Kulchitskiy Aleksandr
Published: July 2021

The article proposes a solution to the problem of increasing the accuracy of determining the main shaping dimensions of axisymmetric parts through a control system that implements the optical method of spatial resolution. The influence of the projection error of a passive optical system for controlling the geometric parameters of bodies of revolution from the image of its sections, obtained by a digital camera with non-telecentric optics, on the measurement accuracy is shown. Analytical dependencies are derived that describe the features of the transmission of measuring information of a system with non-telecentric optics in order to estimate the projection error. On the basis of the obtained dependences, a method for compensating the projection error of the systems for controlling the geometry of the main shaping surfaces of bodies of revolution has been developed, which makes it possible to increase the accuracy of determining dimensions when using digital cameras with a resolution of 5 megapixels or more, equipped with short-focus lenses. The possibility of implementing the proposed technique is confirmed by the results of experimental studies.
Applications of Generalized q-Difference Equations for General q-Polynomials
Authors: Jia Zeya , Khan Bilal , Hu Qiuxia , Niu Dawei
Published: July 2021

Andrews gave a remarkable interpretation of the Rogers–Ramanujan identities with the polynomials ρe(N,y,x,q), and it was noted that ρe(∞,−1,1,q) is the generation of the fifth-order mock theta functions. In the present investigation, several interesting types of generating functions for this q-polynomial using q-difference equations is deduced. Besides that, a generalization of Andrew’s result in form of a multilinear generating function for q-polynomials is also given. Moreover, we build a transformation identity involving the q-polynomials and Bailey transformation. As an application, we give some new Hecke-type identities. We observe that most of the parameters involved in our results are symmetric to each other. Our results are shown to be connected with several earlier works related to the field of our present investigation.
Improved Analytical Method for Interfacial-Slip Control Design of Steel–Concrete Composite Structures
Authors: Wang Hua-Ping , Song Tao , Yan Jian-Wei , Xiang Ping , Feng Si-Yuan , Hui David
Published: July 2021

Interfacial performance is quite significant for maintaining the structural performance of steel–concrete composite structures. Quantitative assessment on the interfacial effect is critical. For this reason, theoretical investigation on the interfacial interaction of steel–concrete composites was performed, with the symmetry of the model considered. Influence of interfacial slip on the mechanical properties of the composites was considered. Analytical solutions of the interfacial slip and strain were provided. The accuracy of the predictions from the improved analytical model was validated by comparing them against the results from experimental and numerical studies. The influence of design parameters of the composite members on the interfacial effect was discussed. The proposed analytical model was also employed to assess the effect of the bond developing at the interface between concrete and steel on the deformation exhibited by simple composite structural forms (e.g., beams). Through the analysis, the priority design parameters of the composite structures are determined for controlling the level of interfacial slip in order to achieve optimum bearing capacity. Different to commonly used energy methods, numerical methods and finite element methods, the study provides a simple and straightforward analytical solution for describing the interfacial interaction of composite structures for the first time, which can act as scientific instruction for the interfacial slip control of composite materials and structures.
Development of Perceived Complex Problem-Solving Instrument in Domain of Complex Systems
Authors: Nagahi Morteza , Maddah Alieh , Jaradat Raed , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: July 2021

The ability to solve modern complex systems becomes a necessity of the 21st century. The purpose of this study is the development of an instrument that measures an individual’s perception toward solving complex problems. Based on literature and definitions, an instrument with four stages named perceived complex problem-solving (PCPS) was designed through exploratory and confirmatory stages. The instrument is validated and scaled through different models, and the final model is discussed. After completing validation and scale development of the PCPS instrument, the final model of the PCPS instrument was introduced to resolve the gap in the literature. The final model of the PCPS instrument is able to find and quantify the degree of perception an individual holds in dealing with complex problems and can be utilized in different settings and environments. Further research about the relationship between Systems Thinking and CPS revealed individuals with a high level of systems thinking have a better understanding of the characteristics of complex problems and so better perception of CPS.
Toxicological Effects of Roundup® on Drosophila melanogaster Reproduction
Authors: Muller Kelly , Herrera Karina , Talyn Becky , Melchiorre Erik
Published: July 2021

Herbicide use has increased dramatically since 2001, particularly Roundup®. Effective in agricultural practice, Roundup® adversely affects non-target organisms, including reproductive and endocrine systems. We exposed fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, to either Roundup® Ready to Use, containing pelargonic acid and glyphosate, or Roundup® Super Concentrate, that includes glyphosate and POEA, at sublethal concentrations. Both Roundup® formulations reduced ovary volume with fewer mature oocytes, most adversely at the highest concentration tested. Flies exposed within 2 h of eclosion were affected more than at 4 h, suggesting a critical period of increased ovarian sensitivity. These results support multi-species evidence that glyphosate-based herbicides interfere with normal development of the reproductive systems of non-target organisms.
A Cluster of Plasmodium ovale Infections in Belgian Military Personnel after Deployment in Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Costescu Strachinaru Diana Isabela , Wauters An , Van Esbroeck Marjan , Strachinaru Mihai , Vanbrabant Peter , Soentjens Patrick
Published: July 2021

Plasmodium ovale malaria is often neglected due to its less severe course compared to Plasmodium falciparum. In 2011–2012, Belgian Armed Forces identified a cluster of P. ovale cases among military personnel after deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In this retrospective, monocentric, observational study, clinical and biological features of soldiers diagnosed with P. ovale after deployment in DRC were reviewed. Species diagnosis was based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or thick blood smear. Medical records of 149 soldiers screened at the Queen Astrid Military Hospital after deployment were reviewed. Eight cases (seven P. ovale infections and one P. ovale—falciparum coinfection) were identified. All had positive thick smears, and seven were confirmed by PCR. Chemoprophylaxis was mefloquine in all subjects. Median time of disease onset was 101 days after return from the endemic region. Median delay between return and diagnosis was 103 days. All P. ovale bouts were uncomplicated. None had relapses after primaquine treatment. This military cohort highlights a hotspot of P. ovale in Eastern DRC. Non-specific symptoms, the less severe presentation, the lack of sensitive parasitological tools in the field and long delays between infection and symptoms probably lead to underestimation of P. ovale cases.