bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secrecy Outage Probability of a NOMA Scheme and Impact Imperfect Channel State Information in Underlay Cooperative Cognitive Networks
Authors: Huynh Tan-Phuoc , Ha Duy-Hung , Thanh Cong Truong , Fazio Peppino , Voznak Miroslav
Published: February 2020

Security performance and the impact of imperfect channel state information (CSI) in underlay cooperative cognitive networks (UCCN) is investigated in this paper. In the proposed scheme, relay R uses non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology to transfer messages e 1 , e 2 from the source node S to User 1 (U1) and User 2 (U2), respectively. An eavesdropper (E) is also proposed to wiretap the messages of U1 and U2. The transmission’s security performance in the proposed system was analyzed and performed over Rayleigh fading channels. Through numerical analysis, the results showed that the proposed system’s secrecy performance became more efficient when the eavesdropper node E was farther away from the source node S and the intermediate cooperative relay R. The secrecy performance of U1 was also compared to the secrecy performance of U2. Finally, the simulation results matched the Monte Carlo simulations well.
Sound Levels Forecasting in an Acoustic Sensor Network Using a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Navarro Juan M. , Martínez-España Raquel , Bueno-Crespo Andrés , Martínez Ramón , Cecilia José M.
Published: February 2020

Wireless acoustic sensor networks are nowadays an essential tool for noise pollution monitoring and managing in cities. The increased computing capacity of the nodes that create the network is allowing the addition of processing algorithms and artificial intelligence that provide more information about the sound sources and environment, e.g., detect sound events or calculate loudness. Several models to predict sound pressure levels in cities are available, mainly road, railway and aerial traffic noise. However, these models are mostly based in auxiliary data, e.g., vehicles flow or street geometry, and predict equivalent levels for a temporal long-term. Therefore, forecasting of temporal short-term sound levels could be a helpful tool for urban planners and managers. In this work, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep neural network technique is proposed to model temporal behavior of sound levels at a certain location, both sound pressure level and loudness level, in order to predict near-time future values. The proposed technique can be trained for and integrated in every node of a sensor network to provide novel functionalities, e.g., a method of early warning against noise pollution and of backup in case of node or network malfunction. To validate this approach, one-minute period equivalent sound levels, captured in a two-month measurement campaign by a node of a deployed network of acoustic sensors, have been used to train it and to obtain different forecasting models. Assessments of the developed LSTM models and Auto regressive integrated moving average models were performed to predict sound levels for several time periods, from 1 to 60 min. Comparison of the results show that the LSTM models outperform the statistics-based models. In general, the LSTM models achieve a prediction of values with a mean square error less than 4.3 dB for sound pressure level and less than 2 phons for loudness. Moreover, the goodness of fit of the LSTM models and the behavior pattern of the data in terms of prediction of sound levels are satisfactory.
Comparative Investigation of Amino Acids Content in the Dry Extracts of Juno bucharica, Gladiolus Hybrid Zefir, Iris Hungarica, Iris Variegata and Crocus Sativus Raw Materials of Ukrainian Flora
Authors: Mykhailenko Olha , Ivanauskas Liudas , Bezruk Ivan , Lesyk Roman , Georgiyants Victoriya
Published: February 2020

The aim of this research was the comparative study of the amino acids content in the dry extracts of Iridaceae plants of Ukrainian flora: Juno bucharica leaves and corms, Gladiolus hybrid Zefir leaves, Iris hungarica and Iris variegata rhizomes, and Crocus sativus stigmas, flowers, leaves and corms. A gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method has been used. Separation of amino acids in the samples was carried out using a Shimadzu GC-MS-QP2010 equipped with an Rxi-5ms (Restek Corporation capillary column (30 m long, 0.25 mm outer diameter and 0.25 µm) with a liquid stationary phase (5% diphenyl and 95% polysiloxane) after derivatization with N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-N109 methyltrifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) reagent. The results obtained have shown that extracts from the aerial parts of plants investigated have a higher amino acid content and more diverse composition than the underground organs. Experimental data showed that Crocus leaves and Juno leaves extracts contain the highest general content of amino acids—31.99 mg/g and 14.65 mg/g respectively. All samples showed a high content of L-pyroglutamic acid (0.33–12.35 mg/g). Moreover, Crocus leaves and Juno leaves extracts had the most suitable amino acids composition and are prospective for further pharmacological studies.
Cluster Competitiveness Modeling: An Approach with Systems Dynamics
Authors: Martínez-Marín Sindy , Puello-Pereira Nataly , Ovallos-Gazabon David
Published: February 2020

This study makes a systemic review to cluster and create a competitiveness relationship considering a systems dynamics approach. A dynamic hypothesis was constructed to validate what factors increase a cluster’s level of competitiveness, through causal analysis. Then, the causal diagram that validates the dynamic H0 hypothesis was constructed in Vensim PLE systems®. Literature review shows the evolution of the cluster system according to the current needs of the market, and emphasizes the need for new approaches and models that capture the complexity and dynamics of this system, allowing the understanding of its structure and the evaluation of the contribution of factors and capabilities to cluster competitiveness. It highlights the usefulness of systems dynamics as a simulation methodology for dynamic and complex systems, and establishes itself as a growing line of research applied to various systems of study. Dynamic hypothesis H0 was validated using the causal diagram, reaching the conclusion that innovation, productive management, financial management, organizational management, commercial management, and cluster management factors positively increase the cluster competitiveness level. From structure analysis, the behavior is associated to the archetype “Path Dependence”, usual in growing industrial markets.
Utilizing Video-Based Trainings to Improve Decision Making in High School Quarterbacks
Authors: Powless Matthew D. , Steinfeldt Jesse A. , Fisher Shelbi E. , McFadden Patrick , Kennedy Kyle W. , Bellini Scott
Published: February 2020

Despite the role of working memory capacity (WMC) in decision making, there is a dearth of empirical literature concerned with working memory and how it relates to tactical decision making in sport. The temporal occlusion paradigm has often been used by sport researchers to improve tactical decision making and, thus, provides a well-established foundation for creating decision-making trainings. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the implementation of computer-based learning modules to improve the tactical decision making of four high school quarterbacks with varying levels of WMC, utilizing a single-subject, multiple baseline design. The learning modules utilized a temporal occlusion paradigm and present a novel intervention aimed at improving decision making in quarterbacks. Data were analyzed using visual analysis and improvement rate difference (IRD). Overall, results did not demonstrate a causal relationship between changes in accuracy of decision making after implementation of the learning modules but did provide moderate evidence for improvement in reaction time for decision making due to the learning modules. The learning modules were met with positive perceptions from the four participants, and the participant with the lowest WMC showed evidence of improvement in both accuracy and speed of decision making. Limitations as well as implications will be discussed.
The Relative Role of the Intellectual and Moral Virtues in Sustainable Management Decisions: The Case of Practical Wisdom and Justice
Authors: Cugueró-Escofet Natàlia , Rosanas Josep M.
Published: February 2020

We analyze the status of virtues in management by going in some depth into the two main virtues, justice and practical wisdom. We next study how ethics requires that all virtues should be present under the ideal concept of a ‘unity of virtues’ for a completely wise person and discuss the practical limitations of this concept. Then, we draw a framework for decision making depending on whether the decision maker possesses justice and practical wisdom or lacks one of them and then discuss which one is better to have. We conclude that justice is more important, as it is about setting objectives and prioritizing, whereas practical wisdom is about attaining these objectives, once listed, in a rationally wise and contextual way. Hence, we conclude that objectives (justice) must come first, because this makes it more likely that, in the end, practical wisdom is developed, and thus we end up having the two virtues.
Factors Affecting the Use of Balanced Scorecard in Measuring Company Performance
Authors: Benková Eva , Gallo Peter , Balogová Beáta , Nemec Jozef
Published: February 2020

The paper presents the results from the research on the factors influencing the use of the Balanced Scorecard methodology in measuring company performance in the engineering sector. The primary objective of the research was to verify the importance of using non-financial factors in managing businesses in connection to the use of the Balanced Scorecard methodology and to verify the dependence between the use of the given methodology and the lack of human and financial resources for its usage. The research focusing on the given issue was conducted over a period of six months. The research was based on the hypotheses that were verified with statistical methods using the methodology of a Chi-square test. To identify the factors that hinder the usage of the Balanced Scorecard methodology in the addressed enterprises, the method of standard deviation was used. The main result of the research is a finding that there is a statistically significant relationship between the enterprises considering the non-financial indicators and the use of the Balanced Scorecard methodology to be important. This relationship is confirmed also by the calculation using a test with p = 0.0422. The research verified one of the main research goals, i.e., the importance of non-financial indicators in connection to the Balanced Scorecard concept (BSC). Other hypotheses are related to the issue of the lack of human and financial resources. Using the Chi-square test in these cases once again, the study also found out the existence of the dependence between the lack of these resources and the use of the Balanced Scorecard methodology. The final value p = 0.0446 relating to human resources and the value p = 0.0377 relating to financial sources define the barriers as being important in implementing the BSC methodology into corporate practice. These values confirm other research results related to the barriers of using BSC. The presented paper assesses the research results that confirm the importance of using non-financial indicators and define the barriers that hinder this usage. The research contributed to the extension of the knowledge of the BSC concept that we consider being a modern managerial future-oriented tool and supported its implementation in companies so that they could operate within the framework of sustainable development.
The Relationship between Image, Legitimacy, and Reputation as a Sustainable Strategy: Students’ Versus Professors’ Perceptions in the Higher Education Sector
Authors: Del-Castillo-Feito Cristina , Blanco-González Alicia , Delgado-Alemany Rafael
Published: February 2020

Higher education institutions operate in a highly competitive sector where attracting resources has become a complicated task. Intangible assets such as image, legitimacy, and reputation have been considered as crucial elements for the survival and success of organizations. Within the literature, authors have highlighted their relevance; however, the differences and relationships between these variables remains unclear. Under these circumstances, the aim of this paper is to measure the relationship between image, legitimacy, and reputation in the Public University as part of a sustainable strategy. This evaluation will be made considering students’ and professors’ perceptions to compare the results because many authors have highlighted the complexity of managing the relationship with these groups and obtaining positive assessments due to their diverse characteristics. To meet this objective, a review on the literature will be carried out, followed by analysis of the results obtained through a survey distribution. To treat the data, PLS-SEM (Partial Least Square) was used, and the corresponding measurement invariance of composite method (MICOM) and multigroup analysis (MGA) was carried out. The results confirm the proposed hypotheses on the relationship between the three variables; however, the moderating effect of the stakeholder group was not confirmed. The findings provide additional empirical evidence on the relationship between the considered variables as well as on considering more than one stakeholder group for the analysis. Managers could apply this information to improve their university´s image, reputation, and legitimacy.
Spreading Sustainability Innovation through the Co-Evolution of Sustainable Business Models and Partnerships
Authors: Cantele Silvia , Moggi Sara , Campedelli Bettina
Published: February 2020

Sustainability innovation is often not achievable by a single organisation; even if changes in business operations can lead to great advances towards a more sustainable business model (SBM), the effectiveness of these implementations largely depends on the combined actions of the organisation’s network of partners. The aim of this research is to analyse the way that SBMs and partnerships co-evolve to enhance the sustainability of the involved organisations and spread sustainability culture beyond the network. In doing so, this article presents a case study of the company Alisea as a business operating within a circular business model, along with its network of partnerships. The co-evolution of the business model and partnerships is led by enabling factors that characterise the underlying relationships. The role of cross-sector collaborations is demonstrated in terms of boosting the social and environmental dimensions of the circular business model, enhancing social and economic benefits within and outside the partnerships, and spreading sustainability culture in different sectors.
Investigating the Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the Accuracy of Sea-Level Prediction Models in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Muslim T. Olivia , Ahmed Ali Najah , Malek M. A. , Abdulmohsin Afan Haitham , Khaleel Ibrahim Rusul , El-Shafie Amr , Sapitang Michelle , Sherif Mohsen , Sefelnasr Ahmed , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: February 2020

This study aims to investigate the impact of meteorological parameters such as wind direction, wind speed, rainfall, and mean cloud cover on sea-level rise projections for different time horizons—2019, 2023, 2028, 2048, and 2068—at three stations located in Kudat, Sandakan, and Kota Kinabalu, which are districts in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Herein, two different scenarios, scenario1 (SC1) and scenario2 (SC2), were investigated, with each scenario comprising a different combination of input parameters. This study proposes two artificial intelligence techniques: a multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-ANN) and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Furthermore, three evaluation indexes were adopted to assess the performance of the proposed models. These indexes are the correlation coefficient, root mean square error, and scatter index. The trial and error method were used to tune the hyperparameters: the number of neurons in the hidden layer, training algorithms, transfer and activation functions, and number and shape of the membership function for the proposed models. Results show that for the above mentioned three stations, the ANFIS model outperformed MLP-ANN by 0.740%, 6.23%, and 9.39%, respectively. To assess the uncertainties of the best model, ANFIS, the percentage of observed data bracketed by 95 percent predicted uncertainties (95PPUs) and the band width of 95 percent confidence intervals (d-factors) are selected. The obtained values bracketed by 95PPUs are show about 75.2%, 77.4%, 76.8% and the d-factor has a value of 0.27, 0.21 and 0.23 at Kudat, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu stations, respectively. A comparison between the two scenarios shows that SC1 achieved a high level of accuracy on Kudat and Sandakan data, whereas SC2 outperformed SC1 on Kota Kinabalu data.
Influence of Interlink Topology on Multilayer Network Robustness
Authors: Zhou Fang , He Xiang , Yuan Yongbo , Zhang Mingyuan
Published: February 2020

Cascading failures between interdependent multilayer networks are being widely studied, especially the trend of robustness caused by the interlinks between networks. However, few researchers pay attention to the effect of the interlink topology on the robustness of coupled networks, which is a critical interlink factor of multilayer networks. In this study, the method frame of multilayer network experiment simulation is given. Through numerical simulation and actual network simulation, the exhaustive method is used to enumerate all the patterns of interlink topological relations of multilayer networks (three-layer or more). The research verifies that the interlink topology affects the global robustness and that there exists a fragile interlink pattern in the patterns of interlink topologies. The star-like interlink pattern with the most uneven interlink-degree distribution leads to the weakest robustness; the pattern with average interlink-degree distribution reveals good global stability as a loop-like pattern or entire interlink pattern. In addition, the influence of interlink topology is independent. The simulation results are not affected by the network layer number and intraparameters (including the network-generated form, each layer of network node number, and average degree of each layer of network). Thus, ignoring the interlink topology may result in the actual system suddenly becoming vulnerable before the theoretical calculation point. Interlink topology as an independent factor affecting the robustness of multilayer networks should be paid more attention.
Organizing the Challenges Faced by Municipalities while Formulating Climate Change Adaptation Plans
Authors: Iwami Asako , Matsui Takanori , Kimura Michinori , Baba Kenshi , Tanaka Mitsuru
Published: February 2020

As the effects of climate change increase in severity, organizations across the world are attempting to measures to mitigate these effects. In accordance with the Paris Agreement of November 2015, wherein participating nations agreed to restrict the increase in global temperature below 2 °C, Japan has formulated guidelines on creating adaptation plans that can be implemented by local governments. A Climate Change Adaptive Information Platform was also launched to promote understanding and cooperation by sharing information on climate risks. However, the literature on this topic lacks information related to the organization of requirements and challenges faced by municipal administrative officials that formulate adaptation plans. To address these issues, we examined the four municipal forums hosted at Hosei University to encourage administrative needs for new technological ideas in areas such as climate modeling and impact assessment. We used text mining on the transcripts of the various workshops conducted in these forums and attempted to understand the changes in discussions and to extract issues related to the formulation process. The results showed that various topics, such as creating adaptation promotion systems, assessing the impacts of climate change, formulating adaptation plans, communicating with related organizations and stakeholders, developing human resources, and capacity building, were discussed, and a need for information, procedures, and assistance was identified for the formulation of feasible adaptation plans. This study is expected to provide a useful reference to stakeholders involved in framing adaptation plans to mitigate the effects of climate changes, particularly at the municipal level.
Economic and Environmental Performance of the Agricultural Sectors of the Selected EU Countries
Authors: Volkov Artiom , Morkunas Mangirdas , Balezentis Tomas , Šapolaitė Vaida
Published: February 2020

This paper aims at to identify the differences in the performance of the agricultural sectors in the selected European Union Member States. The research covers 21 countries in the period from 2007–2017. The paper uses data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). Three types of sectors were considered: Crop farming (wheat and rapeseed), specialist milk, and specialist cattle. The sector’s performance was measured by calculating the aggregate scores using the VIKOR technique. The panel regression model was also used to estimate and assess the technical and economic determinants of the sector’s performance. The obtained results indicated that the new EU Member States showed higher levels of performance compared to the old Member States. This finding may be attributed to the fact that some of the production factors in the new EU Member States are still under-valued compared to those of the old EU Member States.
Urbanization, Disasters, and Tourism Development: Evidence from RCEP Countries
Authors: Wu Wanshan , Su Qingyi , Li Chunding , Yan Cheng , Gozgor Giray
Published: February 2020

This study analyzes urbanization, disasters, and their impact on tourism development for RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) countries. We use ADF (Augmented Dickey-Fuller) and PP (Phillips-Perron) tests, causality tests, quantile regression, and fixed-effect panel models on data from 1995-2018. Empirical results show that urbanization does not help tourism development in the low quantiles but does help in the high quantiles. Disaster-preventive measures and post-disaster reconstruction help the development of tourism. However, in developed countries, disasters are not conducive to the development of tourism. Urbanization is the Granger cause of tourism and carbon emissions. The increase in temperature, rainfall, and carbon emissions caused by urbanization do not contribute to the development of tourism. Based on this, we have proposed a series of urbanization development and disaster defense measures to promote the sustainable development of tourism in RCEP countries.
The Recent Progress in Modification of Polymeric Membranes Using Organic Macromolecules for Water Treatment
Authors: Nagandran Saraswathi , Goh Pei Sean , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Wong Tuck-Whye , Binti Wan Dagang Wan Rosmiza Zana
Published: February 2020

For decades, the water deficit has been a severe global issue. A reliable supply of water is needed to ensure sustainable economic development in population growth, industrialization and urbanization. To solve this major challenge, membrane-based water treatment technology has attracted a great deal of attention to produce clean drinking water from groundwater, seawater and brackish water. The emergence of nanotechnology in membrane science has opened new frontiers in the development of advanced polymeric membranes to enhance filtration performance. Nevertheless, some obstacles such as fouling and trade-off of membrane selectivity and permeability of water have hindered the development of traditional polymeric membranes for real applications. To overcome these issues, the modification of membranes has been pursued. The use of macromolecules for membrane modification has attracted wide interests in recent years owing to their interesting chemical and structural properties. Membranes modified with macromolecules have exhibited improved anti-fouling properties due to the alteration of their physiochemical properties in terms of the membrane morphology, porosity, surface charge, wettability, and durability. This review provides a comprehensive review of the progress made in the development of macromolecule modified polymeric membranes. The role of macromolecules in polymeric membranes and the advancement of these membrane materials for water solution are presented. The challenges and future directions for this subject are highlighted.
Hydromagnetic Flow of Micropolar Nanofluid
Authors: Rafique Khuram , Anwar Muhammad Imran , Misiran Masnita , Khan Ilyas , Baleanu Dumitru , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Sherif El-Sayed M. , Seikh Asiful H.
Published: February 2020

Similar to other fluids (Newtonian and non-Newtonian), micropolar fluid also exhibits symmetric flow and exact symmetric solution similar to the Navier–Stokes equation; however, it is not always realizable. In this article, the Buongiorno mathematical model of hydromagnetic micropolar nanofluid is considered. A joint phenomenon of heat and mass transfer is studied in this work. This model indeed incorporates two important effects, namely, the Brownian motion and the thermophoretic. In addition, the effects of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and chemical reaction are considered. The fluid is taken over a slanted, stretching surface making an inclination with the vertical one. Suitable similarity transformations are applied to develop a nonlinear transformed model in terms of ODEs (ordinary differential equations). For the numerical simulations, an efficient, stable, and reliable scheme of Keller-box is applied to the transformed model. More exactly, the governing system of equations is written in the first order system and then arranged in the forms of a matrix system using the block-tridiagonal factorization. These numerical simulations are then arranged in graphs for various parameters of interest. The physical quantities including skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number along with different effects involved in the governing equations are also justified through graphs. The consequences reveal that concentration profile increases by increasing chemical reaction parameters. In addition, the Nusselt number and Sherwood number decreases by decreasing the inclination.
Multi-Criteria Pythagorean Fuzzy Group Decision Approach Based on Social Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Chu Junfeng , Liu Yicong
Published: February 2020

With the development of social media, the social relationships among group decision makers should be taken into consideration when addressing group decision making problems. As an extension of the fuzzy set, the Pythagorean fuzzy set has recently been applied to depict the uncertainty in practical group decision problems. The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-criteria Pythagorean fuzzy group decision approach considering social relations. In this paper, the similarity degree and the paths between any two experts in a social network are combined to construct a connection strength matrix to detect the leader among all the experts. A leader-following consensus reaching algorithm is proposed to adjust the multi-criteria Pythagorean fuzzy decision making matrix. Moreover, a procedure for the multi-criteria Pythagorean fuzzy group decision approach based on social network analysis is proposed. We use an example to illustrate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed method.
Effects of Exposure to Tobacco Cigarette, Electronic Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Product on Adipocyte Survival and Differentiation In Vitro
Authors: Zagoriti Zoi , El Mubarak Mohamed A. , Farsalinos Konstantinos , Topouzis Stavros
Published: February 2020

Cigarette smoking (CS) causes significant morbidity worldwide, attributed to the numerous toxicants generated by tobacco combustion. Electronic cigarettes (ECIG) and heated tobacco products (HTP) are considered alternative smoking/vaping products that deliver nicotine through an inhaled aerosol and emit fewer harmful constituents than CS. However, their long-term impacts on human health are not well established. Nicotine exposure has been linked to lipolysis and body weight loss, while smoking has been associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Enhanced function of beige (thermogenic) adipocytes has been proposed as a means to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders. In this study, we compared the effect of extract-enriched media via exposure of culture medium to CS, HTP aerosol, and ECIG aerosol on the viability and the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes to beige adipocytes. Only CS extract caused a decrease in cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, relative lipid accumulation and expression levels of the adipocyte markers Pgc-1α, Ppar-γ and Resistin were significantly decreased in cells exposed to CS extract. Our results demonstrate that CS extract, in contrast to HTP and ECIG extracts, significantly impairs differentiation of pre-adipocytes to beige adipocytes and may therefore impact significantly adipose tissue metabolic function.
Effect of Botulinum Toxin A on Bladder Pain—Molecular Evidence and Animal Studies
Authors: Yeh Ting-Chun , Chen Po-Cheng , Su Yann-Rong , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: February 2020

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is a powerful neurotoxin with long-lasting activity that blocks muscle contractions. In addition to effects on neuromuscular junctions, BTX-A also plays a role in sensory feedback loops, suggesting the potentiality for pain relief. Although the only approved indications for BTX-A in the bladder are neurogenic detrusor overactivity and refractory overactive bladder, BTX-A injections to treat bladder pain refractory to conventional therapies are also recommended. The mechanism of BTX-A activity in bladder pain is complex, with several hypotheses proposed in recent studies. Here we comprehensively reviewed properties of BTX-A in peripheral afferent and efferent nerves, the inhibition of nociceptive neurotransmitter release, the reduction of stretch-related visceral pain, and its anti-inflammatory effects on the bladder urothelium. Studies have also revealed possible effects of BTX-A in the human brain. However, further basic and clinical studies are warranted to provide solid evidence-based support in using BTX-A to treat bladder pain.
Flavonoids as Antiviral Agents for Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71)
Authors: Lalani Salima , Poh Chit Laa
Published: February 2020

Flavonoids are natural biomolecules that are known to be effective antivirals. These biomolecules can act at different stages of viral infection, particularly at the molecular level to inhibit viral growth. Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), a non-enveloped RNA virus, is one of the causative agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which is prevalent in Asia. Despite much effort, no clinically approved antiviral treatment is available for children suffering from HFMD. Flavonoids from plants serve as a vast reservoir of therapeutically active constituents that have been explored as potential antiviral candidates against RNA and DNA viruses. Here, we reviewed flavonoids as evidence-based natural sources of antivirals against non-picornaviruses and picornaviruses. The detailed molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of EV-A71 infections are discussed.
Deletion of Vaccinia Virus A40R Gene Improves the Immunogenicity of the HIV-1 Vaccine Candidate MVA-B
Authors: Pérez Patricia , Marín María Q. , Lázaro-Frías Adrián , Sorzano Carlos Óscar S. , Gómez Carmen E. , Esteban Mariano , García-Arriaza Juan
Published: February 2020

Development of a safe and efficacious vaccine against the HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a major scientific goal. We previously described an HIV/AIDS vaccine based on the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing HIV-1 gp120 and Gag-Pol-Nef (GPN) of clade B (termed MVA-B), which showed moderate immunogenicity in phase I prophylactic and therapeutic clinical trials. Here, to improve the immunogenicity of MVA-B, we generated a novel recombinant virus, MVA-B ΔA40R, by deleting in the MVA-B genome the vaccinia virus (VACV) A40R gene, which encodes a protein with unknown immune function. The innate immune responses triggered by MVA-B ΔA40R in infected human macrophages, in comparison to parental MVA-B, revealed an increase in the mRNA expression levels of interferon (IFN)-β, IFN-induced genes, and chemokines. Compared to priming with DNA-B (a mixture of DNA-gp120 plus DNA-GPN) and boosting with MVA-B, mice immunized with a DNA-B/MVA-B ΔA40R regimen induced higher magnitude of adaptive and memory HIV-1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immune responses that were highly polyfunctional, mainly directed against Env. and of an effector memory phenotype, together with enhanced levels of antibodies against HIV-1 gp120. Reintroduction of the A40R gene into the MVA-B ΔA40R genome (virus termed MVA-B ΔA40R-rev) promoted in infected cells high mRNA and protein A40 levels, with A40 protein localized in the cell membrane. MVA-B ΔA40R-rev significantly reduced mRNA levels of IFN-β and of several other innate immune-related genes in infected human macrophages. In immunized mice, MVA-B ΔA40R-rev reduced the magnitude of the HIV-1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses compared to MVA-B ΔA40R. These results revealed an immunosuppressive role of the A40 protein, findings relevant for the optimization of poxvirus vectors as vaccines.
The Vaccine Uptake Continuum: Applying Social Science Theory to Shift Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Piltch-Loeb Rachael , DiClemente Ralph
Published: February 2020

Vaccines are the optimal public health strategy to prevent disease, but the growing anti-vaccine movement has focused renewed attention on the need to persuade people to increase vaccine uptake. This commentary draws on social and behavioral science theory and proposes a vaccine uptake continuum comprised of five factors: (1) awareness of the health threat; (2) availability of the vaccine; (3) accessibility of the vaccine; (4) affordability of the vaccine; and (5) acceptability of the vaccine to effectively approach this rising challenge.
Real-Time Control of Urban Water Cycle under Cyber-Physical Systems Framework
Authors: Sun Congcong , Puig Vicenç , Cembrano Gabriela
Published: February 2020

The urban water cycle (UWC), which is composed of the water supply system (WSS) and urban drainage system (UDS), is a critical infrastructure required for the functioning of urban society. Considering the growing pollution and subsequent water scarcity caused by increasing urbanization and climate change, efficient UWC management is required to maintain resource sustainability and environmental protection. Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) provide a technological suite for the efficient management of critical systems. To exploit advantages of CPS for UWC, this paper proposes a CPS-based management framework enabling supervision, subsystem interoperability, and integrated optimization of UWC: (1) Firstly, clear definitions are provided to demonstrate that UWC systems can be considered as CPSs. (2) A multi-layer CPS-based supervision framework is presented afterwards, conceptually dividing the physical UWC and its digital counterpart into Supervision&Control, Scheduling, Digital Twin, and Water Users and Environment four layers. (3) The information flows that interact with each layer, as well as a key aspect of CSP operation, namely the interoperability among subsystems in the context of UWC, are also addressed. (4) To demonstrate advantages of supervision and interoperability of subsystems under the CPS framework, an integrated optimizer based on model predictive control (MPC) is applied and compared against the individual control of each system. A real case study of the WSS and UDS in Barcelona UWC is applied in order to validate the proposed approaches through virtual reality simulations based on MATLAB/SIMULIN and EPA-SWMM.
Contamination of Arctic Lakes with Persistent Toxic PAH Substances in the NW Part of Wedel Jarlsberg Land (Bellsund, Svalbard)
Authors: Lehmann-Konera Sara , Ruman Marek , Franczak Łukasz , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: February 2020

The expansion of glacier-free areas in polar regions favours the appearance of lakes in the non-glaciated parts of glacier basins. This paper presents the differentiation of organic compound concentrations in fifty-four Arctic lakes collected in four locations (Logne Valley, in the vicinity of the Scott, Renard and Antonia glaciers). We cover meteorological measurements, chemical analysis of sixteen dioxin-like compounds (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)), formaldehyde (HCHO), sum parameters of phenolic compounds (∑phenols) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The most contaminated with PAH compounds were lakes exposed to the influence of the Greenland Sea (Logne Valley lakes) and to the prevailing winds (Scott and Renard lakes). Interpretation of the PAH compounds results allowed for identification of pyrogenic sources as the main sources of PAH compounds in the year 2012. The highest levels of HCHO and ∑phenols were observed for the Scott lakes, while the highest DOC levels were noted in Antonia lakes.
Trend Analyses of Meteorological Variables and Lake Levels for Two Shallow Lakes in Central Turkey
Authors: Yagbasan Ozlem , Demir Vahdettin , Yazicigil Hasan
Published: February 2020

Trend analyses of meteorological variables play an important role in assessing the long-term changes in water levels for sustainable management of shallow lakes that are extremely vulnerable to climatic variations. Lake Mogan and Lake Eymir are shallow lakes offering aesthetic, recreational, and ecological resources. Trend analyses of monthly water levels and meteorological variables affecting lake levels were done by the Mann-Kendall (MK), Modified Mann-Kendall (MMK), Sen Trend (ST), and Linear trend (LT) methods. Trend analyses of monthly lake levels for both lakes revealed an increasing trend with the Mann-Kendall, Linear, and Sen Trend tests. The Modified Mann-Kendall test results were statistically significant with an increasing trend for Eymir lake levels, but they were insignificant for Mogan lake due to the presence of autocorrelation. While trend analyses of meteorological variables by Sen Test were significant at all tested variables and confidence levels, Mann-Kendall, Modified Mann-Kendall, and Linear trend provided significant trends for only humidity and wind speed. The trend analyses of Sen Test gave increasing trends for temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and precipitation; and decreasing trends for humidity, sunshine duration, and pan evaporation. These results show that increasing precipitation and decreasing pan evaporation resulted in increasing lake levels. The results further demonstrated an inverse relationship between the trends of air temperature and pan evaporation, pointing to an apparent “Evaporation Paradox”, also observed in other locations. However, the increased cloud cover happens to offset the effects of increased temperature and decreased humidity on pan evaporation. Thus, all relevant factors affecting pan evaporation should be considered to explain seemingly paradoxical observations.
Regarding Groundwater and Drinking Water Access through A Human Rights Lens: Self-Supply as A Norm
Authors: Grönwall Jenny , Danert Kerstin
Published: February 2020

Globally, some 2.5 billion people depend solely on groundwater to satisfy their daily drinking water needs. The reliance on this resource and its centrality to realize the human right to ‘safe’ drinking water has increased manifold, but this is yet to be fully acknowledged globally or by governments and political leaders at the national level. This paper analyses the interface of international human rights law, as corresponding to the obligations and responsibilities of different actors, regarding groundwater resources planning, management and protection. Drawing on the literature, we discuss the State’s duties to respect, protect and fulfil this right especially in relation to the freedom of end-users to self-supply from groundwater sources; the training and regulation of non-State service providers including drillers and private vendors; and health and safety concerns. Interpreting the State’s duty to ‘fulfil’ through direct water service provision ‘as a last resort’, this paper suggests that self-provision is the original norm for enjoying the right to water. This has significant implications for the State’s role in raising awareness concerning point source protection and aquifer recharge for water resources management and in decisions concerning water allocation. By ignoring self-provision, which is primarily from groundwater, the State is not only missing a tremendous opportunity but is jeopardizing the water security of future generations.
Quantifying the Information Content of a Water Quality Monitoring Network Using Principal Component Analysis: A Case Study of the Freiberger Mulde River Basin, Germany
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Hoang , Helm Björn , Hettiarachchi Hiroshan , Caucci Serena , Krebs Peter
Published: February 2020

Although river water quality monitoring (WQM) networks play an important role in water management, their effectiveness is rarely evaluated. This study aims to evaluate and optimize water quality variables and monitoring sites to explain the spatial and temporal variation of water quality in rivers, using principal component analysis (PCA). A complex water quality dataset from the Freiberger Mulde (FM) river basin in Saxony, Germany was analyzed that included 23 water quality (WQ) parameters monitored at 151 monitoring sites from 2006 to 2016. The subsequent results showed that the water quality of the FM river basin is mainly impacted by weathering processes, historical mining and industrial activities, agriculture, and municipal discharges. The monitoring of 14 critical parameters including boron, calcium, chloride, potassium, sulphate, total inorganic carbon, fluoride, arsenic, zinc, nickel, temperature, oxygen, total organic carbon, and manganese could explain 75.1% of water quality variability. Both sampling locations and time periods were observed, with the resulting mineral contents varying between locations and the organic and oxygen content differing depending on the time period that was monitored. The monitoring sites that were deemed particularly critical were located in the vicinity of the city of Freiberg; the results for the individual months of July and September were determined to be the most significant. In terms of cost-effectiveness, monitoring more parameters at fewer sites would be a more economical approach than the opposite practice. This study illustrates a simple yet reliable approach to support water managers in identifying the optimum monitoring strategies based on the existing monitoring data, when there is a need to reduce the monitoring costs.
Dynamic Evapotranspiration Alters Hyporheic Flow and Residence Times in the Intrameander Zone
Authors: Kruegler James , Gomez-Velez Jesus , Lautz Laura K. , Endreny Theodore A.
Published: February 2020

Hyporheic zones (HZs) influence biogeochemistry at the local reach scale with potential implication for water quality at the large catchment scale. The characteristics of the HZs (e.g., area, flux rates, and residence times) change in response to channel and aquifer physical properties, as well as to transient perturbations in the stream–aquifer system such as floods and groundwater withdraws due to evapotranspiration (ET) and pumping. In this study, we use a numerical model to evaluate the effects of transient near-stream evapotranspiration (ET) on the area, exchange flux, and residence time (RT) of sinuosity-induced HZs modulated by regional groundwater flow (RGF). We found that the ET fluxes (up to 80 mm/day) consistently increased HZ area and exchange flux, and only increased RTs when the intensity of regional groundwater flow was low. Relative to simulations without ET, scenarios with active ET had more than double HZ area and exchange flux and about 20% longer residence times (as measured by the median of the residence time distribution). Our model simulations show that the drawdown induced by riparian ET increases the net flux of water from the stream to the nearby aquifer, consistent with field observations. The results also suggest that, along with ET intensity, the magnitude of the HZ response is influenced by the modulating effect of both gaining and losing RGF and the sensitivity of the aquifer to daily cycles of ET withdrawal. This work highlights the importance of representing near-stream ET when modeling sinuosity-induced hyporheic zones, as well as the importance of including riparian vegetation in efforts to restore the ecosystem functions of streams.
Hyporheic Process Restoration: Design and Performance of an Engineered Streambed
Authors: Bakke Paul D. , Hrachovec Michael , Lynch Katherine D.
Published: February 2020

Stream restoration designed specifically to enhance hyporheic processes has seldom been contemplated. To gain experience with hyporheic restoration, an engineered streambed was built using a gravel mixture formulated to mimic natural streambed composition, filling an over-excavated channel to a minimum depth of 90 cm. Specially designed plunge-pool structures, built with subsurface gravel extending down to 2.4 m, promoted greatly enhanced hyporheic circulation, path length, and residence time. Hyporheic process enhancement was verified using intra-gravel temperature mapping to document the distribution and strength of upwelling and downwelling zones, computation of vertical water flux using diurnal streambed temperature patterns, estimation of hyporheic zone cross section using sodium chloride tracer studies, and repeat measurements of streambed sand content to document evolution of the engineered streambed over time. Results showed that vertical water flux in the vicinity of plunge-pool structures was quite large, averaging 89 times the pre-construction rate, and 17 times larger than maximum rates measured in a pristine stream in Idaho. Upwelling and downwelling strengths in the constructed channel were larger and more spatially diverse than in the control. Streambed sand content showed a variety of response over time, indicating that rapid return to an embedded, impermeable state is not occurring.