bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equol: A Bacterial Metabolite from The Daidzein Isoflavone and Its Presumed Beneficial Health Effects
Authors: Mayo Baltasar , Vázquez Lucía , Flórez Ana Belén
Published: September 2019

Epidemiological data suggest that regular intake of isoflavones from soy reduces the incidence of estrogen-dependent and aging-associated disorders, such as menopause symptoms in women, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Equol, produced from daidzein, is the isoflavone-derived metabolite with the greatest estrogenic and antioxidant activity. Consequently, equol has been endorsed as having many beneficial effects on human health. The conversion of daidzein into equol takes place in the intestine via the action of reductase enzymes belonging to incompletely characterized members of the gut microbiota. While all animal species analyzed so far produce equol, only between one third and one half of human subjects (depending on the community) are able to do so, ostensibly those that harbor equol-producing microbes. Conceivably, these subjects might be the only ones who can fully benefit from soy or isoflavone consumption. This review summarizes current knowledge on the microorganisms involved in, the genetic background to, and the biochemical pathways of, equol biosynthesis. It also outlines the results of recent clinical trials and meta-analyses on the effects of equol on different areas of human health and discusses briefly its presumptive mode of action.
A Web-Based 24-H Dietary Recall Could Be a Valid Tool for the Indicative Assessment of Dietary Intake in Older Adults Living in Slovenia
Authors: Gregorič Matej , Zdešar Kotnik Katja , Pigac Igor , Gabrijelčič Blenkuš Mojca
Published: September 2019

The methodology used in dietary surveys could, to a large extent, follow the instructions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), where 24-h dietary recall (24HDR) is recommended for (sub) population studies. However, it is necessary to examine the suitability of 24HDR for indicative dietary intake in older adults. This study aimed to compare participants’ dietary intakes with the recommendations and to compare dietary intakes derived from a 24HDR using an OPEN web-based application to those obtained from reference weighed food records (WFRs). Forty-nine Slovenian residential home residents completed both assessments, and a comparison with dietary reference values was performed. Estimates from these two methods were compared and the correlations between them were assessed. The findings revealed that dietary intakes derived from the WFR method mostly differed from the recommended intakes. The 24HDR underestimated dietary intake compared to the WFR for 66% of monitored parameters, while 75% of these parameters were correlated, mostly at a moderate level (0.3–0.69). In conclusion, the diets of residential home residents in this study mostly differed from recommendations. Both methods for dietary intake assessment provided comparable results for most of the monitored parameters in expected deviations. A web-based 24HDR could be a valid tool for the indicative assessment of dietary intake in older adults. However, further validations are required.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Relative Effectiveness of the Multiple Traffic Light and Nutri-Score Front of Package Nutrition Labels
Authors: Finkelstein Eric A. , Ang Felicia Jia Ler , Doble Brett , Wong Wei Han Melvin , van Dam Rob M.
Published: September 2019

The objective of this trial was to test two promising front-of-pack nutrition labels, 1) the United Kingdom’s Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL) label and 2) France’s Nutri-Score (NS), relative to a no-label control. We hypothesized that both labels would improve diet quality but NS would be more effective due to its greater simplicity. We tested this hypothesis via an online grocery store using a 3 × 3 crossover (within-person) design with 154 participants. Outcomes assessed via within person regression models include a modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010 (primary), average Nutri-Score, calories purchased, and singular measures of diet quality of purchase orders. Results show that both labels significantly improve modified AHEI scores relative to Control but neither is statistically superior using this measure. NS performed statistically better than MTL and Control based on average Nutri-Score, yet, unlike MTL it did not statistically reduce calories or sugar from beverages. This suggest that NS may be preferred if the goal is to improve overall diet quality but, because calories are clearly displayed on the label, MTL may perform better if the goal is to reduce total energy intake.
Development of Conventional Multiplex PCR: A Rapid Technique for Simultaneous Detection of Soil-Transmitted Helminths
Authors: Sanprasert Vivornpun , Kerdkaew Ruthairat , Srirungruang Siriporn , Charuchaibovorn Sarit , Phadungsaksawasdi Kobpat , Nuchprayoon Surang
Published: September 2019

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are the most common intestinal parasites infecting humans worldwide. STH infections are a major cause of morbidity and disability. Accurate diagnostic tools are pivotal for assessing the exact prevalence of parasitic infections. Microscopic examination and culture techniques have been used to observe the presence of eggs or larvae of parasites in stool samples, but they are time-consuming and have low sensitivity. Therefore, accurate, simple, and inexpensive diagnostic techniques are still required for simultaneous detection of STH infections. Although molecular-based techniques, such as real-time PCR and multiplex real-time PCR, have been developed, they are not suitable for routine diagnosis due to the requirement for expensive reagents and instruments. In this study, we established a conventional multiplex PCR for simultaneous rapid detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, and Strongyloides stercoralis in stool samples. Our results show that the multiplex PCR could detect the DNA of STHs at a very low target gene concentrations (lower than 1 pg) with no cross-amplification. Multiplex PCR had five times higher sensitivity than the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) in the detection of multiple infections, and two times higher for detection of S. stercoralis. However, multiplex PCR was comparable to FECT in the detection of A. lumbricoides and N. americanus. In conclusion, this method could be used as an alternative method for the detection of STHs, especially for S. stercoralis.
Cellular Mechanisms for Antinociception Produced by Oxytocin and Orexins in the Rat Spinal Lamina II—Comparison with Those of Other Endogenous Pain Modulators
Authors: Kumamoto Eiichi
Published: September 2019

Much evidence indicates that hypothalamus-derived neuropeptides, oxytocin, orexins A and B, inhibit nociceptive transmission in the rat spinal dorsal horn. In order to unveil cellular mechanisms for this antinociception, the effects of the neuropeptides on synaptic transmission were examined in spinal lamina II neurons that play a crucial role in antinociception produced by various analgesics by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and adult rat spinal cord slices. Oxytocin had no effect on glutamatergic excitatory transmission while producing a membrane depolarization, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and glycinergic spontaneous inhibitory transmission enhancement. On the other hand, orexins A and B produced a membrane depolarization and/or a presynaptic spontaneous excitatory transmission enhancement. Like oxytocin, orexin A enhanced both GABAergic and glycinergic transmission, whereas orexin B facilitated glycinergic but not GABAergic transmission. These inhibitory transmission enhancements were due to action potential production. Oxytocin, orexins A and B activities were mediated by oxytocin, orexin-1 and orexin-2 receptors, respectively. This review article will mention cellular mechanisms for antinociception produced by oxytocin, orexins A and B, and discuss similarity and difference in antinociceptive mechanisms among the hypothalamic neuropeptides and other endogenous pain modulators (opioids, nociceptin, adenosine, adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP), noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, somatostatin, cannabinoids, galanin, substance P, bradykinin, neuropeptide Y and acetylcholine) exhibiting a change in membrane potential, excitatory or inhibitory transmission in the spinal lamina II neurons.
Assessing Drug Interaction and Pharmacokinetics of Loxoprofen in Mice Treated with CYP3A Modulators
Authors: Paudel Sanjita , Shrestha Aarajana , Cho Piljoung , Shrestha Riya , Kim Younah , Lee Taeho , Kim Ju-Hyun , Jeong Tae Cheon , Lee Eung-Seok , Lee Sangkyu
Published: September 2019

Loxoprofen (LOX) is a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor that is widely used for the treatment of pain and inflammation caused by chronic and transitory conditions. Its alcoholic metabolites are formed by carbonyl reductase (CR) and they consist of trans-LOX, which is active, and cis-LOX, which is inactive. In addition, LOX can also be converted into an inactive hydroxylated metabolite (OH-LOXs) by cytochrome P450 (CYP). In a previous study, we reported that CYP3A4 is primarily responsible for the formation of OH-LOX in human liver microsomes. Although metabolism by CYP3A4 does not produce active metabolites, it can affect the conversion of LOX into trans-/cis-LOX, since CYP3A4 activity modulates the substrate LOX concentration. Although the pharmacokinetics (PK) and metabolism of LOX have been well defined, its CYP-related interactions have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we investigated the metabolism of LOX after pretreatment with dexamethasone (DEX) and ketoconazole (KTC), which induce and inhibit the activities of CYP3A, respectively. We monitored their effects on the PK parameters of LOX, cis-LOX, and trans-LOX in mice, and demonstrated that their PK parameters significantly changed in the presence of DEX or KTC pretreatment. Specifically, DEX significantly decreased the concentration of the LOX active metabolite formed by CR, which corresponded to an increased concentration of OH-LOX formed by CYP3A4. The opposite result occurred with KTC (a CYP3A inhibitor) pretreatment. Thus, we conclude that concomitant use of LOX with CYP3A modulators may lead to drug–drug interactions and result in minor to severe toxicity even though there is no direct change in the metabolic pathway that forms the LOX active metabolite.
Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Target Physical Properties on an Impinging Plasma Jet
Authors: Simoncelli Emanuele , Stancampiano Augusto , Boselli Marco , Gherardi Matteo , Colombo Vittorio
Published: September 2019

The present work aims to investigate the interaction between a plasma jet and targets with different physical properties. Electrical, morphological and fluid-dynamic characterizations were performed on a plasma jet impinging on metal, dielectric and liquid substrates by means of Intensified Charge-Coupled Device (ICCD) and high-speed Schlieren imaging techniques. The results highlight how the light emission of the discharge, its time behavior and morphology, and the plasma-induced turbulence in the flow are affected by the nature of the target. Surprisingly, the liquid target induces the formation of turbulent fronts in the gas flow similar to the metal target, although the dissipated power in the former case is lower than in the latter. On the other hand, the propagation velocity of the turbulent front is independent of the target nature and it is affected only by the working gas flow rate.
Simonkolleite Coating on Poly(Amino Acids) to Improve Osteogenesis and Suppress Osteoclast Formation in Vitro
Authors: Li Shuyang , Chen Xingtao , Wang Xiaomei , Xiong Yi , Yan Yonggang , Tan Zhi , Yang Xiaoyu , Li Yuanye
Published: September 2019

Zinc can enhance osteoblastic bone formation and stimulate osteogenic differentiation, suppress the differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells into osteoclasts, and inhibit pathogenic bacterial growth in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, simonkolleite, as a novel zinc resource, was coated on poly (amino acids) (PAA) via suspending PAA powder in different concentrations of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solution, and the simonkolleite-coated PAA (Zn–PAA) was characterized by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and XPS. Zinc ions were continuously released from the coating, and the release behavior was dependent on both the concentration of the ZnCl2 immersing solution and the type of soak solutions (SBF, PBS and DMEM). The Zn–PAA was cultured with mouse bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) through TranswellTM plates, and the results indicated that the relative cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization of BMSCs were significantly higher with Zn–PAA as compared to PAA. Moreover, the Zn–PAA was cultured with RAW264.7 cells, and the results suggested an inhibiting effect of Zn–PAA on the cell differentiation into osteoclasts. In addition, Zn–PAA exhibited an antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli. These findings suggest that simonkolleite coating with certain contents could promote osteogenesis, suppress osteoclast formation and inhibit bacteria, indicating a novel way of enhancing the functionality of synthetic bone graft material and identifying the underline principles for designing zinc-containing bone grafts.
Poly-L-lysine as an Effective and Safe Desquamation Inducer of Urinary Bladder Epithelium
Authors: Kerec Kos Mojca , Veranič Peter , Erman Andreja
Published: September 2019

Induced desquamation of urinary bladder epithelial cells, also called urothelial cells, is frequently used in studies of bladder epithelial regeneration and also in treating recurrent bacterial cystitis. Positively charged polymer chitosan is known to cause large-scale desquamation of terminally differentiated urothelial cells called umbrella cells. Aiming to compare the desquamation ability of another polycation poly-L-lysine, we studied the effect of this polymer on the functional and structural integrity of the urothelium in ex vivo and in vivo experiments. The urothelium was analyzed by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance, and the structural changes of its luminal surface were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed a selective and concentration-dependent desquamation effect of poly-L-lysine on superficial urothelial cells followed by quick regeneration of the urothelium, which functionally and structurally recovers in 2 to 3 h after poly-L-lysine–induced injury. Poly-L-lysine was thus proven to be a promising polymer to be used when desquamation of urothelial cells is required in basic and potentially clinical studies.
Statistical Copolymers of n-Butyl Vinyl Ether and 2-Chloroethyl Vinyl Ether via Metallocene-Mediated Cationic Polymerization. A Scaffold for the Synthesis of Graft Copolymers
Authors: Zouganelis Stavros , Choinopoulos Ioannis , Goulas Ioannis , Pitsikalis Marinos
Published: September 2019

The cationic statistical copolymerization of n-butyl (be) and 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether (CEVE), is efficiently conducted using bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl)dimethyl zirconium (Cp2ZrMe2) in combination with tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate dimethylanilinum salt [B(C6F5)4]–[Me2NHPh]+, as an initiation system. The reactivity ratios are calculated using both linear graphical and non-linear methods. Structural parameters of the copolymers are obtained by calculating the dyad sequence fractions and the mean sequence length, which are derived using the monomer reactivity ratios. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the copolymers are measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and the results are compared with predictions based on several theoretical models. The statistical copolymers are further employed as scaffolds for the synthesis of graft copolymers having poly(vinyl ether)s as a backbone and either poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) as side chains. Both the grafting “onto” and the grafting “from” methodologies are employed. The reaction sequence is monitored by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), NMR and IR spectroscopies. The advantages and limitations of each approach are thoroughly examined.
Gods, Gurus, Prophets and the Poor: Exploring Informal, Interfaith Exchanges among Working Class Female Workers in an Indian City
Authors: Sen Atreyee
Published: September 2019

This article revolves around the narratives of Sabita (Muslim), Radha (Hindu) and Sharleen (Christian), migrant women in their mid-forties, who have been working as maids, cooks and cleaners in middle-class housing colonies in Kolkata, a city in eastern India. Informal understandings of gendered oppressions across religious traditions often dominate the conversations of the three working-class women. Like many labourers from slums and lower-class neighbourhoods, they meet and debate religious concerns in informal ‘resting places’ (under a tree, on a park bench, at a tea stall, on a train, at a corner of a railway platform). These anonymous spaces are usually devoid of religious symbols, as well as any moral surveillance of women’s colloquial abuse of male dominance in society. I show how the anecdotes of struggle, culled across multiple religious practices, intersect with the shared existential realities of these urban workers. They temporarily empower female members of the informal workforce in the city, to create loosely defined gendered solidarities in the face of patriarchal authority, and reflect on daily discrimination against economically marginalised migrant women. I argue that these fleeting urban rituals underline the more vital role of (what I describe as) poor people’s ‘casual philosophies’, in enhancing empathy and dialogue between communities that are characterised by political tensions in India.
Combined Use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and UAV Photogrammetry in Mapping Alpine Terrain
Authors: Šašak Ján , Gallay Michal , Kaňuk Ján , Hofierka Jaroslav , Minár Jozef
Published: September 2019

Airborne and terrestrial laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry are frequently used for very high-resolution mapping of land surface. These techniques require a good strategy of mapping to provide full visibility of all areas otherwise the resulting data will contain areas with no data (data shadows). Especially, deglaciated rugged alpine terrain with abundant large boulders, vertical rock faces and polished roche-moutones surfaces complicated by poor accessibility for terrestrial mapping are still a challenge. In this paper, we present a novel methodological approach based on a combined use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and close-range photogrammetry from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for generating a high-resolution point cloud and digital elevation model (DEM) of a complex alpine terrain. The approach is demonstrated using a small study area in the upper part of a deglaciated valley in the Tatry Mountains, Slovakia. The more accurate TLS point cloud was supplemented by the UAV point cloud in areas with insufficient TLS data coverage. The accuracy of the iterative closest point adjustment of the UAV and TLS point clouds was in the order of several centimeters but standard deviation of the mutual orientation of TLS scans was in the order of millimeters. The generated high-resolution DEM was compared to SRTM DEM, TanDEM-X and national DMR3 DEM products confirming an excellent applicability in a wide range of geomorphologic applications.
Multi-Source Deep Transfer Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Li Jingmei , Wu Weifei , Xue Di , Gao Peng
Published: September 2019

Transfer learning can enhance classification performance of a target domain with insufficient training data by utilizing knowledge relating to the target domain from source domain. Nowadays, it is common to see two or more source domains available for knowledge transfer, which can improve performance of learning tasks in the target domain. However, the classification performance of the target domain decreases due to mismatching of probability distribution. Recent studies have shown that deep learning can build deep structures by extracting more effective features to resist the mismatching. In this paper, we propose a new multi-source deep transfer neural network algorithm, MultiDTNN, based on convolutional neural network and multi-source transfer learning. In MultiDTNN, joint probability distribution adaptation (JPDA) is used for reducing the mismatching between source and target domains to enhance features transferability of the source domain in deep neural networks. Then, the convolutional neural network is trained by utilizing the datasets of each source and target domain to obtain a set of classifiers. Finally, the designed selection strategy selects classifier with the smallest classification error on the target domain from the set to assemble the MultiDTNN framework. The effectiveness of the proposed MultiDTNN is verified by comparing it with other state-of-the-art deep transfer learning on three datasets.
Low Resource Complexity R-peak Detection Based on Triangle Template Matching and Moving Average Filter
Authors: Nguyen Tam , Qin Xiaoli , Dinh Anh , Bui Francis
Published: September 2019

A novel R-peak detection algorithm suitable for wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices is proposed with four objectives: robustness to noise, low latency processing, low resource complexity, and automatic tuning of parameters. The approach is a two-pronged algorithm comprising (1) triangle template matching to accentuate the slope information of the R-peaks and (2) a single moving average filter to define a dynamic threshold for peak detection. The proposed algorithm was validated on eight ECG public databases. The obtained results not only presented good accuracy, but also low resource complexity, all of which show great potential for detection R-peaks in ECG signals collected from wearable devices.
Sea–Sky Line and Its Nearby Ships Detection Based on the Motion Attitude of Visible Light Sensors
Authors: Shan Xiongfei , Zhao Depeng , Pan Mingyang , Wang Deqiang , Zhao Lining
Published: September 2019

In the maritime scene, visible light sensors installed on ships have difficulty accurately detecting the sea–sky line (SSL) and its nearby ships due to complex environments and six-degrees-of-freedom movement. Aimed at this problem, this paper combines the camera and inertial sensor data, and proposes a novel maritime target detection algorithm based on camera motion attitude. The algorithm mainly includes three steps, namely, SSL estimation, SSL detection, and target saliency detection. Firstly, we constructed the camera motion attitude model by analyzing the camera’s six-degrees-of-freedom motion at sea, estimated the candidate region (CR) of the SSL, then applied the improved edge detection algorithm and the straight-line fitting algorithm to extract the optimal SSL in the CR. Finally, in the region of ship detection (ROSD), an improved visual saliency detection algorithm was applied to extract the target ships. In the experiment, we constructed SSL and its nearby ship detection dataset that matches the camera’s motion attitude data by real ship shooting, and verified the effectiveness of each model in the algorithm through comparative experiments. Experimental results show that compared with the other maritime target detection algorithm, the proposed algorithm achieves a higher detection accuracy in the detection of the SSL and its nearby ships, and provides reliable technical support for the visual development of unmanned ships.
Seeing Sustainability from Space: Using Earth Observation Data to Populate the UN Sustainable Development Goal Indicators
Authors: Andries Ana , Morse Stephen , Murphy Richard , Lynch Jim , Woolliams Emma
Published: September 2019

In 2015, member countries of the United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Sustainable Development Summit in New York. These global goals have 169 targets and 232 indicators based on the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental. However, substantial challenges remain in obtaining data of the required quality and quantity to populate these indicators efficiently. One promising and innovative way of addressing this issue is to use Earth observation (EO). The research reported here updates our original work to develop a Maturity Matrix Framework (MMF) for assessing the suitability of EO-derived data for populating the SDG indicators, with a special focus on those indicators covering the more social and economic dimensions of sustainable development, as these have been under-explored in terms of the contribution that can be made by EO. The advanced MMF 2.0 framework set out in this paper is based on a wide consultation with EO and indicator experts (semi-structured interviews with 38 respondents). This paper provides detail of the evolved structure of MMF 2.0 and illustrates its use for one of the SDG indicators (Indicator 11.1.1). The revised MMF is then applied to published work covering the full suite of SDG indicators and demonstrates that EO can make an important contribution to providing data relevant to a substantial number of the SDG indicators.
Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment at Community Level Integrating Local and Scientific Knowledge in the Hodh Chargui, Mauritania
Authors: Tiepolo Maurizio , Bacci Maurizio , Braccio Sarah , Bechis Stefano
Published: September 2019

Hydro-climatic risk assessments at the regional scale are of little use in the risk treatment decision-making process when they are only based on local or scientific knowledge and when they deal with a single risk at a time. Local and scientific knowledge can be combined in a multi-hazard risk assessment to contribute to sustainable rural development. The aim of this article was to develop a multi-hazard risk assessment at the regional scale which classifies communities according to the risk level, proposes risk treatment actions, and can be replicated in the agropastoral, semi-arid Tropics. The level of multi-hazard risk of 13 communities of Hodh Chargui (Mauritania) exposed to meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought, as well as heavy precipitations, was ascertained with an index composed of 48 indicators representing hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity. Community meetings and visits to exposed items enabled specific indicators to be identified. Scientific knowledge was used to determine the hazard with Climate Hazards Group Infra-Red Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) datasets, Landsat images, and the method used to rank the communities. The northern communities are at greater risk of agricultural drought and those at the foot of the uplands are more at risk of heavy rains and consequent flash floods. The assessment proposes 12 types of actions to treat the risk in the six communities with severe and high multi-hazard risk.
Characterization of Sustainability Leaders and Laggards in the Global Food Industry
Authors: Pandey Vivek , Vidal Natalia , Panwar Rajat , Nafees Lubna
Published: September 2019

The global food industry has a critical role to play in achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Accordingly, global firms in this industry pursue a wide array of sustainability issues. However, it remains unclear as to how leading firms differ from laggard firms in the industry in terms of their overall approach to sustainability and SDGs. To bridge this gap, we conducted in-depth interviews with sixteen experts comprising representatives of global firms, non-government organizations (NGOs), and researchers and academics. First, we identified five sustainability performance criteria—engagement with multi-stakeholder groups (MSGs), measurement of sustainability outcomes, resource commitment by top management, integration of sustainability programs with traditional management systems, and a robust process for the identification of specific sustainability issues or SDGs. Then, we found that leaders and laggards are markedly different in their approaches to pursue these performance criteria.
Dietary Health-Related Risk Factors for Women in the Polish and Croatian Population Based on the Nutritional Behaviors of Junior Health Professionals
Authors: Głąbska Dominika , Rahelić Valentina , Guzek Dominika , Jaworska Kamila , Bival Sandra , Giljević Zlatko , Pavić Eva
Published: September 2019

In Poland and Croatia, similarly as for a number of European countries, anemia and osteoporosis are common diet-related diseases in women, while for both the proper nutritional behaviors and preventive education are crucial. However, for the proper nutritional education there are some barriers, including those associated with an educator, his own nutritional behaviors and beliefs. The aim of the study was to assess the dietary health risk factors for women in the Polish and Croatian population based on the nutritional behaviors of junior health professionals. The study was conducted in Polish (n = 70) and Croatian (n = 80) female students of the faculties associated with public health at the universities in capital cities. Their diets were assessed based on 3-day dietary records. Nutritional value and consumption of food products, as well as the dietary risk factors for anemia and osteoporosis, were compared. While assessing the risk factors for anemia, in the Polish group, the higher intake of iron and folate, as well as vitamin B12 per 1000 kcal, was observed; and for folate, the higher frequency of inadequate intake was stated for Croatian women. While assessing the risk factors for osteoporosis, in the Polish group, compared with the Croatian, the higher intake of calcium per 1000 kcal was observed, but for vitamin D, there were no differences. Differences of the intake between the Polish and the Croatian group of junior health professionals may result in various dietary health risks for women. Based on the assessment of dietary intake, for anemia, compared to Polish women, a higher risk may be indicated for Croatian women, but for osteoporosis, similar risks may be indicated for Polish and Croatian women. Therefore, for public health, adequate nutritional education of junior health professionals is necessary.
Resident Perceptions toward Tourism Development at a Large Scale
Authors: Li Rong , Peng Li , Deng Wei
Published: September 2019

Tourism has been experiencing a rapid increase in the developed world, especially in China, and resident perceptions toward tourism development have been receiving increasing attention. However, resident perceptions on a large scale and the associated affecting factors remain unknown. In this study, 63 independent samples across China were analyzed using structural equation modeling, and the effects of three factors of per capita gross domestic product (GDP), tourist receipts and length of tourism development from the perceptive of economy, society and culture, and environment were investigated. Residents demonstrated a positive attitude toward tourism development on a large scale across China. However, the resident perceptions were GDP-dependent, which indicated a lower awareness of infrastructure improvement with the increase in GDP. Meanwhile, residents became more aware of environmental deterioration and social-order disturbance with the increase in the length of tourism development and tourist receipts. In addition, tourist receipts and length of tourism development exerted indirect effects on other perceptions by affecting the perception of environmental deterioration and economic improvement. Our results implied that to minimize the effect of negative perception, attention should be paid to the optimization of the perceptions of economic improvement and environmental deterioration, and the protection of the residential environment should be viewed as a high-priority task in improving resident perceptions.
Characterization of Territorial Spatial Agglomeration Based on POI Data: A Case Study of Ningbo City, China
Authors: Hu Changhui , Liu Weidong , Jia Yuqiu , Jin Yaya
Published: September 2019

Territorial space is a valuable resource, and it is the home on which human beings depend for their survival and development. However, due to disorder, excessive and decentralized development, resource constraints are tightening, ecological environment deterioration, regional development imbalance and other prominent problems. Agglomeration development has become the strategic choice of territorial space development in China. Therefore, understanding the agglomeration characteristics of territorial space is helpful for local governments to carry out territorial spatial planning. Based on POI (point of interest) data, the method of spatial point pattern analysis is used to characterize the territorial spatial agglomeration in Ningbo city. We found that the elliptic center of Ningbo’s territorial space is distributed in Haisu district. The whole trend is along the “northwest to southeast” direction, and there is a significant directionality. The entire territorial space presents spatial agglomeration, and the agglomeration characteristics of the commercial space are more significant. Moreover, there is a spatial scale effect on the agglomeration of territorial space, which changes with the geographical distance attenuation and presents an inverted “U” structure. With Sanjiangkou as the core, the agglomeration hotspots of all levels distribute in a gradient manner, and the spatial differentiation of “center-periphery” is obvious. The characteristics of its spatial distribution are “river-oriented” and “sea-oriented”. In conclusion, the locking effect of a single center is still significantly higher than the evacuation “magnetic force” of multiple centers in Ningbo city. In the future, we should effectively disperse the densely clustered areas in the central urban area, and focus on cultivating peripheral sub-centers/groups to enhance the positive interaction between multiple centers.
Dynamical Properties of Dark Energy Models in Fractal Universe
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Umair , Iqbal Ayesha , Jawad Abdul
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we consider the flat FRW spacetime filled with interacting dark energy and dark matter in fractal universe. We work with the three models of dark energy named as Tsallis, Renyi and Sharma–Mittal. We investigate different cosmological implications such as equation of state parameter, squared speed of sound, deceleration parameter, statefinder parameters, ω e f f − ω e f f ′ (where prime indicates the derivative with respect to ln a , and a is cosmic scale factor) plane and Om diagnostic. We explore these parameters graphically to study the evolving universe. We compare the consistency of dark energy models with the accelerating universe observational data. All three models are stable in fractal universe and support accelerated expansion of the universe.
A Novel Linear Antenna Synthesis for Linear Dispersion Codes Based on an Innovative HYBRID Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Ye Zhengpeng , M. Sanders Tarun , Li Bo , Zou Nianyu
Published: September 2019

As far as taking-away of the symmetry constraints is concerned, as a scientifically symmetry problem, the global synthesis for antenna arrays that produce the desired radiation pattern is also a highly nonlinear optimization issue in fact. Besides this, the built criteria offer the reasonable power patterns. The consequent synthesis could be implemented by looking for a nominal pattern. When the criteria are already sufficient, it can simply do the whole synthesis process. To utilize multiple antennae, a method to choose a transmit antenna for the linear dispersion codes (LDC-TAS) is implemented in this paper. The authors used the max–min-post- signal to noise ratio (SNR) criteria to select these optimal transmitting antennae while this dependent, linear receiver is applied to the varying and slow channel. The simulated results illustrate that this max–min-post-SNR criterion outperforms the Bell Labs layered space time transmitting antenna selection (BLAST-TAS) applying the same spectral efficiency than space–time block codes (STBC)-TAS in the environment with low SNR. Furthermore, once the M antennae are selected under the selection criteria, a max–min-post-SNR rule, a novel linear antenna synthesis to linear dispersion codes on the basis of an innovative HYBRID (of mixed characters or solutions) genetic algorithm has been presented and evaluated to formulate and address the optimal problem to non-uniformly spaced and linear arrays. The restricted side-lobes level, the main-lobe width, and the shaped beam pattern are contemporarily concerned via maximizing a pretty suitable cost function through the innovational advanced genetic-algorithm-based algorithm. The method proposed in this paper can provide flexibility and a simple insertion of the a priori knowledge under a small computing pressure. At last, a computing simulation is completed well and the results are shown. It should be noticed that some extensions of the presented method could also be easily utilized without an obvious increase in the algorithm complexity.
Converging Cylindrical Symmetric Shock Waves in a Real Medium with a Magnetic Field
Authors: Devi Munesh , Arora Rajan , Rahman Mustafa M. , Siddiqui Mohd Junaid
Published: September 2019

The topic “converging shock waves” is quite useful in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). Most of the earlier studies have assumed that the medium of propagation is ideal. However, due to very high temperature at the axis of convergence, the effect of medium on shock waves should be taken in account. We have considered a problem of propagation of cylindrical shock waves in real medium. Magnetic field has been assumed in axial direction. It has been assumed that electrical resistance is zero. The problem can be represented by a system of hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) with jump conditions at the shock as the boundary conditions. The Lie group theoretic method has been used to find solutions to the problem. Lie’s symmetric method is quite useful as it reduces one-dimensional flow represented by a system of hyperbolic PDEs to a system of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) by means of a similarity variable. Infinitesimal generators of Lie’s group transformation have been obtained by invariant conditions of the governing and boundary conditions. These generators involves arbitrary constants that give rise to different possible cases. One of the cases has been discussed in detail by writing reduced system of ODEs in matrix form. Cramer’s rule has been used to find the solution of system in matrix form. The results are presented in terms of figures for different values of parameters. The effect of non-ideal medium on the flow has been studied. Guderley’s rule is used to compute similarity exponents for cylindrical shock waves, in gasdynamics and in magnetogasdynamics (ideal medium), in order to set up a comparison with the published work. The computed values are very close to the values in published articles.
Diverse Morphology and Structural Features of Old and New World Hantaviruses
Authors: Parvate Amar , Williams Evan P. , Taylor Mariah K. , Chu Yong-Kyu , Lanman Jason , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Jonsson Colleen B.
Published: September 2019

To further understanding of the structure and morphology of the Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae, we have employed cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for three New World hantaviruses: Andes (ANDV), Sin Nombre (SNV), and Black Creek Canal (BCCV). Building upon our prior cryo-EM and cryo-tomography study of the Old World hantavirus, Hantaan virus (HTNV), we have expanded our studies to examine the entire virion population present in cell culture supernatant. Hence, in contrast to the prior cryo-EM/ET studies in which we used a polyethylene precipitation, a sucrose gradient, and a sucrose cushion, we used two sucrose cushions. We inactivated the material after the first cushion. We tested the method using HTNV which has a known cryo-EM structure and observed equivalent results. Therefore, we used this method to assess the particle distribution of the New World hantaviruses by cryo-EM. Cryo-EM images showed a diverse range of sizes and morphologies for the New World viruses that we classified as round, tubular, and irregular. Strikingly, BCCV virions were mostly tubular. These first cryo-EM images of the New World Orthohantavirus confirm prior EM observations that noted tubular projections of SNV at the plasma membrane during virion morphogenesis but were not confirmed. These findings underscore the need for further investigation of virion morphogenesis of the Orthohantavirus.
Metaviromics Reveals Unknown Viral Diversity in the Biting Midge Culicoides impunctatus
Authors: Modha Sejal , Hughes Joseph , Bianco Giovanni , Ferguson Heather M. , Helm Barbara , Tong Lily , Wilkie Gavin S. , Kohl Alain , Schnettler Esther
Published: September 2019

Biting midges (Culicoides species) are vectors of arboviruses and were responsible for the emergence and spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Europe in 2011 and are likely to be involved in the emergence of other arboviruses in Europe. Improved surveillance and better understanding of risks require a better understanding of the circulating viral diversity in these biting insects. In this study, we expand the sequence space of RNA viruses by identifying a number of novel RNA viruses from Culicoides impunctatus (biting midge) using a meta-transcriptomic approach. A novel metaviromic pipeline called MetaViC was developed specifically to identify novel virus sequence signatures from high throughput sequencing (HTS) datasets in the absence of a known host genome. MetaViC is a protein centric pipeline that looks for specific protein signatures in the reads and contigs generated as part of the pipeline. Several novel viruses, including an alphanodavirus with both segments, a novel relative of the Hubei sobemo-like virus 49, two rhabdo-like viruses and a chuvirus, were identified in the Scottish midge samples. The newly identified viruses were found to be phylogenetically distinct to those previous known. These findings expand our current knowledge of viral diversity in arthropods and especially in these understudied disease vectors.
The Influence of Riparian Corridor Land Use on the Pesquería River’s Macroinvertebrate Community (N.E. Mexico)
Authors: Castro-López Daniel , Rodríguez-Lozano Pablo , Arias-Real Rebeca , Guerra-Cobián Víctor , Prat Narcís
Published: September 2019

The Earth’s freshwater ecosystems are currently under threat, particularly in developing countries. In Mexico, intensive land use and inadequate monitoring policies have resulted in the severe degradation of the country’s freshwater ecosystems. This study assesses how the macroinvertebrate communities in the Pesquería River, located in Northeastern Mexico, are affected by riparian land use, in order to determine their potential use as bioindicators to evaluate the macroinvertebrate integrity of the Pesquería River. First, we characterized the land use cover in the riparian channel. Second, we sampled 16 sites for benthic macroinvertebrates along the main channel during the wet and dry seasons. Third, we evaluated the influence of the riparian channel land use on the macroinvertebrate community using 42 different biological metrics. The land use characterization depicted a riparian channel mainly influenced by agricultural and urban land use. Eighty-one invertebrate taxa were identified during the study. Permutational analysis of the variance analysis confirmed significant differences across the different land use classes and the macroinvertebrate community composition while no differences were found between seasons. The indicator species analysis revealed 31 representative taxa for natural land use, 1 for urban, and 4 for agricultural land use. Our modelling analysis showed that 28 of the 42 biological metrics tested responded significantly to land use disturbances, confirming the impact of land use changes on the Pesquería River’s macroinvertebrate communities and suggesting that these metrics may have a use as bioindicators. Finally, this study may provide significant biological information for further studies in similar conditions.
Groundwater Autochthonous Microbial Communities as Tracers of Anthropogenic Pressure Impacts: Example from a Municipal Waste Treatment Plant (Latium, Italy)
Authors: Rossi David , Barra Caracciolo Anna , Grenni Paola , Cattena Flavia , Di Lenola Martina , Patrolecco Luisa , Ademollo Nicoletta , Ciannarella Ruggiero , Mascolo Giuseppe , Ghergo Stefano
Published: September 2019

The groundwater behavior at a municipal solid waste disposal dump, located in Central Italy, was studied using a multi-parameter monitoring over 1 year consisting of 4 seasonal samples. The hydrological and hydrogeological dynamics of water circulation, microbiological parameters (microbial abundance and cell viability of the autochthonous microbial community), dissolved organic carbon, and several contaminants were evaluated and related to the geological structures in both two and three dimensions and used for geostatistical analysis in order to obtain 3D maps. Close relationships between geological heterogeneity, water circulation, pollutant diffusion, dissolved organic carbon, and cell viability were revealed. The highest cell viability values were found with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) values ≤0.5 mg/L; above this value, DOC negatively affected the microbial community. The highest DOC values were detected in groundwater at some sampling points within the site indicating its probable origin from the waste disposal dump. Although legislation limits for the parameters measured were not exceeded (except for a contaminant in one piezometer), the 1-year multi-parameter monitoring approach made it possible to depict both the dynamics and the complexity of the groundwater flux and, with “non-legislative parameters” such as microbial cell viability and DOC, identify the points with the highest vulnerability and their origin. This approach is useful for identifying the most vulnerable sites in a groundwater body.
Removal of >10 µm Microplastic Particles from Treated Wastewater by a Disc Filter
Authors: Simon Márta , Vianello Alvise , Vollertsen Jes
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we evaluate the performance of a disc filter that retains microplastic (MP) particles from treated wastewater. A focal plane array-based Fourier transform infrared imaging technique enabled MP quantification and an in-house-built software (MPhunter) facilitated automatic analysis of the obtained infrared spectra. The disc filter retained 89.7% of particles, and 75.6% of their mass. This removal efficiency is comparable to removal rates reported by previous studies. However, the presence of an unexpectedly large number of MP particles whose size substantially exceeded the pore size of the disc filter suggests that particles could either bypass or pass through the filter mesh, somewhat diminishing the performance of the filter. The concentration of MPs in the effluent was 3 MP/L, corresponding to an estimated mass concentration of 0.31 µg/L. The annual MP discharge from the studied WWTP after the disc filter was estimated to be 1.1 kg in 2017. It was hence not a significant contributor to MP emissions in Denmark. Although the operation of the disc filter seems to have been disturbed, it nonetheless achieved a high MP removal rate. Therefore, we conclude that it is a suitable technology to decrease the concentration of discharged MPs in wastewater effluents.
Correction: Hu, Q., et al. Rainfall Spatial Estimations: A Review from Spatial Interpolation to Multi-Source Data Merging. Water 2019, 11, 579
Authors: Hu Qingfang , Li Zhe , Wang Leizhi , Huang Yong , Wang Yintang , Li Lingjie
Published: September 2019

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]