bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Cognitive Effort in Scoring Negotiation Space Using the Fuzzy Clustering Model
Authors: Filipowicz-Chomko Marzena , Mierzwiak Rafał , Nowak Marcin , Roszkowska Ewa , Wachowicz Tomasz
Published: June 2021

Negotiation scoring systems are fundamental tools used in negotiation support to facilitate parties searching for negotiation agreement and analyzing its efficiency and fairness. Such a scoring system is obtained in prenegotiation by implementing selected multiple criteria decision-aiding methods to elicit the negotiator’s preferences precisely and ensure that the support is reliable. However, the methods classically used in the preference elicitation require much cognitive effort from the negotiators, and hence, do not prevent them from using heuristics and making simple errors that result in inaccurate scoring systems. This paper aims to develop an alternative tool that allows scoring the negotiation offers by implementing a sorting approach and the reference set of limiting profiles defined individually by the negotiators in the form of complete packages. These limiting profiles are evaluated holistically and verbally by the negotiator. Then the fuzzy decision model is built that uses the notion of increasing the preference granularity by introducing a series of limiting sub-profiles for corresponding sub-categories of offers. This process is performed automatically by the support algorithm and does not require any additional preferential information from the negotiator. A new method of generating reference fuzzy scores to allow a detailed assignment of any negotiation offer from feasible negotiation space to clusters and sub-clusters is proposed. Finally, the efficient frontier and Nash’s fair division are used to identify the recommended packages for negotiation in the bargaining phase. This new approach allows negotiators to obtain economically efficient, fair, balanced, and reciprocated agreements while minimizing information needs and effort.
A Model of Product Life Cycle Cost Management Based on the Example of the Spartan Multimedia Shooting Training System
Authors: Swiderski Waldemar , Rolek Wieslawa
Published: June 2021

Cost management is a process that contributes to increases in efficiency that have an impact on a finished product. Comprehensive cost management uses information that is created by the cost accounting system and new concepts of measurement and valuation of product manufacturing costs. This paper presents the product life cycle costing (LCC) method and the target cost method as concepts used in cost management based on the example of the SPARTAN system. SPARTAN is a stationary training system designed to train, monitor and evaluate sighting and shooting techniques for small arms. The LCC method refers to the estimated cost of a product (in our case, the SPARTAN system) life cycle and it is calculated as the sum of the acquisition costs, ownership costs and operating costs. Having taken into account costs of acquisition, ownership and operation, the results of the LCC analysis were obtained, which show that, keeping in mind the whole life cycle cost, it will be more profitable to purchase the modernized version of the SPARTAN system despite its higher acquisition costs.
Face-to-Face vs. E-Learning Models in the COVID-19 Era: Survey Research in a Spanish University
Authors: Costado Dios María Teresa , Piñero Charlo José Carlos
Published: June 2021

This study shows the results of an autobiographical questionnaire of Spanish university students regarding two different educational models caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: face-to-face and e-learning. The aim is to discover their perceptions and opinions about their experiences during the learning process and what they have experienced during this global emergency and period of home confinement. The sample is made up of 100 students from the Primary Education Degree programme and the research was carried out through a qualitative study of the questionnaire. The results, divided into categories of each educational model, show the interpretation that the students make of the current reality and their own learning process. The most important aspect of the face-to-face learning model, according to 75% of the students, is direct communication with the teacher, and for 88% of them this model was effective. For the e-learning model, the flexible schedule, the economic savings and explanatory videos are the relevant ideas that the students express, with 68% stating that it was an effective model. The main conclusion is that the students prefer to continue with the face-to-face learning process (49%) rather than online teaching (7%) or, failing that, mixed or blended learning (44%), where the theoretical classes could be online and the practical classes could be face-to-face.
STERapp: Semiautomatic Software for Stereological Analysis. Application in the Estimation of Fish Fecundity
Authors: Mbaidin Almoutaz , Rábade-Uberos Sonia , Dominguez-Petit Rosario , Villaverde Andrés , Gónzalez-Rufino María Encarnación , Formella Arno , Fernández-Delgado Manuel , Cernadas Eva
Published: June 2021

Stereology is the tridimensional interpretation of bidimensional sections of a structure, widely used in fields such as mineralogy, medicine, and biology. This paper proposes a general software to do stereological analysis, called STERapp, with a friendly graphical interface to enable expert supervision. It includes a module to estimate fish fecundity (number of mature oocytes in the ovary), which has been used by experts in fish biology in two Spanish marine research centers since 2020 to estimate the fecundity of five fish species with different reproductive strategies and oocytes characteristics. This module encloses advanced computer vision and machine learning techniques to automatically recognize and classify the cells in histological images of fish gonads. The automatic recognition algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 55.6%, a specificity of 64.8%, and an average precision of 43.1%. The accuracies achieved for oocyte classification were 84.5% for the maturity stages and 78.5% for the classification regarding presence/absence of the nucleus. This facilitates the analysis and saves experts’ time. Hence, the SUS questionnaire reported a mean score of 81.9, which means that the system was perceived from good to excellent to develop stereological analysis for the estimation of fish fecundity.
Location Detection Method of Detector in Pipeline Using VMD Algorithm and Machine Learning Classifier
Authors: Li Tuoru , Lu Senxiang , Xu Enjie
Published: June 2021

The internal detector in a pipeline needs to use the ground marker to record the elapsed time for accurate positioning. Most existing ground markers use the magnetic flux leakage testing principle to detect whether the internal detector passes. However, this paper uses the method of detecting vibration signals to track and locate the internal detector. The Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) algorithm is used to extract features, which solves the defect of large noise and many disturbances of vibration signals. In this way, the detection range is expanded, and some non-magnetic flux leakage internal detectors can also be located. Firstly, the extracted vibration signals are denoised by the VMD algorithm, then kurtosis value and power value are extracted from the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) to form feature vectors, and finally the feature vectors are input into random forest and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) for classification. Experimental research shows that the method designed in this paper, which combines VMD with a machine learning classifier, can effectively use vibration signals to locate the internal detector and has the characteristics of high accuracy and good adaptability.
Possibilities of Capturing Methane from Hard Coal Deposits Lying at Great Depths
Authors: Szlązak Nikodem , Swolkień Justyna
Published: June 2021

Methane present in coal seams is a natural hazard present during the exploitation of underground mining plants. It is an explosive and flammable gas that is released into mining excavations, and it is necessary to reduce its concentration. Capturing methane while preparing extraction is virtually impossible due to the low permeability of coal resulting from its deposition depth. After the beginning of exploitation and disrupting the seam’s structure, methane is released into mine air. The most common method of minimizing gas released into ventilation air is draining the rock mass. This method allows achieving the desired ventilation parameters but requires appropriate mining techniques in hazardous areas. The article presents the example of methane capture during the operation in the longwall B-15 with an overlying drainage gallery. The authors have highlighted an example of the longwall B-15 that when using this particular drainage method, allowed capturing twice the amount of methane forecasted, thus increasing the efficiency of methane drainage. At the preliminary stage of longwall development, the amount of methane charged by the drainage system had relatively low values, reaching 15 m3/min. In the next few months, these parameters increased and varied between 35 to 55 m3/min. A significant difference in methane capture appeared in the second stage of exploitation, where the highest value of captured methane reached 82 m3/min. This particular longwall example shows that it is crucial to properly design the drainage system for seams with high forecasted methane release. It is worth remembering that using a drainage gallery provides an increase in the methane capture from the desorption zone areas, thus increasing total methane capture in comparison to forecasts.
Optimal Integration of Capacitor and Distributed Generation in Distribution System Considering Load Variation Using Bat Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yuvaraj Thangaraj , Devabalaji Kaliaperumal Rukmani , Prabaharan Natarajan , Haes Alhelou Hassan , Manju Asokkumar , Pal Poushali , Siano Pierluigi
Published: June 2021

In this article, an efficient long-term novel scheduling technique is proposed for allocating capacitors in a combined system involving distributed generation (DG) along with radial distribution systems (RDS). We introduce a unique multi-objective function that focuses on the reduction of power loss with the maximization of voltage stability index (VSI) subjected to constraints of equality and inequality systems. Loss sensitivity factor and VSI together are involved in pre-identifying the locations of capacitors and DG. Determination of the optimal size of capacitor and DG is performed by utilizing the Bat algorithm (BA) for all the loads in RDS. The conventional approach considers the medium load of (1.0) condition generally, but the proposed method changes the feeder loads linearly, ranging from light load (0.5) to peak load (1.6) with the value of step size as 1%. BA determines the optimal size of the capacitor and DG for each step load. The curve fitting technique is used for deducing the generalized equation of capacitor size and DG for all conditions of the load with the various loading condition sized by distributed network operators (DNOs). Further, various load models such as industrial, residential, and commercial loads have been considered to show the efficiency of the present approach. Validation of results is performed in different scenarios on a 69-bus test system and on a standard IEEE 33-bus system. The results exhibit improved accuracy with less power loss value, superior bus voltage, and stability of system voltage with a higher rate of convergence.
Extended Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Speed Range Based on the Active and Reactive Power Control of Inverters
Authors: Khanh Pham Quoc , Truong Viet-Anh , Anh Ho Pham Huy
Published: June 2021

The paper proposes a new speed control method to improve control quality and expand the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors speed range. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) speed range enlarging is based on the newly proposed power control principle between two voltage sources instead of winding current control as the conventional Field Oriented Control method. The power management between the inverter and PMSM motor allows the Flux-Weakening obstacle to be overcome entirely, leading to a significant extension of the motor speed to a constant power range. Based on motor power control, a new control method is proposed and allows for efficiently reducing current and torque ripple caused by the imbalance between the power supply of the inverter and the power required through the desired stator current. The proposed method permits for not only an enhanced PMSM speed range, but also a robust stability in PMSM speed control. The simulation results have demonstrated the efficiency and stability of the proposed control method.
Use of Bioluminescence for Monitoring Brown Coal Mine Waters from Deep and Surface Drainage
Authors: Staniszewski Ryszard , Cais-Sokolińska Dorota , Kaczyński Łukasz K. , Bielska Paulina
Published: June 2021

Open-pit mines can cause environmental changes, such as alterations of landscape structure, hydrology, air quality, and river sediments; they can also generate cones of depression. We propose a new method for surveys of mine waters using the example of an open-pit mine in central Poland. This study examines the correlations between bioluminescence and the color of brown coal mine waters and tests whether values of the three-color coordinate system reflected the physicochemical quality of mine waters measured in real-time and in the field. Our results show that alkalinity, pH reaction, and conductivity are higher in surface drainage, while values of trophic parameters (soluble reactive phosphates, total phosphorus, nitrates) are greater in samples representing subsurface drainage. Correlation analysis of bioluminescence with mine water quality parameters showed that only water color had a strong association with bioluminescence. This correlation is stronger for surface drainage, than for mine waters from subsurface drainage. Direct measurement of bioluminescence, resulting from adenosine 5`-triphosphate (ATP) using a luminometer, is a fast and reliable method for evaluation of the characteristics of mine waters in real-time.
Analysis of Radial Inflow Turbine Losses Operating with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Uusitalo Antti , Grönman Aki
Published: June 2021

The losses of supercritical CO2 radial turbines with design power scales of about 1 MW were investigated by using computational fluid dynamic simulations. The simulation results were compared with loss predictions from enthalpy loss correlations. The aim of the study was to investigate how the expansion losses are divided between the stator and rotor as well as to compare the loss predictions obtained with the different methods for turbine designs with varying specific speeds. It was observed that a reasonably good agreement between the 1D loss correlations and computational fluid dynamics results can be obtained by using a suitable set of loss correlations. The use of different passage loss models led to high deviations in the predicted rotor losses, especially with turbine designs having the highest or lowest specific speeds. The best agreement in respect to CFD results with the average deviation of less than 10% was found when using the CETI passage loss model. In addition, the other investigated passage loss models provided relatively good agreement for some of the analyzed turbine designs, but the deviations were higher when considering the full specific speed range that was investigated. The stator loss analysis revealed that despite some differences in the predicted losses between the methods, a similar trend in the development of the losses was observed as the turbine specific speed was changed.
Parametric Investigation of a Ground Source CO2 Heat Pump for Space Heating
Authors: Bellos Evangelos , Tzivanidis Christos
Published: June 2021

The objective of the present study is the parametric investigation of a ground source heat pump for space heating purposes with boreholes. The working fluid in the heat pump is CO2, and the geothermal field includes boreholes with vertical heat exchangers (U-tube). This study is conducted with a developed model in Engineering Equation Solver which is validated with data from the literature. Ten different parameters are investigated and more specifically five parameters about the heat pump cycle and five parameters for the geothermal unit. The heat pump’s examined parameters are the high pressure, the heat exchanger effectiveness, the temperature level in the heater outlet, the flow rate of the geothermal fluid in the evaporator and the heat exchanger thermal transmittance in the evaporator. The other examined parameters about the geothermal unit are the ground mean temperature, the grout thermal conductivity, the inner diameter of the U-tube, the number of the boreholes and the length of every borehole. In the nominal design, it is found that the system’s coefficient of performance is 4.175, the heating production is 10 kW, the electricity consumption is 2.625 kW, and the heat input from the geothermal field is 10.23 kW. The overall resistance of the borehole per length is 0.08211 mK/W, while there are 4 boreholes with borehole length at 50 m. The parametric analysis shows the influence of the ten examined parameters on the system’s performance and on the geothermal system characteristics. This work can be used as a reference study for the design and the investigation of future geothermal-driven CO2 heat pumps.
Thermal Characterization of Recycled Materials for Building Insulation
Authors: Majumder Arnas , Canale Laura , Mastino Costantino Carlo , Pacitto Antonio , Frattolillo Andrea , Dell’Isola Marco
Published: June 2021

The building sector is known to have a significant environmental impact, considering that it is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions of around 36% and is also responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption. Of this, about 50% takes place during the building operational phase, while around 10–20% is consumed in materials manufacturing, transport and building construction, maintenance, and demolition. Increasing the necessity of reducing the environmental impact of buildings has led to enhancing not only the thermal performances of building materials, but also the environmental sustainability of their production chains and waste prevention. As a consequence, novel thermo-insulating building materials or products have been developed by using both locally produced natural and waste/recycled materials that are able to provide good thermal performances while also having a lower environmental impact. In this context, the aim of this work is to provide a detailed analysis for the thermal characterization of recycled materials for building insulation. To this end, the thermal behavior of different materials representing industrial residual or wastes collected or recycled using Sardinian zero-km locally available raw materials was investigated, namely: (1) plasters with recycled materials; (2) plasters with natural fibers; and (3) building insulation materials with natural fibers. Results indicate that the investigated materials were able to improve not only the energy performances but also the environmental comfort in both new and in existing buildings. In particular, plasters and mortars with recycled materials and with natural fibers showed, respectively, values of thermal conductivity (at 20 °C) lower than 0.475 and 0.272 W/(m⋅K), while that of building materials with natural fibers was always lower than 0.162 W/(m⋅K) with lower values for compounds with recycled materials (0.107 W/(m⋅K)). Further developments are underway to analyze the mechanical properties of these materials.
Rehydrogenation of Sodium Borates to Close the NaBH4-H2 Cycle: A Review
Authors: Nunes Helder X. , Silva Diogo L. , Rangel Carmen M. , Pinto Alexandra M. F. R.
Published: June 2021

In 2007, the US Department of Energy recommended a no-go on NaBH4 hydrolysis for onboard applications; however, the concept of a NaBH4-H2-PEMFC system has the potential to become a primary source for on-demand power supply. Despite the many efforts to study this technology, most of the published papers focus on catalytic performance. Nevertheless, the development of a practical reaction system to close the NaBH4-H2 cycle remains a critical issue. Therefore, this work provides an overview of the research progress on the solutions for the by-product rehydrogenation leading to the regeneration of NaBH4 with economic potential. It is the first to compare and analyze the main types of processes to regenerate NaBH4: thermo-, mechano-, and electrochemical. Moreover, it considers the report by Demirci et al. on the main by-product of sodium borohydride hydrolysis. The published literature already reported efficient NaBH4 regeneration; however, the processes still need more improvements. Moreover, it is noteworthy that a transition to clean methods, through the years, was observed.
Sustainable Mobility in Universities: The Case of the University of Foggia (Italy)
Authors: Cappelletti Giulio Mario , Grilli Luca , Russo Carlo , Santoro Domenico
Published: June 2021

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that make up the 2030 Agenda and refer to different areas of social, economic and environmental development, goal 11.2 concerns access to safe, cheap, accessible and sustainable transport systems, increasing road safety particularly through the enhancement of public transport. Universities can also contribute to increasing the use of more sustainable means of transport through policies and strategies to encourage students and staff in choosing sustainable transport modes. Numerous universities around the world and in Italy have adopted initiatives to reduce the environmental impact related to the mobility of the entire academic community. In Italy, the Italian Network of Sustainable Universities has set up, within its organization, a working group that has drawn up numerous studies on the sustainable mobility of Italian universities. The University of Foggia also conducted a study on mobility to detect and evaluate the mobility routines of community members (students, academic and administrative staff). In this paper, the first results in terms of descriptive analysis are shown. We submitted a survey consisting of 17 questions, and we obtained 3495 answers. After cleaning the data set, we were able to extract various contingency tables, through which we can statistically describe the main means of transport used by members of the University of Foggia community and, thanks to detailed data about the different means of transport, we can estimate their emissions. According to the results shown in the paper, further considerations could be made concerning the environmental implications of the choices of transportation modes. This could address policies about mobility at universities and provide useful information for applying actions to enhance these sustainable choices.
Optimization of the Drum Drying Parameters and Citric Acid Level to Produce Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Powder Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Senevirathna Sri Sampath Janaka , Ramli Nurul Shazini , Azman Ezzat Mohamad , Juhari Nurul Hanisah , Karim Roselina
Published: June 2021

Purple sweet potato (PSP) is a rich source of anthocyanins, but the anthocyanin content and color can be affected by the drying method and processing condition. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to investigate the effects of citric acid (CA) concentration, steam pressure (SP) and rotation speed (DS) on the physicochemical and functional properties of drum-dried purple sweet potato powder (PSPP). The anthocyanins of the PSPP were analyzed using mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and twelve anthocyanins were identified. The results indicated that the moisture content (4.80 ± 0.17–9.97 ± 0.03%) and water activity (0.290 ± 0.004–0.47 ± 0.001) (p < 0.05) decreased with increasing drum temperature as well as with reduced drum rotating speed. CA had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the color and total anthocyanin content (101.83 ± 2.20–124.09 ± 2.89 mg/100 g) of the PSPP. High SP and low DS negatively affected the antioxidant properties of the PSPP. DPPH value of the PSPP ranged from 20.41 ± 0.79 to 30.79 ± 1.00 μmol TE/g. The optimal parameters were achieved at 0.59% CA, 499.8 kPa SP and 3 rpm DS.
The Influence of Hypericum perforatum L. Addition to Wheat Cookies on Their Antioxidant, Anti-Metabolic Syndrome, and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Jakubczyk Anna , Kiersnowska Kaja , Ömeroğlu Begümhan , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Tutaj Krzysztof , Rybczyńska-Tkaczyk Kamila , Szydłowska-Tutaj Magdalena , Złotek Urszula , Baraniak Barbara
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to characterize wheat cookies enriched with 0.5% and 1.0% of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort, SJW) and determine their pro-health properties in vitro after hydrolysis in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicated that 1.0 SJW was characterized by the highest content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (2.32 mg mL−1, 4.93 µg mL−1, and 12.35 µg mL−1, respectively). The enriching cookies had no effect on water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC). After in vitro hydrolysis, the highest peptide content was noted in 1.0 SJW (0.52 mg mL−1), and the bioactive compounds were characterized by high potential bioaccessibility (PAC), but poor bioavailability (PAV). The addition of SJW increased the ACE, α-amylase, and LOX inhibitory effect, but reduced the inhibition of pancreatic lipase. The highest antioxidant activity was noted for 1.0 SJW. The results showed that only 0.5 SJW and 1.0 SJW had slight antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and B. cereus ATCC 14579 with MIC = 12.5 mg mL−1. Fractions with molecular mass <3.0 kDa were characterized with the highest p-coumaric acid content. The results show that SJW cookies had a higher content of bioactive compounds and more potent anti-metabolic syndrome effects.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum: In Silico, Biochemical and Histological Study
Authors: Zammel Nourhene , Saeed Mohd , Bouali Nouha , Elkahoui Salem , Alam Jahoor M. , Rebai Tarek , Kausar Mohd A. , Adnan Mohd , Siddiqui Arif J. , Badraoui Riadh
Published: June 2021

In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum aqueous extracts were examined in a carrageenan-induced acute inflammation model. Some markers of inflammation such as hematological parameters, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein were measured. Variables reflecting oxidative stress included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation of protein products (AOPP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione were determined in both inflamed foci and erythrocytes. The in silico molecular docking simulation showed that the main components of Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum bound to toll-like receptor 6 (TLR6) with high affinities. Moreover, histological examinations of paw edema were carried out. Both Zingiber officinale roscoe and Allium subhirsutum ameliorated the induced inflammation and oxidative stress status as outlined by anti-edematous, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our investigation lends pharmacological support to the medical uses of these spices in the management of inflammatory disorders and oxidative damage. The results of the in silico assay satisfactory explain the in vivo effects as compared with indomethacin.
Occurrence of Human Enteric Viruses in Shellfish along the Production and Distribution Chain in Sicily, Italy
Authors: Macaluso Giusi , Guercio Annalisa , Gucciardi Francesca , Di Bella Santina , La Rosa Giuseppina , Suffredini Elisabetta , Randazzo Walter , Purpari Giuseppa
Published: June 2021

Contamination of bivalve mollusks with human pathogenic viruses represents a recognized food safety risk. Thus, monitoring programs for shellfish quality along the entire food chain could help to finally preserve the health of consumers. The aim of the present study was to provide up-to-date data on the prevalence of enteric virus contamination along the shellfish production and distribution chain in Sicily. To this end, 162 batches of mollusks were collected between 2017 and 2019 from harvesting areas, depuration and dispatch centers (n = 63), restaurants (n = 6) and retail stores (n = 93) distributed all over the island. Samples were processed according to ISO 15216 standard method, and the presence of genogroup GI and GII norovirus (NoV), hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV, HEV), rotavirus and adenovirus was investigated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time-RT PCR), nested (RT)-PCR and molecular genotyping. Our findings show that 5.56% of samples were contaminated with at least one NoV, HAV and/or HEV. Contaminated shellfish were sampled at production sites and retail stores and their origin was traced back to Spain and several municipalities in Italy. In conclusion, our study highlights the need to implement routine monitoring programs along the whole food chain as an effective measure to prevent foodborne transmission of enteric viruses.
On the Connectivity Measurement of the Fractal Julia Sets Generated from Polynomial Maps: A Novel Escape-Time Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zhao Shicun , Zhang Yi , Wang Da
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a novel escape-time algorithm is proposed to calculate the connectivity’s degree of Julia sets generated from polynomial maps. The proposed algorithm contains both quantitative analysis and visual display to measure the connectivity of Julia sets. For the quantitative part, a connectivity criterion method is designed by exploring the distribution rule of the connected regions, with an output value Co in the range of [0,1]. The smaller the Co value outputs, the better the connectivity is. For the visual part, we modify the classical escape-time algorithm by highlighting and separating the initial point of each connected area. Finally, the Julia set is drawn into different brightnesses according to different Co values. The darker the color, the better the connectivity of the Julia set. Numerical results are included to assess the efficiency of the algorithm.
The Structural, Functional and Evolutionary Impact of Transposable Elements in Eukaryotes
Authors: Almojil Dareen , Bourgeois Yann , Falis Marcin , Hariyani Imtiyaz , Wilcox Justin , Boissinot Stéphane
Published: June 2021

Transposable elements (TEs) are nearly ubiquitous in eukaryotes. The increase in genomic data, as well as progress in genome annotation and molecular biology techniques, have revealed the vast number of ways mobile elements have impacted the evolution of eukaryotes. In addition to being the main cause of difference in haploid genome size, TEs have affected the overall organization of genomes by accumulating preferentially in some genomic regions, by causing structural rearrangements or by modifying the recombination rate. Although the vast majority of insertions is neutral or deleterious, TEs have been an important source of evolutionary novelties and have played a determinant role in the evolution of fundamental biological processes. TEs have been recruited in the regulation of host genes and are implicated in the evolution of regulatory networks. They have also served as a source of protein-coding sequences or even entire genes. The impact of TEs on eukaryotic evolution is only now being fully appreciated and the role they may play in a number of biological processes, such as speciation and adaptation, remains to be deciphered.
Does Participation in Agricultural Value Chain Activities Influence Smallholder Fruit Grower Production Performance? A Cross-Sectional Study of Apple Farmers in Shandong, China
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Sarkar Apurbo , Wang Hongyu , Zhang Fuhong
Published: June 2021

The value chain comprises several factors and activities useful for strengthening production and distribution by connecting producers with suppliers, intermediaries, and marketplaces and collaboratively creating added value for products or goods. However, the values of agricultural products mostly depend on various factors and actors, which should be linked together for fostering added values. Thus, there may be strong ground for facilitating a smooth transition of the agricultural value chain (AVC) within the prospects of emerging countries. It could be a key means of promoting a profound connection between smallholder farmers and modern agriculture facilities. It could be especially crucial for the highly perishable and high-value product such as fruits. The main aims of the study are to evaluate the factors influencing smallholder apple farmers’ participation in the agricultural value chain and determine whether participation in AVC improves farmers’ production performance. The empirical setup of the study was chosen based on survey data of apple growers in Shandong, China. The propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) models were employed to craft the study’s outcomes. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) Fruit farmers’ gender, total household expenditure, housing value, planting scale, planting years, degree of specialization, days of family labour input, and total days of employment have significant effects on their participation in AVC activities. (2) Fruit farmers’ usage of improved fertilizers and organization participation supports a higher yield and net income per acre. (3) Participating in two kinds of AVC can significantly improve the yield per acre and net income per acre compared with only using one type of AVC (improved fertilizer). Policy makers should improve the existing policy by eliminating institutional barriers and enhancing human factors for farmers to participate in high-value chain activities. Governments should extend technical support, and enhance training facilities, and comprehensively promote the AVC among smallholder farmers. Finally, farmers’ organizations (e.g., cooperatives and credit organizations) should come forward to help facilitate the effectiveness of AVC.
Integrative Assessment of Stormwater Infiltration Practices in Rapidly Urbanizing Cities: A Case of Lucknow City, India
Authors: Bastia Jheel , Mishra Binaya Kumar , Kumar Pankaj
Published: June 2021

The lack of strategic planning in stormwater management has made rapidly urbanizing cities more vulnerable to urban water issues than in the past. Low infiltration rates, increase in peak river discharge, and recurrence of urban floods and waterlogging are clear signs of unplanned rapid urbanization. As with many other low to middle-income countries, India depends on its conventional and centralized stormwater drains for managing stormwater runoff. However, in the absence of a robust stormwater management policy governed by the state, its impact trickles down to a municipal level and the negative outcome can be clearly observed through a failure of the drainage systems. This study examines the role of onsite and decentralized stormwater infiltration facilities, as successfully adopted by some higher income countries, under physical and social variability in the context of the metropolitan city of Lucknow, India. Considering the 2030 Master Plan of Lucknow city, this study investigated the physical viability of the infiltration facilities. Gridded ModClark rainfall-runoff modeling was carried out in Kukrail river basin, an important drainage basin of Lucknow city. The HEC-HMS model, inside the watershed modeling system (WMS), was used to simulate stormwater runoff for multiple scenarios of land use and rainfall intensities. With onsite infiltration facilities as part of land use measures, the peak discharge reduced in the range of 48% to 59%. Correlation analysis and multiple regression were applied to understand the rainfall-runoff relationship. Furthermore, the stormwater runoff drastically reduced with decentralized infiltration systems.
The Effect of Grip Width on Muscle Strength and Electromyographic Activity in Bench Press among Novice- and Resistance-Trained Men
Authors: Saeterbakken Atle Hole , Stien Nicolay , Pedersen Helene , Solstad Tom Erik Jorung , Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Andersen Vidar
Published: June 2021

Background: This study compared the muscle activity and six repetition maximum (6-RM) loads in bench press with narrow, medium, and wide grip widths with sub-group comparisons of resistance-trained (RT) and novice-trained (NT) men. Methods: After two familiarization sessions, twenty-eight subjects lifted their 6-RM loads with the different grip widths with measurement of electromyographic activity. Results: Biceps brachii activity increased with increasing grip width, whereas wide grip displayed lower triceps brachii activation than medium and narrow. In the anterior deltoid, greater activity was observed using a medium compared to narrow grip. Similar muscle activities were observed between the grip widths for the other muscles. For the RT group, greater biceps brachii activity with increasing grip width was observed, but only greater activity was observed in the NT group between narrow and wide. Comparing wide and medium grip width, the RT group showed lower triceps activation using a wide grip, whereas the NT group showed lower anterior deltoid activation using a narrow compared to medium grip. Both groups demonstrated lower 6-RM loads using a narrow grip compared to the other grips. Conclusion: Grip widths affect both 6-RM loads and triceps brachii, biceps brachii, and anterior deltoid activity especially between wide and narrow grip widths.
Association between Objectively Determined Physical Activity Levels and Body Composition in 6–8-Year-Old Children from a Black South African Population: BC–IT Study
Authors: Sedumedi Caroline M. , Janssen Xanne , Reilly John J. , Kruger Herculina S. , Monyeki Makama Andries
Published: June 2021

Physical inactivity in children is a global pandemic in parallel with increasing obesity prevalence. However, studies assessing the association between physical activity (PA) and body composition (BC) report conflicting findings, possibly because of the different methodologies across studies, with objective methods promising reliable results. This study determines the association between objectively determined PA levels and BC in 6–8-year-old children from a black South African population. Ninety-three children aged 6–8 years, who formed part of a larger study on BC using the deuterium dilution method (DDM), were included. Height and weight were measured according to the standard procedures, and body mass index z-score was calculated. Fatness was determined by DDM. An accelerometer was used to measure PA levels. Regression models were performed to determine the relationship between PA and BC. Approximately 23% of the children did not meet the recommended PA guidelines and 27% were overfat. After adjustments were made, more time spent in vigorous PA was significantly associated with lower fat mass (β = −0.25, p = 0.01, 95%CI: −11.08; −1.20) and fat mass % (β = −0.20, p = 0.04, 95%CI: −12.63; −0.18). Participation in high PA, especially of high intensity, was associated with reduced adiposity in children. Behavioural changes such as increasing high intensity PA is strongly recommended for reducing adiposity.
COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Strategy Using a Heterogenous Transmission Model Based on Maximum Likelihood Estimation in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Ko Youngsuk , Lee Jacob , Kim Yeonju , Kwon Donghyok , Jung Eunok
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: The vaccine supply is likely to be limited in 2021 due to constraints in manufacturing. To maximize the benefit from the rollout phase, an optimal strategy of vaccine allocation is necessary based on each country’s epidemic status. (2) Methods: We first developed a heterogeneous population model considering the transmission matrix using maximum likelihood estimation based on the epidemiological records of individual COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Korea. Using this model, the vaccine priorities for minimizing mortality or incidence were investigated. (3) Results: The simulation results showed that the optimal vaccine allocation strategy to minimize the mortality (or incidence) was to prioritize elderly and healthcare workers (or adults) as long as the reproductive number was below 1.2 (or over 0.9). (4) Conclusion: Our simulation results support the current Korean government vaccination priority strategy, which prioritizes healthcare workers and senior groups to minimize mortality, under the condition that the reproductive number remains below 1.2. This study revealed that, in order to maintain the current vaccine priority policy, it is important to ensure that the reproductive number does not exceed the threshold by concurrently implementing nonpharmaceutical interventions.
Effect of Periodic Vehicle Inspection on Road Crashes and Injuries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martín-delosReyes Luis Miguel , Lardelli-Claret Pablo , García-Cuerva Laura , Rivera-Izquierdo Mario , Jiménez-Mejías Eladio , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia
Published: June 2021

This systematic review was conducted to determine the effect of periodic motor vehicle inspections on road crashes and injuries, compared to less exposure to periodic inspections or no inspections. The Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were used to search the literature. Ecological studies were specifically excluded. A reverse search of the results with these databases and of other identified narrative reviews was also performed. Of the 5065 unique references initially extracted, only six of them met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review: one experimental study, two cohort studies with an internal comparison group, two cohort studies without a comparison group, and one case–control study. Two authors independently extracted the information and assessed the quality of each study. Due to the heterogeneity of the designs and the intervention or comparison groups used, quantitative synthesis of the results was not attempted. Except for the case–control study, which showed a significant association between road crashes and the absence of a valid vehicle inspection certificate, the other studies showed either a small reduction in crash rates (around 9%), no association, or a higher crash rate in vehicles with more inspections. In all observational studies, the risk of residual confounding bias was significant and could have explained the results. Therefore, although the research reviewed here suggests that periodic inspection may be associated with a slight reduction in road crashes, the marked heterogeneity along with probable residual confounding in most reports prevented us from establishing causality for this association.
Environmental Aesthetic Value Influences the Intention for Moral Behavior: Changes in Behavioral Moral Judgment
Authors: Wu Chenjing , He Xianyou
Published: June 2021

The environment affects moral behavior. Previous research found that a beautiful environment leads to pro-social behavior, which is related to behavioral intention. However, the effect of environmental aesthetic value on immoral and moral behavior remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the effect of environmental aesthetic value on behavioral intention and its possible mechanisms. We conducted four experiments. Experiment 1 adopted the priming paradigm and IAT paradigm to explore the relationship between environmental aesthetic value and behavioral intention. It used photographs of the environment as priming stimuli and scene drawings of behavior as target stimuli. The results showed that participants had a higher intention to engage in moral behavior in an environment with a high aesthetic value, and a lower intention to engage in immoral behavior, compared to in an environment with a low aesthetic value. Similarly, an environment with a low aesthetic value was related to immoral behavior. Experiment 2 further explored the possible mechanism for the above results: changes in moral judgment. The results showed that moral judgment in different environments may lead to different behavioral intentions. The current study extends prior research by demonstrating the effect of environmental aesthetic value on behavioral intention and moral judgment, and good knowledge about the relationship between environmental aesthetic value and moral behavior. In addition, it provides a new hypothesis for the relationship between environment and behavior according to the results of the environment–behavior matching hypothesis, which can provide a new perspective on moral education.
A Trajectory Scoring Tool for Local Anomaly Detection in Maritime Traffic Using Visual Analytics
Authors: Abreu Fernando H. O. , Soares Amilcar , Paulovich Fernando V. , Matwin Stan
Published: June 2021

With the recent increase in the use of sea transportation, the importance of maritime surveillance for detecting unusual vessel behavior related to several illegal activities has also risen. Unfortunately, the data collected by surveillance systems are often incomplete, creating a need for the data gaps to be filled using techniques such as interpolation methods. However, such approaches do not decrease the uncertainty of ship activities. Depending on the frequency of the data generated, they may even confuse operators, inducing errors when evaluating ship activities and tagging them as unusual. Using domain knowledge to classify activities as anomalous is essential in the maritime navigation environment since there is a well-known lack of labeled data in this domain. In an area where identifying anomalous trips is a challenging task using solely automatic approaches, we use visual analytics to bridge this gap by utilizing users’ reasoning and perception abilities. In this work, we propose a visual analytics tool that uses spatial segmentation to divide trips into subtrajectories and score them. These scores are displayed in a tabular visualization where users can rank trips by segment to find local anomalies. The amount of interpolation in subtrajectories is displayed together with scores so that users can use both their insight and the trip displayed on the map to determine if the score is reliable.
The Multifaceted Role of HSF1 in Pathophysiology: Focus on Its Interplay with TG2
Authors: Occhigrossi Luca , D’Eletto Manuela , Barlev Nickolai , Rossin Federica
Published: June 2021

The cellular environment needs to be strongly regulated and the maintenance of protein homeostasis is crucial for cell function and survival. HSF1 is the main regulator of the heat shock response (HSR), the master pathway required to maintain proteostasis, as involved in the expression of the heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSF1 plays numerous physiological functions; however, the main role concerns the modulation of HSPs synthesis in response to stress. Alterations in HSF1 function impact protein homeostasis and are strongly linked to diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and different types of cancers. In this context, type 2 Transglutaminase (TG2), a ubiquitous enzyme activated during stress condition has been shown to promote HSF1 activation. HSF1-TG2 axis regulates the HSR and its function is evolutionary conserved and implicated in pathological conditions. In this review, we discuss the role of HSF1 in the maintenance of proteostasis with regard to the HSF1-TG2 axis and we dissect the stress response pathways implicated in physiological and pathological conditions.