bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Sugars Consumption in Canada
Authors: Rana Huma , Mallet Marie-Claude , Gonzalez Alejandro , Verreault Marie-France , St-Pierre Sylvie
Published: April 2021

Free sugars (FS) are associated with a higher risk of dental decay in children and an increased risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity and type 2 diabetes. For this reason, Canada’s Food Guide recommends limiting foods and beverages that contribute to excess free sugars consumption. Estimating FS intakes is needed to inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing Canadians’ consumption of FS. The objective of this study was to estimate FS intake of Canadians using a new method that estimated the free sugars content of foods in the Canadian Nutrient File, the database used in national nutrition surveys. We define FS as sugars present in food products in which the structure has been broken down. We found that 12% of total energy (about 56 g) comes from FS in the diet of Canadians 1 year of age and older (≥1 year). The top four sources were: (1) sugars, syrups, preserves, confectionary, desserts; (2) soft drinks; (3) baked products and (4) juice (without added sugars), and accounted for 60% of total free sugars intake. The results show that efforts need to be sustained to help Canadians, particularly children and adolescents, to reduce their FS intake.
Comparative Analysis of Full Genome Sequences of African Swine Fever Virus Isolates Taken from Wild Boars in Russia in 2019
Authors: Mazloum Ali , van Schalkwyk Antoinette , Shotin Andrey , Igolkin Alexey , Shevchenko Ivan , Gruzdev Konstantin N. , Vlasova Natalia
Published: April 2021

In this study, we report on the full genome phylogenetic analysis of four ASFV isolates obtained from wild boars in Russia. These samples originated from two eastern and two western regions of Russia in 2019. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolates were assigned to genotype II and grouped according to their geographical origins. The two eastern isolates shared 99.99% sequence identity with isolates from China, Poland, Belgium, and Moldova, whereas the western isolates had 99.98% sequence identity with isolates from Lithuania and the original Georgia 2007 isolate. Based on the full genome phylogenies, we identified three single locus targets, MGF-360-10L, MGF-505-9R, and I267L, that yielded the same resolving power as the full genomes. The ease of alignment and a high level of variation make these targets a suitable selection as additional molecular markers in future ASFV phylogenetic practices.
Drug Delivery Approaches for Managing Overactive Bladder (OAB): A Systematic Review
Authors: Khizer Zara , Sadia Amina , Sharma Raman , Farhaj Samia , Nirwan Jorabar Singh , Kakadia Pratibha G. , Hussain Talib , Yousaf Abid Mehmood , Shahzad Yasser , Conway Barbara R. , Ghori Muhammad Usman
Published: April 2021

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is characterised by urgency symptoms, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia and severely affects the quality of life. This systematic review evaluates the various drug delivery strategies used in practice to manage OAB. Advanced drug delivery strategies alongside traditional strategies were comprehensively analysed and comparatively evaluated. The present review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A total of 24 studies reporting the development of novel formulations for the treatment of OAB were considered eligible and were further categorised according to the route of drug administration. The review found that various drug delivery routes (transdermal, intravesicular, oral, vaginal and intramuscular) are used for the administration of drugs for managing OAB, however, the outcomes illustrated the marked potential of transdermal drug delivery route. The findings of the current review are expected to be helpful for pharmaceutical scientists to better comprehend the existing literature and challenges and is anticipated to provide a basis for designing and fabricating novel drug delivery systems to manage OAB.
Polysaccharide-Based Materials Created by Physical Processes: From Preparation to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Souza Paulo R. , de Oliveira Ariel C. , Vilsinski Bruno H. , Kipper Matt J. , Martins Alessandro F.
Published: April 2021

Polysaccharide-based materials created by physical processes have received considerable attention for biomedical applications. These structures are often made by associating charged polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions, avoiding toxic chemistries (crosslinking agents). We review the principal polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans, marine polysaccharides, and derivatives) containing ionizable groups in their structures and cellulose (neutral polysaccharide). Physical materials with high stability in aqueous media can be developed depending on the selected strategy. We review strategies, including coacervation, ionotropic gelation, electrospinning, layer-by-layer coating, gelation of polymer blends, solvent evaporation, and freezing–thawing methods, that create polysaccharide-based assemblies via in situ (one-step) methods for biomedical applications. We focus on materials used for growth factor (GFs) delivery, scaffolds, antimicrobial coatings, and wound dressings.
Phase-Controlled Planar Metalenses for High-Resolution Terahertz Focusing
Authors: Yu Xin , Shen Yun , Dai Guohong , Zou Liner , Zhang Tailin , Deng Xiaohua
Published: April 2021

We experimentally demonstrate that high-resolution terahertz focusing can be realized in planar metalenses, which consist of arrays of different V-shaped antenna units on a silicon substrate. Numerical results show that a larger numerical aperture of metalenses can provide smaller full width at half maximum of field distribution, leading to higher spatial resolution. The measurement of fabricated metalenses samples was performed by a terahertz near-field imaging system, and experimental results agree well with the numerical prediction. Especially for 1.1 THz incident light, when the numerical aperture increases from 0.79 to 0.95, the full width at half maximum correspondingly decreases from 343 μm to 206 μm, offering an improvement of spatial resolution.
Tumor Phantom with Incorporated SERS Tags: Detectability in a Turbid Medium
Authors: Khlebtsov Boris , Bratashov Daniil , Burov Andrey , Khlebtsov Nikolai
Published: April 2021

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags have proven to be excellent labels for tissue bioimaging because of their low interference from biological matrices, high photostability, and possibility for using as theranostic agents. Although SERS tags are widely used for the imaging of tumors in vivo, in practice, the low contrast of the tag accumulation in the tissue and strong light scattering can significantly affect their detectability. In this work, we studied these effects by using a phantom of tumor tissue with incorporated SERS tags. The phantom is a 2 mm sphere of calcium alginate with incorporated SERS tags at a concentration of 0.625 × 108–2 × 109 cm−3. To simulate the surrounding medium with differing turbidities, the phantom was placed in a 4 mm thick agarose gel containing intralipid at a concentration of 0–1%. SERS bioimaging was carried out using standard backscattering geometry with different light focusing conditions. We found that shielding the phantom with a turbid medium led not only to a decrease in detectability but also to a decrease in the apparent size of the imaging object. Our results can help develop more accurate algorithms for processing SERS data for bioimaging.
Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy Analysis of Supramolecular Self-Responsive Nanocomposites
Authors: Raimondo Marialuigia , Calabrese Elisa , Binder Wolfgang H. , Michael Philipp , Rana Sravendra , Guadagno Liberata
Published: April 2021

A big step forward for composite application in the sector of structural materials is given by the use of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with hydrogen bonding moieties, such as barbiturate and thymine, to activate self-healing mechanisms and integrate additional functionalities. These materials with multiple healing properties at the same damaged site, imparted by hydrogen bonds, will also have the potential to improve material reliability, extend the service life, reduce replacement costs, and improve product safety. This revolutionary approach is obtained by integrating the non-covalent interactions coupled with the conventional covalent approach used to cross-link the polymer. The objective of this work is to characterize rubber-toughened supramolecular self-healing epoxy formulations based on unfunctionalized and functionalized MWCNTs using Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy (TUNA). This advanced technique clearly shows the effect produced by the hydrogen bonding moieties acting as reversible healing elements by their simultaneous donor and acceptor character, and covalently linked to MWCNTs to originate self-healing nanocomposites. In particular, TUNA proved to be very effective for the morphology study of both the unfunctionalized and functionalized carbon nanotube-based conductive networks, thus providing useful insights aimed at understanding the influence of the intrinsic nature of the nanocharge on the final properties of the multifunctional composites.
A Facile Strategy for the High Yielding, Quantitative Conversion of Polyglycol End-Groups to Amines
Authors: Yan Jie , Marina Paula Facal , Blencowe Anton
Published: April 2021

Amino end-group functionalised polyglycols are important intermediates in the synthesis of sophisticated polymeric architectures and biomaterials. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the end-group conversion of hydroxyl-terminated polyglycols to amino-terminated polyglycols in high isolated yields and with excellent end-group fidelity. Following traditional conversion of polyglycol hydroxyl end-groups to azides via the corresponding mesylate, reduction with zinc in the presence of ammonium chloride afforded a range of amino end-group functionalised poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol) homopolymers and copolymers with isolated yields of 82–99% and end-group conversions of >99% as determined by NMR spectroscopy and MALDI ToF MS. Furthermore, this process is applicable to a sequential reagent addition approach without intermediate polymer isolation steps with only a slight reduction in yield and end-group conversion (95%). Importantly, a simple work-up procedure provides access to high purity polyglycols without contamination from other reagents.
A Review on Current Trends of Polymers in Orthodontics: BPA-Free and Smart Materials
Authors: Hassan Rozita , Aslam Khan Muhammad Umar , Abdullah Abdul Manaf , Abd Razak Saiful Izwan
Published: April 2021

Polymeric materials have always established an edge over other classes of materials due to their potential applications in various fields of biomedical engineering. Orthodontics is an emerging field in which polymers have attracted the enormous attention of researchers. In particular, thermoplastic materials have a great future utility in orthodontics, both as aligners and as retainer appliances. In recent years, the use of polycarbonate brackets and base monomers bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) has been associated with the potential release of bisphenol A (BPA) in the oral environment. BPA is a toxic compound that acts as an endocrine disruptor that can affect human health. Therefore, there is a continuous search for non-BPA materials with satisfactory mechanical properties and an esthetic appearance as an alternative to polycarbonate brackets and conventional bis-GMA compounds. This study aims to review the recent developments of BPA-free monomers in the application of resin dental composites and adhesives. The most promising polymeric smart materials are also discussed for their relevance to future orthodontic applications.
Back Injection Molding of Sub-Micron Scale Structures on Roll-to-Roll Extrusion Coated Films
Authors: Xie Sijia , Werder Jerome , Schift Helmut
Published: April 2021

Roll-to-roll extrusion coated films were bonded onto polymer parts by back injection molding (BIM). The polypropylene (PP) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were pre-patterned with microstructured V-shaped grooves with 3.2 µm and 53 µm width, and other geometries. Bonding on PET and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) parts was facilitated by either higher tool or melt temperatures but was particularly enhanced by applying a mild oxygen plasma to the backside of the PET film prior to injection of the polymer melt. Silver wires from conductive nanoparticle ink were embedded into the PP coating during the BIM process by controlled collapse of the V-grooves. Thus, the feasibility of combining standard carrier film materials for printed flexible electronics and packaging into a non-flat polymer part was demonstrated, which could be a helpful step towards the fabrication of polymer parts with surface functionality.
A Succinct Review on the PVDF/Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Blends and Composites: Preparations, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Shamsuri Ahmad Adlie , Daik Rusli , Md. Jamil Siti Nurul Ain
Published: April 2021

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a versatile thermoplastic fluoropolymer with intriguing characteristics, which is receiving considerable attention from researchers in many areas. Recently, PVDF and its copolymer, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) have been blended with ionic liquids to produce blend and composite materials for target applications. In this succinct review, two types of ionic liquids that are utilized for the preparation of PVDF and PVDF-HFP blends and composites, namely, hydrophilic and hydrophobic imidazolium-based ionic liquids, are reviewed. In addition, the effect of the ionic liquids on the physicochemical properties of the PVDF and PVDF-HFP blends and composites, is described as well. On top of that, a multitude of applications of the blends and composites are also succinctly reviewed. This review may give inspirations to the polymer blend and composite researchers in diversifying the applications of thermoplastic fluoropolymers through the utilization of ionic liquids.
Self-Supervised Monocular Depth Learning in Low-Texture Areas
Authors: Xu Wanpeng , Zou Ling , Wu Lingda , Fu Zhipeng
Published: April 2021

For the task of monocular depth estimation, self-supervised learning supervises training by calculating the pixel difference between the target image and the warped reference image, obtaining results comparable to those with full supervision. However, the problematic pixels in low-texture regions are ignored, since most researchers think that no pixels violate the assumption of camera motion, taking stereo pairs as the input in self-supervised learning, which leads to the optimization problem in these regions. To tackle this problem, we perform photometric loss using the lowest-level feature maps instead and implement first- and second-order smoothing to the depth, ensuring consistent gradients ring optimization. Given the shortcomings of ResNet as the backbone, we propose a new depth estimation network architecture to improve edge location accuracy and obtain clear outline information even in smoothed low-texture boundaries. To acquire more stable and reliable quantitative evaluation results, we introce a virtual data set in the self-supervised task because these have dense depth maps corresponding to pixel by pixel. We achieve performance that exceeds that of the prior methods on both the Eigen Splits of the KITTI and VKITTI2 data sets taking stereo pairs as the input.
Electromagnetic Control by Actuating Kirigami-Inspired Shape Memory Alloy: Thermally Reconfigurable Antenna application
Authors: Lee Minjae , Lee Sukwon , Lim Sungjoon
Published: April 2021

Electromagnetic responses are generally controlled electrically or optically. However, although electrical and optical control allows fast response, they suffer from switching or tuning range limitations. This paper controls electromagnetic response by mechanical transformation. We introduce a novel kirigami-inspired structure for mechanical transformation with less strength, integrating a shape memory alloy actuator into the kirigami-inspired for mechanical transformation and hence electromagnetic control. The proposed approach was implemented for a reconfigurable antenna designed based on structural and electromagnetic analyses. The mechanical transformation was analyzed with thermal stimulus to predict the antenna geometry and electromagnetic analysis with different geometries predicted antenna performance. We numerically and experimentally verified that resonance response was thermally controlled using the kirigami-inspired antenna integrated with a shape memory alloy actuator.
A New Tactile Transfer Cell Using Magnetorheological Materials for Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Park Yu-Jin , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a new type of tactile transfer cell which can be effectively applied to robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RMIS). The proposed tactile device is manufactured from two smart materials, a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) and a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), whose viscoelastic properties are controllable by an external magnetic field. Thus, it can produce field-dependent repulsive forces which are equivalent to several human organs (or tissues) such as a heart. As a first step, an appropriate tactile sample is made using both MRF and MRE associated with porous foam. Then, the microstructures of these materials taken from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images are presented, showing the particle distribution with and without the magnetic field. Subsequently, the field-dependent repulsive force of the sample, which is equivalent to the stress relaxation property of viscoelastic materials, are measured at several compressive deformation depths. Then, the measured values are compared with the calculated values obtained from Young’s modulus of human tissue data via the finite element method. It is identified from this comparison that the proposed tactile transfer cell can mimic the repulsive force (or hardness) of several human organs. This directly indicates that the proposed MR materials-based tactile transfer cell (MRTTC in short) can be effectively applied to RMIS in which the surgeon can feel the strength or softness of the human organ by just changing the magnetic field intensity. In this work, to reflect a more practical feasibility, a psychophysical test is also carried out using 20 volunteers, and the results are analyzed, presenting the standard deviation.
Addressing the Selectivity of Enzyme Biosensors: Solutions and Perspectives
Authors: Bucur Bogdan , Purcarea Cristina , Andreescu Silvana , Vasilescu Alina
Published: April 2021

Enzymatic biosensors enjoy commercial success and are the subject of continued research efforts to widen their range of practical application. For these biosensors to reach their full potential, their selectivity challenges need to be addressed by comprehensive, solid approaches. This review discusses the status of enzymatic biosensors in achieving accurate and selective measurements via direct biocatalytic and inhibition-based detection, with a focus on electrochemical enzyme biosensors. Examples of practical solutions for tackling the activity and selectivity problems and preventing interferences from co-existing electroactive compounds in the samples are provided such as the use of permselective membranes, sentinel sensors and coupled multi-enzyme systems. The effect of activators, inhibitors or enzymatic substrates are also addressed by coupled enzymatic reactions and multi-sensor arrays combined with data interpretation via chemometrics. In addition to these more traditional approaches, the review discusses some ingenious recent approaches, detailing also on possible solutions involving the use of nanomaterials to ensuring the biosensors’ selectivity. Overall, the examples presented illustrate the various tools available when developing enzyme biosensors for new applications and stress the necessity to more comprehensively investigate their selectivity and validate the biosensors versus standard analytical methods.
Impact of Transmitter Positioning and Orientation Uncertainty on RSS-Based Visible Light Positioning Accuracy
Authors: Chaudhary Neha , Alves Luis Nero , Ghassemlooy Zabih
Published: April 2021

This paper present simulation-based results on the impact of transmitter (Tx) position and orientation uncertainty on the accuracy of the visible light positioning (VLP) system based on the received signal strength (RSS). There are several constraining factors for RSS-based algorithms, particularly due to multipath channel characteristics and set-up uncertainties. The impact of Tx uncertainties on positioning error performance is studied, assuming a statistical modelling of the uncertainties. Simulation results show that the Tx uncertainties have a severe impact on the positioning error, which can be leveraged through the usage of more transmitters. Concerning a smaller Tx’s position uncertainty of 5 cm, the average positioning errors are 23.3, 15.1, and 13.2 cm with the standard deviation values of 6.4, 4.1, and 2.7 cm for 4-, 9-, and 16-Tx cases, respectively. While for a smaller Tx’ orientation uncertainty of 5°, the average positioning errors are 31.9, 20.6, and 17 cm with standard deviation values of 9.2, 6.3, and 3.9 cm for 4-, 9-, and 16-Tx cases, respectively.
Urban Vegetation Leveraging Actions
Authors: Tapiador Francisco J. , Navarro Andrés , Mezo Josu , de la Llave Sergio , Muñoz Jesús
Published: April 2021

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a subset of targets that can be advanced through standard urban management activities. In particular, routine urban vegetation management comprises a number of activities with potential impact on Goal #4 (quality education), #11 (sustainable cities and communities), #13 (protect the planet), #15 (life on land), and, perhaps less obviously, but equally important, on Goal #8 (good jobs and economic growth). This paper discusses how urban vegetation management can help achieve the SDGs at a local level. Drawing on a case study (Talavera de la Reina, Spain), it is shown that an intelligent approach to urban vegetation management can leverage resources towards the SDGs at little or no cost to municipalities. Minor modifications and conceptual changes in how standard practices are carried out can make a difference. Including this dimension can even result in a positive balance for the municipal budget. Our analyses and proposals are of broad and direct applicability for urban areas worldwide and can help city authorities and officials to align their cities with the SDGs simply by making minor adjustments to how they currently deal with urban vegetation.
Interrelationships of Chemical, Physical and Biological Soil Health Indicators in Beef-Pastures of Southern Piedmont, Georgia
Authors: Dahal Subash , Franklin Dorcas H. , Subedi Anish , Cabrera Miguel L. , Ney Laura , Fatzinger Brendan , Mahmud Kishan
Published: April 2021

The study of interrelationships among soil health indicators is important for (i) achieving better understanding of nutrient cycling, (ii) making soil health assessment cost-effective by eliminating redundant indicators, and (iii) improving nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendation models. The objectives of this study were to (i) decipher complex interrelationships of selected chemical, physical, and biological soil health indicators in pastures with history of inorganic or broiler litter fertilization, and (ii) establish associations among inorganic N, potentially mineralizable N (PMN), and soil microbial biomass (SMBC), and other soil health indicators. In situ soil respiration was measured and soil samples were collected from six beef farms in 2017 and 2018 to measure selected soil health indicators. We were able to establish associations between easy-to-measure active carbon (POXC) vs. PMN (R2 = 0.52), and N (R2 = 0.43). POXC had a noteworthy quadratic relationship with N and nitrate, where we found dramatic increase of N and nitrate beyond an inflection point of 500 mg kg−1 POXC. This point may serve as threshold for soil health assessment. The relationships of loss-on-ignition (LOI) carbon with other soil health indicators were discernable between inorganic- and broiler litter-fertilized pastures. We were able to establish association of SMBC with other soil variables (R2 = 0.76) and there was detectable difference in SMBC between inorganic-fertilized and broiler litter-fertilized pastures. These results could be useful for cost-effective soil health assessment and optimization of N fertilizer recommendation models to improve N use efficiency and grazing system sustainability.
Optimal Operation of Floodwater Resources Utilization of Lakes in South-to-North Water Transfer Eastern Route Project
Authors: Yang Zitong , Huang Xianfeng , Liu Jiao , Fang Guohua
Published: April 2021

In order to meet the demand of emergency water supply in the northern region without affecting normal water transfer, considering the use of the existing South-to-North Water Transfer eastern route project to explore the potential of floodwater resource utilization in the flood season of Hongze Lake and Luoma Lake in Jiangsu Province, this paper carried out relevant optimal operating research. First, the hydraulic linkages between the lakes were generalized, then the water resources allocation mode and the scale of existing projects were clarified. After that, the actual available amount of flood resources in the lakes was evaluated. The average annual available floodwater resources in 2003–2017 was 1.49 billion m3, and the maximum available capacity was 30.84 billion m3. Then, using the floodwater resource utilization method of multi period flood limited water levels, the research period was divided into the main flood season (15 July to 15 August) and the later flood season (16 August to 10 September, 11 September to 30 September) by the Systematic Clustering Analysis method. After the flood control calculation, the limited water level of Hongze Lake in the later flood season can be raised from 12.5 m to 13.0 m, and the capacity of reservoir storage can increase to 696 million m3. The limited water level of Luoma Lake can be raised from 22.5 m to 23.0 m (16 August to 10 September), 23.5 m (11 September to 30 September), and the capacity of reservoir storage can increase from 150 to 300 million m3. Finally, establishing the floodwater resource optimization model of the lake group with the goals of maximizing the floodwater transfer amount and minimizing the flood control risk rate, the optimal water allocation scheme is obtained through the optimization algorithm.
Investigating the Negative Effects of Emojis in Facebook Sponsored Ads for Establishing Sustainable Marketing in Social Media
Authors: Lee Jungwoo , Kim Cheong , Lee Kun Chang
Published: April 2021

Emojis are prevalent in modern social media advertising. Despite this fact, little research can be found on its effects on consumer purchase intentions. This study seeks to examine purchase intentions in the context of Sponsored Ads on Facebook News Feeds, their perceived intrusiveness, and how the added factor of emoji presence can further affect consumer perception in order to suggest a pathway for establishing sustainable marketing strategies. We investigated the effect of emojis on consumers and then the extent to which ad personalization can attenuate intrusiveness to the point of influencing purchase intentions. In the empirical investigations (an online study) conducted, the study revealed several interesting findings. First, the emoji presence in Sponsored Ads on the News Feed did not prompt the users’ perceived intrusiveness. Second, the emoji use led to decreased purchase intentions. Third, the perceived intrusiveness did not mediate the relationship between emoji presence (vs. absence) and purchase intentions. Lastly, the emoji presence decreased perceived intrusiveness and also increased purchase intentions when consumers perceived ads to be less personalized. The findings of this research provide both theoretical and managerial implications of the effects of emojis, and the reasons as to why their usage affects the desired ad goals when used in Sponsored Ads on Facebook from the perspective of sustainable marketing.
The Commodity Life Cycle Costing Indicator. An Economic Measure of Natural Resource Use in the Life Cycle
Authors: Mela Giulio , Carvalho Maria Leonor , Temporelli Andrea , Girardi Pierpaolo
Published: April 2021

This study defines a methodology for the development of an economic indicator of natural resource use to be applied in the framework of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to integrate the assessment of the environmental performances of products or processes during their life-cycle. The indicator developed-called Commodity Life Cycle Costing (or C-LCC)-is based on market prices, therefore incorporating information from both the demand and supply sides. Monte Carlo analysis is used to take price volatility into account. Alternative versions of the indicator, based on open-source data or calculated considering European Union’s critical raw materials only, are also developed. The study also provides a comparison between the C-LCC indicator and ReCiPe’s Mineral and Fossil Resource Depletion indicators and applies the proposed methodology to several types of batteries for stationary energy storage.
State of the Art in Open Platforms for Collaborative Urban Design and Sharing of Resources in Districts and Cities
Authors: Hayes Barry , Kamrowska-Zaluska Dorota , Petrovski Aleksandar , Jiménez-Pulido Cristina
Published: April 2021

This work discusses recent developments in sharing economy concepts and collaborative co-design technology platforms applied in districts and cities. These developments are being driven both by new technological advances and by increased environmental awareness. The paper begins by outlining the state of the art in smart technology platforms for collaborative urban design, highlighting a number of recent examples. The case of peer-to-peer trading platforms applied in the energy sector is then used to illustrate how sharing economy concepts and their enabling technologies can accelerate efforts towards more sustainable urban environments. It was found that smart technology platforms can encourage peer-to-peer and collaborative activity, and may have a profound influence on the future development of cities. Many of the research and development projects in this area to date have focused on demonstrations at the building, neighbourhood, and local community scales. Scaling these sharing economy platforms up to the city scale and beyond has the potential to provide a number of positive environment impacts. However, significant technical and regulatory barriers to wider implementation exist, and realising this potential will require radical new approaches to the ownership and governance of urban infrastructure. This paper provides a concise overview of the state of the art in this emerging field, with the aim of identifying the most promising areas for further research.
The Effect of Port Gate Location and Gate Procedures on the Port-City Relation
Authors: Zanne Marina , Twrdy Elen , Beškovnik Bojan
Published: April 2021

Ports are important hubs that have positive impacts on the regions they serve, but they also pose some challenges that need to be addressed. Many ports around the world have aligned their development strategies with the concept of green growth; however, the green and efficient performance of ports does not only depend on the port management itself; some elements need to be negotiated and approved by local and national governments. One of such elements is road port access. We investigated the impact of port gate location and port gate procedures on port’s performance by examining the case of the Adriatic port of Koper, the only Slovenian international cargo port. We found that significant external costs are incurred due to a non-optimized situation caused by the lack of coordination and cooperation on all levels, although the port of Koper is one of European core ports. Further, delayed digitalization of port gate procedures caused by port management adds to degradation of port city relations.
Can Reflective Diary-Writing Increase Sufficiency-Oriented Consumption? A Longitudinal Intervention Addressing the Role of Basic Psychological Needs, Subjective Well-Being, and Time Affluence
Authors: Tröger Josephine , Wullenkord Marlis C. , Barthels Clara , Steller Rubina
Published: April 2021

Sufficiency is a sustainability strategy aiming for (1) a decrease in absolute resource consumption on individual and societal levels, and (2) for socio-ecological justice and the fair distribution of costs and benefits of resource use to meet every human’s basic needs. This study examined a longitudinal intervention to foster individual sufficiency orientation (i.e., a multidimensional construct including both attitudes towards the sufficiency sustainability strategy and corresponding behavioral intentions). We recruited N = 252 participants who participated in a one-week reflective diary-intervention to increase sufficiency orientation in everyday life and assessed sufficiency orientation, basic psychological need satisfaction, self-reflection, subjective well-being, and time affluence before (T1), directly after (T2), and four weeks after the intervention (T3). Contrary to our predictions, there was no significant difference between the experimental and the control group. Sufficiency orientation increased across groups. Basic psychological need satisfaction was the strongest predictor of sufficiency orientation. There were positive relations with subjective well-being. Targeting basic psychological need satisfaction, as a potential underlying driver of sufficiency orientation, seems to be a promising avenue for designing interventions. Employing a need-based, humanistic approach to designing psychological interventions is in line with the aims of sufficiency to meet every human’s basic needs, in a socio-ecologically just world.
Application of Full Factorial Design Method for Optimization of Heavy Metal Release from Lead Smelting Slag
Authors: Gürkan Elif Hatice , Tibet Yusuf , Çoruh Semra
Published: April 2021

Lead-acid batteries are commonly used as power sources for critical operations in the world. They find application in air-traffic control towers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), railroad crossings, military installations, hospitals, and weapons systems. Lead-acid batteries are also known as automotive batteries and industrial batteries. Lead-acid batteries consist of large amounts of lead, sulphuric acid, and plastics. The acid is tremendously irritant and a carrier for soluble information. The lead must control because of a range of adverse health effects. Thus, a collectible system that is easily accessible for waste batteries is needed. In this paper, a sustainable model is proposed for the leaching of lead-acid battery slag. The aim is to optimize the leaching of lead-acid batteries slag with natural materials. The leaching characteristic of the lead smelting slag produced using sepiolite and illite. A 23 full factorial design model is used to investigate the combination of the effect of variable factors.
Impact Assessments of Typhoon Lekima on Forest Damages in Subtropical China Using Machine Learning Methods and Landsat 8 OLI Imagery
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen Guangsheng , Cai Lingxiao , Jiao Hongbo , Hua Jianwen , Luo Xifang , Wei Xinliang
Published: April 2021

Wind damage is one of the major factors affecting forest ecosystem sustainability, especially in the coastal region. Typhoon Lekima is among the top five most devastating typhoons in China and caused economic losses totaling over USD 8 billion in Zhejiang Province alone during 9–12 August 2019. However, there still is no assessment of its impacts on forests. Here we detected forest damage and its spatial distribution caused by Typhoon Lekima by classifying Landsat 8 OLI images using the random forest (RF) machine learning algorithm and the univariate image differencing (UID) method on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The accuracy assessment indicated a high overall accuracy (>87%) and kappa coefficient (>0.75) for forest-damage detection, as evaluated against field-investigated plot data, with better performance using the RF method. The total affected forest area by Lekima was 4598.87 km2, accounting for 8.44% of the total forest area in Zhejiang Province. The light-, moderate- and severe-damage forest areas were 2106.29 km2, 2024.26 km2 and 469.76 km2, respectively. Considering the damage severity, the net forest canopy loss fraction was 2.57%. The affected forest area and damage severity exhibited large spatial variations, which were affected by elevation, slope, precipitation and forest type. Our study indicated a larger uncertainty for affected forest area and a smaller uncertainty for the proportion of damage severity, based on multiple assessment approaches. This is among the first studies on forest damage due to typhoons at a regional scale in China, and the methods can be extended to examine the impacts of other super-strong typhoons on forests. Our study results on damage severity, spatial distribution and controlling factors could help local governments, the forest sector and forest landowners make decision on tree-planting planning and sustainable management after typhoon strikes and could also raise public and governmental awareness of typhoons’ damage on China’s inland forests.
Ageratina adenophora Inhibits Spleen Immune Function in Rats via the Loss of the FRC Network and Th1–Th2 Cell Ratio Elevation
Authors: Ren Zhihua , Gao Pei , Okyere Samuel Kumi , Cui Yujing , Wen Juan , Jing Bo , Deng Junliang , Hu Yanchun
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Ageratina adenophora (A. adenophora) on splenic immune function in a rat model. Rats were fed with 10 g/100 g normal feed and an experimental feed, which was composed of 3:7 A. adenophora powder and normal feed for 60 days. On days 14, 28, and 60, subsets of rats (n = 8 rats/group/time point) were selected for blood and spleen tissue sample collection. The results showed that the proportion of CD3+ T cells in the spleen was decreased at day 60 (vs. control). Also, mRNA and protein expression of chemokines CCL21 and CCL19 and functional protein gp38 in spleen decreased significantly versus the control at day 60. In addition, ER-TR7 antigen protein expression was also decreased at day 60. Levels of T-helper (Th)1 cells significantly increased, whereas those of Th2 cells decreased significantly versus the control at day 60 in spleen. The finding revealed that A. adenophora could affect splenic immune function in rats by altering the fibroblast reticulocyte (FRC) network, as well as by causing an imbalance in Th1/Th2 cell ratios. This research provides new insights into potential mechanisms of spleen immunotoxicity due to exposures to A. Adenophora.
Can Deliberative Democracy Work in Urban India?
Authors: Menon Sanskriti , Hartz-Karp Janette , Marinova Dora
Published: April 2021

India faces extensive challenges of rapid urbanization and deficits in human well-being and environmental sustainability. Democratic governance is expected to strengthen public policies and efforts towards sustainability. This article presents a study in Pune, India, which aimed at exploring perceptions about public participation in urban governance and the potential of high-quality public deliberation to meet deficits. The research reveals disaffection of the public with government decision-making and government-led participation. Further, it shows that people are interested in participating in community life and seek to be partners in civic decision-making, but find themselves unable to do so. The study illustrates that high-quality public deliberations facilitated by an independent third party can provide a satisfactory space of participation, learning, and developing balanced outcomes. Citizens expressed readiness for partnership, third-party facilitation, and support from civic advocacy groups. Challenges with regard to government commitment to deliberative democracy will need to be overcome for a purposeful shift from conventional weak to empowered participation of ordinary citizens in civic decision-making. We anticipate that while institutionalization of high-quality public deliberations may take time, civil society-led public deliberations may help raise community expectations and demand for induced deliberative democracy.
The Translated Amino Acid Sequence of an Insertion in the Hepatitis E Virus Strain 47832c Genome, But Not the RNA Sequence, Is Essential for Efficient Cell Culture Replication
Authors: Scholz Johannes , Falkenhagen Alexander , Johne Reimar
Published: April 2021

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause hepatitis E in humans. Recently, the occurrence of HEV strains carrying insertions in their hypervariable genome region has been described in chronically infected patients. The insertions originate from human genes or from the HEV genome itself. Although their distinct functions are largely unknown, an involvement in efficient cell culture replication was shown for some strains. The HEV strain 47832c, originally isolated from a chronically infected transplant patient, carries a bipartite insertion composed of HEV genome duplications. Here, several mutants with deletions and substitutions of the insertion were generated and tested in cell culture. Complete deletion of the insertion abolished virus replication and even a single glycine to arginine substitution led to reduced cell culture growth. A mutant encoding a frameshift of the inserted sequence was not infectious, whereas a mutant carrying synonymous codons in this region replicated similar like the wild type. Substitution of the insertion with the S17 insertion from HEV strain Kernow C1-p6 did not result in viable virus, which might indicate strain- or cell type-specificity of the insertions. Generally, the translated amino acid sequence of the insertion, but not the RNA sequence, seems to be responsible for the observed effect.
Retraction: Jang et al. Lateral Handling Improvement with Dynamic Curvature Control for an Independent Rear Wheel Drive EV. World Electr. Veh. J. 2015, 7, 238–243
Authors:   World Electric Vehicle Association
Published: April 2021

The journal retracts the article, “Lateral handling improvement with dynamic curvature control for an independent rear wheel drive EV” [...]
Retraction: Loiselle-Lapointe et al. Chevrolet Volt On-Road Test Programs in Canada Part 1: Effects of Drive Cycle, Ambient Temperature and Accessory Usage on Energy Consumption and Electric Range. World Electr. Veh. J. 2015, 7, 142–153
Authors:   World Electric Vehicle Association
Published: April 2021

The journal retracts the article, “Chevrolet Volt on-road test programs in Canada part 1: Effects of drive cycle, ambient temperature and accessory usage on energy consumption and electric range” [...]
Estera Eljaševaitė ir žydų liaudies universiteto idėja tarpukario Kaune
Authors: Andriejauskienė Julijana
Published: April 2021

ESTHER ELYASHEV AND THE IDEA OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE’S UNIVERSITY IN INTERWAR KAUNAS

This article dwells on newly found documents held in the Judaica collection of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania which were part of the collection of personal documents of Esther Elyashev-Veisbart (1878–1941). She was a literary critic, journalist and teacher, studied philosophy at the universities of Leipzig, Heidelberg and Bern, and defended a doctoral dissertation in philosophy. In St Petersburg, she worked together with the famous historian and leader of the folkist movement Simon
Dubnow. In 1921, she moved to Kaunas, where she sought to establish the Jewish People’s University. Esther became the chair of the board of the Society for the Dissemination of Higher Education among the Jews, and founded higher Jewish courses in Kaunas, which were transformed into the Jewish People’s University in 1926. Esther’s initiative illustrates a common transnational trend, typical of many Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, these educational initiatives are evidence of
certain important factors regarding the situation of national minorities in interwar Lithuania: although Jewish folkists identified with the states (societies) in which they lived much more than the Zionists, like most other states in the region, interwar Lithuania was a nationalising nation-state. Therefore, public figures such as Esther Elyashev were looking for opportunities for the education of their ‘own’ community outside the framework of state institutions.
Accounting for amortized items of fixed assets after modernization
Authors: Dombrovskaya Elena Nikolaevna
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the features of accounting and tax accounting of fully amortized fixed assets after modernization. Based on the analysis of the current regulatory framework, the procedure for accounting for modernization costs, as well as features of calculating depreciation amounts for these objects, is considered. The specifics of accounting for self-classified objects are considered in relation to commercial organizations and public sector organizations. The taxation mechanism is presented taking into account the current regulatory framework, explanations contained in the letters of the Ministry of Finance, including the letter of the Ministry of Finance dated 13.07.2020 no. 03–03–06/1/60600.
Initial measurement of inventories in the new Federal Accounting Standard for non-public sector organizations
Authors: Druzhilovskaya Emilia Sergeevna
Published: April 2021

This article analyzes the measurement rules for the recognition of inventories in the new Federal Accounting Standard for non-public sector organizations, including healthcare organizations in this sector. This standard comes into force in 2021 and, unlike RA 5/01, applies not only to accounting (including measurement) of material production inventories, but also to accounting (including measurement) of work in progress. The article examines the main innovations of the above-mentioned Federal Standard in relation to measurement when recognizing inventories, identifies the most important problematic issues in this area and provides recommendations for their solution.
Peculiarities of calculation and payment of land tax by medical organizations
Authors: Orlova Alina Olegovna , Shinkareva Olga Vladimirovna
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of calculation and payment of land tax by medical organizations. The peculiarities of application of tax rates are considered, the peculiarities of application of benefits on this tax are disclosed. It was found out that the legislation provides a new format for interaction between land tax organizations and tax authorities to provide information on the amount of tax, and also canceled the provision of a declaration on this tax. Practical examples of determining the size of individual tax elements are considered, and an example of calculating the tax itself.
FAS Russia: problems and prospects of control activities in the field of public procurement
Authors: Lazarev Arthur Viktorovich , Lazareva Anastasia Romanovna , Prodanova Natalia Alekseevna
Published: April 2021

The article defines the role of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of the Russian Federation in the system of inspecting competition violations in the field of procurement; analyzed statistics of violations in this area; Based on a critical analysis of the FAS, the prospects for the development of control activities by this service in the field of public procurement are substantiated; a number of measures are formulated, the application of which would make it possible to increase the efficiency of the public procurement procedure at the present stage.