bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the Electron Transfer between iLOV Protein and Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Ran Xia , Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Yu , Chen Jin , Wei Zhongran , He Yulu , Guo Lijun
Published: June 2020

Nanomaterials have been widely used in biomedical sciences; however, the mechanism of interaction between nanoparticles and biomolecules is still not fully understood. In the present study, we report the interaction mechanism between differently sized Ag nanoparticles and the improved light-oxygen-voltage (iLOV) protein. The steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence results demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity and lifetime of the iLOV protein decreased upon its adsorption onto Ag nanoparticles, and this decrease was dependent upon nanoparticle size. Further, we showed that the decrease of fluorescence intensity and lifetime arose from electron transfer between iLOV and Ag nanoparticles. Moreover, through point mutation and controlled experimentation, we demonstrated for the first time that electron transfer between iLOV and Ag nanoparticles is mediated by the tryptophan residue in the iLOV protein. These results are of great importance in revealing the function of iLOV protein as it applies to biomolecular sensors, the field of nano-photonics, and the interaction mechanism between the protein and nanoparticles.
Development of Biopolymer and Conducting Polymer-Based Optical Sensors for Heavy Metal Ion Detection
Authors: Ramdzan Nur Syahira Md , Fen Yap Wing , Anas Nur Ain Asyiqin , Omar Nur Alia Sheh , Saleviter Silvan
Published: June 2020

Great efforts have been devoted to the invention of environmental sensors as the amount of water pollution has increased in recent decades. Chitosan, cellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose are examples of biopolymers that have been intensively studied due to their potential applications, particularly as sensors. Furthermore, the rapid use of conducting polymer materials as a sensing layer in environmental monitoring has also been developed. Thus, the incorporation of biopolymer and conducting polymer materials with various methods has shown promising potential with sensitively and selectively toward heavy metal ions. In this feature paper, selected recent and updated investigations are reviewed on biopolymer and conducting polymer-based materials in sensors aimed at the detection of heavy metal ions by optical methods. This review intends to provide sufficient evidence of the potential of polymer-based materials as sensing layers, and future outlooks are considered in developing surface plasmon resonance as an excellent and valid sensor for heavy metal ion detection.
Gas Phase Computational Study of Diclofenac Adsorption on Chitosan Materials
Authors: Kaczmarek-Kędziera Anna
Published: June 2020

Environmental pollution with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their metabolites exposes living organisms on their long-lasting, damaging influence. Hence, the ways of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) removal from soils and wastewater is sought for. Among the potential adsorbents, biopolymers are employed for their good availability, biodegradability and low costs. The first available theoretical modeling study of the interactions of diclofenac with models of pristine chitosan and its modified chains is presented here. Supermolecular interaction energy in chitosan:drug complexes is compared with the the mutual attraction of the chitosan dimers. Supermolecular interaction energy for the chitosan-diclofenac complexes is significantly lower than the mutual interaction between two chitosan chains, suggesting that the diclofenac molecule will encounter problems when penetrating into the chitosan material. However, its surface adsorption is feasible due to a large number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors both in biopolymer and in diclofenac. Modification of chitosan material introducing long-distanced amino groups significantly influences the intramolecular interactions within a single polymer chain, thus blocking the access of diclofenac to the biopolymer backbone. The strongest attraction between two chitosan chains with two long-distanced amino groups can exceed 120 kcal/mol, while the modified chitosan:diclofenac interaction remains of the order of 20 to 40 kcal/mol.
Comparing Zwitterionic and PEG Exteriors of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
Authors: Ting Jeffrey M. , Marras Alexander E. , Mitchell Joseph D. , Campagna Trinity R. , Tirrell Matthew V.
Published: June 2020

A series of model polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PCMs) was prepared to investigate the consequences of neutral and zwitterionic chemistries and distinct charged cores on the size and stability of nanocarriers. Using aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, we synthesized a well-defined diblock polyelectrolyte system, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine methacrylate)-block-poly((vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium) (PMPC-PVBTMA), at various neutral and charged block lengths to compare directly against PCM structure–property relationships centered on poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly((vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium) (PEG-PVBTMA) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lysine) (PEG-PLK). After complexation with a common polyanion, poly(sodium acrylate), the resulting PCMs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We observed uniform assemblies of spherical micelles with a diameter ~1.5–2× larger when PMPC-PVBTMA was used compared to PEG-PLK and PEG-PVBTMA via SAXS and DLS. In addition, PEG-PLK PCMs proved most resistant to dissolution by both monovalent and divalent salt, followed by PEG-PVBTMA then PMPC-PVBTMA. All micelle systems were serum stable in 100% fetal bovine serum over the course of 8 h by time-resolved DLS, demonstrating minimal interactions with serum proteins and potential as in vivo drug delivery vehicles. This thorough study of the synthesis, assembly, and characterization of zwitterionic polymers in PCMs advances the design space for charge-driven micelle assemblies.
Effect of Blanching Pomegranate Seeds on Physicochemical Attributes, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracted Oil
Authors: Kaseke Tafadzwa , Opara Umezuruike Linus , Fawole Olaniyi Amos
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the effect of blanching pomegranate seeds (PS) on oil yield, refractive index (RI), yellowness index (YI), conjugated dienes (K232), conjugated trienes (K270), total carotenoid content (TCC), total phenolic compounds (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging of the extracted oil. Furthermore, phytosterol and fatty acid compositions of the oil extracted under optimum blanching conditions were compared with those from the oil extracted from unblanched PS. Three different blanching temperature levels (80, 90, and 100 °C) were studied at a constant blanching time of 3 min. The blanching time was then increased to 5 min at the established optimum blanching temperature (90 °C). Blanching PS increased oil yield, K232, K270, stigmasterol, punicic acid, TPC and DPPH radical scavenging, whereas YI, β-sitosterol, palmitic acid and linoleic acid were decreased. The RI, TCC, brassicasterol, stearic acid, oleic acid and arachidic acid of the extracted oil were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by blanching. Blanching PS at 90 °C for 3 to 5 min was associated with oil yield, TPC and DPPH. Blanching PS at 90 °C for 3 to 5 min will not only increase oil yield but could also improve functional properties such as antioxidant activity, which are desirable in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food industries.
Using Sewage Sludge Ash as an Efficient Adsorbent for Pb (II) and Cu (II) in Single and Binary Systems
Authors: Militaru Bogdan Adrian , Pode Rodica , Lupa Lavinia , Schmidt Winfried , Tekle-Röttering Agnes , Kazamer Norbert
Published: June 2020

Incineration of sewage sludge produces every year huge amounts of sewage sludge ash. Due to its porosity and composition, sewage sludge ash can be used as an adsorbent for heavy metal ions removal. The present paper discusses the efficiency and feasibility of its use as an adsorbent for Pb (II) and Cu (II) removal in single and binary systems. Sewage sludge ash dosage, pH influence, equilibrium and kinetic studies were examined. The results show that sewage sludge ash is an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity was 25.0 mg/g for Pb (II) and 7.5 mg/g for Cu (II). The presence of the competitive metal led to lower adsorption rate. The study concludes that sewage sludge ash is a promising adsorbent for Pb (II) and Cu (II) removal from wastewater presenting both economic and environmental benefits.
Synthesis of Hierarchical Zeolites with Morphology Control: Plain and Hollow Spherical Beads of Silicalite-1 Nanosheets
Authors: Moukahhal Kassem , Lebeau Bénédicte , Josien Ludovic , Galarneau Anne , Toufaily Joumana , Hamieh Tayssir , Daou T. Jean
Published: June 2020

Binderless pure silica zeolites (zeosils) spheres and hollow spheres with a diameter of 20 µm composed of silicalite-1 nanosheets particles were prepared by pseudomorphic transformation of spherical silica beads using different temperatures (110, 130, and 150 °C) and treatment times (1–5 days) in order to adapt the local dissolution rate of silica to the crystallization rate of silicalite-1 nanosheets allowing to preserve the initial morphology of the silica beads. Fully crystalline beads of 20 µm were obtained at 110 °C for 5 days, whereas hollow spheres similar in size were synthesized at higher temperatures. The crystallization process seems to begin at the outer surface of the amorphous silica beads and spreads with the time in the interior of the beads leading to a dissolution of the inner amorphous part of the beads to create zeosil hollow spheres for the highest treatment temperatures (130 and 150 °C). The dissolution rate of the inner amorphous part of the beads increases by increasing the hydrothermal treatment temperature from 130 to 150 °C. The silicalite-1 beads synthesized at 110 °C for 5 days showed to be promising for rapid molecular decontamination by adsorbing n-hexane in larger amount than the silicalite-1 conventional big crystals in powder forms.
Preparation of KI/Hydroxyapatite Catalyst from Phosphate Rocks and Its Application for Improvement of Biodiesel Production
Authors: Widayat Widayat , Hadiyanto Hadiyanto , Wardani Permadi Wisnu Aji , Az Zuhra Ummi , Prameswari Jedy
Published: June 2020

The main aim of this work was to investigate the suitability of a KI/KIO3 impregnated hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalyst derived from natural phosphate rocks for biodiesel production. This study evaluated the effect of impregnation concentrations (1–6% w/w) on the catalyst performance in biodiesel production. The biodiesel was produced from waste cooking oil (WCO) under simultaneous esterification-transesterification reactions at 60 °C for 6 h. The results showed that the biodiesel yield increased by increasing impregnation concentration and the maximum yield (91.787%) was achieved at an impregnation concentration of 5% w/w. The KI/HAP catalyst showed better performance (91.78% biodiesel yield, 59.1% FAME yield and surface area of 13.513 m2/g) as compared to the KIO3/HAP catalyst (90.07% biodiesel yield, 55.0% FAME yield and surface area of 10.651 m2/g).
Bioassay Guided Isolation and Docking Studies of a Potential β-Lactamase Inhibitor from Clutia myricoides
Authors: Elfaky Mahmoud A. , El-Halawany Ali M. , Koshak Abdulrahman E. , Alshali Khalid Z. , El-Araby Moustafa E. , Khayat Maan T. , Abdallah Hossam M.
Published: June 2020

Infectious diseases are the second major cause of death worldwide, and the ability to resist multiple classes of antibiotics is the key factor in enabling pathogenic organisms to survive and spread in the nosocomial environment. Unfortunately, the available β-lactamase inhibitors are not efficient against β-lactamase B, C, and D which necessitates discovering either broad spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors or new β-lactam antibiotics resistant to bacterial enzymes. In this regard, products of natural origin have prompted the disclosure of new compounds and medicinal leads. Chloroform fraction of Clutia myricoides (Soa’bor) showed a pronounced activity against extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) strains. Bio-guided fractionation resulted in isolation of two new compounds; 2-methoxy chrysophanol (2) and Saudin-I (5) in addition to three known compounds that were identified as chrysophanol (1), stigmasterol (3) and β-sitosterol (4). Antibacterial and anti ESBL activities of the isolated compounds were performed. No antibacterial activities were detected for any of the tested compounds. Meanwhile, compound 2 showed promising anti ESBL activity. Compound 2 has shown an obvious activity against K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 with a marked enlargement of inhibition zones (>5mm) in combination with third generation cephalosporin antibiotics. To further understand the mechanism of action of compound 2, molecular docking was carried out against CTX-M-27 ESBL. The results showed binding site interactions strikingly different from its analogue, compound 1, allowing compound 2 to be active against ESBL. These results proposed the concomitant use of these active compounds with antibiotics that would increase their efficiency. Nevertheless, the interaction between this active compound and antibiotics should be taken into consideration. Therefore, in order to evaluate the safety of this active compound, further in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays must be carried out.
Rice-Associated Rhizobacteria as a Source of Secondary Metabolites against Burkholderia glumae
Authors: Peñaloza Atuesta Giann Carlos , Murillo Arango Walter , Eras Jordi , Oliveros Diego Fernándo , Méndez Arteaga Jonh Jairo
Published: June 2020

Various diseases, including bacterial panicle blight (BPB) and sheath rot, threaten rice production. It has been established that Burkholderia glumae (B. glumae) is the causative agent of the above mentioned pathologies. In the present study, antagonistic activity, growth promotion, and the metabolite profiles of two rhizobacteria, isolated in different paddy fields, were assessed against B. glumae. Strains were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the phylogenetic analyses showed that both strains belong to the genus Enterobacter, with high similarity to the strain Enterobacter tabaci NR146667.2 (99%). The antagonistic activity was assessed with the disc diffusion method. Active fractions were isolated through a liquid/liquid extraction with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) from the fermentation media, and their antibacterial activities were evaluated following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The Pikovskaya modified medium was used to test the ability of in vitro inorganic phosphorus solubilization, and BSB1 proved to be the best inorganic phosphorus solubilizer, with a solubilization index (SI) of 4.5 ± 0.2. The glass-column fractionation of the EtOAc extracted from BCB11 produced an active fraction (25.9 mg) that inhibited the growth of five B. glumae strains by 85–95%. Further, metabolomic analysis, based on GC–MS, showed 3-phenylpropanoic acid (3-PPA) to be the main compound both in this fraction (46.7%), and in the BSB1 extract (28.6%). This compound showed antibacterial activity against all five strains of B. glumae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1000 mg/L towards all of them. The results showed that rice rhizosphere microorganisms are a source of compounds that inhibit B. glumae growth and are promising plant growth promoters (PGP).
Bioactive C17 and C18 Acetylenic Oxylipins from Terrestrial Plants as Potential Lead Compounds for Anticancer Drug Development
Authors: Christensen Lars Porskjær
Published: June 2020

Bioactive C17 and C18 acetylenic oxylipins have shown to contribute to the cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties of terrestrial plants. These acetylenic oxylipins are widely distributed in plants belonging to the families Apiaceae, Araliaceae, and Asteraceae, and have shown to induce cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro and to exert a chemopreventive effect on cancer development in vivo. The triple bond functionality of these oxylipins transform them into highly alkylating compounds being reactive to proteins and other biomolecules. This enables them to induce the formation of anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective phase 2 enzymes via activation of the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathway, inhibition of proinflammatory peptides and proteins, and/or induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which, to some extent, may explain their chemopreventive effects. In addition, these acetylenic oxylipins have shown to act as ligands for the nuclear receptor PPARγ, which play a central role in growth, differentiation, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Bioactive C17 and C18 acetylenic oxylipins appear, therefore, to constitute a group of promising lead compounds for the development of anticancer drugs. In this review, the cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of C17 and C18 acetylenic oxylipins from terrestrial plants are presented and their possible mechanisms of action and structural requirements for optimal cytotoxicity are discussed.
Wine Consumption and Oral Cavity Cancer: Friend or Foe, Two Faces of Janus
Authors: Silva Paula , Latruffe Norbert , de Gaetano Giovanni
Published: June 2020

The health benefits of moderate wine consumption have been extensively studied during the last few decades. Some studies have demonstrated protective associations between moderate drinking and several diseases including oral cavity cancer (OCC). However, due to the various adverse effects related to ethanol content, the recommendation of moderate wine consumption has been controversial. The polyphenolic components of wine contribute to its beneficial effects with different biological pathways, including antioxidant, lipid regulating and anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, in the oral cavity, ethanol is oxidized to form acetaldehyde, a metabolite with genotoxic properties. This review is a critical compilation of both the beneficial and the detrimental effects of wine consumption on OCC.
Catalyst-Solvent System for PASE Approach to Hydroxyquinolinone-Substituted Chromeno[2,3-b]pyridines Its Quantum Chemical Study and Investigation of Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Ryzhkov Fedor V. , Ryzhkova Yuliya E. , Elinson Michail N. , Vorobyev Stepan V. , Fakhrutdinov Artem N. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Egorov Mikhail P.
Published: June 2020

The Pot, Atom, and Step Economy (PASE) approach is based on the Pot economy principle and unites it with the Atom and Step Economy strategies; it ensures high efficiency, simplicity and low waste formation. The PASE approach is widely used in multicomponent chemistry. This approach was adopted for the synthesis of previously unknown hydroxyquinolinone substituted chromeno[2,3-b]pyridines via reaction of salicylaldehydes, malononitrile dimer and hydroxyquinolinone. It was shown that an ethanol-pyridine combination is more beneficial than other inorganic or organic catalysts. Quantum chemical studies showed that chromeno[2,3-b]pyridines has potential for corrosion inhibition. Real time 1H NMR monitoring was used for the investigation of reaction mechanism and 2-((2H-chromen-3-yl)methylene)malononitrile was defined as a key intermediate in the reaction.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Electrochemistry and DFT of Electron-Rich Ferrocenylsubphthalocyanines
Authors: Swarts Pieter J. , Conradie Jeanet
Published: June 2020

A series of novel ferrocenylsubphthalocyanine dyads Y-BSubPc(H)12 with ferrocenyl-carboxylic acids Y-H = (FcCH2CO2-H), (Fc(CH2)3CO2-H) or (FcCO(CH2)2CO2-H) in the axial position were synthesized from the parent Cl-BSubPc(H)12 via an activated triflate-SubPc intermediate. UV/Vis data revealed that the axial ferrocenyl-containing ligand did not influence the Q-band maxima compared to Cl-BSubPc(H)12. A combined electrochemical and density functional theory (DFT) study showed that Fe group of the ferrocenyl-containing axial ligand is involved in the first reversible oxidation process, followed by a second oxidation localized on the macrocycle of the subphthalocyanine. Both observed reductions were ring-based. It was found that the novel Fc(CH2)3CO2BSubPc(H)12 exhibited the lowest first macrocycle-based reduction potential (−1.871 V vs. Fc/Fc+) reported for SubPcs till date. The oxidation and reduction values of Fc(CH2)nCO2BSubPc(H)12 (n = 0–3), FcCO(CH2)2CO2BSubPc(H)12, and Cl-BSubPc(H)12 illustrated the electronic influence of the carboxyl group, the different alkyl chains and the ferrocenyl group in the axial ligand on the ring-based oxidation and reduction values of the SubPcs.
A Comparison of Different Approaches to Quantify Nitric Oxide Release from NO-Releasing Materials in Relevant Biological Media
Authors: V. Pinto Rosana , Antunes Fernando , Pires João , Silva-Herdade Ana , Pinto Moisés L.
Published: June 2020

The development of solid materials that deliver nitric oxide (NO) are of interest for several therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, due to NO’s reactive nature, rapid diffusion and short half-life, reporting their NO delivery characteristics is rather complex. The full knowledge of this parameter is fundamental to discuss the therapeutic utility of these materials, and thus, the NO quantification strategy must be carefully considered according to the NO-releasing scaffold type, to the expected NO-releasing amounts and to the medium of quantification. In this work, we explore and discuss three different ways of quantifying the release of NO in different biological fluids: haemoglobin assay, Griess assay and NO electrochemical detection. For these measurements, different porous materials, namely zeolites and titanosilicates were used as models for NO-releasing platforms. The oxyhaemoglobin assay offers great sensitivity (nanomolar levels), but it is only possible to monitor the NO release while oxyhaemoglobin is not fully converted. On the other hand, Griess assay has low sensitivity in complex biological media, namely in blood, and interferences with media make NO measurements questionable. Nevertheless, this method can measure micromolar amounts of NO and may be useful for an initial screening for long-term release performance. The electrochemical sensor enabled real-time measurements in a variety of biological settings. However, measured NO is critically low in oxygenated and complex media, giving transient signals, which makes long-term quantification impossible. Despite the disadvantages of each method, the combination of all the results provided a more comprehensive NO release profile for these materials, which will help to determine which formulations are most promising for specific therapeutic applications. This study highlights the importance of using appropriate NO quantification tools to provide accurate reports.
Rapid Dissemination of College Food Insecurity Findings in A Multi-Institutional Study Using the eB4CAST Approach
Authors: Olfert Melissa D. , Hagedorn Rebecca L. , Walker Ayron E. , Wattick Rachel A.
Published: June 2020

The sharing of college food insecurity data with higher education administrators and stakeholders is essential to increase awareness of campus-specific food insecurity outcomes. This study utilized the evidence-Based forecast C-capture, A-assemble, S-sustain, T-timelessness (eB4CAST) approach to develop campus-specific food insecurity reports for researchers involved in a multi-institutional food insecurity study. eB4CAST reports were developed for each higher education institution (n = 22). The reports were four pages of visual data that included details of the eB4CAST approach and the multi-institutional food insecurity study, campus demographics, an overview of college food insecurity, food insecurity prevalence estimates at all participating institutions, and student use and awareness of campus resources, as well as the campus-specific resources that are available. The interpretation and forecasted use of the reports were evaluated through a 17-item online survey. The survey was completed by 26 content experts and showed a favorable perception of the eB4CAST institutional report. A majority of participants strongly agreed that the eB4CAST food insecurity report was clear to understand (72%), it was easy to read (64%), the statistics were easy to interpret (80%), it shared valuable information (92%), and it was impactful to their work (80%). Further, 84% of participants found the overall information of the report to be relevant and sharable. Participants forecasted disseminating the reports primarily to administration (77%) and with other faculty and staff (85%). These findings highlight the projected usability of the visualized data eB4CAST report across many sectors of college food insecurity research, which may help disseminate rapid findings on this emerging issue and increase awareness.
The Effect of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Macrovascular and Microvascular Endothelial Function Is Not Affected by the Provision of Caloric Restriction in Women with Obesity: A Randomized Study
Authors: Hwang Chueh-Lung , Ranieri Christine , Szczurek Mary R. , Ellythy Assem M. , Elokda Ahmed , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Phillips Shane A.
Published: June 2020

Obesity impairs both macro- and microvascular endothelial function due to decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide. Current evidence on the effect of low-carbohydrate (LC) diet on endothelial function is conflicting and confounded by the provision of caloric restriction (CR). We tested the hypothesis that LC without CR diet, but not LC with CR diet, would improve macro- and microvascular endothelial function in women with obesity. Twenty-one healthy women with obesity (age: 33 ± 2 years, body mass index: 33.0 ± 0.6 kg/m2; mean ± SEM) were randomly assigned to receive either a LC diet (~10% carbohydrate calories) with CR (n = 12; 500 calorie/day deficit) or a LC diet without CR (n = 9) and completed the 6-week diet intervention. After the intervention, macrovascular endothelial function, measured as brachial artery flow-mediated dilation did not change (7.3 ± 0.9% to 8.0 ± 1.1%, p = 0.7). On the other hand, following the LC diet intervention, regardless of CR, blocking nitric oxide production decreased microvascular endothelial function, measured by arteriolar flow-induced dilation (p ≤ 0.02 for both diets) and the magnitude was more than baseline (p ≤ 0.04). These data suggest improved NO contributions following the intervention. In conclusion, a 6-week LC diet, regardless of CR, may improve microvascular, but not macrovascular endothelial function, via increasing bioavailability of nitric oxide in women with obesity.
TAM and MUSIC Approach for Impact-Source Localization under Deformation Conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhenghao , Zhong Yongteng , Xiang Jiawei
Published: June 2020

As an impact-source-localization technique, Lamb waves are commonly used to detect low-velocity impact in composite structures. However, the performance of Lamb waves is susceptible under deformation conditions. In this paper, a novel approach combined the Toeplitz approximation method (TAM) and multiple-signal classification (MUSIC) (TAM-MUSIC) to improve impact-source-localization (angle and distance in polar coordinates) accuracy under deformation conditions. The method divided a two-dimensional search of direction and distance into two one-dimensional searches. The impact direction was calculated by the TAM, which was introduced into the steering vector of MUSIC to estimate the distance by scanning the whole monitoring area. An epoxy laminate plate experiment showed that the phase and amplitude of uniform linear-array signals had different average plate curvature that led to poor impact-source-localization accuracy using the MUSIC method. TAM provided high-resolution direction-finding capability, suitable for the pretreatment of Lamb waves. Results showed that the present method, with a small amount of computation and low memory requirement, had higher location-estimation accuracy than that of traditional methods under deformation conditions.
Detection of Interfacial Structures in Inclined Liquid-Liquid Flows Using Parallel-Wire Array Probe and Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Methods
Authors: Zhai Lusheng , Meng Zihan , Yang Jie , Zhang Hongxin , Jin Ningde
Published: June 2020

Flows of two immiscible liquids through inclined pipes are often encountered in industrial processes. The interfacial characteristics in inclined pipes are of significance for understanding the mechanism of flow pattern transition and modeling the flow parameters. This paper developed a novel experimental technique to access the interface characteristics of liquid-liquid flows, during which optical and electrical methods were successfully combined by matching the refractive index and conductivity of the flows. A planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) system was set up with a continuous laser and high-speed camera. Organic and aqueous phases were chosen to match refractive indices. The liquid-liquid interface in the middle of the pipe could be clearly visualized by the PLIF system. Meanwhile, two conductance parallel-wire array probes (CPAPs) were designed to reconstruct the liquid-liquid interfaces at upward and downward pipe cross-sections. The performances of the CPAP were validated using the PLIF results and employed to investigate the liquid-liquid interfacial structures. The interfacial shape and its instability were uncovered using the reconstructed interfaces by the CPAPs.
A Nondestructive Testing Method for the Determination of the Complex Refractive Index Using Ultra Wideband Radar in Industrial Applications
Authors: Choudhary Vipin , Rönnow Daniel
Published: June 2020

An ultra-wide band radar reflection measurement technique for industrial applications is introduced. A new method for determining the complex refractive index (or equivalently the relative permittivity) of objects with planar interfaces is presented. The object thickness can also be obtained experimentally. The method is a combination of time and frequency domain techniques. The objects can be finite in size and at a finite distance. The limits in size and distance for the method to be valid are experimentally investigated. The method is relatively insensitive to hardware impairments such as frequency dependence of antennas and analog front end. The method is designed for industrial in-line measurements on objects on conveyor belts. Results are presented for solid wood and wood chips; the complex refractive index is determined in the frequency range 0.5 to 2.0 GHz for the moisture content of 3.6–10% for solid wood and 30–50% for wood chips. Polarimetric measurements are used; wood and wood chips are anisotropic.
Analysis of Land Transition Features and Mechanisms in Peripheral Areas of Kyoto (1950–1960)
Authors: Pereira Galvão Roberta Fontan , Flores Urushima Andrea Yuri , Hara Shoichiro , De Jong Wil
Published: June 2020

This article analyzes land transition in the peripheral areas of Kyoto City during a period of fast economic growth in Japan. Disorganized urban growth during periods of urban transition consumed farmland and forestland, with a lasting impact on the city’s environment. The article reports changes in land use and land cover (LULC), population, roads and other transportation infrastructure and the factors behind these changes. The analysis is based on classification of a georeferenced mosaic of black-and-white aerial photos processed with the use of remote sensing technology to reconstruct the city’s LULC change for the years 1950 and 1960. This information is complemented by GIS data, and information derived from the consultation of primary and secondary historical sources. The results show that the urbanization patterns in periods of urban transition and economic growth which vary in different parts of the city determine LULC trajectories. Complex factors and mechanisms at the local level shape these dynamics. The article provides insights into the complex socioenvironmental processes that shape urban land systems and how their unforeseen consequences can impact the transition to sustainable cities.
Transitioning toward Sustainable Cities—Challenges of Collaboration and Integration
Authors: van de Meene Susan , Bettini Yvette , Head Brian W.
Published: June 2020

The transition towards sustainable cities cannot be solved by individual stakeholders and organisations acting alone. Better governance for tackling such complex problems, including policy change and innovation adoption, will require purposeful collaboration. This is particularly evident in projects that involve integration across scales. Our case-study research compared six water-related innovations in large cities in Australia, the Netherlands, and the US. We found that government agencies, water utilities, professional organisations, and industry innovators were all vital actors, along with supportive community education. In the initiation phase of innovation, informal networks were used by sustainable innovation champions to galvanise support. As pilot projects emerged, more formal supportive processes and financial incentives were crucial. For large projects and for the mainstreaming of pilot projects, the role of formal coordination and integration mechanisms became vital for coherent and successful implementation. Various forms of network-based collaborative work were utilised, but the designation of a key coordinating organisation was found to be helpful in maintaining focus and momentum. Coordination activities across organisations, scales, and time were enhanced by the strength of core values and culture, such as valuing stakeholder engagement, innovation, flexibility, and having a focus on outcomes. Overall, this research demonstrated the need to continually evaluate the innovation process to ensure that key ingredients (suitable for each context) are implemented in a timely manner to strengthen the process and enable effective and purposeful collaboration.
Investigating the Drivers of Farmers’ Engagement in a Participatory Extension Programme: The Case of Northern Ireland Business Development Groups
Authors: Jack Claire , Adenuga Adewale H. , Ashfield Austen , Wallace Michael
Published: June 2020

Participatory agricultural extension programmes aimed at encouraging knowledge transfer and the adoption of new technology and innovation at the farm level are a novel approach to advisory service provision. In order to drive sustainable agricultural production systems that address farm-level economic and environmental objectives, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in November 2015, developed a new participatory extension programme for farmers in Northern Ireland, the Business Development Groups (BDGs). The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyse the drivers of farmers’ decisions in relation to joining and participating in this new approach to farm extension, learning and advisory service provision. Making use of data from both primary and secondary sources, this study employs a mixed-methods approach which involves an empirical analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to examine the factors influencing membership of the BDG programme. The results of our analyses show that larger, more intensive farmers who are keen to access information from other farmers to improve their business performance are most likely to participate in the BDG programme. The study contributes to the empirical literature by establishing the need to take into consideration the different characteristics of farmers in the design and delivery of participatory extension programmes.
Evaluation of the Effects of Grouping High Capacity Students in Academic Achievement and Creativity
Authors: Valadez Dolores , Betancourt Julián , Flores Bravo Juan Francisco , Rodríguez-Naveiras Elena , Borges Africa
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of grouping on the academic performance and creativity of 87 students from the Jalisco educational center for high abilities (CEPAC). Gains in academic performance and creativity due to grouping were hypothesized to be correlated with time spent at CEPAC. The Creative Imagination Test for Children (PIC-N) and for young people (PIC-J) were used, as well as the scores obtained in Spanish, mathematics and the general average at the entrance to the center at the end of the 2019 school year. The test was applied collectively to students when they joined the educational center, and after the end of the 2019 school year. In order to determine if there are improvements in academic scores after being included in CEPAC and to determine if there were changes in creativity, ANOVA split plot were carried out. To determine the relationship between school scores and creativity, Pearson correlations were performed. The results showed gains in academic performance and creativity when the permanence of students in the educational center is longer. It is concluded that grouping by ability produces gains in academic performance and in some components of creativity.
Effects of Temporal Variation in Long-Term Cultivation on Organic Carbon Sequestration in Calcareous Soils: Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Alnaimy Manal , Zelenakova Martina , Vranayova Zuzana , Abu-Hashim Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Soil carbon sequestration is a riskier long-term strategy for climate mitigation than direct emissions reduction, but it plays a main role in closing carbon emission gaps. Effects of long-term cultivation on soil carbon sequestration were studied at the western edge of the Nile Delta near Alexandria, Egypt. Seven agricultural fields of different ages (0–50 years in use) were selected and compared with the surrounding desert (virgin soil) and desert shrub-land. Samples were taken at three horizons, 0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm, and tested for differences in physical and chemical properties. The results of long-term cultivation reveal that the European Commission (EC) value was 11.77 dS/m in virgin soil, while the EC values decreased to 5.82, 4.23, 3.74, 2.40, and 2.26 dS/m after 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 years of cultivation, respectively. The calcareous rock fraction smaller than 50 μm in size revealed another phenomenon, where active calcium carbonate content increased with cultivation practices from 1.15% (virgin soil) to 5.42%, 6.47%, 8.38%, and 10.13% after 5, 10, 20, and 30 years of cultivation, respectively, while shrub-land also showed a low amount of active CaCO3 with 1.38%. In fifty years of cultivation, soil bulk density decreased significantly from 1.67 to 1.11 g/cm3, and it decreased to 1.65, 1.44, 1.40, and 1.25 g/cm3 after 5, 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively. These results reveal that the increase in soil carbon stock in the upper 90 cm amounted to 41.02 t C/ha after five years of cultivation, compared to virgin soil with 13.47 t C/ha. Soil carbon levels increased steeply during the five years of cultivation, with an average rate of 8.20 t C/ha per year in the upper 90 cm. After the first five years of cultivation, the carbon sequestration rate slowed, reaching 4.68, 3.77, 2.58, and 1.93 t C/ha per year after 10, 20, 30, and 50 years, respectively, resulting in sequestration-potential values of 46.78, 75.63, 77.43, and 96.45 t C/ha. These results indicate that potential soil carbon sequestration resembles a logarithmic curve until the equilibrium state between carbon application and decomposition by microorganisms is reached.
Soil Yeasts in the Vicinity of Syowa Station, East Antarctica: Their Diversity and Extracellular Enzymes, Cold Adaptation Strategies, and Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Tsuji Masaharu , Kudoh Sakae
Published: June 2020

Antarctica is known as one of the harshest environments on Earth, with a frigid and dry climate. Soil yeasts living in such extreme environments can grow by decomposing organic compounds at sub-zero temperatures. Thus far, a list of lichen and non-lichen fungi isolated from the area near Syowa Station, the base of the Japanese Antarctic research expedition, has been compiled and a total of 76 species of fungi have been reported. Yeast, especially basidiomycete yeast, is the dominant fungus in Antarctica. This mini-review summarizes a survey of the yeast diversity in the soil of Eastern Ongul Island and the ability of these yeasts to secrete extracellular enzymes. We also describe the yeast diversity in the soil of the Skarvesnes ice-free region and how these yeasts have adapted to the sub-zero environment. Further, we describe the secondary metabolites of these yeasts, whose production is induced by cold stress.
A Socio-Environmental History of a Copper Mining Company: Rio-Tinto Company Limited (1874–1930)
Authors: García-Gómez José Joaquín , Pérez-Cebada Juan Diego
Published: June 2020

Mining activities cause serious pollution problems that affect health and the environment. This paper focuses on the environmental and biological effects that mining activity had on the population living and working in the Riotinto-Nerva area in the last third of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, when this area accounted for approximately 10% of world copper production. To do so, we explore the social, technological, and scientific responses to environmental pollution caused by mining extraction in this area during industrialisation. Second, we analyse welfare indicators, such as the heights of conscripts and mortality rates, so as to examine the social effects of the mining activity. Third, municipal health and education expenditures are examined to study the intervention made by the local authorities to address the welfare problems caused by the mining work and environment. Finally, we examine whether the health policy had positive effects on the health of the population after the negative external effects of copper mining in this area had been mitigated. The findings show that the negative impacts of copper exploitation on the environment and welfare could only be diminished using health policies to combat this kind of urban penalty.
Sustaining Citizen Science beyond an Emergency
Authors: Calyx Cobi
Published: June 2020

This commentary explores lessons learned about aspects of citizen science sustainability, such as open data reuse after a project ends or after the urgency of a disaster. It is framed to be consistent with emerging research about how the 2020 pandemic relates to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It argues for the importance of open data in citizen science, both in platform design and in citizen science outputs, to support sustainability beyond a funding cycle or emergency. This commentary discusses open datasets developed during the Ebola outbreak response in 2014 and the role of collaborative repositories in enabling uses beyond a single project. How citizen scientists can creatively contribute in ways aligned with humanitarian disaster response aims is explored.
Local Entrepreneurs’ Involvement in Strategy Building to Facilitate Agro-Food Waste Valorisation within an Agro-Food Technological District: A SWOT-SOR Approach
Authors: Prosperi Maurizio , Sisto Roberta , Lopolito Antonio , Materia Valentina C.
Published: June 2020

The paper focuses on Agro-food waste valorization conceived as a long-term, complex socio-technical process involving several different actors belonging to multiple levels. Although this process is typically affected by a series of uncertainties, the convergence of stakeholders’ expectations proves to be a means to overcoming barriers, as it acts as the foundation of a shared agenda setting which formalizes the coordination efforts among the actors involved in an innovation process. Applying the strategic niche management (SNM) framework to the case of the Apulia Agro-Food Technology District (DARe), whose mission is to promote a bio-based industry for food-waste valorization, the paper proposes an operational tool capable of designing the strategy based on the entrepreneurs’ knowledge. The DARe aims to promote the technological innovation of agro-food firms located in the South of Italy. The results of a SWOT-SOR analysis led to the establishment of a twofold strategy aimed at (a) promoting the innovation of more active and dynamic firms, and (b) reducing the gap between “pioneer” and “laggard” firms, with the result of promoting integrated innovation throughout the entire district.
Evaluation and Optimization of the Life Cycle in Maritime Works
Authors: Cejuela Eduardo , Negro Vicente , del Campo Jose María
Published: June 2020

The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals are a necessity. A large number of public actions and activities in many countries go in this direction. Various indicators are used to quantitatively assess the impacts, all of which are included within product life cycle assessment. It is essential to study and assess infrastructure, as it is an important factor in emissions, as well as environmental and sustainable construction. In maritime works, the aggressiveness of seawater is an important factor that reduces the life of reinforced concrete structures, and it is necessary to search for solutions that reduce or eliminate maintenance. In this research paper, the aim is to quantitatively verify that the composite materials are viable from an environmental and resistant point of view. Concrete caissons and/or breakwater crowns for vertical breakwaters were constructed as the fundamental elements, calculating the life cycle in comparison with several contrasting examples. The first is the case of a conventional breakwater crown, built in Escombreras, southeast Spain, at the Mediterranean Sea, later simulating the impact with one reinforced with fiberglass bars. The results are encouraging and call for additional measures to further reduce maritime infrastructure indicators with much less polluting, more durable, and more sustainable solutions.
New Fixed Point Results via (θ,ψ)R-Weak Contractions with an Application
Authors: Imdad Mohammad , Ali Based , Alfaqih Waleed M. , Sessa Salvatore , Aldurayhim Abdullah
Published: June 2020

In this paper, inspired by Jleli and Samet (Journal of Inequalities and Applications 38 (2014) 1–8), we introduce two new classes of auxiliary functions and utilize the same to define ( θ , ψ ) R -weak contractions. Utilizing ( θ , ψ ) R -weak contractions, we prove some fixed point theorems in the setting of relational metric spaces. We employ some examples to substantiate the utility of our newly proven results. Finally, we apply one of our newly proven results to ensure the existence and uniqueness of the solution of a Volterra-type integral equation.
A Face Image Virtualization Mechanism for Privacy Intrusion Prevention in Healthcare Video Surveillance Systems
Authors: Kim Jinsu , Park Namje
Published: June 2020

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) and video surveillance systems (VSSs) are becoming increasingly more common each year to help prevent incidents/accidents and ensure the security of public places and facilities. The increased presence of VSS is also increasing the number of per capita exposures to CCTV cameras. To help protect the privacy of the exposed objects, attention is being drawn to technologies that utilize intelligent video surveillance systems (IVSSs). IVSSs execute a wide range of surveillance duties—from simple identification of objects in the recorded video data, to understanding and identifying the behavioral patterns of objects and the situations at the incident/accident scenes, as well as the processing of video information to protect the privacy of the recorded objects against leakage. Besides, the recorded privacy information is encrypted and recorded using blockchain technology to prevent forgery of the image. The technology herein proposed (the “proposed mechanism”) is implemented to a VSS, where the mechanism converts the original visual information recorded on a VSS into a similarly constructed image information, so that the original information can be protected against leakage. The face area extracted from the image information is recorded in a separate database, allowing the creation of a restored image that is in perfect symmetry with the original image for images with virtualized face areas. Specifically, the main section of this study proposes an image modification mechanism that inserts a virtual face image that closely matches a predetermined similarity and uses a blockchain as the storage area.