bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viral Pandemics of the Last Four Decades: Pathophysiology, Health Impacts and Perspectives
Authors: Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Das Anandan , Sengupta Pallav , Dutta Sulagna , Roychoudhury Shatabhisha , Choudhury Arun Paul , Ahmed A. B. Fuzayel , Bhattacharjee Saumendra , Slama Petr
Published: December 2020

The last four decades has witnessed some of the deadliest viral pandemics with far-reaching consequences. These include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (1981), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (2002), Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (A/H1N1) (2009), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (2012), Ebola virus (2013) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (2019-present). Age- and gender-based characterizations suggest that SARS-CoV-2 resembles SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with regard to higher fatality rates in males, and in the older population with comorbidities. The invasion-mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, involves binding of its spike protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors; MERS-CoV utilizes dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), whereas H1N1 influenza is equipped with hemagglutinin protein. The viral infections-mediated immunomodulation, and progressive inflammatory state may affect the functions of several other organs. Although no effective commercial vaccine is available for any of the viruses, those against SARS-CoV-2 are being developed at an unprecedented speed. Until now, only Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine has received temporary authorization from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Given the frequent emergence of viral pandemics in the 21st century, proper understanding of their characteristics and modes of action are essential to address the immediate and long-term health consequences.
Use of Genomic Information in Health Impact Assessment is Yet to Come: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ádám Balázs , Lovas Szabolcs , Ádány Róza
Published: December 2020

Information generated by genetic epidemiology and genomics studies has been accumulating at fast pace, and this knowledge opens new vistas in public health, allowing for the understanding of gene–environment interactions. However, the translation of genome-based knowledge and technologies to the practice of healthcare, and especially of public health, is challenging. Because health impact assessment (HIA) proved to be an effective tool to assist consideration of health issues is sectoral policymaking, this study aimed at exploring its role in the translational process by a systematic literature review on the use of genetic information provided by genetic epidemiology and genomics studies in HIA. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched and the findings systematically reviewed and reported by the PRISMA guidelines. The review found eight studies that met the inclusion criteria, most of them theoretically discussing the use of HIA for introducing genome-based technologies in healthcare practice, and only two articles considered, in short, the possibility for a generic application of genomic information in HIA. The findings indicate that HIA should be more extensively utilized in the translation of genome-based knowledge to public health practice, and the use of genomic information should be facilitated in the HIA process.
Factors Associated with Lifestyle Habits and Mental Health Problems in Korean Adolescents: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018
Authors: Yoo Hana , Kim Namhee
Published: December 2020

To identify factors associated with Korean adolescents’ lifestyle habits and mental health problems (stress perception, depressive mood, and suicidal thoughts), data from 842 adolescents’ (13–18 years) responses to the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (VII–2 and 3; 2017–2018) were analyzed. After controlling for sociodemographic and health status characteristics, results of multinomial logistic regression revealed drinking alcohol (stress perception: odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19–2.19; depressive mood: OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.67–4.02; suicidal thoughts: OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.18–4.42), increased sedentary time (stress perception: OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.36–2.58), ≤6 h weekday sleep (stress perception: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00–1.66; suicidal thoughts: OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.05–3.75), and 8 h ≤ weekend sleep (stress perception: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56–0.98; depressive mood: OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41–0.98; suicidal thoughts: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21–0.79) were significantly associated with mental health problems. Reducing Korean adolescents’ mental health issues may require alcohol education, timed breaks/reduced sedentary time, and campaigns encouraging adequate sleep for teenagers.
Body Acceptance by Pregnant Women and Their Attitudes toward Pregnancy and Maternity as Predictors of Prenatal Depression
Authors: Przybyła-Basista Hanna , Kwiecińska Elżbieta , Ilska Michalina
Published: December 2020

Background: Depressive symptoms during pregnancy may cause unfavorable consequences for both the mother and the infant’s physiological and psychological health. Recent evidence indicates that body image plays an important role in prenatal depression. The present study’s main purpose was to investigate the level of acceptance of physical appearance in pregnant women, their attitudes toward pregnancy and maternity, and some obstetric characteristics as significant predictors in the development of depression. Methods: A sample of 150 Polish pregnant women completed a set of self-report questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Attitudes toward Maternity and Pregnancy Questionnaire (PRE-MAMA), and the Body-Self Questionnaire (EA-BSQ). All participants also answered a brief sociodemographic and obstetric information questionnaire. Results: A hierarchical binary logistic regression was conducted to predict prenatal depression from selected obstetric variables (unplanned pregnancy, multiparity, and miscarriages) and psychological variables (appearance evaluation and positive or anxious attitudes toward pregnancy and maternity). It was found that higher levels of negative evaluation of appearance increased chances of depression in pregnant women by almost one-and-a-half. The analysis revealed that positive attitudes toward pregnancy and maternity were the most important protective factor for depression. Conclusions: The results confirmed the importance of dissatisfaction with body image during pregnancy as a predictor of the onset of prenatal depression. However, in clinical practice, this risk factor should be considered in combination with positive maternal attitudes, not separately. The implications for future studies and interventions in the field of prenatal depression are discussed in this work.
Perceived Performance, Intrinsic Motivation and Adherence in Athletes
Authors: Almagro Bartolomé J. , Sáenz-López Pedro , Fierro-Suero Sebastián , Conde Cristina
Published: December 2020

Sports performance depends on a complex interaction of variables, such as psychological, physical, technical and tactical abilities. The purpose of the three studies described in this article was to validate an instrument to measure perceived performance in athletes (studies 1 and 2), and to analyze the predictive power of perceived performance, basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation on the intention to be physically active (which was used as a predictor of adherence to sport) (study 3). In study 1, the Perceived Performance in Sports Questionnaire was validated in the Spanish sports context, analyzing its factorial structure, reliability, and temporal stability with 146 soccer players. The objective of study 2 was to check the factorial structure of the questionnaire with an objective performance measure (points scored and time played). The sample was 180 young basketball players. The objective of study 3 was to analyze the predictive power of basic psychological needs in exercise, intrinsic motivation, and perceived performance on the intention to be physically active in 339 athletes of fifteen different sports. The results show the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, and positive correlations with the points scored. Finally, the analysis of the structural equation model showed that the satisfaction of the need for competence predicted perceived performance and intrinsic motivation predicted perceived performance and intention to remain physically active.
Evaluation of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Metallic Fibers from Recycled Tires to Promote Crack-Healing
Authors: González Alvaro , Norambuena-Contreras José , Poulikakos Lily , Varela María José , Valderrama Jonathan , Flisch Alexander , Arraigada Martín
Published: December 2020

This paper reports part of an international research project with the long-term aim of developing more sustainable asphalt mixture with crack-healing properties by the addition of recycled metallic waste from industrial sources. Specifically, this article presents an evaluation of the physical, thermophysical, and mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures with metallic fiber obtained from recycled tires for crack-healing purposes. Detailed results on the crack-healing of asphalt mixtures will be reported in a second article. Results showed a small reduction on the bulk density and increase in the air voids content was quantified with increasing fiber contents. The experimental results showed that mixing and compaction was more difficult for higher fiber contents due to less space for the bitumen to freely flow and fill the voids of the mixtures. Computed tomography (CT) results allowed to identify clustering and orientation of the fibers. The samples were electrically conductive, and the electrical resistivity decreased with the increase of the fiber content. Fiber content had a direct effect on the indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM) and strength (ITS) that decreased with increasing temperature for mixtures and with increase in fiber content. However, the indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR) was within acceptable limits. In short, results indicate that fibers from recycled tires have a potential for use within asphalt mixtures to promote crack-healing.
The Dielectric Constant of Ba6−3x(Sm1−yNdy)8+2xTi18O54 (x = 2/3) Ceramics for Microwave Communication by Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: He Tiancheng , Lv Caihuan , Li Wenhao , Huang Guohua , Hu Zhihui , Xu Jianmei
Published: December 2020

The electronics related to the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) are projected to possess significant market potential. High dielectric constant microwave ceramics used as filters and resonators in 5G have thus attracted great attention. The Ba6−3x(Sm1−yNdy)8+2xTi18O54 (x = 2/3) ceramic system has aroused people’s interest due to its underlying excellent microwave dielectric properties. In this paper, the relationships between the dielectric constant, Nd-doped content, sintering temperature and the density of Ba6−3x(Sm1−yNdy)8+2xTi18O54 (x = 2/3) ceramics were studied. The linear regression equation was established by statistical product and service solution (SPSS) data analysis software, and the factors affecting the dielectric constant have been analyzed by using the enter and stepwise methods, respectively. It is found that the model established by the stepwise method is practically significant with Y = −71.168 + 6.946x1 + 25.799x3, where Y, x1 and x3 represent the dielectric constant, Nd content and the density, respectively. According to this model, the influence of density on the dielectric constant is greater than that of Nd doping concentration. We bring the linear regression analysis method into the research field of microwave dielectric ceramics, hoping to provide an instructive for the optimization of ceramic technology.
Mechanical Properties and Metal-Ceramic Bond Strength of Co-Cr Alloy Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Hong Joon-Ki , Kim Seong-Kyun , Heo Seong-Joo , Koak Jai-Young
Published: December 2020

Cobalt–chromium (Co-Cr) metal is one of the widely used biomaterials in the fabrication of dental prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the properties of metals and bond strength with ceramics depending on the manufacturing methods of Co-Cr alloy. Co-Cr alloy specimens were prepared in three different ways: casting, milling, and selective laser melting (SLM). The mechanical properties (elastic modulus, yield strength, and flexural strength) of the alloys were investigated by flexure method in three-point bending mode, and microstructures of the specimens were analyzed. After application of the veneering ceramic through the three-point bending test, bond strength of the Metal-Ceramic was investigated. The cracked surfaces were observed by means of energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with backscattered electron (BSE) images. In mechanical properties, the elastic modulus was highest for the casting group, and the yield strength and flexural strength were lowest for the milling group. The SLM group showed finer homogeneous crystalline-microstructure, and a layered structure was observed at the fractured surface. After the ceramic bond strength test, all groups showed a mixed failure pattern. The casting group showed the highest bond strengths, whereas there was no significant difference between the other two groups. However, all groups have met the standard of bond strength according to international standards organization (ISO) with the appropriate passing rate. The results of this study indicate that the SLM manufacturing method may have the potential to replace traditional techniques for fabricating dental prosthesis.
α-Conotoxin TxID and [S9K]TxID, α3β4 nAChR Antagonists, Attenuate Expression and Reinstatement of Nicotine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Authors: Li Xiaodan , You Shen , Xiong Jian , Qiao Yamin , Yu Jinpeng , Zhangsun Dongting , Luo Sulan
Published: December 2020

Tobacco smoking has become a prominent health problem faced around the world. The α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is strongly associated with nicotine reward and withdrawal symptom. α-Conotoxin TxID, cloned from Conus textile, is a strong α3β4 nAChR antagonist, which has weak inhibition activity of α6/α3β4 nAChR. Meanwhile, its analogue [S9K]TxID only inhibits α3β4 nAChR (IC50 = 6.9 nM), and has no inhibitory activity to other nAChRs. The present experiment investigates the effect of α3β4 nAChR antagonists (TxID and [S9K]TxID) on the expression and reinstatement of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and explores the behaviors of acute nicotine in mice. The animal experimental results showed that TxID and [S9K] TxID could inhibit the expression and reinstatement of CPP, respectively. Moreover, both had no effect in acute nicotine experiment and the locomotor activity in mice. Therefore, these findings reveal that the α3β4 nAChR may be a potential target for anti-nicotine addiction treatment. [S9K]TxID, α3β4 nAChR antagonist, exhibit a superior effect for anti-nicotine addiction, which is promising to develop a novel smoking cessation drug.
Fabrication and Characterization of MoS2/h-BN and WS2/h-BN Heterostructures
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Hongxia , Chen Shupeng , Chen Yanning , Wang Shulong , Li Zhandong
Published: December 2020

The general preparation method of large-area, continuous, uniform, and controllable vdW heterostructure materials is provided in this paper. To obtain the preparation of MoS2/h-BN and WS2/h-BN heterostructures, MoS2 and WS2 material are directly grown on the insulating h-BN substrate by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) method, which does not require any intermediate transfer steps. The test characterization of MoS2/h-BN and WS2/h-BN vdW heterostructure materials can be accomplished by optical microscope, AFM, Raman and PL spectroscopy. The Raman peak signal of h-BN material is stronger when the h-BN film is thicker. Compared to the spectrum of MoS2 or WS2 material on SiO2/Si substrate, the Raman and PL spectrum peak positions of MoS2/h-BN heterostructure are blue-shifted, which is due to the presence of local strain, charged impurities and the vdW heterostructure interaction. Additionally, the PL spectrum of WS2 material shows the strong emission peak at 1.96 eV, while the full width half maximum (FWHM) is only 56 meV. The sharp emission peak indicates that WS2/h-BN heterostructure material has the high crystallinity and clean interface. In addition, the peak position and shape of IPM mode characteristic peak are not obvious, which can be explained by the Van der Waals interaction of WS2/h-BN heterostructure. From the above experimental results, the preparation method of heterostructure material is efficient and scalable, which can provide the important support for the subsequent application of TMDs/h-BN heterostructure in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.
Low Levels of Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Are Associated with Bone Metastasis Formation in Premenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Goupille Caroline , Frank Philippe G. , Arbion Flavie , Jourdan Marie-Lise , Guimaraes Cyrille , Pinault Michelle , Body Gilles , Chevalier Stephan , Bougnoux Philippe , Ouldamer Lobna
Published: December 2020

In the present study, we investigated various biochemical, clinical, and histological factors associated with bone metastases in a large cohort of pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Two hundred and sixty-one consecutive women with breast cancer were included in this study. Breast adipose tissue specimens were collected during surgery. After having established the fatty acid profile of breast adipose tissue by gas chromatography, we determined whether there were differences associated with the occurrence of bone metastases in these patients. Regarding the clinical and histological criteria, a majority of the patients with bone metastases (around 70%) had tumors with a luminal phenotype and 59% of them showed axillary lymph node involvement. Moreover, we found a negative association between the levels of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in breast adipose tissue and the development of bone metastases in premenopausal women. No significant association was observed in postmenopausal women. In addition to a luminal phenotype and axillary lymph node involvement, low levels of n-3 LC-PUFA in breast adipose tissue may constitute a risk factor that contributes to breast cancer bone metastases formation in premenopausal women.
Differences in the Prevalence of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Spanish Workers
Authors: Ronda-Pérez Elena , Campos-Mora Julia , de Juan Alba , Gea Teresa , Reid Alison , Caballero Pablo
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to examine the differences in daily fruit and vegetable consumption in the working population in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using data from the 2017 National Health Survey (n = 10,700 workers aged between 18 and 65 years). The daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was evaluated using two items included in a food frequency questionnaire. Occupations were classified into the 17 main groups of the National Classification of Occupations of 2011 (CNO-11). The prevalence (P) of daily fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, work-related characteristics and occupations. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association, with simple and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR). The P of daily consumption of fruit and vegetables in workers was 60% for fruit and 40% for vegetables. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, workers working night or rotating shifts had a lower consumption of fruits (aOR:0.9; p < 0.05), and those working on temporary contracts had a lower consumption of vegetables (aOR:0.8; p < 0.05). Engineers, scientists, health care workers and teachers had the highest fruit consumption (74.5%) and the highest vegetable consumption (55.1%). The lowest consumption of fruits was presented by the military (42.3%) and unskilled workers in the service sector (45.8%), and the lowest consumption of vegetables was presented by skilled construction workers (25.5%). These findings could aid in workplace health promotion and could be used in future studies to evaluate the impact of the activities adopted.
Initial Assessment of the COSMIC-2/FORMOSAT-7 Neutral Atmosphere Data Quality in NESDIS/STAR Using In Situ and Satellite Data
Authors: Ho Shu-Peng , Zhou Xinjia , Shao Xi , Zhang Bin , Adhikari Loknath , Kireev Stanislav , He Yuxiang , Yoe James G. , Xia-Serafino Wei , Lynch Erin
Published: December 2020

A COSMIC-1/FORMOSAT-3 (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate-1 and Formosa Satellite Mission 3) follow-on mission, COSMIC-2/FORMOSAT-7, had been successfully launched into low-inclination orbits on 25 June 2019. COSMIC-2 has a significantly increased Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) compared to other Radio Occultation (RO) missions. This study summarized the initial assessment of COSMIC-2 data quality conducted by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). We use validated data from other RO missions to quantify the stability of COSMIC-2. In addition, we use the Vaisala RS41 radiosonde observations to assess the accuracy and uncertainty of the COSMIC-2 neutral atmospheric profiles. RS41 is currently the most accurate radiosonde observation system. The COSMIC-2 SNR ranges from 200 v/v to about 2800 v/v. To see if the high SNR COSMIC-2 signals lead to better retrieval results, we separate the COSMIC-2–RS41 comparisons into different SNR groups (i.e., 0–500 v/v group, 500–1000 v/v group, 1000–1500 v/v group, 1500–2000 v/v group, and >2000 v/v group). In general, the COSMIC-2 data quality in terms of stability, precision, accuracy, and uncertainty of the accuracy is very compatible with those from COSMIC-1. Results show that the mean COSMIC-2–RS41 water vapor difference from surface to 5 km altitude for each SNR groups are equal to −1.34 g/kg (0–500 v/v), −1.17 g/kg (500–1000 v/v), −1.33 g/kg (1000–1500 v/v), −0.93 g/kg (1500–2000 v/v), and −1.52 g/kg (>2000 v/v). Except for the >2000 v/v group, the high SNR measurements from COSMIC-2 seem to improve the mean water vapor difference for the higher SNR group slightly (especially for the 1500–2000 v/v group) comparing with those from lower SNR groups.
Mapping an Urban Boundary Based on Multi-Temporal Sentinel-2 and POI Data: A Case Study of Zhengzhou City
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Haiying , Qin Fen , Han Zhigang , Miao Changhong
Published: December 2020

Accurately identifying and delineating urban boundaries are the premise for and foundation of the control of disorderly urban sprawl, which is helpful for us to accurately grasp the scale and form of cities, optimize the internal spatial structure and pattern of cities, and guide the expansion of urban spaces in the future. At present, the concept and delineation of urban boundaries do not follow a unified method or standard. However, many scholars have made use of multi-source remote sensing images of various scales and social auxiliary data such as point of interest (POI) data to achieve large-scale, high-resolution, and high-precision land cover mapping and impermeable water surface mapping. The accuracy of small- and medium-scale urban boundary mapping has not been improved to an obvious extent. This study uses multi-temporal Sentinel-2 high-resolution images and POI data that can reflect detailed features of human activities to extract multi-dimensional features and use random forests and mathematical morphology to map the urban boundaries of the city of Zhengzhou. The research results show that: (1) the urban construction land extraction model established with multi-dimensional features has a great improvement in accuracy; (2) when the training sample accounts for 65% of the sample data set, the urban construction land extraction model has the highest accuracy, reaching 96.25%, and the Kappa coefficient is 0.93; (3) the optimized boundary of structural elements with a size of 13 × 13 is selected, which is in good agreement in terms of scope and location with the boundary of FROM-GLC10 (Zhengzhou) and visual interpretations. The results from the urban boundary delineation in this paper can be used as an important database for detailed basic land use mapping within cities. Moreover, the method in this paper has some reference value for other cities in terms of delineating urban boundaries.
E Layer Dominated Ionosphere Occurrences as a Function of Geophysical and Space Weather Conditions
Authors: Kamal Sumon , Jakowski Norbert , Hoque Mohammed M. , Wickert Jens
Published: December 2020

At some locations, especially in the auroral regions, the ionization of the E layer can dominate over that of the F2 layer, which is called the E layer dominated ionosphere (ELDI). In the present work we investigate the spatiotemporal variation of the ELDI depending on the season, solar activity, geomagnetic activity, interplanetary magnetic field, convection electric field, and solar wind energy. We specify each distribution of ELDI events by the values of four parameters. In this regard, we compute the height, full width at half maximum, and position of a Gaussian function relative to a precomputed reference ellipse as parameters to describe the spatial distribution of ELDI events in geocentric latitude/longitude coordinates. To study the temporal variation of the ELDI events, we estimate the weighted mean local time of the distribution as the fourth parameter. The database used for our investigations contains more than 3.5 million vertical electron density profiles derived from ionospheric GPS radio occultation observations on board the COSMIC/FORMOSAT-3 (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate/Formosa Satellite Mission 3) mission, covering a period of almost 13 years. The analysis of observations representing changing geophysical conditions results in clear trends for all ELDI parameters. In this context, the mean local time varies mostly between 01:00 and 02:00 local time, while the probability of ELDI occurrence is increased in local winter and in the case of low solar activity. Likewise, an increase in the solar wind parameters increases the number of ELDI events and leads to an equatorward shift of their position. The relationships found in our investigations can serve as a basis for future modeling studies addressing ELDI occurrences as a function of selected geophysical quantities.
Parametric Design of a Microwave Radiometer for Land Surface Temperature Retrieval from Moon-Based Earth Observation Platform
Authors: Yuan Linan , Liao Jingjuan
Published: December 2020

Increasing attention is being paid to the monitoring of global change, and remote sensing is an important means for acquiring global observation data. Due to the limitations of the orbital altitude, technological level, observation platform stability and design life of artificial satellites, spaceborne Earth observation platforms cannot quickly obtain global data. The Moon-based Earth observation (MEO) platform has unique advantages, including a wide observation range, short revisit period, large viewing angle and spatial resolution; thus, it provides a new observation method for quickly obtaining global Earth observation data. At present, the MEO platform has not yet entered the actual development stage, and the relevant parameters of the microwave sensors have not been determined. In this work, to explore whether a microwave radiometer is suitable for the MEO platform, the land surface temperature (LST) distribution at different times is estimated and the design parameters of the Moon-based microwave radiometer (MBMR) are analyzed based on the LST retrieval. Results show that the antenna aperture size of a Moon-based microwave radiometer is suitable for 120 m, and the bands include 18.7, 23.8, 36.5 and 89.0 GHz, each with horizontal and vertical polarization. Moreover, the optimal value of other parameters, such as the half-power beam width, spatial resolution, integration time of the radiometer system, temperature sensitivity, scan angle and antenna pattern simulations are also determined.
Single-Pass UAV-Borne GatorEye LiDAR Sampling as a Rapid Assessment Method for Surveying Forest Structure
Authors: Prata Gabriel Atticciati , Broadbent Eben North , de Almeida Danilo Roberti Alves , St. Peter Joseph , Drake Jason , Medley Paul , Corte Ana Paula Dalla , Vogel Jason , Sharma Ajay , Silva Carlos Alberto , Zambrano Angelica Maria Almeyda , Valbuena Ruben , Wilkinson Ben
Published: December 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) allow efficient acquisition of forest data at very high resolution at relatively low cost, making it useful for multi-temporal assessment of detailed tree crowns and forest structure. Single-pass flight plans provide rapid surveys for key selected high-priority areas, but their accuracy is still unexplored. We compared aircraft-borne LiDAR with GatorEye UAV-borne LiDAR in the Apalachicola National Forest, USA. The single-pass approach produced digital terrain models (DTMs), with less than 1 m differences compared to the aircraft-derived DTM within a 145° field of view (FOV). Canopy height models (CHM) provided reliable information from the top layer of the forest, allowing reliable treetop detection up to wide angles; however, underestimations of tree heights were detected at 175 m from the flightline, with an error of 2.57 ± 1.57. Crown segmentation was reliable only within a 60° FOV, from which the shadowing effect made it unviable. Reasonable quality threshold values for LiDAR products were: 195 m (145° FOV) for DTMs, 95 m (110° FOV) for CHM, 160 to 180 m (~140° FOV) for ITD and tree heights, and 40 to 60 m (~60° FOV) for crown delineation. These findings also support the definition of mission parameters for standard grid-based flight plans under similar forest types and flight parameters.
The Association between Entrepreneurial Perceived Behavioral Control, Personality, Empathy, and Assertiveness in a Romanian Sample of Nascent Entrepreneurs
Authors: Baciu Elena-Loreni , Vîrgă Delia , Lazăr Theofild-Andrei , Gligor Delia , Jurcuț Cecilia-Nicoleta
Published: December 2020

In today’s global context, entrepreneurship is recognized as the engine of sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and employment in the economy of any nation. In order to improve the measures aimed at encouraging the creation of new businesses, an enhanced understanding of the drivers of nascent entrepreneurship seems essential. Drawing on planned behavior theory and the approach of entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control (PBC) as a motivational antecedent in starting a new business, the current study seeks to understand how the personal characteristics of the entrepreneurs influence entrepreneurial PBC. Three types of characteristics were assessed in a sample of 212 Romanian nascent entrepreneurs: personality traits (Big Five model), empathy, and assertiveness. The hierarchical multilinear regression analysis, in which entrepreneurial PBC was treated as a dependent variable, showed that the model with the highest explanatory power for the variance of results of entrepreneurial PBC included characteristics from all three levels: personality traits—Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness; empathy—personal distress and perspective-taking; and adaptive assertiveness. Additionally, the findings showed that adaptive assertiveness provides an effect over and above personality factors and empathy on the entrepreneurial PBC. The practical implications of these findings indicate that to enhance the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education programs, components aiming to enhance internal personal resources of entrepreneurs (such as assertive communication skills) should be added.
Towards Australian Regional Turnaround: Insights into Sustainably Accommodating Post-Pandemic Urban Growth in Regional Towns and Cities
Authors: Guaralda Mirko , Hearn Greg , Foth Marcus , Yigitcanlar Tan , Mayere Severine , Law Lisa
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has made many urban policymakers, planners, and scholars, all around the globe, rethink conventional, neoliberal growth strategies of cities. The trend of rapid urbanization, particularly around capital cities, has been questioned, and alternative growth models and locations have been the subjects of countless discussions. This is particularly the case for the Australian context: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the debates in urban circles on post-pandemic urban growth strategies and boosting the growth of towns and cities across regional Australia is a popular alternative strategy. While some scholars argue that regional Australia poses an invaluable opportunity for post-pandemic growth by ‘taking off the pressure from the capital cities’; others warn us about the risks of growing regional towns and cities without carefully designed national, regional, and local planning, design, and development strategies. Superimposing planning and development policies meant for metropolitan cities could simply result in transferring the ills of capital cities to regions and exacerbate unsustainable development and heightened socioeconomic inequalities. This opinion piece, by keeping both of these perspectives in mind, explores approaches to regional community and economic development of Australia’s towns and cities, along with identifying sustainable urban growth locations in the post-pandemic era. It also offers new insights that could help re-shape the policy debate on regional growth and development.
Sustainable Technology Analysis of Blockchain Using Generalized Additive Modeling
Authors: Park Sangsung , Jun Sunghae
Published: December 2020

Blockchain is a secure distributed management technology for data. Until now, blockchain technology has been intensively developed in financial fields such as Bitcoin. As the blockchain technology develops, the application fields of blockchain are expected to further expand. We proposed a technology analysis method for sustainability of blockchain technology. We analyzed the patent documents related to blockchain for sustainable technology analysis. To carry out the technology analysis, we preprocessed the patent documents and built a structure data, document-term matrix. In general, most elements of this matrix are zeros, so it is very skewed. Due to the skewness, technology analysis by traditional methods of statistics has analytical difficulty. To overcome this problem, we proposed a technology analysis method based on generalized additive modeling. To show how our proposed method can be applied to practical fields, we collected and analyzed the patent documents of blockchain technology.
The Effect of Thermal Treatment on the Physicochemical Properties of Minerals Applied to Heterogeneous Catalytic Ozonation
Authors: Psaltou Savvina , Kaprara Efthimia , Kalaitzidou Kyriaki , Mitrakas Manassis , Zouboulis Anastasios
Published: December 2020

In order to enhance the efficiency of heterogeneous catalytic ozonation, the effect of thermal treatment on three commonly used and inexpensive minerals, i.e., zeolite, talc and kaolin (clay), which present different physicochemical properties as potential catalysts, has been examined for the removal of para-chlorobenzoic acid (p-CBA). p-CBA is considered a typical micro-pollutant, usually serving as an indicator (model compound) to evaluate the production of hydroxyl radicals in ozonation systems. The catalytic activity of selected solid catalysts was studied for different pH values (6, 7 and 8) and different temperatures (15 °C, 25 °C and 35 °C). The mechanism of radicals’ production was also verified by the addition of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA). The respective thermal behavior study showed that the point of zero charge (PZC) of these minerals increased with the increase of applied treatment temperature, as it removed crystalline water and hydroxyls, thus improving their hydrophobicity. Circa-neutral surface charge and the presence of hydrophobicity were found to favor the affinity of ozone with solid/catalytic surfaces and the subsequent production of hydroxyl radicals. Therefore, zeolite and talc, presenting PZC 7.2 and 6.5 respectively, showed higher catalytic activity after thermal treatment, while kaolin with PZC equal to 3.1 showed zero to moderate catalytic efficiency. The degradation level of p-CBA by oxidation was favored at 25 °C, while the pH value exerted positive effects when it was increased up to 8.
Sustainability of Cluster Organizations as Open Innovation Intermediaries
Authors: Lis Anna Maria , McPhillips Marita , Lis Adrian
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the paper is to identify the most important open innovation practices used by cluster organizations (COs). To reflect these practices, the paper uses the concept of the trajectory of relationship development in COs, applied in the Interizon cluster organization. Additionally, this paper introduces the potential sustainability-related implications of open innovation adoption in cluster organizations. An in-depth direct interview and secondary data analysis were the basic techniques used for data collection. The study demonstrates that cluster organizations can play the role of open innovation intermediaries, implementing a set of different open innovation practices, depending on the level of advancement of cluster cooperation. The use of these practices leads to the development of ever stronger relationships between cluster members, thus conditioning access to the increasingly valuable resources of information and knowledge which are most relevant for the future sustainability-pursuing context. The good effects of multidimensional cooperation in the studied cluster organization prompted the authors to formulate a recommendation for sustainable diversity in the CO. The research goes beyond the state-of-the-art knowledge in the concept of industrial clusters by exposing a broader view on cooperation developed within cluster organizations. The study links the issue of clustering with the concept of open innovation, shedding new light on the processes of supporting knowledge and information flows in COs. Additionally, it contributes to developing a broader comprehension of the context dependencies of open innovation for potential sustainable innovation.
Impact of Compressor Drive System Efficiency on Air Source Heat Pump Performance for Heating Hot Water
Authors: Szreder Mariusz , Miara Marek
Published: December 2020

A standard Polish household with a central heating system powered by a solid fuel furnace was chosen as a case study. The modular Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) was used to heat the hot water outside the heating season. In this article comparative studies of the impact of the compressor drive system used on the energy efficiency of the heat pump have been carried out in operating conditions. The ASHP heating capacity and coefficient of performance (COP) were determined for the outside air temperature in the range from 7 to 22 °C by heating the water in the tank to a temperature above 50 °C. For the case of a fixed speed compressor, average heating capacity in the range 2.7−3.1 kW and COP values in the range 3.2−4.6 depending on the evaporator supply air temperature were obtained. Similarly, for the inverter compressor, the average heating capacity in the range of 2.7−5.1 kW was obtained for the frequency in the range of 30–90 Hz and COP in the range 4.2−5.7, respectively. On cool days, the average heating capacity of the heat pump decreases by 12%. For the simultaneous operation of two compressors with comparable heating capacity, lower COP values were obtained by 20%.
Soil Carbon Investigation in Three Pedoclimatic and Agronomic Settings of Northern Italy
Authors: Brombin Valentina , Mistri Enrico , De Feudis Mauro , Forti Camilla , Salani Gian Marco , Natali Claudio , Falsone Gloria , Vittori Antisari Livia , Bianchini Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Sustainable agricultural management is needed to promote carbon (C) sequestration in soil, prevent loss of soil fertility, and reduce the release of greenhouse gases. However, the influence of agronomic practices on soil C sequestration depends on the existing pedoclimatic features. We characterized the soils of three farms far away each other in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy): an organic farm in the Northern Apennines, a biodynamic farm, and a conventional farm on the Po Plain. The total, inorganic, and organic carbon in soil, as well as the distinct humic fractions were investigated, analyzing both the elemental and isotopic (13C/12C) composition. In soils, organic matter appears to be variously affected by mineralization processes induced by microorganisms that consume organic carbon. In particular, organic carbon declined in farms located in the plain (e.g., organic carbon down to 0.75 wt%; carbon stock0-30 cm down to 33 Mg/ha), because of the warmer climate and moderately alkaline environment that enhance soil microbial activity. On the other hand, at the mountain farm, the minimum soil disturbance, the cold climate, and the neutral conditions favored soil C sequestration (organic carbon up to 4.42 wt%; carbon stock0-30 cm up to 160 Mg/ha) in humified organic compounds with long turnover, which can limit greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. This work shows the need for thorough soil investigations, to propose tailored best-practices that can reconcile productivity and soil sustainability.
Antitoxin ε Reverses Toxin ζ-Facilitated Ampicillin Dormants
Authors: Moreno-del Álamo María , Marchisone Chiara , Alonso Juan C.
Published: December 2020

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are ubiquitous in bacteria, but their biological importance in stress adaptation remains a matter of debate. The inactive ζ-ε2-ζ TA complex is composed of one labile ε2 antitoxin dimer flanked by two stable ζ toxin monomers. Free toxin ζ reduces the ATP and GTP levels, increases the (p)ppGpp and c-di-AMP pool, inactivates a fraction of uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine, and induces reversible dormancy. A small subpopulation, however, survives toxin action. Here, employing a genetic orthogonal control of ζ and ε levels, the fate of bacteriophage SPP1 infection was analyzed. Toxin ζ induces an active slow-growth state that halts SPP1 amplification, but it re-starts after antitoxin expression rather than promoting abortive infection. Toxin ζ-induced and toxin-facilitated ampicillin (Amp) dormants have been revisited. Transient toxin ζ expression causes a metabolic heterogeneity that induces toxin and Amp dormancy over a long window of time rather than cell persistence. Antitoxin ε expression, by reversing ζ activities, facilitates the exit of Amp-induced dormancy both in rec+ and recA cells. Our findings argue that an unexploited target to fight against antibiotic persistence is to disrupt toxin-antitoxin interactions.
Editorial Overview: Endogenous Retroviruses in Development and Disease
Authors: Gale Hammell Molly , Rowe Helen M.
Published: December 2020

As guest editors, we are pleased to present this Special Issue on endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and their impact on mammalian development and disease [...]
Is continuity of primary care declining in England? Practice-level longitudinal study from 2012 to 2017
Authors: Tammes Peter , Morris Richard W , Murphy Mairead , Salisbury Chris
Published: December 2020

Background

Continuity of care is a core principle of primary care related to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Evidence suggests continuity of care in England is declining.

Aim

To confirm reports of declining continuity of care, explore differences in decline according to practice characteristics, and examine associations between practice populations or appointment provision and changes in continuity of care.

Design and setting

Longitudinal design on GP Patient Survey data reported annually in June or July from 2012 to 2017, whereby the unit of analysis was English general practices that existed in 2012.

Method

Linear univariable and bivariable multilevel models were used to determine decline in average annual percentage of patients having a preferred GP and seeing this GP ‘usually’ according to practicelevel continuity of care, rural/urban location, and deprivation. Associations between percentage of patients having a preferred GP or seeing this GP usually and patients’ experiences with the appointment system and practice population characteristics were modelled.

Results

In 2012, 56.7% of patients had a preferred GP, which had declined by 9.4 percentage points (pp) (95% CI = −9.6 to −9.2) by 2017. Of patients with a preferred GP, 66.4% saw that GP ‘usually’ in 2012; this had declined by 9.7 pp (95% CI = −10.0 to −9.4) by 2017. This decline was visible in all types of practices, irrespective of baseline continuity, rural/urban location, or level of deprivation. At practice level, an increase over time in the percentage of patients reporting good overall experience of making appointments was associated with an increase in both the percentage of patients having a preferred GP and those able to see that GP ‘usually’.

Conclusion

Patients reported a steady decline in continuity of care over time, which should concern clinicians and policymakers. Ability of practices to offer patients a satisfactory appointment system could partly counteract this decline.
Patient-centred innovation for multimorbidity care: a mixed-methods, randomised trial and qualitative study of the patients’ experience
Authors: Stewart Moira , Fortin Martin , Brown Judith Belle , Ryan Bridget L , Pariser Pauline , Charles Jocelyn , Pham Thuy-Nga , Boeckxstaens Pauline , Reichert Sonja M , Zou GY , Bhattacharya Onil , Katz Alan , Piccinini-Vallis Helena , Sampalli Tara , Wong Sabrina T , Zwarenstein Merrick
Published: December 2020

Background

Patient-centred interventions to help patients with multimorbidity have had mixed results.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of a provider-created, patient-centred, multi-provider case conference with follow-up, and understand under what circumstances it worked, and did not work.

Design and setting

Mixed-methods design with a pragmatic randomised trial and qualitative study, involving nine urban primary care sites in Ontario, Canada.

Method

Patients aged 18–80 years with ≥3 chronic conditions were referred to the Telemedicine IMPACT Plus intervention; a nurse and patient planned a multi-provider case conference during which a care plan could be created. The patients were randomised into an intervention or control group. Two subgroup analyses and a fidelity assessment were conducted, with the primary outcomes at 4 months being self-management and self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes were mental and physical health status, quality of life, and health behaviours. A thematic analysis explored the patients’ experiences of the intervention.

Results

A total of 86 patients in the intervention group and 77 in the control group showed no differences, except that the intervention improved mental health status in the subgroup with an annual income of ≥C$50 000 (β-coefficient 11.003, P = 0.006). More providers and follow-up hours were associated with poorer outcomes. Five themes were identified in the qualitative study: valuing the team, patients feeling supported, receiving a follow-up plan, being offered new and helpful additions to their treatment regimen, and experiencing positive outcomes.

Conclusion

Overall, the intervention showed improvements only for patients who had an annual income of ≥C$50 000, implying a need to address the costs of intervention components not covered by existing health policies. Findings suggest a need to optimise team composition by revising the number and type of providers according to patient preferences and to enhance the hours of nurse follow-up to better support the patient in carrying out the case conference’s recommendations.