bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Foundational Economy as a Cornerstone for a Social–Ecological Transformation
Authors: Bärnthaler Richard , Novy Andreas , Plank Leonhard
Published: September 2021

This theoretical paper synthesises research on the foundational economy and its contribution to a social–ecological transformation. While foundational thinking offers rich concepts and policies to transition towards such transformation, it fails to grasp the systematic non-sustainability of capitalism. This weakness can be overcome by enriching contemporary foundational thinking with feminist and ecological economics. Whereas the feminist critique problematises foundational thinking’s focus on paid labour, the ecological critique targets Sen’s capability approach as a key inspiration of foundational thinking, arguing that a theory of human needs is better suited to conceptualise wellbeing within planetary boundaries. Based on this, we outline a novel schema of economic zones and discuss their differentiated contributions to the satisfaction of human needs. By privileging need satisfaction, such broadened foundational thinking demotes the tradable sector and rentier economy, thereby revaluating unpaid work as well as respecting ecological imperatives. This empowers new articulations of social and ecological struggles to improve living conditions in the short run, while having the potential in the long run to undermine capitalism from within.
A Novel Emergency Evacuation Model of Subway Station Passengers Considering Personality Traits
Authors: Wang Heng , Xu Tiandong , Li Feng
Published: September 2021

Subway station emergencies have caused serious casualties in recent years, so the aim of this research was to develop and establish an evacuation model that considers the OCEAN personality psychological traits to improve the credibility of the emergency pedestrian evacuation simulation. Firstly, the relationship between the personality and psychological stress was established based on the reconstruction of a passenger’s personality traits. Secondly, the relationship between the expected speed and a passenger’s personality traits was modified based on the social force model. Finally, the simulation was carried out using the Anylogic software. The results show that as the value of the personality increases, the evacuation time of personalities ψA and ψC gradually increases, but the opposite effect is observed for personalities ψN and ψE. Similarly, as the value of personality traits increases, the speed of personalities ψA and ψC gradually decreases, but the opposite effect is observed for personalities ψN and ψE. Only during peak periods, as the value of personality traits increases, the density of the connecting area of passengers with personality traits ψA and ψC gradually increases; on the contrary, that of passengers with personality traits ψN and ψE gradually decreases. The conclusion of this study is that different personality traits have different effects on evacuation behavior, which enriches the model of pedestrian evacuation further.
A Conceptual Framework for Greener Goldmining through Environmental Management Accounting Practices (EMAPs): The Case of Zimbabwe
Authors: Nyakuwanika Moses , van der Poll Huibrecht Margaretha , van der Poll John Andrew
Published: September 2021

Goldmining contributes substantially to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Zimbabwean economy through revenue generated from exports, however it also incurred numerous challenges to the environment. Amongst others, these challenges embody ecological degradation; water and air pollution; and depletion of natural resources. In this paper, we establish the effects of mining operations on the environment through a comprehensive literature review, and how the integration of environmental management accounting practices (EMAPs) such as material flow cost accounting (MFCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and activity-based costing (ABC) could be integrated into a conceptual framework to address environmental challenges. EMAPs were chosen as they generate both physical and monetary data, which could promote transparency in material usage within the goldmining sector. Our analyses revealed a substantial body of literature on separate and individual EMAPs, yet very little was found on the integration of EMAPs. The main contribution of this work is the development of an integrated conceptual EMAPs framework on the strength of sets of qualitative propositions, aimed at promoting green goldmining for Zimbabwe as a developing economy. Future work would involve the validation of the framework among key stakeholders in the Zimbabwean goldmining industry.
Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture by Communal Livestock Farmers in South Africa
Authors: Molieleng Lerato , Fourie Pieter , Nwafor Ifeoma
Published: September 2021

The importance of adopting modern technology in agriculture, especially in a changing climate, cannot be underestimated in Africa. The aim of this review was to highlight the past and the status quo with regard to the adoption of current farming practices in relation to climate-smart agriculture (CSA) by communal livestock farmers in South Africa. The impact of animal agriculture on climate change was also deliberated. Different internet search engines and databases, like Google Scholar, EBSCO Host, Science Direct, etc., and peer-reviewed articles, books, and government and academic reports were employed to provide information to adequately address the aim. Keywords like “the impact of climate smart agriculture on communal livestock farmers”, “communal livestock in South Africa”, “communal farming and technology adoption”, etc. were used for the search. Various issues pertaining to the impact of animal agriculture on climate change, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and implementing CSA in livestock farming were extensively discussed. The findings indicated that there is limited research on the adoption of CSA by communal livestock farmers in South Africa. The review concluded that strategies to adopt modern technology in communal areas should address the issues to enhance knowledge of farmers and all stakeholders, through increasing awareness, trainings, and skills programs. The government should build local capacity in innovative and affordable water and agricultural solutions, and reliable financial mechanisms should be in place to implement innovative sound technologies in communal areas.
Challenges of a Healthy Built Environment: Air Pollution in Construction Industry
Authors: Wieser Antonija Ana , Scherz Marco , Passer Alexander , Kreiner Helmuth
Published: September 2021

Air pollution is a global concern, especially in cities and urban areas, and has many implications for human health and for the environment. In common with other industrial sectors, the construction industry emits air pollutants. In scientific literature, the contribution the construction industry makes to air pollution is underexposed. This systematic literature review (SLR) paper gives an overview of the current literature regarding air pollution within the construction industry. Air pollution is discussed focusing mainly on three levels: (i) buildings and their building life cycle stages, (ii) construction processes and components, and (iii) building material and interior. The final sample of the SLR comprises 161 scientific articles addressing different aspects of the construction industry. The results show that most articles address the use stage of a building. Particulate matter in different sizes is the most frequently examined air pollutant within the SLR. Moreover, about a third of the articles refer to indoor air pollution, which shows the relevance of the topic. The construction industry can help to develop a healthier built environment and support the achievement of cleaner air within various life cycle stages, e.g., with optimized construction processes and healthier materials. International agreements and policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can support the sustainable development of the construction industry.
The Economy and Policy Incorporated Computing System for Social Energy and Power Consumption Analysis
Authors: Zhao Hang , Zhang Jun , Wang Xiaohui , Yuan Hongxia , Gao Tianlu , Hu Chenxi , Yan Jing
Published: September 2021

Human activities, such as energy consumption and economic development, will significantly affect the natural environment, while changes in the natural environment will also affect the sustainability of human society. Studying the energy consumption changes of human society and forecasting medium and long-term electricity demand will help realize the sustainable development of energy in future society. However, current medium- and long-term electricity consumption forecasts have insufficient data samples and the inability to consider policy impacts. Here, we develop an Economy and Policy Incorporated Computing System (EPICS), which can use artificial intelligence technology to extract the summaries of energy policy texts automatically and calculate the importance index of energy policy. It can also process economic data of different lengths to expand samples of medium- and long-term electricity consumption forecasting effectively. A forecasting method that considers policy factors and mixed-frequency economic data is introduced to estimate future social energy and power consumption. This method has shown good forecasting ability in 27 months. The effect of EPICS can be demonstrated by predicting the medium- and long-term electricity demand.
Transmission Expansion Planning for the Optimization of Renewable Energy Integration in the Sulawesi Electricity System
Authors: Tumiran  , Putranto Lesnanto Multa , Irnawan Roni , Sarjiya  , Priyanto Adi , Isnandar Suroso , Savitri Ira
Published: September 2021

In order to meet the growth in demand and the renewable energy integration target, the Sulawesi Electricity System (SES) should be expanded. Currently, the SES is divided into two systems, namely South and North Sulawesi. These two systems have different characteristics, such as the system size, reliability and operational cost. North Sulawesi is smaller, weaker and more expensive than the South System. In order to improve the system reliability, generation and transmission expansion planning should be executed simultaneously to meet the economical investment cost and satisfy the reliability standard. For this purpose, the necessity of a backbone system with a higher voltage level than the existing 150 kV system should be considered, including the interconnection option between the two existing systems in Sulawesi. A methodology based on economic and technical criteria was developed to determine the backbone voltage level. Two voltage level options were considered, namely 275 and 500 kV. Several criteria were considered in order to determine the backbone voltage level, including the economic voltage, the line-loading limit, N-1 contingency, short circuiting, transient stability, voltage stability and small signal stability. The backbone voltage candidates should fulfil all of the criteria. The simulation was conducted in base- and high-demand scenarios, considering the fluctuation of future economic growth. The load flow and the dynamic analysis were simulated in a DIgSILENT Power Factory environment. The results showed that the 275 kV backbone, which was built in 2022, would violate three criteria: the economic voltage, N-1 contingency and voltage stability. On the other hand, the 500 kV backbone voltage level fulfills all of the criteria. The result of this research was considered in the electricity planning documents in Sulawesi. From a technical and economical perspective, the 500 kV backbone was chosen for the SES.
A Review on the Efficient Catalysts for Algae Transesterification to Biodiesel
Authors: Ghedini Elena , Taghavi Somayeh , Menegazzo Federica , Signoretto Michela
Published: September 2021

The depletion of fossil fuel resources and increasing environmental pollution led to a trend for using alternative, clean, green, and sustainable fuel and energy resources. To attain this aim, using biomass as an alternative resource for diesel production has been a hotspot among researchers. Biodiesel has several advantages, such as being lower toxic and more renewable, and eco-friendlier than diesel from fossil fuel resources. Several edible and non-edible bio-sources were used for the production of biodiesel from the transesterification process. Algal oil as a non-edible source is considered an abundant, low cost and green substrate for biodiesel production. Various factors such as reaction conditions and the type of catalyst affect the biodiesel production process. Different catalytic systems such as basic and acidic homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts and biocatalysts were introduced for the process in the literature, and each proposed catalyst has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, in spite of the lower cost and better mass transfer of base and acid homogeneous catalysts, reaction system corrosion, non-reusability, and soap formation are serious challenges of these catalysts at an industrial scale. On the other hand, acid and base heterogenous catalysts overcame the issues of corrosion and recovery, but some matters such as mass transfer limitation, high cost, and weak performance in catalyzing both esterification of FFAs and transesterification of lipids must be taken into account. In addition, bio-catalysis as a high-cost process led to a purer product formation with less side reaction. Therefore, several significant factors should be considered for transesterification catalysts such as availability, cost, reusability, stability, mass transfer, and the possibility to manage both the transesterification of triglycerides and the esterification of FFAs, selecting a catalyst with predominant pros is viable. Here, a review of the biodiesel production from algal biomass focusing on the efficient catalyst of the process is presented.
Rural Winery Resiliency and Sustainability through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Curtis Kynda R. , Slocum Susan L.
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the tourism industry worldwide, including the wine industry in the western U.S. due to mandated winery and tasting room closures, followed by restrictions on capacity and food- and drink-handling once wineries reopened. In California, tasting rooms were fully closed from mid-March to mid-May 2020 and could not have visitors indoors through to October 2020. Hence, this study examines the resiliency of wineries in minor California wine regions, including the challenges faced during the pandemic, strategies used to sustain their business, and the attributes of their operation which contributed to success. Data were collected through structured in-person interviews with five wineries in minor California wine regions, specifically Russian River Valley and Sierra Foothills. The four themes which emerged include: lifestyle business; market differentiation; direct marketing; and the effects of COVID-19. These wineries are primarily family-owned, which gives them the ability to control costs and make decisions rapidly. They did not have a large workforce or multiple layers of management, allowing them to pivot quickly to adjust to the regulatory environment. This study on rural winery resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic will assist rural tourism operations in dealing with social and economic shocks in the future.
Activism and Social Media: Youth Participation and Communication
Authors: Cortés-Ramos Antonio , Torrecilla García Juan Antonio , Landa-Blanco Miguel , Poleo Gutiérrez Francisco Javier , Castilla Mesa María Teresa
Published: September 2021

Background: Digitalization and hyperconnectivity generate spaces for youth participation in social activism through social media platforms. The purpose of this research was to analyze young people’s online experience in social activism movements, including their preferences, themes, usage of language, and perceived impact. Methods: The research is framed within a qualitative interpretative–descriptive paradigm. Five focus groups were conducted, including 58 high school students from Malaga, Spain. Results: Several themes were identified through the coding process, including technological devices and social media preferences, participation in social movements or activism, perception of the degree of participation, the focus of interest, motivation for involvement, language use on social media, and beliefs. Conclusions: In a hyperconnected world, youth participation in social movements becomes more relevant. Their interest is reflected in the enormous potential that this social participation of young people has through networks and virtual platforms, becoming an informal communication model with characteristics to be an effective vehicle for social transformation.
An Integrated Methodology for the Multi-Objective Optimization of Port Railway Capacity: The Case Study of the Port of Trieste
Authors: Caramuta Caterina , Longo Giovanni , Montrone Teresa , Poloni Carlo
Published: September 2021

The relevant pressure exerted on ports following the advent of globalization and containerization has contributed to transform the role of such intermodal transport facilities, increasing their complexity with reference to both performed activities and involved actors. The potential of solid hinterland connections in enhancing port competitiveness has sustained the larger embracement of the railway mode, which has proved to be a financially and environmentally sustainable solution, especially on long hauls. However, the limited residual capacity currently characterizing several railway network and nodes may threaten the accommodation of additional future traffic volumes and, thus, it requires the adoption of a coordinated strategy to more efficiently manage existing railway infrastructures, other than the realization of some new ones. In this regard, an integrated methodology has been developed to specifically model, simulate and optimize port railway processes, as part of a more complex system, imposing the maximization of capacity with the concurrent minimization of used shunting locomotives, to varying of infrastructural and operational conditions. This combination of techniques has been applied to the case study of the Port of Trieste, Italy, showing the greater influence of tracks availability over changes in the operational conditions, in terms of a shorter duration of specific administrative tasks and the employment of more shunting locomotives.
Morphometric Maps of Bilateral Asymmetry in the Human Humerus: An Implementation in the R Package Morphomap
Authors: Profico Antonio , Zeppilli Carlotta , Micarelli Ileana , Mondanaro Alessandro , Raia Pasquale , Marchi Damiano , Manzi Giorgio , O’Higgins Paul
Published: September 2021

In biological anthropology, parameters relating to cross-sectional geometry are calculated in paired long bones to evaluate the degree of lateralization of anatomy and, by inference, function. Here, we describe a novel approach, newly added to the morphomap R package, to assess the lateralization of the distribution of cortical bone along the entire diaphysis. The sample comprises paired long bones belonging to 51 individuals (10 females and 41 males) from The New Mexico Decedent Image Database with known biological profile, occupational and loading histories. Both males and females show a pattern of right lateralization. In addition, males are more lateralized than females, whereas there is not a significant association between lateralization with occupation and loading history. Body weight, height and long-bone length are the major factors driving the emergence of asymmetry in the humerus, while interestingly, the degree of lateralization decreases in the oldest individuals.
A Comparative Analysis of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods for Resource Selection in Mobile Crowd Computing
Authors: Pramanik Pijush Kanti Dutta , Biswas Sanjib , Pal Saurabh , Marinković Dragan , Choudhury Prasenjit
Published: September 2021

In mobile crowd computing (MCC), smart mobile devices (SMDs) are utilized as computing resources. To achieve satisfactory performance and quality of service, selecting the most suitable resources (SMDs) is crucial. The selection is generally made based on the computing capability of an SMD, which is defined by its various fixed and variable resource parameters. As the selection is made on different criteria of varying significance, the resource selection problem can be duly represented as an MCDM problem. However, for the real-time implementation of MCC and considering its dynamicity, the resource selection algorithm should be time-efficient. In this paper, we aim to find out a suitable MCDM method for resource selection in such a dynamic and time-constraint environment. For this, we present a comparative analysis of various MCDM methods under asymmetric conditions with varying selection criteria and alternative sets. Various datasets of different sizes are used for evaluation. We execute each program on a Windows-based laptop and also on an Android-based smartphone to assess average runtimes. Besides time complexity analysis, we perform sensitivity analysis and ranking order comparison to check the correctness, stability, and reliability of the rankings generated by each method.
A Multi-Source Big Data Security System of Power Monitoring Network Based on Adaptive Combined Public Key Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Chengzhi , Huang Chuanfeng , Huang Qiwei , Shi Jian
Published: September 2021

The multi-source data collected by the power Internet of Things (IoT) provide the data foundation for the power big data analysis. Due to the limited computational capability and large amount of data collection terminals in power IoT, the traditional security mechanism has to be adapted to such an environment. In order to ensure the security of multi-source data in the power monitoring networks, a security system for multi-source big data in power monitoring networks based on the adaptive combined public key algorithm and an identity-based public key authentication protocol is proposed. Based on elliptic curve cryptography and combined public key authentication, the mapping value of user identification information is used to combine the information in a public and private key factor matrix to obtain the corresponding user key pair. The adaptive key fragment and combination method are designed so that the keys are generated while the status of terminals and key generation service is sensed. An identification-based public key authentication protocol is proposed for the power monitoring system where the authentication process is described step by step. Experiments are established to validate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed system. The results show that the proposed model demonstrates satisfying performance in key update rate, key generation quantity, data authentication time, and data security. Finally, the proposed model is experimentally implemented in a substation power IoT environment where the application architecture and security mechanism are described. The security evaluation of the experimental implementation shows that the proposed model can resist a series of attacks such as counterfeiting terminal, data eavesdropping, and tampering.
Infinitesimal Periodic Deformations and Quadrics
Authors: Borcea Ciprian S. , Streinu Ileana
Published: September 2021

We describe a correspondence between the infinitesimal deformations of a periodic bar-and-joint framework and periodic arrangements of quadrics. This intrinsic correlation provides useful geometric characteristics. A direct consequence is a method for detecting auxetic deformations, identified by a pattern consisting of homothetic ellipsoids. Examples include frameworks with higher crystallographic symmetry.
The Effect of the Repair of Induced Articular Cartilage Defects in Pigs Using Calcium Phosphate Cement with Aminoacids on the Concentrations of Selected Inflammatory Markers and Serum Enzyme Activities
Authors: Tóthová Csilla , Nagy Oskar , Novotný Jaroslav , Vdoviaková Katarína , Krešáková Lenka , Danko Ján , Žert Zdeněk , Medvecký Lubomír , Petrovová Eva
Published: September 2021

The repair of articular cartilage defects is an intensively developing area of research. Severe inflammatory reactions after surgical interventions on bones or their structures may lead to changes of bone or joint asymmetry. In laboratory diagnostics, some inflammatory biomarkers and serum enzymes are available for the evaluation of these inflammatory processes. A general understanding of inflammatory responses following the repair of cartilage defects is still lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the alterations in the values of five inflammatory markers and the activities of several enzymes in seven 5-month-old pigs within the first 30 days following the restoration of induced articular cartilage defects using the tetracalcium phosphate/nanomoneite cement powder enriched with amino acids (CAL). The reconstruction of surgically induced defects was accompanied by a significant increase of serum amyloid A (SAA, p < 0.05), haptoglobin (Hp, p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP, p < 0.01), and pig major acute phase protein (pig-MAP, p < 0.001). Their concentrations decreased gradually within one-month post-surgery, the values recorded at the end of this period were higher than those obtained prior to surgery. The concentrations of α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) showed no significant changes during the evaluated period. Alterations were also found in the enzyme activities of creatine kinase (p < 0.05), lactate-dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that SAA, Hp, CRP and pig-MAP might be applicable biomarkers of acute phase response for the monitoring of postoperative period.
Displacements and Stress Functions of Straight Dislocations and Line Forces in Anisotropic Elasticity: A New Derivation and Its Relation to the Integral Formalism
Authors: Lazar Markus
Published: September 2021

The displacement and stress function fields of straight dislocations and lines forces are derived based on three-dimensional anisotropic incompatible elasticity. Using the two-dimensional anisotropic Green tensor of generalized plane strain, a Burgers-like formula for straight dislocations and body forces is derived and its relation to the solution of the displacement and stress function fields in the integral formalism is given. Moreover, the stress functions of a point force are calculated and the relation to the potential of a Dirac string is pointed out.
Distance Fibonacci Polynomials—Part II
Authors: Bednarz Urszula , Wołowiec-Musiał Małgorzata
Published: September 2021

In this paper we use a graph interpretation of distance Fibonacci polynomials to get a new generalization of Lucas polynomials in the distance sense. We give a direct formula, a generating function and we prove some identities for generalized Lucas polynomials. We present Pascal-like triangles with left-justified rows filled with coefficients of these polynomials, in which one can observe some symmetric patterns. Using a general Q-matrix and a symmetric matrix of initial conditions we also define matrix generators for generalized Lucas polynomials.
On Some New Fractional Ostrowski- and Trapezoid-Type Inequalities for Functions of Bounded Variations with Two Variables
Authors: Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Budak Hüseyin , Kara Hasan , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Reunsumrit Jiraporn
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we first prove three identities for functions of bounded variations. Then, by using these equalities, we obtain several trapezoid- and Ostrowski-type inequalities via generalized fractional integrals for functions of bounded variations with two variables. Moreover, we present some results for Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals by special choice of the main results. Finally, we investigate the connections between our results and those in earlier works. Analytic inequalities of this nature and especially the techniques involved have applications in various areas in which symmetry plays a prominent role.
Dynamic Processes in a Superconducting Adiabatic Neuron with Non-Shunted Josephson Contacts
Authors: Bastrakova Marina , Gorchavkina Anastasiya , Schegolev Andrey , Klenov Nikolay , Soloviev Igor , Satanin Arkady , Tereshonok Maxim
Published: September 2021

We investigated the dynamic processes in a superconducting neuron based on Josephson contacts without resistive shunting (SC-neuron). Such a cell is a key element of perceptron-type neural networks that operate in both classical and quantum modes. The analysis of the obtained results allowed us to find the mode when the transfer characteristic of the element implements the “sigmoid” activation function. The numerical approach to the analysis of the equations of motion and the Monte Carlo method revealed the influence of inertia (capacitances), dissipation, and temperature on the dynamic characteristics of the neuron.
Substructure Shake Table Testing of Frame Structure–Damper System Using Model-Based Integration Algorithms and Finite Element Method: Numerical Study
Authors: Fu Bo , Jiang Huanjun , Chen Jin
Published: September 2021

Substructure shake table testing (SSTT) is an advanced experimental technique that is suitable for investigating the vibration control of secondary structure-type dampers such as tuned mass dampers (TMDs). The primary structure and damper are considered as analytical and experimental substructures, respectively. The analytical substructures of existing SSTTs have mostly been simplified as SDOF structures or shear-type structures, which is not realistic. A common trend is to simulate the analytical substructure via the finite element (FE) method. In this study, the control effects of four dampers, i.e., TMD, tuned liquid damper (TLD), particle damper (PD) and particle-tuned mass damper (PTMD), on a frame were examined by conducting virtual SSTTs. The frame was modeled through stiffness-based beam-column elements with fiber sections and was solved by a family of model-based integration algorithms. The influences of the auxiliary mass ratio, integration parameters, time step, and time delay on SSTT were investigated. The results indicate that the TLD had the best performance. In addition, SSTT using model-based integration algorithms can provide satisfactory results, even when the time step is relatively large. The effects of integration parameters and time delay are not significant.
Evaluation Process of the Burglary Resistance When Explosives Are Used to Create an Opening in the Barriers
Authors: Zvakova Zuzana , Boros Martin , Figuli Lucia , Velas Andrej
Published: September 2021

Burglary resistance expresses the time required to overcome the barriers to cause the damage in order to unlawfully enter a place for the purposes of stealing property or committing a felony (i.e., disruption of important assets, e.g., critical infrastructure). Damage to the object protection system means damage to the symmetry of the system—the balance between protection measures and security threats. Barriers are considered to be the walls of buildings or secure storage units (safe, safe, etc.), i.e., passive barriers that separate asset (protected value) from the security threat. The role of barriers in the security system is also to slow down the attack and create a time reserve for the intervention of a security service. There is no uniform approach to express the burglary resistance of such barriers using explosives; however, burglary by explosion are present. Explosives in the article are a tool that can be used by the offenders. The article uses mainly Delphi method and Saaty method. These methods have made it possible to identify and expertly evaluate scenarios for the use of explosives to break a barrier. Logical methods and interviews were also used. The result of the article is the identification and evaluation of the possibilities of using explosives to overcome barriers and expressing the blast burglary resistance of barriers. The universal assessment approach allows the inclusion of explosives to the burglary resistance protection system assessment schemes.
Convergence of Certain Baskakov Operators of Integral Type
Authors: Birou Marius Mihai , Muraru Carmen Violeta , Radu Voichiţa Adriana
Published: September 2021

In the present paper, we propose a Baskakov operator of integral type using a function φ on [0,∞) with the properties: φ(0)=0,φ′>0 on [0,∞) and limx→∞φ(x)=∞. The proposed operators reproduce the function φ and constant functions. For the constructed operator, some approximation properties are studied. Voronovskaja asymptotic type formulas for the proposed operator and its derivative are also considered. In the last section, the interest is focused on weighted approximation properties, and a weighted convergence theorem of Korovkin’s type on unbounded intervals is obtained. The results can be extended on the interval (−∞,0] (the symmetric of the interval [0,∞) from the origin).
Binaural Background Noise Enhances Neuromagnetic Responses from Auditory Cortex
Authors: Shen Dawei , Alain Claude , Ross Bernhard
Published: September 2021

The presence of binaural low-level background noise has been shown to enhance the transient evoked N1 response at about 100 ms after sound onset. This increase in N1 amplitude is thought to reflect noise-mediated efferent feedback facilitation from the auditory cortex to lower auditory centers. To test this hypothesis, we recorded auditory-evoked fields using magnetoencephalography while participants were presented with binaural harmonic complex tones embedded in binaural or monaural background noise at signal-to-noise ratios of 25 dB (low noise) or 5 dB (higher noise). Half of the stimuli contained a gap in the middle of the sound. The source activities were measured in bilateral auditory cortices. The onset and gap N1 response increased with low binaural noise, but high binaural and low monaural noise did not affect the N1 amplitudes. P1 and P2 onset and gap responses were consistently attenuated by background noise, and noise level and binaural/monaural presentation showed distinct effects. Moreover, the evoked gamma synchronization was also reduced by background noise, and it showed a lateralized reduction for monaural noise. The effects of noise on the N1 amplitude follow a bell-shaped characteristic that could reflect an optimal representation of acoustic information for transient events embedded in noise.
Coadjoint Orbits of the Poincaré Group for Discrete-Spin Particles in Any Dimension
Authors: Ahlouche Lahlali Ismael , Boulanger Nicolas , Campoleoni Andrea
Published: September 2021

Considering the Poincaré group ISO(d−1,1) in any dimension d>3, we characterise the coadjoint orbits that are associated with massive and massless particles of discrete spin. We also comment on how our analysis extends to the case of continuous spin.
Polynomial Invariant of Molecular Circuit Topology
Authors: Mashaghi Alireza , van der Veen Roland
Published: September 2021

The topological framework of circuit topology has recently been introduced to complement knot theory and to help in understanding the physics of molecular folding. Naturally evolved linear molecular chains, such as proteins and nucleic acids, often fold into 3D conformations with critical chain entanglements and local or global structural symmetries stabilised by formation contacts between different parts of the chain. Circuit topology captures the arrangements of intra-chain contacts within a given folded linear chain and allows for the classification and comparison of chains. Contacts keep chain segments in physical proximity and can be either mechanically hard attachments or soft entanglements that constrain a physical chain. Contrary to knot theory, which offers many established knot invariants, circuit invariants are just being developed. Here, we present polynomial invariants that are both efficient and sufficiently powerful to deal with any combination of soft and hard contacts. A computer implementation and table of chains with up to three contacts is also provided.
Laboratory Characterization of In-Service Full-Mouth Rehabilitation with Monolithic Translucent Zirconia Restorations
Authors: Salazar Marocho Susana M. , VanLandingham Mary Beth , Mourad Firas , Pappa Andres , Koka Sreenivas
Published: September 2021

The chance to critically and microscopically inspect the quality of bonded restorations once they are delivered to the patient after several pre-cementation steps is rare or nonexistent. Replicas of in-service restorations can provide a wealth of information on the integrity of the restorations and moreover make it possible to bring this information to the laboratory for further detailed analysis. This study aimed to characterize the epoxy replicas of 27 cemented monolithic yttria-stabilized zirconia crowns of the maxillary and mandibular arch to assess surface roughness, topography, and symmetry. The topography of the facial, lingual, and occlusal/incisal surfaces of each crown was observed under the optical microscope and further characterized using the scanning electron microscope. Surface roughness measurements were performed using the atomic force microscope. The optical microscope was used to measure the golden proportion and visible width of the anterior maxillary crowns. Surface damage consistent with unpolished adjustment was identified mostly in the occlusal surface of the posterior teeth. Other irregularities, such as scratch marks, small pits, and coarse pits were also found. The surface roughness had great variability. Not all of the anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth followed the golden proportion concept. This study design allows in vitro characterization of in-service restorations. It provides a framework for using replicas for early identification of patterns or features that can trigger fracture and for analysis of morphology and symmetry.
A Two-Phase Algorithm for Robust Symmetric Non-Negative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Li Bingjie , Shi Xi , Zhang Zhenyue
Published: September 2021

As a special class of non-negative matrix factorization, symmetric non-negative matrix factorization (SymNMF) has been widely used in the machine learning field to mine the hidden non-linear structure of data. Due to the non-negative constraint and non-convexity of SymNMF, the efficiency of existing methods is generally unsatisfactory. To tackle this issue, we propose a two-phase algorithm to solve the SymNMF problem efficiently. In the first phase, we drop the non-negative constraint of SymNMF and propose a new model with penalty terms, in order to control the negative component of the factor. Unlike previous methods, the factor sequence in this phase is not required to be non-negative, allowing fast unconstrained optimization algorithms, such as the conjugate gradient method, to be used. In the second phase, we revisit the SymNMF problem, taking the non-negative part of the solution in the first phase as the initial point. To achieve faster convergence, we propose an interpolation projected gradient (IPG) method for SymNMF, which is much more efficient than the classical projected gradient method. Our two-phase algorithm is easy to implement, with convergence guaranteed for both phases. Numerical experiments show that our algorithm performs better than others on synthetic data and unsupervised clustering tasks.
Removal of Carbon Nanotubes from Aqueous Solutions by Sodium Hypochlorite: Effects of Treatment Conditions
Authors: Yang Mei , Okazaki Toshiya , Zhang Minfang
Published: September 2021

The treatment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing wastewater has become an important issue with increasing industrial application due to the risk CNTs may pose to the environment and human health. However, an effective method for treating wastewater containing CNTs has not been established. Recently, we proposed a method to remove CNTs from aqueous dispersions using sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). To explore the practical applications of this method, we herein investigate the influence of different conditions, such as NaClO concentration, reaction temperature, pH value, and CNT concentration, on the CNT degradation rate. The results showed that the degradation of CNTs depends strongly on temperature and NaClO concentration: the higher the temperature and NaClO concentration, the faster the degradation rate. The optimal temperature and NaClO concentration are 50–70 °C and 2–3 wt%, respectively. Lower pH accelerated the degradation rate but induced the decomposition of NaClO. Furthermore, dispersants and other substances in the solution may also consume NaClO, thus affecting the degradation of CNTs. These findings are of significance for establishing a standard technique for CNT-containing industrial wastewater treatment, and for advancing the environmental sustainability of the CNT industry.
Validation of LC-MS/MS Coupled with a Chiral Column for the Determination of 3- or 15-Acetyl Deoxynivalenol Mycotoxins from Fusarium graminearum in Wheat
Authors: Wang Lan , Yan Zheng , Zhou Haiyan , Fan Yingying , Wang Cheng , Zhang Jingbo , Liao Yucai , Wu Aibo
Published: September 2021

The major causal agents Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum) and Fusarium asiaticum could produce multiple mycotoxins in infected wheat, which threatens the health of humans and animals. Specifically, deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivatives 3- and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON and 15-ADON) are commonly detected mycotoxins in cereal grains. However, the good chromatographic separation of 3-ADON and 15-ADON remains challenging. Here, an LC-MS/MS method for the chemotype determination of Fusarium strains was developed and validated. 3- and 15-ADON could be separated chromatographically in this study with sufficiently low limits of detection (LODs; 4 μg/kg) and limits of quantification (LOQs; 8 μg/kg). The satisfying intraday and interday reproducibility (both %RSDr and %RSDR were <20%) of this method indicated good stability. The recoveries of all analytes were in the range of 80–120%. In addition, three F. graminearum complex (FGC) strains, i.e., PH-1 (chemotype 15-ADON), F-1 (chemotype 3-ADON) and 5035 (chemotype 15-ADON), were selected to verify the accuracy of the method in differentiating phenotypes. The validation results showed that this LC-MS/MS method based on sample pretreatment is effective and suitable for the chromatographic separation of 3-ADON and 15-ADON in wheat.
Thermal Stability and Degradation Kinetics of Patulin in Highly Acidic Conditions: Impact of Cysteine
Authors: Diao Enjie , Ma Kun , Zhang Hui , Xie Peng , Qian Shiquan , Song Huwei , Mao Ruifeng , Zhang Liming
Published: September 2021

The thermal stability and degradation kinetics of patulin (PAT, 10 μmol/L) in pH 3.5 of phosphoric-citric acid buffer solutions in the absence and presence of cysteine (CYS, 30 μmol/L) were investigated at temperatures ranging from 90 to 150 °C. The zero-, first-, and second-order models and the Weibull model were used to fit the degradation process of patulin. Both the first-order kinetic model and Weibull model better described the degradation of patulin in the presence of cysteine while it was complexed to simulate them in the absence of cysteine with various models at different temperatures based on the correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.90). At the same reaction time, cysteine and temperature significantly affected the degradation efficiency of patulin in highly acidic conditions (p < 0.01). The rate constants (kT) for patulin degradation with cysteine (0.0036–0.3200 μg/L·min) were far more than those of treatments without cysteine (0.0012–0.1614 μg/L·min), and the activation energy (Ea = 43.89 kJ/mol) was far less than that of treatment without cysteine (61.74 kJ/mol). Increasing temperature could obviously improve the degradation efficiency of patulin, regardless of the presence of cysteine. Thus, both cysteine and high temperature decreased the stability of patulin in highly acidic conditions and improved its degradation efficiency, which could be applied to guide the detoxification of patulin by cysteine in the juice processing industry.
A Novel Glutathione S-Transferase Gtt2 Class (VpGSTT2) Is Found in the Genome of the AHPND/EMS Vibrio parahaemolyticus Shrimp Pathogen
Authors: Valenzuela-Chavira Ignacio , Corona-Martinez David O. , Garcia-Orozco Karina D. , Beltran-Torres Melissa , Sanchez-Lopez Filiberto , Arvizu-Flores Aldo A. , Sugich-Miranda Rocio , Lopez-Zavala Alonso A. , Robles-Zepeda Ramon E. , Islas-Osuna Maria A. , Ochoa-Leyva Adrian , Toney Michael D. , Serrano-Posada Hugo , Sotelo-Mundo Rogerio R.
Published: September 2021

Glutathione S-transferases are a family of detoxifying enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) with different xenobiotic compounds using either Ser, Tyr, or Cys as a primary catalytic residue. We identified a novel GST in the genome of the shrimp pathogen V. parahaemolyticus FIM- S1708+, a bacterial strain associated with Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND)/Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in cultured shrimp. This new GST class was named Gtt2. It has an atypical catalytic mechanism in which a water molecule instead of Ser, Tyr, or Cys activates the sulfhydryl group of GSH. The biochemical properties of Gtt2 from Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VpGSTT2) were characterized using kinetic and crystallographic methods. Recombinant VpGSTT2 was enzymatically active using GSH and CDNB as substrates, with a specific activity of 5.7 units/mg. Low affinity for substrates was demonstrated using both Michaelis–Menten kinetics and isothermal titration calorimetry. The crystal structure showed a canonical two-domain structure comprising a glutathione binding G-domain and a hydrophobic ligand H domain. A water molecule was hydrogen-bonded to residues Thr9 and Ser 11, as reported for the yeast Gtt2, suggesting a primary role in the reaction. Molecular docking showed that GSH could bind at the G-site in the vicinity of Ser11. G-site mutationsT9A and S11A were analyzed. S11A retained 30% activity, while T9A/S11A showed no detectable activity. VpGSTT2 was the first bacterial Gtt2 characterized, in which residues Ser11 and Thr9 coordinated a water molecule as part of a catalytic mechanism that was characteristic of yeast GTT2. The GTT2 family has been shown to provide protection against metal toxicity; in some cases, excess heavy metals appear in shrimp ponds presenting AHPND/EMS. Further studies may address whether GTT2 in V. parahaemolyticus pathogenic strains may provide a competitive advantage as a novel detoxification mechanism.