bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Optical Properties of Metal-Nitrosyl Complexes
Authors: Daniel Chantal , Gourlaouen Christophe
Published: October 2019

The electronic, structural and optical properties (including Spin–Orbit Coupling) of metal nitrosyl complexes [M(CN)5(NO)]2− (M = Fe, Ru or Os) are investigated by means of Density Functional Theory, TD-DFT and MS-CASPT2 based on an RASSCF wavefunction. The energy profiles connecting the N-bound (η1-N), O-bound (η1-O) and side-on (η2-NO) conformations have been computed at DFT level for the closed shell singlet electronic state. For each structure, the lowest singlet and triplet states have been optimized in order to gain insight into the energy profiles describing the conformational isomerism in excited states. The energetics of the three complexes are similar—with the N-bound structure being the most stable—with one exception, namely the triplet ground state of the O-bound isomer for the iron complex. The conformation isomerism is highly unfavorable in the S0 electronic state with the occurrence of two energy barriers higher than 2 eV. The lowest bands of the spectra are assigned to MLCTNO/LLCTNO transitions, with an increasing MLCT character going from iron to osmium. Two low-lying triplet states, T1 (MLCTNO/LLCTNO) and T2 (MLCTNO/ILNO), seem to control the lowest energy profile of the excited-state conformational isomerism.
Extraction, Characterization, Antitumor and Immunological Activities of Hemicellulose Polysaccharide from Astragalus radix Herb Residue
Authors: Li Ke , Li Shuying , Wang Di , Li Xiaoxia , Wu Xingkang , Liu Xiaojie , Du Guanhua , Li Xianrong , Qin Xuemei , Du Yuguang
Published: October 2019

Astragalus radix (radix) have been frequently used for clinical application in China, and the herb residues of radix turn out to be a waste of resources. To escape from this, the medicine value of radix herb residues is mined in this article. We isolated hemicellulose polysaccharide AX-I-3b from radix herb residues by fractional extraction. Monosaccharide-composition analysis revealed that AX-I-3b consisted of arabinose, xylose, and glucose with a molar ratio of 10.4:79.3:1.1. Methylation, NMR and FT-IR analyses showed that AX-I-3b monosaccharide residue was linked as follows: →2,3,4)-β-d-Xylp-(1→, →4)-β-d-Arap-(1→, →4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→. Then, we found that AX-I-3b exhibited antitumor activity against lung cancer in vitro and vivo through MTT assay and xenograft tumor model. Mechanistically, AX-I-3b induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells and xenograft tumors, which is evidenced by the up-regulation of p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and the down-regulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, AX-I-3b synergistically improved the therapeutic ability of cisplatin in xenograft tumors model. Furthermore, AX-I-3b treatment effectively improved the immune organ index, the percentage of spleen lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokine levels in lung cancer mice, supporting that AX-I-3b showed immunomodulatory activity. In conclusion, our results identified AX-I-3b as an antitumor and immunomodulatory agent, providing a new insight into the reutilization of radix herb residue.
“Cell-Free Synthetic Biology”: Synthetic Biology Meets Cell-Free Protein Synthesis
Authors: Hong Seok Hoon
Published: October 2019

Since Nirenberg and Matthaei used cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) to elucidate the genetic code in the early 1960s [...]
Electrochemical Analysis for Demonstrating CO Tolerance of Catalysts in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Min Jiho , Jeffery A. Anto , Kim Youngjin , Jung Namgee
Published: October 2019

Since trace amounts of CO in H2 gas produced by steam reforming of methane causes severe poisoning of Pt-based catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), research has been mainly devoted to exploring CO-tolerant catalysts. To test the electrochemical property of CO-tolerant catalysts, chronoamperometry is widely used under a CO/H2 mixture gas atmosphere as an essential method. However, in most cases of catalysts with high CO tolerance, the conventional chronoamperometry has difficulty in showing the apparent performance difference. In this study, we propose a facile and precise test protocol to evaluate the CO tolerance via a combination of short-term chronoamperometry and a hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) test. The degree of CO poisoning is systematically controlled by changing the CO adsorption time. The HOR polarization curve is then measured and compared with that measured without CO adsorption. When the electrochemical properties of PtRu alloy catalysts with different atomic ratios of Pt to Ru are investigated, contrary to conventional chronoamperometry, these catalysts exhibit significant differences in their CO tolerance at certain CO adsorption times. The present work will facilitate the development of catalysts with extremely high CO tolerance and provide insights into the improvement of electrochemical methods.
Dietary Compounds for Targeting Prostate Cancer
Authors: Noh Seungjin , Choi Eunseok , Hwang Cho-Hyun , Jung Ji Hoon , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Bonglee
Published: October 2019

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the burden of the disease is increased. Although several chemotherapies have been used, concerns about the side effects have been raised, and development of alternative therapy is inevitable. The purpose of this study is to prove the efficacy of dietary substances as a source of anti-tumor drugs by identifying their carcinostatic activities in specific pathological mechanisms. According to numerous studies, dietary substances were effective through following five mechanisms; apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis, microRNA (miRNA) regulation, and anti-multi-drug-resistance (MDR). About seventy dietary substances showed the anti-prostate cancer activities. Most of the substances induced the apoptosis, especially acting on the mechanism of caspase and poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These findings support that dietary compounds have potential to be used as anticancer agents as both food supplements and direct clinical drugs.
Comments on: “The Role of Muscle Mass Gain Following Protein Supplementation Plus Exercise Therapy in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Frailty Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Randomized Trials”
Authors: Chen Wei-Ting , Chu Karen , Bai Chyi-Huey , Hsu Yuan-Pin
Published: October 2019

We recently read with great interest the article titled “The Role of Muscle Mass Gain Following Protein Supplementation (PS) plus Exercise Therapy in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Frailty Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Randomized Trials” [...]
Measuring Food Waste and Consumption by Children Using Photography
Authors: Giboreau Agnes , Schwartz Camille , Morizet David , Meiselman Herbert L.
Published: October 2019

A photography method was used to measure waste on food trays in school lunch in France, using the 5-point quarter-waste scale. While food waste has been studied extensively in US school lunches, the structure of the French lunch meal is quite different, with multiple courses, and vegetables (raw and cooked) in more than one course. Vegetables were the most wasted food category as usually seen in school lunch research, especially cooked vegetables, which were wasted at rates of 66%–83%. Raw vegetables were still wasted more than main dishes, starchy products, dairy, fruit, and desserts. Vegetables were also the most disliked food category, with the classes of vegetables falling in the same order as for waste. Waste and liking were highly correlated. Sensory characteristics of the food were cited as a main reason for liking/disliking. There is a strong connection between food liking and food consumption, and this connection should be the basis for future attempts to modify school lunch to improve consumption. The photographic method of measuring food waste at an individual level performed well.
Acute Mastoiditis Associated with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Pediatric Population of the Umbria Region, Italy
Authors: Camanni Guido , Bianchini Sonia , Neglia Cosimo , Mencacci Antonella , Baldoni Laura , Pacitto Alessandra , Stefanelli Maurizio , Cortis Elisabetta , Esposito Susanna
Published: October 2019

Acute mastoiditis (AM) is the most common complication of acute otitis media (AOM) and is one of the most severe acute bacterial diseases in infants and children. In some geographic areas, the incidence of AM is increasing, and the causative role of some bacterial pathogens could be greater than previously thought. In this paper, the results of a study that evaluated the epidemiology and microbial etiology of paediatric AM in Umbria, which is a region of central Italy, are reported. This is a retrospective study of patients aged 0–14 years with AM admitted to the pediatric wards of the hospitals of Umbria, Italy, between June 1 and September 30 in four consecutive years (2015–2018). A total of 108 children were enrolled. The prevalence of AM in males during the four years of analysis was significantly higher than that in females at 63% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.54–0.72). The most frequently affected age groups were 5–9 years (45.4%) and 10–14 years (31.5%), with statistically significant differences in comparison with children aged <1 year (5.6%, 95% CI: 0.01–0.10) and 1–4 years (17.6%, 95% CI: 0.10–0.25). In most cases (64, 59.3%), AM was associated with spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation (STP). The culture of the middle ear fluid revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 56 cases (51.6%). The mean incidence rates of pediatric AM in Umbria during the study increased significantly with time, as it was 18.18/100,000 children/year in 2015–2016 and 29.24/100,000 children/year in 2017–2018 (CI difference: +2.5 – +19.9, p < 0.05). The incidence rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa detection in pediatric AM associated with STP significantly increased with time. The incidence was 6.06/100,000 children/year in 2015–2016 and 18.61/100,000 children/year in 2017–2018 (CI difference: +6.1 – +19.0, p < 0.001). This study demonstrated the high and increasing incidence of AM in the Umbria region during the summer months and the frequent detection of P. aeruginosa as an etiologic agent of the disease in the presence of STP. Confirmation of these results with a larger study population, in different settings, and throughout the whole year is needed to define the first-line approach of AM with STP in pediatrics.
Non-Nucleoside Agonists of the Adenosine Receptors: An Overview
Authors: Dal Ben Diego , Lambertucci Catia , Buccioni Michela , Martí Navia Aleix , Marucci Gabriella , Spinaci Andrea , Volpini Rosaria
Published: October 2019

Potent and selective adenosine receptor (AR) agonists are of pharmacological interest for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Among these derivatives, nucleoside-based agonists represent the great majority of molecules developed and reported to date. However, the limited availability of compounds selective for a specific AR subtype (i.e., A2BAR) and a generally long and complex synthetic route for largely substituted nucleosides are the main drawbacks of this category of molecules. Non-nucleoside agonists represent an alternative set of compounds able to stimulate the AR function and based on simplified structures. This review provides an updated overview on the structural classes of non-nucleoside AR agonists and their biological activities, with emphasis on the main derivatives reported in the literature. A focus is also given to the synthetic routes employed to develop these derivatives and on molecular modeling studies simulating their interaction with ARs.
Zebrafish Models of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia: A Tool for Understanding the Disease Pathogenesis and Drug Discovery
Authors: Uechi Tamayo , Kenmochi Naoya
Published: October 2019

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by red blood cell aplasia. Currently, mutations in 19 ribosomal protein genes have been identified in patients. However, the pathogenic mechanism of DBA remains unknown. Recently, several DBA models were generated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of disease and to explore novel treatments. Zebrafish have strong advantages in drug discovery due to their rapid development and transparency during embryogenesis and their applicability to chemical screens. Together with mice, zebrafish have now become a powerful tool for studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. In this review, we introduce recent advances in DBA drug development and discuss the usefulness of zebrafish as a disease model.
Design and Characterization of New D–A Type Electrochromic Conjugated Copolymers Based on Indolo[3,2-b]Carbazole, Isoindigo and Thiophene Units
Authors: Zhang Yuling , Chen Shuang , Zhang Yan , Du Hongmei , Zhao Jinsheng
Published: October 2019

Two new donor–acceptor (D–A) type organic conjugated random copolymers were successfully synthesized by three-component Stille coupling polymerization of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole (ICZ), isoindigo (IID) and thiophene units, namely PITID-X (X = 1 and 2), with the controlled monomer feed ratios of 3:1:4 and 1:1:2, respectively. The strategy of incorporating different alkyl-branched donor/acceptor units and raw material feed ratios facilitated the improvement of optical properties, solubility, conjugated structure, and electrochromic performance. Cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR absorption spectra, kinetic and colorimetric measurements of the spray-coated films were recorded in the fabricated three-electrode cells. The results showed that PITID-2, whose optical/electrical properties were better than that of PITID-1, was the candidate electrochromic material due to low band gap of 1.58 eV accompanying the color changing from cyan (neutral state) to gray (oxidized state). The copolymer also illustrated fast bleaching/coloration response time of 2.04/0.33 and 1.35/1.50 s in a 4 s time interval, high coloration efficiency of 171.52 and 153.08 cm2 C−1 and stable optical contrast of 18% and 58% at the wavelength of 675 and 1600 nm, respectively.
Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers Containing B←N Bonds with Strong Electron Affinity and Extended Absorption
Authors: Pang Bo , Tang Zhonghai , Li Yongchun , Meng Huifeng , Xiang Ying , Li Yuqing , Huang Jianhua
Published: October 2019

The B←N is isoelectronic to the C–C, with the former having stronger dipole moment and higher electron affinity. Replacing the C–C bonds in conjugated polymers with B←N bonds is an effective pathway toward novel polymers with strong electron affinity and adjustable optoelectronic properties. In this work, we synthesize a conjugated copolymer, namely, BNIDT-DPP, based on a B←N embedded unit, BNIDT, and a typical electron-deficient unit, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP). For comparison, the C–C counterpart, i.e., IDT-DPP, is also synthesized. In contrast to IDT-DPP, the B←N embedded polymer BNIDT-DPP shows an extended absorption edge (836 versus 978 nm), narrowed optical bandgap (1.48 versus 1.27 eV), and higher electron affinity (3.54 versus 3.74 eV). The Gaussian simulations reveal that the B←N embedded polymer BNIDT-DPP is more electron-deficient in contrast to IDT-DPP, supporting the decreased bandgap and energy levels of BNIDT-DPP. Organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) tests indicate a well-defined p-type characteristic for both IDT-DPP and BNIDT-DPP. The hole mobilities of IDT-DPP and BNIDT-DPP tested by OTFTs are 0.059 and 0.035 cm2/V·s, respectively. The preliminary fabrication of all-polymer solar cells based on BNIDT-DPP and PBDB-T affords a PCE of 0.12%. This work develops a novel B←N embedded polymer with strong electron affinity and extended absorption, which is potentially useful for electronic device application.
Surface-Initiated Initiators for Continuous Activator Regeneration (SI ICAR) ATRP of MMA from 2,2,6,6–tetramethylpiperidine–1–oxy (TEMPO) Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers for the Preparations of PMMA Nanocomposites
Authors: Tu Cheng-Wei , Tsai Fang-Chang , Chang Chi-Jung , Yang Cheng-Han , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Zhang Jiawei , Chen Tao , Huang Chih-Feng
Published: October 2019

An effective method of oxidation from paper pulps via 2,2,6,6–tetramethylpiperidine–1–oxy (TEMPO) compound to obtain TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs) was demonstrated. Following by acylation, TOCN having an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating site of bromoisobutyryl moiety (i.e., TOCN–Br) was successfully obtained. Through a facile and practical technique of surface-initiated initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (SI ICAR ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from TOCN–Br, controllable grafting polymer chain lengths (Mn = ca. 10k–30k g/mol) with low polydispersity (PDI < 1.2) can be achieved to afford TOCN–g–Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanomaterials. These modifications were monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), and water contact angle analysis. Eventually, TOCN–g–PMMA/PMMA composites were prepared using the solvent blending method. Compared to the pristine PMMA (Tg = 100 °C; tensile strength (σT) = 17.1 MPa), the composites possessed high transparency with enhanced thermal properties and high tensile strength (Tg = 110 °C and σT = 37.2 MPa in 1 wt% TOCN containing case) that were investigated by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile tests. We demonstrated that minor amounts of TOCN–g–PMMA nanofillers can provide high efficacy in improving the mechanical and thermal properties of PMMA matrix.
Effect of Hydraulic Retention Time on Carbon Sequestration during the Two-Stage Anammox Process
Authors: Ma Xueyan , Liu Xiaoning , Xiang Bangdong , Zhang Wenjie
Published: October 2019

In a biological treatment process, hydraulic retention time (HRT) has a certain effect on the operation of the reactor. This study investigated the effect of HRT on carbon sequestration in a two-stage anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process using a partial nitrification reactor and anammox reactor to determine the optimal carbon sequestration operating conditions. Molecular biotechnology was used to analyze the sludge in the reactor in order to explore the denitrification performance and to determine the carbon sequestration pathway of the microorganisms. The results show that the partial nitrification stage had the highest carbon sequestration rate (0.319 mg/mg·N) when the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) was 0.44 kg·N/m3/d. The NLR of the anammox stage was 0.13 kg·N/m3/d. When the HRT was 33.4 h, the carbon sequestration of the anammox reaction was at its highest, reaching 0.183 mg/mg·N. The results of microbial analysis show that the carbon-fixing gene cbbLR1 was present in the sludge samples during the anammox and partial nitrification stages, and that there was a Calvin cycle carbon sequestration pathway during the growth process. However, the existence of a gene for reducing and immobilizing CO2 by the acetyl-CoA pathway was not detected; further research is thus needed.
Polarimetric Radar Signatures and Performance of Various Radar Rainfall Estimators during an Extreme Precipitation Event over the Thousand-Island Lake Area in Eastern China
Authors: Gou Yabin , Chen Haonan , Zheng Jiafeng
Published: October 2019

Polarimetric radar provides more choices and advantages for quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) than single-polarization radar. Utilizing the C-band polarimetric radar in Hangzhou, China, six radar QPE estimators based on the horizontal reflectivity (ZH), specific attenuation (AH), specific differential phase (KDP), and double parameters that further integrate the differential reflectivity (ZDR), namely, R(ZH, ZDR), R(KDP, ZDR), and R(AH, ZDR), are investigated for an extreme precipitation event that occurred in Eastern China on 1 June 2016. These radar QPE estimators are respectively evaluated and compared with a local rain gauge network and drop size distribution data observed by two disdrometers. The results show that (i) although R(AH, ZDR) underestimates in the light rain scenario, it performs the best among all radar QPE estimators according to the normalized mean error; (ii) the optimal radar rainfall relationship and consistency between radar measurements aloft and their surface counterparts are both required to obtain accurate rainfall estimates close to the ground. The contamination from melting layer on AH and KDP can make R(AH), R(AH, ZDR), R(KDP), and R(KDP, ZDR) less effective than R(ZH) and R(ZH,ZDR). Instead, adjustments of the α coefficient can partly reduce such impact and hence render a superior AH–based rainfall estimator; (iii) each radar QPE estimator may outperform others during some time intervals featured by particular rainfall characteristics, but they all tend to underestimate rainfall if radar fails to capture the rapid development of rainstorms.
Evaluation of MWHS-2 Using a Co-located Ground-Based Radar Network for Improved Model Assimilation
Authors: Liu Shuxian , Chu Zhigang , Yin Yan , Liu Ruixia
Published: October 2019

Accurate precipitation detection is one of the most important factors in satellite data assimilation, due to the large uncertainties associated with precipitation properties in radiative transfer models and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. In this paper, a method to achieve remote sensing of precipitation and classify its intensity over land using a co-located ground-based radar network is described. This method is intended to characterize the O−B biases for the microwave humidity sounder -2 (MWHS-2) under four categories of precipitation: precipitation-free (0–5 dBZ), light precipitation (5–20 dBZ), moderate precipitation (20–35 dBZ), and intense precipitation (>35 dBZ). Additionally, O represents the observed brightness temperature (TB) of the satellite and B is the simulated TB from the model background field using the radiative transfer model. Thresholds for the brightness temperature differences between channels, as well as the order relation between the differences, exhibited a good estimation of precipitation. It is demonstrated that differences between observations and simulations were predominantly due to the cases in which radar reflectivity was above 15 dBZ. For most channels, the biases and standard deviations of O−B increased with precipitation intensity. Specifically, it is noted that for channel 11 (183.31 ± 1 GHz), the standard deviations of O−B under moderate and intense precipitation were even smaller than those under light precipitation and precipitation-free conditions. Likewise, abnormal results can also be seen for channel 4 (118.75 ± 0.3 GHz).
KOMPSAT-3 Digital Elevation Model Correction Based on Point-to-Surface Matching
Authors: Lee Hyoseong , Hahn Michael
Published: October 2019

In order to generate digital elevation models (DEMs) from high-resolution satellite images, the vendor-provided rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs) are commonly used. This results in a level of accuracy that can be improved by using ground control points (GCPs). The integration of the GCPs into the processing chain is associated with additional effort, since it requires the provision of GCPs as well as the measurement of its image coordinates. In this paper, the authors avoid the measurement of GCP image coordinates and propose a point-to-surface matching method to correct the DEM produced from KOMPSAT-3 satellite images and the provided RPCs. For point-to-surface matching, an existing network of GCPs was used in South Korea, the so-called united control points and the triangulation control points. Practical testing was summarized with the proposed method in which the root mean square error with respect to the horizontal position and the height reduced from 20 m and 6 m to 3 m and 2 m, respectively. This demonstrates that neither image coordinate measurements nor additional GCP point acquisition, e.g., by GPS, are necessary to convert a DEM generated from KOMPSAT-3 images and vendor-provided RPCs into a highly accurate DEM by using existing GCPs and point-to-surface matching.
Environmental Benefits of Stock Evolution of Coal-Fired Power Generators in China
Authors: Li Fangyi , Ye Zhaoyang , Xiao Xilin , Ma Dawei
Published: October 2019

The evolution of in-use coal-fired power generators (CPGs) in China has been impelled by a series of policies called Developing Large Units and Suppressing Small Ones in recent decades. However, it remains highly uncertain about the contribution of the evolution on air pollution reductions at different stages. Models used to assess the effects of CPGs’ evolution often do not account for the different boundary conditions related to units composition and age structure of the existing CPGs, and lifetime expectancy, which hinders effective strategy development and realistic target setting. This study employs a dynamic Type-Cohort-Time (TCT) stock-driven model and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) technique, to investigate the structural evolution of China’s CPGs as well as its environmental effects from 1980 to 2050. We consider generator-specific characteristics, lifetime-related issues and alternative techniques in the historical and scenario analysis. The main results are as follows: the environmental benefits of structural evolution were limited, compared with the changes in emission coefficient due to technical renovation. However, scenario analysis indicates that structural adjustment by elimination of outdated CPGs and construction of new ones in future will undertake emission reduction commitments, since the potentials of other approaches decrease. Uncertainty analysis further demonstrates that promoting elimination of small CPGs and substituting them with renewable energy will bring more emission reductions. The key findings can support policy-making on elimination, construction, and emissions abatement of CPGs.
Individually Optimized Commercial Road Transport: A Decision Support System for Customizable Routing Problems
Authors: Leyerer Max , Sonneberg Marc-Oliver , Heumann Maximilian , Kammann Tim , Breitner Michael H.
Published: October 2019

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) in its manifold variants is widely discussed in scientific literature. We investigate related optimization models and solution methods to determine the state of research for vehicle routing attributes and their combinations. Most of these approaches are idealized and focus on single problem-tailored routing applications. Addressing this research gap, we present a customizable VRP for optimized road transportation embedded into a Decision Support System (DSS). It integrates various model attributes and handles a multitude of real-world routing problems. In the context of urban logistics, practitioners of different industries and researchers are assisted in efficient route planning that allows for minimizing driving distances and reducing vehicle emissions. Based on the design science research methodology, we evaluate the DSS with computational benchmarks and real-world simulations. Results indicate that our developed DSS can compete with problem-tailored algorithms. With our solution-oriented DSS as final artifact, we contribute to an enhanced economic and environmental sustainability in urban logistic applications.
New Building Cladding System Using Independent Tilted BIPV Panels with Battery Storage Capability
Authors: Kim Amy A. , Reed Dorothy A. , Choe Youngjun , Wang Shuoqi , Recart Carolina
Published: October 2019

In order to meet renewable energy goals in the near future, the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) panels on buildings will dramatically increase. The objective of this paper is to introduce an improved design for PV cladding systems that will greatly contribute to meeting these renewable energy goals. Typically, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels are vertically oriented as cladding and they are not coupled with individual storage batteries. The proposed cladding couples a tilted BIPV panel with one or more storage batteries at each building placement. Thus, the tilted BIPV plus battery system is independent of other power generation in the building and it is referred to as a “building perma-power link” (BPPL) cladding element. Each cladding panel is designed as a stand-alone system, which will be useful for installation, operation, and maintenance. The hyper-redundancy of multiple BPPL cladding panels for a typical building significantly enhances its overall energy resiliency. In order to foster manufacturing ease, each individual cladding unit has been designed at tilts of 45° and 60°. An example of a mid-rise building in Seattle, Washington is provided. The degree of building energy resiliency provided through multiple BPPLs is examined.
Workplace Ostracism and Knowledge Hiding: The Mediating Role of Job Tension
Authors: Riaz Sidra , Xu Yusen , Hussain Shahid
Published: October 2019

This study examined the impact of workplace ostracism on employees’ knowledge hiding behavior. Based on the conservation of resource theory, this study seeks to identify the effects of job tension as a mediator and the moderating effect of employee loyalty. Using a time-lagged research design, we collected the data from 392 employees of the textile industry. Results indicate that workplace ostracism positively influences the knowledge hiding behavior such as evasive hiding and playing dumb, whereas it is not significantly related with rationalized hiding. More specifically, workplace ostracism increases the feeling of job tension, while job tension mediates the relationship between workplace ostracism and knowledge hiding. In addition, we found that workplace ostracism demolished the benefits of employee loyalty, as high workplace ostracism more strongly influences the feeling of job tension. We also discussed the theoretical and practical implications.
Impact of Land Certification on Sustainable Land Use Practices: Case of Gozamin District, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Ayelech Kidie , Mansberger Reinfried , Damyanovic Doris , Stoeglehner Gernot
Published: October 2019

Agroforestry is attracting considerable attention in Ethiopia because of its potential for sustainable land use practices. As land tenure insecurity is a major limiting factor for sustainable land use practices in Ethiopia and developing countries in general, the Ethiopian government launched a rural land certification program to secure land tenure. There are limited empirical studies about the impacts of land certification on sustainable land use practices. To fill this knowledge gap, this study was outlined for an area in the Ethiopian Gozamen district. It investigates the impact of land certification on sustainable land use practices and is focused on factors affecting tree plantation based on a household survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. The results of the study showed that the majority of the respondents practiced sustainable land use practices after their land was certified. Therefore, land certification has a great contribution on sustainable land use practices. In addition, age, consultancy, land size, education, and nurseries proved as significant factors for tree plantation. As access to land is a basic socio-economic precondition for sustainable agriculture and forestry in developing countries, tenure security is a key pathway for the development of the poor and it contributes essentially to achieve sustainable development goals.
Household Energy and Water Practices Change Post-Occupancy in an Australian Low-Carbon Development
Authors: Breadsell Jessica K. , Byrne Joshua J. , Morrison Gregory M.
Published: October 2019

This research comprises a longitudinal study of a cohort of residents moving into a low-carbon development and their pre- and post-occupancy household practices that consume energy and water. They are the early adopters of living in low-carbon households and provide valuable insight into the influence of design and technology on household practices. Household energy and water consumption levels are measured and normalised to the metropolitan average to discuss the influence of design and technology on use. Heating, cooling and showering practices consume the largest proportion of household energy and water use and so the changes to thermal comfort and personal hygiene practices are examined along with a consideration of the influence of lifestyle and family composition on cooling practices. Household water and energy use decreases due to technology and design influences post-occupancy. However, the personal practice history of residents influences water and energy consumption. Changes to the meaning element of personal hygiene practices show how these are interlocked and unlikely to change in their duration when there are other demanding practices to be undertaken.
What Role does Corporate Governance Play in the Intention to Use Cloud Computing Technology?
Authors: Palos-Sanchez Pedro R. , Robina-Ramirez Rafael , Velicia-Martin Felix
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to investigate the factors which promote the adoption of cloud-based technology. It strives for a better understanding of the impact of corporate governance on the adoption of this technology. This study concentrated on executives in companies where the use of cloud computing may give a competitive advantage. The main contribution of this work is to propose a model for the influence of corporate governance and other factors that determine the adoption of this technology. A questionnaire was prepared after taking into consideration the reviewed literature. The sample consisted of 164 technology companies from Southern Spain that already use the new economic models for digital solutions. The methodology used to analyze the structural model was the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results of the survey showed the influence of Corporate Governance and the procedures and practices of the organization on the adoption of cloud computing and the associated business model. This study aims to point out the importance of corporate support and Knowledge Management for the correct and successful adoption of this technology and to show the effects on the new business model of billing for the use of available resources.
Localization Properties of Non-Periodic Electrical Transmission Lines
Authors: Lazo Edmundo
Published: October 2019

The properties of localization of the I ω electric current function in non-periodic electrical transmission lines have been intensively studied in the last decade. The electric components have been distributed in several forms: (a) aperiodic, including self-similar sequences (Fibonacci and m-tuplingtupling Thue–Morse), (b) incommensurate sequences (Aubry–André and Soukoulis–Economou), and (c) long-range correlated sequences (binary discrete and continuous). The localization properties of the transmission lines were measured using typical diagnostic tools of quantum mechanics like normalized localization length, transmission coefficient, average overlap amplitude, etc. As a result, it has been shown that the localization properties of the classic electric transmission lines are similar to the one-dimensional tight-binding quantum model, but also features some differences. Hence, it is worthwhile to continue investigating disordered transmission lines. To explore new localization behaviors, we are now studying two different problems, namely the model of interacting hanging cells (consisting of a finite number of dual or direct cells hanging in random positions in the transmission line), and the parity-time symmetry problem ( PT -symmetry), where resistances R n are distributed according to gain-loss sequence ( R 2 n = + R , R 2 n − 1 = − R ). This review presents some of the most important results on the localization behavior of the I ω electric current function, in dual, direct, and mixed classic transmission lines, when the electrical components are distributed non-periodically.
Solving Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Matrix Game by Applying the Accuracy Function Method
Authors: Xing Yumei , Qiu Dong
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the matrix game based on triangular intuitionistic fuzzy payoff is put forward. Then, we get a conclusion that the equilibrium solution of this game model is equivalent to the solution of a pair of the primal–dual single objective intuitionistic fuzzy linear optimization problems ( I F L O P 1 ) and ( I F L O D 1 ) . Furthermore, by applying the accuracy function, which is linear, we transform the primal–dual single objective intuitionistic fuzzy linear optimization problems ( I F L O P 1 ) and ( I F L O D 1 ) into the primal–dual discrete linear optimization problems ( G L O P 1 ) and ( G L O D 1 ) . The above primal–dual pair ( G L O P 1 ) – ( G L O D 1 ) is symmetric in the sense the dual of ( G L O D 1 ) is ( G L O P 1 ) . Thus the primal–dual discrete linear optimization problems ( G L O P 1 ) and ( G L O D 1 ) are called the symmetric primal–dual discrete linear optimization problems. Finally, the technique is illustrated by an example.
Temperature Dependence of the Axion Mass in a Scenario Where the Restoration of Chiral Symmetry Drives the Restoration of the UA(1) Symmetry
Authors: Horvatić Davor , Kekez Dalibor , Klabučar Dubravko
Published: October 2019

The temperature (T) dependence of the axion mass is predicted for T ′ s up to ∼ 2.3 × the chiral restoration temperature of QCD. The axion is related to the U A ( 1 ) anomaly. The squared axion mass m a ( T ) 2 is, modulo the presently undetermined scale of spontaneous breaking of Peccei–Quinn symmetry f a (squared), equal to QCD topological susceptibility χ ( T ) for all T. We obtain χ ( T ) by using quark condensates calculated in two effective Dyson–Schwinger models of nonperturbative QCD. They exhibit the correct chiral behavior, including the dynamical breaking of chiral symmetry and its restoration at high T. This is reflected in the U A ( 1 ) symmetry breaking and restoration through χ ( T ) . In our previous studies, such χ ( T ) yields the T-dependence of the U A ( 1 ) -anomaly-influenced masses of η ′ and η mesons consistent with experiment. This in turn supports our prediction for the T-dependence of the axion mass. Another support is a rather good agreement with the pertinent lattice results. This agreement is not spoiled by our varying u and d quark mass parameters out of the isospin limit.
Genetically Modified Rabies Virus Vector-Based Rift Valley Fever Virus Vaccine is Safe and Induces Efficacious Immune Responses in Mice
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Hao Meng , Feng Na , Jin Hongli , Yan Feihu , Chi Hang , Wang Hualei , Han Qiuxue , Wang Jianzhong , Wong Gary , Liu Bo , Wu Jun , Bi Yuhai , Wang Tiecheng , Sun Weiyang , Gao Yuwei , Yang Songtao , Zhao Yongkun , Xia Xianzhu
Published: October 2019

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), which causes Rift Valley fever (RVF), is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes serious morbidity and mortality in livestock and humans. RVF is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority disease and, together with rabies, is a major health burden in Africa. Here, we present the development and characterization of an inactivated recombinant RVFV and rabies virus (RABV) vaccine candidate (rSRV9-eGn). Immunization with rSRV9-eGn stimulated the production of RVFV-specific IgG antibodies and induced humoral and cellular immunity in mice but did not induce the production of neutralizing antibodies. IgG1 and IgG2a were the main isotypes observed by IgG subtype detection, and IgG3 antibodies were not detected. The ratios of IgG1/IgG2a > 1 indicated a Type 2 humoral immune response. An effective vaccine is intended to establish a long-lived population of memory T cells, and mice generated memory cells among the proliferating T cell population after immunization with rSRV9-eGn, with effector memory T cells (TEM) as the major population. Due to the lack of prophylactic treatment experiments, it is impossible to predict whether this vaccine can protect animals from RVFV infection with only high titres of anti-RVFV IgG antibodies and no neutralizing antibodies induced, and thus, protection confirmation needs further verification. However, this RVFV vaccine designed with RABV as the vector provides ideas for the development of vaccines that prevent RVFV and RABV infections.
Novel Mutations Evading Avian Immunity around the Receptor Binding Site of the Clade 2.3.2.1c Hemagglutinin Gene Reduce Viral Thermostability and Mammalian Pathogenicity
Authors: An Se-Hee , Lee Chung-Young , Hong Seung-Min , Song Chang-Seon , Kim Jae-Hong , Kwon Hyuk-Joon
Published: October 2019

Since 2007, highly pathogenic clade 2.3.2 H5N1 avian influenza A (A(H5N1)) viruses have evolved to clade 2.3.2.1a, b, and c; currently only 2.3.2.1c A(H5N1) viruses circulate in wild birds and poultry. During antigenic evolution, clade 2.3.2.1a and c A(H5N1) viruses acquired both S144N and V223I mutations around the receptor binding site of hemagglutinin (HA), with S144N generating an N-glycosylation sequon. We introduced single or combined reverse mutations, N144S and/or I223V, into the HA gene of the clade 2.3.2.1c A(H5N1) virus and generated PR8-derived, 2 + 6 recombinant A(H5N1) viruses. When we compared replication efficiency in embryonated chicken eggs, mammalian cells, and mice, the recombinant virus containing both N144S and I223V mutations showed increased replication efficiency in avian and mammalian hosts and pathogenicity in mice. The N144S mutation significantly decreased avian receptor affinity and egg white inhibition, but not all mutations increased mammalian receptor affinity. Interestingly, the combined reverse mutations dramatically increased the thermostability of HA. Therefore, the adaptive mutations possibly acquired to evade avian immunity may decrease viral thermostability as well as mammalian pathogenicity.
Differential Susceptibility and Innate Immune Response of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to the Haitian Strain of the Mayaro Virus
Authors: Diop Fodé , Alout Haoues , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Bengue Michèle , Baronti Cécile , Hamel Rodolphe , Talignani Loïc , Liegeois Florian , Pompon Julien , Vargas Ronald E Morales , Nougairède Antoine , Missé Dorothée
Published: October 2019

Mayaro (MAYV) is an emerging arthropod-borne virus belonging to the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family. Although forest-dwelling Haemagogus mosquitoes have been considered as its main vector, the virus has also been detected in circulating Aedes ssp mosquitoes. Here we assess the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to infection with MAYV and their innate immune response at an early stage of infection. Aedes albopictus was more susceptible to infection with MAYV than Ae. aegypti. Analysis of transcript levels of twenty immunity-related genes by real-time PCR in the midgut of both mosquitoes infected with MAYV revealed increased expression of several immune genes, including CLIP-domain serine proteases, the anti-microbial peptides defensin A, E, cecropin E, and the virus inducible gene. The regulation of certain genes appeared to be Aedes species-dependent. Infection of Ae. aegypti with MAYV resulted in increased levels of myeloid differentiation2-related lipid recognition protein (ML26A) transcripts, as compared to Ae. albopictus. Increased expression levels of thio-ester-containing protein 22 (TEP22) and Niemann–Pick type C1 (NPC1) gene transcripts were observed in infected Ae. albopictus, but not Ae. aegypti. The differences in these gene expression levels during MAYV infection could explain the variation in susceptibility observed in both mosquito species.
Towards a Sustainable Water Supply: Humic Acid Removal Employing Coagulation and Tangential Cross Flow Microfiltration
Authors: Hakami Mohammed Wali , Alkhudhiri Abdullah , Zacharof Myrto-Panagiota , Hilal Nidal
Published: October 2019

Synthetic solutions assimilating irrigated groundwater containing varying concentrations of humic acid (10 mg/L), saline (10–35 g/L) and metal agents (5–10 mg/L), were processed through a ceramic microfiltration membrane (Sterilox Ltd., 0.5 μm). This was done with enrichment schemes using polymeric coagulants (PDADMAC) applied to enhance the removal of the above-mentioned pollutants. The study was conducted with the scope of investigating the feasibility of sequential and hybrid coagulation and microfiltration as a method of choice for drinking water treatment. Membrane microfiltration is easily scalable into various arrangements, allowing versatility in operation and enrichment schemes, with a relatively lower cost which other treatment practices do not allow. The highest humic acid removal, 91.11% was achieved with hybrid coagulation.
An Operational Forecasting System for Flash Floods in Mountainous Areas in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yung-Ming , Liu Che-Hsin , Shih Hung-Ju , Chang Chih-Hsin , Chen Wei-Bo , Yu Yi-Chiang , Su Wen-Ray , Lin Lee-Yaw
Published: October 2019

Flash floods are different from common floods because they occur rapidly over short time scales, and they are considered to be one of the most devastating natural hazards worldwide. Mountainous areas with high population densities are particularly threatened by flash floods because steep slopes generate high flow velocities. Therefore, there is a great need to develop an operational forecasting system (OFS) for better flash flood prediction and warning in mountainous regions. This study developed an OFS through the integration of meteorological, hydrological, and hydrodynamic models. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data were used to generate a digital elevation model (DEM). The OFS employs high-density and high-accuracy airborne LiDAR DEM data to simulate rapid water level rises and flooding as the result of intense rainfall within relatively small watersheds. The water levels and flood extent derived from the OFS are in agreement with the measured and surveyed data. The OFS has been adopted by the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) for forecasting flash floods every six hours in a mountainous floodplain in Taiwan. The 1D and 2D visualization of the OFS is performed via the National Center for Atmospheric Research Command Language (NCL).
Geodiversity Evaluation and Water Resources in the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Geopark (Italy)
Authors: Perotti Luigi , Carraro Gilda , Giardino Marco , De Luca Domenico Antonio , Lasagna Manuela
Published: October 2019

This paper aims at systemizing knowledge related to geodiversity assessment for water resources and its evaluation. The novel aspect connected to geodiversity of this paper is the analysis of the components of hydrological system, both at the superficial and underground level, in the territory of the Sesia Val Grande United Nations educational, scientific, and cultural organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark (Northwest Italy). More specifically, the research establishes a conceptual model and a specific procedure for the evaluation of geodiversity connected to water resources on a regional scale, by means of a qualitative-quantitative geographic information system (GIS) process, renamed here as hydro-geodiversity assessment. For these purposes, a targeted ecosystem approach is applied to consider the assets of the Geopark territory that has been derived from the interaction between water and other components of geodiversity, i.e., the hydro-geosystemic services. The element selection and processing operations led to the identification of areas characterized by greater values of hydrological geodiversity, in which the link between surface and underground hydrodynamics became closer and intense. The single geodiversity factor maps that were obtained from partial data aggregations were added together in map algebra operations, then subjected to weighing to formulate the hydro-geodiversity map of the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark. The results of the present study strengthen the strategic management of geological, geomorphological, and hydrological heritages of the study area by identifying different landscapes and local peculiarities determined by mutual influences between geology and hydrological dynamics.