bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolving Role and Impact of Integrating Pharmacists into Primary Care Teams: Experience from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Khaira Manmeet , Mathers Annalise , Benny Gerard Nichelle , Dolovich Lisa
Published: December 2020

The movement to integrate pharmacists into primary care team-based settings is growing in countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In the province of Ontario in Canada, almost 200 pharmacists have positions within interdisciplinary primary care team settings, including Family Health Teams and Community Health Centers. This article provides a narrative review of the evolving roles of pharmacists working in primary care teams, with a focus on evidence from Ontario, as well as drawing from other jurisdictions around the world. Pharmacists within primary care teams are uniquely positioned to facilitate the expansion of the pharmacist’s scope of practice, through a collaborative care model that leverages, integrates, and transforms the medication expertise of pharmacists into a reliable asset and resource for physicians, as well as improves the health outcomes for patients and optimizes healthcare utilization.
Scaling of Beam Collective Effects with Bunch Charge in the CompactLight Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Di Mitri Simone , Latina Andrea , Aicheler Marcus , Aksoy Avni , Alesini David , Burt Graeme , Castilla Alejandro , Clarke Jim , Cortés Hector , Croia Michele , D’Auria Gerardo , Diomede Marco , Dunning David , Ferrario Massimo , Gallo Alessandro , Giribono Anna , Goryashko Vitaliy , Mostacci Andrea , Nguyen Federico , Rochow Regina , Scifo Jessica , Spataro Bruno , Thompson Neil , Vaccarezza Cristina , Vannozzi Alessandro , Wu Xiaowei , Wuensch Walter
Published: December 2020

The CompactLight European consortium is designing a state-of-the-art X-ray free-electron laser driven by radiofrequency X-band technology. Rooted in experimental data on photo-injector performance in the recent literature, this study estimates analytically and numerically the performance of the CompactLight delivery system for bunch charges in the range 75–300 pC. Space-charge forces in the injector, linac transverse wakefield, and coherent synchrotron radiation in bunch compressors are all taken into account. The study confirms efficient lasing in the soft X-rays regime with pulse energies up to hundreds of microjoules at repetition rates as high as 1 kHz.
Study of the Optical Properties of Multi-Particle Phosphors by the FDTD and Ray Tracing Combined Method
Authors: Ding Xinrui , Shao Changkun , Yu Shudong , Yu Binhai , Li Zongtao , Tang Yong
Published: December 2020

It is well known that the optical properties of multi-particle phosphor are crucial to the light performance of white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Note that the optical properties including scattering or absorption properties for a single particle are easy to be calculated. However, due to the large computation considering the complicated re-scattering and re-absorption, it is difficult to calculate the scattering behaviors of the multi-particles. A common method to reduce the computation, which can cause unknown deviations, is to replace the multi-particle scattering properties by using the average scattering data of single particles. In this work, a cluster of multi-phosphor particles are directly simulated by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The total scattering data of the cluster was processed as a bulk scattering parameter and imported to the Monte-Carlo ray-tracing (RT) method to realize a large-scale multi-particle scattering calculation. A polynomial mathematical model was built according to the multi-particle scattering data. An experiment was carried out for verifying the accuracy of the method in this work. The mean absolute percentages of the previous method are 1.68, 2.06, and 1.22 times larger than the multi-particle method compared with the experimental curves, respectively.
Flash Flaming Improves Flow Properties of Mediterranean Grasses Used for Direct Seeding
Authors: Berto Bianca , Erickson Todd E. , Ritchie Alison L.
Published: December 2020

The demand for native grasses is increasing in restoration and agriculture, though their use is often limited due to seed handling challenges. The external structures surrounding the grass seed (i.e., the floret) possess hairs, awns, and appendages which create blockages in conventional seeding equipment. Flash flaming is a patented technology which allows precision exposure of floret material to flames to singe off hairs and appendages. We used two grasses native to Mediterranean ecosystems of Western Australia (Amphipogon turbinatus R.Br. and Neurachne alopecuoidea R.Br.) to evaluate the effects of different flaming techniques on flow properties and germination. Flaming significantly improved flowability in both species and had both neutral (A. turbinatus) and negative (N. alopecuroidea) effects on germination. Flaming torch size influenced germination, though flaming temperature (low or high) and whether this was kept constant or alternating had no effect. The best evaluation of germination following flaming was achieved by cleaning flamed florets to seed and/or germinating in the presence of karrikinolide (KAR1) or gibberellic acid (GA3). We suggest that flaming settings (particularly torch size) require species-specific evaluation and optimisation. Removing seeds from flamed florets and germination testing this material in the presence of stimulants may be a useful protocol for future flaming evaluations.
Fabrication of Activated Carbon Fibers with Sheath-Core, Hollow, or Porous Structures via Conjugated Melt Spinning of Polyethylene Precursor
Authors: Won Jong Sung , Lee Ha Ram , Lee Min Jun , Jeon Min Hong , Lee Seung Goo , Joo Yong Lak
Published: December 2020

Using polyethylene as carbon precursor, we have fabricated cost-effective carbon fibers with a sheath-core structure via conjugate melt spinning. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were used as the sheath and core of the fiber, respectively, while sulfonation with sulfuric acid was conducted to enable the crosslinking of polyethylene. We demonstrated that carbonization and activation of the sheath-core-structured polyethylene fiber can result in a well-developed microporous structure in the sheath layer, and due to the core-sheath structure, the resulting activated carbon fibers exhibit a high tensile strength of ~455 MPa, initial modulus of ~14.4 GPa, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of ~1224 m2/g. Finally, activated carbon fibers with a hollow, sheath-core, and porous were successfully fabricated by controlling the degree of crosslinking of the LDPE/HDPE sheath-core fiber.
Classical Logic in the Quantum Context
Authors: Oldofredi Andrea
Published: December 2020

It is generally accepted that quantum mechanics entails a revision of the classical propositional calculus as a consequence of its physical content. However, the universal claim according to which a new quantum logic is indispensable in order to model the propositions of every quantum theory is challenged. In the present essay, we critically discuss this claim by showing that classical logic can be rehabilitated in a quantum context by taking into account Bohmian mechanics. It will be argued, indeed, that such a theoretical framework provides the necessary conceptual tools to reintroduce a classical logic of experimental propositions by virtue of its clear metaphysical picture and its theory of measurement. More precisely, it will be shown that the rehabilitation of a classical propositional calculus is a consequence of the primitive ontology of the theory, a fact that is not yet sufficiently recognized in the literature concerning Bohmian mechanics. This work aims to fill this gap.
A Complex Ultimate Reality: The Metaphysics of the Four Yogas
Authors: Long Jeffery D.
Published: December 2020

This essay will pose and seek to answer the following question: If, as Swami Vivekananda claims, the four yogas are independent and equally effective paths to God-realization and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, then what must reality be like? What ontology is implied by the claim that the four yogas are all equally effective paths to the supreme goal of religious life? What metaphysical conditions would enable this pluralistic assertion to be true? Swami Vivekananda’s worldview is frequently identified with Advaita Vedānta. We shall see that Vivekananda’s teaching is certainly Advaitic in what could be called a broad sense. As Anantanand Rambachan and others, however, have pointed out, it would be incorrect to identify Swami Vivekananda’s teachings in any rigid or dogmatic sense with the classical Advaita Vedānta of Śaṅkara; this is because Vivekananda’s teaching departs from that of Śaṅkara in some significant ways, not least in his assertion of the independent salvific efficacy of the four yogas. This essay will argue that Swami Vivekananda’s pluralism, based on the concept of the four yogas, is far more akin to the deep religious pluralism that is advocated by contemporary philosophers of religion in the Whiteheadian tradition of process thought like David Ray Griffin and John Cobb, the classical Jain doctrines of relativity (anekāntavāda, nayavāda, and syādvāda), and, most especially, the Vijñāna Vedānta of Vivekananda’s guru, Sri Ramakrishna, than any of these approaches is to the Advaita Vedānta of Śaṅkara. Advaita Vedānta, in Vivekananda’s pluralistic worldview, becomes one valid conceptual matrix among many that bear the ability to support an efficacious path to liberation. This essay is intended not as an historical reconstruction of Vivekananda’s thought, so much as a constructive philosophical contribution to the ongoing scholarly conversations about both religious (and, more broadly, worldview) pluralism and the religious and philosophical legacies of both Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. The former conversation has arrived at something of an impasse (as recounted by Kenneth Rose), while the latter conversation has recently been revived, thanks to the work of Swami Medhananda (formerly Ayon Maharaj) and Arpita Mitra.
The Potential for Citizen Science to Improve the Reach of Sanitary Inspections
Authors: Herschan Jo , King Richard , Mkandawire Theresa , Okurut Kenan , Lapworth Dan J. , Malcolm Rosalind , Pond Katherine
Published: December 2020

To achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking-water quality and sanitation for all, and 10, to reduce inequality within and among countries, additional and urgent work is required. Efforts to achieve these Goals in the context of small drinking-water supplies, which are the furthest behind in regards to progress, are of particular need. Reasons for this disparity in progress include the remoteness of access to small drinking-water supplies and the lack of technical and financial capacity for monitoring supplies. The World Health Organization promote the use of Sanitary inspection (SI) as an on-site assessment of risk. Despite the potential to increase the body of knowledge and information on supplies in a region, there has been limited research into the role of citizen science and SIs. To meet SDG targets, we need to improve the reach of SIs. This study uses a mixed methods approach of quantitative on-site SI data collection and remote SI data collection via photographic images, together with qualitative data collection, collected by non-expert students, who are citizens of Malawi, as well as a panel of experts in the field of SI. Results indicate that, although further research into the topic is required prior to widescale implementation, the potential exists for citizens to conduct SI, with remote expert verification of the results using photographic images of supplies. Further documentation or guidance is required to support citizens in this process. The results highlight a critical gap in the availability of appropriate documentation for unprotected spring sources which is urgently required. The use of citizen science for SI data collection is in its infancy. However, this study indicates that there is potential to explore the use of citizen science in this area, which will contribute to achieving SDGs 6 and 10.
Suitability of Wild Phragmites australis as Bio-Resource: Tissue Quality and Morphology of Populations from Three Continents
Authors: Eller Franziska , Guo Xiao , Ye Siyuan , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Brix Hans
Published: December 2020

We collected and analyzed morphological characteristics and tissue nutrient concentrations of common reed (Phragmites australis) populations from Denmark, USA, and China, harvested late summer at the peak of the biomass production. The aim was to estimate the suitability of the biomass for different bioenergy purposes. The potential of reed as bioenergy feedstock is increasingly recognized, as the species already is utilized for construction, water purification, and pulp production. Our morphological data showed that biomass yield can be allometrically predicted to be high, especially in the reed populations of the US. However, no consistent pattern according to geographical origin was detected, and especially tissue nutrient concentrations varied within and between populations. Some mineral concentrations were above the desirable threshold for biocombustion, such as nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). Iron (Fe) was higher than the critical toxicity concentration in many populations and hence, negatively correlated with morphological and growth traits. A different harvest time is likely to result in lower ion concentrations. Some populations had low C to N ratios, which are suitable for biomethane production, while the relatively low ash content of all populations (ranging from 3.9% to 8.5%) suggested a high heating value and theoretical energy potential. Reed biomass production is a promising alternative to fossil fuels and potentially suitable for other bio-based product. Improved knowledge is needed to examine local needs and application possibilities for reed biomass.
Examining the Effects of Gradual Catastrophes on Capital Modelling and the Solvency of Insurers: The Case of COVID-19
Authors: Tamturk Muhsin , Cortis Dominic , Farrell Mark
Published: December 2020

This paper models the gradual elements of catastrophic events on non-life insurance capital with a particular focus on the impact of pandemics, such as COVID-19. A combination of actuarial and epidemiological models are handled by the Markovian probabilistic approach, with Feynman’s path calculation and Dirac notations, in order to observe how a pandemic risk may affect an insurer via reduced business. We also examine how the effects of a pandemic can be taken into account both during and at the end of the process. Examples are also provided showing the potential effects of a pandemic on different types of insurance product.
Price Formation and Optimal Trading in Intraday Electricity Markets with a Major Player
Authors: Féron Olivier , Tankov Peter , Tinsi Laura
Published: December 2020

We study price formation in intraday electricity markets in the presence of intermittent renewable generation. We consider the setting where a major producer may interact strategically with a large number of small producers. Using stochastic control theory, we identify the optimal strategies of agents with market impact and exhibit the Nash equilibrium in a closed form in the asymptotic framework of mean field games with a major player.
Comparing Winds near Tropical Oceanic Precipitation Systems with and without Lightning
Authors: Lang Timothy J.
Published: December 2020

In order to examine how robust updraft strength and ice-based microphysical processes aloft in storms may affect convective outflows near the surface, ocean winds were compared between tropical maritime precipitation systems with and without lightning. The analysis focused on Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) specular point tracks, using straightforward spatiotemporal matching criteria to pair CYGNSS-measured wind speeds with satellite-based precipitation observations, Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) wind speeds, and lightning flash data from ground-based and space-based sensors. Based on the results, thunderstorms over the tropical oceans are associated with significantly heavier rain rates (~200% greater) than non-thunderstorms. However, wind speeds near either type of precipitation system do not differ much (~0.5 m s−1 or less). Moreover, the sign of the difference depends on the wind instrument used, with CYGNSS suggesting non-thunderstorm winds are slightly stronger, while ASCAT suggests the opposite. These observed wind differences are likely related to lingering uncertainties between CYGNSS and ASCAT measurements in precipitation. However, both CYGNSS and ASCAT observe winds near precipitation (whether lightning-producing or not) to be stronger than background winds by at least 1 m s−1.
Mapping Spatiotemporal Changes in Vegetation Growth Peak and the Response to Climate and Spring Phenology over Northeast China
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Yuke , Wen Rihong , Zhou Chenghu , Xu Lili , Xi Xi
Published: December 2020

Global climate change has led to significant changes in seasonal rhythm events of vegetation growth, such as spring onset and autumn senescence. Spatiotemporal shifts in these vegetation phenological metrics have been widely reported over the globe. Vegetation growth peak represents plant photosynthesis capacity and responds to climate change. At present, spatiotemporal changes in vegetation growth peak characteristics (timing and maximum growth magnitude) and their underlying governing mechanisms remain unclear at regional scales. In this study, the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation growth peak in northeast China (NEC) was investigated using long-term NDVI time series. Then, the effects of climatic factors and spring phenology on vegetation growth peak were examined. Finally, the contribution of growth peak to vegetation production variability was estimated. The results of the phenological analysis indicate that the date of vegetation green up in spring and growth peak in summer generally present a delayed trend, while the amplitude of growth peak shows an increasing trend. There is an underlying cycle of 11 years in the vegetation growth peak of the entire study area. Air temperature and precipitation before the growing season have a small impact on vegetation growth peak amplitude both in its spatial extent and magnitude (mainly over grasslands) but have a significant influence on the date of the growth peak in the forests of the northern area. Spring green-up onset has a more significant impact on growth peak than air temperature and precipitation. Although green-up date plays a more pronounced role in controlling the amplitude of the growth peak in forests and grasslands, it also affects the date of growth peak in croplands. The amplitude of the growth peak has a significant effect on the inter-annual variability of vegetation production. The discrepant patterns of growth peak response to climate and phenology reflect the distinct adaptability of the vegetation growth peak to climate change, and result in different carbon sink patterns over the study area. The study of growth peak could improve our understanding of vegetation photosynthesis activity over various land covers and its contribution to carbon uptake.
Advancing Therapies for Cancer—From Mustard Gas to CAR T
Authors: Jarrell Dillon K. , Drake Seth , Brown Mark A.
Published: December 2020

The development of targeted therapeutics for cancer continues to receive intense research attention as laboratories and pharmaceutical companies seek to develop drugs and technologies that improve treatment efficacy and mitigate harmful side effects. In the aftermath of World War I, it was discovered that mustard gas destroys rapidly dividing cells and could be used to treat cancer. Since then, chemotherapy has remained a predominant treatment for cancer; however, the destruction of dividing cells throughout the body yields devastating side effects including off-target damage of the digestive tract, bone marrow, skin, and reproductive tract. Furthermore, the high mutation rate of cancerous cells often renders chemotherapy ineffective long-term. Therapies with improved specificity, localization, and efficacy are redefining cancer treatment. Herein, we define and summarize the principal advancements in targeted cancer treatment and briefly comment on the march towards personalized medicine in the treatment of human cancer.
Figures of Postwar Sliding: Utopia and Violence in the Extreme Sport Performances of James Bond
Authors: Eriksson Jonnie , Jonasson Kalle
Published: December 2020

This article investigates the utopian visions of extreme sports as a postwar phenomenon by contrasting it to the violence of the extreme sport practitioner par excellence in postwar/cold war cinema: James Bond. Continental philosophy and cultural studies furnish extreme sport as a manifold of wholesome, meaningful, sustainable, life-enhancing, and environmentally intimate practices, less orientated toward human rivalry than its traditional namesake. Certain attention is thus paid to the movement of sliding in extreme sports that thrive on powerful natural forces such as air, wind, snowy slopes, and big waves, creating an ambivalent field between mastery and letting oneself go. Sliding, or glissade, is treated as a “figure of thought” that Bond is mustered to embody and enact with his extreme athletic repertoire. The analysis of James Bond’s extreme sport sliding is contrasted to the musings of glissade philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Gilles Deleuze, and Michel Serres. It is concluded that if there is utopianism in James Bond’s extreme sport performances, it is in the sliding itself, while the attaining of that state is paved with violence towards everything material. The article reinforces the concept of the extreme in relation to sport as a processual tool, rather than a category describing a fixed set of characteristics adhering to a certain practice.
Sampled Soil Volume Effect on Soil Physical Quality Determination: A Case Study on Conventional Tillage and No-Tillage of the Soil under Winter Wheat
Authors: Castellini Mirko , Giglio Luisa , Modugno Francesca
Published: December 2020

Sampled soil volume is a main experimental factor which must be properly considered to obtain a reliable estimation of soil physical quality (SPQ) and, thus, to obtain credible evaluation of the impact of a conservative-conventional soil management system on the soil air–water relationship. In this investigation, two ring sizes were used to sample two fine textured soils and soil management for durum wheat cultivation, namely, conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT). The soil water retention was determined; soil bulk density (BD), macroporosity (MACpor), air capacity (AC), and relative field capacity (RFC) were estimated to assess the soil physical quality indicators, in agreement with the guidelines suggested in the literature. The main results showed that the sampling volume of the soil affected the soil water retention estimation (θ) and, consequently, affected the SPQ estimation, given that (i) higher θ values (by a factor 1.11 as mean) were generally obtained with a large diameter than a small one; these differences decreased (by a factor 1.20, 1.10 and 1.03) as the imposed pressure head value decreased (respectively, at h = 0, −10 and −100 cm); (ii) among SPQ indicators considered, soil volume samples seemed to impact the BD–RFC estimation more than AC–MACpor, as statistical differences were identified only in the former case; iii) NT soil was significantly more compact, and had lower macroporosity or air capacity, when compared with CT; at the time of sampling, the mean SPQ was always poor for AC–RFC, or optimal for BD, regardless of soil management, and it was intermediate or poor when the MACpor was evaluated under CT or NT. This study contributes toward understanding the impact of soil management on soil physical properties in Mediterranean agro-environments.
The Effects of Organizational Traits on NGO–Business Engagement in Mexico
Authors: Aigner Dennis J. , Pesqueira Luli
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the organizational traits that increase the likelihood of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to engage with businesses in order to enhance their mutual economic, environmental and social goals, consistent with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, Targets 17.16 and 17.17. The research is based on a survey of 364 randomly selected environmental and social NGOs in Mexico. A probit model is used to analyze the data and generate insights whereby an NGO’s proclivity to engage with the private sector is associated with a number of fundamental organizational characteristics that make them distinct from other NGOs active in their field. The main findings show that likelihood of NGO engagement with firms is correlated with making corporate donations deductible for businesses, NGO size and scope, activities and level of professionalization, sustaining broader stakeholder relations, and showing transparency about the mission and goals of the NGO. The paper includes an analysis of the determinants of specific forms of engagement and discusses some implications for NGO–business engagement and its support of the SDG targets.
Seed Germination of Sunflower as a Case Study for the Risk Assessment and Management of Transgenic Plants Used for Environmental Remediation in South Korea
Authors: Nam Kyong-Hee , Han Sung Min
Published: December 2020

In South Korea, the safety management of living modified organisms (LMOs) is regulated by seven government agencies depending on their use, and the Ministry of Environment is in charge of LMOs to manage environmental remediation and effects on natural ecosystems. This study aimed to develop appropriate research tools to determine the factors affecting the invasiveness of transgenic plants used for environmental remediation. We examined the persistence of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a candidate by comparing the seed viability at different controlled temperatures and soil depths (ranging from 0 to 30 cm). The germination characteristics of seeds significantly differed between cultivars and temperatures. The field trials indicated that seeds buried at a depth of 30 cm mostly decayed within three weeks, whereas those buried at 0 cm persisted for eight weeks but decayed after sixteen weeks, implying a significant interaction between burial depth and seed persistence. At all soil depths, no dormant seeds were detected over one week after burial. These results suggest that sunflower seeds could not be successfully established under our experimental conditions. Since seeds on the soil surface demonstrated the highest rates of germination, such seeds may require particularly careful management to prevent unintended effects on ecosystems.
Examples of Problem-Solving Strategies in Mathematics Education Supporting the Sustainability of 21st-Century Skills
Authors: Szabo Zsuzsanna Katalin , Körtesi Péter , Guncaga Jan , Szabo Dalma , Neag Ramona
Published: December 2020

The overall aim of education is to train proactive, motivated, and independent citizens to face and overcome continuous challenges. Critical thinking—finding solutions to problems—is of primary importance in the 21st century to handle challenging situations and deal with obstacles in careers. A critical literature review approach was used to assess, critique, synthesizes, and expand the theoretical foundation of the topic. Teaching mathematical problem-solving is an efficient way to develop 21st-century skills and to give cross-curricular experiences with real-world meaning to learners. Concrete examples were presented to prove that Pólya’s heuristic could be used in a broader context to help learners acquire the modern skills needed to succeed in their careers. By including in the learning process and practicing specific methods for solving mathematical problems, students could learn a way of thinking to approach and solve problems successfully in a broader context in life. The paper’s outcome provides teachers and educators with methods, learning models, and strategies for developing 21st-century skills in students at all levels during classroom activities.
Fault Loop Impedance Measurement in Circuits Fed by UPS and Principle of Safety Protection
Authors: Katarzyński Jacek , Olesz Marek
Published: December 2020

This paper indicates a significant problem of uncertainty of fault loop impedance (FLI) measurement in circuits powered from uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (double-conversion AC-DC-AC). The correctly determined value of this impedance, related to the short-circuit current disconnection time and to the reference value, is one of the most important elements that determines the approval of an electrical installation and its receivers for operation. To define the principles of FLI measurement, several hundred measurements of the short-circuit loop impedance in the circuits fed by the UPS, in various UPS operation modes and with various FLI instruments, were made, which allowed for the definition of measurement rules that reduce the error in assessing the effectiveness of protection against electric shock by automatic disconnection of supply. Based on the analysis of voltage and current waveforms recorded during the real short-circuit tests in the circuit fed by the UPS, a proprietary algorithm for determining the short-circuit loop impedance has been proposed.
Impacts of Climate and Phenology on the Yields of Early Mature Rice in China
Authors: Guo Yahui , Wu Wenxiang , Liu Yumei , Wu Zhaofei , Geng Xiaojun , Zhang Yaru , Bryant Christopher Robin , Fu Yongshuo
Published: December 2020

Phenological variables are closely correlated with rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields as they play important roles in influencing and controlling the carbon allocations between plant organs, but their impacts on rice yields and their relative importance compared with climatic variables are not yet well investigated. In this study, the impacts and the relative importance of climatic and phenological variables on the yields of early mature rice were assessed using the trial data from 75 agricultural stations across China, spanning from 1981–2010. We found that both daily maximum (Tmax) and daily minimum (Tmin) temperatures during the growing season (from transplanting to maturity) increased significantly, while sunshine duration (SD) and precipitation (Prep) did not change significantly. The average transplanting date was advanced by 3.18 days/decade, and the heading (maturity) dates were delayed by 2.47 (4.55) days/decade, with yields significantly increased by 9.65 g/m3 per decade across all sites. Partial correlation coefficients between most phenological variables and rice yields were negative, whereas most of the climatic variables were positively correlated with rice yields. The average of partial correlation coefficients between transplanting, heading, and maturity dates and rice yields were −0.10, −0.15, and −0.01, respectively, and the average of coefficients between Tmax, Tmin, SD, and Prep and rice yields were 0.08, 0.02, 0.12, and −0.05, respectively. Interestingly enough, phenological variables were the dominating influencing factors on rice yields at 63% of the sites, suggesting that the relative importance of phenology to rice yields may be even higher than that of climate. The climatic variables were closely correlated with rice yields as they are fundamental growth materials for crops, and phenological variables strongly influenced the growth and development of rice. Our results highlight that phenology should be precisely evaluated in crop models to improve the accuracy of simulating their response to climate change. Furthermore, due to limited understanding of phenological processes, manipulative experiments are urgently needed to comprehensively improve our understanding of rice phenology and rice yield response to ongoing climate change.
Users’ Perceptions of Green Roofs and Green Walls: An Analysis of Youth Hostels in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Liberalesso Tiago , Mutevuie Júnior Raul , Oliveira Cruz Carlos , Matos Silva Cristina , Manso Maria
Published: December 2020

Green roofs and green walls are a potential strategy to increase green spaces in the urban environment. These solutions bring multiple benefits to the cities at the economic and socio-environmental levels. However, from the point of view of private investors, green roofs and green walls often have a negative financial evaluation. Concerning this, the quantification of the benefits according to building use and occupancy could be an important tool to assist the decision-making process and guarantee returns on investment. This study aims to support the decision-making process by managers and owners of youth hostels regarding green roofs and green walls implementation. Using a structured questionnaire, users’ perceptions were assessed through a five-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted in five youth hostels in Lisbon, Portugal. Analyses were performed in two phases. Firstly, using the original sample (n = 345), and subsequently grouping homogeneous individuals through cluster analysis. The results showed that most respondents support green infrastructure installation in the hostel and consider that these solutions could provide a greater sense of individual well-being and local aesthetic improvement. However, there is no strong evidence that green infrastructure solutions are considered a deciding factor to select local lodging, despite the fact that it can be a tiebreaker factor between two similar options. Furthermore, findings have shown that 90% of the respondents from Cluster 1 and 92% from Cluster 4 are probably not willing to pay higher daily rates for youth hostels that have green infrastructure solutions in place. On the other hand, 67% of the respondents from Cluster 2 were potentially willing to pay an additional amount. For the 345 respondents, the most preferred green infrastructure typologies are indoor living wall and the accessible green roof. Moreover, findings support the gender socialization and identity theory showing that women have a greater environmental concern compared to men.
Improvement of the Last Mile-Specific Issues in Railway Freight Transport
Authors: Šperka Adrián , Vojtek Martin , Široký Jaromír , Čamaj Juraj
Published: December 2020

The last mile is characterized as the last step of delivery to the customer from the logistics point of view. It is necessary to aim and fulfill all customers’ needs mainly during the process of the last mile, because it is directly connected to them. Customer orientation can cause many complications that must be solved according to their will. This part of the supply chain is currently under pressure. Nowadays, trends have changed the last mile into a more ecological process mostly in the transport field. Railway transport is considered as an ecological transport mode therefore the last mile should be done by the railway transport. Preconditions for doing the last mile by the railway transport is the existence of siding (special purpose tracks) at the place of delivery. Our research focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of the last mile to customers in the context of using sidings. This research is based on the real conditions of the Slovak rail network, and on consultation with some experts from freight transport companies.
An Algebraic Decision Support Model for Inventory Coordination in the Generalized n-Stage Non-Serial Supply Chain with Fixed and Linear Backorders Costs
Authors: Seliaman Mohamed , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo , Rushd Sayeed
Published: December 2020

This paper extends and generalizes former inventory models that apply algebraic methods to derive optimal supply chain inventory decisions. In particular this paper considers the problem of coordinating production-inventory decisions in an integrated n-stage supply chain system with linear and fixed backorder costs. This supply chain system assumes information symmetry which implies that all partners share their operational information. First, a mathematical model for the supply chain system total cost is formulated under the integer multipliers coordination mechanism. Then, a recursive algebraic algorithm to derive the optimal inventory replenishment decisions is developed. The applicability of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated using two different numerical examples. Results from the numerical examples indicate that adopting the integer multiplier mechanism will reduce the overall total system cost as compared to using the common cycle time mechanism.
On Weak Limiting Distributions for Random Walks on a Spider
Authors: Seol Youngsoo
Published: December 2020

In this article, we study random walks on a spider that can be established from the classical case of simple symmetric random walks. The primary purpose of this article is to establish a functional central limit theorem for random walks on a spider and to define Brownian spider as the resulting weak limit. In special case, random walks on a spider can be characterized as skew random walks. It is well known for skew Brownian motion as the resulting weak limit of skew random walks. We first will study the tightness and then it will be shown for the convergence of finite dimensional distribution for random walks on a spider.
Analysis of the Behavioral Change and Utility Features of Electronic Activity Monitors
Authors: Lewis Zakkoyya H. , Cannon Maddison , Rubio Grace , Swartz Maria C. , Lyons Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to perform a content analysis of electronic activity monitors that also evaluates utility features, code behavior change techniques included in the monitoring systems, and align the results with intervention functions of the Behaviour Change Wheel program planning model to facilitate informed device selection. Devices were coded for the implemented behavior change techniques and device features. Three trained coders each wore a monitor for at least 1 week from December 2019–April 2020. Apple Watch Nike, Fitbit Versa 2, Fitbit Charge 3, Fitbit Ionic—Adidas Edition, Garmin Vivomove HR, Garmin Vivosmart 4, Amazfit Bip, Galaxy Watch Active, and Withings Steel HR were reviewed. The monitors all paired with a phone/tablet, tracked exercise sessions, and were wrist-worn. On average, the monitors implemented 27 behavior change techniques each. Fitbit devices implemented the most behavior change techniques, including techniques related to the intervention functions: education, enablement, environmental restructuring, coercion, incentivization, modeling, and persuasion. Garmin devices implemented the second highest number of behavior change techniques, including techniques related to enablement, environmental restructuring, and training. Researchers can use these results to guide selection of electronic activity monitors based on their research needs.
Introduction to the Special Issue “Molecular Basis and the Pathogenesis of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Infections”
Authors: Stanford Kim
Published: December 2020

Although much of the world has progressed since the 1980s, our ability to treat infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has unfortunately shown little improvement [...]
A Tribute to a Bacillus thuringiensis Master: Professor David J. Ellar
Authors: Vílchez Susana
Published: December 2020

This Special Issue, on Bacillus thuringiensis and its toxins, seems to be the right place to pay tribute to one of the most influential scientists in the field of research into this peculiar bacterium [...]
Constraint on Hybrid Stars with Gravitational Wave Events
Authors: Zhang Kilar , Lin Feng-Li
Published: December 2020

Motivated by the recent discoveries of compact objects from LIGO/Virgo observations, we study the possibility of identifying some of these objects as compact stars made of dark matter called dark stars, or the mix of dark and nuclear matters called hybrid stars. In particular, in GW190814, a new compact object with 2.6 M⊙ is reported. This could be the lightest black hole, the heaviest neutron star, and a dark or hybrid star. In this work, we extend the discussion on the interpretations of the recent LIGO/Virgo events as hybrid stars made of various self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) in the isotropic limit. We pay particular attention to the saddle instability of the hybrid stars which will constrain the possible SIDM models.
Beyond General Relativity: Models for Quantum Gravity, Loop Quantum Cosmology and Black Holes
Authors: Mavromatos Nick E.
Published: December 2020

In the past two decades, we have witnessed extraordinary progress in precision measurements in cosmology [...]
Early Humoral Response Correlates with Disease Severity and Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Hashem Anwar M. , Algaissi Abdullah , Almahboub Sarah A. , Alfaleh Mohamed A. , Abujamel Turki S. , Alamri Sawsan S. , Alluhaybi Khalid A. , Hobani Haya I. , AlHarbi Rahaf H. , Alsulaiman Reem M. , ElAssouli M-Zaki , Hala Sharif , Alharbi Naif K. , Alhabbab Rowa Y. , AlSaieedi Ahdab A. , Abdulaal Wesam H. , Bukhari Abdullah , AL-Somali Afrah A. , Alofi Fadwa S. , Khogeer Asim A. , Pain Arnab , Alkayyal Almohanad A. , Almontashiri Naif A. M. , Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud , Li Xuguang
Published: December 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, continues to spread globally with significantly high morbidity and mortality rates. Antigen-specific responses are of unquestionable value for clinical management of COVID-19 patients. Here, we investigated the kinetics of IgM, IgG against the spike (S) and nucleoproteins (N) proteins and their neutralizing capabilities in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with different disease presentations (i.e., mild, moderate or severe), need for intensive care units (ICU) admission or outcomes (i.e., survival vs death). We show that SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG, IgM and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) were readily detectable in almost all COVID-19 patients with various clinical presentations. Interestingly, significantly higher levels of nAbs as well as anti-S1 and -N IgG and IgM antibodies were found in patients with more severe symptoms, patients requiring admission to ICU or those with fatal outcomes. More importantly, early after symptoms onset, we found that the levels of anti-N antibodies correlated strongly with disease severity. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the kinetics of antibody responses in COVID-19 patients with different disease severity.
Transcriptional Regulation of Cancer Immune Checkpoints: Emerging Strategies for Immunotherapy
Authors: Venkatraman Simran , Meller Jarek , Hongeng Suradej , Tohtong Rutaiwan , Chutipongtanate Somchai
Published: December 2020

The study of immune evasion has gained a well-deserved eminence in cancer research by successfully developing a new class of therapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, anti-PD-1 antibodies. By aiming at the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), these new therapeutics have advanced cancer treatment with notable increases in overall survival and tumor remission. However, recent reports reveal that 40–60% of patients fail to benefit from ICB therapy due to acquired resistance or tumor relapse. This resistance may stem from increased expression of co-inhibitory immune checkpoints or alterations in the tumor microenvironment that promotes immune suppression. Because these mechanisms are poorly elucidated, the transcription factors that regulate immune checkpoints, known as “master regulators”, have garnered interest. These include AP-1, IRF-1, MYC, and STAT3, which are known to regulate PD/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. Identifying these and other potential master regulators as putative therapeutic targets or biomarkers can be facilitated by mining cancer literature, public datasets, and cancer genomics resources. In this review, we describe recent advances in master regulator identification and characterization of the mechanisms underlying immune checkpoints regulation, and discuss how these master regulators of immune checkpoint molecular expression can be targeted as a form of auxiliary therapeutic strategy to complement traditional immunotherapy.
Immunogenicity of Plant-Produced Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Virus-Like Particles (VLPs)
Authors: Naupu Paulina N. , van Zyl Albertha R. , Rybicki Edward P. , Hitzeroth Inga I.
Published: December 2020

Cervical cancer is ranked fourth among the top cancers in women and is the second most common cancer in low- and middle-income regions, with ~570,000 new cases reported in 2018, which attributed to 84% of worldwide cervical cancer cases. Three commercially available prophylactic Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are effective at preventing HPV infections. However, these vaccines are expensive due to their complex production systems, therefore limiting their use in developing countries. Recently, the use of plants to produce vaccines has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to conventionally used expression systems. Here, L1 proteins of eight high-risk (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58) and two low risk (HPV 6 and 34) HPV types were successfully expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the presence of VLPs and/or capsomeres. Immunogenicity studies were conducted in mice utilizing HPV 35, 52, and 58 and showed that type-specific L1-specific antibodies were produced which were able to successfully neutralize homologous HPV pseudovirions in pseudovirion-based neutralization assays (PBNAs). This work demonstrated the potential for using plant-based transient expression systems to produce affordable and immunogenic HPV vaccines, particularly for developing countries.
Blood Microbiome: A New Marker of Gut Microbial Population in Dogs?
Authors: Scarsella Elisa , Sandri Misa , Monego Simeone Dal , Licastro Danilo , Stefanon Bruno
Published: December 2020

The characterization of the microbial population in different compartments of the organism, such as the gastrointestinal tract, is now possible thanks to the use of high-throughput DNA sequencing technique. Several studies in the companion animals field have already investigated the fecal microbiome in healthy or sick subjects; however, the methodologies used in the different laboratories and the limited number of animals recruited in each experiment do not allow a straight comparison among published results. Previously, our research focused on the characterization of the microbial taxa variability in 340 fecal samples from 132 healthy dogs, collected serially from several in-house experiments. The results supported the responsiveness of microbiota to dietary and sex factors and allowed us to cluster dogs with high accuracy. For the present study, intestinal and blood microbiota of healthy dogs from different breeds, genders, ages and food habits were collected, with three principal aims: firstly, to confirm the results of our previous study regarding the fecal microbiome affected by the different type of diet; secondly, to investigate the existence of a blood microbial population, even in heathy subjects; and thirdly, to seek for a possible connection between the fecal and the blood microbiota. Limited researches have been published on blood microbiota in humans, and this is the first evidence of the presence of a bacterial population in the blood of dogs. Moreover, gut and blood microbiota can discriminate the animals by factors such as diet, suggesting some relationship between them. These preliminary results make us believe in the use of the blood microbiome for diagnostic purposes, such as researching and preventing gut inflammatory diseases.