bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment at Mila Basin (Algeria): A Comparative Assessment of Prediction Capability of Advanced Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Merghadi Abdelaziz , Abderrahmane Boumezbeur , Tien Bui Dieu
Published: July 2018

Landslide risk prevention requires the delineation of landslide-prone areas as accurately as possible. Therefore, selecting a method or a technique that is capable of providing the highest landslide prediction capability is highly important. The main objective of this study is to assess and compare the prediction capability of advanced machine learning methods for landslide susceptibility mapping in the Mila Basin (Algeria). First, a geospatial database was constructed from various sources. The database contains 1156 landslide polygons and 16 conditioning factors (altitude, slope, aspect, topographic wetness index (TWI), landforms, rainfall, lithology, stratigraphy, soil type, soil texture, landuse, depth to bedrock, bulk density, distance to faults, distance to hydrographic network, and distance to road networks). Subsequently, the database was randomly resampled into training sets and validation sets using 5 times repeated 10 k-folds cross-validations. Using the training and validation sets, five landslide susceptibility models were constructed, assessed, and compared using Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Logistic Regression (LR), Artificial Neural Network (NNET), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The prediction capability of the five landslide models was assessed and compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the ROC curves (AUC), overall accuracy (Acc), and kappa index. Additionally, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to confirm statistical significance in the differences among the five machine learning models employed in this study. The result showed that the GBM model has the highest prediction capability (AUC = 0.8967), followed by the RF model (AUC = 0.8957), the NNET model (AUC = 0.8882), the SVM model (AUC = 0.8818), and the LR model (AUC = 0.8575). Therefore, we concluded that GBM and RF are the most suitable for this study area and should be used to produce landslide susceptibility maps. These maps as a technical framework are used to develop countermeasures and regulatory policies to minimize landslide damages in the Mila Basin. This research demonstrated the benefit of selecting the best-advanced machine learning method for landslide susceptibility assessment.
Geospatial Analysis and the Internet of Things
Authors: Kamilaris Andreas , Ostermann Frank O.
Published: July 2018

As the Internet of Things (IoT) penetrates our everyday lives, being used to address a wide variety of real-life challenges and problems, the location of things becomes an important parameter. The exact location of measuring the physical world through IoT is highly relevant to understand local environmental conditions, or to develop powerful, personalized and context-aware location-based services and applications. This survey paper maps and analyzes the IoT based on its location dimension, categorizing IoT applications and projects according to the geospatial analytical methods performed. The survey investigates the opportunities of location-aware IoT, and examines the potential of geospatial analysis in this research area.
Shared Execution Approach to ε-Distance Join Queries in Dynamic Road Networks
Authors: Cho Hyung-Ju
Published: July 2018

Given a threshold distance ε and two object sets R and S in a road network, an ε-distance join query finds object pairs from R × S that are within the threshold distance ε (e.g., find passenger and taxicab pairs within a five-minute driving distance). Although this is a well-studied problem in the Euclidean space, little attention has been paid to dynamic road networks where the weights of road segments (e.g., travel times) are frequently updated and the distance between two objects is the length of the shortest path connecting them. In this work, we address the problem of ε-distance join queries in dynamic road networks by proposing an optimized ε-distance join algorithm called EDISON, the key concept of which is to cluster adjacent objects of the same type into a group, and then to optimize shared execution for the group to avoid redundant network traversal. The proposed method is intuitive and easy to implement, thereby allowing its simple integration with existing range query algorithms in road networks. We conduct an extensive experimental study using real-world roadmaps to show the efficiency and scalability of our shared execution approach.
LandQv2: A MapReduce-Based System for Processing Arable Land Quality Big Data
Authors: Yao Xiaochuang , Mokbel Mohamed F. , Ye Sijing , Li Guoqing , Alarabi Louai , Eldawy Ahmed , Zhao Zuliang , Zhao Long , Zhu Dehai
Published: July 2018

Arable land quality (ALQ) data are a foundational resource for national food security. With the rapid development of spatial information technologies, the annual acquisition and update of ALQ data covering the country have become more accurate and faster. ALQ data are mainly vector-based spatial big data in the ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) shapefile format. Although the shapefile is the most common GIS vector data format, unfortunately, the usage of ALQ data is very constrained due to its massive size and the limited capabilities of traditional applications. To tackle the above issues, this paper introduces LandQv2, which is a MapReduce-based parallel processing system for ALQ big data. The core content of LandQv2 is composed of four key technologies including data preprocessing, the distributed R-tree index, the spatial range query, and the map tile pyramid model-based visualization. According to the functions in LandQv2, firstly, ALQ big data are transformed by a MapReduce-based parallel algorithm from the ESRI Shapefile format to the GeoCSV file format in HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System), and then, the spatial coding-based partition and R-tree index are executed for the spatial range query operation. In addition, the visualization of ALQ big data with a GIS (Geographic Information System) web API (Application Programming Interface) uses the MapReduce program to generate a single image or pyramid tiles for big data display. Finally, a set of experiments running on a live system deployed on a cluster of machines shows the efficiency and scalability of the proposed system. All of these functions supported by LandQv2 are integrated into SpatialHadoop, and it is also able to efficiently support any other distributed spatial big data systems.
Endothelial Cell Aging: How miRNAs Contribute?
Authors: Yamakuchi Munekazu , Hashiguchi Teruto
Published: July 2018

Endothelial cells (ECs) form monolayers and line the interior surfaces of blood vessels in the entire body. In most mammalian systems, the capacity of endothelial cells to divide is limited and endothelial cells are prone to be senescent. Aging of ECs and resultant endothelial dysfunction lead to a variety of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellites, hypertension, and ischemic injury. However, the mechanism by which ECs get old and become senescent and the impact of endothelial senescence on the vascular function are not fully understood. Recent research has unveiled the crucial roles of miRNAs, which are small non-coding RNAs, in regulating endothelial cellular functions, including nitric oxide production, vascular inflammation, and anti-thromboformation. In this review, how senescent-related miRNAs are involved in controlling the functions of ECs will be discussed.
Association between Urinary Calcium Excretion and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Single-center Observational Study
Authors: Yamada Hodaka , Funazaki Shunsuke , Suzuki Daisuke , Saikawa Rika , Yoshida Masashi , Kakei Masafumi , Ishikawa San-e , Morisita Yoshiyuki , Hara Kazuo
Published: July 2018

Urinary calcium excretion is not known to predict progression of renal dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate associations between urinary calcium excretion and progression of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetic patients. This study was a retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study. We enrolled a total of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the average follow-up period was 7.2 ± 1.0 years. We divided patients into two groups based on the median of annual decline in the slope of eGFR, then defined the over-median population as the progressed group and under-median population as the non-progressed group. Median of annual decline in the slope of eGFR was −1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. Correlation coefficient analysis showed positive correlation of urinary calcium excretion with eGFR (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that baseline eGFR and urinary calcium excretion were independent variables for progression of eGFR decline. Urinary calcium excretion could be a useful metabolic parameter for predicting decline in slope of eGFR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Tumor B7-H3 (CD276) Expression and Survival in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Inamura Kentaro , Takazawa Yutaka , Inoue Yosuke , Yokouchi Yusuke , Kobayashi Maki , Saiura Akio , Shibutani Tomoko , Ishikawa Yuichi
Published: July 2018

B7-H3 (CD276), a member of the family of immune modulators, orchestrates antitumor immunity. To date, only small-sized studies have examined the association of B7-H3 expression with survival in pancreatic cancer, yielding inconclusive results. We evaluated tumor B7-H3 expression in 150 consecutive patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemistry. B7-H3 expression was positive (≥10% tumor cells) in 99 of 150 (66%) cases of pancreatic cancer. We classified the tumors into four groups depending on B7-H3 expression (negative, low, intermediate, and high) and found that higher B7-H3 expression was independently associated with lower disease-free survival (DFS; for high vs. negative B7-H3 expression: multivariable hazard ratio (HR) = 3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.48–6.15; Ptrend = 0.0026). Furthermore, the association of B7-H3 expression with survival differed according to the pathological stage (p-stage) (Pinteraction = 0.048, between p-stages I–II and III–IV). The association of B7-H3 positivity with lower DFS was stronger in tumors with p-stage I–II (multivariable HR = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.75–5.69; P < 0.0001) than in those with p-stage III–IV (multivariable HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.67–2.28; P = 0.55). We demonstrated that tumor high B7-H3 expression is independently associated with poor survival in patients with pancreatic cancer and that this association is stronger in tumors with p-stage I–II than in those with p-stage III–IV. B7-H3 expression may be a useful prognostic biomarker for identifying aggressive early-stage pancreatic cancer.
Ni(OH)2 and NiO Based Composites: Battery Type Electrode Materials for Hybrid Supercapacitor Devices
Authors: Brisse Anne-Lise , Stevens Philippe , Toussaint Gwenaëlle , Crosnier Olivier , Brousse Thierry
Published: July 2018

Nanocomposites of Ni(OH)2 or NiO have successfully been used in electrodes in the last five years, but they have been falsely presented as pseudocapacitive electrodes for electrochemical capacitors and hybrid devices. Indeed, these nickel oxide or hydroxide electrodes are pure battery-type electrodes which store charges through faradaic processes as can be shown by cyclic voltammograms or constant current galvanostatic charge/discharge plots. Despite this misunderstanding, such electrodes can be of interest as positive electrodes in hybrid supercapacitors operating under KOH electrolyte, together with an activated carbon-negative electrode. This study indicates the requirements for the implementation of Ni(OH)2-based electrodes in hybrid designs and the improvements that are necessary in order to increase the energy and power densities of such devices. Mass loading is the key parameter which must be above 10 mg·cm−2 to correctly evaluate the performance of Ni(OH)2 or NiO-based nanocomposite electrodes and provide gravimetric capacity values. With such loadings, rate capability, capacity, cycling ability, energy and power densities can be accurately evaluated. Among the 80 papers analyzed in this study, there are indications that such nanocomposite electrode can successfully improve the performance of standard Ni(OH)2 (+)//6 M KOH//activated carbon (−) hybrid supercapacitor.
Fatigue Life Prediction for Transverse Crack Initiation of CFRP Cross-Ply and Quasi-Isotropic Laminates
Authors: Hosoi Atsushi , Kawada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates are used as main structural members in many applications. Transverse cracks that form in 90° layers of CFRP laminates are mostly initial damage in the case where tensile loading is vertically applied to the 90° layers of CFRP laminates, and they are the origin of more serious damage of delamination and fiber breakage. It is thus important to predict quantitatively the transverse crack initiation of CFRP laminates subjected to cyclic loading to ensure the long-term reliability of the laminates. The initiation and multiplication behaviors of transverse cracks strongly depend on the laminate configuration, thickness, and thermal residual stress. Therefore, a model based on the Walker model was proposed to predict transverse crack initiation in CFRP cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates under cyclic loading in the present study. The usefulness of the proposed model was verified with 10 different CFRP laminates formed from four different prepregs with epoxy resin matrices. The analysis results were in good agreement with experimental results. The fatigue life was expressed with three constants, which related to the fatigue strength reduction, the normalized fatigue strength at N = 1 cycle, and the contribution of stress amplitude to the fatigue life, and they are independent of the laminate configuration.
Separation of Organic Compounds from ABE Model Solutions via Pervaporation Using Activated Carbon/PDMS Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Azimi Hoda , Ebneyamini Arian , Tezel Fatma , Thibault Jules
Published: July 2018

The pervaporation separation of organic compounds from acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation model solutions was studied using activated carbon (AC) nanoparticle-poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) mixed matrix membranes (MMM). The effects of the operating conditions and nanoparticle loading content on the membrane performance have been investigated. While the separation factor increased continuously, with an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles, the total flux reached a maximum in the MMM with 8 wt % nanoparticle loading in PDMS. Both the separation factor for ABE and the total permeation flux more than doubled for the MMM in comparison to those of neat PDMS membranes prepared in this study.
Stable Isotope-Resolved Metabolomics Shows Metabolic Resistance to Anti-Cancer Selenite in 3D Spheroids versus 2D Cell Cultures
Authors: Fan Teresa W.-M. , El-Amouri Salim S. , Macedo Jessica K. A. , Wang Qing Jun , Song Huan , Cassel Teresa , Lane Andrew N.
Published: July 2018

Conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures are grown on rigid plastic substrates with unrealistic concentration gradients of O2, nutrients, and treatment agents. More importantly, 2D cultures lack cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, which are critical for regulating cell behavior and functions. There are several three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems such as Matrigel, hydrogels, micropatterned plates, and hanging drop that overcome these drawbacks but they suffer from technical challenges including long spheroid formation times, difficult handling for high throughput assays, and/or matrix contamination for metabolic studies. Magnetic 3D bioprinting (M3DB) can circumvent these issues by utilizing nanoparticles that enable spheroid formation and growth via magnetizing cells. M3DB spheroids have been shown to emulate tissue and tumor microenvironments while exhibiting higher resistance to toxic agents than their 2D counterparts. It is, however, unclear if and how such 3D systems impact cellular metabolic networks, which may determine altered toxic responses in cells. We employed a Stable Isotope-Resolved Metabolomics (SIRM) approach with 13C6-glucose as tracer to map central metabolic networks both in 2D cells and M3DB spheroids formed from lung (A549) and pancreatic (PANC1) adenocarcinoma cells without or with an anti-cancer agent (sodium selenite). We found that the extent of 13C-label incorporation into metabolites of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, and purine/pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis was largely comparable between 2D and M3DB culture systems for both cell lines. The exceptions were the reduced capacity for de novo synthesis of pyrimidine and sugar nucleotides in M3DB than 2D cultures of A549 and PANC1 cells as well as the presence of gluconeogenic activity in M3DB spheroids of PANC1 cells but not in the 2D counterpart. More strikingly, selenite induced much less perturbation of these pathways in the spheroids relative to the 2D counterparts in both cell lines, which is consistent with the corresponding lesser effects on morphology and growth. Thus, the increased resistance of cancer cell spheroids to selenite may be linked to the reduced capacity of selenite to perturb these metabolic pathways necessary for growth and survival.
Recent Progress in Rapid Sintering of Nanosilver for Electronics Applications
Authors: Liu Wei , An Rong , Wang Chunqing , Zheng Zhen , Tian Yanhong , Xu Ronglin , Wang Zhongtao
Published: July 2018

Recently, nanosilver pastes have emerged as one of the most promising high temperature bonding materials for high frequency and high power applications, which provide an effective lead-free electronic packaging solution instead of high-lead and gold-based solders. Although nanosilver pastes can be sintered at lower temperature compared to bulk silver, applications of nanosilver pastes are limited by long-term sintering time (20–30 min), relative high sintering temperature (>250 °C), and applied external pressure, which may damage chips and electronic components. Therefore, low temperature rapid sintering processes that can obtain excellent nanosilver joints are anticipated. In this regard, we present a review of recent progress in the rapid sintering of nanosilver pastes. Preparation of nanosilver particles and pastes, mechanisms of nanopastes sintering, and different rapid sintering processes are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the properties of sintered joints obtained by different sintering processes such as electric current assisted sintering, spark plasma sintering, and laser sintering, etc. Although the research on rapid sintering processes for nanosilver pastes has made a great breakthrough over the past few decades, investigations on mechanisms of rapid sintering, and the performance of joints fabricated by pastes with different compositions and morphologies are still far from enough.
Cellulases from Thermophiles Found by Metagenomics
Authors: Escuder-Rodríguez Juan-José , DeCastro María-Eugenia , Cerdán María-Esperanza , Rodríguez-Belmonte Esther , Becerra Manuel , González-Siso María-Isabel
Published: July 2018

Cellulases are a heterogeneous group of enzymes that synergistically catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose, the major component of plant biomass. Such reaction has biotechnological applications in a broad spectrum of industries, where they can provide a more sustainable model of production. As a prerequisite for their implementation, these enzymes need to be able to operate in the conditions the industrial process requires. Thus, cellulases retrieved from extremophiles, and more specifically those of thermophiles, are likely to be more appropriate for industrial needs in which high temperatures are involved. Metagenomics, the study of genes and gene products from the whole community genomic DNA present in an environmental sample, is a powerful tool for bioprospecting in search of novel enzymes. In this review, we describe the cellulolytic systems, we summarize their biotechnological applications, and we discuss the strategies adopted in the field of metagenomics for the discovery of new cellulases, focusing on those of thermophilic microorganisms.
Comparative Strengths of Tetrel, Pnicogen, Chalcogen, and Halogen Bonds and Contributing Factors
Authors: Dong Wenbo , Li Qingzhong , Scheiner Steve
Published: July 2018

Ab initio calculations are employed to assess the relative strengths of various noncovalent bonds. Tetrel, pnicogen, chalcogen, and halogen atoms are represented by third-row atoms Ge, As, Se, and Br, respectively. Each atom was placed in a series of molecular bonding situations, beginning with all H atoms, then progressing to methyl substitutions, and F substituents placed in various locations around the central atom. Each Lewis acid was allowed to engage in a complex with NH3 as a common nucleophile, and the strength and other aspects of the dimer were assessed. In the context of fully hydrogenated acids, the strengths of the various bonds varied in the pattern of chalcogen > halogen > pnicogen ≈ tetrel. Methyl substitution weakened all bonds, but not in a uniform manner, resulting in a greatly weakened halogen bond. Fluorosubstitution strengthened the interactions, increasing its effect as the number of F atoms rises. The effect was strongest when the F atom lay directly opposite the base, resulting in a halogen > chalcogen > pnicogen > tetrel order of bond strength. Replacing third-row atoms by their second-row counterparts weakened the bonds, but not uniformly. Tetrel bonds were weakest for the fully hydrogenated acids and surpassed pnicogen bonds when F had been added to the acid.
Direct-Continuous Preparation of Nanostructured Titania-Silica Using Surfactant-Free Non-Scaffold Rice Starch Template
Authors: Matmin Juan , Affendi Irwan , Endud Salasiah
Published: July 2018

The conventional synthesis route of nanostructured titania-silica (Ti-SiNS) based on sol-gel requires the use of a surfactant-type template that suffers from hazardous risks, environmental concerns, and a tedious stepwise process. Alternatively, biomaterials have been introduced as an indirect template, but still required for pre-suspended scaffold structures, which hinder their practical application. Herein, we report an easy and industrially viable direct-continuous strategy for the preparation of Ti-SiNS from nanostructured-silica (SiNS) using a hydrolyzed rice starch template. This strategy fits into the conventional industrial process flow, as it allows starch to be used directly in time-effective and less complicated steps, with the potential to upscale. The formation of Ti-SiNS is mainly attributed to Ti attachment in the SiNS frameworks after the polycondensation of the sol-gel composition under acidic-media. The SiNS had pseudo-spherical morphology (nanoparticles with the size of 13 to 22 nm), short order crystal structure (amorphous) and high surface area (538.74 m2·g−1). The functionalized SiNS into Ti-SiNS delivered considerable catalytic activity for epoxidation of 1-naphtol into 1,4-naphthoquinone. The described direct-continuous preparation shows great promise for a cheap, green, and efficient synthesis of Ti-SiNS for advanced applications.
Iodoxybenzoic Acid Supported on Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Biomimetic Environmental Friendly Oxidative Systems for the Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes
Authors: Bizzarri Bruno Mattia , Abdalghani Issam , Botta Lorenzo , Taddei Anna Rita , Nisi Stefano , Ferrante Marco , Passacantando Maurizio , Crucianelli Marcello , Saladino Raffaele
Published: July 2018

Iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) supported multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) derivatives have been prepared as easily recyclable solid reagents. These compounds have been shown to be able to mimic the alcohol dehydrogenases and monooxygenases promoted oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes. Their reactivity was found to be dependent on the degree of functionalization of MWCNTs as well as from the chemical properties of the spacers used to bind IBX on the surface of the support. Au-decorated MWCNTs and the presence of longer spacers resulted in the optimal experimental conditions. A high conversion of the substrates and yield of desired products were obtained.
Dietary Patterns, Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness in 9–11-Year-Old Children from Dunedin, New Zealand
Authors: Saeedi Pouya , Black Katherine E. , Haszard Jillian J. , Skeaff Sheila , Stoner Lee , Davidson Brittany , Harrex Harriet A. L. , Meredith-Jones Kim , Quigg Robin , Wong Jyh Eiin , Skidmore Paula M. L.
Published: July 2018

Research shows that cardiorespiratory (CRF) and muscular fitness in childhood are associated with a healthier cardiovascular profile in adulthood. Identifying factors associated with measures of fitness in childhood could allow for strategies to optimize cardiovascular health throughout the lifecourse. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and both CRF and muscular fitness in 9–11-year-olds. In this study of 398 children, CRF and muscular fitness were assessed using a 20-m shuttle run test and digital hand dynamometer, respectively. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to assess associations between dietary patterns and CRF and muscular fitness. Most children had healthy CRF (99%, FITNESSGRAM) and mean ± SD muscular fitness was 15.2 ± 3.3 kg. Two dietary patterns were identified; “Snacks” and “Fruit and Vegetables”. There were no significant associations between either of the dietary patterns and CRF. Statistically significant but not clinically meaningful associations were seen between dietary patterns and muscular fitness. In an almost exclusively fit cohort, food choice is not meaningfully related to measures of fitness. Further research to investigate diet-fitness relationships in children with lower fitness levels can identify key populations for potential investments in health-promoting behaviors.
Bioinspired Designs, Molecular Premise and Tools for Evaluating the Ecological Importance of Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Ongey Elvis Legala , Pflugmacher Stephan , Neubauer Peter
Published: July 2018

This review article provides an overview of recent developments in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), summarizing structural diversity, potential new applications, activity targets and microbial killing responses in general. The use of artificial and natural AMPs as templates for rational design of peptidomimetics are also discussed and some strategies are put forward to curtail cytotoxic effects against eukaryotic cells. Considering the heat-resistant nature, chemical and proteolytic stability of AMPs, we attempt to summarize their molecular targets, examine how these macromolecules may contribute to potential environmental risks vis-à-vis the activities of the peptides. We further point out the evolutional characteristics of the macromolecules and indicate how they can be useful in designing target-specific peptides. Methods are suggested that may help to assess toxic mechanisms of AMPs and possible solutions are discussed to promote the development and application of AMPs in medicine. Even if there is wide exposure to the environment like in the hospital settings, AMPs may instead contribute to prevent healthcare-associated infections so long as ecotoxicological aspects are considered.
Agitators, Tranquilizers, or Something Else: Do Religious Groups Increase or Decrease Contentious Collective Action?
Authors: Tao Yu
Published: July 2018

This article critically assesses existing scholarship on the roles that religious groups play in collective contention. Researchers disagree on three main issues: (a) whether religious doctrines and values make religious groups more or less likely to launch collective contention; (b) whether religious groups reflect and reinforce politically relevant schisms and bring about regime change; and (c) whether the organizational structure of religious groups facilitates or prevents contentious collective action. This article urges researchers in the field (a) to extend their empirical enquiries into polytheistic, pantheistic, and non-theistic religions; (b) to conduct more cross-national and comparative studies; and (c) to think beyond the traditional framework of church–state relations. Calling for challenges to a one-dimensional understanding on the relationship between religious groups and collective contention, this article suggests that a better understanding of this relationship can be achieved by (a) explicitly defining the boundary conditions within which a theory works and (b) embracing a relational perspective that focuses not on religious groups per se but on their interactions with other social and political players.
Gaps Analysis and Requirements Specification for the Evolution of Copernicus System for Polar Regions Monitoring: Addressing the Challenges in the Horizon 2020–2030
Authors: Lancheros Estefany , Camps Adriano , Park Hyuk , Sicard Pierre , Mangin Antoine , Matevosyan Hripsime , Lluch Ignasi
Published: July 2018

This work was developed as part of the European H2020 ONION (Operational Network of Individual Observation Nodes) project, aiming at identifying the technological opportunity areas to complement the Copernicus space infrastructure in the horizon 2020–2030 for polar region monitoring. The European Earth Observation (EO) infrastructure is assessed through of comprehensive end-user need and data gap analysis. This review was based on the top 10 use cases, identifying 20 measurements with gaps and 13 potential EO technologies to cover the identified gaps. It was found that the top priority is the observation of polar regions to support sustainable and safe commercial activities and the preservation of the environment. Additionally, an analysis of the technological limitations based on measurement requirements was performed. Finally, this analysis was used for the basis of the architecture design of a potential polar mission.
A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)-Based Biogas-from-Waste Generation System for Residential Buildings in China: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Wang Qiancheng , Wei Hsi-Hsien , Xu Qian
Published: July 2018

The building sector consumes a great deal of energy and generates organic waste, and thus has been a cause of considerable environmental concern. One distributed-energy technique, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-based biogas-from-waste generation, has shown promise for waste treatment as well as energy saving in buildings. This study proposes a high-efficiency cooling, heating and electricity-generation system with an SOFC-absorption water-cooled tri-generation configuration. Operations data from a typical high-rise commercial building in Shanghai were analyzed as a case study of the proposed system’s economic, environmental, and social feasibility in China. The results indicated that its economic performance was satisfactory, with a short payback period of less than one year if subsidized. Additionally, the system was found to achieve high efficiency: i.e., 85%, as compared to approximately 40% achieved by conventional combustion-powered systems. Finally, in terms of social feasibility, survey respondents not only expressed positive overall attitudes towards the application of the system, but also raised concerns about its long-term operating costs. Given that foreseeable technological advancements promise greater flexibility and reduced space requirements, these results imply that the proposed integrated SOFC multi-generation system will be well-suited to future infrastructure and building projects in China.
Ecological Security Patterns Assessment of Liao River Basin
Authors: Zhao Chunli , Wang Chenxing , Yan Yan , Shan Peng , Li Jiaxun , Chen Jianguo
Published: July 2018

Ecological security assessment aims at identifying an ecosystem’s stability, recognizing the ability to maintain ecological health under various scenarios of ecological risks. In this study, we focus on the ecological security of Liao River Basin not only in terms of directly considering the sustainable development of the basin itself but also in terms of its importance as part of an ecological macro-control for northeast China. We built a “structure-quality-process” analytical framework to assess the ecological security of Liao River Basin. Our results showed that (i) land conversion from cultivated to artificial surfaces represented a dramatic change occurring in the region; (ii) the requirements of regional sustainable development would not likely be satisfied in regard to the given ecosystem services provided by the basin due to poor spatial coordination capability; and (iii) the priority areas for optimizing the ecological security patterns of the basin include the upstream and the downstream regions. The “structure-quality-process” assessment framework provides a dynamic perspective of ecological security and also considers the relationships and functions of the internal structures and processes of the ecosystem. The optimization of ecosystem structures and processes is essential and forms the basic measures and key content of macro-control for well-structured ecological security patterns.
Current Trends in Research on Social Responsibility in State-Owned Enterprises: A Review of the Literature from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Garde-Sanchez Raquel , López-Pérez María Victoria , López-Hernández Antonio M.
Published: July 2018

In recent years, significant changes have produced in the organisational culture of the public sector, bringing accountability and sustainability to the foreground and highlighting the definition of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in public administrations. In this respect, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are well placed to provide an important example to other companies and society and could be of crucial importance in the promotion and development of socially responsible policies. With these considerations in mind, we analyse the state of research into the practice of CSR within SOEs, seeking to identify the main theoretical and empirical contributions made in this respect, that it will be a useful base for studies in the future. Our results show that research attention has been paid to this issue but significantly less than the large body of work carried out in this respect in the private sector. Most of the studies we identify are descriptive, although a growing body of explanatory research is now appearing. Few studies have been made of the impact of CSR practices on users and this constitutes a possible area for research in the future. Our review shows that research into CSR in SOEs is particularly significant in countries where the state has a strong presence in these companies.
N2O Fluxes and Rates of Nitrification and Denitrification at the Sediment–Water Interface in Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Liu Dehong , Zhong Jicheng , Zheng Xiaolan , Fan Chengxin , Yu Juhua , Zhong Wenhui
Published: July 2018

Because of global concerns regarding pollution and eutrophication in fresh water, China’s Taihu Lake has gained attention both for these issues and as a source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In this study, we investigated N2O fluxes and nitrification and denitrification rates at the sediment–water interface and analyzed monthly the relationships between these processes in different areas of Taihu Lake over a one-year period. Annual maximum nitrification and denitrification rate and N2O flux were observed during June in an algae-dominated area of the lake and measured 17.80, 235.51, and 31.49 µmol N m−2 h−1, respectively. The nitrification rate ranged from 0 to 1.18 µmol N m−2 h−1 at other sampling sites, with less variation. The denitrification rate showed clear seasonal variation, with lower levels between August and January (0.01–8.57 µmol N m−2 h−1; average = 1.49 µmol N m−2 h−1) and a rapid increase between February and July (1.03–235.51 µmol N m−2 h−1; average = 41.73 µmol N m−2 h−1).The N2O flux ranged from −0.64 to 1.5 µmol N m−2 h−1, with little variability except for a much higher rate (31.49 µmol N m−2 h−1) in June in algae-dominated areas. N2O flux was significantly positively correlated with nitrification and denitrification rates in most lake zones. By comparing the slopes of the regression equations, we found that N2O emissions from the sediment–water interface were influenced predominantly by nitrification, suggesting that lower N2O fluxes from the sediment–water interface in Taihu Lake are caused primarily by lower nitrification rates.
A Longitudinal Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Clinical Outcomes in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Mok Maggie M.Y. , Liu Carmen K.M. , Lam Man Fai , Kwan Lorraine P. Y. , Chan Gary C.W. , Ma Maggie K.M. , Yap Desmond Y.H. , Chiu Francis , Choy Cindy B.Y. , Tang Sydney C.W. , Chan Tak Mao
Published: July 2018

Background

Starting dialysis is an important life event. The prevalence and evolution of psychological symptoms at commencement of long-term dialysis is unclear. We examined the prevalence of and risk factors for depression and anxiety, and the quality of life (QOL) of incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and also the change of these parameters in the first year of PD in relation to clinical outcomes under the PD-first policy.

Methods

All patients commencing long-term PD from March 2011 to April 2015 were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument Short Form questionnaire. Patient demographics and the incidence of hospitalization, peritonitis, exit-site infection, and all-cause mortality were studied. The HADS was repeated after 9 – 12 months.

Results

A high depression score was present in 39.6% of 191 patients at commencement of PD and was more common in diabetes patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09 – 3.81). A high anxiety score was present in 23.6%, and the risk factors included younger age (OR 0.96 per year, 95% CI 0.94 – 0.99) and diabetes (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.20 – 5.57). Both high depression and anxiety scores were associated with an inferior QOL, overall and across most QOL domains. Depression and anxiety symptoms did not change in the first year of PD and were not associated with short-term clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

High depression and anxiety scores were prevalent in incident PD patients where PD-first policy is adopted and were associated with inferior QOL. There was no improvement after 1 year of PD. The impact of strategic interventions targeting patient groups at risk such as those with diabetes or of younger age warrants further investigation.
Surgical Treatment for Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: 24 Years’ Experience
Authors: Kawanishi Hideki , Banshodani Masataka , Yamashita Masahiro , Shintaku Sadanori , Dohi Kiyohiko
Published: July 2018

Background

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis. The mortality rate for EPS is high, primarily due to complications related to bowel obstruction. Surgery was previously contraindicated; however, surgical enterolysis is performed for patients in whom bowel obstruction fails to improve.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of patients with EPS who received surgical intervention at a single center between November 1993 and October 2017. The severity of intestine damage was characterized by grade-3 peritoneal calcification on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and degeneration of the small intestinal wall in surgery.

Results

Two-hundred and forty-three patients with EPS opted for surgery. Among them, 58 had recurrence and required re-surgery; a total of 318 EPS surgeries were performed. Death was related to EPS in 61 patients (25.1%), of whom 15 died postoperatively. Sixty-seven patients (27.6%) died from other causes. The actuarial survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years after EPS diagnosis were 91%, 83%, 77%, 66%, and 53% respectively. The 50% actuarial survival points after EPS diagnosis and surgery were 104 months and 85 months, respectively. Peritoneal calcification and small intestinal wall degeneration grading showed significant association with the mortality curve for EPS-related death.

Conclusion

Excellent outcomes for EPS are achieved with surgery. The degree of peritoneal deterioration affected the clinical outcomes. Currently, EPS is no longer recognized as a fatal complication.
A Galaxy Redshift Survey Near HST/COS AGN Sight Lines
Authors: Keeney Brian A. , Stocke John T. , Pratt Cameron T. , Davis Julie D. , Syphers David , Danforth Charles W. , Shull J. Michael , Froning Cynthia S. , Green James C. , Penton Steven V. , Savage Blair D.
Published: July 2018

To establish the connection between galaxies and UV-detected absorption systems in the local universe, a deep (g ≤ 20) and wide (∼20′ radius) galaxy redshift survey is presented around 47 sight lines to UV-bright AGNs observed by the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS). Specific COS science team papers have used this survey to connect absorbers to galaxies, groups of galaxies, and large-scale structures, including voids. Here we present the technical details of the survey and the basic measurements required for its use, including redshifts for individual galaxies and uncertainties determined collectively by spectral class (emission-line, absorption-line, and composite spectra) and completeness for each sight line as a function of impact parameter and magnitude. For most of these sight lines, the design criteria of >90% completeness over a >1 Mpc region down to ≲0.1 L* luminosities at z ≤ 0.1 allows a plausible association between low-z absorbers and individual galaxies. Lyα covering fractions are computed to approximate the star-forming and passive galaxy populations using the spectral classes above. In agreement with previous results, the covering fraction of star-forming galaxies with L ≥ 0.3 L* is consistent with unity inside one virial radius and declines slowly to >50% at four virial radii. On the other hand, passive galaxies have lower covering fractions (∼60%) and a shallower decline with impact parameter, suggesting that their gaseous halos are patchy but have a larger scale-length than star-forming galaxies. All spectra obtained by this project are made available electronically for individual measurement and use.
An Approach to Estimate the Binding Energy of Interstellar Species
Authors: Das Ankan , Sil Milan , Gorai Prasanta , Chakrabarti Sandip K. , Loison J. C.
Published: July 2018

One of the major obstacles to accurately modeling the interstellar chemistry is inadequate knowledge of the binding energy (BE) of interstellar species with dust grains. In denser regions of molecular clouds, where very complex chemistry is active, interstellar dust is predominantly covered by H2O molecules, thus it is essential to know the interaction of gas-phase species with water ice to trace realistic physical and chemical processes. To this end, we consider water (cluster) ice to calculate the BE of several atoms, molecules, and radicals of astrochemical interest. Systematic studies have been carried out to come up with a relatively more accurate BE of astrophysically relevant species on water ice. We increase the size of the water cluster methodically to capture the realistic situation. Sequentially, one, three, four, five, and six water molecules are considered to represent water ice analogs in increasing order of complexity. We note that for most of the species considered here, as we increase the cluster size, our calculated BE value starts to converge toward the experimentally obtained value. More specifically, our computed results with the water c-pentamer (average deviation from experiment ∼±15.8%) and c-hexamer (chair) (average deviation from experiment ∼±16.7%) configurations are found to be nearer to an experimentally obtained value other than the value found for the water clusters we consider.
Line Lists for AlF and AlCl in the X1Σ+ Ground State
Authors: Yousefi Mahdi , Bernath Peter F.
Published: July 2018

Vibration-rotation line lists for AlF, Al35Cl, and Al37Cl have been prepared in their ground electronic states (X

). Experimental rotational and ro-vibrational lines were employed to calculate a potential energy surface (PES) by direct potential fitting. The PES was used to calculate ro-vibrational energy levels. Born–Oppenheimer Breakdown corrections were included in the energy level calculations for AlCl. Ro-vibrational energy levels were calculated for the v = 0 to v = 11 vibrational levels and up to J
max = 200 for the rotational levels. Dipole moment functions covering the range of the PES turning points were calculated for AlCl and AlF by ab initio methods and used to determine line intensities. Partition functions for temperatures up to 3000 K were calculated. AlF and AlCl have been detected in circumstellar envelopes and are predicted to occur in cool stellar and sub-stellar atmospheres.
A Case of the Co-Existence of Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis and Pyoderma Gangrenosum and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Ferrillo Maria , Villani Alessia , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Mascolo Massimo , Megna Matteo , Costa Claudia , Napolitano Maddalena
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: Subcorneal pustular dermatosis, also known as Sneddon-Wilkinson disease, can be classified as one of the neutrophilic dermatoses together with pyoderma gangrenosum. The development of both SPD and PG in the same patient has rarely been reported and may be a strong indicator of IgA dysglobulinemiaCASE REPORT: We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with a 2-year history of relapsing pustular eruptions mainly affecting the abdomen, gluteus region, elbows, and the extremities. Four years after the onset of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD), she developed pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) on her right hand. In literature, the coexistence of SPD and PG in the same patient has already been described. This co-occurrence might indicate a certain predisposition for immune dysregulation.CONCLUSION: Although the two NDs are often associated with systemic diseases, these patients should be followed up for any malignancy because of the strong association between these disorders.