bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Areal Precipitation with Fusion Data by ANN Machine Learning in Sparse Gauged Region
Authors: Xu Guoyin , Wang Zhongjing , Xia Ting
Published: June 2019

Focusing on water resources assessment in ungauged or sparse gauged areas, a comparative evaluation of areal precipitation was conducted by remote sensing data, limited gauged data, and a fusion of gauged data and remote sensing data based on machine learning. The artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to fuse the remote sensing precipitation and ground gauge precipitation. The correlation coefficient, root mean square deviation, relative deviation and consistency principle were used to evaluate the reliability of the remote sensing precipitation. The case study in the Qaidam Basin, northwest of China, shows that the precision of the original remote sensing precipitation product of Tropical Precipitation Measurement Satellite (TRMM)-3B42RT and TRMM-3B43 was 0.61, 72.25 mm, 36.51%, 27% and 0.70, 64.24 mm, 31.63%, 32%, respectively, comparing with gauged precipitation. The precision of corrected TRMM-3B42RT and TRMM-3B43 improved to 0.89, 37.51 mm, –0.08%, 41% and 0.91, 34.22 mm, 0.11%, 42%, respectively, which indicates that the data mining considering elevation, longitude and latitude as the main influencing factors of precipitation is efficient and effective. The evaluation of areal precipitation in the Qaidam Basin shows that the mean annual precipitation is 104.34 mm, 186.01 mm and 174.76 mm based on the gauge data, corrected TRMM-3B42RT and corrected TRMM-3B43. The results show many differences in the areal precipitation based on sparse gauge precipitation data and fusion remote sensing data.
Why Craft Brewers Should Be Advised to Use Bottle Refermentation to Improve Late-Hopped Beer Stability
Authors: Silva Ferreira Carlos , Bodart Etienne , Collin Sonia
Published: June 2019

The aromatic complexity of craft beers, together with some particular practices (use of small vessels, dry hopping, etc.), can cause more oxidation associated with pre-maturated colloidal instability, Madeira off-flavors, bitterness decrease, and aroma loss. As bottle refermentation is widely used in Belgian craft beers, the aim of the present work is to assess how this practice might impact their flavor. In fresh beers, key flavors were evidenced by four complementary techniques: short-chain fatty acids determination, esters analysis, XAD-2 extract olfactometry, and overall sensory analysis. In almost all of the fresh beers, isovaleric acid was the sole fatty acid found above its sensory threshold. Selected samples were further analyzed through natural aging at 20 °C. The presence of yeast in the bottle minimized the trans-2-nonenal released from Schiff bases and proved less deleterious than suggested by previous studies with regard to fatty acid release and ester decrease through aging. Furthermore, according to the yeast species selected, some interesting terpenols and phenols were produced from glucosides during storage.
Light Energy Partitioning under Various Environmental Stresses Combined with Elevated CO2 in Three Deciduous Broadleaf Tree Species in Japan
Authors: Kitao Mitsutoshi , Tobita Hiroyuki , Kitaoka Satoshi , Harayama Hisanori , Yazaki Kenichi , Komatsu Masabumi , Agathokleous Evgenios , Koike Takayoshi
Published: June 2019

Understanding plant response to excessive light energy not consumed by photosynthesis under various environmental stresses, would be important for maintaining biosphere sustainability. Based on previous studies regarding nitrogen (N) limitation, drought in Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica), and elevated O3 in Japanese oak (Quercus mongolica var. crispula) and Konara oak (Q. serrata) under future-coming elevated CO2 concentrations, we newly analyze the fate of absorbed light energy by a leaf, partitioning into photochemical processes, including photosynthesis, photorespiration and regulated and non-regulated, non-photochemical quenchings. No significant increases in the rate of non-regulated non-photochemical quenching (JNO) were observed in plants grown under N limitation, drought and elevated O3 in ambient or elevated CO2. This suggests that the risk of photodamage caused by excessive light energy was not increased by environmental stresses reducing photosynthesis, irrespective of CO2 concentrations. The rate of regulated non-photochemical quenching (JNPQ), which contributes to regulating photoprotective thermal dissipation, could well compensate decreases in the photosynthetic electron transport rate through photosystem II (JPSII) under various environmental stresses, since JNPQ+JPSII was constant across the treatment combinations. It is noteworthy that even decreases in JNO were observed under N limitation and elevated O3, irrespective of CO2 conditions, which may denote a preconditioning-mode adaptive response for protection against further stress. Such an adaptive response may not fully compensate for the negative effects of lethal stress, but may be critical for coping with non-lethal stress and regulating homeostasis. Regarding the three deciduous broadleaf tree species, elevated CO2 appears not to influence the plant responses to environmental stresses from the viewpoint of susceptibility to photodamage.
Fermi-Bose Mixtures and BCS-BEC Crossover in High-Tc Superconductors
Authors: Kagan Maxim Yu. , Bianconi Antonio
Published: June 2019

In this review article we consider theoretically and give experimental support to the models of the Fermi-Bose mixtures and the BCS-BEC (Bardeen Cooper Schrieffer–Bose Einstein) crossover compared with the strong-coupling approach, which can serve as the cornerstones on the way from high-temperature to room-temperature superconductivity in pressurized metallic hydrides. We discuss some key theoretical ideas and mechanisms proposed for unconventional superconductors (cuprates, pnictides, chalcogenides, bismuthates, diborides, heavy-fermions, organics, bilayer graphene, twisted graphene, oxide hetero-structures), superfluids and balanced or imbalanced ultracold Fermi gases in magnetic traps. We build a bridge between unconventional superconductors and recently discovered pressurized hydrides superconductors H3S and LaH10 with the critical temperature close to room temperature. We discuss systems with a line of nodal Dirac points close to the Fermi surface and superconducting shape resonances, and hyperbolic superconducting networks which are very important for the development of novel topological superconductors, for the energetics, for the applications in nano-electronics and quantum computations.
Freshening of a Coastal Karst Aquifer Revealed by the Temporal Changes in a Spring Water Composition (La Palme, Southern France)
Authors: Monnin Christophe , Tamborski Joseph , Bejannin Simon , Souhaut Marc , Roques Manon , Olivier Philippe , van Beek Pieter
Published: June 2019

Coastal karst aquifers are vulnerable to sea level rise and seawater intrusion. Knowledge of aquifer hydrological characteristics is therefore essential to managing this water resource. Long-term aquifer monitoring may not always be possible, especially in areas that humans frequent for recreational purposes. However, hydrological information can be deduced from the chemical composition of periodically sampled groundwaters. We characterized the complete chemical composition (temperature, pH, salinity, ORP, O2, Na-K-Ca-Mg-Ba-Sr-Si-Cl-SO4-DIC, and DOC) of a brackish karstic spring located along the French Mediterranean coast (La Palme). The salinity of the spring water varied between 4 and 9 during the 2.5 year period of observation. Chemical analyses revealed that the spring is modified from modern seawater, as shown by Na-normalized dissolved element concentrations. Thermodynamic calculations of mineral saturation states (PHREEQC) point to aragonite and barite saturation and elevated equilibrium CO2 partial pressure. The simultaneous salinity minima and oxygen maxima coincide with extreme values of dissolved element concentrations. This indicates that variation in salinity and water chemistry in La Palme coastal aquifer is primarily driven by infiltration of fresh rainwater. This study shows that geochemical investigations can provide an alternative approach to characterizing the hydrological properties of coastal karst aquifers when wells or boreholes are not readily available.
Description and In-Vitro Test Results of a New Wearable/Portable Device for Extracorporeal Blood Ultrafiltration
Authors: Boscariol Paolo , Boschetti Giovanni , Dalla Via Aldo , De Rossi Nicola , Neri Mauro , Palomba Ilaria , Richiedei Dario , Ronco Claudio , Trevisani Alberto
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the design of Rene Artificiale Portatile (RAP), a novel wearable and portable device for extracorporeal blood ultrafiltration, capable of providing remote treatment of fluid overload in patients with kidney diseases and/or congestive heart failure. The development of the device is based on a new design paradigm, since the layout of the device is box-shaped, as to fit a backpack or a trolley case, differentiating it from other existing devices. The efficient layout and component placement guarantee minimalization and ergonomics, as well as an efficient and cost-effective use. The redundant control architecture of the device has been implemented to ensure a high level of safety and an effective implementation of the clinical treatment. The consistency of the design and its effective implementation are assessed by the results of the preliminary in-vitro tests presented and discussed in this work.
Process and High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Pack-Aluminized Layers on Cast Iron
Authors: Wang Xing , Fan Yongzhe , Zhao Xue , Du An , Ma Ruina , Cao Xiaoming
Published: June 2019

Pack aluminizing of spheroidal graphite cast iron with different aluminizing temperature and time was studied. Results showed that the thickness of aluminized layer increased with the increasing temperature and time. The optimized process parameters are as follow: the aluminizing packed temperature is 830 °C and the time is 3 h. The aluminized layer consisted of the inner FeAl and the outer Fe2Al5. Some graphite nodules were observed in the aluminide layer after aluminizing. The mass gain of the aluminized cast iron was 0.405 mg/cm2, being 1/12 of the untreated substrate after oxidation. The high temperature oxidation resistance can be improved effectively by pack aluminizing, even though there were graphite nodules in the aluminide layer.
The Influence of Graft Length and Density on Dispersion, Crystallisation and Rheology of Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Eriksson Maria , Hamers Joris , Peijs Ton , Goossens Han
Published: June 2019

Different techniques of grafting polymer chains to filler surfaces are often employed to compatibilise filler and polymer matrices. In this paper the influence of graft length and graft density on the state of dispersion, crystallisation and rheological properties of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/silica (SiO2) nanocomposites are reported. Grafted silica nanoparticles were prepared through polymerisation of PCL from the nanoparticle surface. Graft length was controlled by the reaction time, while the grafting density was controlled by the monomer-to-initiator ratio. Grafted nanoparticles were mixed with PCL of different molecular weights and the state of dispersion was assessed. Different matrix-to-graft molecular weight ratios resulted in different states of dispersion. Composites based on the higher molecular weight matrix exhibited small spherical agglomerates while the lower molecular weight matrix revealed more sheet-like microstructures. The state of dispersion was found to be relatively independent of graft length and density. Under quiescent conditions the grafts showed increased nucleation ability in the higher molecular weight PCL, while in the lower molecular weight matrix the effect was less pronounced. Rheological experiments showed an increase in viscosity with increased filler content, which was beneficial for the formation of oriented structures in shear-induced crystallisation.
A Bifunctional Molecule with Lectin and Protease Inhibitor Activities Isolated from Crataeva tapia Bark Significantly Affects Cocultures of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Bonturi Camila Ramalho , Silva Mariana Cristina Cabral , Motaln Helena , Salu Bruno Ramos , Ferreira Rodrigo da Silva , Batista Fabricio Pereira , Correia Maria Tereza dos Santos , Paiva Patrícia Maria Guedes , Turnšek Tamara Lah , Oliva Maria Luiza Vilela
Published: June 2019

Currently available drugs for treatment of glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain tumor, remain inefficient, thus a plethora of natural compounds have already been shown to have antimalignant effects. However, these have not been tested for their impact on tumor cells in their microenvironment-simulated cell models, e.g., mesenchymal stem cells in coculture with glioblastoma cell U87 (GB). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) chemotactically infiltrate the glioblastoma microenvironment. Our previous studies have shown that bone-marrow derived MSCs impair U87 growth and invasion via paracrine and cell–cell contact-mediated cross-talk. Here, we report on a plant-derived protein, obtained from Crataeva tapia tree Bark Lectin (CrataBL), having protease inhibitory/lectin activities, and demonstrate its effects on glioblastoma cells U87 alone and their cocultures with MSCs. CrataBL inhibited U87 cell invasion and adhesion. Using a simplified model of the stromal microenvironment, i.e., GB/MSC direct cocultures, we demonstrated that CrataBL, when added in increased concentrations, caused cell cycle arrest and decreased cocultured cells’ viability and proliferation, but not invasion. The cocultured cells’ phenotypes were affected by CrataBL via a variety of secreted immunomodulatory cytokines, i.e., G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF. We hypothesize that CrataBL plays a role by boosting the modulatory effects of MSCs on these glioblastoma cell lines and thus the effects of this and other natural lectins and/or inhibitors would certainly be different in the tumor microenvironment compared to tumor cells alone. We have provided clear evidence that it makes much more sense testing these potential therapeutic adjuvants in cocultures, mimicking heterogeneous tumor–stroma interactions with cancer cells in vivo. As such, CrataBL is suggested as a new candidate to approach adjuvant treatment of this deadly tumor.
Preparation of Sesquiterpene Lactone-Loaded PLA Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antitrypanosomal Activity
Authors: Kimani Njogu , Backhaus Solveig , Matasyoh Josphat , Kaiser Marcel , Herrmann Fabian , Schmidt Thomas , Langer Klaus
Published: June 2019

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also commonly known as sleeping sickness, is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people in poorly developed regions in sub-Saharan Africa. There is no satisfactory treatment for this infection. The investment necessary to bring new drugs to the market is a big deterrent to drug development, considering that the affected communities form a non-lucrative sector. However, natural products and many sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) in particular are very strong trypanocides. Research and applications of nano-drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles (NPs) have undergone unprecedented growth in the recent past. This is mainly due to the advantages offered by these systems, such as targeted delivery of the drug to the place of action (cell, parasite, etc), sustained release of the drug, increased bioavailability, reduced drug dosage, and reduction of undesired side effects, among others. In this study, the STLs α-santonin, arglabin, schkuhrin II, vernolepin, and eucannabinolide, all trypanocides, were loaded into polylactic acid (PLA) NPs through an emulsification-diffusion method. The NPs were stable, homogenous, and spherical in shape with a rounded knotty depression like a navel orange. The average particle sizes were 202.3, 220.3, 219.5, 216.9, and 226.4 nm for α-santonin, arglabin, schkuhrin II, vernolepin, and eucannabinolide, respectively. The NPs had encapsulation efficiencies of 94.6, 78.1, 76.8, 60.7, and 78.9% for α-santonin, arglabin, schkuhrin II, vernolepin, and eucannabinolide, respectively. The NPs loaded with arglabin, vernolepin, and eucannabinolide exhibited considerable antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr) with free drug equivalent IC50 values of 3.67, 1.11 and 3.32 µM, respectively. None of the NP formulations displayed cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells (rat skeletal myoblast cell line L6). These results provide new insights into the possibility of incorporating STLs into nanoparticles, which may provide new options for their formulation in order to develop new drugs against HAT.
Inhibitory Effects of Diketopiperazines from Marine-Derived Streptomyces puniceus on the Isocitrate Lyase of Candida albicans
Authors: Kim Heegyu , Hwang Ji-Yeon , Shin Jongheon , Oh Ki-Bong
Published: June 2019

The glyoxylate cycle is a sequence of anaplerotic reactions catalyzed by the key enzymes isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase, and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of microorganisms during infection. An icl-deletion mutant of Candida albicans exhibited reduced virulence in mice compared with the wild type. Five diketopiperazines, which are small and stable cyclic peptides, isolated from the marine-derived Streptomyces puniceus Act1085, were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on C. albicans ICL. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data and comparisons with previously reported data. Cyclo(L-Phe-L-Val) was identified as a potent ICL inhibitor, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 27 μg/mL. Based on the growth phenotype of the icl-deletion mutants and icl expression analyses, we demonstrated that cyclo(L-Phe-L-Val) inhibits the gene transcription of ICL in C. albicans under C2-carbon-utilizing conditions.
Electronic Property and Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of Si136-xGex (x = 8, 32, 40, 104) Clathrate Solid Solution from First Principles
Authors: Xue Dong , Myles Charles W.
Published: June 2019

We present the electronic and vibrational studies on Si136-xGex (x = 8, 32, 40, 104) alloys, using the local density approximation (LDA) scheme. We find that a “nearly-direct” band gap exists in the band structure of Si104Ge32 and Si96Ge40, when compared with the similarly reported results obtained using a different computational code. The calculated electronic density of state (EDOS) profiles for the valence band remain nearly identical and independent of the Ge concentration (x = 32, 40, 104) even though some variation is found in the lower conduction band (tail part) as composition x is tuned from 8 (or 40) to 104. The negative thermal expansion (NTE) phenomenon is explored using quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA), which takes the volume dependence of the vibrational mode frequencies into consideration, while neglecting the temperature effect on phonon anharmonicity. Determined macroscopic Grüneisen parameter trends show negative values in the low temperature regime (1 K < T < 115 K), indicating the NTE behavior found in Si128Ge8 is analogous to the experimental result for Si136. Meanwhile, calculations for the ratio of the vibrational entropy change to the volume change at several characteristic temperatures reconfirm the existence of NTE in Si128Ge8 and Si104Ge32.
The Relationship between Nutrient Patterns and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ilesanmi-Oyelere Bolaji Lilian , Brough Louise , Coad Jane , Roy Nicole , Kruger Marlena Cathorina
Published: June 2019

In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency and rapid bone loss. Research into nutritional factors that influence bone health is therefore necessary. In this study, the relationship between nutrient patterns and nutrients important for bone health with bone mineral density (BMD) was explored. In this cross-sectional analysis, 101 participants aged between 54 and 81 years were eligible. Body composition and BMD analyses were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutrient data were extracted from a 3-day diet diary (3-DDD) using Foodworks 9 and metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes) was calculated from a self-reported New Zealand physical activity questionnaire (NZPAQ). Significant positive correlations were found between intakes of calcium (p = 0.003, r = 0.294), protein (p = 0.013, r = 0.246), riboflavin (p = 0.020, r = 0.232), niacin equivalent (p = 0.010, r = 0.256) and spine BMD. A nutrient pattern high in riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium was significantly positively correlated with spine (p < 0.05, r = 0.197) and femoral neck BMD (p < 0.05, r = 0.213), while the nutrient pattern high in vitamin E, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and omega 6 fatty acids was negatively correlated with hip (p < 0.05, r = −0.215) and trochanter BMD (p < 0.05, r = −0.251). These findings support the hypothesis that a nutrient pattern high in the intake of vitamin E, α-tocopherol and omega 6 fatty acids appears to be detrimental for bone health in postmenopausal women.
Voltammetric Evaluation of Diclofenac Tablets Samples through Carbon Black-Based Electrodes
Authors: da Cunha Carlos Eduardo Peixoto , Rodrigues Edson Silvio Batista , Fernandes Alecrim Morgana , Thomaz Douglas Vieira , Macêdo Isaac Yves Lopes , Garcia Luane Ferreira , de Oliveira Neto Jerônimo Raimundo , Moreno Emily Kussmaul Gonçalves , Ballaminut Nara , de Souza Gil Eric
Published: June 2019

Diclofenac (DIC) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of wide use around the world. Electroanalytical methods display a high analytical potential for application in pharmaceutical samples but the drawbacks concerning electrode fouling and reproducibility are of major concern. Henceforth, the aim of this work was to propose the use of alternative low-cost carbon black (CB) and ionic liquid (IL) matrix to modify the surface of pencil graphite electrodes (PGE) in order to quantify DIC in raw materials, intermediates, and final products, as well as in stability assays of tablets. The proposed method using CB+IL/PGE displayed good recovery (99.4%) as well as limits of detection (LOD) of 0.08 µmol L-1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) of 0.28 µmol L−1. CB+IL/PGE response was five times greater than the unmodified PGE. CB+IL-PGE stands as an interesting alternative for DIC assessment in different pharmaceutical samples.
Fabrication of Modified Random Phase Masks with Phase Modulation Elements Exhibiting Gaussian Profiles Using Molecular Migration under Photopolymerization
Authors: Emoto Akira , Honda Junya , Suzuki Kou , Kimoto Takumi , Fukuda Takashi
Published: June 2019

Random phase masks are important technical elements for realizing holographic memory systems that enable high density recording. However, the broadly distributed Fourier spectrum often presents a problem because wide recording spots result in reduced total storage capacity for a recording medium. In the present study, we propose modified random phase masks with phase modulation elements exhibiting Gaussian profiles to suppress the spread of the recording spot and keep it in a narrow area, based on the reduction of the high-frequency components in a random phase pattern. We confirm the effectiveness of the proposed random phase mask using simulations of a computer-generated binary hologram. However, issues still remain in terms of the fabrication of random phase masks with Gaussian profiles. Therefore, we evaluate the feasibility of fabricating the proposed random phase mask using molecular diffusion under photopolymerization. The results confirm the feasibility of this approach over a relatively wide area for actual fabrication.
An Optical Power Divider Based on Mode Coupling Using GaN/Al2O3 for Underwater Communication †
Authors: Purnamaningsih Retno Wigajatri , Poespawati Nji Raden , Abuzairi Tomy , Dogheche Elhadj
Published: June 2019

This paper details the design of a 1 × 8 optical power divider, using a gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor on sapphire, which can be applied to underwater optical wireless communication. The design consists of nine parallel rectangular waveguides which are based on mode coupling phenomena. Analysis of the design was performed using the beam propagation method (BPM). The optimization was conducted using the 3D finite difference (FD)-BPM method with an optical signal input at the wavelength required for maritime application of λ = 0.45 µm. The signal was injected into the central waveguide. The results showed that at a propagation length of 1480 µm the optical power is divided into eight output beams with an excess loss of 0.46 dB and imbalance of 0.51 dB. The proposed design can be further developed and applied in future underwater communication technology.
Self-Regeneration Performance and Characterization of Silver-Containing Activated Carbon Fibers Coated by Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Han Wang , Zhang Minghui , Guo Zeyu
Published: June 2019

In this study, wood-based activated carbon fibers (WACF) were modified by Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) and TiO2 films. The coating of TiO2 films decreased the AgNPs agglomeration and exfoliation on WACF. As the soaking concentration of AgNO3 solution (Sconc) increased, AgNPs size and content increased, while the pore volume (especially micropore volume) of fibers reduced. However, at higher Sconc in the range of 0.2 to0.4 mol/L, only slight variations in AgNPs content and pore structure were observable for WACF/TiO2/Ag (Ag-containing WACF coated by TiO2 film). WACF/TiO2/Ag-0.1 (0.1 was the soaking concentration of AgNO3 solution, mol/L) represented the best self-regeneration performance under the visible light irradiation. The self-regeneration performance of WACF/TiO2/Ag was determined by the synergistic effects of two factors: adsorption and photodegradation. The abundant pores of WACF/TiO2/Ag-0.1 increased the methylene blue (MB) concentration of TiO2 surrounding and facilitated the MB photodegradation. Meanwhile, their suitable Ag content enhanced MB photodegradation. Furthermore, the principal pathway of a chemical reaction between Ag+ and WACF was interpreted based on the data of surface elemental constituents and surface functional groups.
Advances in Halloysite Nanotubes–Polysaccharide Nanocomposite Preparation and Applications
Authors: Wu Yang , Zhang Yongzhi , Ju Junping , Yan Hao , Huang Xiaoyu , Tan Yeqiang
Published: June 2019

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), novel 1D natural materials with a unique tubular nanostructure, large aspect ratio, biocompatibility, and high mechanical strength, are promising nanofillers to improve the properties of polymers. In this review, we summarize the recent progress toward the development of polysaccharide-HNTs composites, paying attention to the main existence forms and wastewater treatment application particularly. The purification of HNTs and fabrication of the composites are discussed first. Polysaccharides, such as alginate, chitosan, starch, and cellulose, reinforced with HNTs show improved mechanical, thermal, and swelling properties. Finally, we summarize the unique characteristics of polysaccharide-HNTs composites and review the recent development of the practical applications.
Multi-Label Classification Based on Random Forest Algorithm for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring System
Authors: Wu Xin , Gao Yuchen , Jiao Dian
Published: June 2019

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is an effective method to optimize energy consumption patterns. Since the concept of NILM was proposed, extensive research has focused on energy disaggregation or load identification. The traditional method is to disaggregate mixed signals, and then identify the independent load. This paper proposes a multi-label classification method using Random Forest (RF) as a learning algorithm for non-intrusive load identification. Multi-label classification can be used to determine which categories data belong to. This classification can help to identify the operation states of independent loads from mixed signals without disaggregation. The experiments are conducted in real environment and public data set respectively. Several basic electrical features are selected as the classification feature to build the classification model. These features are also compared to select the most suitable features for classification by feature importance parameters. The classification accuracy and F-score of the proposed method can reach 0.97 and 0.98, respectively.
Tree Species Classification in a Highly Diverse Subtropical Forest Integrating UAV-Based Photogrammetric Point Cloud and Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Sothe Camile , Dalponte Michele , Almeida Cláudia Maria de , Schimalski Marcos Benedito , Lima Carla Luciane , Liesenberg Veraldo , Miyoshi Gabriela Takahashi , Tommaselli Antonio Maria Garcia
Published: June 2019

The use of remote sensing data for tree species classification in tropical forests is still a challenging task, due to their high floristic and spectral diversity. In this sense, novel sensors on board of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms are a rapidly evolving technology that provides new possibilities for tropical tree species mapping. Besides the acquisition of high spatial and spectral resolution images, UAV-hyperspectral cameras operating in frame format enable to produce 3D hyperspectral point clouds. This study investigated the use of UAV-acquired hyperspectral images and UAV-photogrammetric point cloud (PPC) for classification of 12 major tree species in a subtropical forest fragment in Southern Brazil. Different datasets containing hyperspectral visible/near-infrared (VNIR) bands, PPC features, canopy height model (CHM), and other features extracted from hyperspectral data (i.e., texture, vegetation indices-VIs, and minimum noise fraction-MNF) were tested using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The results showed that the use of VNIR hyperspectral bands alone reached an overall accuracy (OA) of 57% (Kappa index of 0.53). Adding PPC features to the VNIR hyperspectral bands increased the OA by 11%. The best result was achieved combining VNIR bands, PPC features, CHM, and VIs (OA of 72.4% and Kappa index of 0.70). When only the CHM was added to VNIR bands, the OA increased by 4.2%. Among the hyperspectral features, besides all the VNIR bands and the two VIs (NDVI and PSSR), the first four MNF features and the textural mean of 565 and 679 nm spectral bands were pointed out as more important to discriminate the tree species according to Jeffries–Matusita (JM) distance. The SVM method proved to be a good classifier for the tree species recognition task, even in the presence of a high number of classes and a small dataset.
SAR-Mode Altimetry Observations of Internal Solitary Waves in the Tropical Ocean Part 2: A Method of Detection
Authors: Santos-Ferreira Adriana M. , da Silva José C. B. , Srokosz Meric
Published: June 2019

It is demonstrated that the synthetic aperture radar altimeter (SRAL) on board of the Sentinel-3A can detect short-period internal solitary waves (ISWs) with scales of the order of a kilometer. A variety of signatures owing to the surface manifestations of the ISWs are apparent in the SRAL Level-2 products over the ocean. These signatures are identified in several geophysical parameters, such as radar backscatter ( σ 0 ) and sea level anomaly (SLA). Radar backscatter is the primary parameter in which ISWs can be identified owing to the measurable sea surface roughness perturbations in the along-track direction resulting from the sharpened SRAL footprint. The SRAL footprint is sufficiently small (300 m in the along-track direction) to capture radar power fluctuations over successive wave crests and troughs, which produce rough and slick surface patterns arrayed in parallel bands with scales of a few kilometers along-track. Furthermore, it was possible to calculate the mean square slope ( s 2 ¯ ) for the dual-band (Ku and C bands) altimeter of Sentinel-3, which made the ISW signatures unambiguously identified because of the large s 2 ¯ variations in exact synergy with ocean and land color instrument (OLCI) images. Hence, the detection method is validated in cloud-free sun glint OLCI images. It is shown that both σ 0 and SLA yield realistic estimates for routine observation of ISWs with the SRAL. The detection method that is used relies on the parameter s 2 ¯ which is calculated from σ 0 . This is a significant improvement from previous observations recently reported for conventional pulse-limited altimeters (Jason-2). An algorithm is developed to be used in any ocean region. Wavelets were applied for a first analysis of the s 2 ¯ variations because ISWs can be readily identified in high-frequency signals. Other geophysical parameters such as SLA were used to exclude phenomena that are unlikely to be ISWs.
Hierarchy Graph Based Barrier Coverage Strategy with a Minimum Number of Sensors for Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Chang Juan , Shen Xiaohong , Bai Weigang , Zhao Ruiqin , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2019

Underwater sensor networks ( UWSNs ) based barrier coverage is increasingly important for intrusion detection due to the scarcity of underwater sensor resource. To improve UWSNs’ detection performance and prolong their lifetime, an efficient barrier coverage strategy is very important. In this paper, a novel concept: hierarchy graph is proposed. Hierarchy graph can make the network’s topology more clarity. In accordance with the hierarchy graph, 1-barrier coverage algorithm and k-barrier coverage algorithm are presented to construct the barrier with less sensors for higher energy efficiency. Both analytical and simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can provide high detection probability and long lifetime for UWSNs.
Assessing Consumer Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Novel Value-Added Products Made from Breadfruit in the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Lysák Marin , Ritz Christian , Henriksen Christian Bugge
Published: June 2019

Breadfruit is a high yielding tree crop with a long history in the Pacific Islands, with the potential to improve food security under climate change. Traditionally, it has been grown and used extensively as a food source in Hawaii, but in the past decades, it has been neglected, underutilized, and supplanted by imported staple foods. Revitalization of breadfruit is central for reducing dependency on food imports and increasing food resiliency and self-sufficiency in Hawaii. Such a process could potentially be strengthened by the development of novel value-added products. This empirical study investigates consumer acceptance and willingness to pay in two scenarios: with and without detailed product information about breadfruit and its cultural significance, nutritional benefits and potential contribution to increase local food security. A total of 440 consumers participated in the study. Participants receiving descriptive information had a higher level of acceptance and were willing to pay a higher price compared with participants who were not informed that the product was made from breadfruit: 1.33 ± 0.15 acceptance on the hedonic scale and 1.26 ± 0.23 USD (both p < 0.0001). In conclusion, repeated exposure and building a positive narrative around breadfruit products may increase consumer acceptability.
Macro Asset Allocation with Social Impact Investments
Authors: Biasin Massimo , Cerqueti Roy , Giacomini Emanuela , Marinelli Nicoletta , Quaranta Anna Grazia , Riccetti Luca
Published: June 2019

Using a unique dataset of 50 listed companies that meet the majority of the OECD requirements for social impact investments, we construct a social impact finance stock index and investigate how investing in social impact firms can contribute to portfolio risk-return performance. We build portfolios with three different methodologies (naïve, Markowitz mean-variance optimization, GARCH-copula model), and we study the performance in terms of returns, Sharpe ratio, utility, and forecast premium based on a constant relative risk aversion function for investors with different levels of risk aversion. Consistent with the idea that social impact investment can improve portfolio risk-return performance, the results of our macro asset allocation analysis show the importance of a large fraction of investor portfolios’ stake committed to social impact investments.
Determinants of Continuous Intention on Food Delivery Apps: Extending UTAUT2 with Information Quality
Authors: Lee Suk Won , Sung Hye Jin , Jeon Hyeon Mo
Published: June 2019

This study empirically analyzes an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model that augments information quality to identify the determinants of continuous use intention for food delivery software applications. A sample survey of 340 respondents who had ordered or purchased food through delivery apps was used for the analysis. The results indicate that habit had the strongest influence on continuous use intention, followed by performance expectancy and social influence. Furthermore, information quality had an indirect effect on continuous use intention via performance expectancy. Consequently, this study confirms the importance of information quality, performance expectancy, habit, and social influence as factors in inducing users’ continuous use intention for food delivery apps. These findings expand previous research in online-to-offline business in the field of food services and suggest practical implications. Ultimately, the model proposed and validated in this study may be employed as a basis for future research on consumer behavior in the field of food e-commerce services.
Efficient Removal of Cr(VI) from Water by Biochar and Activated Carbon Prepared through Hydrothermal Carbonization and Pyrolysis: Adsorption-Coupled Reduction Mechanism
Authors: Vo Anh Tuan , Nguyen Van Phuong , Ouakouak Abdelkader , Nieva Aileen , Doma Bonifacio T. , Tran Hai Nguyen , Chao Huan-Ping
Published: June 2019

Three carbonaceous porous materials (biochar and activated carbon) were developed from the Tectona grandis tree sawdust. The applied process of two-stage preparation included pre-treatment through hydrothermal carbonization at 190 °C and subsequent pyrolysis at 800 °C. Two chemical activating agents (K2CO3 and ZnCl2) were used to prepared activated carbons (K2CO3-AC and ZnCl2-AC), respectively. They were characterized by textural property, morphology, and surface element components and applied to remove Cr(VI) from solution at various solution pH values and initial Cr(VI) concentrations. Results showed that the textural parameters (SBET and VTotal) of the prepared material were 1757 m2/g and 1.027 cm3/g for Zn-Cl2-AC, 1013 m2/g and 0.418 cm3/g for K2CO3-AC, and 792 m2/g and 0.345 cm3/g for biochar. The adsorption process reached the highest efficiency at pH 3.0. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity indicated the decreasing order: ZnCl2-AC (127 mg/g) > K2CO3-AC (103 mg/g) > biochar (83.5 mg/g). The removal mechanism of Cr(V) from solution was regarded as an adsorption-coupled reduction, namely (1) partial reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) during the adsorption process and (2) adsorption of the Cr(VI) anions through electrostatic attraction and pore filling and the reduced Cr(III) cations through complexation, Cπ–cation interaction, cation exchange, and pore filing. Therefore, the prepared biochar and activated carbon can server as promising adsorbents to efficiently remove both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from water.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION: THE PHILOSOPHICAL AND EDUCATIONAL ASPECT
Authors: Sahuichenko Valentyna
Published: June 2019

Turning to the classics of innovative pedagogy, it is necessary to look for practical ways to implement the normative and legal documents of Ukraine on issues of innovation in education, namely: to pay attention to the terminology, purpose and principles of state innovation policy, objects of innovation activity, subjects. It is important to emphasize that innovations are determined by newly created (applied) and / or improved competitive technologies, products or services, as well as organizational and technical decisions of an industrial, administrative, commercial or other nature that significantly improve the structure and quality of production and (or) social sphere. when educational innovations recognize the first created, improved or applied educational, didactic, educational, management systems, their components, which significantly improve the results of educational activities and reforms.
INTRODUCTION OF POST–NON–CLASSICAL HUMANITARIAN CONCEPT OF CHAOS IN THE EDUCATIONAL AREA: SOCIAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM OF SOCIALIZATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL
Authors: Seliverstova Hanna
Published: June 2019

The article proposes the application of the theory of chaos in the educational sphere, which will expand the methodological arsenal of synergetics in the educational space and social philosophy, open up new opportunities for understanding the educational process from the standpoint of self–organization and non–linearity, as well as helping to solve the problem of socialization of the individual.
RELIGION, TECHNOLOGY, CULTURE: DISCOURSES OF INTERACTION
Authors: Dobrodum Olga
Published: June 2019

Today, each created robot includes an operating system, which is also a kind of art that absorbed the religious and moral principles of the programmers who created this new mechanical life. Further development of robotics and the emergence of AI form new types of arts that will reflect the outlook of the AI and humanity. The beginning of the 21st century was marked by the emergence of the first patterns of AIs and the multitude of mythologies in this regard.
Preliminary studies on in vitro sensitivity of Venturia inaequalis populations to some fungicide active ingredients
Authors: Mónika Fazekas  , Ferenc Abonyi  , Barbara Balla  , Imre Holb
Published: June 2019

Aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of conidia of Spilocaea pomi to main fungicide active ingredients (cyprodinil, pirimethanil, fluquinconazole, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, dodine és trifloxistrobin) at dosages of 0.5, 1 and 2 times incubated in vitro at 24 and 48 hours collected from three integrated apple orchards. Results showed that degree of conidial germinations at the fungicide treatnemts decreased in the order of dosages of untreated, 0.5, 1 and 2 times. Considerable conidial germination was observed at higher dosages of some fungicides (e.g. groups of strobilurines and EBI) which confirmed the possibilities of sensitivity reduction of Spilocaea pomi to some funigicides in the sampled Hungarian apple orchards.
Thoughts about the connection between spatial development and sustainable landscape at the region of the Northern Great Plain
Authors: Gábor Kerékgyártó
Published: June 2019

This paper tries to find connections between sustainable landscape and spatial development policy of the Northern Great Plain region on the basis of specific examples explained in scientific literature. Searching for the common roots of spatial development and sustainability the paper explains two interpretation of sustainability from the view point of landscape, than the most significant element of current landscape change, the polarization of landscapes, will be introduced. This trend in landscape change basically determines the direction of spatial development. This paper analyses the Northern Great Plain region form two different approaches. In the first grouping the region is exposed from the view point of landscape. In the second partitioning the area is divided into subject matters based on the principles of sustainability and polarization of landscape. This research – analysing development plans and strategies – considers the current situation and the tasks of the future within the subject matters.
The effect of water supply and crop year on the yield potential of sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata Koern.) hybrids with different genotypes
Authors: Krisztina Molnár  , Róbert Vig  , Eszter Nemeskéri  , Attila Dobos
Published: June 2019

The successfulness of crop production is significantly affected by not only the the average yields that provide cost effectiveness, but also the success of striving for yield safety, therefore, varieties and hybrids tolerant to environmental stress factors are worth being included into the sowing structure. Our aim was to further the decision making of producers in prepaering the right sowing structure by the evaluation of sweet maize hybrids’ tolerance to excess rainfall.We performed our examinations in an extremely wet year (2010) on chernozem soil on three sweet maize hybrids (GSS 8529, GSS 1477, Overland) in 12 replications. Comparing the yields of 2010 with those that can be expected under optimal rainfall conditions, we showed that the examined hybrids react to the amount of rainfall higher than their needs with yield depression. The excess rainfall tolerance of the examined hybrids is different in the case of each hybrid.
Innovation Potential and Regional Competitiveness studies in the Northern Great Plain region
Authors: Szabolcs Németh
Published: June 2019

1.5 million people live in the large region containing 3 counties, which makes it the second most populated region after Central Hungary. Its economy and land use are still defined by agriculture and it has been the least developed region in the country for a long time. In the country this region has the second lowest GDP per capita and employment rate. In contrast to the low values of the economic indicators the region has high potential for innovation. The University of Debrecen is located in the region having one of the widest range of education and intensive research and development is also a characteristic of the region.
Spatial environment analisys of the bioenergy production and utilization
Authors: Zsuzsanna Szántó
Published: June 2019

The backwardness of the rural areas compared to the cities poses a problem all over Europe. Rural development and the reduction of differences between the development levels of the regions have expressed roles among the programs of the European Union. Member States are even entitled to subsidisation, they just need to manage subsidies economically. In Hungary, a relatively small amount of the population lives in the capital, more than 80% of Hungarians live in rural cities or villages. The opposition between the countryside and the cities is rather intensified and the symbiotic correlation would need to be restored. Many people migrate from the countryside, especially youngsters, as they have no opportunities to find any job. This phenomenon poses big risks because getting a job is usually difficult everywhere and because fitting into a new environment always involves a lot of difficulties. Also from the aspect of the national economy, migration from the rural areas to the cities is a problem. The state budget will face significant excess costs if someone moves from a village to the city. It could cause unpredictable consequences if people leave the villages, as the maintenance and development of the village living space will face a hopeless situation.Non-renewable energies are restricted and they will not be accessible after reaching a certain limit. People’s everyday activities and the functioning of the economy presupposes the availabilty of the necessary amount of energy. In the future, solution that provide the longterm stability of energy for the world will become increasingly necessary. There is a huge potential in bioenergy, more specifically in biomass. The building of biomass plants and putting them into operation creates jobs in the rural spatial environments. A locally available resource that can help in creating the energy safety of the country and the reduction of the dependence on import. The production of energy crops or the crops whose purpose of use is energy could help in strengthening the multifunctional character of agriculture and it can represent a source of income for those living off of agriculture under the current uncertain conditions.