bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geophonino-W: A Wireless Multichannel Seismic Noise Recorder System for Array Measurements
Authors: Soler-Llorens Juan Luis , Galiana-Merino Juan José , Giner-Caturla José Juan , Rosa-Cintas Sergio , Nassim-Benabdeloued Boualem Youcef
Published: September 2019

The characterization of soil is essential for the evaluation of seismic hazard, because soil properties strongly influence the damage caused by earthquakes. Methods based on seismic noise are the most commonly used in soil characterization. Concretely, methods based on seismic noise array measurements allow for the estimation of Rayleigh wave dispersion curves and, subsequently, shear-wave velocity profiles. The equipment required for the application of this technique is usually very expensive, which could be a significant economic challenge for small research groups. In this work, we have developed a wireless multichannel seismic noise recorder system (Geophonino-W), which is suitable for array measurements. Each station includes a microcontroller board (Arduino), a conditioning circuit, an Xbee module, an SD card, and a GPS module. Several laboratory tests were carried out in order to study the performance of the Geophonino-W: A frequency response test (impulse response and noise); synchronization test; and battery duration test. Comparisons of Geophonino-W with the commercial systems and field measurements were also carried out. The estimated dispersion curves obtained using the proposed system were compared with the ones obtained using other commercial equipment, demonstrating the effectiveness of Geophonino-W for seismic noise array measurements. Geophonino-W is an economic open-source and hardware system that is available to any small research group or university.
Multi-View Fusion-Based 3D Object Detection for Robot Indoor Scene Perception
Authors: Wang Li , Li Ruifeng , Sun Jingwen , Liu Xingxing , Zhao Lijun , Seah Hock Soon , Quah Chee Kwang , Tandianus Budianto
Published: September 2019

To autonomously move and operate objects in cluttered indoor environments, a service robot requires the ability of 3D scene perception. Though 3D object detection can provide an object-level environmental description to fill this gap, a robot always encounters incomplete object observation, recurring detections of the same object, error in detection, or intersection between objects when conducting detection continuously in a cluttered room. To solve these problems, we propose a two-stage 3D object detection algorithm which is to fuse multiple views of 3D object point clouds in the first stage and to eliminate unreasonable and intersection detections in the second stage. For each view, the robot performs a 2D object semantic segmentation and obtains 3D object point clouds. Then, an unsupervised segmentation method called Locally Convex Connected Patches (LCCP) is utilized to segment the object accurately from the background. Subsequently, the Manhattan Frame estimation is implemented to calculate the main orientation of the object and subsequently, the 3D object bounding box can be obtained. To deal with the detected objects in multiple views, we construct an object database and propose an object fusion criterion to maintain it automatically. Thus, the same object observed in multi-view is fused together and a more accurate bounding box can be calculated. Finally, we propose an object filtering approach based on prior knowledge to remove incorrect and intersecting objects in the object dataset. Experiments are carried out on both SceneNN dataset and a real indoor environment to verify the stability and accuracy of 3D semantic segmentation and bounding box detection of the object with multi-view fusion.
Multipurpose Polymer Bragg Grating-Based Optomechanical Sensor Pad
Authors: Hessler Steffen , Bott Patrick , Kefer Stefan , Schmauss Bernhard , Hellmann Ralf
Published: September 2019

Flexible epoxy waveguide Bragg gratings are fabricated on a low-modulus TPX™ polymethylpentene polyolefin substrate for an easy to manufacture and low-cost optomechanical sensor pad providing exceedingly multipurpose application potentials. Rectangular EpoCore negative resist strip waveguides are formed employing standard UV mask lithography. Highly persistent Bragg gratings are inscribed directly into the channel waveguides by permanently modifying the local refractive indices through a well-defined KrF excimer laser irradiated +1/-1 order phase mask. The reproducible and vastly versatile sensing capabilities of this easy-to-apply optomechanical sensor pad are demonstrated in the form of an optical pickup for acoustic instruments, a broadband optical accelerometer, and a biomedical vital sign sensor monitoring both respiration and pulse at the same time.
Real-Time Vehicle Motion Detection and Motion Altering for Connected Vehicle: Algorithm Design and Practical Applications
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yin Jiateng , Wang Xiaohan , Hu Jia , Qi Bozhao , Runge Troy
Published: September 2019

Real-time capturing of vehicle motion is the foundation of connected vehicles (CV) and safe driving. This study develops a novel vehicle motion detection system (VMDS) that detects lane-change, turning, acceleration, and deceleration using mobile sensors, that is, global positioning system (GPS) and inertial ones in real-time. To capture a large amount of real-time vehicle state data from multiple sensors, we develop a dynamic time warping based algorithm combined with principal component analysis (PCA). Further, the designed algorithm is trained and evaluated on both urban roads and highway using an Android platform. The aim of the algorithm is to alert adjacent drivers, especially distracted drivers, of potential crash risks. Our evaluation results based on driving traces, covering over 4000 miles, conclude that VMDS is able to detect lane-change and turning with an average precision over 76% and speed, acceleration, and brake with an average precision over 91% under the given testing data dataset 1 and 4. Finally, the alerting tests are conducted with a simulator vehicle, estimating the effect of alerting back or front vehicle the surrounding vehicles’ motion. Nearly two seconds are gained for drivers to make a safe operation. As is expected, with the help of VMDS, distracted driving decreases and driving safety improves.
A Sensitive and Versatile Thickness Determination Method Based on Non-Inflection Terahertz Property Fitting
Authors: Chen Xuequan , Pickwell-MacPherson Emma
Published: September 2019

The accuracy of thin-film characterization in terahertz spectroscopy is mainly set by the thickness uncertainty. Physical thickness measurement has limited accuracy for thin-film samples thinner than a few hundreds of micrometers and is sometimes even impossible. The temporal resolution of time-domain terahertz spectrometers is not sufficient to resolve such thin films. Previously reported numerical methods mainly only work for materials with low dispersion and absorption. Here, we propose a novel method for thickness determination by fitting a non-inflection offset exponential function to the material optical properties. Theoretical analysis predicts the best fitting to only be achieved when the correct thickness is given. Transmission measurements on a thin-film polymer, water, and a lactose pallet verify the theory and show the accurate thickness determination and property characterization on materials which are either achromatic or dispersive, transparent or absorptive, featureless or resonant. The measurements demonstrate the best versatility and sensitivity compared to the state-of-art. The method could be widely adapted to various types of research and industrial applications.
Canopy Nitrogen Concentration Monitoring Techniques of Summer Corn Based on Canopy Spectral Information
Authors: Liu Lu , Peng Zhigong , Zhang Baozhong , Wei Zheng , Han Nana , Lin Shaozhe , Chen He , Cai Jiabing
Published: September 2019

Crop nitrogen monitoring techniques, particularly choosing sensitive monitoring bands and suitable monitoring models, have great significance both in theory and in practice for achieving non-destructive monitoring of nitrogen concentration and accurate management of water and fertilizer in large-scale areas. In this study, a lysimeter experiment was carried out to examine the characteristics of canopy spectral reflectance variation of summer corn under different fertilization levels. The relationship between canopy spectral reflectance and nitrogen concentration was investigated, based on which sensitive bands for the corn canopy nitrogen monitoring were selected and a suitable spectral index model was determined. The results suggest that under different fertilization levels, the canopy spectral reflectance of summer corn decreases with the increase of the canopy nitrogen concentration in the visible light band, but varies in the opposite direction in the near-infrared band, with a premium put on a higher correlation between the spectral reflectance of the characteristic bands and their first derivatives and the canopy nitrogen concentration. The most sensitive bands for monitoring the canopy nitrogen concentration using spectral reflectance and its first derivative are found to be 762 nm and 726 nm and the correlation coefficients are 0.550 and 0.795, respectively. The optimal band combination, generated by multivariate stepwise regression analysis, is composed of 762 nm, 944 nm and 957 nm bands. From the 55 reported spectral index models of crop nitrogen concentration monitoring, the most suitable index model, NDRE, is chosen such that this index model has the highest correlation with the canopy nitrogen concentration in summer corn. This model has a significant positive correlation with the canopy nitrogen concentration at each growth period, and the correlation coefficient is up to 0.738 during the whole growth period. Spectral monitoring models of canopy nitrogen concentration are constructed using sensitive bands, and a combination of bands and the spectral index, suggesting that these models perform well in monitoring. The models arranged in descending order of simulation accuracy are as follows: the suitable spectral index model, the optimal band combination model, the sensitive band reflectance first derivative model, the sensitive band reflectance model. The determination coefficients are 0.754, 0.711, 0.639 and 0.306, respectively.
Evaluating Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Gaborone Dam Catchment, Botswana, from 1984–2015 Using GIS and Remote Sensing
Authors: Matlhodi Botlhe , Kenabatho Piet K. , Parida Bhagabat P. , Maphanyane Joyce G.
Published: September 2019

Land use land cover (LULC) change is one of the major driving forces of global environmental change in many developing countries. In this study, LULC changes were evaluated in the Gaborone dam catchment in Botswana between 1984 and 2015. The catchment is a major source of water supply to Gaborone city and its surrounding areas. The study employed Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) using Landsat imagery of 1984, 1995, 2005 and 2015. Image classification for each of these imageries was done through supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier. Six major LULC categories, cropland, bare land, shrub land, built-up area, tree savanna and water bodies, were identified in the catchment. It was observed that shrub land and tree savanna were the major LULC categories between 1984 and 2005 while shrub land and cropland dominated the catchment area in 2015. The rates of change were generally faster in the 1995–2005 and 2005–2015 periods. For these periods, built-up areas increased by 59.8 km2 (108.3%) and 113.2 km2 (98.5%), respectively, while bare land increased by 50.3 km2 (161.1%) and 99.1 km2 (121.5%). However, in the overall period between 1984 and 2015, significant losses were observed for shrub land, 763 km2 (29.4%) and tree savanna, 674 km2 (71.3%). The results suggest the need to closely monitor LULC changes at a catchment scale to facilitate water resource management and to maintain a sustainable environment.
Markov Chain Model Development for Forecasting Air Pollution Index of Miri, Sarawak
Authors: Zakaria Nurul Nnadiah , Othman Mahmod , Sokkalingam Rajalingam , Daud Hanita , Abdullah Lazim , Abdul Kadir Evizal
Published: September 2019

A Markov chain is commonly used in stock market analysis, manpower planning, and in many other areas because of its efficiency in predicting long run behavior. However, the Air Quality Index (AQI) suffers from not using a Markov chain in its forecasting approach. Therefore, this paper proposes a simple forecasting tool to predict the future air quality with a Markov chain model. The proposed method introduces the Markov chain as an operator to evaluate the distribution of the pollution level in the long term. Initial state vector and state transition probability were used in forecasting the behavior of Air Pollution Index (API) that has been obtained from the observed frequency for one state shift to another. The study explores that regardless of the present status of API, in the long run, the index shows a probability of 0.9231 for a good state, and a moderate and unhealthy state with a probability of 0.0722 and 0.0037, while for very unhealthy and hazardous states a probability of 0.0001 and 0.0009. The outcome of this study reveals that the model development could be used as a forecasting method that able to help government to project a prevention action plan during hazy weather.
Investigating the Risk Factors Associated with the Severity of the Pedestrians Injured on Spanish Crosstown Roads
Authors: Casado-Sanz Natalia , Guirao Begoña , Lara Galera Antonio , Attard Maria
Published: September 2019

According to the Spanish General Traffic Accident Directorate, in 2017 a total of 351 pedestrians were killed, and 14,322 pedestrians were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Spain. However, very few studies have been conducted in order to analyse the main factors that contribute to pedestrian injury severity. This study analyses the accidents that involve a single vehicle and a single pedestrian on Spanish crosstown roads from 2006 to 2016 (1535 crashes). The factors that explain these accidents include infractions committed by the pedestrian and the driver, crash profiles, and infrastructure characteristics. As a preliminary tool for the segmentation of 1535 pedestrian crashes, a k-means cluster analysis was applied. In addition, multinomial logit (MNL) models were used for analysing crash data, where possible outcomes were fatalities and severe and minor injured pedestrians. According to the results of these models, the risk factors associated with pedestrian injury severity are as follows: visibility restricted by weather conditions or glare, infractions committed by the pedestrian (such as not using crossings, crossing unlawfully, or walking on the road), infractions committed by the driver (such as distracted driving and not respecting a light or a crossing), and finally, speed infractions committed by drivers (such as inadequate speed). This study proposes the specific safety countermeasures that in turn will improve overall road safety in this particular type of road.
The Redesigning of Tires and the Recycling Process to Maintain an Efficient Circular Economy
Authors: Dobrotă Dan , Dobrotă Gabriela , Dobrescu Tiberiu , Mohora Cristina
Published: September 2019

The redesigning of tires is addressed from two points of view, namely the structure of the materials and the constructive shape of these products. The necessity for research is justified by the fact that even during the product design stage, there may be situations that can irreversibly affect the separation of product components (rubber and insertion), and because it is strictly necessary to achieve the reuse and recycling of waste components. The proposed redesign refers to the inscription of the types of materials that are present in each area on the lateral surface of the tire. Thus, the new redesign has positive effects both economically and socially. To highlight these, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) has been applied and the net present value (NPV) as well as the internal rate of return (IRR) have been determined for the classic scenario and for the two proposed scenarios. Testing the financial sustainability of the proposed solution was done through sensitivity analysis. An analysis of the new tire design from the point of view of the circular economy was also presented. The results obtained have highlighted the effectiveness of the proposed solution from a technical, economic, social, and protection of the environment point of view.
Smartphone-Based Data Collection System for Repetitive Concrete Temperature Monitoring in High-Rise Building Construction
Authors: Lim Hyunsu , Kim Taehoon
Published: September 2019

The systematic collection and management of on-site information in high-rise building construction are important factors in construction management. Recently, wireless sensor network (WSN) technology has been utilized to manage the various tasks involved in high-rise construction efficiently and in a timely manner. However, because of the repeated installation of sensors and repeaters along with the construction progress, the existing WSN technology is ineffective when applied to the temperature management of concrete in structural work. Here, we propose a new data collection method in which a worker uses a smartphone to repeatedly monitor concrete temperature. In field implementation, the proposed system enables concrete temperature management without a transmission gap for monitoring in 60-min intervals with smartphones provided to 20% of the structural workers. Next, a case study was performed on a high-rise building construction site to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed system in terms of cost savings by avoiding schedule delay. The results of the case study show that the proposed system can reduce the additional work costs resulting from delays in concrete curing and save up to $18,907 in labor costs. In addition, this system can reduce the temperature management time of the quality manager and enable more efficient management. It is also expected that this system will contribute to on-site waste management by reducing the number of embedded sensors.
Design of Deterministic Microstructures as Substrate Pre-Treatment for CVD Diamond Coating
Authors: Börner Richard , Penzel Michael , Junge Thomas , Schubert Andreas
Published: September 2019

The coating of highly stressed components with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond can extend their lifetime. In particular, the combination of steel substrates with diamond layers would find many applications in industrial production. However, there are some challenges, for example, the high mismatch in the thermal expansion between steel and diamond, which commonly leads to the delamination of the coating. Thus, a pre-treatment of the substrate surface is needed. Particle blasting has been established in some studies as a suitable process. However, apart from particle residues in the surface of the substrate, these surfaces have a stochastic character, which limits their reproducibility and modification options. This paper presents some instructions for the recording and derivation of defined properties of those surfaces. The conversion of characteristic surface features into quantitative process parameters could serve as the foundation for the manufacturing of deterministic microstructures, especially those produced by ultrasonic vibration superimposed machining. This should increase the reproducibility and the possibilities of the modification with regard to the structural shaping of the functional surface. The design was developed using both a kinematic surface simulation tool as well as a finite elements analysis for the cooling process of the coating–substrate–composite. A high accordance with real finished surfaces was achieved.
Developing a Systems Architecture Model to Study the Science, Technology and Innovation in International Studies
Authors: Del Canto Viterale Francisco
Published: September 2019

The international system has changed rapidly in the last thirty years and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has become a new critical factor of the world order of the 21st century. The interaction between STI and international affairs has increased, as well as its social and academic interest; however, there is still a lack of new theoretical and methodological approaches that examine this global rising phenomenon. This article is predominantly epistemological and is about how interactions between STI and international relations can be methodologically examined using systems models. This article raises the need for systems science approaches to explaining complex problems in international relations. In this sense, systems science and specifically systemism, offers great potential to study complex issues within a complex social system like the international order. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to develop an original systems framework that provides a comprehensive tool for studying complex topics like STI in the world system. The result is the creation of a Systems Architecture Model that examines the interaction between STI and international affairs from a systemist perspective.
Transient Contact Opening Forces in a MEMS Switch Using Au/MWCNT Composite
Authors: Bull Thomas G. , McBride John W.
Published: September 2019

Most failures in micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switches can be attributed to the degradation of contact surfaces and sticking contacts. A wear-tolerant composite contact material, composed of a Au film supported by multi walled carbon nanotubes (Au/MWCNT), has been engineered to provide wear resistance and enhanced switching lifetime with conductive properties close to pure Au. Switching lifetimes of billions of cycles have been demonstrated, representing greatly increased performance over thin film Au. Below the arcing threshold (~12 V) the wear mechanism has been shown to be a combination of the fine transfer of contact material by the molten metal bridge (MMB) phenomenon and a delamination of the Au. In this study, the composite contact is hot switched at low current DC conditions (4 V DC and 20 mA) while the contact force is measured at the micro Newton scale in nanosecond resolution. The characteristic voltage waveform associated with the MMB is observed with forces detected as the contact softens, melts, and separates. The presence of a delamination event (DE) is also observed, where the contact opens abruptly with no MMB phenomenon apparent. The DE contact openings are associated with a transient peak force of 21.6 ± 2.3 µN while the MMBs are linked to a lower peak force of 18.1 ± 2.5 µN.
Exposure of Larval Zebrafish to the Insecticide Propoxur Induced Developmental Delays that Correlate with Behavioral Abnormalities and Altered Expression of hspb9 and hspb11
Authors: Shields Jeremiah N. , Hales Eric C. , Ranspach Lillian E. , Luo Xixia , Orr Steven , Runft Donna , Dombkowski Alan , Neely Melody N. , Matherly Larry H. , Taub Jeffrey W. , Baker Tracie R. , Thummel Ryan
Published: September 2019

Recent studies suggest that organophosphates and carbamates affect human fetal development, resulting in neurological and growth impairment. However, these studies are conflicting and the extent of adverse effects due to pesticide exposure warrants further investigation. In the present study, we examined the impact of the carbamate insecticide propoxur on zebrafish development. We found that propoxur exposure delays embryonic development, resulting in three distinct developmental stages: no delay, mild delay, or severe delay. Interestingly, the delayed embryos all physically recovered 5 days after exposure, but behavioral analysis revealed persistent cognitive deficits at later stages. Microarray analysis identified 59 genes significantly changed by propoxur treatment, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that these genes are involved in cancer, organismal abnormalities, neurological disease, and hematological system development. We further examined hspb9 and hspb11 due to their potential roles in zebrafish development and found that propoxur increases expression of these small heat shock proteins in all of the exposed animals. However, we discovered that less significant increases were associated with the more severely delayed phenotype. This raises the possibility that a decreased ability to upregulate these small heat shock proteins in response to propoxur exposure may cause embryos to be more severely delayed.
Development, Cytotoxicity and Eye Irritation Profile of a New Sunscreen Formulation Based on Benzophenone-3-poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanocapsules
Authors: Barbosa Thallysson Carvalho , Nascimento Lívia Éven Dias , Bani Cristiane , Almeida Taline , Nery Marcelo , Santos Rafael Silva , Menezes Luana Renyelle de Oliveira , Zielińska Aleksandra , Fernandes Ana Rita , Cardoso Juliana Cordeiro , Jäger Alessandro , Jäger Eliezer , Sanchez-Lopez Elena , Nalone Luciana , Souto Eliana Barbosa , Severino Patrícia
Published: September 2019

The objective of this work was to characterize the toxicological profile of a newly developed sunscreen formulation based on polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) loading benzophenone-3 (BZP3). NCs composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) carrot oil and Pluronic® F68 were produced by emulsification-diffusion method. Their mean particle size (Z-Ave) ranged from 280 to 420 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) was below 0.37, while zeta potential (ZP) reached about |+11 mV|. No cytotoxic effects were observed in L929 fibroblast cell line for the blank (i.e., non-loaded) NCs and BZP3-loaded NCs (BZP3-NCs). The semi-solid sunscreen formulation was stable over time (centrifugation testing) and exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior, which is typical of products for topical application onto the skin. The sun protection factor (SPF) value reached 8.84, when incorporating BZP3-NCs (SPF of 8.64) into the semi-solid formulation. A synergistic effect was also observed when combining the formulation ingredients of nanocapsules, i.e., SPF of carrot oil was 6.82, blank NCs was 6.84, and BZP3-loaded NCs was 8.64. From the hen’s egg-chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM) test, the non-irritation profile of the developed formulations could also be confirmed. The obtained results show a promising use of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules to be loaded with lipophilic sunscreens as benzophenone-3.
Pertussis Toxin: A Key Component in Pertussis Vaccines?
Authors: Gregg Kelsey A. , Merkel Tod J.
Published: September 2019

B. pertussis is a human-specific pathogen and the causative agent of whooping cough. The ongoing resurgence in pertussis incidence in high income countries is likely due to faster waning of immunity and increased asymptomatic colonization in individuals vaccinated with acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine relative whole-cell pertussis (wP)-vaccinated individuals. This has renewed interest in developing more effective vaccines and treatments and, in support of these efforts, defining pertussis vaccine correlates of protection and the role of vaccine antigens and toxins in disease. Pertussis and its toxins have been investigated by scientists for over a century, yet we still do not have a clear understanding of how pertussis toxin (PT) contributes to disease symptomology or how anti-PT immune responses confer protection. This review covers PT’s role in disease and evidence for its protective role in vaccines. Clinical data suggest that PT is a defining and essential toxin for B. pertussis pathogenesis and, when formulated into a vaccine, can prevent disease. Additional studies are required to further elucidate the role of PT in disease and vaccine-mediated protection, to inform the development of more effective treatments and vaccines.
Future Pandemic Influenza Virus Detection Relies on the Existing Influenza Surveillance Systems: A Perspective from Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Jennings Lance C. , Barr Ian G.
Published: September 2019

The anniversary of the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic has allowed a refocusing on the global burden of influenza and the importance of co-ordinated international surveillance for both seasonal influenza and the identification of control strategies for future pandemics. Since the introduction of the International Health Regulations (IHR), progress had been slow, until the emergence of the novel influenza A(H1N1)2009 virus and its global spread, which has led to the World Health Organization (WHO) developing a series of guidance documents on global influenza surveillance procedures, severity and risk assessments, and essential measurements for the determination of national pandemic responses. However, the greatest burden of disease from influenza occurs between pandemics during seasonal influenza outbreaks and epidemics. Both Australia and New Zealand utilise seasonal influenza surveillance to support national influenza awareness programs focused on seasonal influenza vaccination education and promotion. These programs also serve to promote the importance of pandemic preparedness.
Characterization of the Humoral Immune Response Induced after Infection with Atypical Porcine Pestivirus (APPV)
Authors: Cagatay Gökce Nur , Meyer Denise , Wendt Michael , Becher Paul , Postel Alexander
Published: September 2019

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) is a widely distributed pathogen causing congenital tremor (CT) in piglets. So far, no data are available regarding the humoral immune response against APPV. In this study, piglets and their sows from an affected herd were tested longitudinally for viral genome and antibodies. APPV genome was detected in the majority of the piglets (14/15) from CT affected litters. Transient infection of gilts was observed. Kinetics of Erns- and E2-specific antibodies and their neutralizing capacity were determined by recently (Erns) and newly (E2) developed antibody ELISAs and virus neutralization assays. Putative maternally derived antibodies (MDA) were detected in most piglets, but displayed only low to moderate neutralizing capacity (ND50 ≤ 112). Horizontal APPV transmission occurred when uninfected and infected piglets were mingled on the flat deck. Horizontally infected piglets were clinically inapparent and showed only transient viremia with subsequently consistently high E2 antibody levels. For piglets from CT affected litters, significantly lower neutralizing antibody titers were observed. Results indicate that E2 represents the main target of neutralizing antibodies. Characterization of the humoral immune response against APPV will help to provide valuable serological diagnosis, to understand the epidemiology of this novel pathogen, and to implement tailored prevention strategies.
A New Cell Model for Investigating Prion Strain Selection and Adaptation
Authors: Philiastides Alexandra , Ribes Juan Manuel , Yip Daniel Chun-Mun , Schmidt Christian , Benilova Iryna , Klöhn Peter-Christian
Published: September 2019

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and animals. Prion strains, conformational variants of misfolded prion proteins, are associated with distinct clinical and pathological phenotypes. Host-strain interactions result in the selective damage of distinct brain areas and they are responsible for strain selection and/or adaptation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Prion strains can be distinguished by their cell tropism in vivo and in vitro, which suggests that susceptibility to distinct prion strains is determined by cellular factors. The neuroblastoma cell line PK1 is refractory to the prion strain Me7, but highly susceptible to RML. We challenged a large number of clonal PK1 lines with Me7 and successfully selected highly Me7-susceptible subclones (PME) to investigate whether the prion strain repertoire of PK1 can be expanded. Notably, the Me7-infected PME clones were more protease-resistant when compared to RML-infected PME clones, which suggested that cell-adapted Me7 and RML are distinct prion strains. Strikingly, Me7-refractory cells, including PK1 and astrocytes in cortico-hippocampal cultures, are highly susceptible to prions, being derived from homogenates of Me7-infected PME cells, suggesting that the passage of Me7 in PME cells leads to an extended host range. Thus, PME clones represent a compelling cell model for strain selection and adaptation.
Bacteriophage Application for Difficult-To-Treat Musculoskeletal Infections: Development of a Standardized Multidisciplinary Treatment Protocol
Authors: Onsea Jolien , Soentjens Patrick , Djebara Sarah , Merabishvili Maia , Depypere Melissa , Spriet Isabel , De Munter Paul , Debaveye Yves , Nijs Stefaan , Vanderschot Paul , Wagemans Jeroen , Pirnay Jean-Paul , Lavigne Rob , Metsemakers Willem-Jan
Published: September 2019

Bacteriophage therapy has recently attracted increased interest, particularly in difficult-to-treat infections. Although it is not a novel concept, standardized treatment guidelines are currently lacking. We present the first steps towards the establishment of a “multidisciplinary phage task force” (MPTF) and a standardized treatment pathway, based on our experience of four patients with severe musculoskeletal infections. After review of their medical history and current clinical status, a multidisciplinary team found four patients with musculoskeletal infections eligible for bacteriophage therapy within the scope of Article 37 of the Declaration of Helsinki. Treatment protocols were set up in collaboration with phage scientists and specialists. Based on the isolated pathogens, phage cocktails were selected and applied intraoperatively. A draining system allowed postoperative administration for a maximum of 10 days, 3 times per day. All patients received concomitant antibiotics and their clinical status was followed daily during phage therapy. No severe side-effects related to the phage application protocol were noted. After a single course of phage therapy with concomitant antibiotics, no recurrence of infection with the causative strains occurred, with follow-up periods ranging from 8 to 16 months. This study presents the successful outcome of bacteriophage therapy using a standardized treatment pathway for patients with severe musculoskeletal infection. A multidisciplinary team approach in the form of an MPTF is paramount in this process.
Successful Treatments and Management of A Case of Canine Melioidosis
Authors: Khrongsee Pacharapong , Lueangthuwapranit Chulalak , Ingkasri Thitsana , Sretrirutchai Somporn , Kaewrakmuk Jedsada , Saechan Vannarat , Tuanyok Apichai
Published: September 2019

This communication presents a successful story of an attempt to treat and manage a case of canine melioidosis, a severe tropical disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. A 10-year-old dog was trapped with barbed wires, causing an infected wound around its neck and back, which was later diagnosed as severe melioidosis. The dog was treated based on a modified human protocol. Intravenous meropenem injections (20 mg/kg twice daily) were given for 14 days to prevent death from sepsis prior to treatment with oral sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (25 mg/kg twice daily) for 20 weeks to eliminate the bacteria. Canine melioidosis is an unusual infection in dogs, even in Thailand where melioidosis is highly endemic. This successful case management was solely based on proper diagnosis and appropriate treatments.
Water Resources Allocation Systems under Irrigation Expansion and Climate Change Scenario in Awash River Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Gedefaw Mohammed , Wang Hao , Yan Denghua , Qin Tianling , Wang Kun , Girma Abel , Batsuren Dorjsuren , Abiyu Asaminew
Published: September 2019

Rational allocation of water resources is very essential to cope with water scarcity. The optimal allocation of limited water resources is required for various purposes to achieve sustainable development. The Awash River Basin is currently faced with a scarcity of water due to increasing demands, urbanization, irrigation expansion, and variability of climates. The excessive abstraction of water resources in the basin without proper assessing of the available water resources contributed to water scarcity. This paper aimed to develop a water evaluation and planning (WEAP) model to allocate the water supplies to demanding sectors based on an economic parameter to maximize the economic benefits. The water demands, water shortages, and supply alternatives were analyzed under different scenarios. Three scenarios were developed, namely reference (1981–2016), medium-term development (2017–2030), and long-term development (2031–2050) future scenarios with the baseline period (1980). The results of this study showed that the total quantity of water needed to meet the irrigation demands of all the stations was 306.96 MCM from 1980 to 2016. Seasonally, March, April, May, and June require the maximum irrigation water demand. However, July, August, and September require minimum demand for water because of the rainy season. The seasonal unmet demand is observed in all months, which ranged from 6 × 106 m3 to 35.9 × 106 m3 in August and May respectively. The trend of streamflow in Melka Kuntre was a statistically significant increasing trend after 2008 (Z = 5.33) whereas the trends in other gauge stations showed a relatively decreasing trend. The results also showed that future water consumption would greatly increase in the Awash River Basin. The prevention of future water shortages requires the implementation of water-saving measures and the use of new water supply technologies. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for water resources managers and policy and decision makers.
Optical Properties of Dissolved Organic Matter and Controlling Factors in Dianchi Lake Waters
Authors: Xiao Min , Wu Fengchang , Yi Yuanbi , Han Zenglei , Wang Zhongliang
Published: September 2019

Characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is useful in understanding environment quality and carbon cycling in the lake system. In this study, the fluorescence of DOM, major ions, and nutrients in water were investigated to understand the sources and the transformation of DOM in Dianchi Lake, the sixth largest freshwater lake in China. The dissolved organic carbon content in water above the deposition layer was higher than 5 mg C∙L−1 but lower than that in pore water. Two primary components of humic (C1) and protein-like components (C2) were identified using parallel factor (PARAFAC) modeling on sample fluorescence spectra. Organic components were related to mineral structures, and encapsulation of bacterial or algal cells into particulates could be disintegrated to release DOM. The aromaticity and the hydrophobicity of optical properties were regulated by percentages of chromophores (CDOM) of DOM in surface water, whereas by percentages of fluorophores (FDOM) in DOM in pore water, the underlying water layer was defined as a belt of transition. The molecular weight enhanced with percentages of C1 in CDOM increased in water above the sediment layer and the pore water at the northern lake site, but molecular weight attenuated with percentages decreased in pore water at the southern lake site. DOM not only originated from particulate decomposition but also derived from internal transformation among different, dissolved organic molecules. Small molecules were aggregated into larger ones, and, conversely, large molecules decomposed into small sizes. Another speculation is that dissolved molecules adsorbed or were encapsulated into particulates or were degraded and released into dissolved phases. The precise factors regulated composition, structure, and spectral properties of dissolved organic matter in the Dianchi Lake. This study highlights that sources of DOM and transformation mechanisms in the lake water could be correlated with nutrients and primary geochemical factors for mobility and distribution in different water compartments.
Acute Water-Scarcity Monitoring for Africa
Authors: McNally Amy , Verdin Kristine , Harrison Laura , Getirana Augusto , Jacob Jossy , Shukla Shraddhanand , Arsenault Kristi , Peters-Lidard Christa , Verdin James P.
Published: September 2019

Acute and chronic water scarcity impacts four billion people, a number likely to climb with population growth and increasing demand for food and energy production. Chronic water insecurity and long-term trends are well studied at the global and regional level; however, there have not been adequate systems in place for routinely monitoring acute water scarcity. To address this gap, we developed a monthly monitoring system that computes annual water availability per capita based on hydrologic data from the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS) and gridded population data from WorldPop. The monitoring system yields maps of acute water scarcity using monthly Falkenmark classifications and departures from the long-term mean classification. These maps are designed to serve FEWS NET monitoring objectives; however, the underlying data are publicly available and can support research on the roles of population and hydrologic change on water scarcity at sub-annual and sub-national scales.
Flood Risk Evaluation in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Based on Eigenvector Spatial Filtering Poisson Regression
Authors: Fang Tao , Chen Yumin , Tan Huangyuan , Cao Jiping , Liao Jiaxin , Huang Liheng
Published: September 2019

A Poisson regression based on eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) is proposed to evaluate the flood risk in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Regression analysis is employed to model the relationship between the frequency of flood alarming events observed by hydrological stations and hazard-causing factors from 2005 to 2012. Eight factors, including elevation (ELE), slope (SLO), elevation standard deviation (ESD), river density (DEN), distance to mainstream (DIST), NDVI, annual mean rainfall (RAIN), mean annual maximum of three-day accumulated precipitation (ACC) and frequency of extreme rainfall (EXE) are selected and integrated into a GIS environment for the identification of flood-prone basins. ESF-based Poisson regression (ESFPS) can filter out the spatial autocorrelation. The methodology includes construction of a spatial weight matrix, testing of spatial autocorrelation, decomposition of eigenvectors, stepwise selection of eigenvectors and calculation of regression coefficients. Compared with the pseudo R squared obtained by PS (0.56), ESFPS exhibits better fitness with a value of 0.78, which increases by approximately 39.3%. ESFPS identifies six significant factors including ELE, DEN, EXE, DIST, ACC and NDVI, in which ACC and NDVI are the first two main factors. The method can provide decision support for flood risk relief and hydrologic station planning.
Sediment Transport Mechanisms in a Lagoon with High River Discharge and Sediment Loading
Authors: Mėžinė Jovita , Ferrarin Christian , Vaičiūtė Diana , Idzelytė Rasa , Zemlys Petras , Umgiesser Georg
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the sediment dynamics in the largest lagoon in Europe (Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania) through the analysis of in situ data and the application of a sediment transport model. This approach allowed to identify the propagation pathway of the riverine suspended sediments, to map erosion-accumulation zones in the lagoon and calculate the sediment budget over a 13-year-long simulation. Sampled suspended sediment concentration data are important for understanding the characteristics of the riverine and lagoon sediments, and show that the suspended organic matter plays a crucial role on the sediment dynamics for this coastal system. The numerical experiments carried out to study sediment dynamics gave satisfactory results and the possibility to get a holistic view of the system. The applied sediment transport model with a new formula for settling velocity was used to estimate the patterns of the suspended sediments and the seasonal and spatial sediment distribution in the whole river–lagoon–sea system. The numerical model also allowed understanding the sensitivity of the system to strong wind events and the presence of ice. The results reveal that during extreme storm events, more than 11.4 × 106 kg of sediments are washed out of the system. Scenarios without ice cover indicate that the lagoon would have much higher suspended sediment concentrations in the winter season comparing with the present situation with ice. The results of an analysis of a long-term (13 years) simulation demonstrate that on average, 62% of the riverine sediments are trapped inside the lagoon, with a marked spatially varying distribution of accumulation zones.
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solutions Using Sulfonated Peat
Authors: Li Haiqing , Hou Rongrong , Chen Yuefang , Chen Huilun
Published: September 2019

Peat, a loose and porous material, contains rich organic matter and can be used as an adsorbent. In this study, it is chemically modified by adding sulfuric acid under different conditions, with the aim of producing a modified peat with optimized Cr(VI) adsorption capability. The modified peat exhibited a higher adsorption efficiency than the natural peat throughout the adsorption experiments. The adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions correlates with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. In addition, the Langmuir model indicated a maximum loading capacity approximately of 105.4 mg/g, which is a markedly high value compared to some other reported adsorbents. The present study performed single factor experiments and the results indicated that higher temperature conditions result in better adsorption capability, whilst an increase in the pH played a contrary role. According to the orthogonal tests, the pH had the greatest impact on adsorption. The obtained results indicated that sulfonated peat can be effectively applied in removing Cr (VI).
El comercio informal y su influencia en los emprendedores de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí
Authors: Esquivel García Reniel , Bello Sabando Borisse Javier , Ormaza Cevallos Miguel Giancarlo
Published: September 2019

El comercio informal es una de las vías que permite generar empleo a familias de escasos recursos económicos, es un factor dinamizador de la pequeña económica doméstica y contribuye a la satisfacción de necesidades de los clientes y la población en general, así como a la elevación de la calidad de vida en las personas de menos ingresos. Esta modalidad de microempresa existe en  Ecuador en toda su extensión y por su puesto en el cantón de Portoviejo de la provincia de Manabí. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo conocer la incidencia del comercio informal en los hogares de los emprendedores que prestan servicios diversos en la Universidad Técnica de Manabí. En el estudio realizado se utilizaron varias técnicas como son: encuestas, la observación y entrevistas. Los resultados permitieron conocer que el nivel de impacto que causan los pequeños negocios en los hogares es positivo y que a través de este medio de trabajo activan la economía de su familia y contribuyen en una pequeña proporción a generar empleo a terceras personas. También se demostró que aún es insuficiente el nivel de ingresos que reciben para mantener la educación de sus hijos.
 
PALABRAS CLAVE: comercio informal, empleo, emprendedores, comercio minorista, economía. 
 
ABSTRACT
Informal trade allows employment to families with limited economic resources and therefore its promotion boosts the economy and raises the quality of life for people with less income. This type of company characterizes Ecuador and within it the Canton of Portoviejo in the province of Manabí. The objective of this paper is to determine the incidence of informal commerce in the homes of entrepreneurs who provide diverse services at the Technical University of Manabí. The survey used surveys, observation and interviews to establish that the level of impact caused by small businesses in households is positive and that through this means of work they activate the economy and contribute in a small proportion to generate employment for third parties, although the level of income is still insufficient to maintain the education of their children.
 
KEY WORDS: informal trade, employment, entrepreneurs, retail trade, economics