bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Short Measures of Work Ability for Research and Employee Surveys
Authors: Ebener Melanie , Hasselhorn Hans
Published: September 2019

Work ability (WA) is an important concept in occupational health research and for over 30 years assessed worldwide with the Work Ability Index (WAI). In recent years, criticism of the WAI is increasing and alternative instruments are presented. The authors postulate that theoretical and methodological issues need to be considered when developing alternative measures for WA and conclude that a short uni-dimensional measure is needed that avoids conceptual blurring. The aim of this contribution is to validate the short and uni-dimensional WAI components WAI 1 (one item measuring “current WA compared with the lifetime best”) and WAI 2 (two items assessing “WA in relation to the [mental/physical] demands of the job”). Cross-sectional and 12-month follow-up data of two large samples was used to determine construct validity of WAI 1 and WAI 2 and to relate this to respective results with the WAI. Data sources comprise nurses in Europe investigated in the European NEXT-Study (Sample A; Ncross-sectional = 28,948 and NLongitudinal = 9462, respectively) and nursing home employees of the German 3Q-Study (Sample B) where nurses (N = 786; 339, respectively) and non-nursing workers (N = 443; 196, respectively) were included. Concurrent and predictive validity of WAI 1 and WAI 2 were assessed with self-rated general health, burnout and considerations leaving the profession. Spearman rank correlation (ρ) with bootstrapping was applied. In all instances, WAI 1 and WAI 2 correlated moderately, and to a similar degree, with the related constructs. Further, WAI 1 and 2 correlated with WAI moderately to strongly with ρ ranging from 0.72–0.76 (WAI 1) and 0.70–0.78 (WAI 2). Based on the findings and supported by theoretical and methodological considerations, the authors confirm the feasibility of the short measures WAI 1 and WAI 2 for replacing WAI at least in occupational health research and employee surveys.
Context-Aware Group-Oriented Location Recommendation in Location-Based Social Networks
Authors: Khazaei Elahe , Alimohammadi Abbas
Published: September 2019

Location-based social networking services have attracted great interest with the growth of smart mobile devices. Recommending locations for users based on their preferences is an important task for location-based social networks (LBSNs). Since human beings are social by nature, group activities are important in individuals’ lives. Due to the different interests and priorities of individuals, it is difficult to find places that are ideal for all members of a group. In this study, a context-aware group-oriented location recommendation system is proposed based on a random walk algorithm. The proposed approach considers three different contexts, namely users’ contexts (i.e., social relationships, personal preferences), location context (i.e., category, popularity, capacity, and spatial proximity), and environmental context (i.e., weather, day of the week). Three graph models of LBSNs are constructed to perform a random walk with restart (RWR) algorithm in which a user-location graph is considered as the basis. In addition, two group recommendation strategies are used. One is an aggregated prediction strategy, and the other is derived from extending the RWR to the group. After performing the RWR algorithm, the group profile and location popularity are used to improve the effectiveness of the recommendation. The performance of the proposed system is examined using the Gowalla dataset related to the city of London from March 2009 to July 2011. The results indicate that the RWR algorithm outperforms popularity-based, collaborative filtering and content-based filtering. In addition, using the group profile and location popularity significantly improves the accuracy of recommendation. On the user-location graph, the number of users with recommendations matching the test data increases by 1.18 times, while the precision of creating relevant recommendations is increased by 3.4 times.
Six Concepts in Search of an Author
Authors: Sauli Fabio
Published: September 2019

This paper describes several seemingly interesting detector research projects that, after their initial development, seem not to have been pursued.
Investigation of the Prediction Accuracy of a Finite Element Analysis Model for the Coating Thickness in Cross-Wedge Rolled Coaxial Hybrid Parts
Authors: Jagodzinski Arne , Kruse Jens , Barroi Alexander , Mildebrath Maximilian , Langner Jan , Stonis Malte , Lammers Marius , Hermsdorf Jörg , Hassel Thomas , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: September 2019

The Collaborative Research Centre 1153 (CRC 1153) “Process chain for the production of hybrid high-performance components through tailored forming” aims to develop new process chains for the production of hybrid bulk components using joined semi-finished workpieces. The subproject B1 investigates the formability of hybrid parts using cross-wedge rolling. This study investigates the reduction of the coating thickness of coaxially arranged semi-finished hybrid parts through cross-wedge rolling. The investigated parts are made of two steels (1.0460 and 1.4718) via laser cladding with hot-wire. The rolling process is designed by finite element (FE)-simulations and later experimentally investigated. Research priorities include investigations of the difference in the coating thickness of the laser cladded 1.4718 before and after cross-wedge rolling depending on the wedge angle β , cross-section reduction Δ A , and the forming speed ν . Also, the simulations and the experimental trials are compared to verify the possibility of predicting the thickness via finite element analysis (FEA). The main finding was the ability to describe the forming behavior of coaxially arranged hybrid parts at a cross-section reduction of 20% using FEA. For a cross-section reduction of 70% the results showed a larger deviation between simulation and experimental trials. The deviations were between 0.8% and 26.2%.
Exponential Stability Results on Random and Fixed Time Impulsive Differential Systems with Infinite Delay
Authors: Li Xiaodi , Vinodkumar A. , Senthilkumar T.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we investigated the stability criteria like an exponential and weakly exponential stable for random impulsive infinite delay differential systems (RIIDDS). Furthermore, we proved some extended exponential and weakly exponential stability results for RIIDDS by using the Lyapunov function and Razumikhin technique. Unlike other studies, we show that the stability behavior of the random time impulses is faster than the fixed time impulses. Finally, two examples were studied for comparative results of fixed and random time impulses it shows by simulation.
Effects of Hardening Model and Variation of Elastic Modulus on Springback Prediction in Roll Forming
Authors: Naofal Jihad , Naeini Hassan Moslemi , Mazdak Siamak
Published: September 2019

In this paper, the uniaxial loading–unloading–reloading (LUR) tensile test was conducted to determine the elastic modulus depending on the plastic pre-strain. To obtain the material parameters and parameter of Yoshida-Uemori’s kinematic hardening models, tension–compression experiments were carried out. The experimental results of the cyclic loading tests together with the numerically predicted response of the plastic behavior were utilized to determine the parameters using the Ls-opt optimization tool. The springback phenomenon is a critical issue in industrial sheet metal forming processes, which could affect the quality of the product. Therefore, it is necessary to represent a method to predict the springback. To achieve this aim, the calibrated plasticity models based on appropriate tests (cyclic loading) were implemented in commercial finite element (FE) code Ls-dyna to predict the springback in the roll forming process. Moreover, appropriate experimental tests were performed to validate the numerical results, which were obtained by the proposed model. The results showed that the hardening models and the variation of elastic modulus have significant impact on springback accuracy. The Yoshida-Uemori’s hardening represents more accurate prediction of the springback during the roll forming process when compared to isotropic hardening. Using the chord modulus to determine the reduction in elastic modulus gave more accurate results to predict springback when compared with the unloading and loading modulus to both hardening models.
Characterization of mcr-1-Harboring Plasmids from Pan Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Retail Raw Chicken in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jinshil , Hwang Bo Kyoung , Choi HyeLim , Wang Yang , Choi Sang Ho , Ryu Sangryeol , Jeon Byeonghwa
Published: September 2019

A number of studies from different countries have characterized mcr-1-harboring plasmids isolated from food; however, nothing has been reported about it in South Korea. In this study, we report the characterization of mcr-1 plasmids from pan drug-resistant (PDR) Escherichia coli strains isolated from retail food in the country. Colistin-resistant E. coli strains were isolated from retail raw chicken, and PCR was carried out to detect the mcr-1 gene. Whole genome sequencing of the mcr-1-positive strains was performed for further characterization. The results of whole genome sequencing revealed that all mcr-1 plasmids belonged to the IncI2 type. In addition to the mcr-1 plasmids, all of the isolates also carried additional plasmids possessing multiple antibiotic resistance genes, and the PDR was mediated by resistant plasmids except for fluoroquinolone resistance resulting from mutations in gyrA and parC. Interestingly, the mcr-1 plasmids were transferred by conjugation to other pathogenic strains including enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), Salmonella, and Klebsiella at the frequencies of 10−3−10−6, 10−2−10−5, 10−4−10−5, 10−4−10−6, and 10−5−10−6, respectively. The results showed that mcr-1 plasmids can be easily transmitted to pathogenic bacteria by conjugation.
Anti-Biofilm Effect of Selected Essential Oils and Main Components on Mono- and Polymicrobic Bacterial Cultures
Authors: Kerekes Erika Beáta , Vidács Anita , Takó Miklós , Petkovits Tamás , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Horváth Györgyi , Balázs Viktória Lilla , Krisch Judit
Published: September 2019

Biofilms are surface-associated microbial communities resistant to sanitizers and antimicrobials. Various interactions that can contribute to increased resistance occur between the populations in biofilms. These relationships are the focus of a range of studies dealing with biofilm-associated infections and food spoilage. The present study investigated the effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), marjoram (Origanum majorana), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oils (EOs) and their main components, i.e., trans-cinnamaldehyde, terpinen-4-ol, and thymol, respectively, on single- and dual-species biofilms of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas putida, and Staphylococcus aureus. In dual-species biofilms, L. monocytogenes was paired with each of the other three bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the individual bacteria ranged between 0.25 and 20 mg/mL, and trans-cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon showed the highest growth inhibitory effect. Single-species biofilms of L. monocytogenes, P. putida, and S. aureus were inhibited by the tested EOs and their components at sub-lethal concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the three-dimensional structure of mature biofilms embedded in the exopolysaccharide matrix disappeared or was limited to micro-colonies with a simplified structure. In most dual-species biofilms, to eliminate living cells from the matrix, concentrations exceeding the MIC determined for individual bacteria were required.
Site-Specific Microbial Decomposer Communities Do Not Imply Faster Decomposition: Results from a Litter Transplantation Experiment
Authors: Bani Alessia , Borruso Luigimaria , Matthews Nicholass Kirsty J. , Bardelli Tommaso , Polo Andrea , Pioli Silvia , Gómez-Brandón María , Insam Heribert , Dumbrell Alex J. , Brusetti Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

Microbes drive leaf litter decomposition, and their communities are adapted to the local vegetation providing that litter. However, whether these local microbial communities confer a significant home-field advantage in litter decomposition remains unclear, with contrasting results being published. Here, we focus on a litter transplantation experiment from oak forests (home site) to two away sites without oak in South Tyrol (Italy). We aimed to produce an in-depth analysis of the fungal and bacterial decomposer communities using Illumina sequencing and qPCR, to understand whether local adaptation occurs and whether this was associated with litter mass loss dynamics. Temporal shifts in the decomposer community occurred, reflecting changes in litter chemistry over time. Fungal community composition was site dependent, while bacterial composition did not differ across sites. Total litter mass loss and rates of litter decomposition did not change across sites. Litter quality influenced the microbial community through the availability of different carbon sources. Additively, our results do not support the hypothesis that locally adapted microbial decomposers lead to a greater or faster mass loss. It is likely that high functional redundancy within decomposer communities regulated the decomposition, and thus greater future research attention should be given to trophic guilds rather than taxonomic composition.
Diet Quality Affects the Association between Census-Based Neighborhood Deprivation and All-Cause Mortality in Japanese Men and Women: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Kurotani Kayo , Honjo Kaori , Nakaya Tomoki , Ikeda Ai , Mizoue Tetsuya , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Group
Published: September 2019

Background: Individuals residing in more deprived areas with a lower diet quality might have a higher mortality risk. We aimed to examine the association between deprivation within an area and all-cause mortality risk according to diet quality. Methods: We conducted a population-based prospective study on 27,994 men and 33,273 women aged 45–75 years. Neighborhood deprivation was assessed using the Japanese areal deprivation index (ADI). Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire. Results: Individuals residing in the most deprived area had the lowest dietary scores. During the 16.7-year follow-up, compared to individuals with a high quality diet residing in the least deprived area, individuals with a low quality diet had a higher risk of mortality according to increment of ADI (p trend = 0.03); the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.09 (0.999–1.19), 1.17 (1.08–1.27), and 1.19 (1.08–1.32) in those residing in the lowest through the highest third of ADI, respectively. However, individuals with a high quality diet had no significant association between ADI and mortality. Conclusion: A well-balanced diet may prevent early death associated with neighborhood socioeconomic status among those residing in highly deprived areas.
Impact of Moderate Sodium Restriction and Hydrochlorothiazide on Iodine Excretion in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Data from a Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Binnenmars S. Heleen , Corpeleijn Eva , Kwakernaak Arjan J. , Touw Daan J. , Kema Ido P. , Laverman Gozewijn D. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Navis Gerjan
Published: September 2019

Sodium restriction may potentially reduce iodine intake. This study aimed to determine the effect of sodium restriction (dietary counseling) on 24-h urinary iodine excretion. Diuretics provide an alternative to sodium restriction and are frequently added to sodium restriction, so the effects of hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg daily) and combined therapy were also studied. We performed a post-hoc analysis of a Dutch multi-center, randomized cross-over trial in 45 patients with diabetic kidney disease with a mean age of 65 ± 9 years, mean eGFR of 65 ± 27 mL/min/1.73 m2, median albuminuria of 648 [230–2008] mg/24 h and 84% were male. During regular sodium intake with placebo, mean 24 h urinary sodium and iodine excretion were 224 ± 76 mmol/24 h and 252 ± 94 ug/24 h, respectively (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Mean iodine excretion did not change significantly if sodium restriction and hydrochlorothiazide were applied separately; mean difference −8 ug/day (95% CI −38, 22; p = 0.6) and 14 ug/day (95% CI −24, 52; p = 0.5), respectively. Combined therapy induced a significant decrease in mean iodine excretion (−37 ug/day; 95% CI −67, −7; p = 0.02), yet this was not seen to a clinically meaningful level. The number of patients with an estimated intake below recommended daily allowances did not differ significantly between the four treatment periods (p = 0.3). These findings show that sodium restriction is not a risk factor for iodine deficiency.
Protein Intake at Twice the RDA in Older Men Increases Circulatory Concentrations of the Microbiome Metabolite Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO)
Authors: Mitchell Sarah M. , Milan Amber M. , Mitchell Cameron J. , Gillies Nicola A. , D’Souza Randall F. , Zeng Nina , Ramzan Farha , Sharma Pankaja , Knowles Scott O. , Roy Nicole C. , Sjödin Anders , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Zeisel Steven H. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: September 2019

Higher dietary protein intake is increasingly recommended for the elderly; however, high protein diets have also been linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a bacterial metabolite derived from choline and carnitine abundant from animal protein-rich foods. TMAO may be a novel biomarker for heightened CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a high protein diet on TMAO. Healthy men (74.2 ± 3.6 years, n = 29) were randomised to consume the recommended dietary allowance of protein (RDA: 0.8 g protein/kg bodyweight/day) or twice the RDA (2RDA) as part of a supplied diet for 10 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention for measurement of TMAO, blood lipids, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory biomarkers. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. In comparison with RDA, the 2RDA diet increased circulatory TMAO (p = 0.002) but unexpectedly decreased renal excretion of TMAO (p = 0.003). LDL cholesterol was increased in 2RDA compared to RDA (p = 0.049), but no differences in other biomarkers of CVD risk and insulin sensitivity were evident between groups. In conclusion, circulatory TMAO is responsive to changes in dietary protein intake in older healthy males.
Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Proteins in Flavivirus Replication and Assembly Complexes
Authors: Rothan Hussin A. , Kumar Mukesh
Published: September 2019

Flavivirus replication in host cells requires the formation of replication and assembly complexes on the cytoplasmic side of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. These complexes consist of an ER membrane, viral proteins, and host proteins. Genome-wide investigations have identified a number of ER multiprotein complexes as vital factors for flavivirus replication. The detailed mechanisms of the role of ER complexes in flavivirus replication are still largely elusive. This review highlights the fact that the ER multiprotein complexes are crucial for the formation of flavivirus replication and assembly complexes, and the ER complexes could be considered as a target for developing successful broad-spectrum anti-flavivirus drugs.
Early Detection of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Responses to Ozone Using Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Marchica Alessandra , Loré Silvia , Cotrozzi Lorenzo , Lorenzini Giacomo , Nali Cristina , Pellegrini Elisa , Remorini Damiano
Published: September 2019

Advancements in techniques to rapidly and non-destructively detect the impact of tropospheric ozone (O3) on crops are required. This study demonstrates the capability of full-range (350–2500 nm) reflectance spectroscopy to characterize responses of asymptomatic sage leaves under an acute O3 exposure (200 ppb for 5 h). Using partial least squares regression, spectral models were developed for the estimation of several traits related to photosynthesis, the oxidative pressure induced by O3, and the antioxidant mechanisms adopted by plants to cope with the pollutant. Physiological traits were well predicted by spectroscopic models (average model goodness-of-fit for validation (R2): 0.65–0.90), whereas lower prediction performances were found for biochemical traits (R2: 0.42–0.71). Furthermore, even in the absence of visible symptoms, comparing the full-range spectral profiles, it was possible to distinguish with accuracy plants exposed to charcoal-filtered air from those exposed to O3. An O3 effect on sage spectra was detectable from 1 to 5 h from the beginning of the exposure, but ozonated plants quickly recovered after the fumigation. This O3-tolerance was confirmed by trends of vegetation indices and leaf traits derived from spectra, further highlighting the capability of reflectance spectroscopy to early detect the responses of crops to O3.
A Method for Validating the Structural Completeness of Understory Vegetation Models Captured with 3D Remote Sensing
Authors: Hillman Samuel , Wallace Luke , Reinke Karin , Hally Bryan , Jones Simon , Saldias Daisy S.
Published: September 2019

Characteristics describing below canopy vegetation are important for a range of forest ecosystem applications including wildlife habitat, fuel hazard and fire behaviour modelling, understanding forest recovery after disturbance and competition dynamics. Such applications all rely on accurate measures of vegetation structure. Inherent in this is the assumption or ability to demonstrate measurement accuracy. 3D point clouds are being increasingly used to describe vegetated environments, however limited research has been conducted to validate the information content of terrestrial point clouds of understory vegetation. This paper describes the design and use of a field frame to co-register point intercept measurements with point cloud data to act as a validation source. Validation results show high correlation of point matching in forests with understory vegetation elements with large mass and/or surface area, typically consisting of broad leaves, twigs and bark 0.02 m diameter or greater in size (SfM, MCC 0.51–0.66; TLS, MCC 0.37–0.47). In contrast, complex environments with understory vegetation elements with low mass and low surface area showed lower correlations between validation measurements and point clouds (SfM, MCC 0.40 and 0.42; TLS, MCC 0.25 and 0.16). The results of this study demonstrate that the validation frame provides a suitable method for comparing the relative performance of different point cloud generation processes.
Simulation of Reflectance and Vegetation Indices for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Monitoring of Paddy Fields
Authors: Hashimoto Naoyuki , Saito Yuki , Maki Masayasu , Homma Koki
Published: September 2019

Reflectance and vegetation indices obtained from aerial images are often used for monitoring crop fields. In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become popular and aerial images have been collected under various solar radiation conditions. The value of observed reflectance and vegetation indices are considered to be affected by solar radiation conditions, which may lead to inaccurate estimations of crop growth. In this study, in order to evaluate the effect of solar radiation conditions on aerial images, canopy reflectance in paddy fields was simulated by a radiative transfer model, FLiES (Forest Light Environmental Simulator), for various solar radiation conditions and canopy structures. Several parameters including solar zenith angle, proportion of diffuse light for incident sunlight, plant height, coordinates of plants and leaf area density, were tested in FLiES. The simulation results showed that the solar zenith angle did not vary the canopy reflectance under the conditions of the proportion of diffuse light at 1.0, but the variation was greater at lower proportions of diffuse light. The difference in reflectance caused by solar radiation was 0.01 and 0.1 at the maximum for red and near-infrared bands, respectively. The simulation results also showed that the differences in reflectance affect vegetation indices (Simple Ratio (SR), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index 2 (EVI2)). The variation caused by solar radiation conditions was the least for NDVI and the greatest for SR. However, NDVI was saturated at the least leaf area index (LAI), whereas SR was only slightly saturated. EVI2 was intermediate between SR and NDVI, both in terms of variation and saturation. The simulated reflectance and vegetation indices were similar to those obtained from the aerial images collected in the farmers’ paddy fields. These results suggest that a large proportion of diffuse light (close to 1.0) or a middle range of solar zenith angle (45 to 65 degrees) may be desirable for UAV monitoring. However, to maintain flexibility of time and occasion for UAV monitoring, EVI2 should be used to evaluate crop growth, although calibration based on solar radiation conditions is recommended.
Investigation of a Small Landslide in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by InSAR and Absolute Deformation Model
Authors: Hao Junming , Wu Tonghua , Wu Xiaodong , Hu Guojie , Zou Defu , Zhu Xiaofan , Zhao Lin , Li Ren , Xie Changwei , Ni Jie , Yang Cheng , Li Xiangfei , Ma Wensi
Published: September 2019

Landslides are one of the major geohazards in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and have recently increased in both frequency and size. SAR interferometry (InSAR) has been widely applied in landslide research, but studies on monitoring small-scale landslides are rare. In this study, we investigated the performance of Small Baseline Subsets method (SBAS) in monitoring small-scale landslide and further developed a new deformation model to obtain the absolute deformation time series. The results showed that SBAS could well capture the small-scale landslide characteristics including spatiotemporal abnormal displacement and progressive failure processes. The newly developed absolute deformation model further detected the process of landslide details, such as instances of noticeable creeps induced by rainfall and snowmelt. Finally, a conceptual model of the kinematics-based failure mechanism for small-scale landslide was proposed. This study extended the monitoring capability of InSAR and improved our knowledge on the deformation in the frozen ground regions.
WorldView-2 Data for Hierarchical Object-Based Urban Land Cover Classification in Kigali: Integrating Rule-Based Approach with Urban Density and Greenness Indices
Authors: Mugiraneza Theodomir , Nascetti Andrea , Ban Yifang
Published: September 2019

The emergence of high-resolution satellite data, such as WorldView-2, has opened the opportunity for urban land cover mapping at fine resolution. However, it is not straightforward to map detailed urban land cover and to detect urban deprived areas, such as informal settlements, in complex urban environments based merely on high-resolution spectral features. Thus, approaches integrating hierarchical segmentation and rule-based classification strategies can play a crucial role in producing high quality urban land cover maps. This study aims to evaluate the potential of WorldView-2 high-resolution multispectral and panchromatic imagery for detailed urban land cover classification in Kigali, Rwanda, a complex urban area characterized by a subtropical highland climate. A multi-stage object-based classification was performed using support vector machines (SVM) and a rule-based approach to derive 12 land cover classes with the input of WorldView-2 spectral bands, spectral indices, gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture measures and a digital terrain model (DTM). In the initial classification, confusion existed among the informal settlements, the high- and low-density built-up areas, as well as between the upland and lowland agriculture. To improve the classification accuracy, a framework based on a geometric ruleset and two newly defined indices (urban density and greenness density indices) were developed. The novel framework resulted in an overall classification accuracy at 85.36% with a kappa coefficient at 0.82. The confusion between high- and low-density built-up areas significantly decreased, while informal settlements were successfully extracted with the producer and user’s accuracies at 77% and 90% respectively. It was revealed that the integration of an object-based SVM classification of WorldView-2 feature sets and DTM with the geometric ruleset and urban density and greenness indices resulted in better class separability, thus higher classification accuracies in complex urban environments.
Analysis of Space-Time Variation of Passenger Flow and Commuting Characteristics of Residents Using Smart Card Data of Nanjing Metro
Authors: Yu Wei , Bai Hua , Chen Jun , Yan Xingchen
Published: September 2019

The rapid development of cities has brought new challenges and opportunities to traditional traffic management. The usage of smart cards promotes the upgrading of intelligent transportation systems, and also produces considerable big data. As an important part of the urban comprehensive transportation system, Nanjing metro has more than 1 million inbound and outbound records of traffic smart cards used by residents every day. How to process these traffic data and present them visually is an urgent problem in modern traffic management. In this study, five working days with normal weather conditions in Nanjing were selected, and the swiping records of the smart cards were extracted, and the space–time characteristics were analyzed. In terms of time analysis, this research analyzed the 24-h fluctuation of daily average passenger flow, peak hour coefficient of passenger flow, 24-h fluctuation of passenger flow on different metro lines, passenger flow intensity on different metro lines and passenger flow comparison at different stations. In spatial analysis, this study uses thermodynamic charts to represent the inflow and outflow of passengers at different stations during early and evening peak periods. The analysis results and visualized images directly reflect the area where Nanjing metro congestion is located, and also shows the commuting characteristics of residents. It can solve the problem of urban congestion, carry out the rational layout of urban functional areas, and promote the sustainable development of people and cities.
Enhancing Sustainable Employment Relationships: An Empirical Investigation of the Influence of Trust in Employer and Subjective Value in Employment Contract Negotiations
Authors: Clipa Anca-Maria , Clipa Cătălin-Ioan , Danileț Magdalena , Andrei Andreia Gabriela
Published: September 2019

The article presents the results of an empirical study investigating the relationships between trust in the employer, the subjective value attained in the negotiation of the employment contract, job satisfaction and employee willingness to (re)negotiate in order to maintain long-term employment relationship. The study develops a research model, based on the existing literature, and uses the partial least-squares technique, and data collected from 373 information technology professionals, to test it. The results indicate the positive effect of the employee’s trust in the employer on job satisfaction and willingness to (re)negotiate. Furthermore, the subjective value perceived by the employee in the employment contract negotiation has an increased positive influence on both employee satisfaction and employee willingness to use (re)negotiation to overcome potential issues and maintain the employment relationship long term. Overall, the results of the study bring evidence about the importance of trust and the subjective value in attaining sustainable employment relationships, and therefore sustainable human resource management (HRM). The results provide valuable insights for managers committed to the development of their organizations by promoting sustainable employment relationships. The study offers to firms a ready-to-use model for promoting sustainable employment relationships in organizations operating in knowledge-intensive sectors, such as information technology (IT).
Quantifying the Spatial Integration Patterns of Urban Agglomerations along an Inter-City Gradient
Authors: Wan Yiliang , Deng Chuxiong , Wu Tao , Jin Rui , Chen Pengfei , Kou Rong
Published: September 2019

Understanding the integration process of urban agglomeration is essential for sustainable regional development and urban planning. However, few studies have analyzed the spatial integration patterns of metropolitan regions according to the impacts of landscape ecology along rail transit corridors. This study performed a comprehensive inter-city gradient analysis using landscape metrics and radar charts in order to determine the integration characteristics of an urban agglomeration. Specifically, we analyzed the evolution of spatial heterogeneity and functional landscapes along gradient transects in the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan (CZT) metropolitan region during the period of 1995–2015. Four landscape functional zones (urban center, urban area, urban–rural fringe, and green core) were identified based on a cluster analysis of landscape composition, connectivity, and fragmentation. The landscape metric NP/LPI (number of patches/largest patch index) was proposed to identify the urban–rural fringe, which revealed that the CZT region exhibited a more aggregated form, characterized by a single-core, continuous development, and the compression of green space. The integration of cities has resulted in continued compression and fragmentation of ecological space. Therefore, strategies for controlling urban expansion should be adopted for sustainable urban development. The proposed method can be used to quantify the integration characteristics of urban agglomerations, providing scientific support for urban landscape planning.
Validation of the Scale of Emotional States in the Physical Education Context
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Cangas Adolfo J. , Álvarez Joaquín F.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of the present study was to validate an instrument of student emotional experiences in the Spanish Physical Education context. The sample of participants consisted of 864 secondary education students from various educational institutions of Spain who ranged in age from 13 to 19 years. To assess the psychometric properties of the Scale of Emotions in Physical Education (SEPE), various types of analyses were conducted. The factor structure of the SEPE was examined through confirmatory factorial analysis in relation to two models. In the first model, it was proposed that the eight first order factors, which represented the eight emotional states, would be correlated amongst each other. In the second model, an eight-factor model with two higher order factors was proposed, with these higher order factors representing distinct sets of positive and negative emotions. The results provide support the presence of an eight-factor second order model which consisted of sets of four positive emotions and four negative emotions. These results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the SEPE within the Spanish Physical Education context.
Hot Accretion Flow in Two-Dimensional Spherical Coordinates: Considering Pressure Anisotropy and Magnetic Field
Authors: Deng Hui-Hong , Bu De-Fu
Published: September 2019

For systems with extremely low accretion rate, such as Galactic Center Sgr A* and M87 galaxy, the ion collisional mean free path can be considerably larger than its Larmor radius. In this case, the gas pressure is anisotropic to magnetic field lines. In this paper, we pay attention to how the properties of outflow change with the strength of anisotropic pressure and the magnetic field. We use an anisotropic viscosity to model the anisotropic pressure. We solve the two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in spherical coordinates and assume that the accretion flow is radially self-similar. We find that the work done by anisotropic pressure can heat the accretion flow. The gas temperature is heightened when anisotropic stress is included. The outflow velocity increases with the enhancement of strength of the anisotropic force. The Bernoulli parameter does not change much when anisotropic pressure is involved. However, we find that the energy flux of outflow can be increased by a factor of 20 in the presence of anisotropic stress. We find strong wind (the mass outflow is about 70% of the mass inflow rate) is formed when a relatively strong magnetic field is present. Outflows from an active galactic nucleus can interact with gas in its host galaxies. Our result predicts that outflow feedback effects can be enhanced significantly when anisotropic pressure and a relatively powerful magnetic field is considered.
Development of a Safety-Inspection Method for River Bridges in Turkey
Authors: Akay Huseyin , Baduna Kocyigit Musteyde , Yanmaz A. Melih
Published: September 2019

In this paper, findings of a research project about river bridges in Turkey are shared and details of the developed safety-inspection method based on hydrological and hydraulic factors are presented. In the project, the Western Black Sea Basin was chosen as the pilot area, where the basin is mountainous with steep slopes and has a rainy climate with frequent flash floods. Many river bridges in the basin were inspected at different flow conditions throughout the project duration of three years. The developed safety-inspection method is composed of four main parts: evaluation of watershed hydrology and its flood potential, stream stability, bridge characteristics and a rapid scour assessment. A structural assessment is also included in the method. Five river bridges in the area were chosen for detailed inspection and application of the method. Results showed that the method was capable of identifying and ranking the bridges in regard to maintenance needs and forming a comprehensive inventory for bridge engineers.
Engineering Epitaxial Silicene on Functional Substrates for Nanotechnology
Authors: Grazianetti Carlo , Molle Alessandro
Published: September 2019

Two-dimensional materials are today a solid reality in condensed matter physics due to the disruptive discoveries about graphene. The class of the X-enes, namely, graphene-like single element artificial crystals, is quickly emerging driven by the high-momentum generated by silicene. Silicene, in addition to the graphene properties, shows up incidentally at the end of Moore’s law debate in the electronic era. Indeed, silicene occurs as the crafted shrunk version of silicon long yearned by device manufacturers to improve the performances of their chips. Despite the periodic table kinship with graphene, silicene and the X-enes must deal with the twofold problem of their metastable nature,
i.e.
, the stabilization on a substrate and out of vacuum environment. Synthesis on different substrates and deep characterization through electronic and optical techniques of silicene in the early days have been now following by the tentative steps towards reliable integration of silicene into devices. Here, we review three paradigmatic cases of silicene grown by molecular beam epitaxy showing three different possible applications, aiming at extending the exploitation of silicene out of the nanoelectronics field and thus keeping silicon a key player in nanotechnology, just in a thinner fashion.
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars XLV: More New Species and Taxonomic Changes in Palicourea (Rubiaceae, Palicoureeae) and Psychotria subg. Heteropsychotria
Authors: Taylor Charlotte M.
Published: September 2019

Psychotria subg. Heteropsychotria Steyerm. has been shown by morphological and molecular analyses to be polyphyletic. Most of its species, including its type, belong to Palicourea Aubl. (“Pal.”). Thirty-two species of this group are reviewed here, and 17 species in Psychotria L. are transferred to Palicourea and one to Rudgea Salisb. Two replacement names, Pal. agudeloana C. M. Taylor and Pal. tabayensis C. M. Taylor, are published. Taxonomic studies here clarify circumscriptions of similar, often-confused species for several distinctive species groups found variously in Mesoamerica and the Andes: the Palicourea aschersonianoides group, the Palicourea galeottiana group, the Palicourea sulphurea group, and the Palicourea tristis group. Three new species of Palicourea are described: Pal. aschersonianula C. M. Taylor, Pal. gonzaleziana C. M. Taylor, and Pal. wachterae C. M. Taylor. Nineteen names are newly typified, and infrageneric classifications are noted for the species of Palicourea studied.
Парламентський контроль як основа цивільного контролю над силовими та спеціальними структурами держави
Authors: Savka I. I.
Published: September 2019

У статті досліджено специфіку моделі реалізації та забезпечення функції цивільного контролю над силовими структурами держави у США та проаналізовано особливості побудови системи противаг у оборонній сфері країни з метою недопущення посилення впливу силових структур на розвиток демократичного життя країни.

Виокремлено основні риси американської системи цивільного демократичного контролю в США: ефективне нормативно–правове регулювання процесу його здійснення; логічна побудова моделі цивільного контролю, що базується на системі стримувань і противаг, а також на правовій конструкції громадського контролю через цивільний ланцюг командування, який очолює президент; вимоглива та відповідальна робота представницького законодавчий органу країни (Конгресу), що постійно здійснює парламентський контроль у т.ч. через схвалення військового бюджету, затверджує організаційні структури армії, забезпечує соціальний захист військовослужбовців та членів їх сімей, визначає умови і порядок проходження військової служби, розміри платні, тощо; діяльності РНБ при Президенті США, яка є інструментом його адміністрації для узгодження політики і дій всіх органів виконавчої влади з повноваженнями участі у забезпеченні національної безпеки; ефективній побудові апарату управління міністерства оборони, шляхом чітко визначено підпорядкування та розподілу повноважень та інше.
Особливості та тенденції розвитку системи неформальної освіти в Україні
Authors: Yelagin V. P.  , Blagovestov М. О.
Published: September 2019

У статті розглянуті особливості діяльності системи неформальної освіти в Україні, та огляд тенденцій її розвитку через призму досвіду країн Європейського Союзу. Нами визначено, що неформальна освіта розвивається як інноваційна альтернатива. Вона часто додаткова, громадська ініціатива, яка є позаінституційною і децентралізованною, орієнтованою на потреби суб’єкта навчання, і такою, що характеризується індивідуалізованістю і самомотивованністю. Ми з’ясували, що неформальна освіта є пріоритетною складовою сучасних соціальних трансформацій завдяки своїй гнучкості до залучення у освітню діяльність різних соціальних та вікових груп (від молоді до осіб третього віку). Попри те, що є задекларованою, але ще не легалізованою в Україні, вона все ж послуговує платформою для взаємодії формальної освіти, громадських організацій і громадянського суспільства.
Організаційно-функціональний механізм реалізації державної молодіжної політики в Україні: основні напрями вдосконалення
Authors: Vasyliev A. O.
Published: September 2019

Проаналізовано організаційно-функціональний механізм реалізації державної молодіжної політики в Україні, розроблено шляхи його вдосконалення. Показано, що при вдосконаленні структури органів влади, які здійснюють державне управління молодіжною сферою, в першу чергу необхідно приділити увагу Адміністрації Президента України. Доведено, що визначення головних напрямків удосконалення організаційно-функціонального механізму реалізації державної молодіжної політики дозволяє встановити необхідні зміни в структурі органів влади України. Саме ця трансформація повинні слідувати за вдосконаленням системи функцій органів влади з формування та реалізації молодіжної політики. При цьому необхідно враховувати сучасний стан системи органів влади України, які опікуються молодіжною сферою.
Розвиток скотарства в контексті розвитку сільських територій
Authors: Shyian Nataliia
Published: September 2019

Доведено необхідність розвитку скотарства в аграрних підприємствах. Саме розвиток галузі скотарства, супроводжуваний збільшенням чисельності працюючих в аграрній сфері, зрос-танням обсягів виробництва продукції галузі, збільшенням величини заробітної плати, яку отримують робітники підприємства, сприяє збільшенню надходжень до місцевих бюджетів у вигляді податку з фізичних осіб. Доведено, що поглиблення рівня спеціалізації підприємств на виробництво продукції тваринництва і скотарства сприяє підвищенню заробітної плати і податку з фізичних осіб із розрахунку на 100 га сільськогосподарських угідь, що сприяє збільшенню доходів бюджету територіальних громад.
Понятійний апарат державного управління інклюзивною освітою
Authors: Tamm Anatoly
Published: September 2019

В статті проведено аналіз наукової розробки понятійного апарату інклюзивної освіти в Україні. Розглянуті визначення понять «інклюзивне навчання», «інклюзивний навчальний заклад», «інклюзивна освіта», «механізми державного управління», запропоновані вітчизняними та зарубіжними науковцями. Акцентовано увагу на не розробленості проблематики комплексного механізму державного управління інклюзивною освітою.
Пріоритетні напрями державної політики щодо соціально-економічного захисту молоді в Україні
Authors: Vasyliev Andrii , Vasyliev Andrii
Published: September 2019

Проаналізовано сучасні механізми формування та впровадження державної молодіжної політики, виокремлено пріоритетні напрями державної політики щодо соціально-економічного захисту молоді в Україні, розроблено шляхи їх реалізації. Доведено, що реформа системи соціально-економічного захисту молоді – процес багатоплановий. Її ціль – зробити молоду людину як можна менш залежною від держави. Варто підвищити рівень організації і технології обслуговування незайнятої молоді. Має потребу в подальшому розвитку матеріально-технічна база служби зайнятості за рахунок створення інформаційно-довідкової системи управління ринком праці; надання посередницьких послуг роботодавцям і незайнятим громадянам
Політика інклюзії як засіб гуманізації загальної середньої освіти
Authors: Meliakov Anton , Zub Alla
Published: September 2019

Проаналізовано перспективи та перші приклади запровадження інклюзивної освіти. Показано, що надання освітніх послуг дітям-інвалідам є неодмінною складовою гуманізації системи освіти. За результатами проведеного опитування учителів шкіл, визначено ставлення педагогів до окремих аспектів інклюзії. Доведено, що головними викликами для забезпечення прав осіб з особливими освітніми потребами є: ментальна неготовність батьків «звичайних» дітей до спільного навчання з інвалідами, відсутність належного фінансового та кадрового забезпечення, а також сумніви частини вчителів у незворотності запровадження інклюзії тощо.
Євроінтеграційні тенденції розвитку державної політики зайнятості молоді в Україні
Authors: Minenko Volodymyr , Zhadan Oleksandr
Published: September 2019

Стаття присвячена визначенню основних тенденцій розвитку державної політики зайнятості молоді в Україні в умовах євроінтеграції. Проаналізовано сучасний стан зайнятості та безробіття молоді в Україні та світі. Виявлено найбільш актуальні проблеми в сфері реалізації трудової активності молоді на національному ринку праці. Визначено, що розвиток євроінтеграційних процесів в Україні в галузі формування та реалізації державної політики зайнятості молоді відбувається в рамках системної імплементації норм законодавства ЄС в сфері соціально-трудових відносин у національний ринок праці, здійснення програм професійного навчання, зайнятості, зміцнення зв’язків навчальних закладів з промисловістю, проведення інших заходів, спрямованих на скорочення розриву, в порівнянні з іншими групами населення, в можливості працевлаштування молоді.