bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should I Eat or Should I Go? Acridid Grasshoppers and Their Novel Host Plants: Potential for Biotic Resistance
Authors: Avanesyan Alina
Published: October 2018

Novel, non-coevolved associations between introduced plants and native insect herbivores may lead to changes in trophic interactions in native communities, as well as to substantial economic problems. Although some studies in invasion ecology demonstrated that native herbivores can preferentially feed on introduced plants and therefore contribute to the biotic resistance of native communities to plant invasions, the role of acridid grasshoppers as native generalist insect herbivores is largely overlooked. This systematic review aimed to identify patterns of grasshopper feeding preferences for native versus introduced plants and, consequently, a potential of grasshoppers to provide biotic resistance of native communities. The analysis of 63 records of feeding preference trials for 28 North-American grasshopper species (retrieved from 2146 studies published during 1967–2017) has demonstrated a preference of grasshoppers for introduced host plants, and identified 12 preferred introduced plants with high or middle invasive ranks. A significant effect of the life stage (p < 0.001), but not the experimental environment, plant material, and measurements, on grasshopper preferences for introduced plants was also detected. Overall, results suggest a potential of acridid grasshoppers to contribute to the biotic resistance of native communities. The review also provides methodological recommendations for future experimental studies on grasshopper-host plant interactions.
Highly Selective Enzymatic Recovery of Building Blocks from Wool-Cotton-Polyester Textile Waste Blends
Authors: Quartinello Felice , Vecchiato Sara , Weinberger Simone , Kremenser Klemens , Skopek Lukas , Pellis Alessandro , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: October 2018

In Europe, most of the discarded and un-wearable textiles are incinerated or landfilled. In this study, we present an enzyme-based strategy for the recovery of valuable building blocks from mixed textile waste and blends as a circular economy concept. Therefore, model and real textile waste were sequentially incubated with (1) protease for the extraction of amino acids from wool components (95% efficiency) and (2) cellulases for the recovery of glucose from cotton and rayon constituents (85% efficiency). The purity of the remaining poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) unaltered by the enzymatic treatments was assessed via Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Amino acids recovered from wool were characterized via elementary and molecular size analysis, while the glucose resulting from the cotton hydrolysis was successfully converted into ethanol by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This work demonstrated that the step-wise application of enzymes can be used for the recovery of pure building blocks (glucose) and their further reuse in fermentative processes.
Study on the Effect of 1-Butanol Soluble Lignin on Temperature-Sensitive Gel
Authors: Jiang Pan , Cheng Yi , Yu Sheng , Lu Jie , Wang Haisong
Published: October 2018

A protocol for the fractionation of lignin with 1-butanol as solvent has been proposed in order to improve the utilization of industry alkali lignin. 1-butanol soluble lignin (BSL) was used as a building block for temperature-sensitive hydrogel with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) through graft polymerization. The result shows that 1-butanol fractionation is an effective method to improve the molecular weight homogeneity of lignin (PDI, 2.5 to 1.83) and increase the hydroxyl group content (0.585–1.793 mmol/g). The incorporation of BSL into the temperature-sensitive hydrogel can enhance the thermal stability and increase the hydrophobicity of the gel, which leads to a decrease in lower critical solution temperature (LCST). In addition, the compression strength, swelling ratio, and pore size of the gel can be adjusted by the dosage of lignin. This stimuli-responsive gel, with an LCST around 32 °C, is expected to be applied in the agricultural field as a pesticide carrier by stimulating release and absorption properties based on the change in natural environmental temperature.
Experimental Investigation of the Decarburization Behavior of Medical Waste Incinerator Fly Ash (MWIFA)
Authors: Wei Guoxia , Liu Hanqiao , Liu Fang , Zeng Tongtong , Liu Guisheng , Zhou Jianhua
Published: October 2018

The objective of the research was to compare the flotation performance of medical waste incinerator fly ash (MWIFA) by considering two methods: the cyclonic-static micro-bubble flotation column (FCSMC) method and conventional flotation cell (CFC) method. The results indicated that for FSCMC, the optimum parameters were kerosene = 3.5 g/kg·ash, methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) = 0.2 g/kg·ash, Tween 80 = 7.5% of kerosene concentration, slurry concentration = 100 g/L, and pump speed = 380 r/min. The optimized conditions resulted in a higher dioxin removal efficiency (90.98%), carbon removal efficiency (91.88%) and lower loss on ignition (LOI) (4.96%). The data obtained from the CFC under different optimum operating conditions were 88.65%, 90.63% and 5.68%, respectively. FSCMC was proven to be more efficient for the flotation of MWIFA than CFC.
Exploring Morphine-Triggered PKC-Targets and Their Interaction with Signaling Pathways Leading to Pain via TrkA
Authors: Pena Darlene A. , Duarte Mariana Lemos , Pramio Dimitrius T. , Devi Lakshmi A. , Schechtman Deborah
Published: October 2018

It is well accepted that treatment of chronic pain with morphine leads to μ opioid receptor (MOR) desensitization and the development of morphine tolerance. MOR activation by the selective peptide agonist, D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin(DAMGO), leads to robust G protein receptor kinase activation, β-arrestin recruitment, and subsequent receptor endocytosis, which does not occur in an activation by morphine. However, MOR activation by morphine induces receptor desensitization, in a Protein kinase C (PKC) dependent manner. PKC inhibitors have been reported to decrease receptor desensitization, reduce opiate tolerance, and increase analgesia. However, the exact role of PKC in these processes is not clearly delineated. The difficulties in establishing a particular role for PKC have been, in part, due to the lack of reagents that allow the selective identification of PKC targets. Recently, we generated a conformation state-specific anti-PKC antibody that preferentially recognizes the active state of this kinase. Using this antibody to selectively isolate PKC substrates and a proteomics strategy to establish the identity of the proteins, we examined the effect of morphine treatment on the PKC targets. We found an enhanced interaction of a number of proteins with active PKC, in the presence of morphine. In this article, we discuss the role of these proteins in PKC-mediated MOR desensitization and analgesia. In addition, we posit a role for some of these proteins in mediating pain by TrKA activation, via the activation of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). Finally, we discuss how these new PKC interacting proteins and pathways could be targeted for the treatment of pain.
Phosphorylation of the AMPAR-TARP Complex in Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Park Joongkyu
Published: October 2018

Synaptic plasticity has been considered a key mechanism underlying many brain functions including learning, memory, and drug addiction. An increase or decrease in synaptic activity of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) complex mediates the phenomena as shown in the cellular models of synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation (LTP), and depression (LTD). In particular, protein phosphorylation shares the spotlight in expressing the synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the studies on phosphorylation of the AMPAR pore-forming subunits and auxiliary proteins including transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) and discusses its role in synaptic plasticity.
Nation, Race, and Religious Identity in the Early Nazi Movement
Authors: Hastings Derek
Published: October 2018

This paper examines the dissemination of radical nationalist and racist ideas among Catholics within the early Nazi movement in Munich. While the relationship between the Nazi regime and the Catholic faith was often antagonistic after 1933, a close examination of the earliest years of the Nazi movement reveals a different picture. In the immediate aftermath of the First World War and within the specific context of Munich and its overwhelmingly Catholic environs, early Nazi activists attempted to resacralize political life, synthesizing radical völkisch nationalism with reformist, “modern” conceptions of Catholic faith and identity. In so doing, they often built on ideas that circulated in Catholic circles before the First World War, particularly within the Reform Catholic movement in Munich. By examining depictions of nation and race among three important Catholic groups—reform-oriented priests, publicists, and university students—this paper strives not only to shed light on the conditions under which the Nazi movement was able to survive its tumultuous infancy, but also to offer brief broader reflections on the interplay between nationalism, racism, and religious identity. The article ultimately suggests it was specifically the malleability and conceptual imprecision of those terms that often enhanced their ability to penetrate and circulate effectively within religious communities.
Dialectical GAN for SAR Image Translation: From Sentinel-1 to TerraSAR-X
Authors: Ao Dongyang , Dumitru Corneliu Octavian , Schwarz Gottfried , Datcu Mihai
Published: October 2018

With more and more SAR applications, the demand for enhanced high-quality SAR images has increased considerably. However, high-quality SAR images entail high costs, due to the limitations of current SAR devices and their image processing resources. To improve the quality of SAR images and to reduce the costs of their generation, we propose a Dialectical Generative Adversarial Network (Dialectical GAN) to generate high-quality SAR images. This method is based on the analysis of hierarchical SAR information and the “dialectical” structure of GAN frameworks. As a demonstration, a typical example will be shown, where a low-resolution SAR image (e.g., a Sentinel-1 image) with large ground coverage is translated into a high-resolution SAR image (e.g., a TerraSAR-X image). A new algorithm is proposed based on a network framework by combining conditional WGAN-GP (Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network—Gradient Penalty) loss functions and Spatial Gram matrices under the rule of dialectics. Experimental results show that the SAR image translation works very well when we compare the results of our proposed method with the selected traditional methods.
Sensing and Reliability Improvement of Electrostatic-Discharge Transient by Discrete Engineering for High-Voltage 60-V n-Channel Lateral-Diffused MOSFETs with Embedded Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers
Authors: Chen Shen-Li , Wu Yi-Cih
Published: October 2018

High-voltage n-channel lateral-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (nLDMOS) components, fabricated by a TSMC 0.25-μm 60-V bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process with drain-side embedded silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) of the n-p-n-arranged and p-n-p-arranged types, were investigated, in order to determine the devices’ electrostatic discharge (ESD)-sensing behavior and capability by discrete anode engineering. As for the drain-side n-p-n-arranged type with discrete-anode manners, transmission–line–pulse (TLP) testing results showed that the ESD ability (It2 value) was slightly upgraded. When the discrete physical parameter was 91 rows, the optimal It2 reached 2.157 A (increasing 17.7% compared with the reference sample). On the other hand, the drain-side SCR p-n-p-arranged type with discrete-anode manner had excellent SCR behavior, and its It2 values could be increased to >7 A (increasing >281.9% compared with the reference DUT). Moreover, under discrete anode engineering, the drain-side SCR n-p-n-arranged and p-n-p-arranged types had clearly higher ESD ability, except for the few discrete physical parameters. Therefore, using the anode discrete engineering, the ESD dissipation ability of a high-voltage (HV) nLDMOS with drain-side SCRs will have greater effectiveness.
Precision Motion Control of a Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Based on Linear Optical-Ruler Sensor and Hall Sensor
Authors: Lin Chih-Hong
Published: October 2018

The linear optical-ruler sensor with 1 μm precision mounted in the linear permanent magnet synchronous machine (LPMSM) is used for measuring the mover position of LPMSM in order to enhance the precision of a measured mover position. Due to nonlinear friction and uncertainty effects, linear controllers are very hard to achieve good mover positioning of LPMSM. The proposed adaptive amended Elman neural network backstepping (AAENNB) control system is adopted for controlling the LPMSM drive system to bring about the mover positioning precision of LPMSM. Firstly, a backstepping scheme is posed for controlling the tracing motion of the LPMSM drive system. The proposed backstepping control system, which is applied in the mover position of the LPMSM drive system, possesses better dynamic control performance and robustness to uncertainties for the tracing trajectories. Because of the LPMSM with nonlinear and time-varying dynamic characteristics, an adaptive amended Elman neural network uncertainty observer (AAENNUO) is posed to estimate the required lumped uncertainty. According to the Lyapunov stability theorem, on-line parameter training methodology of the amended Elman neural network (AENN) can be derived by use of adaptive law. The error estimated law is proposed to compensate for the observed error induced by the AENN with adaptive law. Furthermore, to help improve convergence and to obtain better learning performance, the mended particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is utilized for adjusting the varied learning rate of the weights in the AENN. At last, these experimental results, which show better performance, are verified by the proposed control system.
Widely Linear Adaptive Instantaneous Frequency Estimation in Vector Hydrophones
Authors: Peng Panpan , An Liang
Published: October 2018

To solve the problem that the time-frequency resolution of Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) is constrained by the window length and the moving step of the short time window, and to utilize the merits of a widely linear method, a novel instantaneous frequency estimation method in vector hydrophone was proposed. In this paper, a complex variable was constructed. It is composed of sound pressure and particle velocity as its real part and imaginary part, respectively. The constructed variable was approved to be second order noncircular (improper). For the modelling of noncircular signals, the standard linear estimation is not adequate and the pseudo-covariance matrix should also be taken into consideration. As a result, a widely linear adaptive instantaneous frequency estimation algorithm and its three solutions based on the augmented complex least mean square (ACLMS) method are presented to estimate the instantaneous frequency in vector hydrophones. The results of simulations and laboratory experiments prove that this approach based on a widely linear model performs better compared to STFT and strict linear filter methods.
Smartphone Heading Correction Based on Gravity Assisted and Middle Time Simulated-Zero Velocity Update Method
Authors: Zeng Qinghua , Zeng Shijie , Liu Jianye , Meng Qian , Chen Ruizhi , Huang Heze
Published: October 2018

Electronic appliances and ferromagnetic materials can be easily found in any building in urban environment. A steady magnetic environment and a pure value of geomagnetic field for calculating the heading of the smartphone in case of pedestrian walking indoors is hard to obtain. Therefore, an independent inertial heading correction algorithm without involving magnetic field but only making full use of the embedded Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Inertial measurement unit (IMU) device in the smartphone is presented in this paper. Aiming at the strict navigation requirements of pedestrian smartphone positioning, the algorithm focused in this paper consists of Gravity Assisted (GA) and Middle Time Simulated-Zero Velocity Update (MTS-ZUPT) methods. With the help of GA method, the different using-mode of the smartphone can be judged based on the data from the gravity sensor of smartphone. Since there is no zero-velocity status for handheld smartphone, the MTS-ZUPT algorithm is proposed based on the idea of Zero Velocity Update (ZUPT) algorithm. A Kalman Filtering algorithm is used to restrain the heading divergence at the middle moment of two steps. The walking experimental results indicate that the MTS-ZUPT algorithm can effectively restrain the heading error diffusion without the assistance of geomagnetic heading. When the MTS-ZUPT method was integrated with GA method, the smartphone navigation system can autonomously judge the using-mode and compensate the heading errors. The pedestrian positioning accuracy is significantly improved and the walking error is only 1.4% to 2.0% of the walking distance in using-mode experiments of the smartphone.
Energy Efficient Hybrid Routing Protocol Based on the Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm and Ant Colony Optimisation for WSNs
Authors: Li Xinlu , Keegan Brian , Mtenzi Fredrick
Published: October 2018

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a particular type of distributed self-managed network with limited energy supply and communication ability. The most significant challenge of a routing protocol is the energy consumption and the extension of the network lifetime. Many energy-efficient routing algorithms were inspired by the development of Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO). However, due to the inborn defects, ACO-based routing algorithms have a slow convergence behaviour and are prone to premature, stagnation phenomenon, which hinders further route discovery, especially in a large-scale network. This paper proposes a hybrid routing algorithm by combining the Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm (AFSA) and ACO to address these issues. We utilise AFSA to perform the initial route discovery in order to find feasible routes quickly. In the route discovery algorithm, we present a hybrid algorithm by combining the crowd factor in AFSA and the pseudo-random route select strategy in ACO. Furthermore, this paper presents an improved pheromone update method by considering energy levels and path length. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm avoids the routing algorithm falling into local optimisation and stagnation, whilst speeding up the routing convergence, which is more prominent in a large-scale network. Furthermore, simulation evaluation reports that the proposed algorithm exhibits a significant improvement in terms of network lifetime.
A Simulation Study Using Terrestrial LiDAR Point Cloud Data to Quantify Spectral Variability of a Broad-Leaved Forest Canopy
Authors: Cifuentes Renato , Van der Zande Dimitry , Salas-Eljatib Christian , Farifteh Jamshid , Coppin Pol
Published: October 2018

In this analysis, a method for construction of forest canopy three-dimensional (3D) models from terrestrial LiDAR was used for assessing the influence of structural changes on reflectance for an even-aged forest in Belgium. The necessary data were extracted by the developed method, as well as it was registered the adjacent point-clouds, and the canopy elements were classified. Based on a voxelized approach, leaf area index (LAI) and the vertical distribution of leaf area density (LAD) of the forest canopy were derived. Canopy–radiation interactions were simulated in a ray tracing environment, giving suitable illumination properties and optical attributes of the different canopy elements. Canopy structure was modified in terms of LAI and LAD for hyperspectral measurements. It was found that the effect of a 10% increase in LAI on NIR reflectance can be equal to change caused by translating 50% of leaf area from top to lower layers. As presented, changes in structure did affect vegetation indices associated with LAI and chlorophyll content. Overall, the work demonstrated the ability of terrestrial LiDAR for detailed canopy assessments and revealed the high complexity of the relationship between vertical LAD and reflectance.
A Pilot Plant Study on the Autoclaving of Food Wastes for Resource Recovery and Reutilization
Authors: Chang Chia-Chi , Chen Yen-Hau , Lin Yi-Shiou , Hung Zang-Sei , Yuan Min-Hao , Chang Ching-Yuan , Li Yuan-Shen , Shie Je-Lueng , Chen Yi-Hung , Wang Yen-Chi , Ko Chun-Han , Lin Far-Ching , Ho Chungfang , Liu Bo-Liang , Liu Kuang-Wei , Wang Shi-Guan
Published: October 2018

Autoclaving of food wastes (FW) for the resource recovery and reutilization was studied using the pilot plant scale. Experiments were conducted at various temperatures of 408, 428, and 438 K and times of 15 and 60 min. The in-filled steam to the autoclave was supplied by the incineration plant with a gauge pressure of 7 kg/cm2 and a temperature of 443 K or above. The results obtained from the experiments show that the less energy- and time-consuming autoclaving conditions (408 K and 15 min, denoted as Case A408-15) are effective. Comparisons of the properties and characteristics of autoclaved FW (FWA) of Case A408-15 with those of FW are made. The wet bulk volume and wet bulk density of FW A are dramatically reduced to 15.64% and increased to 313.37% relative to those of FW, respectively. This makes the subsequent processing and reuse for FWA more convenient than FW. The autoclaving results in an increase of carbon content and a decrease of nitrogen content, and thus an increase of the C/N ratio of FWA. The contents of sulfur, hemi-cellulose, and cellulose of FWA are also reduced. All these fluctuations are beneficial for making compost or other usages from FWA than FW. The autoclaved liquid product (LA) separated from FWA and liquid condensate (LC) from the released gas possess high COD and TOC. These two liquids can be mixed for use as liquid fertilizers with proper conditioning. Alternatively, further anaerobic digestion of the mixture of FWA, LA, and LC can offer enhanced biogas production for power generation. All these thus match the appeal of sustainable materials management and circular economy. The emitted gas from autoclaving contains no CO and some hydrocarbons. Suitable air pollution control is needed. The results and information obtained are useful for the proper recovery and reuse of abundant food wastes from domestic households and food industries.
The Human Sustainability of ICT and Management Changes: Evidence for the French Public and Private Sectors
Authors: Bigi Maëlezig , Greenan Nathalie , Hamon-Cholet Sylvie , Lanfranchi Joseph
Published: October 2018

We investigate the human sustainability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and management changes using a French linked employer-employee survey on organizational changes and computerization. We approach the human sustainability of changes through the evolutions of work intensity, skills utilization, and the subjective relationship to work. We compare in the private sector and the state civil service the impacts of ICT and management changes on the evolution of these three dimensions of work experience. We find that intense ICT and management changes are associated, in the public sector, with work intensification and knowledge increase. In the private sector, ICT and management changes increase the use of skills, but at a rate decreasing with their intensity and without favoring the accumulation of new knowledge. However, their impacts on the subjective relationship to work are much stronger, with public sector employees expressing discouragement, as well as the feeling of an increased effort-reward imbalance when private sector employees become more committed. We find that this divergence is neither explained by the self-selection of employees in the two sectors nor by implementation of performance pay. We identify two partial explanations: one is related to employee turnover in the private sector, the other to the role of trade unions. These results suggest that the human sustainability of ICT and management changes depends on their intensity and on how their implementation takes into account the institutional context of the organization.
Elephant Crop Damage: Subsistence Farmers’ Social Vulnerability, Livelihood Sustainability and Elephant Conservation
Authors: Nyirenda Vincent R. , Nkhata Bimo A. , Tembo Oscar , Siamundele Susan
Published: October 2018

African elephants (Loxodonta africana) induce considerable crop damage risks, shocks and stresses on subsistence farmers at the wildlife-agriculture interface. In this study, we explored the social dimensions of human-elephant interactions in the wildlife-agrarian landscape. The study aimed at unraveling the associated hazardous conditions and nature of the subsistence farmers’ social vulnerability and practices with respect to elephant crop damage, subsistence farmers’ livelihoods, and elephant conservation. Applying qualitative thematic content analysis, the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) and additive generalized linear models (GLMs), this study revealed that the status of relational social capital influences human-elephant conflict (HEC) management and subsistence farmers’ responses, regardless of the farmers’ social learning and environmental values about the social-ecological system. The strengthening of multiple local stakeholder participation, institutional governance and access to livelihoods assets are needed for human food security and elephant conservation. Adoption of more effective nuanced crop protection counter-measures against elephants at farm level is urgently needed.
The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Level of the Undergraduate Students of Midwife and Nurse in Terms of Sustainability in Nursing and Midwifery Education
Authors: Örs Mukaddes
Published: October 2018

Self-directed learning is a necessary skill for students and workers to remain lifelong learners. Being self-directed in learning allows nurses to stay elastic, open to change and sustain their, professional development. The aim of this study was to determine the level of self-directed learning readiness of undergraduate students of nursing and midwifery. This study also investigated whether there were associations between the level of self-directed learning readiness and selected demographic variables such as gender, department, academic level and monthly income in the undergraduate students. Quantitative research method was used in this research. A total of 398 students participated in this survey conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences of University of Amasya. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) that was developed by Fisher et al., was used. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis H test and Mann Whitney U test were applied. In this study, it was revealed that nursing and midwifery students had relatively high self-directed learning readiness. However, students received the lowest score for the self-management dimension, which indicates that students need support in self-management skills. As a result of the Mann Whitney U test, it was put forward that there were statistically significant differences in level of self-directed learning readiness based on gender and department. As a result of the Kruskal Wallis H test, it was found that there was no difference in level of self-directed learning readiness based on monthly income variable.
Container Transport Network for Sustainable Development in South Korea
Authors: Li Kevin X. , Park Tae-Joon , Lee Paul Tae-Woo , McLaughlin Heather , Shi Wenming
Published: October 2018

The ever-increasing tendency toward economic globalization highlights the importance of sustainable container transport networks to a country’s international trade, especially for an economy that is highly dependent on exports. This paper aims to develop a transport network connectivity index (TNCI) to measure the container transport connectivity from a multi-modal perspective. The proposed index is based on both graph theory and economics, considering transport infrastructure and capacity, cargo flow, and capacity utilization. Using the case of South Korea as an example, we apply the TNCI to assess the connectivity of the Busan, Gwangyang, and Incheon ports, representing approximately 96% of the container throughput in South Korea. The calculated TNCI not only provides insight into the assessment of sustainable port competitiveness, it also helps policymakers identify bottlenecks in multi-modal transport networks. To eliminate these bottlenecks, this paper offers some appropriate measures and specific strategies for port development, which in turn improves the connectivity of container transport networks for sustainable development.
A Comparative Analysis of the Visual Comfort Performance between a PCM Glazing and a Conventional Selective Double Glazed Unit
Authors: Giovannini Luigi , Goia Francesco , Lo Verso Valerio R. M. , Serra Valentina
Published: October 2018

The performance of a Double Glazing Unit (DGU) with a Phase Change Material (PCM) layer embedded in the cavity was analyzed in terms of the visual comfort perceived by the occupants. The analysis was carried out through a set of simulations, performed by the Radiance engine managed through Honeybee. As an input for the simulations, the visible transmittance Tv of PCM in solid (diffusing) state was used, based on previous laboratory measurements. The simulations were run for several specific times of the year: The two solstices and the autumn equinox, for different hours during the day. Other variables investigated were the site (Östersund, 63.2° N; Turin, 45.2° N; Abu Dhabi, 24.4° N), the room orientation (south; west), and the sky conditions (clear sky with sun; overcast). For comparative purpose, the simulations were repeated for the same boundary conditions in a room equipped with a selective glazing, with a Tv of 0.5. For each case, the visual comfort perceived by the occupants has been analyzed in terms of Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) in two different points in the room and of “Spatial Useful Illuminance” (percent of work plane points where the illuminance lies in the range 100–3000 lx). The results showed that the glazed package with PCM in most cases admits more daylight into the room, resulting into an increased glare (DGP values), but also in lower Spatial Useful Illuminance values.
Land-Use/Land-Cover Changes and Their Influence on the Ecosystem in Chengdu City, China during the Period of 1992–2018
Authors: Lin Xiaojuan , Xu Min , Cao Chunxiang , P. Singh Ramesh , Chen Wei , Ju Hongrun
Published: October 2018

Due to urban expansion, economic development, and rapid population growth, land use/land cover (LULC) is changing in major cities around the globe. Quantitative analysis of LULC change is important for studying the corresponding impact on the ecosystem service value (ESV) that helps in decision-making and ecosystem conservation. Based on LULC data retrieved from remote-sensing interpretation, we computed the changes of ESV associated with the LULC dynamics using the benefits transfer method and geographic information system (GIS) technologies during the period of 1992–2018 following self-modified coefficients which were corrected by net primary productivity (NPP). This improved approach aimed to establish a regional value coefficients table for facilitating the reliable evaluation of ESV. The main objective of this research was to clarify the trend and spatial patterns of LULC changes and their influence on ecosystem service values and functions. Our results show a continuous reduction in total ESV from United States (US) $1476.25 million in 1992, to US $1410.17, $1335.10, and $1190.56 million in 2001, 2009, and 2018, respectively; such changes are attributed to a notable loss of farmland and forest land from 1992–2018. The elasticity of ESV in response to changes in LULC shows that 1% of land transition may have caused average changes of 0.28%, 0.34%, and 0.50% during the periods of 1992–2001, 2001–2009, and 2009–2018, respectively. This study provides important information useful for land resource management and for developing strategies to address the reduction of ESV.
Investigating the Relationship between Construction Supply Chain Integration and Sustainable Use of Material: Evidence from China
Authors: Zeng Ningshuang , Liu Yan , Mao Chao , König Markus
Published: October 2018

Environmental burdens arise in the whole life cycle of construction. Waste and pollution are produced in the upstream and downstream of a construction project along the supply chains. The interdependency between on-site construction and off-site logistics also leads to an expansion effect of waste when a disturbance occurs. A related supply chain activated by construction activities should be taken into account to improve the sustainability in construction from a material and waste management perspective. However, it is unknown how the supply chain integration could contribute to the sustainable use of materials in construction. Therefore, an empirical investigation is conducted. A research model with eight latent-constructs is designed through a comprehensive literature review, and 70 completed survey questionnaires are received. Using PLS-SEM (partial least squares-structural equation modeling), sample data is analyzed and seven research hypotheses are examined. Results support the assumption that the construction supply chain integration had a positive correlation with the sustainable use of construction materials. Discussion and relevant suggestions are given for the future research.
Weather and Air Quality Drive the Winter Use of Utah’s Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons
Authors: Zhang Hongchao , Smith Jordan W.
Published: October 2018

Winter outdoor recreation opportunities in Utah are directly impacted by the effects of climate change and deteriorating air quality. We examine the influences of daily weather conditions and air quality on winter use of two prominent Utah canyons located just outside Salt Lake City-Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Daily weather data were collected both within the canyons and in Salt Lake City; daily air quality data were collected for just Salt Lake City. We hypothesized that desirable weather within the canyons (i.e., cooler temperatures, more snowfall, and deeper snow depths) serves as a “pull” factor, positively influencing the volume of traffic. We also hypothesized that poor air quality within the city acts as a “push” factor on individuals’ travel behavior, this too would positively influence the volume of traffic up the canyons. We used a panel time-series regression model to determine the influence of both these “push” and “pull” factors on use of the canyons during the winter months. Our results revealed that, as expected, cooler temperatures and greater amounts of snow in the canyons, as well as poorer air quality in the city, have a positive and significant influence on winter canyon use. These findings suggest that warmer winter temperatures, as well as deteriorating air quality in the city, may have substantial impacts on Utah’s outdoor recreation economy.
The Structure Theorems of Pseudo-BCI Algebras in Which Every Element is Quasi-Maximal
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: October 2018

For mathematical fuzzy logic systems, the study of corresponding algebraic structures plays an important role. Pseudo-BCI algebra is a class of non-classical logic algebras, which is closely related to various non-commutative fuzzy logic systems. The aim of this paper is focus on the structure of a special class of pseudo-BCI algebras in which every element is quasi-maximal (call it QM-pseudo-BCI algebras in this paper). First, the new notions of quasi-maximal element and quasi-left unit element in pseudo-BCK algebras and pseudo-BCI algebras are proposed and some properties are discussed. Second, the following structure theorem of QM-pseudo-BCI algebra is proved: every QM-pseudo-BCI algebra is a KG-union of a quasi-alternating BCK-algebra and an anti-group pseudo-BCI algebra. Third, the new notion of weak associative pseudo-BCI algebra (WA-pseudo-BCI algebra) is introduced and the following result is proved: every WA-pseudo-BCI algebra is a KG-union of a quasi-alternating BCK-algebra and an Abel group.
New Method for Simultaneous Determination of Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin in Vegetable Matrices by SPE-UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Díez-Quijada Leticia , Guzmán-Guillén Remedios , Prieto Ortega Ana , Llana-Ruíz-Cabello María , Campos Alexandre , Vasconcelos Vítor , Jos Ángeles , Cameán Ana
Published: October 2018

Cyanotoxins are a large group of noxious metabolites with different chemical structure and mechanisms of action, with a worldwide distribution, producing effects in animals, humans, and crop plants. When cyanotoxin-contaminated waters are used for the irrigation of edible vegetables, humans can be in contact with these toxins through the food chain. In this work, a method for the simultaneous detection of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), Microcystin-RR (MC-RR), Microcystin-YR (MC-YR), and Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in lettuce has been optimized and validated, using a dual solid phase extraction (SPE) system for toxin extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for analysis. Results showed linear ranges (5–50 ng g−1 f.w.), low values for limit of detection (LOD) (0.06–0.42 ng g−1 f.w.), and limit of quantification (LOQ) (0.16–0.91 ng g−1 f.w.), acceptable recoveries (41–93%), and %RSDIP values for the four toxins. The method proved to be robust for the three variables tested. Finally, it was successfully applied to detect these cyanotoxins in edible vegetables exposed to cyanobacterial extracts under laboratory conditions, and it could be useful for monitoring these toxins in edible vegetables for better exposure estimation in terms of risk assessment.
Zoonotic Helminth Diseases in Dogs and Dingoes Utilising Shared Resources in an Australian Aboriginal Community
Authors: Smout Felicity A. , Skerratt Lee F. , Johnson Christopher N. , Butler James R. A. , Congdon Bradley C.
Published: October 2018

The impacts of free-roaming canids (domestic and wild) on public health have long been a concern in Australian Indigenous communities. We investigated the prevalence of zoonotic helminth diseases in dogs and sympatric dingoes, and used radio telemetry to measure their spatial overlap, in an Aboriginal community in the Wet Tropics of Australia. Samples collected from dingoes and dogs showed high levels of infection with the zoonotic hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum. Dingoes were also positive for A. ceylanicum infection (11.4%), but dogs were infection free. Whipworm, Trichuris vulpis, infection was far more prevalent in necropsies of domestic dogs (78.6%) than dingoes (3.7%). Dogs were free from Dirofilaria immitis infection, while dingoes recorded 46.2% infection. Eleven dingoes and seven free-roaming domestic dogs were fitted with Global Positioning System collars and tracked over an extended period. Dingo home-ranges almost completely overlapped those of the domestic dogs. However, dingoes and dogs did not utilise the same area at the same time, and dogs may have avoided dingoes. This spatial overlap in resource use presents an opportunity for the indirect spill-over and spill-back of parasites between dogs and dingoes. Tracking and camera traps showed that the community rubbish tip and animal carcasses were areas of concentrated activity for dogs and dingoes.
Precipitation Thresholds of Drought Disaster for Maize in Areas in Front of Bengbu Sluice, Huaihe River Basin, China
Authors: Gao Chao , Li Xuewen
Published: October 2018

Droughts occur frequently during summer maize growth in the Huaihe River Basin, China. Identifying the critical precipitation thresholds that can lead to drought is conducive to drought monitoring and the creation of early warning systems. Based on meteorological data from 66 stations from 1961 to 2015 in areas of the Bengbu Sluice in the Huaihe River Basin (BHR), and using correlation analysis between maize climatic yield and water deficit index at different growth stages, the critical period of water deficit in summer maize growth was determined. Twenty-eight types of distribution functions were used to fit the precipitation sequence during the critical period for water during summer maize growth. By applying Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion, an optimal probability distribution model was established. The precipitation thresholds (Define R as the precipitation thresholds) for each level of drought for summer maize were then quantified based on the precipitation probability quantile method, and the rationality of the index was verified. The results were as follows: (1) The stage of tassel appearance-maturity was the critical period for water during summer maize growth. (2) There was a significant difference in the optimal probability distribution model at the 66 typical sites in the precipitation sequence during the critical period of water during summer maize growth. (3) In this paper, we identified a rapid and effective method for assessing agricultural drought in summer maize, which is based on the precipitation thresholds and dividing the different levels of drought. The precipitation thresholds of a drought disaster for summer maize at the 66 sites varied greatly from region to region. By using the Thiessen polygon method, the precipitation thresholds of a drought disaster during the critical water period during summer maize growth in the Huaihe River Basin were mild drought: 139 ≤ R < 169 mm, moderate drought: 108 ≤ R <139 mm, severe drought: 81 ≤ R < 108 mm, and extreme drought: R < 81 mm.
Reducing emergency hospital admissions: a population health complex intervention of an enhanced model of primary care and compassionate communities
Authors: Abel Julian , Kingston Helen , Scally Andrew , Hartnoll Jenny , Hannam Gareth , Thomson-Moore Alexandra , Kellehear Allan
Published: October 2018

Background

Reducing emergency admissions to hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare policy. Little evidence exists to show that systematic interventions across a population have achieved this aim. The authors report the impact of a complex intervention over a 44-month period in Frome, Somerset, on unplanned admissions to hospital.

Aim

To evaluate a population health complex intervention of an enhanced model of primary care and compassionate communities on population health improvement and reduction of emergency admissions to hospital.

Design and setting

A cohort retrospective study of a complex intervention on all emergency admissions in Frome Medical Practice, Somerset, compared with the remainder of Somerset, from April 2013 to December 2017.

Method

Patients were identified using broad criteria, including anyone giving cause for concern. Patient-centred goal setting and care planning combined with a compassionate community social approach was implemented broadly across the population of Frome.

Results

There was a progressive reduction, by 7.9 cases per quarter (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.8 to 13.1, P = 0.006), in unplanned hospital admissions across the whole population of Frome during the study period from April 2013 to December 2017, a decrease of 14.0%. At the same time, there was a 28.5% increase in admissions per quarter within Somerset, with a rise in the number of unplanned admissions of 236 per quarter (95% CI = 152 to 320, P<0.001).

Conclusion

The complex intervention in Frome was associated with highly significant reductions in unplanned admissions to hospital, with a decrease in healthcare costs across the whole population of Frome.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of biologically relevant steroidal 17-exo-pyrazol-5'-ones from a norpregnene precursor by a side-chain elongation/heterocyclization sequence
Authors: Mótyán Gergő , Mérai László , Kiss Márton Attila , Schelz Zsuzsanna , Sinka Izabella , Zupkó István , Frank Éva
Published: October 2018

Multistep syntheses of novel 17β-pyrazol-5'-ones in the Δ5-androstane series were efficiently carried out from pregnenolone acetate. A steroidal 17-carboxylic acid was first synthesized as a norpregnene precursor by the bromoform reaction and subsequent acetylation. Its CDI-activated acylimidazole derivative was then converted to a β-ketoester containing a two carbon atom-elongated side chain than that of the starting material. A Knorr cyclization of the bifunctional 1,3-dicarbonyl compound with hydrazine and its monosubstituted derivatives in AcOH under microwave heating conditions led to the regioselective formation of 17-exo-heterocycles in good to excellent yields. The suppression of an acid-catalyzed thermal decarboxylation of the β-ketoester and thus a significant improvement in the yield of the desired heterocyclic products could be achieved by the preliminary liberation of the arylhydrazines from their hydrochloride salts in EtOH in the presence of NaOAc. The reaction rates were found to depend on the electronic character of the substituent present in the phenylhydrazine applied. The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related steroidal pyrazol-5'-ones and their deacetylated analogs were screened on three human adherent breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T47D and MDA-MB-231): the microculture tetrazolium assay revealed that some of the presented derivatives exerted cell growth inhibitory effects on some of these cell lines comparable to those of the reference compound, cisplatin.
The Effects of Stellar Activity on Optical High-resolution Exoplanet Transmission Spectra
Authors: Cauley P. Wilson , Kuckein Christoph , Redfield Seth , Shkolnik Evgenya L. , Denker Carsten , Llama Joe , Verma Meetu
Published: October 2018

Chromospherically sensitive atomic lines display different spectra in stellar active regions, spots, and the photosphere, raising the possibility that exoplanet transmission spectra are contaminated by the contrast between various portions of the stellar disk. To explore this effect, we performed transit simulations of G-type and K-type stars for the spectral lines Ca ii K at 3933 Å, Na i 5890 Å, H i 6563 Å (Hα), and He i 10830 Å. We find that strong facular emission and large coverage fractions can contribute a non-negligible amount to transmission spectra, especially for Hα, Ca ii K, and Na i D, while spots and filaments are comparatively unimportant. The amount of contamination depends strongly on the location of the active regions and the intrinsic emission strength. In particular, active regions must be concentrated along the transit chord in order to produce a consistent in-transit signal. Mean absorption signatures in Na i and Hα, for example, can reach ≈0.2% and 0.3%, respectively, for transits of active latitudes with line emission similar in strength to moderate solar flares. Transmission spectra of planets transiting active stars, such as HD 189733, are likely contaminated by the contrast effect, although the tight constraints on active region geometry and emission strength make it unlikely that consistent in-transit signatures are due entirely to the contrast effect. He i 10830 Å is not strongly affected and absorption signatures are likely diluted, rather than enhanced, by stellar activity. He i 10830 Å should thus be considered a priority for probing extended atmospheres, even in the case of active stars.