bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Biology and Ecology of Cat Fleas and Advancements in Their Pest Management: A Review
Authors: Rust Michael
Published: October 2017

The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché) is the most important ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide. It has been two decades since the last comprehensive review concerning the biology and ecology of C. f. felis and its management. Since then there have been major advances in our understanding of the diseases associated with C. f. felis and their implications for humans and their pets. Two rickettsial diseases, flea-borne spotted fever and murine typhus, have been identified in domestic animal populations and cat fleas. Cat fleas are the primary vector of Bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever) with the spread of the bacteria when flea feces are scratched in to bites or wounds. Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) common in dogs and cats has been successfully treated and tapeworm infestations prevented with a number of new products being used to control fleas. There has been a continuous development of new products with novel chemistries that have focused on increased convenience and the control of fleas and other arthropod ectoparasites. The possibility of feral animals serving as potential reservoirs for flea infestations has taken on additional importance because of the lack of effective environmental controls in recent years. Physiological insecticide resistance in C. f. felis continues to be of concern, especially because pyrethroid resistance now appears to be more widespread. In spite of their broad use since 1994, there is little evidence that resistance has developed to many of the on-animal or oral treatments such as fipronil, imidacloprid or lufenuron. Reports of the perceived lack of performance of some of the new on-animal therapies have been attributed to compliance issues and their misuse. Consequentially, there is a continuing need for consumer awareness of products registered for cats and dogs and their safety.
Effects of Texture and Grain Size on the Yield Strength of ZK61 Alloy Rods Processed by Cyclic Extrusion and Compression
Authors: Zhang Lixin , Zhang Wencong , Cao Biao , Chen Wenzhen , Duan Junpeng , Cui Guorong
Published: October 2017

The ZK61 alloy rods with different grain sizes and crystallographic texture were successfully fabricated by cyclic extrusion and compression (CEC). Their room-temperature tension & compression yield strength displayed a significant dependence on grain size and texture, essentially attributed to {10-12} twinning. The texture variations were characterized by the angle θ between the c-axis of the grain and the extrusion direction (ED) during the process. The contour map of room-temperature yield strength as a function of grain size and the angle θ was obtained. It showed that both the tension yield strength and the compression yield strength of ZK61 alloy were fully consistent with the Hall-Patch relationship at a certain texture, but the change trends of the tension yield strength and the compression yield strength were completely opposite at the same grain size while texture altered. The friction stresses of different deformation modes calculated based on the texture confirmed the tension yield strength of the CECed ZK61 alloy rods, which was determined by both the basal slip and the tension twinning slip during the tension deformation at room temperature, while the compression yield strength was mainly determined by the basal slip during the compression deformation.
Synthesis of Quantum Dot-ZnS Nanosheet Inorganic Assembly with Low Thermal Fluorescent Quenching for LED Application
Authors: Xie Yangyang , Geng Chong , Gao Yiqun , Liu Jay Guoxu , Zhang Zi-Hui , Zhang Yonghui , Xu Shu , Bi Wengang
Published: October 2017

In this report, to tackle the thermal fluorescent quenching issue of II-VI semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), which hinders their on-chip packaging application to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a QD-ZnS nanosheet inorganic assembly monolith (QD-ZnS NIAM) is developed through chemisorption of QDs on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) ZnS nanosheets and subsequent assembly of the nanosheets into a compact inorganic monolith. The QD-ZnS NIAM could reduce the thermal fluorescent quenching of QDs effectively, possibly due to fewer thermally induced permanent trap states and decreased Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) among QDs when compared with those in a reference QD composite thin film. We have demonstrated that the QD-ZnS NIAM enables QDs to be directly packaged on-chip in LEDs with over 90% of their initial luminance being retained at above 85 °C, showing advantage in LED application in comparison with conventional QD composite film.
Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Functionalized 3D Ti-6Al-4V Scaffolds with Improved Surface Bioactivity
Authors: Ye Xiaotong , Leeflang Sander , Wu Chengtie , Chang Jiang , Zhou Jie , Huan Zhiguang
Published: October 2017

Porous Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds fabricated by means of selective laser melting (SLM), having controllable geometrical features and preferable mechanical properties, have been developed as a class of biomaterials that hold promising potential for bone repair. However, the inherent bio-inertness of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy as the matrix of the scaffolds results in a lack in the ability to stimulate bone ingrowth and regeneration. The aim of the present study was to develop a bioactive coating on the struts of SLM Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds in order to add the desired surface osteogenesis ability. Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) coating was applied on the strut surfaces of the SLM Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds through spin coating, followed by a heat treatment. It was found that the coating could maintain the characteristic mesoporous structure and chemical composition of MBG, and establish good interfacial adhesion to the Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The compressive strength and pore interconnectivity of the scaffolds were not affected by the coating. Moreover, the results obtained from in vitro cell culture experiments demonstrated that the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) on the MBG-coated Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds were improved as compared with those on the conventional bioactive glass (BG)-coated Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds and bare-metal Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds. Our results demonstrated that the MBG coating by using the spinning coating method could be an effective approach to achieving enhanced surface biofunctionalization for SLM Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds.
Effects of Fluoride on Two Chemical Models of Enamel Demineralization
Authors: Yu Ollie Yiru , Mei May Lei , Zhao Irene Shuping , Lo Edward Chin-Man , Chu Chun-Hung
Published: October 2017

This study evaluated the effects of fluoride on subsurface enamel demineralization induced by two commonly used chemical models. Forty-eight enamel blocks were demineralized at pH = 5.0 by an acetate buffer (Group 1), a lactate buffer (Group 2), an acetate buffer with 0.02 ppm fluoride (Group 3) and a lactate buffer with 0.02 ppm fluoride (Group 4) at 25 °C for 3 weeks. The surface destruction percentage (SDP), mineral loss and lesion depth of the blocks were studied using micro-computed tomography. An elemental analysis of the enamel surface was evaluated using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Surface micro-hardness was determined by the Knoop Hardness Test. The mean lesion depth of Groups 1 through 4 were 134.1 ± 27.2 μm, 96.1 ± 16.5 μm, 97.5 ± 22.4 μm and 91.1 ± 16.2 μm, respectively (p < 0.001; group 1 > 2, 3 > 4). The SDPs of groups 1 through 4 were 7.8 ± 8.93%, 0.71 ± 1.6%, 0.36 ± 1.70% and 1.36 ± 2.94% (p < 0.001; group 1 > 2, 3, 4). The fluoride in mean weight percentages of groups 1 through 4 were 1.12 ± 0.24%, 1.10 ± 0.20%, 1.45 ± 0.40% and 1.51 ± 0.51%, respectively (p < 0.001; group 3, 4 > 1, 2). The mean Knoop hardness values of groups 1 through 4 were 27.5 ± 13.3, 39.7 ± 19.3, 73.6 ± 44.2 and 91.0 ± 57.2, respectively (p < 0.001; group 4 > 3 > 2 > 1). The chemical model using an acetate buffer solution created significantly deeper zones of subsurface demineralization on enamel than the lactate buffer solution. An acetate buffer may damage the enamel surface, but the surface damage can be prevented by adding fluoride.
CO2 Laser Cutting of Hot Stamping Boron Steel Sheets
Authors: Russo Spena Pasquale
Published: October 2017

This study investigates the quality of CO2 laser cutting of hot stamping boron steel sheets that are employed in the fabrication of automotive body-in-white. For this purpose, experimental laser cutting tests were conducted on 1.2 mm sheets at varying levels of laser power, cutting speed, and oxygen pressure. The resulting quality of cut edges was evaluated in terms of perpendicularity tolerance, surface irregularity, kerf width, heat affected zone, and dross extension. Experimental tests were based on a L9(34) orthogonal array design, with the effects of the process parameters on the quality responses being determined by means of a statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA). Quadratic mathematical models were developed to determine the relationships between the cutting parameters and the quality responses. Finally, a routine based on an optimization criterion was employed to predict the optimal setting of cutting factors and its effect on the quality responses. A confirmation experiment was conducted to verify the appropriateness of the optimization routine. The results show that all of the examined process parameters have a key role in determining the cut quality of hot stamping boron steel sheets, with cutting speed and their interactions having the most influencing effects. Particularly, interactions can have an opposite behavior for different levels of the process parameters.
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Molecular Docking Studies of the 9-Substituted 5-Styryltetrazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Mphahlele Malose , Gildenhuys Samantha , Parbhoo Nishal
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of the 5-styryltetrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines substituted at the 9-position with a 4-fluorophenyl ring directly or via a conjugated π-spacer (C=C or C≡C bond) based on the 6-bromo-4-chloro-2-styrylquinazoline scaffold. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized based on a combination of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR and high resolution mass spectral data as well as microanalyses. The tetrazoloquinazolines were evaluated for potential in vitro cytotoxicity against the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. The anti-proliferative assays demonstrated that the 9-bromo-5-styryltetrazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline 3a and 9-bromo-5-(4-fluorostyryl)tetrazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline 3b exhibit significant cytotoxicity against both cell lines. A carbon-based substituent at the 9-position resulted in complete loss of cytotoxicity against both cell lines except for the 5,9-bis((E)-4-fluorostyryl)tetrazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline 4e, which was found to exhibit comparable cytotoxicity to that of Melphalan (IC50 = 61 μM) against the MCF-7 cell line with IC50 value of 62 μM. Molecular docking against tubulin (PDB:1TUB) showed that compounds 3a, 3b and 4e bind to the tubulin heterodimer. Binding involves hydrogen bonding for 3a and 3b and halogen interactions for 4e.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Photoluminescent Properties of 3,3′,4,4′-Tetraethyl-5,5′-divinyl-2,2′-bipyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Okawara Toru , Kawano Reo , Morita Hiroya , Finkelstein Alan , Toyofuku Renjiro , Matsumoto Kanako , Takehara Kenji , Nagamura Toshihiko , Iwasa Seiji , Kumar Sanjai
Published: October 2017

Photoluminescent divinylbipyrroles were synthesized from 3,3′,4,4′-tetraetyl-2,2′-bipyrrole-5,5′-dicarboxaldehyde and activated methylene compounds via aldol condensation. For mechanistic clarity, molecular structures of Meldrum’s acid- and 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid-derived divinylbipyrroles were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Photoluminescent properties of the synthesized divinylbipyrroles in dichloromethane were found to be dependent on the presence of electron withdrawing groups at the vinylic terminal. The divinylbipyrroles derived from malononitrile, Meldrum’s acid, and 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid showed fluorescent peaks at 553, 576, and 602 nm respectively. Computational studies indicated that the alkyl substituents on the bipyrrole 3 and 3′ positions increased energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) compared to the unsubstituted derivatives and provided rationale for the bathochromic shift of the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra compared to the previously reported analogs.
Atomic Sulfur: An Element for Adaptation to an Oxidative Environment
Authors: Nagahara Noryuki , Wróbel Maria
Published: October 2017

During the period of rising oxygen concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere (Figure 1), sulfur atoms were incorporated into proteins as redox-active cysteine residues [1] and antioxidant molecules such as thioredoxin, glutathione, and glutaredoxin appeared [...]
Do Preschools Offer Healthy Beverages to Children? A Nationwide Study in Poland
Authors: Myszkowska-Ryciak Joanna , Harton Anna
Published: October 2017

Background: Children’s beverage consumption patterns have received increased attention in light of the obesity epidemic in this group. In day care centers (DCCs), children spend up to 10 h a day, and typically consume half to three quarters of their daily food intake. The purpose of the study was to investigate what beverages are typically served to children in preschools in Poland, and to evaluate the practices associated with adding sugar and other sweetening agents to beverages. Methods: Direct interviews with preschools staff were conducted with a questionnaire regarding offered beverages and adding sugar and other sweetening agents. The menu of 10 consecutive days and inventory reports were analyzed to verify information. Results: A total of 720 preschools were included in the study. Cocoa and milk coffee substitute were served in 95% of preschools, followed by compote (92%), tea (84%), fruit/herbal tea (73%) and water (69%). Water was the only beverage available between meals (93% DCCs). 86% of preschools added sugar to tea/cocoa/coffee substitute drinks, and 74% to compote. Conclusions: In the majority of preschools, beverages which are not recommended were offered. Such an assortment of beverages and common practice of sweetening can increase the amount of added sugar in a children diet. Nutrition education and legal regulations concerning the assortment of beverages served in preschools are urgently needed.
Dietary Compound Resveratrol Is a Pan-BET Bromodomain Inhibitor
Authors: Dutra Luiz , Heidenreich David , Silva Gabriel , Man Chin Chung , Knapp Stefan , Santos Jean
Published: October 2017

The chemopreventive and anticancer effects of resveratrol (RSV) are widely reported in the literature. Specifically, mechanisms involving epigenetic regulation are promising targets to regulate tumor development. Bromodomains act as epigenetic readers by recognizing lysine acetylation on histone tails and boosting gene expression in order to regulate tissue-specific transcription. In this work, we showed that RSV is a pan-BET inhibitor. Using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF), we showed that RSV at 100 µM increased the melting temperature (∆Tm) of BET bromodomains by around 2.0 °C. The micromolar dissociation constant (Kd) range was characterized using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). The RSV Kd value accounted to 6.6 µM in case of BRD4(1). Molecular docking proposed the binding mode of RSV against BRD4(1) mimicking the acetyl-lysine interactions. All these results suggest that RSV can also recognize epigenetic readers domains by interacting with BET bromodomains.
Altered Metabolism of Blood Manganese Is Associated with Low Levels of Hemoglobin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Minyoung , Koh Eun , Chung Sungjin , Chang Yoon , Shin Seok
Published: October 2017

Blood manganese (Mn) level has been reported to be higher in patients with anemia or iron deficiency. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between blood Mn level and anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 334 patients with CKD who were not treated with dialysis were included in this study. Blood Mn level and serum markers regarding anemia, renal function, and nutrition were measured and analyzed. Median blood Mn level was 8.30 (interquartile range(IQR): 5.27–11.63) μg/L. Univariate linear regression showed that blood Mn level was correlated with age (β = −0.049, p < 0.001), smoking (β = −1.588, p = 0.009), hypertension (β = −1.470, p = 0.006), serum total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) (β = 0.025, p < 0.001), serum transferrin (β = 0.029, p < 0.001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; β = 0.036, p < 0.001). Results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that beta coefficient of hemoglobin was 0.847 (p < 0.001) for blood Mn level in all participants after controlling for covariates, including gender, age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and eGFR. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis with robust variance after adjusting for gender, age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, eGFR, and nutritional markers showed that higher blood Mn level (per 1 μg/L increase) was associated with decreased prevalence of anemia (PR 0.974, 95% CI: 0.957 to 0.992, p = 0.005). Taken together, our results demonstrate that blood Mn level is positively associated with hemoglobin level in CKD patients. This might provide important information in the understanding of the pathogenesis of CKD-related anemia.
Mechanism of Ampicillin Degradation by Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment with FE-DBD
Authors: Smith Joshua , Adams Isaac , Ji Hai-Feng
Published: October 2017

This research focused on determining the effectiveness of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma as an alternative to advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for antibiotic removal in solution. For this study, 20 mM (6.988 g/L) solutions of ampicillin were treated with a floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) plasma for varying treatment times. The treated solutions were analyzed primarily using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The preliminary product formed was Ampicillin Sulfoxide, however, many more species are formed as plasma treatment time is increased. Ampicillin was completely eliminated after five minutes of air-plasma treatment. The primary mechanism of ampicillin degradation by plasma treatment is investigated in this study.
A pH-Indicating Colorimetric Tough Hydrogel Patch towards Applications in a Substrate for Smart Wound Dressings
Authors: Liu Li , Li Xinda , Nagao Masanori , Elias Anastasia , Narain Ravin , Chung Hyun-Joong
Published: October 2017

The physiological milieu of healthy skin is slightly acidic, with a pH value between 4 and 6, whereas for skin with chronic or infected wounds, the pH value is above 7.3. As testing pH value is an effective way to monitor the status of wounds, a novel smart hydrogel wound patch incorporating modified pH indicator dyes was developed in this study. Phenol red (PR), the dye molecule, was successfully modified with methacrylate (MA) to allow a copolymerization with the alginate/polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel matrix. This covalent attachment prevented the dye from leaching out of the matrix. The prepared pH-responsive hydrogel patch exhibited a porous internal structure, excellent mechanical property, and high swelling ratio, as well as an appropriate water vapour transmission rate. Mechanical responses of alginate/P(AAm-MAPR) hydrogel patches under different calcium and water contents were also investigated to consider the case of exudate accumulation into hydrogels. Results showed that increased calcium amount and reduced water content significantly improved the Young’s modulus and elongation at break of the hydrogels. These characteristics indicated the suitability of hydrogels as wound dressing materials. When pH increased, the color of the hydrogel patches underwent a transition from yellow (pH 5, 6 and 7) to orange (7.4 and 8), and finally to red (pH 9). This range of color change matches the clinically-meaningful pH range of chronic or infected wounds. Therefore, our developed hydrogels could be applied as promising wound dressing materials to monitor the wound healing process by a simple colorimetric display, thus providing a desirable substrate for printed electronics for smart wound dressing.
Trail-Based Search for Efficient Event Report to Mobile Actors in Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks
Authors: Xu Zhezhuang , Liu Guanglun , Yan Haotian , Cheng Bin , Lin Feilong
Published: October 2017

In wireless sensor and actor networks, when an event is detected, the sensor node needs to transmit an event report to inform the actor. Since the actor moves in the network to execute missions, its location is always unavailable to the sensor nodes. A popular solution is the search strategy that can forward the data to a node without its location information. However, most existing works have not considered the mobility of the node, and thus generate significant energy consumption or transmission delay. In this paper, we propose the trail-based search (TS) strategy that takes advantage of actor’s mobility to improve the search efficiency. The main idea of TS is that, when the actor moves in the network, it can leave its trail composed of continuous footprints. The search packet with the event report is transmitted in the network to search the actor or its footprints. Once an effective footprint is discovered, the packet will be forwarded along the trail until it is received by the actor. Moreover, we derive the condition to guarantee the trail connectivity, and propose the redundancy reduction scheme based on TS (TS-R) to reduce nontrivial transmission redundancy that is generated by the trail. The theoretical and numerical analysis is provided to prove the efficiency of TS. Compared with the well-known expanding ring search (ERS), TS significantly reduces the energy consumption and search delay.
A New Scale Factor Adjustment Method for Magnetic Force Feedback Accelerometer
Authors: Huang Xiangqing , Deng Zhongguang , Xie Yafei , Li Zhu , Fan Ji , Tu Liangcheng
Published: October 2017

A new and simple method to adjust the scale factor of a magnetic force feedback accelerometer is presented, which could be used in developing a rotating accelerometer gravity gradient instrument (GGI). Adjusting and matching the acceleration-to-current transfer function of the four accelerometers automatically is one of the basic and necessary technologies for rejecting the common mode accelerations in the development of GGI. In order to adjust the scale factor of the magnetic force rebalance accelerometer, an external current is injected and combined with the normal feedback current; they are then applied together to the torque coil of the magnetic actuator. The injected current could be varied proportionally according to the external adjustment needs, and the change in the acceleration-to-current transfer function then realized dynamically. The new adjustment method has the advantages of no extra assembly and ease of operation. Changes in the scale factors range from 33% smaller to 100% larger are verified experimentally by adjusting the different external coefficients. The static noise of the used accelerometer is compared under conditions with and without the injecting current, and the experimental results find no change at the current noise level, which further confirms the validity of the presented method.
A Stochastic Optimization Model for Carbon Mitigation Path under Demand Uncertainty of the Power Sector in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Hu Guangxiao , Ma Xiaoming , Ji Junping
Published: October 2017

In order to solve problems caused by climate change, countries around the world should work together to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, especially CO2 emissions. Power demand takes up the largest proportion of final energy demand in China, so the key to achieve its goal of energy-saving and emission reduction is to reduce the carbon emissions in the power sector. Taking Shenzhen as an example, this paper proposed a stochastic optimization model incorporating power demand uncertainty to plan the carbon mitigation path of power sector between 2015 and 2030. The results show that, in order to achieve the optimal path in Shenzhen’s power sector, the carbon mitigation technologies of existing coal and gas-fired power plants will be 100% implemented. Two-thirds and remaining one-third of coal-fired power plant capacities are going to be decommissioned in 2023 and 2028, respectively. Gas-fired power, distributed photovoltaic power, waste-to-energy power and CCHP (Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power) are going to expand their capacities gradually.
Interactive Knowledge Co-Production and Integration for Healthy Urban Development
Authors: Shrestha Rehana , Köckler Heike , Flacke Johannes , Martinez Javier , Van Maarseveen Martin
Published: October 2017

The transformation of cities towards healthy urban living environments for all is a challenge that needs to be addressed through collaboration of all relevant sectors in a transdisciplinary research processes. This paper reports on the design and showcase implementation of a methodological approach, named Interactive Spatial Understanding Support System (ISUSS), that is intended to support interactive knowledge co-production and integration among practitioners and researcher in a specific local context. The approach involves the combined use of interactive maps on a MapTable and a rich picture. The goal is to stimulate, articulate and map stakeholders’ knowledge on environmental health issues to come to a shared problem understanding. Drawing on the rich seam of data gathered over the reflexive engagement with the participants in Dortmund, Germany, we explored incidences of a transdisciplinary process. Findings suggest that the approach has the potential to encourage communication and social learning geared towards a shared understanding of the holistic problem situation. Whilst locally embedded spatial knowledge was shared using interactive maps on the MapTable, the rich picture elicited issues linked to wider geographical scale as well as non-spatial drivers. The paper concludes discussing research needs to further explore the approach among various other groups, including citizens.
Forest Maintenance Practices and Wood Energy Alternatives to Increase Uses of Forest Resources in a Local Initiative in Nishiwaga, Iwate, Japan
Authors: Hayashi Takashi , Sawauchi Daisuke , Kunii Daisuke
Published: October 2017

This study assesses the impact of wood energy use under underutilized conditions of wood resources: the impact on promotion of forest maintenance practices (FMPs), user costs, and local economies, using the case of a local initiative in Nishiwaga, Iwate, Japan. We conducted two main analyses: resource and economic assessment. For resource assessment, we investigate whether wood supply from FMP residue is sufficient to sustainably satisfy new demand created by a local initiative in Nishiwaga, and in how much forest area can FMPs be performed to satisfy the demand. These questions are analyzed by linear programming. Regarding economic assessment, we investigate whether replacement of fossil fuel by wood energy brings economic benefit to a user and local economy using input–output analysis. Our overall findings demonstrated that the use of wood energy under underutilized situations can lead to an increase of implementations of FMPs and of domestic wood resource supplies from a short-term perspective that comes from residues of the FMPs. We also found that wood energy consumption introduces co-benefits in terms of reduced heating costs for users and a larger economic impact on the local economy than fossil fuel.
Motivations Underlying Consumers’ Preference for Farmers’ Markets in Klang Valley: A Means-End Chain Approach
Authors: Tey Yeong , Arsil Poppy , Brindal Mark , Teoh Chi , Lim Han
Published: October 2017

In an increasingly competitive market environment, understanding why consumers purchase fresh produce from farmers’ markets is pivotal to understanding the markets’ value and to strengthening the rural economy. This is the first study to employ a means-end chain (MEC) framework to analyze the motivations underlying consumer preference for farmers’ markets. The linkages between these motivators are important steps in understanding why consumers purchase fresh produce from farmers’ markets. Based on in-depth interviews with 212 shoppers at the farmers’ markets in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, we identified the attributes ‘fresh’, ‘nearby’, ‘variety’, and ‘cheap’ as the means of achieving self-directed personal values (e.g., ‘expenses are better managed’), security values (‘live longer’), and benevolent values (e.g., ‘close the ties’). The insights gained should prove useful to policy-makers and to the farmers’ market sector, allowing them to more effectively communicate with consumers from the basis of a better understanding of the attributes, benefits, and personal values influencing them.
Working at the Boundary: An Empirical Study into the Goals and Strategies of Knowledge Brokers in the Field of Environmental Governance in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Enst Wynanda , Driessen Peter , Runhaar Hens
Published: October 2017

There is a broad range of literature on individuals who mediate at the boundaries between science and policy. However, there seems to be little empirical evidence on the goals and strategies of knowledge brokers, even though they appear to be becoming increasingly important in the field of environmental science and policy. This paper aims to improve the understanding of why and how knowledge brokers operate through an analysis of 27 in-depth interviews. It demonstrates that they see themselves as (strategically) sensitive to all stakes and stakeholders involved, possess a large network, and act without interests. They appear to act strategically in two different settings: on stage, where the collaboration of all stakeholders is needed, and backstage, where the knowledge broker steers the process on his/her own. Furthermore, our research suggests that the (perceived) credibility and legitimacy of the knowledge broker is more important to the process than the degree of credibility and legitimacy of the knowledge used in the decision-making process, and that it would be advisable to deploy knowledge brokers proactively, instead of reactively, which could lead to ‘incident politics’.
Temporal Variability and Trends of Rainfall and Streamflow in Tana River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Langat Philip , Kumar Lalit , Koech Richard
Published: October 2017

This study investigated temporal variabilities and trends of rainfall and discharges in Tana River Basin in Kenya using Mann–Kendall non-parametric test. Monthly rainfall data from ten stations spanning from 1967 to 2016 and daily streamflow data time series of observations from 1941 to 2016 (75 years) were analyzed with the aim of capturing and detecting multiannual and seasonal variabilities and monotonic trends. The results for the datasets suggested that the streamflow is largely dependent on increasing rainfall at the highlands. The rainfall trends seemed to have been influenced by altitudinal factors. The coefficient of variation of the ten rainfall stations ranged from 12% to 17% but 70% of rainfall stations showed negative monotonic trends and 30% show significant trends. The streamflow showed statistically significant upward monotonic trend and seasonal variability indicating a substantial change in the streamflow regime. Although the increasing trend of the streamflow during this period may not pose future risks and vulnerability of energy and irrigated agricultural production systems across the basin, variability observed indicates the need for enhanced alternative water management strategies during the low flow seasons. The trends and time series data indicate the potential evidence of climate and land use change and their impacts on the availability of water and sustainability of ecology and energy and agricultural production systems across the basin. Variability and trends of rainfall and streamflow are useful for planning studies, hydrological modeling and climate change impacts assessment within Tana River Basin.
Why Cerenkov Radiation May Not Occur, Even When It Is Allowed by Lorentz-Violating Kinematics
Authors: Altschul Brett
Published: October 2017

In a Lorentz-violating quantum field theory, the energy-momentum relations for the field quanta are typically modified. This affects the kinematics, and processes that are normally forbidden may become allowed. One reaction that clearly becomes kinematically possible when photons’ phase speeds are less than 1 is vacuum Cerenkov radiation. However, in spite of expectations, and in defiance of phase space estimates, a electromagnetic Chern–Simons theory with a timelike Lorentz violation coefficient does not feature any energy losses through Cerenkov emission. There is an unexpected cancelation, made possible by the existence of unstable long-wavelength modes of the field. The fact that the theory possesses a more limited form of gauge symmetry than conventional electrodynamics also plays a role.
Anticoagulant Activity of Low-Molecular Weight Compounds from Heterometrus laoticus Scorpion Venom
Authors: Tran Thien , Hoang Anh , Nguyen Trang , Phung Trung , Nguyen Khoa , Osipov Alexey , Ivanov Igor , Tsetlin Victor , Utkin Yuri
Published: October 2017

Scorpion venoms are complex polypeptide mixtures, the ion channel blockers and antimicrobial peptides being the best studied components. The coagulopathic properties of scorpion venoms are poorly studied and the data about substances exhibiting these properties are very limited. During research on the Heterometrus laoticus scorpion venom, we have isolated low-molecular compounds with anticoagulant activity. Determination of their structure has shown that one of them is adenosine, and two others are dipeptides LeuTrp and IleTrp. The anticoagulant properties of adenosine, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, are well known, but its presence in scorpion venom is shown for the first time. The dipeptides did not influence the coagulation time in standard plasma coagulation tests. However, similarly to adenosine, both peptides strongly prolonged the bleeding time from mouse tail and in vitro clot formation in whole blood. The dipeptides inhibited the secondary phase in platelet aggregation induced by ADP, and IleTrp decreased an initial rate of platelet aggregation induced by collagen. This suggests that their anticoagulant effects may be realized through the deterioration of platelet function. The ability of short peptides from venom to slow down blood coagulation and their presence in scorpion venom are established for the first time. Further studies are needed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanism of dipeptide anticoagulant activity.
ABC Assay: Method Development and Application to Quantify the Role of Three DWV Master Variants in Overwinter Colony Losses of European Honey Bees
Authors: Kevill Jessica , Highfield Andrea , Mordecai Gideon , Martin Stephen , Schroeder Declan
Published: October 2017

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is one of the most prevalent honey bee viral pathogens in the world. Typical of many RNA viruses, DWV is a quasi-species, which is comprised of a large number of different variants, currently consisting of three master variants: Type A, B, and C. Little is known about the impact of each variant or combinations of variants upon the biology of individual hosts. Therefore, we have developed a new set of master variant-specific DWV primers and a set of standards that allow for the quantification of each of the master variants. Competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experimental design confirms that each new DWV primer set is specific to the retrospective master variant. The sensitivity of the ABC assay is dependent on whether DNA or RNA is used as the template and whether other master variants are present in the sample. Comparison of the overall proportions of each master variant within a sample of known diversity, as confirmed by next-generation sequence (NGS) data, validates the efficiency of the ABC assay. The ABC assay was used on archived material from a Devon overwintering colony loss (OCL) 2006–2007 study; further implicating DWV type A and, for the first time, possibly C in the untimely collapse of honey bee colonies. Moreover, in this study DWV type B was not associated with OCL. The use of the ABC assay will allow researchers to quickly and cost effectively pre-screen for the presence of DWV master variants in honey bees.
Material property analytical relations for the case of an AFM probe tapping a viscoelastic surface containing multiple characteristic times
Authors: López-Guerra Enrique A , Solares Santiago D
Published: October 2017

We explore the contact problem of a flat-end indenter penetrating intermittently a generalized viscoelastic surface, containing multiple characteristic times. This problem is especially relevant for nanoprobing of viscoelastic surfaces with the highly popular tapping-mode AFM imaging technique. By focusing on the material perspective and employing a rigorous rheological approach, we deliver analytical closed-form solutions that provide physical insight into the viscoelastic sources of repulsive forces, tip–sample dissipation and virial of the interaction. We also offer a systematic comparison to the well-established standard harmonic excitation, which is the case relevant for dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and for AFM techniques where tip–sample sinusoidal interaction is permanent. This comparison highlights the substantial complexity added by the intermittent-contact nature of the interaction, which precludes the derivation of straightforward equations as is the case for the well-known harmonic excitations. The derivations offered have been thoroughly validated through numerical simulations. Despite the complexities inherent to the intermittent-contact nature of the technique, the analytical findings highlight the potential feasibility of extracting meaningful viscoelastic properties with this imaging method.
Curcuminoid–BF2 complexes: Synthesis, fluorescence and optimization of BF2 group cleavage
Authors: Weiss Henning , Reichel Jeannine , Görls Helmar , Schneider Kilian Rolf Anton , Micheel Mathias , Pröhl Michael , Gottschaldt Michael , Dietzek Benjamin , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: October 2017

Eight difluoroboron complexes of curcumin derivatives carrying alkyne groups containing substituents have been synthesized following an optimised reaction pathway. The complexes were received in yields up to 98% and high purities. Their properties as fluorescent dyes have been investigated. Furthermore, a strategy for the hydrolysis of the BF2 group has been established using aqueous methanol and sodium hydroxide or triethylamine.
Synthesis and application of trifluoroethoxy-substituted phthalocyanines and subphthalocyanines
Authors: Mori Satoru , Shibata Norio
Published: October 2017

Phthalocyanines and subphthalocyanines are attracting attention as functional dyes that are applicable to organic solar cells, photodynamic therapy, organic electronic devices, and other applications. However, phthalocyanines are generally difficult to handle due to their strong ability to aggregate, so this property must be controlled for further applications of phthalocyanines. On the other hand, trifluoroethoxy-substituted phthalocyanines are known to suppress aggregation due to repulsion of the trifluoroethoxy group. Furthermore, the electronic characteristics of phthalocyanines are significantly changed by the strong electronegativity of fluorine. Therefore, it is expected that trifluoroethoxy-substituted phthalocyanines can be applied to new industrial fields. This review summarizes the synthesis and application of trifluoroethoxy-substituted phthalocyanine and subphthalocyanine derivatives.
Formation and Reconnection of Three-dimensional Current Sheets with a Guide Field in the Solar Corona
Authors: Edmondson J. K. , Lynch B. J.
Published: October 2017

We analyze a series of three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic numerical simulations of magnetic reconnection in a model solar corona to study the effect of the guide-field component on quasi-steady-state interchange reconnection in a pseudostreamer arcade configuration. This work extends the analysis of Edmondson et al. by quantifying the mass density enhancement coherency scale in the current sheet associated with magnetic island formation during the nonlinear phase of plasmoid-unstable reconnection. We compare the results of four simulations of a zero, weak, moderate, and a strong guide field,

, to quantify the plasmoid density enhancement’s longitudinal and transverse coherency scales as a function of the guide-field strength. We derive these coherency scales from autocorrelation and wavelet analyses, and demonstrate how these scales may be used to interpret the density enhancement fluctuation’s Fourier power spectra in terms of a structure formation range, an energy continuation range, and an inertial range—each population with a distinct spectral slope. We discuss the simulation results in the context of solar and heliospheric observations of pseudostreamer solar wind outflow and possible signatures of reconnection-generated structure.
Les interrelations des PME dans la structuration et la déstructuration des territoires de l’industrie. L’exemple de l’Ariège, vers 1800-2016
Authors: Minovez Jean-Michel
Published: October 2017

Dans l’avant-pays pyrénéen se sont développées nombre d’activités productives depuis l’époque moderne. La plus importante était centrée sur l’industrie de la laine que l’on trouvait tout au long de la chaîne. Seul le Pays d’Olmes ariégeois a connu le processus d’industrialisation durant l’époque contemporaine. Si les prémices sont à rechercher du côté de quelques entrepreneurs innovants, la dynamique inscrite dans la longue durée repose sur les interrelations d’un nombre significatif d’entreprises spécialisées, dont la majorité était de taille modeste. N’ayant d’autre choix que de coopérer pour se maintenir et se développer, elles ont donné naissance à un territoire industriel, au XXe siècle, caractérisé par un réseau complexe de relations. Durant les Trente Glorieuses, la succession de crises d’adaptation a provoqué la concentration, favorisant l’émergence de grands groupes et l’ouverture sur l’extérieur. Le territoire s’est affaibli jusqu’à disparaître, faute du maintien d’un nombre suffisant d’acteurs locaux de la production à même de créer des externalités positives.
Les PME industrielles dans l’économie japonaise de 1880 à nos jours
Authors: Donzé Pierre-Yves
Published: October 2017

Cet article porte sur la place des PME industrielles au sein du système économique et de la politique économique du Japon des années 1880 à nos jours. Sur la base de statistiques et de rapports officiels, ainsi que de publications académiques, essentiellement en langue japonaise, il met en lumière la situation de dépendance des PME envers les grandes entreprises, jusque dans les années 1970 (dans le cadre d’une « double structure industrielle »), et la permanence d’une politique visant à « moderniser » les PME. Cette contribution montre également l’existence de PME spécialisées et compétitives, qui commencent à être perçues positivement par le gouvernement depuis les années 1970 et deviennent peu à peu un modèle à suivre, et non plus un problème à résoudre, pour permettre à l’économie japonaise de retrouver le chemin de la croissance.
À l’intersection du genre et de l’origine nationale : quels sont les parcours professionnels des immigrants sélectionnés au Québec ?
Authors: Lacroix Julie , Gagnon Alain , Lortie Vincent
Published: October 2017

Les différences d’insertion dans l’emploi entre immigrés et natifs sont étroitement liées à l’origine nationale et au genre. Alors que le désavantage des hommes immigrés non occidentaux est souvent expliqué en termes de discrimination et de transférabilité du capital humain, celui des femmes immigrées repose plutôt sur un argumentaire culturel, selon lequel la participation des femmes au marché du travail serait le reflet des rôles de genre dans la région d’origine. En utilisant les données d’enquête sur les travailleurs sélectionnés au Québec, nous examinons la rapidité avec laquelle les immigrés accèdent à l’emploi selon la nationalité et le genre. Ces derniers sont tous des requérants principaux de la catégorie des travailleurs qualifiés au Québec. Les facteurs liés aux « barrières culturelles », censés freiner l’accès des femmes à l’emploi, sont ainsi neutralisés dans l’analyse des différents groupes se destinant au marché du travail. Des modèles de Cox avec interactions montrent que l’effet de genre se juxtapose à celui de l’origine nationale des immigrés et révèlent des différences de genre pour l’accès au premier emploi, qui sont principalement modulées par les connaissances linguistiques. Au contraire, l’accès à un emploi conforme au niveau d’éducation diffère selon l’origine nationale, indépendamment du genre.
Retour sur la vacma à la Sncf et l’action de la Cgt : la parole de deux syndicalistes
Authors: Foot Robin
Published: October 2017

Dans cet entretien, deux syndicalistes Cgt à la retraite, anciens conducteurs de train, reviennent sur cette période qui a vu la traction basculer rapidement de la vapeur à l’électricité. Cette transformation radicale s’est accompagnée de la disparition de l’aide conducteur remplacé par un « Homme mort ». Ils rappellent que la vapeur, c’était aussi l’amiante et le cancer. Cinquante ans plus tard, ils évoquent la question de la fraude au dispositif de veille, le « blocage » plus librement qu’à l’époque de l’enquête menée par L. Le Guillant. Ils parlent aussi de la fin de cette lutte contre la vacma et l’agent seul au début des années 1970 avec l’effet « Programme commun ».
Decision policy scenarios for just-in-sequence (JIS) deliveries
Authors: Cedillo-Campos Miguel Gaston , Morones Ruelas Dario , Lizarraga-Lizarraga Giovanni , Gonzalez-Feliu Jesus , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: October 2017

Purpose: The Just-in-Sequence (JIS) approach is evidencing advantages in efficiently managing variety-driven costs, and reducing the risk of disruption in sourcing, manufacturing companies and third-party logistics. This has increased its implementation in the manufacturing industry, especially in highly customized manufacturing sectors such as the automotive industry. However, despite its growing interest by manufacturers, scholarly research focused on JIS still remains limited. In this context, little has been done to study the effect of JIS on the fluidity of supply chains and processes of logistics suppliers as well as providing them with a decision making tool to optimise the sequencing of their deliveries. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose a genetic algorithm to evaluate different decision policy scenarios to reduce risks of supply disruptions at the final assembly line. Consequently, an algorithm considering a periodic review of the inventory that assumes a steady demand and short response times is developed and applied.Design/methodology/approach: Based on a literature review and real-life information, an abductive reasoning was performed and a case study application of the proposed algorithm conducted in the auto-industry.Findings: The results obtained from the case study indicate that the proposed genetic algorithm offers a reliable solution when facing variability in safety stocks that operate under assumptions such as: i) fixed costs; ii) high inventory turnover; iii) scarce previous information available concerning material requirements; and iv) replenishment services as core business value. Although the results are based on an auto-industry case study, they are equally applicable to other global supply chains.Originality/value: This paper is of interest to practitioners and academics alike as it complements and supports the very limited scholarly research on JIS by providing manufacturers and 3PL suppliers competing in mass customized industries and markets a tool to support decision-making. Implications for the design of modern supply chain fluidity in the manufacturing industry are also exposed and future research streams presented.