bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Robot Cyber Physical System for Sensing Environmental Variables of Transmission Line
Authors: Fan Fei , Wu Gongping , Wang Man , Cao Qi , Yang Song
Published: September 2018

The normal operation of a power grid largely depends on the effective monitoring and maintenance of transmission lines, which is a process that has many challenges. The traditional method of the manual or remote inspection of transmission lines is time-consuming, laborious, and inefficient. To address this problem, a novel method has been proposed for the Multi-Robot Cyber Physical System (MRCPS) of a power grid based on inspection robots, a wireless sensor network (WSN), and multi-agent theory to achieve a low-cost, efficient, fault-tolerant, and remote monitoring of power grids. For the sake of an effective monitoring system for smart grids, the very research is conducted focusing on designing a methodology that will realize the efficient, fault-tolerant, and financial balance of a multi-robot team for monitoring transmission lines. Multiple testing scenarios are performed, in which various aspects are explored so as to determine the optimal parameters balancing team performance and financial cost. Furthermore, multi-robot team communication and navigation control in smart grid environments are introduced.
3DoF+ 360 Video Location-Based Asymmetric Down-Sampling for View Synthesis to Immersive VR Video Streaming
Authors: Jeong JongBeom , Jang Dongmin , Son Jangwoo , Ryu Eun-Seok
Published: September 2018

Recently, with the increasing demand for virtual reality (VR), experiencing immersive contents with VR has become easier. However, a tremendous amount of calculation and bandwidth is required when processing 360 videos. Moreover, additional information such as the depth of the video is required to enjoy stereoscopic 360 contents. Therefore, this paper proposes an efficient method of streaming high-quality 360 videos. To reduce the bandwidth when streaming and synthesizing the 3DoF+ 360 videos, which supports limited movements of the user, a proper down-sampling ratio and quantization parameter are offered from the analysis of the graph between bitrate and peak signal-to-noise ratio. High-efficiency video coding (HEVC) is used to encode and decode the 360 videos, and the view synthesizer produces the video of intermediate view, providing the user with an immersive experience.
Let’s Talk about TEX—Understanding Consumer Preferences for Smart Interactive Textile Products Using a Conjoint Analysis Approach
Authors: Offermann-van Heek Julia , Brauner Philipp , Ziefle Martina
Published: September 2018

Interactive textiles are reaching maturity. First technology augmented textiles in form of clothes and furnitures are becoming commercially available. In contrast to the close link between technological development and innovations, future users’ acceptance and usage of such interactive textiles has not been integrated sufficiently, yet. The current study investigates future users’ consumer behavior and acceptance of interactive textiles using a scenario-based conjoint analysis study, which was presented in an online questionnaire ( n = 324 ). Two prototypical interactive textiles were focused on: a smart jacket and a smart armchair. To assess the textile products, the participants had to choose the preferred product alternative consisting each of the acceptance-relevant factors “connectivity”, “input modality”, “feature range”, “usability”, and “ease of cleaning”and their respective levels. The results revealed that the “ease of cleaning” is the most important decision criterion for both textile devices (even more important for the smart jacket), followed by “feature range”, “connectivity”, and “usability”. In contrast, the “input modality” is perceived as least important. The study also identified user profiles based on the projected consumer behavior (“adopters”, “rejecters”, and “undecided”) for both products. Besides the differences in product evaluation and projected consumer behavior, the user groups are significantly influenced by the individual affinity to textiles (both products) and gender (smart jacket). The findings are used to derive design and communication guidelines referring to interactive textiles in order to incorporate users’ needs, wishes, and requirements into future products.
The Rise of Drug Dealing in the Life of the North American Street Gang
Authors: McLean Robert , Robinson Grace , Densley James
Published: September 2018

Historical gang literature traditionally perceived street gangs as boisterous outfits occasionally engaged in delinquency. In recent decades however, street gang behavior has come to be seen ever more as encroaching upon criminality, primarily due to its involvement in drug supply. This article aims to provide a brief historical review as to how the practice of drug supply entered into the life of the street gang, with specific emphasis on The War on Drugs in the 1970s and the rise of the crack cocaine economy in the 1980s.
Islam and Mass Media Consumption in Post-Migration Contexts among Women from Northern Africa in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Huertas Bailén Amparo
Published: September 2018

This paper explores the influence of religion in cultural hybridization processes linked to migratory experience, taking into account the study of mass media consumption. Our research focused on the analysis of Muslim women from northern Africa living in Catalonia (Spain) over a 5-year period. The final sample was composed of 25 women, from Morocco (22), Tunisia (2) and Algeria (1).The main conclusions of our qualitative research are that the influence of Islam is much more evident as culture than as dogma and, in line with this, the presence of segregationist media consumption is minimal (in 4 of the 25 interviewed). Internet and television consumption is dominant, but there is a significant generation gap. Whereas internet consumption is mostly among the young, television is more present among women over the age of 36. With regards to internet content, there is serious concern about the presence of religious leaders who, under the guise of a modern appearance, spread a vision of Islam in fundamentalist terms. Much of the sample interviewed fears its power of influence. In digital social networks, Muslim women tend to share religious information, but, for safety reasons, they do so within closed groups.
Unequal Higher Education in the United States: Growing Participation and Shrinking Opportunities
Authors: Taylor Barrett J. , Cantwell Brendan
Published: September 2018

This paper argues that rising institutional inequality is a component of individual-level inequality in the United States because U.S. higher education provides a diverse group of students with unequal access to different kinds of institutions. Using latent profile analysis, we classified all public and private nonprofit higher education institutions in the U.S. from 2005 to 2013 into seven categories. We held these categories stable over time and allowed institutions to move between them. “Good value” institutions were scarce and tended to limit access through selective admission. Only Subsidy Reliant institutions that were directly supported by government appropriations regularly provided good value seats to a racially diverse group of students. Yet the number of institutions in the Subsidy Reliant category declined markedly over time. The resulting system offered access to many students but provided limited opportunity to secure a good value seat.
Learning Curve, Change in Industrial Environment, and Dynamics of Production Activities in Unconventional Energy Resources
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyun , Lee Yong-Gil
Published: September 2018

Since 2007, shale oil and gas production in the United States has become a significant portion of the global fossil fuel market. The main cause for the increase in production of shale oil and gas in the US is the adoption of new production technologies, namely, horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. However, the production cost of shale oil and gas in the US is comparably higher than the production cost of conventional oil and gas. In 2014, the crude oil and natural gas price decreased significantly to approximately 40 dollars per barrel, and natural gas prices decreased to 3 dollars per million British thermal unit, and thus the productivity and financial conditions for the exploration and production of shale oil and natural gas for producers in the United States have worsened critically. Therefore, technological innovation has become one of the most interesting issues of the energy industry. The present study analyzes the trends in technological innovation having a relationship with production activities. This study calculates the learning rate of 30 companies from the petroleum exploration and production industry in the United States using an improved learning rate calculation formula that reflects the changes in the oil production ratio. Thus, more statistically confident calculation results and interpretations of strategic production activities with regard to changes in the industrial environment were achieved in this study.
Participation, Power, and Equity: Examining Three Key Social Dimensions of Fisheries Comanagement
Authors: Quimby Barbara , Levine Arielle
Published: September 2018

Comanagement of natural resources is a well-established approach to the management of common-pool resources such as small-scale fisheries, operating in multiple contexts and settings for over two decades. These programs are expected to be adaptable and promote social and ecological benefits, such as sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity goals. As programs mature, it is important to consider how some core principles of comanagement have manifested in practice, as well as whether they deliver on these promised benefits. Drawing from the conservation, small-scale fisheries, and fisheries management literature, this paper examines three fundamental principles of fisheries comanagement: participation, equity, and power. The conceptualization, definitions, and measures of each theme are presented, with discussion of the current gaps in the literature. We also demonstrate the deep interrelationships between these key dimensions of comanagement, and the need for greater attention to their combined influence on comanagement outcomes and processes. While the literature offers foundational ideas for incorporating these themes into fisheries comanagement practice, tethering these concepts to clear, but context-specific goals and practices is essential for improving social outcomes. We find that key goals of fisheries comanagement could be impeded by the lack of depth in addressing these themes in practice, and suggest the need for greater critical attention to their expressions in comanagement processes.
Impact of Carbon Prices on Corporate Value: The Case of China’s Thermal Listed Enterprises
Authors: Zhang Fang , Fang Hong , Wang Xu
Published: September 2018

The emission trading scheme (ETS) has become a significant tool to solve the climate change problem. China has built domestic carbon trading pilots to control energy consumption and reduce emissions. This paper explores the linkage between the carbon market and covered corporate value in China. To address the relationship, this paper estimates the impact that the carbon prices of different pilots in China have on the value of thermal listed enterprises and the extent of this impact. By using weekly data from July 2014 to June 2017, we analyze the overall effect and perform a comparative study of influences of the three trading years. Moreover, we test if the effect of carbon trading pilots on electricity corporate value is market-specific. The results demonstrate that carbon prices have a significantly negative impact on stock value when looking at the full sample and the effects vary between markets.
Integration between GIS and Multi-Criteria Analysis for Ecosystem Services Assessment: A Methodological Proposal for the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni (Italy)
Authors: D’Auria Alessio , De Toro Pasquale , Fierro Nicola , Montone Elisa
Published: September 2018

Ecosystem services play a fundamental role in society; their characteristics and the production of their natural generated capital are fundamental elements in the functioning of the support system of life on Earth. The loss of ecosystem services contributes to food and energy uncertainty, increases vulnerability to natural disasters, such as floods or tropical storms, decreases the level of health, reduces the availability and quality of water resources and affects cultural heritage. This study has conducted a quantitative estimate of ecosystem services and their evaluation for a wide, complex and sensitive area: The National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, in Southern Italy. The assessment has been undertaken via a preliminary, partial evaluation model and further through the TOPSIS method. Research results have led to a scenario highlighting a dualism on the territory shaped by the differences between internal and coastal areas, defining themselves as complementary and necessary to each other. To improve the sustainable use of territorial resources, it is necessary to adopt policies and strategies from those that are available, always taking into account any possible conflict between conservation and development.
Application of Wall and Insulation Materials on Green Building: A Review
Authors: Wang Hao , Chiang Pen-Chi , Cai Yanpeng , Li Chunhui , Wang Xuan , Chen Tse-Lun , Wei Shiming , Huang Qian
Published: September 2018

The construction materials utilized in the building sector have accounted for a large amount of natural resource and energy consumption. Green building, which has developed over three decades, can be regarded as a management and technical approach for building and construction sectors to achieve resource and energy sustainability in building sectors. Therefore, the development and deployment of green construction materials play an important role in the green building field due to the contribution of sustainable resources and energy. To realize the barriers of energy and resources utilization on green building, the development trend, application, and some case studies on wall materials and thermal insulation materials are described. A summary of plant fibers, recycled wastes, and photochromic glass is developed to show applications of green construction materials, which contributes to sustainable development. The challenges and barriers from business, technical, and policy aspects are also reviewed. Finally, perspectives and prospects of green construction material life-cycle framework are illustrated. This paper presents a snapshot review of the importance of wall materials and thermal insulation materials from the point of view of energy and resources consumption.
Fujian’s Industrial Eco-Efficiency: Evaluation Based on SBM and the Empirical Analysis of lnfluencing Factors
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Wu Qiuming , Majeed Salman , Sun Donghao
Published: September 2018

The coordinated development of industrialization and its ecological environment are vital antecedents to sustainable development in China. However, along with the accelerating development of industrialization in China, the contradiction between industrial development and environment preservation has turned out to be increasingly evident and inevitable. Eco-efficiency can be seen either as an indicator of environmental performance, or as a business strategy for sustainable development. Hence, industrial eco-efficiency promotion is the key factor for green industrial development. This study selects indicators relevant to resources, economy, and the environment of industrial development, and the indicators can well reflect the characteristics of industrial eco-efficiency. The SBM (Slacks-Based Measure) model overcomes the limitations of a radial model and directly accounts for input and output slacks in the efficiency measurements, with the advantage of capturing the entire aspect of inefficiency. This study evaluates the industrial eco-efficiency of nine cities in Fujian province during the period of 2006–2016, based on undesired output SBM (Slacks-Based Measure) model and also uses a Tobit regression model to analyze the influencing factors. The results show that there is a positive correlation among the economic development level, opening level, research and development (R&D) innovation, and industrial eco-efficiency in Fujian Province. However, a negative correlation was found between the industrial structure and industrial eco-efficiency in Fujian Province. Moreover, environmental regulation in Fujian Province was not found to significantly influence the industrial eco-efficiency. Hence, through the systematic analysis of industrial eco-efficiency and its influencing factors in Fujian, the study gives further insight on how policy-making can help achieve sustainable development, balancing between economic benefits and ecological improvements.
Tripartite Efficacy Beliefs and Homeowner Participation in Multi-Owned Housing Governance
Authors: Yau Yung
Published: September 2018

Homeowners’ collective actions are essential for effective governance of multi-owned housing (MOH) and a city’s sustainable development. Yet, not all homeowners keenly participate in MOH governance. Unpacking why homeowners decide to participate is thus insightful. So far, little work has been done on how perceived efficacies of property management agents (PMAs) shape collective actions in MOH governance. Founding upon the social cognitive theory and collective interest model, a theoretical model is built to empirically examine how proxy efficacy belief influences participation behaviors of homeowners. Drawing on the findings of a survey of 2035 homeowners in Hong Kong and Macau, this study reveals that participation level correlates positively with self and group efficacy beliefs but negatively with perceived proxy efficacy. Poor performance or incapacity of the PMAs triggers a higher degree of homeowner participation. The research findings have significant policy implications for promoting a better MOH upkeep culture.
Investment and Management Decisions in Aluminium Melting: A Total Cost of Ownership Model and Practical Applications
Authors: Bacchetti Andrea , Bonetti Stefano , Perona Marco , Saccani Nicola
Published: September 2018

The well-established Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concept has been applied to several durable goods industries, including machinery. However, none of the existing TCO models explicitly focus on such highly energy-intensive equipment as metal melting furnaces. In this paper, an application of the TCO concept to aluminium melting furnaces is explored. A TCO model is created and tested through seven case studies in the aluminium die casting industry. Results indicate that the capital expenditure (CAPEX) incurred by the sample companies accounts for only 3–5% of a furnace TCO. Moreover, the melting technology implemented in the furnace highly impacts its TCO, as both the furnace’s thermal efficiency and melting loss (i.e., the fraction of aluminium burnt during the melting process) significantly affect the costs incurred. Moreover, the sample furnaces’ cost effectiveness clearly relies on scale. This evaluation leads to identify technological and managerial levers to reduce a furnace TCO, e.g., by adopting energy-efficient furnaces and by installing centralized, large-sized furnaces to pursue scale economies.
Modeling and Control for a Multi-Rope Parallel Suspension Lifting System under Spatial Distributed Tensions and Multiple Constraints
Authors: Wang Naige , Cao Guohua , Yan Lu , Wang Lei
Published: September 2018

The modeling and control of the multi-rope parallel suspension lifting system (MPSLS) are investigated in the presence of different and spatial distributed tensions; unknown boundary disturbances; and multiple constraints, including time varying geometric constraint, input saturation, and output constraint. To describe the system dynamics more accurately, the MPSLS is modelled by a set of partial differential equations and ordinary differential equations (PDEs-ODEs) with multiple constraints, which is a nonhomogeneous and coupled PDEs-ODEs, and makes its control more difficult. Adaptive boundary control is a recommended method for position regulation and vibration degradation of the MPSLS, where adaptation laws and a boundary disturbance observer are formulated to handle system uncertainties. The system stability is rigorously proved by using Lyapunov’s direct method, and the position and vibration eventually diminish to a bounded neighborhood of origin. The original PDEs-ODEs are solved by finite difference method, and the multiple constraints problem is processed simultaneously. Finally, the performance of the proposed control is demonstrated by both the results of ADAMS simulation and numerical calculation.
A Critical Role for HlgA in Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenesis Revealed by A Switch in the SaeRS Two-Component Regulatory System
Authors: Venkatasubramaniam Arundhathi , Kanipakala Tulasikumari , Ganjbaksh Nader , Mehr Rana , Mukherjee Ipsita , Krishnan Subramaniam , Bae Taeok , Aman M. Javad , Adhikari Rajan P.
Published: September 2018

Cytolytic pore-forming toxins including alpha hemolysin (Hla) and bicomponent leukotoxins play an important role in the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus. These toxins kill the polymorphonuclear phagocytes (PMNs), disrupt epithelial and endothelial barriers, and lyse erythrocytes to provide iron for bacterial growth. The expression of these toxins is regulated by the two-component sensing systems Sae and Agr. Here, we report that a point mutation (L18P) in SaeS, the histidine kinase sensor of the Sae system, renders the S. aureus Newman hemolytic activity fully independent of Hla and drastically increases the PMN lytic activity. Furthermore, this Hla-independent activity, unlike Hla itself, can lyse human erythrocytes. The Hla-independent activity towards human erythrocytes was also evident in USA300, however, under strict agr control. Gene knockout studies revealed that this Hla-independent Sae-regulated activity was entirely dependent on gamma hemolysin A subunit (HlgA). In contrast, hemolytic activity of Newman towards human erythrocytes from HlgAB resistant donors was completely dependent on agr. The culture supernatant from Newman S. aureus could be neutralized by antisera against two vaccine candidates based on LukS and LukF subunits of Panton-Valentine leukocidin but not by an anti-Hla neutralizing antibody. These findings display the complex involvement of Sae and Agr systems in regulating the virulence of S. aureus and have important implications for vaccine and immunotherapeutics development for S. aureus disease in humans.
The Streptococcus pneumoniae yefM-yoeB and relBE Toxin-Antitoxin Operons Participate in Oxidative Stress and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Chan Wai Ting , Domenech Mirian , Moreno-Córdoba Inmaculada , Navarro-Martínez Verónica , Nieto Concha , Moscoso Miriam , García Ernesto , Espinosa Manuel
Published: September 2018

Type II (proteic) toxin-antitoxin systems (TAs) are widely distributed among bacteria and archaea. They are generally organized as operons integrated by two genes, the first encoding the antitoxin that binds to its cognate toxin to generate a harmless protein–protein complex. Under stress conditions, the unstable antitoxin is degraded by host proteases, releasing the toxin to achieve its toxic effect. In the Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae we have characterized four TAs: pezAT, relBE, yefM-yoeB, and phD-doc, although the latter is missing in strain R6. We have assessed the role of the two yefM-yoeB and relBE systems encoded by S. pneumoniae R6 by construction of isogenic strains lacking one or two of the operons, and by complementation assays. We have analyzed the phenotypes of the wild type and mutants in terms of cell growth, response to environmental stress, and ability to generate biofilms. Compared to the wild-type, the mutants exhibited lower resistance to oxidative stress. Further, strains deleted in yefM-yoeB and the double mutant lacking yefM-yoeB and relBE exhibited a significant reduction in their ability for biofilm formation. Complementation assays showed that defective phenotypes were restored to wild type levels. We conclude that these two loci may play a relevant role in these aspects of the S. pneumoniae lifestyle and contribute to the bacterial colonization of new niches.
Soluble Toll-Like Receptor 4 Impairs the Interaction of Shiga Toxin 2a with Human Serum Amyloid P Component
Authors: Brigotti Maurizio , Arfilli Valentina , Carnicelli Domenica , Ricci Francesca , Tazzari Pier Luigi , Ardissino Gianluigi , Scavia Gaia , Morabito Stefano , He Xiaohua
Published: September 2018

Shiga toxin 2a (Stx2a) is the main virulence factor produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains (Stx-producing E. coli, STEC) responsible for hemorrhagic colitis and the life-threatening sequela hemolytic uremic syndrome in children. The toxin released in the intestine by STEC targets the globotriaosylceramide receptor (Gb3Cer) present on the endothelial cells of the brain and the kidney after a transient blood phase during which Stx2a interacts with blood components, such as neutrophils, which, conversely, recognize Stx through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Among non-cellular blood constituents, human amyloid P component (HuSAP) is considered a negative modulating factor that specifically binds Stx2a and impairs its toxic action. Here, we show that the soluble extracellular domain of TLR4 inhibits the binding of Stx2a to neutrophils, assessed by indirect flow cytometric analysis. Moreover, by using human sensitive Gb3Cer-expressing cells (Raji cells) we found that the complex Stx2a/soluble TLR4 escaped from capture by HuSAP allowing the toxin to target and damage human cells, as assayed by measuring translation inhibition, the typical Stx-induced functional impairment. Thus, soluble TLR4 stood out as a positive modulating factor for Stx2a. In the paper, these findings have been discussed in the context of the pathogenesis of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Accessory Dwelling Units as Low-Income Housing: California’s Faustian Bargain
Authors: Ramsey-Musolf Darrel
Published: September 2018

In 2003, California allowed cities to count accessory dwelling units (ADU) towards low-income housing needs. Unless a city’s zoning code regulates the ADU’s maximum rent, occupancy income, and/or effective period, then the city may be unable to enforce low-income occupancy. After examining a stratified random sample of 57 low-, moderate-, and high-income cities, the high-income cities must proportionately accommodate more low-income needs than low-income cities. By contrast, low-income cities must quantitatively accommodate three times the low-income needs of high-income cities. The sample counted 750 potential ADUs as low-income housing. Even though 759 were constructed, no units were identified as available low-income housing. In addition, none of the cities’ zoning codes enforced low-income occupancy. Inferential tests determined that cities with colleges and high incomes were more probable to count ADUs towards overall and low-income housing needs. Furthermore, a city’s count of potential ADUs and cities with high proportions of renters maintained positive associations with ADU production, whereas a city’s density and prior compliance with state housing laws maintained negative associations. In summary, ADUs did increase local housing inventory and potential ADUs were positively associated with ADU production, but ADUs as low-income housing remained a paper calculation.
Interferon-Mediated Response to Human Metapneumovirus Infection
Authors: Uche Ifeanyi K. , Guerrero-Plata Antonieta
Published: September 2018

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory diseases in infants and children worldwide. Although this pathogen infects mainly young children, elderly and immunocompromised people can be also seriously affected. To date, there is no commercial vaccine available against it. Upon HMPV infection, the host innate arm of defense produces interferons (IFNs), which are critical for limiting HMPV replication. In this review, we offer an updated landscape of the HMPV mediated-IFN response in different models as well as some of the defense tactics employed by the virus to circumvent IFN response.
Mimiviridae: An Expanding Family of Highly Diverse Large dsDNA Viruses Infecting a Wide Phylogenetic Range of Aquatic Eukaryotes
Authors: Claverie Jean-Michel , Abergel Chantal
Published: September 2018

Since 1998, when Jim van Etten’s team initiated its characterization, Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 (PBCV-1) had been the largest known DNA virus, both in terms of particle size and genome complexity. In 2003, the Acanthamoeba-infecting Mimivirus unexpectedly superseded PBCV-1, opening the era of giant viruses, i.e., with virions large enough to be visible by light microscopy and genomes encoding more proteins than many bacteria. During the following 15 years, the isolation of many Mimivirus relatives has made Mimiviridae one of the largest and most diverse families of eukaryotic viruses, most of which have been isolated from aquatic environments. Metagenomic studies of various ecosystems (including soils) suggest that many more remain to be isolated. As Mimiviridae members are found to infect an increasing range of phytoplankton species, their taxonomic position compared to the traditional Phycodnaviridae (i.e., etymologically “algal viruses”) became a source of confusion in the literature. Following a quick historical review of the key discoveries that established the Mimiviridae family, we describe its current taxonomic structure and propose a set of operational criteria to help in the classification of future isolates.
A Paradigmatic Interplay between Human Cytomegalovirus and Host Immune System: Possible Involvement of Viral Antigen-Driven CD8+ T Cell Responses in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Arcangeletti Maria-Cristina , Maccari Clara , Vescovini Rosanna , Volpi Riccardo , Giuggioli Dilia , Sighinolfi Gianluca , De Conto Flora , Chezzi Carlo , Calderaro Adriana , Ferri Clodoveo
Published: September 2018

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent opportunistic agent in the world population, which persists as a latent virus after a primary infection. Besides the well-established role of this agent causing severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals, more recently, HCMV has been evoked as a possible factor contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). The interplay between HCMV and immune surveillance is supposed to become unbalanced in SSc patients with expanded anti-HCMV immune responses, which are likely involved in the exacerbation of inflammatory processes. In this study, blood samples from a cohort of SSc patients vs. healthy subjects were tested for anti-HCMV immune responses (IgM, IgG antibodies, and T cells to peptide pools spanning the most immunogenic HCMV proteins). Statistically significant increase of HCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in SSc patients vs. healthy subjects was observed. Moreover, significantly greater HCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses were found in SSc patients with a longer disease duration and those with higher modified Rodnan skin scores. Given the known importance of T cells in the development of SSc and that this virus may contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases, these data support a relevant role of HCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in SSc pathogenesis.
Estimating Vaccine-Driven Selection in Seasonal Influenza
Authors: Wen Frank T. , Bell Sidney M. , Bedford Trevor , Cobey Sarah
Published: September 2018

Vaccination could be an evolutionary pressure on seasonal influenza if vaccines reduce the transmission rates of some (“targeted”) strains more than others. In theory, more vaccinated populations should have a lower prevalence of targeted strains compared to less vaccinated populations. We tested for vaccine-induced selection in influenza by comparing strain frequencies between more and less vaccinated human populations. We defined strains in three ways: first as influenza types and subtypes, next as lineages of type B, and finally as clades of influenza A/H3N2. We detected spatial differences partially consistent with vaccine use in the frequencies of subtypes and types and between the lineages of influenza B, suggesting that vaccines do not select strongly among all these phylogenetic groups at regional scales. We did detect a significantly greater frequency of an H3N2 clade with known vaccine escape mutations in more vaccinated countries during the 2014–2015 season, which is consistent with vaccine-driven selection within the H3N2 subtype. Overall, we find more support for vaccine-driven selection when large differences in vaccine effectiveness suggest a strong effect size. Variation in surveillance practices across countries could obscure signals of selection, especially when strain-specific differences in vaccine effectiveness are small. Further examination of the influenza vaccine’s evolutionary effects would benefit from improvements in epidemiological surveillance and reporting.
Finite Element Analysis of Coffea arabica L. var. Colombia Fruits for Selective Detachment Using Forced Vibrations
Authors: Tinoco Hector , Peña Fabio
Published: September 2018

This study provides a forced vibration analysis to evaluate the stresses at the pedicel interfaces of the fruit-peduncle system of Coffea arabica L. var. Colombia by means of finite element analysis. The real topology of the fruit-peduncle system was developed from a proposed numerical procedure to complete a dynamic analysis. The Young’s modulus of the fruit was approximated from firmness indices for all stages of ripening. Numerical computations were performed in the frequency range of 0 to 400 Hz and three vibration modes were identified in this bandwidth. Results show that the second natural frequency (128 Hz) is acceptable for stimulating the detachment of ripe fruits because the fruit-pedicel-peduncle system induces bending in the fruit interface. As a final conclusion, we determine that dynamic excitations between 120 and 150 Hz could permit selective stimulus of ripe fruits, since other ripening stages were not stimulated in this frequency range.
A Systematic Operation Program of a Hydropower Plant Based on Minimizing the Principal Stress: Haditha Dam Case Study
Authors: Li Jing , Ameen Ameen Mohammed Salih , Mohammad Thamer Ahmad , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: September 2018

Dam operation and management have become more complex recently because of the need for considering hydraulic structure sustainability and environmental protect on. An Earthfill dam that includes a powerhouse system is considered as a significant multipurpose hydraulic structure. Understanding the effects of running hydropower plant turbines on the dam body is one of the major safety concerns for earthfill dams. In this research, dynamic analysis of earthfill dam, integrated with a hydropower plant system containing six vertical Kaplan turbines (i.e., Haditha dam), is investigated. In the first stage of the study, ANSYS-CFX was used to represent one vertical Kaplan turbine unit by designing a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model. This model was used to differentiate between the effect of turbine units’ operation on dam stability in accordance to maximum and minimum reservoir upstream water levels, and the varying flowrates in a fully open gate condition. In the second stage of the analysis, an ANSYS-static modeling approach was used to develop a 3-D FE earthfill dam model. The water pressure pattern determined on the boundary of the running turbine model is transformed into the pressure at the common area of the dam body with turbines. The model is inspected for maximum and minimum upstream water levels. Findings indicate that the water stress fluctuations on the dam body are proportional to the inverse distance from the turbine region. Also, it was found that the cone and outlet of the hydropower turbine system are the most affected regions when turbine is running. Based on the attained results, a systematic operation program was proposed in order to control the running hydropower plant with minimized principal stress at selected nodes on the dam model and the six turbines.
Diurnal and Semidiurnal Cyclicity of Radon (222Rn) in Groundwater, Giardino Spring, Central Apennines, Italy
Authors: Barberio Marino Domenico , Gori Francesca , Barbieri Maurizio , Billi Andrea , Devoti Roberto , Doglioni Carlo , Petitta Marco , Riguzzi Federica , Rusi Sergio
Published: September 2018

Understanding natural variations of Rn (222Rn) concentrations is the fundamental prerequisite of using this radioactive gas as a tracer, or even precursor, of natural processes, including earthquakes. In this work, Rn concentrations in groundwater were continuously measured over a seven-month period, during 2017, in the Giardino Spring, Italy, together with groundwater levels in a nearby well installed into a fractured regional aquifer. Data were processed to reduce noise, and then analyzed to produce the Fourier spectra of Rn concentrations and groundwater levels. These spectra were compared with the spectrum of tidal forces. Results showed that diurnal and semidiurnal cycles of Rn concentrations, and filtered oscillations of groundwater levels, in the nearby well, are correlated with solar and luni-solar components of tidal forces, and suggested no correlation with the principal lunar components. Therefore, influencing factors linked to solar cycles, such as daily oscillations of temperature and atmospheric pressure, and related rock deformations, may have played a role in Rn concentrations and groundwater levels. An open question remains regarding the correlation, which is documented elsewhere, of Rn concentrations and groundwater levels with the lunar components of the solid Earth tides.
Detecting the Dominant Cause of Streamflow Decline in the Loess Plateau of China Based onthe Latest Budyko Equation
Authors: Zhao Jing , Huang Shengzhi , Huang Qiang , Wang Hao , Leng Guoyong
Published: September 2018

Quantifying the relative contributions of climate variability and human activity to streamflow change is important for effective water resource use and management. Four sub-catchments of the Wei River Basin (WRB) in the Loess Plateau in China were selected as the study region, where the evolution of parameter α from the latest Budyko equation (Wang-Tang equation) was explored using an 11-year moving window. The elasticity of streamflow was derived from the climatic aridity index, represented by the ratio of annual potential evaporation ( E P ) to annual precipitation ( P ), and catchment characteristics as represented by α . The effects of climate change and human activities on streamflow change during 1971–2010 were quantified with climate elasticity and decomposition methods. The contributions of different types of human activities to streamflow were further empirically determined using the water and soil conservation method. Results indicate that (1) under the same climate condition ( P and E P ), a higher value of α caused an increase in evaporation rate ( E / P ) and a decrease in runoff. Changes in these hydrological variables led to a subsequent reduction in streamflow in the WRB; (2) The absolute value of the precipitation elasticity was larger than the potential evaporation elasticity, indicating that streamflow change was more sensitive to precipitation; (3) The results based on the two methods were consistent. Climate change and human activities contributed to the decrease in streamflow by 29% and 71%, respectively, suggesting that human activities have exerted more profound impacts on streamflow in the study region; (4) Contributions of different water and soil conservation measures to streamflow reduction were calculated and sorted in descending order: Irrigation, industrial and domestic consumption, terrace, afforestation, reservoirs, check-dams, then grass-planting.
Aragonitic shell structures in the rudist Biradiolites, and some palaeobiological inferences
Authors: Skelton Peter William
Published: September 2018

A dark blue Santonian marl, from the Massif de la Sainte Baume, Provence, France, contains many poorly sorted fossils showing aragonite preservation. Biradiolites angulosissimus, here common in all life stages, is shown to have three shell layers, (from the outside, inwards) : — (1). Calcitic prisms. This is cellular in the right valve (RV) and compact in the left (LV). (2). Crossed-lamellar (aragonite). This also forms the teeth and their grooves. (3). Complex crossed-lamellar (aragonite). This also forms the myophores, and surrounds the teeth. In addition, myostracal prisms form pads on the myophores (LV), a thin palliai attachment layer and adductor traces in the RV, and also a thick lens near the centre of the LV, from which the body possibly hung. An initial growth stage has a spirogyrate RV, and an operculi-form LV. The calcite layer is an ontogenetic addition. These three shell layers seem typical of rudists.
L'anatomie crânienne des genres Eucricetodon et Pseudocricetodon (Cricetidae, Rodentia, Mammalia) ; essai de systématique des Cricétidés oligocènes d'Europe occidentale
Authors: Vianey-liaud Monique
Published: September 2018

L'anatomie crânienne des Cricétidés oligocènes européens n'était connue que d'après une portion de crâne (Schaub 1925, Hartenberger 1967). On décrit ici une dizaine de crânes des genres Eucricetodon et Pseudocricetodon provenant des gisements du Mas de Got et Itardies (Oligocène moyen du Quercy). Ils présentent en commun quelques traits primitifs (foramen infraorbitaire largement ouvert, ramus zygomatique antéroventral peu relevé) mais diffèrent nettement par de nombreux caractères (taille, forme du foramen infraorbitaire, du palais et de l'arcade zygomatique). Ceci justifie leur séparation en deux lignées, mises en évidence antérieurement d'après leur morphologie dentaire (Vianey-Liaud 1972). Les caractéristiques crâniennes et mandibulaires des autres Cricétidés oligocènes européens sont récapitulées, parfois complétées d'après du matériel nouveau. Une comparaison est tentée avec les Cricétidés oligocènes d'Asie et d'Amérique du Nord ainsi qu'avec les Cricétidés miocènes. Enfin une systématique des Cricétidés oligocènes est proposée, comprenant deux sous-familles : Eucricetodontinae (genres Eucricetodon, Pseudocricetodon, Paracricetodon, Heterocricetodon, Adelomyariori) et Melissiodontinae (Melissiodon ).
Les Lagomorphes du Miocène de Béni Mellal, Maroc
Authors: Janvier P. , Muizon Christian de
Published: September 2018

The fossil fauna of Beni-Mellal contains at least one species of a rather large ochotonid which may be referred to the genus Kenyalagomys. This form is a new species, K. mellalensis n.sp., quite different from K. rusingae and K. minor, previously known from the African Miocene .
Les restes de Rhinocéros du gisement miocène de Béni Mellal, Maroc
Authors: Guérin Claude
Published: September 2018

Les restes de 4 rhinocéros trouvés à Beni Mellal (2 dents de lait, un fragment de dent et un grand cunéiforme) peuvent seulement être attribués au Dicerorhininae et doivent être apparentés au Paradiceros mukirii découvert dans le Miocène supérieur du Kenya.
Présence de Deinotherium sp. Kaup (Proboscidea, Mammalia) dans la faune miocène de Béni Mellal. Maroc
Authors: Remy J.A.
Published: September 2018

L'étude histologique d'un fragment d'émail évoquant morphologiquement une dent de Deinotherium, en l'absence de tout autre spécimen à rapporter à ce genre dans la faune de Beni Mellal, a révélé qu'il provenait effectivement d'un germe de molaire de proboscidien, ce qui confirme cette attribution générique. On note à cette occasion que la struc¬ ture typiquement proboscidienne de l'émail de Deinotherium , telle qu'elle est observée chez D. giganteum de Montredon, est un nouvel argument en faveur du rattachement, souvent dis¬ cuté, de ce genre à l'ordre des Proboscidiens.
Etude d'un nouvel ensemble de petits carnivores du Miocène d'Espagne
Authors: Petter Germaine
Published: September 2018

This study concerns 18 species of small carnivores (Mus-telids, Viverrids, Hyaenids, Felids) coming from 8 late Miocene localities (Vindobonian to Turolian) in Spain (from the Vallès-Pénèdès depression, the Calatayud-Teruel region and from the area of the Tagus). Two new species are described : Trochictis narcisoi and Semigenetta ripolli. Furthermore, several forms, whose affinities cannot at present be determined with certitude, will necessitate perhaps the creation of new species or even new genera. The chronologic distribution of these carnivores from Spain brings out the ubiquitous character of Vindobonian species which contrasts with the originality of the Vallesian species.
Contribution à l'étude des sols méditerranéens. Les sols rouges du domaine hellénique en Grèce occidentale. Signification climatique et stratigraphique
Authors: Barbaroux Lucien , Bousquet Bernard
Published: September 2018

L'étude des argiles des sols et des roches mères de Grèce occidentale permet de déceler une répercussion des variations climatiques Plio-Quaternaires sur un fond hérité. Ces variations peuvent servir à une meilleure approche stratigraphique et sédimentologique de cette période.

La comparaison avec les faciès homologues du pourtour méditerranéen conduit à une individualisation nette du domaine hellénique. Une confrontation avec les dépôts marins, en bordure du rivage ionien, montre une convergence remarquable.

On dégage ainsi :

— une phase kaolinisante (inter Mindel-Riss)

— plusieurs phases à montmorillonite (en particulier inter-statiaires würmiens)

dans un contexte hérité illitique.

Un état de rhexistasie généralisée caractérise le Quaternaire récent.
Les carnivores du Miocène de Beni Mellal (Maroc)
Authors: Ginsburg Léonard
Published: September 2018

The Carnivora of the Miocene fauna from Beni Mellal (Morocco) appears almost exclusively to be isolated teeth, belonging chiefly to juvenile animals. Seven types are deter¬ mined : one Amphicyonid Ursid (Agnotherium cf. antiquum), two Mustelids (Martes khelifensis nov.sp. and an allied animal to Ischyrictis and Mellivora : Mellalictis mellalensis nov.gen., sp.nov.) one Viverrid (Genetta sp.), two Hyaenids (Ictithe -rium cf. arambourgi and Hyaenictis graeca), one Felid (Felis nov.sp.). This fauna suggests an Upper Miocene age.
L'Hyracoide (Mammifère subongulé) du Miocène de Beni Mellal (Maroc)
Authors: Ginsburg Léonard
Published: September 2018

Description of the whole dentition (deciduous and adult) of Parapliohyrax mirabilis Lavocat, from the Miocene of Beni Mellal (Morocco) rendered possible by a fine preparation of the type-specimens and by new finds from the same site.