bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Identification and Classification
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Amad , Kersten Wolfgang
Published: February 2019

With the increase in awareness of environmental and social issues associated with the development and the use of products, stakeholders—especially consumers—are showing more concern regarding these issues. To address new developments and changing trends, organizations are now compelled to identify and implement innovative and sustainable solutions, not only within their organizations’ boundaries, but also across the whole supply chain network. The primary goal of this paper was to identify and analyze drivers of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) that influence or encourage organizations to undertake sustainability initiatives and implement sustainable solutions throughout their supply chains. For this purpose, a systematic literature review was conducted and 1559 drivers of SSCM were identified from 217 journal articles. Precise interpretation, clear definitions, restructuring, and classification into external and internal driver categories produced a list of 40 unique drivers of SSCM. The results revealed that regulatory and market pressures, with reference to the number of citations, are the most prevailing drivers of SSCM for the implementation of sustainability practices. Classification of the drivers of SSCM into primary and secondary driver categories may assist practitioners and decision makers in prioritizing sustainability-related initiatives and adopting sustainability practices across the whole supply chain network.
How to Mitigate Traffic Congestion Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm: A Case Study of a Congested Old Area of a Metropolis
Authors: Li Zhichao , Huang Jilin
Published: February 2019

Old areas of metropolises play a crucial role in their development. The main factors restricting further progress are primitive road transportation planning, limited space, and dense population, among others. Mass transit systems and public transportation policies are thus being adopted to make an old area livable, achieve sustainable development, and solve transportation problems. Identifying old areas of metropolises as a research object, this paper puts forth an improved ant colony algorithm and combines it with virtual reality. This paper predicts traffic flow in Yangpu area on the basis of data obtained through Python, a programming language. On comparing the simulation outputs with reality, the results show that the improved model has a better simulation effect, and can take advantage of the allocation of traffic resources, enabling the transport system to achieve comprehensive optimization of time, cost, and accident rates. Subsequently, this paper conducted a robustness test, the results of which show that virtual traffic simulation based on the improved ant colony algorithm can effectively simulate real traffic flow, use vehicle road and signal resources, and alleviate overall traffic congestion. This paper offers suggestions to alleviate traffic congestion in old parts of metropolises.
Change in Characteristics of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen during the Succession of Nitraria Tangutorum in an Arid Desert Area
Authors: Wang Xinyou , Ma Quanlin , Jin Hujia , Fan Baoli , Wang Duobin , Lin Huilong
Published: February 2019

The shrub Nitraria tangutorum is distributed widely in arid desert areas, and plays a critical role in the desert–oasis ecosystem. This study quantified varying characteristics of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the soil at four stages—the initial stage (IS), stable stage (SS), degradation stage (DS), and severe degradation stage (SDS)—in a steppe ecosystem in the desert of northwestern China. The results indicated that N. tangutorum experienced both expansion and deterioration as a decline of 50.7% occurred in the available soil water due to agricultural utilization, and the plant community transformed from being shrub-dominated to annual herb-dominated. At soil layer depths between 0–100 cm in the N. tangutorum nebkha dune ecosystem, organic C and total N storage was 1195.84 g/m2 and 115.01 g/m2 during the SDS, respectively, with an increase of 11.13% and 12.59% from the IS. In addition, the storage of C and N in the soil increased during the IS as well as the SS, when most of the C and N were accumulated, and the storage decreased during the DS and SDS, as the N. tangutorum communities declined. At soil layer depths between 0–100 cm in the desert steppe ecosystem, the highest storage levels of C and N were 8465.97 g/m2 and 749.29 g/m2 during the SS, and the lowest were 1076.12 g/m2 and 102.15 g/m2 during the IS, respectively. The changes and accumulation of C and N were greater in the deeper (40–100 cm) layer than in the surface layer of soil (0–40 cm). Lastly, changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) as well as in the total nitrogen (TN) were strongly related to the coverage degree, water content in soil, and the ratio of fine soil particles (silt and clay). To sum up, the intensive development of water resources has vastly reduced the ability of N. tangutorum vegetation to sequester C and N in the desert of Minqin. Efforts to perform ecological restoration and reverse desertification in the Minqin Desert should focus on preventing the unreasonable exploitation of water resources in order to maintain stable N. tangutorum communities.
RETRACTED: Madhloom et al. Modeling Spatial Distribution of Some Contamination within the Lower Reaches of Diyala River Using IDW Interpolation. Sustainability 2018, 10, 22
Authors:   Sustainability Editorial Office
Published: February 2019

The Sustainability Editorial Office has been made aware that the published paper [...]
Do Corporate Carbon Policies Enhance Legitimacy? A Social Media Perspective
Authors: Galán-Valdivieso Federico , Saraite-Sariene Laura , Alonso-Cañadas Juana , Caba-Pérez María del Carmen
Published: February 2019

Stakeholders are increasingly concerned about climate change and companies’ commitment to anticipate future carbon-related risks, and grant or withdraw support depending on their perceptions of firms’ carbon performance. The aim of this research is to analyse which carbon-related factors influence stakeholders with regards to the legitimacy-granting process. The sample in this study includes 146 firms from North America and Europe committed to carbon mitigation, whose legitimacy is measured via social media interactions. Findings show that setting a corporate carbon policy and disclosing an internal price of carbon are positively linked to legitimacy, while other factors are negatively or not related to legitimacy. This study makes theoretical contributions, proposing a metric based on social media stakeholder engagement to measure corporate legitimacy, as well as practical implications, revealing which carbon information shapes stakeholders’ perception of firms’ climate performance, and opening new possibilities for future research.
Excessive Application of Fertilizer, Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution, and Farmers’ Policy Choice
Authors: Wu Haixia , Ge Yan
Published: February 2019

This paper takes 516 households who planted wheat in Heyang County, Shaanxi Province in 2018, as samples to construct three policy environments: Technological guidance for planting, subsidies for organic fertilizer application, and agricultural tailwater discharge standards. The experimental choice method was used to empirically analyze policy preferences during the process of fertilizer reduction. The results indicate that households show different preferences for the three policy settings: The fertilizer application rate is reduced by 6.98% if providing full technological guidance for farmers throughout the wheat planting process and is reduced by 5.18% under the background of providing appropriate organic fertilizer subsidies. The agricultural tailwater discharge standards have the least impact on the reducing level of chemical fertilizer application, with decreasing amounts of only 1.85% and 0.77% under the second-level and the first-level agricultural tailwater discharge standards, respectively. These results indicate that households in Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, demonstrate a low willingness to accept the agricultural tailwater discharge standards in order to cut down on the amount of chemical fertilizer application and the agricultural non-point source pollution. Therefore, compared with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1% of fertilizer usage nationwide according to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, given the current planting environment and policies design, providing comprehensive technological guidance as well as price subsidies for the organic fertilizer can significantly and robustly reduce the excessive application of fertilizer in Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, under the best scenario, thereby further alleviating agricultural non-point source pollution.
Collaborative Learning by Teaching: A Pedagogy between Learner-Centered and Learner-Driven
Authors: Zhou Xiaodan , Chen Ling-Hsiu , Chen Chin-Ling
Published: February 2019

Learner-centered and learner-driven pedagogy have long been advocated by many educators and scholars who focus on sustainable education. This study proposes a pedagogical approach called collaborative learning by teaching (CLBT), which is both learner-centered and learner-driven. This study aims to explore and analyze the student perceptions of CLBT by conducting a field experiment in a Chinese public university. The quantitative results show that student perceptions were comprised of three dimensions: perceptions of CLBT, perceptions of teamwork, and perceptions of mobile learning. The male students had significantly more positive perceptions of CLBT and mobile learning compared to the female students. The qualitative findings indicate that although students have some difficulties with self-discipline, they gain much in active learning capabilities and teamwork skills. The relationship between CLBT and sustainability competence should be further studied in the future.
Biological Bases of Beauty Revisited: The Effect of Symmetry, Averageness, and Sexual Dimorphism on Female Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Jones Alex , Jaeger Bastian
Published: February 2019

The factors influencing human female facial attractiveness—symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism—have been extensively studied. However, recent studies, using improved methodologies, have called into question their evolutionary utility and links with life history. The current studies use a range of approaches to quantify how important these factors actually are in perceiving attractiveness, through the use of novel statistical analyses and by addressing methodological weaknesses in the literature. Study One examines how manipulations of symmetry, averageness, femininity, and masculinity affect attractiveness using a two-alternative forced choice task, finding that increased masculinity and also femininity decrease attractiveness, compared to unmanipulated faces. Symmetry and averageness yielded a small and large effect, respectively. Study Two utilises a naturalistic ratings paradigm, finding similar effects of averageness and masculinity as Study One but no effects of symmetry and femininity on attractiveness. Study Three applies geometric face measurements of the factors and a random forest machine learning algorithm to predict perceived attractiveness, finding that shape averageness, dimorphism, and skin texture symmetry are useful features capable of relatively accurate predictions, while shape symmetry is uninformative. However, the factors do not explain as much variance in attractiveness as the literature suggests. The implications for future research on attractiveness are discussed.
A Generalized Approach towards Soft Expert Sets via Neutrosophic Cubic Sets with Applications in Games
Authors: Gulistan Muhammad , Hassan Nasruddin
Published: February 2019

Games are considered to be the most attractive and healthy event between nations and peoples. Soft expert sets are helpful for capturing uncertain and vague information. By contrast, neutrosophic set is a tri-component logic set, thus it can deal with uncertain, indeterminate, and incompatible information where the indeterminacy is quantified explicitly and truth membership, indeterminacy membership, and falsity membership independent of each other. Subsequently, we develop a combined approach and extend this concept further to introduce the notion of the neutrosophic cubic soft expert sets (NCSESs) by using the concept of neutrosophic cubic soft sets, which is a powerful tool for handling uncertain information in many problems and especially in games. Then we define and analyze the properties of internal neutrosophic cubic soft expert sets (INCSESs) and external neutrosophic cubic soft expert sets (ENCSESs), P-order, P-union, P-intersection, P-AND, P-OR and R-order, R-union, R-intersection, R-AND, and R-OR of NCSESs. The NCSESs satisfy the laws of commutativity, associativity, De Morgan, distributivity, idempotentency, and absorption. We derive some conditions for P-union and P-intersection of two INCSESs to be an INCSES. It is shown that P-union and P-intersection of ENCSESs need not be an ENCSES. The R-union and R-intersection of the INCSESs (resp., ENCSESs) need not be an INCSES (resp. ENCSES). Necessary conditions for the P-union, R-union and R-intersection of two ENCSESs to be an ENCSES are obtained. We also study the conditions for R-intersection and P-intersection of two NCSESs to be an INCSES and ENCSES. Finally, for its applications in games, we use the developed procedure to analyze the cricket series between Pakistan and India. It is shown that the proposed method is suitable to be used for decision-making, and as good as or better when compared to existing models.
Flood Susceptibility Mapping on a National Scale in Slovakia Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Vojtek Matej , Vojteková Jana
Published: February 2019

Flood susceptibility mapping and assessment is an important element of flood prevention and mitigation strategies because it identifies the most vulnerable areas based on physical characteristics that determine the propensity for flooding. This study aims to define the flood susceptibility zones for the territory of Slovakia using a multi-criteria approach, particularly the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique, and geographic information systems (GIS). Seven flood conditioning factors were chosen: hydrography—distance from rivers, river network density; hydrology—flow accumulation; morphometry—elevation, slope; and permeability—curve numbers, lithology. All factors were defined as raster datasets with the resolution of 50 x 50 m. The AHP technique was used to calculate the factor weights. The relative importance of the selected factors prioritized slope degree as the most important factor followed by river network density, distance from rivers, flow accumulation, elevation, curve number, and lithology. It was found that 33.1% of the territory of Slovakia is characterized by very high to high flood susceptibility. The flood susceptibility map was validated against 1513 flood historical points showing very good agreement between the computed susceptibility zones and historical flood events of which 70.9% were coincident with high and very high susceptibility levels, thus confirming the effectiveness of the methodology adopted.
Modeling Riparian Restoration Impacts on the Hydrologic Cycle at the Babacomari Ranch, SE Arizona, USA
Authors: Norman Laura M. , Callegary James B. , Lacher Laurel , Wilson Natalie R. , Fandel Chloé , Forbes Brandon T. , Swetnam Tyson
Published: February 2019

This paper describes coupling field experiments with surface and groundwater modeling to investigate rangelands of SE Arizona, USA using erosion-control structures to augment shallow and deep aquifer recharge. We collected field data to describe the physical and hydrological properties before and after gabions (caged riprap) were installed in an ephemeral channel. The modular finite-difference flow model is applied to simulate the amount of increase needed to raise groundwater levels. We used the average increase in infiltration measured in the field and projected on site, assuming all infiltration becomes recharge, to estimate how many gabions would be needed to increase recharge in the larger watershed. A watershed model was then applied and calibrated with discharge and 3D terrain measurements, to simulate flow volumes. Findings were coupled to extrapolate simulations and quantify long-term impacts of riparian restoration. Projected scenarios demonstrate how erosion-control structures could impact all components of the annual water budget. Results support the potential of watershed-wide gabion installation to increase total aquifer recharge, with models portraying increased subsurface connectivity and accentuated lateral flow contributions.
NiO-NiFe2O4-rGO Magnetic Nanomaterials for Activated Peroxymonosulfate Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Xu Xiaochen , Li Yanfang , Zhang Guoquan , Yang Fenglin , He Ping
Published: February 2019

Magnetic spinel ferrites that act as heterogeneous catalysts and generate powerful radicals from peroxymono-sulfate (PMS) for the degradation of organic pollutants have received much attention in recent years due to the characteristic of environmental benefits. In this study, NiO-NiFe2O4-rGO magnetic nanomaterials were synthesized using a calcinated Ni-Fe-LDH-rGO precursor. The morphology, structure, and chemical constitution were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic performance of NiO-NiFe2O4-rGO nanoparticles was thoroughly evaluated for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and its removal of rhodamine B (RhB) from water. The influence of different process parameters on the RhB degradation efficiency was examined. Further, the catalytic stability was evaluated. Under optimized conditions, the NiO-NiFe2O4-rGO/PMS system was very efficient; RhB fully degraded after 40 min at room temperature. Quenching experiments and electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results suggested that SO4−· and OH· were the main active species in the degradation process. Moreover, NiO-NiFe2O4-rGO catalyst was stable without any apparent activity loss after three cycling runs.
Ceria/polymer nanocontainers for high-performance encapsulation of fluorophores
Authors: Katta Kartheek , Busko Dmitry , Avlasevich Yuri , Landfester Katharina , Baluschev Stanislav , Muñoz-Espí Rafael
Published: February 2019

We report the synthesis of high-performance organic–inorganic hybrid fluorescent nanocapsules comprising a polymer shell armored with an inorganic layer and a liquid core containing a fluorophore. The polymeric capsules are synthesized by free radical miniemulsion polymerization and contain covalently bound carboxylate surface functionalities that allow for the binding of metal ions through electrostatic interaction. A cerium(IV) oxide nanoparticle layer, formed in situ at the surface of the hybrid nanocapsules, acts as oxygen scavenger and keeps external reactive molecular oxygen from entering into the capsules, eventually resulting in a reduction of the photooxidation of encapsulated fluorescent molecules. This approach shows an increase in the fluorescence of the model organic fluorophore terrylene diimide by avoiding the ground-state molecular oxygen to react with electronically excited states of the fluorescent hydrocarbon molecule.
Mo-doped boron nitride monolayer as a promising single-atom electrocatalyst for CO2 conversion
Authors: Cui Qianyi , Qin Gangqiang , Wang Weihua , Sun Lixiang , Du Aijun , Sun Qiao
Published: February 2019

The design of new, efficient catalysts for the conversion of CO2 to useful fuels under mild conditions is urgent in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate the energy crisis. In this work, a series of transition metals (TMs), including Sc to Zn, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd and Ag, supported on a boron nitride (BN) monolayer with boron vacancies, were investigated as electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) using comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results demonstrate that a single-Mo-atom-doped boron nitride (Mo-doped BN) monolayer possesses excellent performance for converting CO2 to CH4 with a relatively low limiting potential of −0.45 V, which is lower than most catalysts for the selective production of CH4 as found in both theoretical and experimental studies. In addition, the formation of OCHO on the Mo-doped BN monolayer in the early hydrogenation steps is found to be spontaneous, which is distinct from the conventional catalysts. Mo, as a non-noble element, presents excellent catalytic performance with coordination to the BN monolayer, and is thus a promising transition metal for catalyzing CRR. This work not only provides insight into the mechanism of CRR on the single-atom catalyst (Mo-doped BN monolayer) at the atomic level, but also offers guidance in the search for appropriate earth-abundant TMs as electrochemical catalysts for the efficient conversion of CO2 to useful fuels under ambient conditions.
Chromosomal stasis in distinct families of marine Percomorpharia from South Atlantic
Authors: Paim Fabilene Gomes , Almeida Leandro Aragão da Hora , Affonso Paulo Roberto Antunes de Mello , Sobrinho-Scudeler Patrícia Elda , Oliveira Claudio , Diniz Débora
Published: February 2019

The weakness of physical barriers in the marine environment and the dispersal potential of fish populations have been invoked as explanations of the apparent karyotype stasis of marine Percomorpha, but several taxa remain poorly studied cytogenetically. To increase the chromosomal data in this fish group, we analyzed cytogenetically three widespread Atlantic species from distinct families: Chaetodipterusfaber Broussonet, 1782 (Ephippidae), Lutjanussynagris Linnaeus, 1758 (Lutjanidae) and Rypticusrandalli Courtenay, 1967 (Serranidae). The three species shared a karyotype composed of 2n=48 acrocentric chromosomes, single nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) and reduced amounts of centromeric heterochromatin. A single NOR-bearing pair was identified in all species by physical mapping of 18S rDNA while non-syntenic 5S rRNA genes were located at centromeric region of a single pair. The similar karyotypic macrostructure observed in unrelated groups of Percomorpharia reinforces the conservative karyoevolution of marine teleosteans. Nonetheless, the species could be differentiated based on the pair bearing ribosomal cistrons, revealing the importance of microstructural analyses in species with symmetric and stable karyotypes.
B chromosome in Plantago lagopus Linnaeus, 1753 shows preferential transmission and accumulation through unusual processes
Authors: Dhar Manoj K. , Kour Gurmeet , Kaul Sanjana
Published: February 2019

Plantagolagopusis a diploid (2n = 2x =12) weed belonging to family Plantaginaceae. We reported a novel B chromosome in this species composed of 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA and other repetitive elements. In the present work, presence of B chromosome(s) was confirmed through FISH on root tip and pollen mother cells. Several experiments were done to determine the transmission of B chromosome through male and female sex tracks. Progenies derived from the reciprocal crosses between plants with (1B) and without (0B) B chromosomes were studied. The frequency of B chromosome bearing plants was significantly higher than expected, in the progeny of 1B female × 0B male. Thus, the B chromosome seems to have preferential transmission through the female sex track, which may be due to meiotic drive. One of the most intriguing aspects of the present study was the recovery of plants having more chromosomes than the standard complement of 12 chromosomes. Such plants were isolated from the progenies of B chromosome carrying plants. The origin of these plants can be explained on the basis of a two step process; formation of unreduced gametes in 1B plants and fusion of unreduced gametes with the normal gametes or other unreduced gametes. Several molecular techniques were used which unequivocally confirmed similar genetic constitution of 1B (parent) and plants with higher number of chromosomes.
Variation in genome size and karyotype among closely related aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae)
Authors: Gokhman Vladimir E. , Kuhn Kristen L. , Woolley James B. , Hopper Keith R.
Published: February 2019

Genome sizes were measured and determined for the karyotypes of nine species of aphid parasitoids in the genusAphelinusDalman,1820. Large differences in genome size and karyotype were found betweenAphelinusspecies, which is surprising given the similarity in their morphology and life history. Genome sizes estimated from flow cytometry were larger for species in theAphelinusmali(Haldeman, 1851) complex than those for the species in theAphelinusdaucicolaKurdjumov, 1913 andAphelinusvaripes(Förster,1841) complexes. Haploid karyotypes of theAphelinusdaucicolaandAphelinusmalicomplexes comprised five metacentric chromosomes of similar size, whereas those of theAphelinusvaripescomplex had four chromosomes, including a larger and a smaller metacentric chromosome and two small acrocentric chromosomes or a large metacentric and three smaller acrocentric chromosomes. Total lengths of female haploid chromosome sets correlated with genome sizes estimated from flow cytometry. Phylogenetic analysis of karyotypic variation revealed a chromosomal fusion together with pericentric inversions in the common ancestor of theAphelinusvaripescomplex and further pericentric inversions in the clade comprisingAphelinuskurdjumoviMercet, 1930 andAphelinushordeiKurdjumov, 1913. Fluorescencein situhybridization with a 28S ribosomal DNA probe revealed a single site on chromosomes of the haploid karyotype ofAphelinuscoreaeHopper & Woolley, 2012. The differences in genome size and total chromosome length between species complexes matched the phylogenetic divergence between them.
Comparative analysis based on replication banding reveals the mechanism responsible for the difference in the karyotype constitution of treefrogs Ololygon and Scinax (Arboranae, Hylidae, Scinaxinae)
Authors: Gruber Simone Lilian , de Oliveira Gabriela Isabela Gomes , Silva Ana Paula Zampieri , Narimatsu Hideki , Haddad Célio Fernando Baptista , Kasahara Sanae
Published: February 2019

According to the recent taxonomic and phylogenetic revision of the family Hylidae, species of the former Scinaxcatharinae (Boulenger, 1888) clade were included in the resurrected genus Ololygon Fitzinger, 1843, while species of the Scinaxruber (Laurenti, 1768) clade were mostly included in the genus Scinax Wagler, 1830, and two were allocated to the newly created genus JulianusDuellman et al., 2016. Although all the species of the former Scinax genus shared a diploid number of 2n = 24 and the same fundamental number of chromosome arms of FN = 48, two karyotypic constitutions were unequivocally recognized, related mainly to the distinct size and morphology of the first two chromosome pairs. Some possible mechanisms for these differences had been suggested, but without any experimental evidence. In this paper, a comparison was carried out based on replication chromosome banding, obtained after DNA incorporation of 5-bromodeoxiuridine in chromosomes of Ololygon and Scinax. The obtained results revealed that the loss of repetitive segments in chromosome pairs 1 and 2 was the mechanism responsible for karyotype difference. The distinct localization of the nucleolus organizer regions in the species of both genera also differentiates the two karyotypic constitutions.
Architrypethelium murisporum (Ascomycota, Trypetheliaceae), a remarkable new lichen species from Thailand challenging ascospore septation as an indicator of phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Luangsuphabool Theerapat , Lumbsch H. Thorsten , Piapukiew Jittra , Sangvichien Ek
Published: February 2019

Architrypetheliummurisporum Luangsuphabool, Lumbsch & Sangvichien is described for a crustose lichen occurring in dry evergreen forest in Thailand. It is characterised by a green to yellow-green corticated thallus, perithecia fused in black pseudostromata with white rim surrounding the ostiole and small, hyaline and muriform ascospores. Currently, all species in the genus Architrypethelium have transversely septate ascospores, hence the discovery of this new species indicates that ascospore septation is variable within the genus, similar to numerous other groups of lichen-forming ascomycetes. Phylogenetic analyses of two loci (mtSSU and nuLSU) supported the position of the new species within Architrypethelium. This is the first report of the genus in Southeast Asia.
A subcontinental view of forest plant invasions
Authors: Oswalt Christopher M. , Fei Songlin , Guo Qinfeng , Iannone III Basil V. , Oswalt Sonja N. , Pijanowski Bryan C. , Potter Kevin M.
Published: February 2019

Over the last few decades, considerable attention has focused on small-scale studies of invasive plants and invaded systems. Unfortunately, small scale studies rarely provide comprehensive insight into the complexities of biological invasions at macroscales. Systematic and repeated monitoring of biological invasions at broad scales are rare. In this report, we highlight a unique invasive plant database from the national Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the United States Forest Service. We demonstrate the importance and capability of this subcontinental-wide database by showcasing several critical macroscale invasion patterns that have emerged from its initial analysis: (1) large portion of the forests systems (39%) in the United States are impacted by invasive plants, (2) forests in the eastern United States harbor more invasive species than the western regions, (3) human land-use legacies at regional to national scales may drive large-scale invasion patterns. This accumulated dataset, which continues to grow in temporal richness with repeated measurements, will allow the understanding of invasion patterns and processes at multi-spatial and temporal scales. Such insights are not possible from smaller-scale studies, illustrating the benefit that can be gained by investing in the development of regional to continental-wide invasion monitoring programs elsewhere.
Eithea lagopaivae, a new critically endangered species in the previously monotypic genus Eithea Ravenna (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Campos-Rocha Antonio , Meerow Alan William , Lopes Edimar Faria Menezes , Semir João , Mayer Juliana Lischka Sampaio , Dutilh Julie Henriette Antoinette
Published: February 2019

Eithealagopaivae Campos-Rocha & Dutilh, sp. nov. is described as the second species of the formerly monotypic genus Eithea. It is characterized by a one flowered inflorescence, completely hollow scape, white or lightly magenta-striated flower that is enclosed by spathe bracts fused for more than the lower fifth of its length. Comments on its range, habitat, phenology, as well as photographs and illustrations are provided. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key for the two species of the genus are presented and anatomical and ecological differences compared. Known by only two small populations exposed to several types of threats and without any guarantee of protection, E.lagopaivae is considered a Critically Endangered (CR) species.
A new species of Megalommum Szépligeti (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Braconinae);
a parasitoid of the pistachio longhorn beetle (Calchaenesthes pistacivora Holzschuh; Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in Iran
Authors: van Achterberg Kees , Mehrnejad M
Published: February 2019

A new species of the genus Megalommum Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae), reared from the pistachio longhorn beetle (Calchaenesthes pistacivora Holzschuh; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is described and illustrated. The genera Curreia Ashmead, 1900 and Endovipio Turner, 1922 are new synonyms of Megalommum Szépligeti, 1900. Notes on the biology of Megalommum pistacivoraesp. n. and a key to the West Palaearctic and Oriental species are added. The following new combinations are given: Megalommum xanthoceps (Fahringer, 1928), comb. n.,Megalommum jacobsoni (Tobias, 1968), comb. n.,Megalommum ayyari (Watanabe, 1950), comb. n.,Megalommum philippinense (Baker, 1917), comb. n.,Megalommum dodecanesi(Ferrière, 1922), comb. n.,Megalommum ceresense (Turner, 1922), comb. n., Megalommum inareatum (Granger, 1949), comb. n.,Megalommum antefurcale (Szépligeti, 1915) comb. n. and Megalommum tibiale (Ashmead, 1906), comb. n.
Taxonomy, morphology, masticatory function and phylogeny of heterodontosaurid dinosaurs
Authors: Sereno Paul
Published: February 2019

Heterodontosaurids comprise an important early radiation of small-bodied herbivores that persisted for approximately 100 My from Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous time. Review of available fossils unequivocally establishes Echinodon as a very small-bodied, late-surviving northern heterodontosaurid similar to the other northern genera Fruitadens and Tianyulong. Tianyulong from northern China has unusual skeletal proportions, including a relatively large skull, short forelimb, and long manual digit II. The southern African heterodontosaurid genus Lycorhinus is established as valid, and a new taxon from the same formation is named Pegomastax africanusgen. n., sp. n. Tooth replacement and tooth-to-tooth wear is more common than previously thought among heterodontosaurids, and in Heterodontosaurus the angle of tooth-to-tooth shear is shown to increase markedly during maturation. Long-axis rotation of the lower jaw during occlusion is identified here as the most likely functional mechanism underlying marked tooth wear in mature specimens of Heterodontosaurus. Extensive tooth wear and other evidence suggests that all heterodontosaurids were predominantly or exclusively herbivores. Basal genera such as Echinodon, Fruitadens and Tianyulong with primitive, subtriangular crowns currently are known only from northern landmasses. All other genera except the enigmatic Pisanosaurus have deeper crown proportions and currently are known only from southern landmasses.
A taxonomic revision of the silphaeformis species-group of the genus Tachinus Gravenhorst (Staphylinidae, Tachyporinae) from China
Authors: Feng Ting , Schülke Michael , Li Li-Zhen
Published: February 2019

The Chinese species of thesilphaeformisgroup of the genusTachinusGravenhorst are revised with fifteen species being treated. Thirteen of them are described as new:T. armatusFeng & Li,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. cavazzutiiFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. coronatusFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Ningxia, Qinghai),T. herculesFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. hujiayaoiFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Shaanxi),T. jiuzhaigouensisFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. linzhiensisFeng & Li,sp. n.(Tibet),T. maderianusFeng & Li,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. mengdaensisFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Qinghai),T. oblongoelytratusFeng & Li,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. paraherculesFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Sichuan),T. paralinzhiensisFeng & Li,sp. n.(Tibet), andT. yiniFeng, Li & Schülke,sp. n.(Sichuan). The two known species are redescribed based on the holotypes and additional material. Illustrations of the habitus and major diagnostic characters, distributional maps, and identification keys of all species are included.
First report, morphological and molecular characterization of Xiphinema elongatum and X. pachtaicum (Nematoda, Longidoridae) from Ethiopia
Authors: Damessa Gezahegne , Bert Wim , Decraemer Frieda
Published: February 2019

A total of six soil samples were collected around rhizosphere of citrus plants during 2010 from Melkassa Agricultural Research Center experimental station, Ethiopia. From these samples two most important ecto-plant parasitic nematodes of the genusXiphinemawere found and analysed. The genusXiphinemais a large group of the phylum nematoda which constitutes more than 260 species. They are polyphagous root- ectoparasites of many crop plants and some species of this genus cause damage by direct feeding on root tips and transmit nepoviruses. The delimitation and discrimination of two species in the genus is presented, described herein asXiphinemaelongatumandXiphinemapachtaicum. Morphological and morphometric data were done using light microscopy and results of both species were fit within the previously described nematode species ofXiphinemaelongatumandXiphinemapachtaicum. 18S rDNA were analysed using Bayesian inference (BI) method to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of the studiedXiphinemasp. (KP407872Xiphinemaelongatumand KP407873Xiphinemapachtaicum) with otherXiphinemaspecies. The 18S rDNA sequence ofXiphinemapachtaicumwas alike to previously described species from the GenBank butXiphinemaelongatumexhibited very small levels of nucleotides differences (0.4%) which might be possible intra-specific divergence. Though this region of rDNA has less resolution on complex species, its combination with morphological and morphometric analyses, suggests these species asXiphinemaelongatumandXiphinemapachtaicumwith the GenBank accession number of KP407872 and KP407873, respectively. Short notes, morphological measurements, illustrations, and molecular data are given to these species. These species are reported for the first time from Ethiopia and it provides new geographical information of these organisms.
Notes on the Stenus cirrus group of Zhejiang, East China, with descriptions of two new species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)
Authors: Liu Sheng-Nan , Tang Liang , Luo Rong-Ting
Published: February 2019

Two newStenusspecies of thecirrusgroup collected from Zhejiang Province, East China, are described,S.wuyanlingusLiu, Tang & Luo,sp. n.,S.yuyimingiLiu, Tang & Luo,sp. n.and a new distributional locality forS.ovalisTang, Li & Zhao, 2005 was discovered. The diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated, and a key to species of the group from Zhejiang Province is provided.
The first records of Stenobermuda Schultz, 1982 and Tenupedunculus Schultz, 1979 from Australia, with description of two new species from the Great Barrier Reef (Isopoda, Asellota, Stenetriidae)
Authors: Song Ji-Hun , Bruce Niel L. , Min Gi-Sik
Published: February 2019

The generaTenupedunculusSchultz, 1982 andStenobermudaSchultz, 1979 are recorded for the first time from beyond the Southern Ocean, at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.Tenupedunculusserrulatussp. n.andStenobermudawaroogasp. n.are described from Heron Island and Lizard Island respectively, both in the Great Barrier Reef. The genusTenupedunculusis revised and a new diagnosis presented, withTenupedunculusvirginaleSchultz, 1982,T.pulchrum(Schultz, 1982), andT.serrulatussp. n.being retained within the genus, and the remaining species here regarded as Stenetriidaeincertae sedis(eight species).
A revision of the subgenus Dudaica Strand of the genus Drosophila Fallén, with descriptions of six new species (Diptera, Drosophilidae)
Authors: Katoh Takehiro K. , Zhang Guang , Toda Masanori J. , Suwito Awit , Gao Jian-Jun
Published: February 2019

The subgenus Dudaica Strand of the genus Drosophila Fallén has been known to comprise only two species: Drosophila (Dudaica) senilis Duda, 1926 (recorded from Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bhutan, and India) and D.malayana (Takada, 1976) (recorded from Malaysia). In the present study, this subgenus is revised, with D.malayana redescribed and six new species discovered and described from China, Malaysia, and Indonesia: gracilipalpis Katoh & Gao, sp. n., puberula Katoh & Gao, sp. n., albipalpis Katoh, Toda & Gao, sp. n., qiongzhouensis Katoh & Gao, sp. n., orthophallata Katoh, Toda & Gao, sp. n., and dissimilis Katoh & Gao, sp. n. Both morphological and molecular data (DNA barcodes) are used to distinguish the above species. A key to species of this subgenus is provided.
Integral Control and Anti-Windup Experiments
Authors: Choi Chiu
Published: February 2019

Integral control is one of the methods for reducing steady-state error in a feedback control system. This method is frequently used in manufacturing and industrial control processes. It is an important topic in the control engineering curriculum. In this paper, we describe a laboratory station developed for the investigation of integral control. Microcontrollers were used for the implementation of the integral controllers. Five experiments were developed for that laboratory station. These experiments emphasized on the understanding of integral control, elucidating the integrator windup problems, and introducing methods for overcoming such problems. These experiments offer hands-on experience to students and will increase their insights into integral control and anti-windup methods. These experiments can be readily incorporated into laboratory courses on feedback control systems or microcontroller applications.
Circuit Theory E-Assessment Realized in an Open-Source Learning Environment
Authors: Neitola Marko Tuomo Tapani
Published: February 2019

This study discusses university-level e-education on circuit theory. Automatic assessment activities were realized in the learning environment Moodle with symbolic math enhancement plugin STACK. With a comprehensive set of self-study e-assignments, the desired outcome was to help the students to improve their conceptual understanding. Here, the instructional approach is to assign take-home e-activities during the course. The rationale for such approach is to guide the student to prepare themselves for the final exam. This study compares the learning results with the previous year’s traditional paper exams. E-activities can improve learning, but a lot of attention must be paid to two issues: realizing the activities and students’ learning skills. Moreover, the structure of a circuit theory e-quiz differs from a typical mathematics quiz, which is also discussed here
New Technologies as a Driver for Business Success
Authors: Probst Andreas , Schachinger Gabriele , Kalteis Gerald , Fischer Armin
Published: February 2019

In Austria technical education is taught at federal secondary colleges of engineering (HTL) at a quite high level of ISCED 5. Despite mechanical engineering, de-sign with industrial standard 3D programs being state of the art in industry and education, technologies using Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented Reality (AR) are still at an early stage. This publication describes the introduction of the IoT platform Thingworx at Austrian HTL for mechanical engineering, with focus on AR and IoT from an educational perspective as well as the training aspects from the platform developers’ perspective. Additionally, some diploma thesis with AR supplement and the experiences made so far are presented.
Classification of Evaluation Methods for the Effective Assessment of Simulation Games: Results from a Literature Review
Authors: Faizan Niluefer Deniz , Löffler Alexander , Heininger Robert , Utesch Matthias , Krcmar Helmut
Published: February 2019

As a current trend in teaching, simulation games play an active and important role in the area of technology-based education. Simulation games create an envi-ronment for scholars to solve real-world problems in a risk-free environment. Therefore, they aim to increase the knowledge base as well as learning experienc-es for students. However, assessing the effectiveness of a simulation game is necessary to optimize elements of the game and increase their learning effect. In order to achieve this aim, different evaluation methods exist, which do not always involve all phases when running a simulation game. In this study, we conduct a literature review to analyze evaluation methods for three phases of simulation games: pre-game, in-game, and post-game. Thirty-one peer-reviewed research papers met specified selection criteria and we classified them according to a di-dactic framework that illustrates four phases of running simulation games: Prepa-ration, Introduction, Interaction and Conclusion phase. Based on the results, we provide a concrete evaluation strategy that will be a guide to assess simulation games during all phases. This study contributes to theory by providing an over-view of evaluation methods for the assessment of simulation games within the different game phases. It contributes to practice by providing a concrete evalua-tion strategy that can be adapted and used to assess simulation games.
Privacy Aware Monitoring of Mobile Users in Sensor Networks Environment
Authors: Jagdale Balaso , Bakal Jagdish
Published: February 2019

Abstract—Due to complex monitoring systems in various business domains, secrecy and privacy has become critical issue for movable resources including human being. In a mobile object monitoring systems, balancing computing resources and quality of privacy is required.  Objects can be mobile devices or users or any other moving entity. This work is presented in wireless sensor network environment. Earlier work does not consider presence of mobile objects in 3D space. We can observe that objects also carry Z axis in city area where high rise buildings are present.  Earlier monitoring applications are mainly designed in two dimensional space to protect privacy. Our novelty is to suggest and design mechanism that reflect Z position (height) of mobile objects for protecting privacy. While calculating cloaking area and counting of objects, height is also considered as third dimension. This results in better location privacy as compared to the privacy delivered by the scheme that considers two dimensional space. We have presented performance, communications cost and privacy strength of modified 3D quality algorithm and 3D resource algorithm. Moreover, we present novel containment resolution algorithm that handles duplicate counting due to 3D presence of wireless system and mobile devices.
Learning Media Repository and Delivery System for Smart Classroom using IoT and Mobile Technologies
Authors: Saraubon Kobkiat
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a learning media repository and delivery system (LMRD) for a smart classroom using IoT and mobile technologies. It was designed to support active learning pedagogy. Teachers are able to broadcast learning media or course materials directly to the student mobile devices, after that the students can interact to the media by drawing, editing, or adding comments using their mobile device then broadcast it back to present or reflect their thinking. The system includes 1) a server using a Raspberry Pi 3B+ and 2) mobile devices. The system supports full features involving two approaches in the form of an Internet model and a non-Internet model. The mobile applications were implemented using cross-platform approach to support major mobile platforms including iOS and Android. The evaluation had three dimensions in terms of usability, functionality and security. The results revealed that all dimensions were evaluated highly. The teacher and students were highly satisfied with the system.