bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-Principles Study on the Structural and Electronic Properties of Monolayer MoS2 with S-Vacancy under Uniaxial Tensile Strain
Authors: Wang Weidong , Yang Chenguang , Bai Liwen , Li Minglin , Li Weibing
Published: January 2018

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has obtained much attention recently and is expected to be widely used in flexible electronic devices. Due to inevitable bending in flexible electronic devices, the structural and electronic properties would be influenced by tensile strains. Based on the density functional theory (DFT), the structural and electronic properties of monolayer MoS2 with a sulfur (S)-vacancy is investigated by using first-principles calculations under uniaxial tensile strain loading. According to the calculations of vacancy formation energy, two types of S-vacancies, including one-sulfur and two-sulfur vacancies, are discussed in this paper. Structural analysis results indicate that the existence of S-vacancies will lead to a slightly inward relaxation of the structure, which is also verified by exploring the change of charge density of the Mo layer and the decrease of Young’s modulus, as well as the ultimate strength of monolayer MoS2. Through uniaxial tensile strain loading, the simulation results show that the band gap of monolayer MoS2 decreases with increased strain despite the sulfur vacancy type and the uniaxial tensile orientation. Based on the electronic analysis, the band gap change can be attributed to the π bond-like interaction between the interlayers, which is very sensitive to the tensile strain. In addition, the strain-induced density of states (DOS) of the Mo-d orbital and the S-p orbital are analyzed to explain the strain effect on the band gap.
Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Community-Based Efficacy Trial of Various Doses of Zinc in Micronutrient Powders or Tablets in Young Bangladeshi Children
Authors: Islam M. , McDonald Christine , Krebs Nancy , Westcott Jamie , Rahman Ahmed , El Arifeen Shams , Ahmed Tahmeed , King Janet , Black Robert
Published: January 2018

Zinc is essential to supporting growth in young children especially for tissues undergoing rapid cellular differentiation and turnover, such as those in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. Therapeutic zinc supplementation has been initiated in low-income countries as part of diarrhea treatment programs to support these needs for young children, but the effects of preventive supplemental zinc as a tablet or as a multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) on child growth and diarrheal disease are mixed and pose programmatic uncertainties. Thus, a randomized, double-blind community-based efficacy trial of five different doses, forms, and frequencies of preventive zinc supplementation vs. a placebo was designed for a study in children aged 9–11 months in an urban community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The primary outcomes of this 24-week study are incidence of diarrheal disease and linear growth. Study workers will conduct in-home morbidity checks twice weekly; anthropometry will be measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Serum zinc and other related biomarkers will be measured in a subsample along with an estimate of the exchangeable zinc pool size using stable isotope techniques in a subgroup. Therapeutic zinc will be provided as part of diarrhea treatment, in accordance with Bangladesh’s national policy. Therefore, the proposed study will determine the additional benefit of a preventive zinc supplementation intervention. The protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) of icddr,b and Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI). The IRB review process is underway at the University of Colorado Denver as well.
Diets Rich in Fruits and Vegetables Are Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Adolescents
Authors: Mellendick Kevan , Shanahan Lilly , Wideman Laurie , Calkins Susan , Keane Susan , Lovelady Cheryl
Published: January 2018

Obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are public health concerns in adolescents, yet few studies have examined the association of their diet to CVD risk factors. This study investigated associations between diet, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), and blood lipids in 163 16–17 year olds. Diet recall data were converted into Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI) to assess diet quality. Differences in diet between groups with normal or obese BMI, normal or hypertensive BP, and normal or altered lipids were determined. Associations between diet and BMI, WC, BP, and lipids, controlling for race, gender, and socioeconomic status, were examined. Mean HEI was 49.2 (±12.0), with no differences observed between groups. HEI was not associated with any CVD risk. Sweetened beverage consumption was higher in obese adolescents, and positively related to total cholesterol (TC). Fruit intake was negatively related to BMI and diastolic BP. Total vegetable intake was negatively related to systolic BP. Greens and beans were negatively related to TC and LDL. Whole grains were negatively related to HDL. This research suggests a cardioprotective effect of diets rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as low in sweetened beverages in adolescents.
Validation of the English Version of the 14-Item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener of the PREDIMED Study, in People at High Cardiovascular Risk in the UK
Authors: Papadaki Angeliki , Johnson Laura , Toumpakari Zoi , England Clare , Rai Manmita , Toms Stu , Penfold Chris , Zazpe Itziar , Martínez-González Miguel , Feder Gene
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the English version of the PREvencion con DIetaMEDiterranea (PREDIMED) 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), a brief questionnaire assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), which was used in the PREDIMED trial for assessment and immediate feedback. This instrument (MEDAS) was administered to 96 adults with a high cardiovascular risk (66% women, mean age 68.3 ± 6.0 years), recruited from general practices in Bristol, UK. Participants then completed a 3-day estimated food record, and the MEDAS was administered again one month later. A MedDiet score (range = 0–14) was calculated from the MEDAS’ administrations and food record to assess concurrent validity and test-retest reliability. Predictive validity was assessed by examining the association of the MEDAS-derived score with cardiometabolic risk factors and dietary intakes derived from the food records. The MEDAS-derived MedDiet score was higher by 1.47 points compared to food records (5.47 vs.4.00, p < 0.001), correlated moderately with the record-derived score (r = 0.50, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.53, p < 0.001) and there was borderline fair agreement between the two methods (κ = 0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.31, p = 0.002; 95% limits of agreement −2.2, 5.1). Exact agreement within score categories and gross misclassificationwere 45.8% and 21.9%, respectively. The distribution of dietary intakes, reported on the food records by the MEDAS-derived total MedDiet score, was in the expected direction, but no association was observed with cardiometabolic risk factors. The two administrations of the MEDAS produced similar mean total MedDiet scores (5.5 vs. 5.4, p = 0.706), which were correlated (r and ICC = 0.69, p < 0.001) and agreed fairly (κ = 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.52, p < 0.001; 95% limits of agreement −3.1, 3.2). The English version of the MEDAS has acceptable accuracy and reliability for assessing MedDiet adherence among individuals with a high cardiovascular risk, in the UK, and can be used to rank individuals according to MedDiet adherence in research and practice.
Large Variations in Declared Serving Sizes of Packaged Foods in Australia: A Need for Serving Size Standardisation?
Authors: Yang Suzie , Gemming Luke , Rangan Anna
Published: January 2018

Declared serving sizes on food packaging are unregulated in Australia, and variations in serving size within similar products reduces the usability of this information. This study aimed to (i) assess the variations in declared serving sizes of packaged foods from the Five Food Groups, and (ii) compare declared serving sizes to the Australian Dietary Guidelines standard serves and typical portion sizes consumed by Australian adults. Product information, including serving size, was collected for 4046 products from four major Australian retailers. Within product categories from the Five Food Groups, coefficients of variation ranged from 0% to 59% for declared serving size and 9% to 64% for energy per serving. Overall, 24% of all products displayed serving sizes similar (within ±10%) to the standard serves, and 23–28% were similar to typical portion sizes consumed by adults, for females and males, respectively. In conclusion, there is substantial variation in the declared serving sizes of packaged foods from the Five Food Groups, and serving sizes are not aligned with either the Dietary Guidelines or typical portion sizes consumed. Future research into effective means of standardising serving sizes is warranted.
The Effects of Digital Marketing of Unhealthy Commodities on Young People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buchanan Limin , Kelly Bridget , Yeatman Heather , Kariippanon Kishan
Published: January 2018

The marketing of unhealthy commodities through traditional media is known to impact consumers’ product attitudes and behaviors. Less is known about the impacts of digital marketing (online promotional activities), especially among young people who have a strong online presence. This review systematically assesses the relationship between digital marketing and young people’s attitudes and behaviors towards unhealthy commodities. Literature was identified in June 2017 by searches in six electronic databases. Primary studies (both qualitative and quantitative) that examined the effect of digital marketing of unhealthy food or beverages, alcohol and tobacco products on young people’s (12 to 30 years) attitudes, intended and actual consumption were reviewed. 28 relevant studies were identified. Significant detrimental effects of digital marketing on the intended use and actual consumption of unhealthy commodities were revealed in the majority of the included studies. Findings from the qualitative studies were summarized and these findings provided insights on how digital marketing exerts effects on young people. One of the key findings was that marketers used peer-to-peer transmission of messages on social networking sites (e.g., friends’ likes and comments on Facebook) to blur the boundary between marketing contents and online peer activities. Digital marketing of unhealthy commodities is associated with young people’s use and beliefs of these products. The effects of digital marketing varied between product types and peer endorsed marketing (earned media) may exert greater negative impacts than owned or paid media marketing.
The Influence of Pre-Exercise Glucose versus Fructose Ingestion on Subsequent Postprandial Lipemia
Authors: Yang Tsung-Jen , Chiu Chih-Hui , Tseng Mei-Hui , Chang Cheng-Kang , Wu Ching-Lin
Published: January 2018

Ingestion of low glycemic index (LGI) carbohydrate (CHO) before exercise induced less insulin response and higher fat oxidation than that of high GI (HGI) CHO during subsequent exercise. However, the effect on the subsequent postprandial lipid profile is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate ingestion of CHO drinks with different GI using fructose and glucose before endurance exercise on the subsequent postprandial lipid profile. Eight healthy active males completed two experimental trials in randomized double-blind cross-over design. All participants ingested 500 mL CHO (75 g) solution either fructose (F) or glucose (G) before running on the treadmill at 60% VO2max for 1 h. Participants were asked to take an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) immediately after the exercise. Blood samples were obtained for plasma and serum analysis. The F trial was significantly lower than the G trial in TG total area under the curve (AUC; 9.97 ± 3.64 vs. 10.91 ± 3.56 mmol × 6 h/L; p = 0.033) and incremental AUC (6.57 ± 2.46 vs. 7.14 ± 2.64 mmol/L × 6 h, p = 0.004). The current data suggested that a pre-exercise fructose drink showed a lower postprandial lipemia than a glucose drink after the subsequent high-fat meal.
Effect of Curing Rate on the Microstructure and Macroscopic Properties of Epoxy Fiberglass Composites
Authors: Patel Ammar , Kravchenko Oleksandr , Manas-Zloczower Ica
Published: January 2018

Curing rates of an epoxy amine system were varied via different curing cycles, and glass-fiber epoxy composites were prepared using the same protocol, with the aim of investigating the correlation between microstructure and composite properties. It was found that the fast curing cycle resulted in a non-homogenous network, with a larger percentage of a softer phase. Homogenized composite properties, namely storage modulus and quasi-static intra-laminar shear strength, remained unaffected by the change in resin microstructure. However, fatigue tests revealed a significant reduction in fatigue life for composites cured at fast curing rates, while composites with curing cycles that allowed a pre-cure until the critical gel point, were unaffected by the rate of reaction. This result was explained by the increased role of epoxy microstructure on damage initiation and propagation in the matrix during fatigue life. Therefore, local non-homogeneities in the epoxy matrix, corresponding to regions with variable crosslink density, can play a significant role in limiting the fatigue life of composites and must be considered in the manufacturing of large scale components, where temperature gradients and significant exotherms are expected.
Inverted Organic Solar Cells with Low-Temperature Al-Doped-ZnO Electron Transport Layer Processed from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhang Qianni , Peng Ruizhi , Zhang Chunfu , Chen Dazheng , Lin Zhenhua , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: January 2018

The aqueous-based Zn-ammine complex solutions represent one of the most promising routes to obtain the ZnO electron transport layer (ETL) at a low temperature in inverted organic solar cells (OSCs). However, to dope the ZnO film processed from the Zn-ammine complex solutions is difficult since the introduction of metal ions into the Zn-ammine complex is a nontrivial process as ammonium hydroxide tends to precipitate metal salts due to acid-base neutralization reactions. In this paper, we investigate the inverted OSCs with Al-doped-ZnO ETL made by immersion of metallic Al into the Zn-ammine precursor solution. The effects of ZnO layer with different immersion time of Al on film properties and solar cell performance have been studied. The results show that, with the Al-doped-ZnO ETL, an improvement of the device performance could be obtained compared with the device with the un-doped ZnO ETL. The improved device performance is attributed to the enhancement of charge carrier mobility leading to a decreased charge carrier recombination and improved charge collection efficiency. The fabricated thin film transistors with the same ZnO or AZO films confirm the improved electrical characteristics of the Al doped ZnO film.
On the Compound Binomial Risk Model with Delayed Claims and Randomized Dividends
Authors: Wat Kam , Yuen Kam , Li Wai , Wu Xueyuan
Published: January 2018

This paper extends the work of Yuen et al. (2013), who obtained explicit results for the discount-free Gerber–Shiu function for a compound binomial risk model in the presence of delayed claims and a randomized dividend strategy with a zero threshold level. Specifically, we establish a recursion method for computing the Gerber–Shiu expected discounted penalty function, which entails a number of important quantities in ruin theory, within the framework of the compound binomial aggregate claims with delayed by-claims and randomized dividends payable at a non-negative threshold level.
Stability Monitoring of the VIIRS Day/Night Band over Dome C with a Lunar Irradiance Model and BRDF Correction
Authors: Zeng Xiangzhao , Shao Xi , Qiu Shi , Ma Lingling , Gao Caixia , Li Chuanrong
Published: January 2018

The unique feature of the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB) is its ability to take quantitative measurements of low-light scenes at night. In order to monitor the stability of the high gain stage (HGS) of the DNB, nighttime observations over the Dome C site under moonlight are analyzed in this study. The Miller and Turner 2009 (MT2009) lunar irradiance model has been used to simulate lunar illumination over Dome C. However, the MT2009 model does not differentiate the waxing and waning lunar phases. In this paper, the MT-SWC (SeaWiFS Corrected) lunar irradiance model differentiating the waxing and waning lunar phases is derived by correcting the MT2009 model using lunar observations made by the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS). In addition, a top of atmosphere (TOA) bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model during nighttime over Dome C is developed to remove the angular dependence from the nighttime TOA reflectance. The long-term stability monitoring of the DNB high-gain stage (HGS) reveals a lower reflectance factor in 2012 in comparison to the following years, which can be traced back to the change in relative spectral response (RSR) of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) VIIRS DNB in April 2013. It also shows the radiometric stability of DNB data, with long-term stability of less than 1.58% over the periods from 2013 to 2016. This method can be used to monitor the radiometric stability of other low-light observing sensors using vicarious calibration sites under moonlight illumination.
An Approach for Foliar Trait Retrieval from Airborne Imaging Spectroscopy of Tropical Forests
Authors: Martin Roberta , Chadwick K. , Brodrick Philip , Carranza-Jimenez Loreli , Vaughn Nicholas , Asner Gregory
Published: January 2018

Spatial information on forest functional composition is needed to inform management and conservation efforts, yet this information is lacking, particularly in tropical regions. Canopy foliar traits underpin the functional biodiversity of forests, and have been shown to be remotely measurable using airborne 350–2510 nm imaging spectrometers. We used newly acquired imaging spectroscopy data constrained with concurrent light detection and ranging (LiDAR) measurements from the Carnegie Airborne Observatory (CAO), and field measurements, to test the performance of the Spectranomics approach for foliar trait retrieval. The method was previously developed in Neotropical forests, and was tested here in the humid tropical forests of Malaysian Borneo. Multiple foliar chemical traits, as well as leaf mass per area (LMA), were estimated with demonstrable precision and accuracy. The results were similar to those observed for Neotropical forests, suggesting a more general use of the Spectranomics approach for mapping canopy traits in tropical forests. Future mapping studies using this approach can advance scientific investigations and applications based on imaging spectroscopy.
Reconstructing Seabed Topography from Side-Scan Sonar Images with Self-Constraint
Authors: Zhao Jianhu , Shang Xiaodong , Zhang Hongmei
Published: January 2018

To obtain the high-resolution seabed topography and overcome the limitations of existing topography reconstruction methods in requiring external bathymetric data and ignoring the effects of sediment variations and Side-Scan Sonar (SSS) image quality, this study proposes a method of reconstructing seabed topography from SSS images with a self-constraint condition. A reconstruction model is deduced by Lambert’s law and the seabed scattering model. A bottom tracking method is put forward to get the along-track SSS towfish heights and the initial seabed topography in the SSS measuring area is established by combining the along-track towfish heights, towfish depths and tidal levels obtained from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The complete process of reconstructing seabed topography is given by taking the initial topography as self-constraint and the high-resolution seabed topography is finally obtained. Experiments verified the proposed method by the data measured in Zhujiang River, China. The standard deviation of less than 15 cm is achieved and the resolution of the reconstructed topography is about 60 times higher than that of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) established by bathymetric data. The effects of noise, suspended bodies, refraction of wave in water column, sediment variation, the determination of iteration termination condition as well as the performance of the proposed method under these effects are discussed. Finally, the conclusions are drawn out according to the experiments and discussions. The proposed method provides a simple and efficient way to obtain high-resolution seabed topography from SSS images and is a supplement but not substitution for the existing bathymetric methods.
A Micro-Resonant Gas Sensor with Nanometer Clearance between the Pole Plates
Authors: Fu Xiaorui , Xu Lizhong
Published: January 2018

In micro-resonant gas sensors, the capacitive detection is widely used because of its simple structure. However, its shortcoming is a weak signal output caused by a small capacitance change. Here, we reduced the initial clearance between the pole plates to the nanometer level, and increased the capacitance between the pole plates and its change during resonator vibration. We propose a fabricating process of the micro-resonant gas sensor by which the initial clearance between the pole plates is reduced to the nanometer level and a micro-resonant gas sensor with 200 nm initial clearance is fabricated. With this sensor, the resonant frequency shifts were measured when they were exposed to several different vapors, and high detection accuracies were obtained. The detection accuracy with respect to ethanol vapor was 0.4 ppm per Hz shift, and the detection accuracy with respect to hydrogen and ammonias vapors was 3 ppm and 0.5 ppm per Hz shift, respectively.
Plant Pest Detection Using an Artificial Nose System: A Review
Authors: Cui Shaoqing , Ling Peter , Zhu Heping , Keener Harold
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews artificial intelligent noses (or electronic noses) as a fast and noninvasive approach for the diagnosis of insects and diseases that attack vegetables and fruit trees. The particular focus is on bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, and insect damage. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from plants, which provide functional information about the plant’s growth, defense, and health status, allow for the possibility of using noninvasive detection to monitor plants status. Electronic noses are comprised of a sensor array, signal conditioning circuit, and pattern recognition algorithms. Compared with traditional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, electronic noses are noninvasive and can be a rapid, cost-effective option for several applications. However, using electronic noses for plant pest diagnosis is still in its early stages, and there are challenges regarding sensor performance, sampling and detection in open areas, and scaling up measurements. This review paper introduces each element of electronic nose systems, especially commonly used sensors and pattern recognition methods, along with their advantages and limitations. It includes a comprehensive comparison and summary of applications, possible challenges, and potential improvements of electronic nose systems for different plant pest diagnoses.
An Improved Method for Magnetic Nanocarrier Drug Delivery across the Cell Membrane
Authors: Mehrafrooz Behzad , Pedram Maysam , Ghafar-Zadeh Ebrahim
Published: January 2018

One of the crucial issues in the pharmacological field is developing new drug delivery systems. The main concern is to develop new methods for improving the drug delivery efficiencies such as low disruptions, precise control of the target of delivery and drug sustainability. Nowadays, there are many various methods for drug delivery systems. Carbon-based nanocarriers are a new efficient tool for translocating drug into the defined area or cells inside the body. These nanocarriers can be functionalized with proteins, peptides and used to transport their freight to cells or defined areas. Since functionalized carbon-based nanocarriers show low toxicity and high biocompatibility, they are used in many nanobiotechnology fields. In this study, different shapes of nanocarrier are investigated, and the suitable magnetic field, which is applied using MRI for the delivery of the nanocarrier, is proposed. In this research, based on the force required to cross the membrane and MD simulations, the optimal magnetic field profile is designed. This optimal magnetic force field is derived from the mathematical model of the system and magnetic particle dynamics inside the nanocarrier. The results of this paper illustrate the effects of the nanocarrier’s shapes on the percentage of success in crossing the membrane and the optimal required magnetic field.
Erratum: Mei, Y., et al. Mechanics Based Tomography: A Preliminary Feasibility Study. Sensors 2017, 17, 1075
Authors: Mei Yue , Wang Sicheng , Shen Xin , Rabke Stephen , Goenezen Sevan
Published: January 2018

The authors wish to correct Figures 12 and 14 in their paper published in Sensors [1], doi:10.3390/s17051075, http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/17/5/1075[...]
Feature Extraction of Electronic Nose Signals Using QPSO-Based Multiple KFDA Signal Processing
Authors: Wen Tailai , Yan Jia , Huang Daoyu , Lu Kun , Deng Changjian , Zeng Tanyue , Yu Song , He Zhiyi
Published: January 2018

The aim of this research was to enhance the classification accuracy of an electronic nose (E-nose) in different detecting applications. During the learning process of the E-nose to predict the types of different odors, the prediction accuracy was not quite satisfying because the raw features extracted from sensors’ responses were regarded as the input of a classifier without any feature extraction processing. Therefore, in order to obtain more useful information and improve the E-nose’s classification accuracy, in this paper, a Weighted Kernels Fisher Discriminant Analysis (WKFDA) combined with Quantum-behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO), i.e., QWKFDA, was presented to reprocess the original feature matrix. In addition, we have also compared the proposed method with quite a few previously existing ones including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Locality Preserving Projections (LPP), Fisher Discriminant Analysis (FDA) and Kernels Fisher Discriminant Analysis (KFDA). Experimental results proved that QWKFDA is an effective feature extraction method for E-nose in predicting the types of wound infection and inflammable gases, which shared much higher classification accuracy than those of the contrast methods.
The Effect of Zeolite Composition and Grain Size on Gas Sensing Properties of SnO2/Zeolite Sensor
Authors: Sun Yanhui , Wang Jing , Li Xiaogan , Du Haiying , Huang Qingpan , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2018

In order to improve the sensing properties of tin dioxide gas sensor, four kinds of different SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, different particle size of MFI type zeolites (ZSM-5) were coated on the SnO2 to prepared zeolite modified gas sensors, and the gas sensing properties were tested. The measurement results showed that the response values of ZSM-5 zeolite (SiO2/Al2O3 = 70, grain size 300 nm) coated SnO2 gas sensors to formaldehyde vapor were increased, and the response to acetone decreased compared with that of SnO2 gas sensor, indicating an improved selectivity property. The other three ZSM-5 zeolites with SiO2/Al2O3 70, 150 and 470, respectively, and grain sizes all around 1 μm coated SnO2 sensors did not show much difference with SnO2 sensor for the response properties to both formaldehyde and acetone. The sensing mechanism of ZSM-5 modified sensors was briefly analyzed.
A Compact Operational Amplifier with Load-Insensitive Stability Compensation for High-Precision Transducer Interface
Authors: Yu Zhanghao , Yang Xi , Chung SungWon
Published: January 2018

High-resolution electronic interface circuits for transducers with nonlinear capacitive impedance need an operational amplifier, which is stable for a wide range of load capacitance. Such operational amplifier in a conventional design requires a large area for compensation capacitors, increasing costs and limiting applications. In order to address this problem, we present a gain-boosted two-stage operational amplifier, whose frequency response compensation capacitor size is insensitive to the load capacitance and also orders of magnitude smaller compared to the conventional Miller-compensation capacitor that often dominates chip area. By exploiting pole-zero cancellation between a gain-boosting stage and the main amplifier stage, the compensation capacitor of the proposed operational amplifier becomes less dependent of load capacitance, so that it can also operate with a wide range of load capacitance. A prototype operational amplifier designed in 0.13-

μ

m complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) with a 400-fF compensation capacitor occupies 900-

μ

m

2

chip area and achieves 0.022–2.78-MHz unity gain bandwidth and over 65

∘

phase margin with a load capacitance of 0.1–15 nF. The prototype amplifier consumes 7.6

μ

W from a single 1.0-V supply. For a given compensation capacitor size and a chip area, the prototype design demonstrates the best reported performance trade-off on unity gain bandwidth, maximum stable load capacitance, and power consumption.
Uncertainty Analysis of the Estimated Risk in Formal Safety Assessment
Authors: Sun Molin , Zheng Zhongyi , Gang Longhui
Published: January 2018

An uncertainty analysis is required to be carried out in formal safety assessment (FSA) by the International Maritime Organization. The purpose of this article is to introduce the uncertainty analysis technique into the FSA process. Based on the uncertainty identification of input parameters, probability and possibility distributions are used to model the aleatory and epistemic uncertainties, respectively. An approach which combines the Monte Carlo random sampling of probability distribution functions with the a-cuts for fuzzy calculus is proposed to propagate the uncertainties. One output of the FSA process is societal risk (SR), which can be evaluated in the two-dimensional frequency–fatality (FN) diagram. Thus, the confidence-level-based SR is presented to represent the uncertainty of SR in two dimensions. In addition, a method for time window selection is proposed to estimate the magnitude of uncertainties, which is an important aspect of modeling uncertainties. Finally, a case study is carried out on an FSA study on cruise ships. The results show that the uncertainty analysis of SR generates a two-dimensional area for a certain degree of confidence in the FN diagram rather than a single FN curve, which provides more information to authorities to produce effective risk control measures.
A Kitchen with too Many Cooks: Factors Associated with Hospital Profitability
Authors: Cho Na-Eun , Hong KiHoon
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we carefully investigate previous literature to extract 10 relevant factors to explain the hospital profitability and build an econometrically well-specified model of explaining hospital profitability that does not suffer from omitted variable bias. Then we provide empirical evidence to a common belief that the objective function of a hospital varies with the type of hospital. We identified distinct objective functions for three types of hospitals: for-profit hospitals are driven by the overarching agreed-upon goal of profit maximization for shareholders; government hospitals, which are often the insurers of last resort, are obliged to put the public interest over profit objectives; nonprofit hospitals, which are legally prohibited from distributing profits, occupy the middle ground between for-profit and government hospitals. The results of this paper suggest that the ownership type should determine the factors on which hospitals focus and hence are useful to hospital management and academic researchers.
Exploring the Role of Science in Sustainable Landscape Management. An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Opdam Paul
Published: January 2018

In this special issue, landscapes are conceptualized as social-ecological systems resulting from the interaction between societal and natural processes. Landscapes produce services and values to stakeholders that share a particular geographical area. In view of landscape sustainability, these stakeholders have common responsibilities to retain the functioning of landscapes to service future generations. Also, because demands for landscape services overlap and require landscape wide management, users and owners of the landscape have common interests in creating added value and organizing landscape wide coordination of interventions. This interdependency calls for collaborative management, but is also a cause of conflicts. From the point of view of scientific support, there is a need for interdisciplinary and solution-oriented approaches that foster collaboration. This special issue presents innovative interdisciplinary approaches that illustrate the main challenges for science to support community-based landscape governance.
Reassessing the Links between GHG Emissions, Economic Growth, and the UNFCCC: A Difference-in-Differences Approach
Authors: Cifci Eren , Oliver Matthew E.
Published: January 2018

International climate agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and, more recently, the Paris Climate Agreement are fragile because, at a national level, political constituencies’ value systems may conflict with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to sustainable levels. Proponents cite climate change as the most pressing challenge of our time, contending that international cooperation will play an essential role in addressing this challenge. Political opponents argue that the disproportionate requirements on developed nations to shoulder the financial burden will inhibit their economic growth. We find empirical evidence that both arguments are likely to be correct. We use standard regression techniques to analyze a multi-country dataset of GHG emissions, GDP per capita growth, and other factors. We estimate that after the Kyoto Protocol (KP) entered into force ‘Annex I’ countries reduced GHG emissions on average by roughly 1 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e), relative to non-Annex I countries. However, our estimates reveal that these countries also experienced an average reduction in GDP per capita growth rates of around 1–2 percentage points relative to non-Annex I countries.
Effect of Large Wild Herbivore Populations on the Forage-Livestock Balance in the Source Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Yang Fan , Shao Quanqin , Guo Xingjian , Tang Yuzhi , Li Yuzhe , Wang Dongliang , Wang Yangchun , Fan Jiangwen
Published: January 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicle surveys were conducted in the summer season of 2016 and the winter season of 2017 to investigate the large wild herbivore population, including kiangs, Tibetan gazelles and bharals, in Madoi County; the source region of the Yellow River. The study generated forage grass production data in 30 m spatial resolution in Madoi County in 2016 using a downscaling algorithm; estimated a forage-livestock balance including wild animals and domestic animals; and analyzed the effect of the large wild herbivore population on the balance between forage grass and herbivory in Madoi County. The large wild herbivore population was estimated based on the density of the animals in the survey sample strip and compared and verified with available statistical data and the two survey results from the summer season of 2016 and winter season of 2017. The results showed that: (1) in the winter season of 2017, the populations of kiang, Tibetan gazelle and bharal were 17,100, 16,000 and 9300, respectively, while the populations of domestic yak, Tibetan sheep and horse were 70,800, 102,200 and 1200, respectively. The total population of large wild herbivores and domestic animals was 475,000 (sheep units). The ratio (in sheep units) between large wild herbivores and domestic animals was 1:4.5; (2) When only considering domestic animals, the grazing pressure index was 1.13, indicating slight overloading of the grassland. When considering domestic animals and large wild herbivores (kiang, Tibetan gazelle and bharal), the grazing pressure index was 1.38, suggesting moderate overloading of the grassland; (3) If large wild herbivores are not taken into consideration when the forage-livestock balance is calculated, the grazing pressure will be under-estimated by 22%. Overgrazing is the major cause of grassland degradation in Madoi County. An additional 79,000 tons of hay or a 30% reduction in domestic animals is required to maintain a forage-livestock balance in Madoi County.
LMDI Decomposition of Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Based on Energy and CO2 Allocation Sankey Diagrams: The Method and an Application to China
Authors: Ma Linwei , Chong Chinhao , Zhang Xi , Liu Pei , Li Weiqi , Li Zheng , Ni Weidou
Published: January 2018

This manuscript develops a logarithmic mean Divisia index I (LMDI) decomposition method based on energy and CO2 allocation Sankey diagrams to analyze the contributions of various influencing factors to the growth of energy-related CO2 emissions on a national level. Compared with previous methods, we can further consider the influences of energy supply efficiency. Two key parameters, the primary energy quantity converted factor (KPEQ) and the primary carbon dioxide emission factor (KC), were introduced to calculate the equilibrium data for the whole process of energy unitization and related CO2 emissions. The data were used to map energy and CO2 allocation Sankey diagrams. Based on these parameters, we built an LMDI method with a higher technical resolution and applied it to decompose the growth of energy-related CO2 emissions in China from 2004 to 2014. The results indicate that GDP growth per capita is the main factor driving the growth of CO2 emissions while the reduction of energy intensity, the improvement of energy supply efficiency, and the introduction of non-fossil fuels in heat and electricity generation slowed the growth of CO2 emissions.
Mitigating Wind Induced Noise in Outdoor Microphone Signals Using a Singular Spectral Subspace Method
Authors: Eldwaik Omar , F. Li Francis
Published: January 2018

Wind induced noise is one of the major concerns of outdoor acoustic signal acquisition. It affects many field measurement and audio recording scenarios. Filtering such noise is known to be difficult due to its broadband and time varying nature. In this paper, a new method to mitigate wind induced noise in microphone signals is developed. Instead of applying filtering techniques, wind induced noise is statistically separated from wanted signals in a singular spectral subspace. The paper is presented in the context of handling microphone signals acquired outdoor for acoustic sensing and environmental noise monitoring or soundscapes sampling. The method includes two complementary stages, namely decomposition and reconstruction. The first stage decomposes mixed signals in eigen-subspaces, selects and groups the principal components according to their contributions to wind noise and wanted signals in the singular spectrum domain. The second stage reconstructs the signals in the time domain, resulting in the separation of wind noise and wanted signals. Results show that microphone wind noise is separable in the singular spectrum domain evidenced by the weighted correlation. The new method might be generalized to other outdoor sound acquisition applications.
A Numerical Approach to Predict Water Levels in Ungauged Regions—Case Study of the Meghna River Estuary, Bangladesh
Authors: Syed Zakir , Choi Gyewoon , Byeon Seongjoon
Published: January 2018

Quantitative flood frequency investigation in a large estuary is somewhat challenging by numerical modelling, because the model optimization depends on the appropriate physical and hydrodynamic properties of the estuarine river. This study attempts to solve the bathymetry configurations of the Meghna River estuary and the assimilation of flow data, which exposed an important role in water level prediction. Upstream flow rates and nonlinear semidiurnal tides have an impact on the instability of the flow in this estuarine river. A large amount of flow accumulates in the upstream confluence against or in favor of tides during the rainy season from the adjacent river basins and significantly moves in the Bay of Bengal. The aim of this study is to predict water levels in the un-gauged regions of the Meghna River estuary. A numerical technique was developed using Mike21 flexible mesh, comprising shallow water hydrodynamic components in the estuary. Subsequently, log-normal distribution was employed to analyze the flood magnitudes among the ungauged stations of the estuary. The calibration results comprised with the observed water levels adequately. In conclusion, these water level prediction results can be applied to alleviate the coastal land from extreme flooding and to design hydraulic structures in the narrow streams.
Streambank Alluvial Unit Contributions to Suspended Sediment and Total Phosphorus Loads, Walnut Creek, Iowa, USA
Authors: Beck William , Isenhart Thomas , Moore Peter , Schilling Keith , Schultz Richard , Tomer Mark
Published: January 2018

Streambank erosion may represent a significant source of sediment and phosphorus (P) to overall watershed loads; however, watershed-scale quantification of contributions is rare. In addition, streambanks are often comprised of highly variable stratigraphic source materials (e.g., alluvial deposits), which may differentially impact in-channel P dynamics once eroded. The objective of this study was to quantify sediment and total phosphorus (TP) losses from four materials comprising streambanks within a 5218 ha watershed in Iowa, USA. Streambank-face surveys, erosion pins, and soil analyses were used to quantify surface area representation, recession, and losses of sediment and TP over a two-year period. Cumulative, whole-bank gross mean recession totaled 18.6 cm over two years, and material-specific gross mean recession ranged from 15.5 to 64.1 cm. Cumulative, whole-bank mean gross mass losses totaled 0.28 Mg sediment and 0.7 × 10−5 Mg TP per meter channel length. Annual sediment losses equated to 4–44% of historic suspended sediment loads. Stratigraphy was significant in gross material erosion and losses, with lower materials (i.e., bank toe region) exhibiting the greatest recession rates and cumulative recession. Weathered/colluvial material dominated total bank face surface area (88.3%), and contributed the greatest proportion of sediment and TP mass loss (66, 68%, respectively) versus other streambank materials.
Evolving Governance and Contested Water Reforms in Australia’s Murray Darling Basin
Authors: Alexandra Jason
Published: January 2018

This paper explores the ways water governance adapts to changing social values and political imperatives by examining the case of water policy reforms in Australia’s Murray Darling Basin. Over more than two decades, Australia’s water reforms have explicitly aimed to promote ecological sustainability and economic efficiency, attempting to balance pro-market, micro-economic reforms with broader social and sustainability goals. Despite the formality of Australia’s intergovernmental agreements, water reforms have been expensive and heavily contested, experiencing many implementation challenges. However, water market reforms have generally been regarded as successful, enabling the reallocation of water for environmental and extractive uses, contributing to flexibility and adaptive capacity. Recognising that discursive contestation is central to policy development, the paper documents the way the reform processes have attempted to broker compromises between three competing policy paradigms—national development, economic rationalism and environmentalism. These inherent tensions resulted in prolonged contests for influence over policy directions long after formal statements of policy intent by Governments. Given that climate change is driving the need for water governance reforms, the paper looks to what lessons can be learnt about the redesigns of meta-governance arrangements, including through structured commitments to independent audits and evaluations that can provide the feedback needed for adaptive governance and policy learning.
Roof Rainwater Harvesting in Central Mexico: Uses, Benefits, and Factors of Adoption
Authors: Fuentes-Galván María , Ortiz Medel Josefina , Arias Hernández Luz
Published: January 2018

This study was carried out in rural communities in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico. A questionnaire was directly applied to users of rainwater (RW) to identify the uses, water consumption, and perception towards RW and traditional supply sources, for the purpose of evaluating the relevance of RW in different situations as an alternative supply, as well as the factors that affect the adoption and use of this source. RW turned out to be the users’ main water source, and functions as a tool to increase the knowledge and perception of the rainy season and other factors. The respondents identified at least one benefit from the use of RW; the most important benefits were the watering of plants and gardens, avoiding the purchase of water from tank trucks, avoiding the need to fetch water, among others. In the localities studied, where the traditional water supply is either deficient or totally lacking, the use and acceptance of RW has increased. Economic support and training to install systems were key factors for those systems’ installation in the communities. These findings may assist future projects to promote the use of RW harvesting at the domestic level and increase the water supply.
Using DPSIR and Balances to Support Water Governance
Authors: Vannevel Rudy
Published: January 2018

The DPSIR framework has proven to be an effective communication tool, but has become subject to criticism upon increasing practical application. It is assumed that this is the consequence of the combination of terminological unclarity, absence of a methodological description for analyzing disturbances, and a confined conceptual basis when dealing with complex environmental issues. DPSIR has been embedded within the broader conceptual Pentatope Model (PTM), by making use of an ‘interface’ called GASI. GASI, which means Governance by Actor–Subject Impact Assessment, deals explicitly with governance as a framework and impact analysis as a process. The result is an extended version of DPSIR. Illustrated by means of a water balance, the importance of a combined PTM–GASI–DPSIR tool for impact assessments to support evidence-based governance is shown.