bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Large Scale Application with Self-Healing Concrete in Belgium: Analysis of the Laboratory Control Tests
Authors: Van Mullem Tim , Gruyaert Elke , Caspeele Robby , De Belie Nele
Published: February 2020

Due to the negative impact of construction processes on the environment and a decrease in investments, there is a need for concrete structures to operate longer while maintaining their high performance. Self-healing concrete has the ability to heal itself when it is cracked, thereby protecting the interior matrix as well as the reinforcement steel, resulting in an increased service life. Most research has focused on mortar specimens at lab-scale. Yet, to demonstrate the feasibility of applying self-healing concrete in practice, demonstrators of large-scale applications are necessary. A roof slab of an inspection pit was cast with bacterial self-healing concrete and is now in normal operation. As a bacterial additive to the concrete, a mixture called MUC+, made out of a Mixed Ureolytic Culture together with anaerobic granular bacteria, was added to the concrete during mixing. This article reports on the tests carried out on laboratory control specimens made from the same concrete batch, as well as the findings of an inspection of the roof slab under operating conditions. Lab tests showed that cracks at the bottom of specimens and subjected to wet/dry cycles had the best visual crack closure. Additionally, the sealing efficiency of cracked specimens submersed for 27 weeks in water, measured by means of a water permeability setup, was at least equal to 90%, with an efficiency of at least 98.5% for the largest part of the specimens. An inspection of the roof slab showed no signs of cracking, yet favorable conditions for healing were observed. So, despite the high healing potential that was recorded during lab experiments, an assessment under real-life conditions was not yet possible.
A Deep Learning Algorithm for the Max-Cut Problem Based on Pointer Network Structure with Supervised Learning and Reinforcement Learning Strategies
Authors: Gu Shenshen , Yang Yue
Published: February 2020

The Max-cut problem is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem, which has many real-world applications. However, the problem has been proven to be non-deterministic polynomial-hard (NP-hard), which means that exact solution algorithms are not suitable for large-scale situations, as it is too time-consuming to obtain a solution. Therefore, designing heuristic algorithms is a promising but challenging direction to effectively solve large-scale Max-cut problems. For this reason, we propose a unique method which combines a pointer network and two deep learning strategies (supervised learning and reinforcement learning) in this paper, in order to address this challenge. A pointer network is a sequence-to-sequence deep neural network, which can extract data features in a purely data-driven way to discover the hidden laws behind data. Combining the characteristics of the Max-cut problem, we designed the input and output mechanisms of the pointer network model, and we used supervised learning and reinforcement learning to train the model to evaluate the model performance. Through experiments, we illustrated that our model can be well applied to solve large-scale Max-cut problems. Our experimental results also revealed that the new method will further encourage broader exploration of deep neural network for large-scale combinatorial optimization problems.
The Role of Blood Biomarkers for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Yue John K. , Upadhyayula Pavan S. , Avalos Lauro N. , Deng Hansen , Wang Kevin K. W.
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives: The annual global incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is over 10 million. An estimated 29% of TBI patients with negative computed tomography (CT−) have positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI+) findings. Judicious use of serum biomarkers with MRI may aid in diagnosis of CT-occult TBI. The current manuscript aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, therapeutic and risk-stratification utility of known biomarkers and intracranial MRI pathology. Materials and Methods: The PubMed database was queried with keywords (plasma OR serum) AND (biomarker OR marker OR protein) AND (brain injury/trauma OR head injury/trauma OR concussion) AND (magnetic resonance imaging/MRI) (title/abstract) in English. Seventeen articles on TBI biomarkers and MRI were included: S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B; N = 6), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP; N = 3), GFAP/ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1; N = 2), Tau (N = 2), neurofilament-light (NF-L; N = 2), alpha-synuclein (N = 1), and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor peptide (AMPAR; N = 1). Results: Acute GFAP distinguished CT−/MRI+ from CT−/MRI− (AUC = 0.777, 0.852 at 9–16 h). GFAP discriminated CT−/diffuse axonal injury (DAI+) from controls (AUC = 0.903). Tau correlated directly with number of head strikes and inversely with white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), and a cutoff > 1.5 pg/mL discriminated between DAI+ and DAI− (sensitivity = 74%/specificity = 69%). NF-L had 100% discrimination of DAI in severe TBI and correlated with FA. Low alpha-synuclein was associated with poorer functional connectivity. AMPAR cutoff > 0.4 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 92% for concussion and was associated with minor MRI findings. Low/undetectable S100B had a high negative predictive value for CT/MRI pathology. UCH-L1 showed no notable correlations with MRI. Conclusions: An acute circulating biomarker capable of discriminating intracranial MRI abnormalities is critical to establishing diagnosis for CT-occult TBI and can triage patients who may benefit from outpatient MRI, surveillance and/or follow up with TBI specialists. GFAP has shown diagnostic potential for MRI findings such as DAI and awaits further validation. Tau shows promise in detecting DAI and disrupted functional connectivity. Candidate biomarkers should be evaluated within the context of analytical performance of the assays used, as well as the post-injury timeframe for blood collection relative to MRI abnormalities.
State of the Art in Fertility Preservation for Female Patients Prior to Oncologic Therapies
Authors: Chibelean Călin Bogdan , Petca Răzvan-Cosmin , Radu Dan Cristian , Petca Aida
Published: February 2020

Quality of life improvement stands as one of the main goals of the medical sciences. Increasing cancer survival rates associated with better early detection and extended therapeutic options led to the specific modeling of patients’ choices, comprising aspects of reproductive life that correlated with the evolution of modern society, and requires better assessment. Of these, fertility preservation and ovarian function conservation for pre-menopause female oncologic patients pose a contemporary challenge due to procreation age advance in evolved societies and to the growing expectations regarding cancer treatment. Progress made in cell and tissue-freezing technologies brought hope and shed new light on the onco-fertility field. Additionally, crossing roads with general fertility and senescence studies proved highly beneficial due to the enlarged scope and better synergies and funding. We here strive to bring attention to this domain of care and to sensitize all medical specialties towards a more cohesive approach and to better communication among caregivers and patients.
Surface Quality and Free Energy Evaluation of s275 Steel by Shot Blasting, Abrasive Water Jet Texturing and Laser Surface Texturing
Authors: Bañon Fermin , Sambruno Alejandro , Batista Moises , Simonet Bartolome , Salguero Jorge
Published: February 2020

Surface modification by different technologies prior to joining operations or improving tribological properties is a point of great interest. Improving surface activation by increasing the roughness of the metal is a relationship that is becoming more defined. In turn, an increase in surface wettability by evaluating contact angles indicates surface activation by obtaining a high surface free energy. Technologies such as shot blasting and laser surface texturing (LST) have generated several scientific studies where they have identified the influence of parameters on the formation of rough surfaces with defined patterns. However, the application of abrasive water jet texturing (AWJT) has been little studied as an alternative. This article compares these technologies in the texturing of a carbon steel s275 in order to identify the relationship between surface quality and surface activation. It has been determined that AWJT produces the highest Rt values close to 64 µm with a cross feed of 0.45 mm and a traverse speed of 5000 mm/min. Furthermore, LST obtains the best values of free surface energy by combining a power of 20 W with a frequency of 20 kHz and a sweeping speed of 10 mm/s. Finally, contour diagrams have been obtained which relate these variables to the texturing parameters.
The Elusive Thomson Effect in Thermoelectric Devices. Experimental Investigation from 363 K to 213 K on Various Peltier Modules
Authors: Giaretto Valter , Campagnoli Elena
Published: February 2020

At steady state, in the governing equation of one-stage thermoelectric cooler, the heat resulting from Fourier conduction is balanced by heat generation due to the Joule and Thomson effects inside semiconductors. Since the heat flux observed at the junction of a semiconductor, r pair includes the Peltier effect and the Fourier heat flux caused by both the aforementioned contributions, the Thomson effect is easily masked by the Joule heat, which makes it elusive. With the aim of highlighting the contribution of the Thomson effect, measurements were carried out in the temperature range from 363 K to 213 K on different Peltier modules. The temperature dependence of the Seebeck and Thomson coefficients was evaluated as well as the electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity of the Peltier modules examined. The results obtained show that the temperature dependence of the thermoelectric properties can reduce the cooling capacity of the Peltier module compared to what is declared in the technical datasheets of the commercial devices. The analyses allow us to conclude that an increase in the Thomson effect could have a positive effect on the performance of the Peltier only if it were possible to reduce the Joule contribution simultaneously.
Circular Dichroism in the Second Harmonic Field Evidenced by Asymmetric Au Coated GaAs Nanowires
Authors: Belardini Alessandro , Leahu Grigore , Petronijevic Emilija , Hakkarainen Teemu , Koivusalo Eero , Rizzo Piton Marcelo , Talmila Soile , Guina Mircea , Sibilia Concita
Published: February 2020

Optical circular dichroism (CD) is an important phenomenon in nanophotonics, that addresses top level applications such as circular polarized photon generation in optics, enantiomeric recognition in biophotonics and so on. Chiral nanostructures can lead to high CD, but the fabrication process usually requires a large effort, and extrinsic chiral samples can be produced by simpler techniques. Glancing angle deposition of gold on GaAs nanowires can (NWs) induces a symmetry breaking that leads to an optical CD response that mimics chiral behavior. The GaAs NWs have been fabricated by a self-catalyzed, bottom-up approach, leading to large surfaces and high-quality samples at a relatively low cost. Here, we investigate the second harmonic generation circular dichroism (SHG-CD) signal on GaAs nanowires partially covered with Au. SHG is a nonlinear process of even order, and thus extremely sensitive to symmetry breaking. Therefore, the visibility of the signal is very high when the fabricated samples present resonances at first and second harmonic frequencies (i.e., 800 and 400 nm, in our case).
Daily Intake of Paraprobiotic Lactobacillus amylovorus CP1563 Improves Pre-Obese Conditions and Affects the Gut Microbial Community in Healthy Pre-Obese Subjects: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Sugawara Tomonori , Sawada Daisuke , Yanagihara Sae , Aoki Yumeko , Takehara Isao , Sugahara Hirosuke , Hirota Tatsuhiko , Nakamura Yasunori , Ishikawa Susumu
Published: February 2020

Despite the fact that gut microbiota is closely associated with obesity, few studies have focused on the influences of paraprobiotics as food ingredients on both obesity prevention and the gut microbial community. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fragmented Lactobacillus amylovorus CP1563 (CP1563) as a paraprobiotic for obesity prevention and investigated its effects on the gut microbial community in pre-obese subjects. One hundred sixty-nine healthy subjects with a body mass index from 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 ingested beverages with or without the fragmented CP1563 containing 10-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (10-HOA) for 12 weeks. The changes in abdominal, total, visceral, and subcutaneous fatty areas were significantly lower in the CP1563-10-HOA group than in the placebo group at 12 weeks. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal DNA revealed that the changes in the abundances of the genera Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae;g were significantly greater in the CP1563-10-HOA group than in the placebo group, and the changes in the abundances of the genus Collinsella was significantly smaller in the CP1563-10HOA group than in the placebo group. Our results showed that continuous ingestion of the fragmented CP1563 containing 10-HOA reduced abdominal body fat and affected the gut microbial community in pre-obese healthy subjects. Our findings may contribute to the understanding of the relationship between the anti-obesity effect of paraprobiotics and gut microbiota.
AHP, Fuzzy SAW, and Fuzzy WPM for the Evaluation of Cultural Websites
Authors: Kabassi Katerina , Karydis Christos , Botonis Athanasios
Published: February 2020

The evaluation of cultural websites is a complicated procedure that depends on several criteria. The main contribution of this paper is on showing how this process may be implemented. For this reason, different multi-criteria decision-making methods are combined and compared for processing the results of the evaluation. More specifically, the paper provides the criteria for evaluating a website of cultural heritage and presents the application of Analytical Hierarchy Process for estimating the weights of the criteria. Then, it compares two different multi-criteria decision-making models, fuzzy simple additive weighting and fuzzy weighted product model, for being combined with Analytical Hierarchy Process and processing the results of the evaluation. The evaluation involves 29 websites of the conservation labs of the international museums and useful conclusions are extracted about the application of all methods and the combination of Analytical Hierarchy Process with fuzzy simple additive weighting and fuzzy weighted product model.
Nano Meets Micro-Translational Nanotechnology in Medicine: Nano-Based Applications for Early Tumor Detection and Therapy
Authors: Siemer Svenja , Wünsch Désirée , Khamis Aya , Lu Qiang , Scherberich Arnaud , Filippi Miriam , Krafft Marie Pierre , Hagemann Jan , Weiss Carsten , Ding Guo-Bin , Stauber Roland H. , Gribko Alena
Published: February 2020

Nanomaterials have great potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells of solid tumor origin entering the peripheral blood after detachment from a primary tumor. The occurrence and circulation of CTCs are accepted as a prerequisite for the formation of metastases, which is the major cause of cancer-associated deaths. Due to their clinical significance CTCs are intensively discussed to be used as liquid biopsy for early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. However, there are substantial challenges for the clinical use of CTCs based on their extreme rarity and heterogeneous biology. Therefore, methods for effective isolation and detection of CTCs are urgently needed. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and its wide applications in the biomedical field, researchers have designed various nano-sized systems with the capability of CTCs detection, isolation, and CTCs-targeted cancer therapy. In the present review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms of CTC-associated tumor metastasis, and give detailed information about the unique properties of CTCs that can be harnessed for their effective analytical detection and enrichment. Furthermore, we want to give an overview of representative nano-systems for CTC isolation, and highlight recent achievements in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies. We also emphasize the recent advances in nano-based CTCs-targeted cancer therapy. We conclude by critically discussing recent CTC-based nano-systems with high therapeutic and diagnostic potential as well as their biocompatibility as a practical example of applied nanotechnology.
Deagglomeration of Ultrafine Hydrophilic Nanopowder Using Low-Frequency Pulsed Fluidization
Authors: Al-Ghurabi Ebrahim H. , Shahabuddin Mohammed , Kumar Nadavala Siva , Asif Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Low-frequency flow pulsations were utilized to improve the hydrodynamics of the fluidized bed of hydrophilic ultrafine nanosilica powder with strong agglomeration behavior. A gradual fluidization of unassisted fluidized bed through stepwise velocity change was carried out over a wide range of velocities followed by a gradual defluidization process. Bed dynamics in different regions of the fluidized bed were carefully monitored using fast and sensitive pressure transducers. Next, 0.05-Hz square-wave flow pulsation was introduced, and the fluidization behavior of the pulsed fluidized bed was rigorously characterized to delineate its effect on the bed hydrodynamics by comparing it with one of the unassisted fluidized bed. Flow pulsations caused a substantial decrease in minimum fluidization velocity and effective agglomerate diameter. The frequencies and amplitudes of various events in different fluidized bed regions were determined by performing frequency domain analysis on real-time bed transient data. The pulsations and their effects promoted deagglomeration and improved homogeneity of the pulsed fluidized bed.
Formation of Nanostructured Carbon from [Ni(NH3)6]3[Fe(CN)6]2
Authors: Domonov Denis P. , Pechenyuk Sophiya I. , Belyaevskii Alexander T. , Yusenko Kirill V.
Published: February 2020

The products of thermal decomposition in an argon atmosphere of [Ni(NH3)6]3[Fe(CN)6]2 as a precursor has been studied. Decomposition products were studied up to 800 °C. Above 600 °C, all coordination bonds in the residues are broken with a formation of Ni3Fe, Fe, and free carbon with a small admixture of nitrogen. Elementary carbon can be easily separated from metals by treatment with a water solution of hydrochloric acid. Only carbon is responsible for the specific surface of the composite products. The released carbon has a high degree of graphitization and begins to oxidize in air above 500 °C and is completely oxidized above 700 °C.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-CeO2 Nanorods: A “Nanonetwork” Modified Electrode for Detecting Trace Rifampicin
Authors: Zhang Na , Brites Helu Mariela , Zhang Keying , Fang Xia , Yin Hu , Chen Jinmin , Ma Shangshang , Fang Aidong , Wang Cong
Published: February 2020

Herein, a “nanonetwork” modified electrode was fabricated based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and CeO2 nanorods. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and zeta potential were employed to characterize this electrode. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes negatively charged and CeO2 nanorods positively charged form “nanonetwork” via electrostatic interaction. The performance of the CeO2 nanorods-based electrode remarkably improved due to the introduction of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The detection of rifampicin (RIF) was used as a model system to probe this novel electrode. The results showed a significant electrocatalytic activity for the redox reaction of RIF. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to detect rifampicin, the reduction peak current of rifampicin linear with the logarithm of their concentrations in the range of 1.0 × 10−13–1.0 × 10−6 mol/L, The linear equation is ip = 6.72 + 0. 46lgc, the detect limit is 3.4 × 10−14 mol/L (S/N = 3). Additionally, the modified electrode exhibits enduring stability, excellent reproducibility, and high selectivity. This strategy can be successfully used to detect trace rifampicin in samples with satisfactory results.
Experimental Studies of Front-of-Package Nutrient Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Ultra-Processed Foods: A Scoping Review
Authors: Taillie Lindsey Smith , Hall Marissa G. , Popkin Barry M. , Ng Shu Wen , Murukutla Nandita
Published: February 2020

Policies that require front-of-package (FoP) nutrient warnings are becoming increasingly common across the globe as a strategy to discourage excess consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed food. However, a better understanding of the pathway through which FoP nutrient warnings work, as well as a review of how outcomes being measured in recent studies map onto this pathway, are needed in order to inform policy on the most effective FoP label design for reducing purchases of ultra-processed foods. This scoping review describes a conceptual model for how FoP nutrient warnings affect consumer behavior, examines which of these outcomes are currently being measured, and summarizes evidence from randomized controlled experiments. Twenty-two studies which experimentally tested nutrient warnings against a control label or other labeling systems were included for full-text review. Our conceptual model includes attention; comprehension, cognitive elaboration, and message acceptance; negative affect and risk perception; behavioral intentions, and behavioral response, along with other elements such as external factors and interpersonal communications. We found that many studies focused on outcomes such as attention, comprehension, and behavioral intentions, but considerable gaps in the evidence remain, particularly for intermediary steps on the pathway to behavioral change, such as negative affect and social interactions. FoP nutrient warnings were visually attended to by consumers, easy to understand, helped consumers identify products high in nutrients of concern, and discouraged them from purchasing these products, although other labeling systems were perceived as containing more information and performed better at helping consumers rank the healthfulness of products. More research is needed to understand whether and how nutrient warnings work in the real world to discourage consumer purchases of sugary drinks and ultra-processed food.
The Effects of Ethanol on the Heart: Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fernández-Solà Joaquim
Published: February 2020

Alcoholic-dilated Cardiomyopathy (ACM) is the most prevalent form of ethanol-induced heart damage. Ethanol induces ACM in a dose-dependent manner, independently of nutrition, vitamin, or electrolyte disturbances. It has synergistic effects with other heart risk factors. ACM produces a progressive reduction in myocardial contractility and heart chamber dilatation, leading to heart failure episodes and arrhythmias. Pathologically, ethanol induces myocytolysis, apoptosis, and necrosis of myocytes, with repair mechanisms causing hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Myocyte ethanol targets include changes in membrane composition, receptors, ion channels, intracellular [Ca2+] transients, and structural proteins, and disrupt sarcomere contractility. Cardiac remodeling tries to compensate for this damage, establishing a balance between aggression and defense mechanisms. The final process of ACM is the result of dosage and individual predisposition. The ACM prognosis depends on the degree of persistent ethanol intake. Abstinence is the preferred goal, although controlled drinking may still improve cardiac function. New strategies are addressed to decrease myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis and try to improve myocyte regeneration, minimizing ethanol-related cardiac damage. Growth factors and cardiomyokines are relevant molecules that may modify this process. Cardiac transplantation is the final measure in end-stage ACM but is limited to those subjects able to achieve abstinence.
Study of Magnesium Formulations on Intestinal Cells to Influence Myometrium Cell Relaxation
Authors: Uberti Francesca , Morsanuto Vera , Ruga Sara , Galla Rebecca , Farghali Mahitab , Notte Felice , Bozzo Chiarella , Magnani Corrado , Nardone Antonio , Molinari Claudio
Published: February 2020

Background: Magnesium is involved in a wide variety of physiological processes including direct relaxation of smooth muscle. A magnesium imbalance can be considered the primary cause or consequence of many pathophysiological conditions. The smooth muscle tissue of the uterus, i.e., the myometrium, undergoes numerous physiological changes during life, fundamental for uterine activities, and it receives proven benefits from magnesium supplementation. However, magnesium supplements have poor absorption and bioavailability. Furthermore, no data are available on the direct interaction between intestinal absorption of magnesium and relaxation of the myometrium. Methods: Permeability in human intestinal cells (Caco-2 cells) and direct effects on myometrial cells (PHM1-41 cells) of two different forms of magnesium, i.e., sucrosomial and bisglycinate, were studied in order to verify the magnesium capacity of modulate contractility. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, magnesium concentration, contractility, and pathways involved were analyzed. Results: Data showed a better influence of buffered chelate bisglycinate on intestinal permeability and myometrial relaxation over time with a maximum effect at 3 h and greater availability compared to the sucrosomial form. Conclusions: Magnesium-buffered bisglycinate chelate showed better intestinal absorption and myometrial contraction, indicating a better chance of effectiveness in human applications.
The Current Configuration of the OSTIA System for Operational Production of Foundation Sea Surface Temperature and Ice Concentration Analyses
Authors: Good Simon , Fiedler Emma , Mao Chongyuan , Martin Matthew J. , Maycock Adam , Reid Rebecca , Roberts-Jones Jonah , Searle Toby , Waters Jennifer , While James , Worsfold Mark
Published: February 2020

The Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Ice Analysis (OSTIA) system generates global, daily, gap-filled foundation sea surface temperature (SST) fields from satellite data and in situ observations. The SSTs have uncertainty information provided with them and an ice concentration (IC) analysis is also produced. Additionally, a global, hourly diurnal skin SST product is output each day. The system is run in near real time to produce data for use in applications such as numerical weather prediction. Data production is monitored routinely and outputs are available from the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS; marine.copernicus.eu). As an operational product, the OSTIA system is continuously under development. For example, since the original descriptor paper was published, the underlying data assimilation scheme that is used to generate the foundation SST analyses has been updated. Various publications have described these changes but a full description is not available in a single place. This technical note focuses on the production of the foundation SST and IC analyses by OSTIA and aims to provide a comprehensive description of the current system configuration.
Development of Global Tropospheric Empirical Correction Model with High Temporal Resolution
Authors: Xu Chaoqian , Yao Yibin , Shi Junbo , Zhang Qi , Peng Wenjie
Published: February 2020

The accuracy of global tropospheric empirical models depends on the model expression and the modeling data sources. Although the current temporal resolution of available models is usually one day, it is anticipated that this will be improved in the future. To achieve compatibility with future high temporal-resolution data sources, this study develops a new global tropospheric correction model, the Wuhan-University Global Tropospheric Empirical Model (WGTEM). Evaluation of WGTEM model expression determines that it has better precision than other models, and this is attributed to its ability to consider diurnal variations in meteorological parameters and the double-peak daily variation in air pressure, which are not concerned in other models. The external accuracy of the WGTEM was evaluated after modeling with the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim products, and results show its accuracy exceeds that of the current ITG model and its Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) performance is also superior.
Real-time Reconstruction of Surface Velocities from Satellite Observations in the Alboran Sea
Authors: Isern-Fontanet Jordi , García-Ladona Emilio , Jiménez-Madrid José Antonio , Olmedo Estrella , García-Sotillo Marcos , Orfila Alejandro , Turiel Antonio
Published: February 2020

Surface currents in the Alboran Sea are characterized by a very fast evolution that is not well captured by altimetric maps due to sampling limitations. On the contrary, satellite infrared measurements provide high resolution synoptic images of the ocean at high temporal rate, allowing to capture the evolution of the flow. The capability of Surface Quasi-Geostrophic (SQG) dynamics to retrieve surface currents from thermal images was evaluated by comparing resulting velocities with in situ observations provided by surface drifters. A difficulty encountered comes from the lack of information about ocean salinity. We propose to exploit the strong relationship between salinity and temperature to identify water masses with distinctive salinity in satellite images and use this information to correct buoyancy. Once corrected, our results show that the SQG approach can retrieve ocean currents slightly better to that of near-real-time currents derived from altimetry in general, but much better in areas badly sampled by altimeters such as the area to the east of the Strait of Gibraltar. Although this area is far from the geostrophic equilibrium, the results show that the good sampling of infrared radiometers allows at least retrieving the direction of ocean currents in this area. The proposed approach can be used in other areas of the ocean for which water masses with distinctive salinity can be identified from satellite observations.
Characterizing Land Surface Phenology and Exotic Annual Grasses in Dryland Ecosystems Using Landsat and Sentinel-2 Data in Harmony
Authors: Pastick Neal J. , Dahal Devendra , Wylie Bruce K. , Parajuli Sujan , Boyte Stephen P. , Wu Zhouting
Published: February 2020

Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), have proliferated in dryland ecosystems of the western United States, promoting increased fire activity and reduced biodiversity that can be detrimental to socio-environmental systems. Monitoring exotic annual grass cover and dynamics over large areas requires the use of remote sensing that can support early detection and rapid response initiatives. However, few studies have leveraged remote sensing technologies and computing frameworks capable of providing rangeland managers with maps of exotic annual grass cover at relatively high spatiotemporal resolutions and near real-time latencies. Here, we developed a system for automated mapping of invasive annual grass (%) cover using in situ observations, harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) data, maps of biophysical variables, and machine learning techniques. A robust and automated cloud, cloud shadow, water, and snow/ice masking procedure (mean overall accuracy >81%) was implemented using time-series outlier detection and data mining techniques prior to spatiotemporal interpolation of HLS data via regression tree models (r = 0.94; mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.02). Weekly, cloud-free normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) image composites (2016–2018) were used to construct a suite of spectral and phenological metrics (e.g., start and end of season dates), consistent with information derived from Moderate Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. These metrics were incorporated into a data mining framework that accurately (r = 0.83; MAE = 11) modeled and mapped exotic annual grass (%) cover throughout dryland ecosystems in the western United States at a native, 30-m spatial resolution. Our results show that inclusion of weekly HLS time-series data and derived indicators improves our ability to map exotic annual grass cover, as compared to distribution models that use MODIS products or monthly, seasonal, or annual HLS composites as primary inputs. This research fills a critical gap in our ability to effectively assess, manage, and monitor drylands by providing a framework that allows for an accurate and timely depiction of land surface phenology and exotic annual grass cover at spatial and temporal resolutions that are meaningful to local resource managers.
Lunar Regolith Temperature Variation in the Rümker Region Based on the Real-Time Illumination
Authors: Zhong Zhen , Yan Jianguo , Xiao Zhiyong
Published: February 2020

Chang’E-5 will be China’s first sample−return mission. The proposed landing site is at the late-Eratosthenian-aged Rümker region of the lunar nearside. During this mission, a driller will be sunk into the lunar regolith to collect samples from depths up to two meters. This mission provides an ideal opportunity to investigate the lunar regolith temperature variation, which is important to the drilling program. This study focuses on the temperature variation of lunar regolith, especially the subsurface temperature. Such temperature information is crucial to both the engineering needs of the drilling program and interpretation of future heat-flow measurements at the lunar landing site. Based on the real-time illumination, and particularly the terrain obscuration, a one-dimensional heat equation was applied to estimate the temperature variation over the whole landing region. Our results confirm that while solar illumination strongly affects the surface temperature, such effect becomes weak at increasing depths. The skin depth of diurnal temperature variations is restricted to the uppermost ~5 cm, and the temperature of regolith deeper than ~0.6 m is controlled by the interior heat flow. At such a depth, China’s future lunar exploration is adequate to measure the inner heat flow, considering the drilling depth will be close to 2 m.
Influence of Spatial Resolution and Retrieval Frequency on Applicability of Satellite-Predicted PM2.5 in Northern China
Authors: Li Rong , Mei Xin , Chen Liangfu , Wang Zifeng , Jing Yingying , Wei Lifei
Published: February 2020

Satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) products have been widely used in estimating fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations near the surface at a regional scale, and perform well compared with ground measurements. However, the influence of limitations such as retrieval frequency and the spatial resolution of satellite AODs on the applicability of predicted PM2.5 values has been rarely considered. With three widely used MODIS AOD products, including Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC), Deep Blue (DB) and Dark Target (DT), here we evaluate the influence of their spatial resolution and sampling frequency by estimating daily PM2.5 concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region of northern China during 2017 utilizing a mixed effects model. The daily concentrations of PM2.5 derived from MAIAC, DB and DT AOD all have high correlations (R2: 0.78, 0.8, and 0.78) with the observed values, but the predicted annual PM2.5 exhibits a distinct spatial distribution. DT estimation obviously underestimates annual PM2.5 in polluted areas due to lower sampling of heavy pollution events. By contrast, the retrieval frequency (~40-60%) of MAIAC and DB AOD can represent well annual PM2.5 in nearly all 83 sites tested. However, MAIAC and DB-derived PM2.5 have a larger bias compared with observed values than DT, indicating that the large spatial variation of aerosol properties can exert an influence on the reliability of the statistical AOD-PM2.5 relationship. Also, there is notable difference between MAIAC and DB PM2.5 due to their different cloud screening methods. The MAIAC PM2.5 with high spatial resolution at 1 km can capture much finer hotpots than DB and DT at 10 km. Our results suggest that it is crucial to consider the applicability of satellite-predicted PM2.5 values derived from different aerosol products according to the specific requirements besides modeling the AOD-PM2.5 relationship.
Geospatial Modeling of the Tombolo Phenomenon in Sopot using Integrated Geodetic and Hydrographic Measurement Methods
Authors: Specht Mariusz , Specht Cezary , Mindykowski Janusz , Dąbrowski Paweł , Maśnicki Romuald , Makar Artur
Published: February 2020

A tombolo is a narrow belt connecting a mainland with an island lying near to the shore, formed as a result of sand and gravel being deposited by sea currents, most often created as a result of natural phenomena. However, it can also be caused by human activity, as is the case with the Sopot pier—a town located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland (φ = 54°26’N, λ = 018°33’E). As a result, the seafloor rises constantly and the shoreline moves towards the sea. Moreover, there is the additional disturbing phenomenon consisting of the rising seafloor sand covering over the waterbody’s vegetation and threatening the city's spa character. Removal of the sand to another place has already been undertaken several times. There is a lack of precise geospatial data about the tombolo’s seafloor course, its size and spatial shape caused by only lowering the seafloor in random places, and the ongoing environmental degradation process. This article presents the results of extensive and integrated geodetic and hydrographic measurements, the purpose of which was to make a 3D model of the phenomena developing in Sopot. The measurements will help determine the size and speed of the geospatial changes. Most of the modern geodetic and hydrographic methods were used in the study of these phenomena. For the construction of the land part of geospatial model, the following were used: photos from the photogrammetric flight pass (unmanned aerial vehicle—UAV), laser scanning of the beach and piers, and satellite orthophotomaps for analysis of the coastline changes. In the sea part, bathymetric measurements were carried out with an unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
Digital Financial Inclusion and Farmers’ Vulnerability to Poverty: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Wang Xue , He Guangwen
Published: February 2020

Access to finance is often cited as a key factor for sustainable poverty alleviation, but expanding access to the poor remains an important challenge for financial institutions. Much hope has, therefore, been placed in the transformative power of digital financial inclusion. However, evidence on the relationship between digital financial inclusion and poverty is limited. This paper is one of the first attempts to study the effects of digital financial inclusion on farmers’ vulnerability to poverty in China, using survey data on 1900 rural households. Vulnerability to poverty, here defined as the likelihood of poverty in the future, is measured by the Asset-Based Vulnerability model. In our survey, the proportion of farmers using digital financial services is 35.63%. Our estimations show that farmers’ use of digital financial services have positive effects on reduction in their vulnerability. We also find that such effects rely mainly on improvement in farmers’ ability to cope with risk, that is, alleviating their vulnerability induced by risk. Further investigation reveals that digital financial services provided by ICT companies have a larger impact on farmers’ vulnerability than that provided by traditional banks. The lessons learned from China’s digital financial inclusion is valuable for other developing countries where financial exclusion looms large.
Relación entre el contenido clorofílico sobre el estado nutrimental en palma aceitera (Elaeis guineensis Jacq)
Authors: Cruz Vladimir , Paredes Eduardo , Vega Cristian , Bernal Gustavo , Sánchez Julio , Jaramillo Raúl , Calvache Ulloa Marcelo
Published: February 2020

El propósito que tuvo este estudio fue determinar la relación o relaciones entre el contenido de clorofila asociado con las diferentes dosis nutrimentales de nitrógeno, potasio y magnesio para los materiales en renovación de palma aceitera (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) en la zona de Monterrey. Como método empleado estuvo enmarcado bajo un diseño central compuesto (DCC), la investigación se realizó en la plantación de palma (CIRAD), de cinco años en campo y tres años de experimentación, sin riego, perteneciente a la Cooperativa Agropecuaria Orellana (CAO), las variables evaluadas fueron Concentración de Clorofila (CCF), Emisión Foliar (EF), Peso Seco Foliar (PSF), entre otras. Para finalizar se determinó que aunque el análisis de correlación es un método utilizado con frecuencia en los estudios biológicos, una correlación positiva o negativa entre estas dos variables es solo la explicación del fenómeno fisiológico y no necesariamente un reflejo correcto de la relación intrínseca causa-efecto entre ellas.
Diseño de material instruccional para la enseñanza de algoritmia y programación en las prácticas profesionales de profesores en formación
Authors: Carpio Esther
Published: February 2020

El estudio refiere el desarrollo de una solución instruccional que permita a los estudiantes de la Especialidad de Informática del IPC, cursantes de las Prácticas Profesionales, minimizar debilidades pedagógicas y especializadas en la enseñanza de asignaturas asociadas a la algoritmia y programación. La investigación realizada se caracteriza por ser un proyecto factible, dirigido a la realización de propuestas y modelos encausados hacia la solución de problemas y necesidades detectadas. Fue considerado el Modelo de Desarrollo Instruccional propuesto por Szczurek (1989), el cual comprende cuatro fases: Estudio de Necesidades (Modelo de Müller, 2003), Diseño de la Solución, Implementación de la Solución y Evaluación de cada una de las fases antes citadas. Para el diseño de la solución se empleó el Modelo de Dorrego (1994) para la realización del material instruccional y el Modelo de Aprendizaje a Través de la Práctica de Schank, Berman y Macpherson (citado por Reigeluth, 1999) para el diseño de la sesión de clase. La fase de Implantación no fue abordada en éste estudio, se propone el Modelo de Zabatta (1997) para su posterior desarrollo. Para la evaluación del sistema se utilizó el Modelo de Stufflebeam (1987, citado por Abdala, 2007).
The well-being of children in the face of socio-economic deprivation and family instability
Authors: Schoon Ingrid
Published: February 2020

This paper explores the role of parenting practices in promoting the well-being of children growing up in conditions of socio-economic deprivation and family instability. Using data collected for the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a multi-dimensional approach is adopted in conceptualising family adversity and children’s well-being. The effect of income poverty on children’s cognitive, social and emotional adjustment is assessed, considering several related adverse factors, such as family demographics, family instability, housing, and area deprivation, to evaluate their independent and combined risk effect. The findings suggest that persistent and intermittent poverty are significantly associated with poorer academic attainment and socio-emotional behaviour adjustment of young children. Family structure and instability show an independent risk effect, especially regarding social behaviour adjustment. Generally, the combined effect of socio-economic and family-related risk factors on children’s adjustment is stronger than individual effects. Parenting practices do not completely mediate the impact of family adversity on children’s adjustment across domains but show independent and beneficial effects -in particular regarding the quality of the parent-child relationship. Adopting a multi-dimensional approach facilitates a better understanding of independent and cumulative risk effects and enables the unpacking of differential effects of parenting practices.
The revolutionary thoughts viewed in the Bharathidasan Revolutionary poems
Authors: P Thana Lekshmi
Published: February 2020

Bharathidasan, who wanted to spread revolutionary ideas among the masses, created an miniature Epic “Puratchi Kavi”. In the days when discrimination of the poor was spreading among the masses and the poor were forced to live as slaves, the revolution of all was one. For good government, he established the importance of women's education through the Educational lust of the head. The revolutionary specialty is the manipulation of the weapon of love to eliminate the discrimination of the superior and the inferior. The king opposition for love life takes to the Slaughterhouse. There in the presence of the people, they present their situation and the decision is left in the hands of the people. Because this article tells us that the revolution of the people is the flowering of democracy and that the good will flow only if the democracy blossoms.
Physiological norms in Silappatikaram
Authors: Tharmenthira Shopana
Published: February 2020

Silappatikaram an epic poetry was written by Ilanko Adikal.  Silambu and Context (Athikaram) are combined and becomes Silappatikaram. The story of Silmba (Anklet) is therefore called Silappatikaram. It is called the Citizen's Epic because it was sung by ordinary people like Kovalan and Kannaki. It is the book that makes the life of the people very clear. Individuality, Family, Relative, Community Membership, Citizenship are Physiological Sites and characteristics that human beings need to protect, tasks to perform, and the norms by which an ordinary man can live in everyday life. The integrity of the political life, the rise of femininity, the belief in morality are the high principles of the Tamil people; Silappatikaram explains these. It persuades moral principles through fiction. In this way, it is considered to be the study of the Physiological norms of these People's through dance.
Regional Based Mayakkam and Thinai Mayakkam
Authors: B Umarani
Published: February 2020

The intersectional areas featured in the literature are the abilities of the Creator who seek to express the living style condition of the people in a realistic manner. The reason is that a community-based creator of the idealized belt. ‘Mudarporul’, ‘Karuporul’ and ‘Uriporul’ pertaining to a specific landscape of ‘Tinai’ may occur in a verse belonging to another ‘Tinai’. This transgression is called ‘Tinai Mayakkam’. If ‘Mudarporul’ and ‘Karuporul’ insist there natural space where is ‘Uriporul’ not necessery. Otherwise, if ‘Mudarporul’ and ‘Karuporul’ create cultural space it is not possible to eliminate ‘Uriporul’ from create themes based on cultural space. ‘Tinai’ is pointing to the man-made cultural space. Just a literary creator, who is not only, delivers a natural space but also he builds humans’ cultural space.