bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Composite Hydrogel with High Mechanical Strength, Fluorescence, and Degradable Behavior for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Yanqin , Xue Yanan , Wang Jinghui , Zhu Yaping , Zhu Yu , Zhang Xuehui , Liao Jingwen , Li Xiaona , Wu Xiaogang , Qin Yi-Xian , Chen Weiyi
Published: July 2019

In this work, to obtain a novel composite hydrogel with high mechanical strength, fluorescence and degradable behavior for bone tissue engineering, we prepare a nanofiller and double-network (DN) structure co-enhanced carbon dots/hydroxyapatite/poly (vinyl alcohol) (CDs/HA/PVA) DN hydrogel. The composite hydrogels are fabricated by a combination of two fabrication techniques including chemical copolymerization and freezing‒thawing cycles, and further characterized by FTIR, XRD, etc. Additional investigations focus on the mechanical properties of the hydrogel with varying mass ratios of CDs to PVA, HA to PVA and different numbers of freezing/thawing cycles. The results show that the as-prepared CDs3.0/HA0.6/PVA DN9 hydrogel has optimized compression properties (Compression strength = 3.462 MPa, Young’s modulus = 4.5 kPa). This is mainly caused by the synergism effect of the nanofiller and chemical and physical co-crosslinking. The water content and swelling ratio of the CDs/HA/PVA SN and DN gels are also systematically investigated to reveal the relationship of their microstructural features and mechanical behavior. In addition, in vitro degradation tests of the CDs/HA/PVA DN hydrogel show that the DN hydrogels have a prominent degradable behavior. So, they have potential to be used as high-strength, self-tracing bone substitutes in the biomedical engineering field.
Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials Based on P(TDA-co-HDA)/GO Composites
Authors: Chen Sai , Yu Yue , Cao Ruirui , Liu Haihui , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: July 2019

Shape-stabilized phase change materials (SPCMs) are green, reusable energy storage materials. Because the melting temperature of n-alkyl acrylate copolymer is adjustable by controlling the side-chain length, the appropriate melting temperature can be achieved. Poly(tetradecyl acrylate-co-hexadecyl acrylate) (P(TDA-co-HDA)) with a molar ratio of 1:1 and SPCMs were fabricated via an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method and a solution blending method with P(TDA-co-HDA) as a thermal storage material and graphene oxide (GO) as a supporting substance. In this composite, an SPCM was achieved, which absorbed heat at 29.9 °C and released it at 12.1 °C with a heat storage capacity of 70 J/g at a mass ratio of GO of 10%. The material retained its shape without any leakage at 60 °C, which was much higher than that of the melting temperature of P(TDA-co-HDA). The SPCMs exhibited good crystallization behaviors and excellent thermal reliabilities after 100 thermal cycles. The thermal properties of the P(TDA-co-HDA)/GO composite PCMs with various GO loadings were also investigated. The novel shape-stabilized PCMs fabricated in this study have potential uses in thermal energy storage applications.
How does Pickering Emulsion Pre-treatment Influence the Properties of Wood Flour and its Composites with High-Density Polyethylene?
Authors: Jiang Jun , Mei Changtong , Pan Mingzhu , Cao Jinzhen
Published: July 2019

Silica synergistically stabilized paraffin Pickering emulsion is applied to modify wood flour (WF) for preparing wood/polymer composites. The effect of Pickering emulsion on properties of the WF and its composites with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is investigated. The impregnation of paraffin Pickering emulsion could significantly improve the WF dispersion in HDPE matrix, resulting in increased melt flow index (MFI). It increased from 1.3 g/10 min (control) to 2.1 g/10 min (Pickering treatment) due to the lubrication of paraffin and rolling friction provided by silica nanoparticles. The hydrophobicity of the WF was improved by the penetration of paraffin and silica in the cell wall, which could consume the hydroxyl groups in WFs via hydrogen bonding. Owing to the well distribution of WFs and silica, the mechanical properties and surface hardness of the composites were enhanced obviously. The optimal tensile strength and impact strength increased 23% (18.28 MPa) and 32% (14.16 KJ/m2), respectively. It also could be attributed to the improved interfacial compatibility due to the incorporation of surfactants (Span 80 and Tween 80), which acted as a coupling agent. Furthermore, the silica incorporated in the WF could compensate the negative effect of paraffin on thermal stability of the composites. A model concerning the interactions in the composites was proposed based on the research results.
Effect of Stone-Wales Defect on Mechanical Properties of Gr/epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Maoyuan , Chen Peng , Zheng Bing , Deng Tianzhengxiong , Zhang Yun , Liao Yonggui , Zhou Huamin
Published: July 2019

Due to its superior mechanical properties, graphene (Gr) has the potential to achieve high performance polymer-based nanocomposites. Previous studies have proved that defects in the Gr sheets could greatly reduce the mechanical properties of Gr, while the Stone-Wales (SW) defect was found to enhance the interfacial mechanical strength between Gr and epoxy. However, the combined effects of defects on the overall mechanical properties of Gr/epoxy nanocomposites have not been well understood. In this paper, the effect of the SW defect on the mechanical properties of Gr/epoxy nanocomposites was systematically investigated by using molecular dynamic simulations. The simulation results showed that the SW defect would degrade the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, including the Young’s modulus and in-plane shear modulus. Surprisingly, the transverse shear modulus could be remarkably enhanced with the existence of SW. The reinforcing mechanisms were mainly due to two aspects: (1) the SW defect could increase the surface roughness of the Gr, preventing the slippage between Gr and epoxy during the transverse shea; and (2) the nanocomposite with defective Gr enables a higher interaction energy than that with perfect graphene. Additionally, the effects of temperature, the dispersion and volume fraction of Gr were also investigated.
Biological Pretreatment of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch by Schizophyllum commune ENN1 without Washing and Nutrient Addition
Authors: Arbaain Enis Natasha Noor , Bahrin Ezyana Kamal , Ibrahim Mohamad Faizal , Ando Yoshito , Abd-Aziz Suraini
Published: July 2019

Washing and drying are common steps for oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) preparation prior to pretreatment. However, the mass balance of OPEFB preparation proved a major loss of OPEFB during the washing and drying steps. An indigenous fungus, Schizophyllum commune ENN1 was used for delignification of unwashed OPEFB in biological pretreatment without nutrient addition. S. commune ENN1 achieved a maximum lignin removal of 53.8% after 14 days of biological pretreatment of unwashed OPEFB. S. commune ENN1 was able to grow on unwashed OPEFB during biological pretreatment at 55% of moisture content and 5% of oil residue. The highest amount of reducing sugars obtained from OPEFB pretreated by S. commune ENN1 was 230.4 ± 0.19 mg/g with 54% of hydrolysis yield at 96 h. In comparison, the sugar yield of OPEFB pretreated by Phanerochaete chrysosporium was 101.2 ± 0.04 mg/g. This study showed that S. commune ENN1 was feasible to remove lignin of OPEFB through biological pretreatment for enzymatic saccharification without washing and addition of nutrients.
Control Strategy for Inverter Air Conditioners under Demand Response
Authors: Che Yanbo , Yang Jianxiong , Zhao Yuancheng , Xue Siyuan
Published: July 2019

Air conditioning loads are important resources for demand response. With the help of thermal energy storage capacity, they can reduce peak load, improve the reliability of power grid operations, and enhance the emergency capacity of a power grid, without affecting the comfort of the users. In this paper, a virtual energy storage model for inverter air conditioning loads, which reflects their operating characteristics and is more conducive to practical application, is established. Two parts are involved in the virtual energy storage model: An electrical parameter part, based on the operating characteristics, and a thermal parameter part, based on the equivalent thermal parameter model. The control function and restrictive conditions of the virtual energy storage are analyzed and a control strategy, based on virtual state-of-charge ranking, is proposed. The strategy controls the inverter air conditioners through re-assigning indoor temperature set-points within the pre-agreed protocol interval and gives priority those with a higher virtual state of charge. As a result, electric power consumption is reduced while the temperature remains unchanged, so that a shortage in the power system can be compensated for as much as possible, while the comfort of users is guaranteed. Simulation and example analyses show that the strategy is effective in controlling air conditioning loads. Additionally, the influences of load reduction target magnitude and communication time-step on the performance of the control strategy are analyzed.
Spatial Variations of Bacterial Communities of an Anaerobic Lagoon-Type Biodigester Fed with Dairy Manure
Authors: García-Lozano Marleny , Hernández-De Lira Inty Omar , Huber David H. , Balagurusamy Nagamani
Published: July 2019

Anaerobic digestion technology is being widely employed for sustainable management of organic wastes generated in animal farms, industries, etc. Nevertheless, biodigester microbiome is still considered a “black box” because it is regulated by different physico-chemical and operational factors. In this study, the bacterial diversity and composition in different sites of a full-scale lagoon type biodigester (23,000 m3) fed with dairy manure, viz., the influent, beginning, middle, final and effluent were analyzed. The biodigester registered a total of 1445 OTUs, which demonstrated the complex microbial ecosystem in it. Of them, only six OTUs were shared among all the different sampling points. The most abundant phyla belonged to Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Latescibacteria and Thermotogae. The Simpson and Shannon index showed that the highest microbial diversity was observed in the beginning point of the biodigester, meanwhile, the lowest diversity was recorded in the middle. Based on the UniFrac distances, microbial communities with high similarity were recorded in the middle and final of the biodigester. It can be clearly observed that bacterial communities varied at the different points of the biodigester. However, based on metagenome predictions using PICRUSt, it was found that independent of the differences in taxonomy and location, bacterial communities maintained similar metabolic functions.
Mushūkyō Identification and the Fragile Existence of Catholic Children in Japan
Authors: LeMay Alec R.
Published: July 2019

This paper challenges the Japanese word mushūkyō as it is used to create a collective, non-religious identity that excludes religious practitioners. Mushūkyō, in addition to functioning as the antithesis of religion, produces the homogeneity Japanese desire for themselves. As Japan becomes increasingly more diverse in thought and ethnic background, it regulates this diversity by teaching young Japanese to subscribe to mushūkyō. This is achieved by controlling the friendships children have at school and by creating an environment that limits religious practice. The conflict between public schools and religion is epitomized by the Roman Catholic Church and the flight of its children. Nearly a decade of quantitative research at a Catholic Church located in the Tokyo suburbs is combined with ethnographic narratives of four Catholics to paint a picture of a Japanese more religiously partisan than previously imagined.
Characteristics of BD3 Global Service Satellites: POD, Open Service Signal and Atomic Clock Performance
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Wang Xilong , Liu Jingnan , Zhao Qile
Published: July 2019

The Chinese BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has provided a global-coverage service since 27 December 2018. Eighteen BD3 MEO satellites have been launched into space during 2017 and 2018. The signal constitution has been redesigned and four open service signals are used for transmission, including B1I, B1C, B2a and B3I. This paper focuses on the signal performance, Precise Orbit Determination (POD) and the atomic clock’s frequency stability issues of the BD3 satellites. The satellite-induced code bias issue found in BD2 satellites multipath combination has been proven to be eliminated in BD3 satellites. However, the pseudorange code of B1C is much noisier than that of other three frequencies, which may be related to the signal constitution and power distribution, as the minimum received power levels on the ground of B1C is 3 dB lower than that of the B2a signal. Similar results were achieved by the Ionosphere-Free combination residuals in POD using four signals, B1I-B3I, B1I-B2a, B1C-B3I and B1C-B2a, and the phase residual of B1C-B2a combination performed best. Considering the noise amplitude and compatibility with other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), the B1C-B2a combination is recommended in priority for precise GNSS data processing. GFIFP combinations were also implemented to evaluate the inter-frequency phase bias of the four signals. The experimental results showed that the systematic signal with an amplitude of about 2 cm could be found in the GFIFP series. In addition, multi-GNSS POD was performed and analyzed as well, using about a hundred global-distributed IGS and iGMAS stations. Furthermore, the atomic clock’s frequency stability was estimated using the parameters of clock bias calculated in POD and the Overlap Allan Deviations showed that the frequency stability of BD3 reached approximately 2.43 × 10−14 at intervals of 10,000 s and 2.51 × 10−15 at intervals of 86,400 s, which was better than that of the GPS BLOCK IIF satellites but worse than that of Galileo satellites.
Associations between Absolute and Relative Lower Body Strength to Measures of Power and Change of Direction Speed in Division II Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Tramel Whitney , Lockie Robert G. , Lindsay Keston G. , Dawes J. Jay
Published: July 2019

Volleyball is a sport comprised of multiple explosive efforts and multidirectional change of direction speed (CODS) actions. Since strength underpins both of these abilities, it is important to explore the relationship between these variables in order to develop strength and conditioning programs to optimize performance. The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship exists between absolute and relative strength and measures of power and CODS in collegiate volleyball players. Archived testing data from ten (n = 10, age: 19.1 ± 1.2 yrs, Ht: 173.1 ± 6.64 cm, Wt: 67 ± 7.04 kg) female DII collegiate volleyball players were analyzed. These data included: block vertical jump (Block VJ), approach vertical jump (Approach VJ), a repeat jump test (i.e., four consecutive VJs), modified T-test, 5-0-5 agility test, a single leg triple hop test, and a 1-3RM deadlift. Significant large correlations were observed between relative strength and the repeat jump test, modified T-test, and 5-0-5 agility test. Significant correlations were also observed between absolute strength and the modified T-test. These results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals should emphasize the development of both absolute and relative lower-body strength to improve measures of power and agility in collegiate volleyball players.
Promoting Green Residential Buildings in China: Bridging the Gap between Design and Operation to Improve Occupants’ Residential Satisfaction
Authors: Liu Yunxia , Shi Xunpeng , Wang Ya Ping , Sun Tao
Published: July 2019

While many studies have examined the supply of green residential buildings (GRBs), few have focused on the demand and living experience of them. This paper explores the antecedents of existing residents’ repurchase intention and the effect of their residential satisfaction through a questionnaire survey in Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city, China. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of proposed determinants. Multi-group analysis tested the moderating role of residential satisfaction. Results show that residents’ satisfaction with respect to their homes in GRBs was heterogeneous with dissatisfied residents account for 55%. Residents’ knowledge about GRBs, their environmental attitudes and perceived usefulness of GRB were key determinants of repurchase intentions but trust in relevant institutions was not. Residential satisfaction played a moderating role in predicting repurchase intentions. This study enlightens practitioners in both private and public sectors to improve occupancy experiences of existing residents and to understand the repurchase behaviors of existing customers, by bridging the gap between strong green design and construction and weak operation and maintenance of GRBs.
Landscape Preferences and Distance Decay Analysis for Mapping the Recreational Potential of an Urban Area
Authors: Năstase Irina Iulia , Pătru-Stupariu Ileana , Kienast Felix
Published: July 2019

Green infrastructure plays an important role in recreation and human well-being, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. Our study aimed to evaluate and map the recreational potential of an urban area (Brașov, Romania) using two data sets: (a) people’s preferred landscape features and (b) preferred locations where outdoor activities and recreation take place. The latter was gathered through participatory mapping techniques. For each location, we computed explanatory variables, e.g., the distance to 19 landscape elements known to be important for recreation. Based on (b), we determined the recreational activity profiles for each participant and evaluated how well these profiles matched the participant’s preferences for landscape features (dataset a). Finally, recreational potential was mapped by computing a recreational index using dataset b. Two preference profiles (P1: urban, infrastructure-oriented; P2: nature-oriented) were identified based on people’s preferred landscape features, and three recreational activity profiles were identified based on the preferred locations, i.e., an “urban”, a “nature”, and an “ubiquist” type. The importance of green infrastructures for recreation in both preference profiles was striking. Many persons belonging to the urban and infrastructure-oriented group indicated that they recreate in locations with a high amount of green infrastructure and nature. The map of the recreational potential shows hotspots for recreation but also areas lacking recreational provisions, giving useful insight for future urban planning.
Inter-Regional Spillover of Carbon Emissions and Employment in China: Is It Positive or Negative?
Authors: Shao Wenbin , Li Fangyi , Ye Zhaoyang , Tang Zhipeng , Xie Wu , Bai Yu , Yang Shanlin
Published: July 2019

International and inter-regional trade in China has been promoted, the economic and environmental impacts of which are significant in regional development. In this paper, we analyzed the evolution of inter-regional spillover of carbon emissions and employment in China from 2007 to 2012 with structural decomposition method and multi-regional input-output tables. The index of carbon emission per employee (ICE) is designed and compared to indicate positive or negative spillover effects. We find that carbon emissions grow much more rapidly in interior regions than in coastal regions, due to spillover effects and own influences. Spillover effects rarely reduce the ICE of destination regions, but the own influences can decrease it in most regions. Although spillover may contribute to economic development in most regions, it is hardly a driver of efficiency improvement in destination regions. Based on these empirical findings, we put forward specific suggestions to improve the positive spillover effects on different kinds of regions.
Extended Technology Acceptance Model to Predict Mobile-Based Money Acceptance and Sustainability: A Multi-Analytical Structural Equation Modeling and Neural Network Approach
Authors: Gbongli Komlan , Xu Yongan , Amedjonekou Komi Mawugbe
Published: July 2019

This research is a pioneering study into the adoption of mobile-based money services for financial inclusion and sustainability in developing countries like Togo. Owing to their differences from more usual mobile-based banking and payment services, such technology is being aggressively promoted by providers of network telecommunication companies. However, the factors influencing its sustainable acceptance remain largely unknown. This paper extends the original Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), by integrating self-efficacy (SEMM), technology anxiety (TAMM), and personal innovativeness (PIMM). The research model is assessed with survey data of 539 actual and prospective mobile money users employing structural equation modeling–artificial neural networks (SEM–ANN) approach. A feed-forward-back-propagation (FFBP) multi-layer perceptron (MLP) ANN with significant predictors obtained from SEM as the input units and the root mean square of errors (RMSE) indicated that the ANN method achieves high prediction accuracy. The results present conclusive evidence that perceived ease-of-use (PEMM) is the most significant factor affecting consumers’ attitudes to mobile-based money. While perceived usefulness (PUMM) and PIMM affect adoption decisions, their impact is much lower. Consumer attitudes and intentions were found to have a significant relationship with TAM. SEMM and TAMM; however, they showed mixed results. These findings will be useful to retain prevailing users and attract new ones.
Global Embeddings of BTZ and Schwarzschild-ADS Type Black Holes in a Flat Space
Authors: Sheykin Anton , Solovyev Dmitry , Paston Sergey
Published: July 2019

We study the problem of construction of global isometric embedding for spherically symmetric black holes with negative cosmological constant in various dimensions. Firstly, we show that there is no such embedding for 4D RN-AdS black hole in 6D flat ambient space, completing the classification which we started earlier. Then we construct an explicit embedding of non-spinning BTZ black hole in 6D flat ambient space. Using this embedding as an anzats, we then construct a global explicit embedding of d-dimensional Schwarzschild-AdS black hole in a flat ( d + 3 ) -dimensional ambient space.
Optimizing the Paths of Trains Formed at the Loading Area in a Multi-loop Rail Network
Authors: Li Xingkui , Lin Boliang , Zhao Yinan
Published: July 2019

Each loop in a multi-loop rail network consists of two segments, both of which have roughly the same conditions and mileage and are approximately symmetrical. This paper is devoted to optimizing the paths of trains formed at the loading area in a multi-loop rail network. To attain this goal, three different situations are analyzed, and two models are proposed for networks with adequate and inadequate capabilities. Computational experiments are also carried out using the commercial software Lingo, with the branch and bound algorithm. The results show that the models can achieve the same solution with different solution times. To solve the problem of path selection for large-scale train flows, a genetic algorithm is also designed and proves to perform well in a set of computational experiments.
A Critical Analysis of Behavioural Crowd Dynamics—From a Modelling Strategy to Kinetic Theory Methods
Authors: Elaiw Ahmed , Al-Turki Yusuf , Alghamdi Mohamed
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a critical analysis of the literature addressed to modelling and simulations of human crowds with the aim of selecting the most appropriate scale out of the microscopic (individual based), mesoscopic (kinetic), and macroscopic (hydrodynamical) approaches. The selection is made focusing on possible applications of the model. In particular, model validation and safety problems, where validation consists of studying the ability of models to depict empirical data and observed emerging behaviors. The contents of the paper look forward to computational applications related to the flow crowds on the Jamarat bridge.
Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay for the Determination of T-2 and HT-2 Toxins and Their Glucosides in Wheat
Authors: Lippolis Vincenzo , Porricelli Anna C. R. , Mancini Erminia , Ciasca Biancamaria , Lattanzio Veronica M. T. , De Girolamo Annalisa , Maragos Chris M. , McCormick Susan , Li Peiwu , Logrieco Antonio F. , Pascale Michelangelo
Published: July 2019

T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their main modified forms (T-2 glucoside and HT-2 glucoside) may co-occur in cereals and cereal-based products. A fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin and relevant glucosides, expressed as sum. The developed FPIA, using a HT-2-specific antibody, showed high sensitivity (IC50 = 2.0 ng/mL) and high cross-reactivity (100% for T-2 toxin and 80% for T-2 and HT-2 glucosides). The FPIA has been used to develop two rapid and easy-to-use methods using two different extraction protocols, based on the use of organic (methanol/water, 90:10, v/v) and non-organic (water) solvents, for the determination of these toxins in wheat. The two proposed methods showed analytical performances in terms of sensitivity (LOD 10 µg/kg) recovery (92–97%) and precision (relative standard deviations ≤13%), fulfilling the criteria for acceptability of an analytical method for the quantitative determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins established by the European Union. Furthermore, the methods were then validated in accordance with the harmonized guidelines for the validation of screening methods included in the Regulation (EU) No. 519/2014. The satisfactory analytical performances, in terms of intermediate precision (≤25%), cut-off level (80 and 96 µg/kg for the two methods) and rate of false positives (<0.1%) confirmed the applicability of the proposed methods as screening method for assessing the content of these toxins in wheat at the EU indicative levels reported for T-2 and HT-2 toxins.
Fumonisin B1 Induces Oxidative Stress and Breaks Barrier Functions in Pig Iliac Endothelium Cells
Authors: Yuan Qiaoling , Jiang Yancheng , Fan Ying , Ma Yingfeng , Lei Hongyu , Su Jianming
Published: July 2019

Fumonisins (Fums) are types of mycotoxin that widely contaminante feed material crops, and can trigger potential biological toxicities to humans and various animals. However, the toxicity of Fums on porcine blood vessels has not been fully explored. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the main component of Fums. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of FB1 on the oxidative stress and tight junctions of the pig iliac endothelial cells (PIECs) in vitro. The results showed that FB1 reduced the viability of PIECs, increased the contents of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and decreased the level of glutathione (GSH). In addition, the barrier functions were destroyed, along with the down-regulations on Claudin 1, Occludin and ZO-1 and the increase of paracellular permeability. Thus, this research indicates that FB1 facilitates oxidative stress and breaks barrier functions to damage pig iliac endothelium cells.
Nucleocapsid Assembly of Baculoviruses
Authors: Zhao Shuling , He Guanghui , Yang Yiheng , Liang Changyong
Published: July 2019

The baculovirus nucleocapsid is formed through a rod-like capsid encapsulating a genomic DNA molecule of 80~180 kbp. The viral capsid is a large oligomer composed of many copies of various protein subunits. The assembly of viral capsids is a complex oligomerization process. The timing of expression of nucleocapsid-related proteins, transport pathways, and their interactions can affect the assembly process of preformed capsids. In addition, the selection of viral DNA and the injection of the viral genome into empty capsids are the critical steps in nucleocapsid assembly. This paper reviews the replication and recombination of baculovirus DNA, expression and transport of capsid proteins, formation of preformed capsids, DNA encapsulation, and nucleocapsid formation. This review will provide a basis for further study of the nucleocapsid assembly mechanism of baculovirus.
Integrated Coagulation-Membrane Processes with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Configuration for the Treatment of Oil Sands Produced Water
Authors: Mohammadtabar Farshad , Khorshidi Behnam , Hayatbakhsh Armin , Sadrzadeh Mohtada
Published: July 2019

This study explores the feasibility of implementing five hybrid coagulation-membrane processes for the treatment of the boiler blow-down (BBD) water from an oil sands steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operation. The processes involved (1) direct nanofiltration (NF) of the BBD water, (2) pre-treatment of the NF retentate using ion exchanger regeneration wastewater (IERW) as a chemical coagulant followed by NF, (3) pre-treatment of BBD water using IERW followed by NF, (4) dual pre-treatment of BBD water using IERW and soda ash (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3) followed by NF, and (5) forward osmosis (FO) treatment of the BBD water using IERW as a draw solution followed by NF treatment of diluted draw solution. These scenarios were compared based on total flux decline ratio (DRt), flux recovery ratio (FRR), and total dissolved solids (TDS) removal over the final NF treatment to suggest an efficient treatment technique to avoid an undesired increase in the capital and operating expenses. It was found that process-1 provided the highest selectivity toward dissolved solids (80%) with a flux decline and recovery ration of 89.6% and 97.4%, respectively. Considering the permeation flux, process-4 exhibited the lowest flux decline (86.1%) and highest recovery ratio (97.5%) compared to other processes, proving the successful role of soda ash softening, as a chemical pretreatment method, in improving the performance of membrane filtration. Process-2 presented a mediocre performance with DRt, FRR, and TDS rejection of 93.3%, 97.3%, and 74%, respectively. Finally, process-3 and process-5 showed the lowest performance among all the scenarios with low flux recovery and low permeability, respectively. In addition, process-3 was expected to be cost-efficient since it only uses an on-site generated waste as a coagulant for the chemical pretreatment of the membrane filtration unit. The optimum scenario was proposed to be the two-stage membrane process, with direct NF of BBD followed by the post-treatment of the retentate via a hybrid chemical conditioning using IERW and soda ash softening, followed by a second NF. Overall, this integrated process offered a highly efficient mean with a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system for the treatment of high pH wastewaters into an uncontaminated stream for the boilers.
Simultaneous Sensor Placement and Pressure Reducing Valve Localization for Pressure Control of Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Cao Hao , Hopfgarten Siegbert , Ostfeld Avi , Salomons Elad , Li Pu
Published: July 2019

Many studies on pressure sensor (PS) placement and pressure reducing valve (PRV) localization in water distribution systems (WDSs) have been made with the objective of improving water leakage detection and pressure reduction, respectively. However, due to varying operation conditions, it is expected to realize pressure control using a number of PSs and PRVs to keep minimum operating pressure in real-time. This study aims to investigate the PS placement and PRV localization for the purpose of pressure control system design for WDSs. For such a control system, a PS should be positioned to represent the pressure patterns of a region of the WDS. Correspondingly, a PRV should be located to achieve a maximum pressure reduction between two neighboring regions. According to these considerations, an approach based on the k-means++ method for simultaneously determining the numbers and positions of both PSs and PRVs is proposed. Results from three case studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested approach. It is shown that the sensors positioned have a high accuracy of pressure representation and the valves localized lead to a significant pressure reduction.
Expected Shifts in Nekton Community Following Salinity Reduction: Insights into Restoration and Management of Transitional Water Habitats
Authors: Scapin Luca , Zucchetta Matteo , Bonometto Andrea , Feola Alessandra , Boscolo Brusà Rossella , Sfriso Adriano , Franzoi Piero
Published: July 2019

A restoration project is planned to take place in the northern Venice lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy), aiming at introducing freshwater into a confined shallow water lagoon area and recreating transitional water habitats. This work describes the shifts in the nekton (fish and decapods) community structure to be expected following the future salinity decrease in the restoration area. Nekton was sampled at a series of natural shallow water sites located along salinity gradients in the Venice lagoon. A multivariate GLM approach was followed in order to predict species biomass under the salinity and environmental conditions expected after restoration. Biomass of commercially important species, as well as species of conservation interest, is predicted to increase following salinity reduction and habitat changes. From a functional perspective, an increase in biomass of hyperbenthivores-zooplanctivores, hyperbenthivores-piscivores and detritivores is also expected. This study emphasises the efficacy of a predictive approach for both ecological restoration and ecosystem management in transitional waters. By providing scenarios of community structure, the outcomes of this work could be employed in future evaluations of restoration success in the Venice lagoon, as well as to develop management tools to forecast the effects of alterations of salinity regimes in coastal lagoons due to climate change.
Precipitation Variations under a Changing Climate from 1961–2015 in the Source Region of the Indus River
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Li Xin , Jamal Kashif , Chen Yingying , Chauhdary Junaid Nawaz , Zheng Donghai , Anjum Lubna , Ran Youhua , Pan Xiaoduo
Published: July 2019

The source region of the Indus River (SRIR), which is located in the Hindukush, Karakoram and Himalayan (HKH) mountainous range and on the Third Pole (TP), is very sensitive to climate change, especially precipitation changes, because of its multifarious orography and fragile ecosystem. Climate changes in the SRIR also have important impacts on social and economic development, as well as on the ecosystems of the downstream irrigation areas in Pakistan. This paper investigates the changes in precipitation characteristics by dividing the daily precipitation rate into different classes, such as light (0–10 mm), moderate (10.1–25 mm) and heavy precipitation (>25 mm). Daily precipitation data from gauging and non-gauging stations from 1961–2015 are used. The results of the analysis of the annual precipitation and rainy day trends show significant (p < 0.05) increases and decreases, respectively, while light and heavy precipitation show significant decreasing and increasing trends, respectively. The analysis of the precipitation characteristics shows that light precipitation has the highest number of rainy days compared to moderate or heavy precipitation. The analysis of the seasonal precipitation trends shows that only 18 stations have significant increasing trends in winter precipitation, while 27 stations have significant increasing trends in summer precipitation. Both short and long droughts exhibit increasing trends, which indicates that the Indus Basin will suffer from water shortages for agriculture. The results of this study could help policymakers cope with floods and droughts and sustain eco-environmental resources in the study area.
Quality improvement of prescribing safety: a pilot study in primary care using UK electronic health records
Authors: Booth Helen P , Gallagher Arlene M , Mullett David , Carty Lucy , Padmanabhan Shivani , Myles Puja R , Welburn Stephen J , Hoghton Matthew , Rafi Imran , Valentine Janet
Published: July 2019

Background

Quality improvement (QI) is a priority for general practice, and GPs are expected to participate in and provide evidence of QI activity. There is growing interest in harnessing the potential of electronic health records (EHR) to improve patient care by supporting practices to find cases that could benefit from a medicines review.

Aim

To develop scalable and reproducible prescribing safety reports using patient-level EHR data.

Design and setting

UK general practices that contribute de-identified patient data to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Method

A scoping phase used stakeholder consultations to identify primary care QI needs and potential indicators. QI reports containing real data were sent to 12 pilot practices that used Vision GP software and had expressed interest. The scale-up phase involved automating production and distribution of reports to all contributing practices that used both Vision and EMIS software systems. Benchmarking reports with patient-level case review lists for two prescribing safety indicators were sent to 457 practices in December 2017 following the initial scale-up (Figure 2).

Results

Two indicators were selected from the Royal College of General Practitioners Patient Safety Toolkit following stakeholder consultations for the pilot phase involving 12 GP practices. Pilot phase interviews showed that reports were used to review individual patient care, implement wider QI actions in the practice, and for appraisal and revalidation.

Conclusion

Electronic health record data can be used to provide standardised, reproducible reports that can be delivered at scale with minimal resource requirements. These can be used in a national QI initiative that impacts directly on patient care.
Rancang-Bangun Aplikasi Pengenalan Penyakit Berbasis Android Menggunakan Metode Naïve Bayes
Authors: Zarman Wendi , Yuliawardhani Dilla
Published: July 2019

Menderita sakit merupakan hal biasa dalam kehidupan manusia. Saat menderita sakit, seseorang biasanya pergi memeriksakan dirinya ke dokter untuk memperoleh informasi mengenai penyakitnya. Namun, karena beberapa alasan seperti biaya, waktu, jarak, atau lainnya banyak orang yang tengah menderita sakit tidak bisa memeriksakan diri ke dokter. Penelitian ini merupakan sebuah upaya untuk memberikan alternatif bagi masyarakat yang memiliki kendala untuk mendatangi dokter atau rumah sakit dengan membangun sebuah aplikasi berbasis Android yang mampu memperkirakan penyakit seseorang. Aplikasi ini bekerja melalui pendekatan klasifikasi dengan mengolah data gejala-gejala yang dialami penderita menggunakan metode Naïve Bayes. Hasil pengujian menggunakan data uji menunjukkan aplikasi ini dapat memperkirakan penyakit dengan keakuratan hingga 100% untuk empat data gejala atau lebih.
Ecoturismo na cultura de consumo: possibilidade de Educação Ambiental ou espetáculo?
Authors: Hintze Hélio César
Published: July 2019

Este trabalho busca averiguar a existência de uma preocupação com a Educação Ambiental (e quais os princípios que a regem) nas atividades e pacotes ‘ecoturísticos’ comercializados pelo mercado. Para atingir tal objetivo, procurou-se conhecer o termo Ecoturismo a partir das perspectivas da cultura de consumo e da sociedade do espetáculo e sob tal enfoque discutir suas relações com temas como turismo e consumo, natureza e educação ambiental; buscou-se também identificar as bases filosóficas do trabalho ecoturístico (particularmente em sua relação com a questão da educação ambiental) desenvolvido pelas operadoras de tais atividades; e por fim, realizar crítica conceitual acerca das relações entre os assuntos abordados por este estudo. Foram entrevistadas 03 operadoras do mercado ecoturístico e 03 pesquisadores de áreas relacionadas aos temas propostos. O texto foi produzido a partir das informações obtidas por levantamento bibliográfico em diálogo com as opiniões obtidas nas entrevistas no trabalho de campo. Com base nos estudos realizados foi considerado que o Ecoturismo como atividade de mercado é pouco utilizado para a disseminação da consciência ambientalista por conta das operadoras terem uma visão da educação ambiental que a aproxima da educação formal e que tal característica não deve ser integrada às atividades turísticas – momentos de diversão e lazer; e neste sentido ainda constatou-se também que o Ecoturismo é uma atividade que pode produzir subjetividade consumista nos participantes do processo assim como reafirmar o tempo espetacular do capital.
Envolvimento Comunitário no planejamento do Uso Público do Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil: ações para o desenvolvimento humano das comunidades rurais e guias regionais do entorno
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Alfredo Ferraz de
Published: July 2019

O Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil (PNPB) está localizado no município turístico de Porto Seguro no extremo sul da Bahia, esta unidade de conservação (UC) por não possuir um plano de manejo e um programa de uso público não é aberta para visitação. Este artigo foi construído utilizando técnicas de observação participante e aplicação de questionários mistos com a finalidade de descrever e refletir sobre as ações iniciais do processo de construção participativa do uso público no PNPB e entorno, promovidas pelo PNPB/ICMBio, Projeto Corredores Ecológico (PCE/BA) e Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD). Estas ações tiveram como objetivo iniciar uma co-responsabilidade no planejamento do uso público desta UC realizando oficinas para qualificação de condutores de visitantes do PNPB e entorno, com guias regionais e comunidades rurais, que utilizaram técnicas participativas visando o desencadeamento de mudanças de pensamentos e atitudes individuais e coletivas sobre as temáticas abordadas. Estas resultaram na potencialização de inserção, através de um processo de desenvolvimento humano, de dois agentes sociais na gestação do uso público do PNPB: os guias regionais de Porto Seguro e comunidades rurais do entorno da UC. A reflexão sobre os resultados alcançados com estas ações de desenvolvimento humano oportunizaram indicações de atividades necessárias para continuidade deste processo.
Perfil dos visitantes do Parque Natural Municipal do Açude da Concórdia - Valença (RJ)
Authors: Vaz Delfina Maria Soares
Published: July 2019

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi traçar o perfil dos visitantes do Parque Natural Municipal do Açude da Concórdia, em Valença (RJ). A pesquisa consistiu na aplicação de 70 questionários no período de fevereiro a maio de 2008 aos visitantes do Parque de Valença. Os resultados obtidos foram eficazes para conhecer as características estruturais dos visitantes, suas motivações, suas expectativas, suas demandas para direcionar as atividades de manejo, atender as necessidades de lazer e promover melhorias nos serviços oferecidos. Fez-se um paralelo dos resultados obtidos com trabalho semelhante efetuado no Parque Natural Municipal do Mendanha, no Bairro de Bangu, no município do Rio de Janeiro. Constatou-se que a motivação que mais estimula as pessoas a visitarem esses parques é apreciar a natureza. O trabalho mostrou que as preferências e padrões de comportamento dos visitantes são influenciados por características sociais, econômicas e culturais dos visitantes. Com os resultados obtidos pretende-se oferecer à Administração do Parque subsídios para a elaboração do seu Plano de Manejo e a viabilização das expectativas dos visitantes.
A importância da evolução do uso do solo como geoindicador para o planejamento do Ecoturismo em Unidades de Conservação: aplicação no Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (RJ)
Authors: Conceição Rodrigo Silva da , Costa Nadja Maria Castilho da , Costa Vívian Castilho da
Published: July 2019

As atividades de ecoturismo vêm sendo amplamente difundidas, praticadas e associadas aos ecossistemas das áreas legalmente protegidas, através da contemplação e contato com os seus recursos naturais. Os denominados geoindicadores podem ser entendidos como ferramentas de avaliação de condições e tendências, como uma alternativa para o estudo do ecoturismo sustentável. O Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), localizado na zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro, abrange a área do Maciço da Pedra Branca acima da cota altimétrica de 100 metros e abarca a maior floresta urbana do mundo. Nas últimas décadas, vem recebendo pressões originadas dos processos de uso e ocupação em seu entorno, relacionados, em grande parte, à expansão urbana. Este trabalho objetiva avaliar a evolução do uso do solo no PEPB como um dos geoindicadores para o desenvolvimento do ecoturismo, considerando a “floresta” como a categoria de uso mais importante, onde as práticas de lazer na natureza são efetivamente desenvolvidas. Para sua avaliação adotou-se como unidade de medição, o percentual de perda da categoria floresta com relação às demais categorias de uso do solo, em distintos períodos. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados de uso do solo de 1984, 1992 e 2001 (levantamentos realizados pela Secretaria de Meio Ambiente do Município do Rio de Janeiro - SMAC), tratadas no programa ArcGis, as quais subsidiaram as análises de monitoria ambiental realizadas no SAGA (Sistema de Análise Geo-Ambiental), bem como os mapeamentos de atrativos ecoturísticos e o buffer de 100 metros de seu entorno. Como principal resultado constatou-se a diminuição de floresta de 64,56% para 46,52% no período de 1984 – 2001. Através do cruzamento entre os mapas de uso do solo e atrativos ecoturísticos verificou-se que, no PEPB, a maioria dos atrativos (42,86%) encontra-se na categoria de uso “Floresta” e que a sua gradual redução poderá comprometer a manutenção dos recursos físico-bióticos que atraem os visitantes à área protegida.