bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Active Suspension System for Mitigating Motion Sickness and Enabling Reading in a Car
Authors: DiZio Paul , Ekchian Jack , Kaplan Janna , Ventura Joel , Graves William , Giovanardi Marco , Anderson Zack , Lackner James R.
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION: The advent of autonomous automobiles raises new challenges for maintaining passenger safety and comfort. The challenge addressed here is how to predict and mitigate motion sickness when passengers read in a moving vehicle.METHODS: We utilized a car equipped
with a commercial active suspension system developed for attenuating the transmission of road surface fluctuations to passengers. The system was used to reproduce, in a parked car, either the vibrations that would be experienced in a moving car equipped with a conventional suspension system
(unmitigated ride) or the attenuated vibrations that would occur on the road with the active cancellation system engaged (mitigated ride). We evaluated the consequences of these two simulated ride conditions for reading performance, comfort, and evocation of motion sickness.RESULTS:
Both ride conditions reduced the 0 to 0.8 Hz vibrations to below threshold for evoking motion sickness during passive exposure. Only the mitigated ride condition attenuated frequencies in the 0.8 to 8 Hz band where visual suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is known to break down, and
this condition also reduced the motion sickness induced by reading and increased reading comprehension and comfort relative to the unmitigated ride.DISCUSSION: The palliative effects of 0.8 to 8 Hz attenuation are discussed in terms of the different mechanisms underlying motion
sickness evoked by reading in a vehicle versus mere exposure to vehicle motion without reading. Implications for ISO-2631 standards for human exposure to vibration are also discussed.DiZio P, Ekchian J, Kaplan J, Ventura J, Graves W, Giovanardi M, Anderson Z, Lackner JR. An active
suspension system for mitigating motion sickness and enabling reading in a car. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(9):822–829.
UK Military Rotary-Wing Accidents: 2000–2015
Authors: Bushby Alaistair J. R. , Powell-Dunford Nicole , Porter William D.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Analysis of mishap data is an obvious measure of performance for those who wish to improve flight safety and affect aviation capability development within military forces.METHODS: This study examined rotary-wing accident information held by UK Ministry
of Defence authorities for the 16-yr (inclusive) period from January 2000 through December 2015 in order to ascertain incidence patterns. Serious accidents of military registered aircraft operated by Joint Helicopter Command, the Royal Navy, the Search and Rescue Force, and the Defence Helicopter
Flying School were included in the analysis. A secondary intent of the review was to examine the influence of broad-based organizational changes on the overall incidence of rotary-wing accidents across the U.K. Ministry of Defence that grew out of the report published by Charles Haddon-Cave,
QC, following his wide-ranging investigation into the catastrophic crash of Royal Air Force Nimrod XV230 that occurred during a routine mission in Southern Afghanistan.RESULTS: During the 16-yr period between January 2000 and December 2015, 53 rotary-wing accidents occurred. The
overall accident rate was 2.32 accident events per 100,000 flight hours. Spatial disorientation accidents remain a prevalent risk in this study, being acknowledged in 43% of accidents. Prior to the Haddon-Cave report, the accident rate was 2.81 events per 100,000 flight hours. Following the
report, the accident rate decreased to 1.24 events per 100,000 flight hours.DISCUSSION: The decrease in the accident rate between 2000 and 2015 shares a temporal association with the adoption and operationalization of the recommendations found in Haddon-Cave’s report.Bushby
AJR, Powell-Dunford N, Porter WD. UK military rotary-wing accidents: 2000–2015. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(9):842–847.
White Matter Status of Participants in Altitude Chamber Research and Training
Authors: Connolly Desmond M. , Lee Vivienne M. , Hodkinson Peter D.
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of U.S. Air Force (USAF) altitude workers show increased white matter hyperintensities (WMH) that appear related to decompression stress. Relevant exposure thresholds are unknown. This MRI survey compares the white matter
status of UK participants (UKP) in altitude chamber research and training with USAF cohorts having background and increased WMH.METHODS: UKP (N = 20) comprised 13 research subjects and 7 military altitude chamber instructors ages 33 to 50 yr (16 men, 4 women), encompassing
1417 decompressions over a 15,000-ft (4572 m) pressure altitude (range 11–189; median 50). High resolution MRI reproduced USAF sequences and data were analyzed at the University of Maryland to validate comparison with age-matched USAF control (DOC; N = 85) and aerospace operational
physiologist (PHY; N = 55) cohorts.RESULTS: UKP data are dichotomous: 17 subjects (85%) had normal scans (total 19 WMH) and three outliers had excess (>15) WMH (total of 83 lesions). WMH were not associated with metrics of decompression history (total exposures, rapid
decompression, pressure breathing, hypoxia familiarization, decompression sickness, or exposure intensity). Ranked data indicate that UKP have fewer WMH than PHY but not DOC. UKP outliers’ excess WMH are attributable to past mild traumatic brain injury.CONCLUSIONS: WMH in
UKP are unrelated to subjects’ low intensity (brief, infrequent) experience of altitude chamber decompression, encompassing occasional hypobaric hypoxia and mild decompression sickness, even with cumulative experience over many years. Such low intensity hypobaric exposure appears ‘subthreshold’
for promotion of WMH.Connolly DM, Lee VM, Hodkinson PD. White matter status of participants in altitude chamber research and training. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(9):777–786.
G Tolerance During Open- vs. Closed-Loop G-Time Control
Authors: Grönkvist Mikael , Levin Britta , Eiken Ola
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: +Gz tolerance is traditionally determined in centrifuges with open-loop G control, i.e., the centrifuge is under operator control (open loop), and thus the test subject is unable to influence the Gz load. In modern centrifuges, however, the subject
is commonly able to continuously control the Gz load (closed loop). It is a widespread opinion among fighter pilots that +Gz tolerance is higher under closed- than open-loop G control. The aims were to investigate whether +Gz tolerance is higher in closed-
than open-loop G control, and whether it is possible to use closed-loop G control during precise determination of +Gz tolerance.METHODS: Relaxed +Gz tolerance was determined in eight men during rapid Gz-onset rate (ROR) under three conditions: 1)
OL-VFB, open loop with visual feedback; 2) OL-NFB, open loop with no visual feedback; and 3) CL, closed loop. Straining +Gz tolerance was determined in 10 men during ROR in OL and CL conditions.RESULTS: Relaxed +Gz tolerance did not differ between CL (3.66
Gz), OL-VFB (3.70 Gz) and OL-NFB (3.64 Gz). Straining +Gz tolerance was similar in the CL (8.5 Gz) and OL (8.6 Gz) conditions. In the CL condition, the Gz load varied substantially and was on average lower than in
the OL conditions, at any stipulated G-time profile.DISCUSSION: There is no systematic difference in relaxed or straining +Gz tolerance as determined in closed- vs. open-loop G-controlled systems. During closed-loop control, precision and reproducibility are too low to
recommend it for accurate determination of relaxed G tolerance.Grönkvist M, Levin B, Eiken O. G tolerance during open- vs. closed-loop G-time control. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(9):798–804.
Sopite Syndrome Identified in a Student Naval Aviator
Authors: Gemender Mark S. , Sholes Phillip C. , Haight Sean P.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Sopite syndrome is a poorly understood symptom complex characterized by drowsiness and lethargy relating to motion sickness. Though often occurring in conjunction with the classic symptomatology of motion sickness, the literature suggests that sopite syndrome is a
separate entity that may occur independently of the feelings of nausea characteristic of traditional motion sickness. Additionally, the syndrome can last long after symptoms of nausea have subsided and can be debilitating to some patients. Due to the frequent concomitance of sopite syndrome
and the classic symptoms of motion sickness, the syndrome may frequently go unidentified and there is a paucity of data recording its exact incidence in the available literature.CASE REPORT: In this study, we report a case of sopite syndrome identified in a 23-yr-old student naval
aviator who was ultimately unable to overcome his symptoms and adapt to the dynamic environment of flight.DISCUSSION: This process is particularly relevant to student aviators and others involved in transportation settings where the existence of even mild performance challenges
may create the potential for operational hazards. Because the training of aviators and flight officers is historically one of the most expensive investments undertaken by the Department of the Navy each year, documenting unique manifestations of this common problem and addressing them early
in the training pipeline may help reduce the time and financial burden associated with student naval aviator attrition in the later stages of training.Gemender MS, Sholes PC, Haight SP. Sopite syndrome identified in a student naval aviator. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(9):848–850.
When Intimate Partner Violence Meets Same Sex Couples: A Review of Same Sex Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Rollè Luca , Giardina Giulia , Caldarera Angela M. , Gerino Eva , Brustia Piera
Published: August 2018

Over the past few decades, the causes of and intervention for intimate partner violence (IPV) have been approached and studied. This paper presents a narrative review on IPV occurring in same sex couples, that is, same sex IPV (SSIPV). Despite the myth that IPV is exclusively an issue in heterosexual relationships, many studies have revealed the existence of IPV among lesbian and gay couples, and its incidence is comparable to (Turell, 2000) or higher than that among heterosexual couples (Messinger, 2011; Kelley et al., 2012). While similarities between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) IPV were found, unique features and dynamics were present in LGB IPV. Such features are mainly related to identification and treatment of SSIPV in the community and to the need of taking into consideration the role of sexual minority stressors. Our findings show there is a lack of studies that address LGB individuals involved in IPV; this is mostly due to the silence that has historically existed around violence in the LGB community, a silence built on fears and myths that have obstructed a public discussion on the phenomenon. We identified the main themes discussed in the published studies that we have reviewed here. The reviews lead us to the conclusion that it is essential to create a place where this subject can be freely discussed and approached, both by LGB and heterosexual people.
On the Wake Properties of Segmented Trailing Edge Extensions
Authors: Gunasekaran Sidaard , Curry Daniel
Published: August 2018

Changes in the amount and the distribution of mean and turbulent quantities in the free shear layer wake of a 2D National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0012 airfoil and an AR 4 NACA 0012 wing with passive segmented rigid trailing edge (TE) extensions were investigated at the University of Dayton Low Speed Wind Tunnel (UD-LSWT). The TE extensions were intentionally placed at zero degrees with respect to the chord line to study the effects of segmented extensions without changing the effective angle of attack. Force based experiments were used to determine the total lift coefficient variation of the wing with seven segmented trailing edge extensions distributed across the span. The segmented trailing edge extensions had a negligible effect on the lift coefficient, but showed a measurable decrement in the sectional and total drag coefficient. Investigation of turbulent quantities (obtained through Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)) such as Reynolds stress, streamwise and transverse root-mean square (RMS) in the wake, reveal a significant decrease in magnitude when compared to the baseline. The decrease in the magnitude of turbulent parameters was supported by the changes in coherent structures obtained through two-point correlations. Apart from the reduction in drag, the lower turbulent wake generated by the extensions has implications in reducing structural vibrations and acoustic tones.
Copy Number Variations of KLF6 Modulate Gene Transcription and Growth Traits in Chinese Datong Yak (Bos Grunniens)
Authors: Goshu Habtamu , Wu Xiaoyun , Chu Min , Bao Pengjia , Ding Xuezhi , Yan Ping
Published: August 2018

Copy number variation (CNV) is a significant marker of the genetic and phenotypic diversity among individuals that accounts for complex quantitative traits of phenotype and diseases via modulating gene dosage and disrupting coding regions in the genome. Biochemically, Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) genes plays a significant role in the regulation of cell differentiation and proliferation and muscle development. The aim of this study was to detect the distributions of KLF6 copy number variations (CNVs) in five breeds of domestic yak and to explore their effect on growth traits and gene expression. The data were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Our results elucidated that a decreased CNV in the KLF6 gene is more highly associated (p < 0.05) with various growth traits than increased or normal CNVs in six-month-old and five-year-old Datong yak. Nevertheless, negative correlations between the DNA copy number and KLF6 gene expression were observed in the skeletal muscle of adult Datong yak. These results suggest that CNVs of the KLF6 gene could be crucial genomic markers for growth phenotypes of Chinese Datong yak breeds and this finding constitutes the first evidence of the biological role of KLF6 CNVs in Chinese Datong yak breeds.
Core-Shell Nanofibrous Scaffold Based on Polycaprolactone-Silk Fibroin Emulsion Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Roy Trina , Maity Priti Prasanna , Rameshbabu Arun Prabhu , Das Bodhisatwa , John Athira , Dutta Abir , Ghorai Sanjoy Kumar , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Dhara Santanu
Published: August 2018

The vast domain of regenerative medicine comprises complex interactions between specific cells’ extracellular matrix (ECM) towards intracellular matrix formation, its secretion, and modulation of tissue as a whole. In this domain, engineering scaffold utilizing biomaterials along with cells towards formation of living tissues is of immense importance especially for bridging the existing gap of late; nanostructures are offering promising capability of mechano-biological response needed for tissue regeneration. Materials are selected for scaffold fabrication by considering both the mechanical integrity and bioactivity cues they offer. Herein, polycaprolactone (PCL) (biodegradable polyester) and ‘nature’s wonder’ biopolymer silk fibroin (SF) are explored in judicious combinations of emulsion electrospinning rather than conventional electrospinning of polymer blends. The water in oil (W/O) emulsions’ stability is found to be dependent upon the concentration of SF (aqueous phase) dispersed in the PCL solution (organic continuous phase). The spinnability of the emulsions is more dependent upon the viscosity of the solution, dominated by the molecular weight of PCL and its concentration than the conductivity. The nanofibers exhibited distinct core-shell structure with better cytocompatibility and cellular growth with the incorporation of the silk fibroin biopolymer.
Comparison of X-ray-Mammography and Planar UWB Microwave Imaging of the Breast: First Results from a Patient Study
Authors: Wörtge Dennis , Moll Jochen , Krozer Viktor , Bazrafshan Babak , Hübner Frank , Park Clara , Vogl Thomas J.
Published: August 2018

Hemispherical and cylindrical antenna arrays are widely used in radar-based and tomography-based microwave breast imaging systems. Based on the dielectric contrast between healthy and malignant tissue, a three-dimensional image could be formed to locate the tumor. However, conventional X-ray mammography as the golden standard in breast cancer screening produces two-dimensional breast images so that a comparison between the 3D microwave image and the 2D mammogram could be difficult. In this paper, we present the design and realisation of a UWB breast imaging prototype for the frequency band from 1 to 9 GHz. We present a refined system design in light of the clinical usage by means of a planar scanning and compare microwave images with those obtained by X-ray mammography. Microwave transmission measurements were processed to create a two-dimensional image of the breast that can be compared directly with a two-dimensional mammogram. Preliminary results from a patient study are presented and discussed showing the ability of the proposed system to locate the tumor.
Education for Wonder
Authors: Washington Haydn
Published: August 2018

This article argues that rejuvenating a sense of wonder towards nature is essential to ecocentric education and to finding a sustainable future. It examines the barriers that block education for wonder and looks at the issues around education for wonder in the home, at school, at university, and in the community in general. It considers the scale of a natural area in terms of wonder education, and ways of teaching wonder in school that increase wonder rather than isolate the student from nature. It also considers the issue of an “education for sustainable development” influenced by anthropocentrism, in contrast to an environmental education where some scholars accept the intrinsic value of nature. It discusses the need to balance “facts” in education with ethics. The article concludes by summarizing the steps needed to re-educate for wonder.
Security from the Adversary’s Inertia–Controlling Convergence Speed When Playing Mixed Strategy Equilibria
Authors: Wachter Jasmin , Rass Stefan , König Sandra
Published: August 2018

Game-theoretic models are a convenient tool to systematically analyze competitive situations. This makes them particularly handy in the field of security where a company or a critical infrastructure wants to defend against an attacker. When the optimal solution of the security game involves several pure strategies (i.e., the equilibrium is mixed), this may induce additional costs. Minimizing these costs can be done simultaneously with the original goal of minimizing the damage due to the attack. Existing models assume that the attacker instantly knows the action chosen by the defender (i.e., the pure strategy he is playing in the i-th round) but in real situations this may take some time. Such adversarial inertia can be exploited to gain security and save cost. To this end, we introduce the concept of information delay, which is defined as the time it takes an attacker to mount an attack. In this period it is assumed that the adversary has no information about the present state of the system, but only knows the last state before commencing the attack. Based on a Markov chain model we construct strategy policies that are cheaper in terms of maintenance (switching costs) when compared to classical approaches. The proposed approach yields slightly larger security risk but overall ensures a better performance. Furthermore, by reinvesting the saved costs in additional security measures it is possible to obtain even more security at the same overall cost.
Marfan Syndrome Variability: Investigation of the Roles of Sarcolipin and Calcium as Potential Transregulator of FBN1 Expression
Authors: Benarroch Louise , Aubart Mélodie , Gross Marie-Sylvie , Jacob Marie-Paule , Arnaud Pauline , Hanna Nadine , Jondeau Guillaume , Boileau Catherine
Published: August 2018

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder that displays a great clinical variability. Previous work in our laboratory showed that fibrillin-1 (FBN1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is a surrogate endpoint for MFS severity. Therefore, an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was performed to identify trans-acting regulators of FBN1 expression, and a significant signal reached genome-wide significant threshold on chromosome 11. This signal delineated a region comprising one expressed gene, SLN (encoding sarcolipin), and a single pseudogene, SNX7-ps1 (CTD-2651C21.3). We first investigated the region and then looked for association between the genes in the region and FBN1 expression. For the first time, we showed that the SLN gene is weakly expressed in skin fibroblasts. There is no direct correlation between SLN and FBN1 gene expression. We showed that calcium influx modulates FBN1 gene expression. Finally, SLN gene expression is highly correlated to that of the neighboring SNX7-ps1. We were able to confirm the impact of calcium influx on FBN1 gene expression but we could not conclude regarding the role of sarcolipin and/or the eQTL locus in this regulation.
Spatial Hurdle Models for Predicting the Number of Children with Lead Poisoning
Authors: Zhen Zhen , Shao Liyang , Zhang Lianjun
Published: August 2018

Objective The purpose of this study is to identify the high-risk areas of children’s lead poisoning in Syracuse, NY, USA, using spatial modeling techniques. The relationships between the number of children’s lead poisoning cases and three socio-economic and environmental factors (i.e., building year and town taxable value of houses, and soil lead concentration) were investigated. Methods Spatial generalized linear models (including Poisson, negative binomial, Poisson Hurdle, and negative binomial Hurdle models) were used to model the number of children’s lead poisoning cases using the three predictor variables at the census block level in the inner city of Syracuse. Results The building year and town taxable value were strongly and positively associated with the elevated risk for lead poisoning, while soil lead concentration showed a weak relationship with lead poisoning. The negative binomial Hurdle model with spatial random effects was the appropriate model for the disease count data across the city neighborhood. Conclusions The spatial negative binomial Hurdle model best fitted the number of children with lead poisoning and provided better predictions over other models. It could be used to deal with complex spatial data of children with lead poisoning, and may be generalized to other cities.
Convex Aggregation Operators and Their Applications to Multi-Hesitant Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Mei Ye , Peng Juanjuan , Yang Junjie
Published: August 2018

Hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs), which were generalized from fuzzy sets, constrain the membership degree of an element to be a set of possible values between zero and one; furthermore, if two or more decision-makers select the same value, it is only counted once. However, a situation where the evaluation value is repeated several times differs from one where the value appears only once. Multi-hesitant fuzzy sets (MHFSs) can deal effectively with a case where some values are repeated more than once in a MHFS. In this paper, the novel convex combination of multi-hesitant fuzzy numbers (MHFNs) is introduced. Some aggregation operators based on convex operation, such as generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted average (GMHFOWA) operator, generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy hybrid weighted average (GMHFHWA) operator, generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted average (GMHFPWA) operator and generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy Choquet integral weighted average (GMHFCIWA) operator, are developed and corresponding properties are discussed in detail. Then, based on the proposed aggregation operators, a novel approach for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem is proposed for ranking alternatives. Finally, an example is provided to verify the developed approach and demonstrate its validity and feasibility and the study is supported by a sensitivity analysis and a comparison analysis.
Eumelanin Coating of Silica Aerogel by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Deposition of a 5,6-Dihydroxyindole Thin Film
Authors: Caputo Giuseppe , Bonadies Irene , Migliaccio Ludovico , Caso Maria Federica , Pezzella Alessandro
Published: August 2018

Eumelanin integration in silica aerogel (SA) was achieved via supercritical adsorption of 5,6-dyhydroxyindole (DHI) from CO2. Notably, after the supercritical treatment, DHI evolved towards spontaneous polymerization, which resulted in uniform pigment development over the SA. The new material was characterized for its morphological and physicochemical properties, disclosing the formation of a eumelanin-like coating, as confirmed by UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.
Improved l-Leucine Production in Corynebacterium glutamicum by Optimizing the Aminotransferases
Authors: Feng Li-Yan , Xu Jian-Zhong , Zhang Wei-Guo
Published: August 2018

The production of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) is still challenging, therefore we rationally engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum FA-1 to increase the l-leucine production by optimizing the aminotransferases. Based on this, we investigated the effects of the native aminotransferases, i.e., branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT; encoded by ilvE) and aspartate aminotransferase (AspB; encoded by aspB) on l-leucine production in C. glutamicum. The strain FA-1△ilvE still exhibited significant growth without leucine addition, while FA-1△ilvE△aspB couldn’t, which indicated that AspB also contributes to L-leucine synthesis in vivo and the yield of leucine reached 20.81 ± 0.02 g/L. It is the first time that AspB has been characterized for l-leucine synthesis activity. Subsequently, the aromatic aminotransferase TyrB and the putative aspartate aminotransferases, the aspC, yhdR, ywfG gene products, were cloned, expressed and characterized for leucine synthesis activity in FA-1△ilvE△aspB. Only TyrB was able to synthesize l-leucine and the l-leucine production was 18.55 ± 0.42 g/L. The two putative branched-chain aminotransferase genes, ybgE and CaIlvE, were also cloned and expressed. Both genes products function efficiently in BCAAs biosynthesis. This is the first report of a rational modification of aminotransferase activity that improves the l-leucine production through optimizing the aminotransferases.
Vitamin A Deficiency and the Lung
Authors: Timoneda Joaquín , Rodríguez-Fernández Lucía , Zaragozá Rosa , Marín M. , Cabezuelo M. , Torres Luis , Viña Juan , Barber Teresa
Published: August 2018

Vitamin A (all-trans-retinol) is a fat-soluble micronutrient which together with its natural derivatives and synthetic analogues constitutes the group of retinoids. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes such as embryonic development, vision, immunity and cellular differentiation and proliferation. Retinoic acid (RA) is the main active form of vitamin A and multiple genes respond to RA signalling through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a remarkable public health problem. An adequate vitamin A intake is required in early lung development, alveolar formation, tissue maintenance and regeneration. In fact, chronic VAD has been associated with histopathological changes in the pulmonary epithelial lining that disrupt the normal lung physiology predisposing to severe tissue dysfunction and respiratory diseases. In addition, there are important alterations of the structure and composition of extracellular matrix with thickening of the alveolar basement membrane and ectopic deposition of collagen I. In this review, we show our recent findings on the modification of cell-junction proteins in VAD lungs, summarize up-to-date information related to the effects of chronic VAD in the impairment of lung physiology and pulmonary disease which represent a major global health problem and provide an overview of possible pathways involved.
Effects of Lubricant and Toughening Agent on the Fluidity and Toughness of Poplar Powder-Reinforced Polylactic Acid 3D Printing Materials
Authors: Zhang Qingfa , Cai Hongzhen , Zhang Andong , Lin Xiaona , Yi Weiming , Zhang Jibing
Published: August 2018

Three dimensional (3D) printing materials were manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA) and poplar powder using the twin screw extruder and 3D printing consumables extruder. Lubricant (TPW604) and toughening agent polyolefin elastomer (POE) were utilized to improve the fluidity and toughness of the materials. 3D printing materials were tested by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, melt flow rate, rheology behavior, impact and scanning electron microscope. The results show that the poplar powder could decrease impact strength of PLA, the same as TPW604. Unlike poplar powder, TPW604 can improve the fluidity of 3D printing materials. And POE can fill the voids formed by poplar powder in PLA, enhance interface compatibility between poplar powder and PLA, and effectively improve the fluidity and impact strength of 3D printing materials.
Analysis of Landsat-8 OLI Imagery for Estimating Exposed Bedrock Fractions in Typical Karst Regions of Southwest China Using a Karst Bare-Rock Index
Authors: Pei Jie , Wang Li , Huang Ni , Geng Jing , Cao Jianhua , Niu Zheng
Published: August 2018

Karst rocky desertification (KRD) has become the primary ecoenvironmental problem in the karst regions of southwest China. The rapid and efficient acquisition of exposed bedrock fractions (EBF) is crucial for the monitoring and assessment of KRD degree and distribution within the highly heterogeneous landscapes. Remote-sensing indices provide a useful method for the quick mapping of the EBF at large scales. The currently available rock indices, however, are faced with insensitivity to bedrock change characteristics, which greatly limits their performances and suitability. To address this problem, we proposed a novel karst bare-rock index (KBRI) that applies shortwave-infrared (SWIR) and near-infrared (NIR) bands from Landsat-8 OLI imagery to maximally distinguish between exposed bedrock and other land cover types in southwest China. A linear regression model was thus established between KBRI and the EBF derived from in situ measurements. The model developed here was then validated with an independent experiment and applied over a large geographic area to produce regional maps of EBF in southwest China. Experimental results showed good performance on root mean square error (5.59%), mean absolute error (4.63%), root mean absolute percentage error (13.59%), and coefficient of determination (0.72), respectively. The advantages of the proposed method are reflected in its simplicity and minimal requirements for auxiliary data while still achieving comparatively better accuracy than existing related indices. Thus, the KBRI has the great potential for the application in other regions around the world with the similar geological backgrounds, thereby helping to address the similar or other related environmental issues. Results of this study provide baseline data for the KRD assessment and karst-ecosystem management in southwest China.
Integrated Analyses of PALSAR and Landsat Imagery Reveal More Agroforests in a Typical Agricultural Production Region, North China Plain
Authors: Yang Zhiqi , Dong Jinwei , Qin Yuanwei , Ni Wenjian , Zhao Guosong , Chen Wei , Chen Bangqian , Kou Weili , Wang Jie , Xiao Xiangming
Published: August 2018

As the largest among terrestrial ecosystems, forests are vital to maintaining ecosystem services and regulating regional climate. The area and spatial distribution of trees in densely forested areas have been focused on in the past few decades, while sparse forests in agricultural zones, so-called agroforests or trees outside forests (TOF), have usually been ignored or missed in existing forest mapping efforts, despite their important role in regulating agricultural ecosystems. We combined Landsat and PALSAR data to map forests in a typical agricultural zone in the North China Plain. The resultant map, based on PALSAR and Landsat (PL) data, was also compared with five existing medium resolution (30–100 m) forest maps from PALSAR (JAXA forest map) and Landsat: NLCD-China, GlobeLand30, ChinaCover, and FROM-GLC. The results show that the PL-based forest map has the highest accuracy (overall accuracy of 95 ± 1% with a 95% confidence interval, and Kappa coefficient of 0.86) compared to those forest maps based on single Landsat or PALSAR data in the North China Plain (overall accuracy ranging from 85 ± 2% to 92 ± 1%). All forest maps revealed higher accuracy in densely forested mountainous areas, while the PL-based and JAXA forest maps showed higher accuracy in the plain, as the higher omission errors existed in only the Landsat-based forest maps. Moreover, we found that the PL-based forest map can capture more patched forest information in low forest density areas. This means that the radar data have advantages in capturing forests in the typical agricultural zones, which tend to be missing in published Landsat-based only forest maps. Given the significance of agroforests in regulating ecosystem services of the agricultural ecosystem and improving carbon stock estimation, this study implies that the integration of PALSAR and Landsat data can provide promising agroforest estimates in future forest inventory efforts, targeting a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem services of agroforests and a more accurate carbon budget inventory.
Comparing the Performance of Neural Network and Deep Convolutional Neural Network in Estimating Soil Moisture from Satellite Observations
Authors: Ge Lingling , Hang Renlong , Liu Yi , Liu Qingshan
Published: August 2018

Soil moisture (SM) plays an important role in hydrological cycle and weather forecasting. Satellite provides the only viable approach to regularly observe large-scale SM dynamics. Conventionally, SM is estimated from satellite observations based on the radiative transfer theory. Recent studies have demonstrated that the neural network (NN) method can retrieve SM with comparable accuracy as conventional methods. Here, we are interested in whether the NN model with more complex structures, namely deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), can bring about further improvement in SM retrievals when compared with the NN model used in recent studies. To achieve this objective, the same input data are used for the DCNN and NN models, including L-band Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) brightness temperature (TB), C-band Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) backscattering coefficients, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and soil temperature. The target SM used to train the DCNN and NN models is the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-Interim) product. The experiment consists of two phases: the learning phase from 1 January to 31 December 2015 and the testing phase from 1 January to 31 December 2016. In the learning phase, we train the DCNN and NN models using the ERA-Interim SM. When evaluation between DCNN and NN against in situ measurements in the testing phase, we find that the temporal correlations between DCNN SM and in situ measurements are higher than those between NN SM and in situ measurements by 6 . 2 % and 2 . 5 % on ascending and descending orbits, respectively. In addition, from the perspective of temporal and spatial dynamics, the simulated SM values by DCNN/NN and the ERA-Interim SM agree relatively well at a global scale. Results suggest that both NN and DCNN models are effective in estimating SM from satellite observations, and DCNN can achieve slightly better performance than NN.
Towards a Common European Space for Asylum
Authors: Petracou E. V. , Domazakis G. N. , Papayiannis G. I. , Yannacopoulos A. N.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we provide a critical overview of the current migration policies of the EU as framed by the recent amendments of the EU migration policies since 2015. We highlight that the construction of the migration policy is a constitutive element of the spatial process of reorganization of territorial policies through the combination and diffusion of state, regional and global. We show that the perception of permanent and static migration pressure, and countries’ specialization in migration are the basis for diffusion of asylum and migration policies to a number of different countries imposing similar migration systems and establishing a global governance of migration regime. The paper highlights a geographic and political change in migration and border management, through the patterns of EU Member States cooperation, and in particular their reluctance to establish a common asylum system based on solidarity and the focus on substituting the lack of a common asylum system by bilateral externalization agreements the main objective of which is the management of migration and border control rather than guaranteeing asylum and refugee policies.
Cellular Telephones and Natural Disaster Vulnerability
Authors: Toya Hideki , Skidmore Mark
Published: August 2018

A global revolution in information and communication technologies (ICT) has occurred over the past few decades, emerging first in industrialized countries and then in developing countries. While researchers have examined many facets of the ICT revolution, relatively little work has systematically examined the degree to which ICT has reduced natural disaster vulnerability. In this article we use cross-country data over the 1980–2013 period to estimate the relationship between newly-emerging cell phone access/use and disaster-induced fatalities. Our estimates suggest that a one-standard-deviation increase in cell phone usage reduces disaster fatalities by nearly one half. The estimated effect increases to almost three quarters for geologic events where people are typically afflicted without warning. The largest marginal benefit from cell phones in terms of saving lives come from events where there is typically no warning, thus, many are caught by surprise; cell phones are used to call for help and coordinate assistance.
First Case Report of a Near Lethal Envenomation by a Salomonelaps par (Solomons Coral Snake) in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Luthy Sarah , Rake Damian , Buchanan Tanya , Schultze Christine
Published: August 2018

Venomous snake bites in the Solomon Islands can be very dangerous due to lack of access to health care. There are no documented case reports of envenomation by snake bites in the Solomon Islands. This case report highlights the management of a patient with potentially lethal neurotoxicity secondary to a Solomonelaps par (Solomons coral snake) in a low resource setting. This case identifies the potential benefit of further research to determine the incidence of lethal envenomation as well as analysing the venom to determine if any commercially available antivenom would be useful in the treatment of envenomation by Salomonelaps par and other venomous snakes. There should be consideration given to providing education on first aid for people living in remote areas as well as education for health workers.
Optical Coherence Tomography Reveals Sigmoidal Crystalline Lens Changes during Accommodation
Authors: Gibson George A. , Cruickshank Fiona E. , Wolffsohn James S. , Davies Leon N.
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to quantify biometric modifications of the anterior segment (AS) during accommodation and to compare them against changes in both accommodative demand and response. Thirty adults, aged 18–25 years were rendered functionally emmetropic with contact lenses. AS optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images were captured along the 180° meridian (Visante, Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) under stimulated accommodative demands (0–4 D). Images were analysed and lens thickness (LT) was measured, applying a refractive index correction of 1.00. Accommodative responses were also measured sequentially through a Badal optical system fitted to an autorefractor (Shin Nippon NVision-K 5001, Rexxam, Japan). Data were compared with Dubbelman schematic eye calculations. Significant changes occurred in LT, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens centroid (i.e., ACD + LT/2), and AS length (ASL = ACD + LT) with accommodation (all p < 0.01). There was no significant change in CT with accommodation (p = 0.81). Measured CT, ACD, and lens centroid values were similar to Dubbelman modelled parameters, however AS-OCT overestimated LT and ASL. As expected, the accommodative response was less than the demand. Interestingly, up until approximately 1.5 D of response (2.0 D demand), the anterior crystalline lens surface appears to be the primary correlate. Beyond this point, the posterior lens surface moves posteriorly resulting in an over-all sigmoidal trajectory. he posterior crystalline lens surface demonstrates a sigmoidal response with increasing accommodative effort.
Muddy Waters: Refining the Way forward for the “Sustainability Science” of Socio-Hydrogeology
Authors: Hynds Paul , Regan Shane , Andrade Luisa , Mooney Simon , O’Malley Kevin , DiPelino Stephanie , O’Dwyer Jean
Published: August 2018

The trouble with groundwater is that despite its critical importance to global water supplies, it frequently attracts insufficient management attention relative to more visible surface water sources, irrespective of regional climate, socioeconomic profile, and regulatory environment. To this end, the recently defined sub-discipline of “socio-hydrogeology”, an extension of socio-hydrology, seeks to translate and exchange knowledge with and between non-expert end-users, in addition to involving non-expert opinion and experience in hydrogeological investigations, thus emphasising a “bottom-up” methodology. It is widely acknowledged that issues pertaining to groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, climate change, and a poor general awareness and understanding of groundwater occurrence and movement are global in their scope. Moreover, while effective communication and engagement represent the key tenet of socio-hydrogeology, the authors consider that multiple actors should be identified and incorporated using stakeholder network analysis and may include policymakers, media and communications experts, mobile technology developers, and social scientists, to appropriately convey demographically focused bi-directional information, with the hydrogeological community representing the communication keystone. Accordingly, this article aims to highlight past and current work, elucidate key areas of development within socio-hydrogeology, and offer recommendations to ensure global efficacy of this increasingly important and growing field going forward. The authors seek to assist in protecting our global groundwater resource for future generations via an improved framework for understanding the interaction between communities and hydrogeological systems.
Anemia Is a Novel Predictive Factor for the Onset of Severe Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Lymphoma Patients Receiving Rituximab Plus Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisolone Therapy
Authors: Saito Takashi , Okamura Atsuo , Inoue Junichiro , Makiura Daisuke , Doi Hisayo , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Sakai Yoshitada , Ono Rei
Published: August 2018

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) frequently occurs in lymphoma patients receiving R-CHOP, a drug combination therapy. Although severe CIPN may lead to reduction and/or discontinuation of the medication, predictive factors of CIPN have not been investigated sufficiently to date. We performed a retrospective exploratory research to determine associations between prevalence of severe CIPN and sociodemographic data, health characteristics, and medical conditions such as anemia at initial diagnosis. Forty patients (indolent lymphoma,n = 9; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma;n = 31) received R-CHOP therapy from September 2009 to July 2014. The median age of patients was 58 years (range = 27‐76 years). Statistical analyses were applied to the patients, who were divided into two groups: mild CIPN (no symptoms or grade 1 according to the CTCAE version 3.0 program) and severe CIPN patients (grade 2 or higher). Forward stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed using the following variables: sex, BMI, BSA, hyperglycemia, malnutrition, and anemia. Severe CIPN occurred in seven patients (17.5%). Gender and anemia remained following the stepwise procedure, and anemia predicted severe CIPN significantly (OR = 19.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.52‐171.12). Our study suggests that anemia at initial diagnosis could be a predictive factor of R-CHOP-induced CIPN.
Information Operations from the Polish Point of View
Authors: Modrzejewski Zbigniew
Published: August 2018

Information operations are still not understood very well. For many people, Info Ops are simply computer warfare or psychological operations. The main purpose of the article is to describe the fundamental aspects of information operations in the Polish doctrinal document. The content of the paper includes presentation of key definitions and explanation of how the information environment should be perceived. The author made also an attempt to describe key capabilities and techniques integrated and coordinated through information operations.
La fraude est-elle gérable ? Application au cas des assurances complémentaires santé
Authors: Dufour Nicolas , Laffort Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

La fraude est un objet d’étude conjoncturel alors qu’elle devrait faire l’objet d’une attention continue et soutenue. Elle est étudiée lorsqu’elle fait parler d’elle puis tombe dans un certain oubli malgré certaines initiatives ponctuelles. Malheureusement, ces initiatives sont souvent normatives et peuvent laisser croire que les organisations sont raisonnablement prémunies dès lors qu’elles suivent les schémas prescrits, ce qui questionne sur la capacité des organisations à structurer la réponse aux fraudes. En nous fondant sur une étude de cas concernant les entreprises proposant des assurances complémentaires santé, nous suggérons que la fraude est également un enjeu d’appropriation.
Logique générale de l’échange, stratégies de l’alliance et changement historique
Authors: Delille Gérard
Published: August 2018

Reprenant les conclusions de nombreux travaux précédents, l’article souligne comment la logique des échanges matrimoniaux s’organisent, partout en Europe occidentale, à travers les collatéraux qui reprennent ou relancent les alliances précédentes. Les schémas peuvent se complexifier en fonction des situations démographiques ; le système laisse de larges possibilités de choix aux acteurs. Ces mécanismes doivent impérativement être pris en compte lors de l’étude des transactions économiques, sociales, symboliques, pour en comprendre les causes et les finalités. Les achats-ventes de terres « collent » souvent de très près aux réseaux de parenté et d’alliance. Certaines formes d’alliance ouvrent sur des possibilités stratégiques inédites. Les textes des xviie et xviiie siècles soulignent comment les « mariages par échange » (échange de sœurs), accompagnés de subrogations (adoptions) permettent de contourner aussi bien le droit de formariage que celui de mainmorte ; ils font dater l’apparition de l’échange des sœurs des xie-xiiie siècles. Les mariages entre germains de même sexe ou de sexe différent, fréquents aux xiiie-xviiie siècles, se sont imposés comme des acteurs fondamentaux des échanges. Ils disparaissent progressivement au cours du xixe siècle.