bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NADA Ear Acupuncture: An Adjunctive Therapy to Improve and Maintain Positive Outcomes in Substance Abuse Treatment
Authors: Carter Kenneth , Olshan-Perlmutter Michelle , Marx Jonathan , Martini Janet , Cairns Simon
Published: June 2017

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol (NADA) is an adjunctive therapy using 1 to 5 invariant ear acupuncture/acupressure points. This is a randomized prospective study to determine if NADA plus traditional treatment enhance outcomes: quality of life, depression, anxiety and abstinence from substance abuse. There were 100 patients enrolled in the Keystone Substance Abuse Services-Winthrop University Department of Sociology and Anthropology NADA study. All patients completed Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES) prior to starting the program and at program completion. Patients self-reported alcohol, tobacco, and drug use prior to starting the program at program completion and at 3 and 6 month follow- up. Patient characteristics are predictive of completion versus non-completion when race, criminal history and initial drug test is considered. Those identified as nonwhite, (p < 0.05) and patients with positive initial drug test, (p < 0.01) were more likely to complete treatment in the NADA group. Also, among patients with criminal history a higher percentage failed to complete the program in the control group (p < 0.05). Participation in NADA positively associated with Q-LES score (p < 0.05), feeling better about oneself and improved energy (p < 0.05), likelihood of employment upon discharge (p < 0.05), and decreased alcohol use at 3 month follow up (p < 0.05) and 6-month follow-up (p < 0.01). NADA group reported less tobacco use at 6 months (p < 0.05).
Spatial Pattern of the Seasonal Drought/Burned Area Relationship across Brazilian Biomes: Sensitivity to Drought Metrics and Global Remote-Sensing Fire Products
Authors: Nogueira Joana , Rambal Serge , Barbosa João , Mouillot Florent
Published: June 2017

Fires are complex processes having important impacts on biosphere/atmosphere interactions. The spatial and temporal pattern of fire activity is determined by complex feedbacks between climate and plant functioning through and biomass desiccation, usually estimated by fire danger indices (FDI) in official fire risk prevention services. Contrasted vegetation types from fire-prone Brazilian biomes may respond differently to soil water deficit during the fire season. Then, we propose to evaluate the burned area (BA)/FDI relationship across Brazil using most common FDIs and the main BA products from global remote sensing. We computed 12 standard FDIs- at 0.5° resolution from 2002 to 2011 and used the monthly BA from four BA datasets—from the MODIS sensor (MCD45A1), the MERIS sensor (MERIS FIRE_CCI), the Global Fire Emission Database version 4 (GFED4) and version 4s including small fires (GFED4s). We performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the coefficients of determination (R2) of the FDI/BA relationship to investigate the biome specificities of Brazilian biomes and the sensitivity to BA datasets. Good relationships (R2 > 0.8) were observed for all BA datasets, except SPEI (R2 < 0.2). We showed that FDIs computed from empirical water balances considering a lower soil capacity are more correlated to the seasonal pattern of fire occurrence in the Cerrado biome with contrasted adjustments between the western (early drying) and eastern part (late drying), while the fine fuel moisture index is more correlated to the fire seasonal pattern in Amazonia. The biome specificities of the FDI/BA relationship was evaluated with a general linear model. High accuracies in the biome distribution according to the FDI/BA relationship (>50%, p < 0.001) was observed in Amazonia and Cerrado, with lower accuracy (<32%, p < 0.001) in the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga. These results suggest that the FDI/BA relationship are biome-specific to explain the seasonal course of burned in Brazilian biomes, independently of the global BA product used. Selected FDIs should be used for fire danger forecast in each Brazilian biome.
A Method for Identifying the Mood States of Social Network Users Based on Cyber Psychometrics
Authors: Wang Weijun , Li Ying , Huang Yinghui , Liu Hui , Zhang Tingting
Published: June 2017

Analyzing people’s opinions, attitudes, sentiments, and emotions based on user-generated content (UGC) is feasible for identifying the psychological characteristics of social network users. However, most studies focus on identifying the sentiments carried in the micro-blogging text and there is no ideal calculation method for users’ real emotional states. In this study, the Profile of Mood State (POMS) is used to characterize users’ real mood states and a regression model is built based on cyber psychometrics and a multitask method. Features of users’ online behavior are selected through structured statistics and unstructured text. Results of the correlation analysis of different features demonstrate that users’ real mood states are not only characterized by the messages expressed through texts, but also correlate with statistical features of online behavior. The sentiment-related features in different timespans indicate different correlations with the real mood state. The comparison among various regression algorithms suggests that the multitask learning method outperforms other algorithms in root-mean-square error and error ratio. Therefore, this cyber psychometrics method based on multitask learning that integrates structural features and temporal emotional information could effectively obtain users’ real mood states and could be applied in further psychological measurements and predictions.
Anamnesis: Intertextual Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wagner Kirstin
Published: June 2017

This essay develops and performs a theory of intertextual memory; and uses this concept as a heuristic to re-conceptualize identity for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This work emerges from three key sites of personal and cultural inquiry. At the center is my engagement with my matrilineal ancestry; which is haunted by the specter of memory loss: my mother’s mother (my Nanny) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in 2002 when she was 73; and my mother was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2012 when she was 51. By telling stories about my mother and my Nanny which rely on intertextual memory; I hope to broaden the poetic space of remembering and to challenge the Western humanistic conception of identity as inherent; atomistic; and highly dependent on successful memory performance. Secondly; I examine the rhetorical discourse circulating Alzheimer’s disease in the popular cultural imaginary; where illness metaphors deleteriously situate the forgetting body within narratives of failure; fear; and loss of personhood. I argue that an intertextual approach to memory performance can help us reimagine Alzheimer’s patients outside the stigmatizing parameters of these broader cultural stories. Lastly; I draw on empirical research related to communication failure in AD in order to consider the ways caregivers might approach Alzheimer’s patients with the kind of linguistic and interactional flexibility subtended by an intertextual approach to identity; in order to forge improved relationships both with Alzheimer’s patients and with the disease itself.
Beelines: Joyce’s Apian Aesthetics
Authors: Murray Rachel
Published: June 2017

This article examines the presence of apian life in James Joyce’s body of work in light of Maurice Maeterlinck’s discovery at the turn of the twentieth-century that honeybees communicate using a complex system of language. In December 1903, Joyce offered to translate Maeterlinck’s book-length study La Vie Des Abeille (The Life of the Bee) (1901) for the Irish Bee-Keeper, and the pages of the journal later resurface on a book-cart in Ulysses. Beginning with a discussion of the ‘economy of bee life’ in Stephen Hero, this article explores Joyce’s career-long fascination with nonhuman modes of communication, tracing his fascination with apian intelligence through close readings of Bloom’s bee-sting in Ulysses, as well as through the swarm of references that appear in Finnegans Wake. Finally, it argues that bees offer new ways of reading Joyce’s work, opening up new lines of connection between the fields of literary criticism and apiculture, and drawing the reader’s attention to the peripheral hum or murmur at the edges of human speech.
Remote Sensing for Irrigation of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Alvino Arturo , Marino Stefano
Published: June 2017

This paper reviews the literature on applications of remote sensing for monitoring soil- and crop- water status for irrigation purposes. The review is organized into two main sections: (1) sensors and platforms applied to irrigation studies and (2) remote sensing approaches for precision irrigation to estimate crop water status, evapotranspiration, infrared thermography, soil and crop characteristics methods. Recent literature reports several remote sensing (RS) approaches to monitor crop water status in the cultivated environment. Establishing the right amount of water to supply for different irrigation strategies (maximization of yield or water use efficiency (WUE)) for a large number of crops is a problem that remains unresolved. For each crop, it will be necessary to create a stronger connection between crop-water status and crop yield.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Ambient Nitrogen Dioxide and Respiratory Disease in China
Authors: Sun Jiyao , Barnes Andrew , He Dongyang , Wang Meng , Wang Jian
Published: June 2017

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quantitative effects of short-term exposure of ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on respiratory disease (RD) mortality and RD hospital admission in China through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A total of 29 publications were finally selected from searches in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases. Generic inverse variance method was used to pool effect estimates. Pooled estimates were used to represent the increased risk of RD mortality and RD hospital admission per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentration. Results: Positive correlations were found between short-term NO2 exposure and RD in China. RD mortality and RD hospital admission respectively increased by 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1%, 1.7%) and 1.0% (95% CI: 0.5%, 1.5%) per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentration. Differences were observed across geographic regions of China. The risk of RD mortality due to NO2 was higher in the southern region (1.7%) than in the north (0.7%). Conclusions: Evidence was found that short-term exposure to NO2 was associated with an increased risk of RD mortality and RD hospital admission in China and these risks were more pronounced in the southern regions of the country, due in part to a larger proportion of elderly persons with increased susceptibility to NO2 in the population compared with the north.
GPE Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Mouse Embryonic Neural Stem Cells and Their Progeny In Vitro
Authors: Almengló Cristina , Devesa Pablo , Devesa Jesús , Arce Víctor
Published: June 2017

This study was designed to investigate a possible role of the N-terminal tripeptide of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), Gly-Pro-Glu (GPE), physiologically generated in neurons following IGF-I-specific cleavage, in promoting neural regeneration after an injury. Primary cultures of mouse neural stem cells (NSCs), obtained from 13.5 Days post-conception (dpc) mouse embryos, were challenged with either GPE, growth hormone (GH), or GPE + GH and the effects on cell proliferation, migration, and survival were evaluated both under basal conditions and in response to a wound healing assay. The cellular pathways activated by GPE were also investigated by using specific chemical inhibitors. The results of the study indicate that GPE treatment promotes the proliferation and the migration of neural stem cells in vitro through a mechanism that involves the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3K-Akt pathways. Intriguingly, both GPE effects and the signaling pathways activated were similar to those observed after GH treatment. Based upon the results obtained from this study, GPE, as well as GH, may be useful in promoting neural protection and/or regeneration after an injury.
An Energy-Efficient Routing Algorithm in Three-Dimensional Underwater Sensor Networks Based on Compressed Sensing
Authors: Li Bo , Yang Hongjuan , Liu Gongliang , Peng Xiyuan
Published: June 2017

Compressed sensing (CS) has become a powerful tool to process data that is correlated in underwater sensor networks (USNs). Based on CS, certain signals can be recovered from a relatively small number of random linear projections. Since the battery-driven sensor nodes work in adverse environments, energy-efficient routing well-matched with CS is needed to realize data gathering in USNs. In this paper, a clustering, uneven-layered, and multi-hop routing based on CS (CS-CULM) is proposed. The inter-cluster transmission and fusion are fulfilled by an improved LEACH protocol, then the uneven-layered, multi-hop routing is adopted to forward the packets fused to sink node for data reconstruction. Simulation results show that CS-CULM can achieve better performances in energy saving and data reconstruction.
Characterization of Antimicrobial Poly (Lactic Acid)/Nano-Composite Films with Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Chu Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Tianrui , Li Lin , Fan Jian , Qin Yuyue
Published: June 2017

Antimicrobial active films based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) were prepared with nano-silver (nano-Ag) and nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) using a solvent volatilizing method. The films were characterized for mechanical, structural, thermal, physical and antimicrobial properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images characterized the fracture morphology of the films with different contents of nano-Ag and nano-ZnO. The addition of nanoparticles into the pure PLA film decreased the tensile strength and elasticity modulus and increased the elongation of breaks—in other words, the flexibility and extensibility of these composites improved. According to the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the glass transition temperature of the PLA nano-composite films decreased, and the crystallinity of these films increased; a similar result was apparent from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The water vapor permeability (WVP) and opacity of the PLA nano-composite films augmented compared with pure PLA film. Incorporation of nanoparticles to the PLA films significantly improved the antimicrobial activity to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. The results indicated that PLA films with nanoparticles could be considered a potential environmental-friendly packaging material.
The Roles of Spinochromes in Four Shallow Water Tropical Sea Urchins and Their Potential as Bioactive Pharmacological Agents
Authors: Brasseur Lola , Hennebert Elise , Fievez Laurence , Caulier Guillaume , Bureau Fabrice , Tafforeau Lionel , Flammang Patrick , Gerbaux Pascal , Eeckhaut Igor
Published: June 2017

Spinochromes are principally known to be involved in sea urchin pigmentation as well as for their potentially interesting pharmacological properties. To assess their biological role in sea urchin physiology, experiments are undertaken on crude extracts from four species and on four isolated spinochromes in order to test their antibacterial, antioxidant, inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. First, the antibacterial assays show that the use of crude extracts as representatives of antibacterial effects of spinochromes are inaccurate. The assays on purified spinochromes showed a decrease in the growth of four strains with an intensity depending on the spinochromes/bacteria system, revealing the participation of spinochromes in the defense system against microorganisms. Secondly, in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant assays, spinochromes show an enhanced activity compared to the positive control. This latter observation suggests their involvement in ultraviolet radiation protection. Third, spinochromes present a pro-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, highlighting their possible implication in the sea urchin immune system. Finally, cytotoxicity assays based on Trypan blue exclusion, performed in view of their possible future applications as drugs, show a weak cytotoxicity of these compounds against human cells. In conclusion, all results confirm the implication of spinochromes in sea urchin defense mechanisms against their external environment and reveal their potential for pharmacological and agronomical industries.
Production of Chitin from Penaeus vannamei By-Products to Pilot Plant Scale Using a Combination of Enzymatic and Chemical Processes and Subsequent Optimization of the Chemical Production of Chitosan by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Vázquez José , Ramos Patrícia , Mirón Jesús , Valcarcel Jesus , Sotelo Carmen , Pérez-Martín Ricardo
Published: June 2017

The waste generated from shrimp processing contains valuable materials such as protein, carotenoids, and chitin. The present study describes a process at pilot plant scale to recover chitin from the cephalothorax of Penaeus vannamei using mild conditions. The application of a sequential enzymatic–acid–alkaline treatment yields 30% chitin of comparable purity to commercial sources. Effluents from the process are rich in protein and astaxanthin, and represent inputs for further by-product recovery. As a last step, chitin is deacetylated to produce chitosan; the optimal conditions are established by applying a response surface methodology (RSM). Under these conditions, deacetylation reaches 92% as determined by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), and the molecular weight (Mw) of chitosan is estimated at 82 KDa by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Chitin and chitosan microstructures are characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Poly(vinylbenzylchloride) Based Anion-Exchange Blend Membranes (AEBMs): Influence of PEG Additive on Conductivity and Stability
Authors: Kerres Jochen , Krieg Henning
Published: June 2017

In view of the many possible applications such as fuel cells and electrolysers, recent interest in novel anion exchange membranes (AEMs) has increased significantly. However, their low conductivity and chemical stability limits their current suitability. In this study, the synthesis and characterization of several three- and four-component anion exchange blend membranes (AEBMs) is described, where the compositions have been systematically varied to study the influence of the AEBM’s composition on the anion conductivities as well as chemical and thermal stabilities under strongly alkaline conditions. It was shown that the epoxide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s that were introduced into the four-component AEBMs resulted in increased conductivity as well as a marked improvement in the stability of the AEBMs in an alkaline environment. In addition, the thermal stability of the novel AEBMs was excellent showing the suitability of these membranes for several electrochemical applications.
Know Your Noodles! Assessing Variations in Sodium Content of Instant Noodles across Countries
Authors: Farrand Clare , Charlton Karen , Crino Michelle , Santos Joseph , Rodriguez-Fernandez Rodrigo , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Webster Jacqui
Published: June 2017

Reducing salt intake is a cost-effective public health intervention to reduce the global burden of non-communicable disease (NCDs). Ultra-processed foods contribute ~80% of dietary salt in high income countries, and are becoming prominent in low-middle income countries. Instant noodle consumption is particularly high in the Asia Pacific region. The aim of this study was to compare the sodium content of instant noodles sold worldwide to identify potential for reformulation. Analysis was undertaken for 765 instant noodle products from 10 countries using packaged food composition databases of ultra-processed foods compiled by the Global Food Monitoring Group (GFMG) and national shop survey data. Sodium levels were high and variable, within and between countries. Instant noodles in China had the highest mean sodium content (1944 mg/100 g; range: 397–3678/100 g) compared to New Zealand (798 mg/100 g; range: 249–2380 mg/100 g). Average pack size ranged from 57 g (Costa Rica) to 98 g (China). The average packet contributed 35% to 95% of the World Health Organization recommended daily salt intake of <5 g. Forty percent of products met the Pacific Island (PICs) regional sodium targets, 37% met the South Africa 2016 targets, and 72% met the UK 2017 targets. This study emphasises a need for stronger regulation and closer monitoring to drive rigorous reformulation of salt in ultra-processed foods.
Iron Deficiency Anemia as a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Pan Mei-Lien , Chen Li-Ru , Tsao Hsiao-Mei , Chen Kuo-Hu
Published: June 2017

The cause-effect relationship between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and osteoporosis has not been established in the general population. Thus, the current longitudinal study determined the role of IDA as a risk factor for osteoporosis by analyzing a large nationwide population-based sample. In a sample of 1,000,000 randomly sampled individuals from the 1998–2012. Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, patients with IDA (case group (n = 35,751)) and individuals without IDA (control group (n = 178,755)) were compared. Patients who were <20 years of age and who had pre-existing osteoporosis prior to the diagnosis of IDA were excluded. Each patient with IDA was age- and gender-matched to five individuals without IDA. The diagnoses of IDA and osteoporosis (coded using ICD-9CM) were further confirmed with blood test results and X-ray bone densitometry to ensure the accuracy of the diagnoses. Osteoporosis occurred more often among patients with IDA compared to individuals without IDA (2.27% vs. 1.32%, p < 0.001). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that the risk for osteoporosis was significantly higher in the case than the control group (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.61–1.88) and remained similar after adjustment for covariates (adjusted HR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.67–1.97). Compared with individuals without IDA, the risk for osteoporosis was even higher for patients with IDA who received intravenous ferrum therapy (adjusted HR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.85–2.63). In contrast, the risk for osteoporosis was reduced for patients with IDA who received a blood transfusion (adjusted HR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.20–1.80). As a predictor, prior IDA is a significant and independent risk factor for development of osteoporosis.
Correction: Rachel Brown and Sheila Skeaff. Nutrition Society of New Zealand Annual Conference Held in Christchurch, New Zealand, 8–9 December 2016. Nutrients 2017, 9, 348
Authors: Brown Rachel , Skeaff Sheila
Published: June 2017

We would like to submit the following as a correction to our recently published Special Issue on the annual conference and scientific meeting of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand, 2016 [1]. [...]
2D Normalized Iterative Hard Thresholding Algorithm for Fast Compressive Radar Imaging
Authors: Li Gongxin , Yang Jia , Yang Wenguang , Wang Yuechao , Wang Wenxue , Liu Lianqing
Published: June 2017

Compressive radar imaging has attracted considerable attention because it substantially reduces imaging time through directly compressive sampling. However, a problem that must be addressed for compressive radar imaging systems is the high computational complexity of reconstruction of sparse signals. In this paper, a novel algorithm, called two-dimensional (2D) normalized iterative hard thresholding (NIHT) or 2D-NIHT algorithm, is proposed to directly reconstruct radar images in the matrix domain. The reconstruction performance of 2D-NIHT algorithm was validated by an experiment on recovering a synthetic 2D sparse signal, and the superiority of the 2D-NIHT algorithm to the NIHT algorithm was demonstrated by a comprehensive comparison of its reconstruction performance. Moreover, to be used in compressive radar imaging systems, a 2D sampling model was also proposed to compress the range and azimuth data simultaneously. The practical application of the 2D-NIHT algorithm in radar systems was validated by recovering two radar scenes with noise at different signal-to-noise ratios, and the results showed that the 2D-NIHT algorithm could reconstruct radar scenes with a high probability of exact recovery in the matrix domain. In addition, the reconstruction performance of the 2D-NIHT algorithm was compared with four existing efficient reconstruction algorithms using the two radar scenes, and the results illustrated that, compared to the other algorithms, the 2D-NIHT algorithm could dramatically reduce the computational complexity in signal reconstruction and successfully reconstruct 2D sparse images with a high probability of exact recovery.
Impact of Atmospheric Inversion Effects on Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence: Exploitation of the Apparent Reflectance as a Quality Indicator
Authors: Sabater Neus , Vicent Jorge , Alonso Luis , Cogliati Sergio , Verrelst Jochem , Moreno José
Published: June 2017

In the last decade, signiﬁcant progress has been made in estimating Solar-Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) by passive remote sensing techniques that exploit the oxygen absorption spectral regions. Although the O2–B and the deep O2–A absorption bands present a high sensitivity to detect SIF, these regions are also largely inﬂuenced by atmospheric effects. Therefore, an accurate Atmospheric Correction (AC) process is required to measure SIF from oxygen bands. In this regard, the suitability of a two-step approach, i.e., ﬁrst an AC and second a Spectral Fitting technique to disentangle SIF from reﬂected light, has been evaluated. One of the advantages of the two-step approach resides in the derived intermediate products provided prior to SIF estimation, such as surface apparent reﬂectance. Results suggest that errors introduced in the AC, e.g., related to the characterization of aerosol optical properties, are propagated into systematic residual errors in the apparent reﬂectance. However, of interest is that these errors can be easily detected in the oxygen bands thanks to the high spectral resolution required to measure SIF. To illustrate this, the predictive power of the apparent reﬂectance spectra to detect and correct inaccuracies in the aerosols characterization is assessed by using a simulated database with SCOPE and MODTRAN radiative transfer models. In 75% of cases, the aerosol optical thickness, the Angstrom coefﬁcient and the scattering asymmetry factor are corrected with a relative error below of 0.5%, 8% and 3%, respectively. To conclude with, and in view of future SIF monitoring satellite missions such as FLEX, the analysis of the apparent reﬂectance can entail a valuable quality indicator to detect and correct errors in the AC prior to the SIF estimation.
Breathing Analysis Using Thermal and Depth Imaging Camera Video Records
Authors: Procházka Aleš , Charvátová Hana , Vyšata Oldřich , Kopal Jakub , Chambers Jonathon
Published: June 2017

The paper is devoted to the study of facial region temperature changes using a simple thermal imaging camera and to the comparison of their time evolution with the pectoral area motion recorded by the MS Kinect depth sensor. The goal of this research is to propose the use of video records as alternative diagnostics of breathing disorders allowing their analysis in the home environment as well. The methods proposed include (i) specific image processing algorithms for detecting facial parts with periodic temperature changes; (ii) computational intelligence tools for analysing the associated videosequences; and (iii) digital filters and spectral estimation tools for processing the depth matrices. Machine learning applied to thermal imaging camera calibration allowed the recognition of its digital information with an accuracy close to 100% for the classification of individual temperature values. The proposed detection of breathing features was used for monitoring of physical activities by the home exercise bike. The results include a decrease of breathing temperature and its frequency after a load, with mean values −0.16 °C/min and −0.72 bpm respectively, for the given set of experiments. The proposed methods verify that thermal and depth cameras can be used as additional tools for multimodal detection of breathing patterns.
Conceptualizing Dimensions and Characteristics of Urban Resilience: Insights from a Co-Design Process
Authors: Sharifi Ayyoob , Chelleri Lorenzo , Fox-Lent Cate , Grafakos Stelios , Pathak Minal , Olazabal Marta , Moloney Susie , Yumagulova Lily , Yamagata Yoshiki
Published: June 2017

Resilience is a multi-faceted concept frequently used across a wide range of disciplines, practices, and sectors. There is a growing recognition of the utility of resilience as a bridging concept that can facilitate inter-and transdisciplinary approaches to tackle complexities inherent in decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty. Such conditions are common in urban planning, infrastructure planning, asset management, emergency planning, crisis management, and development processes where systemic interdependencies and interests at stake influence decisions and outcomes. A major challenge that can undermine the use of resilience for guiding planning activities is the value-laden and contested nature of the concept that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Because resilience is context-specific and generally depends on local aspirations, this issue can be partially tackled by adopting participatory approaches for the conceptualization of resilience. This paper provides an example of how co-design methods can be employed for conceptualizing resilience. The Structured Interview Matrix was used as a technique to facilitate discussions among a diverse group of researchers and practitioners attending the International Workshop on Tools and Indicators for Assessing Urban Resilience. Participants deliberated on issues related to constituent elements of urban resilience, including its position vis-
The Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Maturity Model: Linking Theory and Practice
Authors: Stahl Bernd , Obach Michael , Yaghmaei Emad , Ikonen Veikko , Chatfield Kate , Brem Alexander
Published: June 2017

Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is an approach to research and innovation governance aiming to ensure that research purpose, process and outcomes are acceptable, sustainable and even desirable. In order to achieve this ambitious aim, RRI must be relevant to research and innovation in industry. In this paper, we discuss a way of understanding and representing RRI that resonates with private companies and lends itself to practical implementation and action. We propose the development of an RRI maturity model in the tradition of other well-established maturity models, linked with a corporate research and development (R&D) process. The foundations of this model lie in the discourse surrounding RRI and selected maturity models from other domains as well as the results of extensive empirical investigation. The model was tested in three industry environments and insights from these case studies show the model to be viable and useful in corporate innovation processes. With this approach, we aim to inspire further research and evaluation of the proposed maturity model as a tool for facilitating the integration of RRI in corporate management.
Regional Maldistribution of China’s Hospitals Based on Their Structural System
Authors: Ma Lie , Xie Qiu , Shi Shiying , Ye Xiaosu , Zhao Aifeng
Published: June 2017

Health equity is significant for social sustainability and the Chinese government is trying to achieve the goals of “universal access to basic health care services”. As the comprehensive carrier of health care services, hospitals are almost the most important health care resources and their regional maldistribution needs to give a special concern for health justice and social sustainability. This study aims to explore regional maldistribution of various hospitals through constructing, decomposing and calculating per capita hospitals Gini Coefficient based on the unique structural system of China’s hospitals from 2003–2014. Results show that: (1) the level of regional maldistribution of hospitals in China is not too serious in terms of quantity and there is a slight decline in recent years; (2) regional maldistribution of hospitals is mainly from General Hospitals and in inland areas; and (3) the slight decrease of regional maldistribution is mainly caused by Concentration Effect and increased per capita hospitals. Based on empirical results and the reality of China, some targeted policy suggestions are proposed to reduce regional maldistribution of hospitals and promote health equity for social sustainable development.
Erratum: Chirindja, F., et al. Borehole Logging and Slug Tests for Evaluating the Applicability of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Groundwater Exploration in Nampula Complex, Mozambique. Water 2017, 9, 95
Authors: Chirindja Farisse , Rosberg Jan-Erik , Dahlin Torleif
Published: June 2017

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: [...]
Oxidative chemical vapor deposition of polyaniline thin films
Authors: Smolin Yuriy Y , Soroush Masoud , Lau Kenneth K S
Published: June 2017

Polyaniline (PANI) is synthesized via oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) using aniline as monomer and antimony pentachloride as oxidant. Microscopy and spectroscopy indicate that oCVD processing conditions influence the PANI film chemistry, oxidation, and doping level. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate that a substrate temperature of 90 °C is needed to minimize the formation of oligomers during polymerization. Lower substrate temperatures, such as 25 °C, lead to a film that mostly includes oligomers. Increasing the oxidant flowrate to nearly match the monomer flowrate favors the deposition of PANI in the emeraldine state, and varying the oxidant flowrate can directly influence the oxidation state of PANI. Changing the reactor pressure from 700 to 35 mTorr does not have a significant effect on the deposited film chemistry, indicating that the oCVD PANI process is not concentration dependent. This work shows that oCVD can be used for depositing PANI and for effectively controlling the chemical state of PANI.
INTEGRATED FANP-F-MIGP MODEL FOR SUPPLIER SELECTION IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR
Authors: KAYA SAMUT Pınar
Published: June 2017

The available integrated models for choosing efficient suppliers developed so far are mostly specific to companies with mass production capabilities. However, in some sectors involved in project-type manufacturing, the same decision-making criteria cannot be applied and, plus, there is no point in determining the quantity of orders. For instance, in wind power plant projects, a single turbine supplier needs to be selected for each project. This study proposes an integrated FANP-f-MIGP model that ensures the selection of the optimal supplier for each project by applying the model to an energy firm. The criteria specific to the selection of wind power plant turbine suppliers are established, and the criteria weights are obtained by fuzzy analytic network process (FANP). As a result of the analysis, the most important criterion of all is cost. These weights constitute the coefficients of the f-MIGP model’s objective function. Under the defined constraints, by minimizing cost and risk and maximizing quality and services of the firm, the selection of an optimal wind turbine supplier from three suppliers for each of three projects is ensured. This study contributes to the literature both by the specific criteria it establishes and its proposed integrated model which allows for the selection of the best supplier in wind turbine and similar project-based productions.
ASSESSMENT OF BUSINESS CONDITIONS BENEVOLENCE: CASE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SERVICES
Authors: TUNČIKIENĖ Živilė , DREJERIS Rolandas
Published: June 2017

The aim of the article is to find solutions for assessing the benevolence of business conditions in existing circumstances. The business situation in the area of occupational safety and health (OSH) services was investigated in order to assess possibilities to start up this kind of commercial activity. The proposed methodology of assessment is tested only on the basis of occupational safety and health services, but the sequence and the content of the provided actions for assessment may be also used for initiating any other kinds of business. Systematic approach has been applied to searching for solutions primarily to assess general aspects which are then narrowed down to the assessment of smaller issues. Suitability of theoretical decisions has been tested in real business conditions. In order to assess the benevolence of business conditions in the current situation before starting up a certain business, the article provides certain assessment measures and their application techniques. Applying the chosen methodology may help to start a new business smoother, develop the existing one and thus achieve better results.
TIESIOGINIŲ UŽSIENIO INVESTICIJŲ LIETUVOJE 2010–2015 M. ANALIZĖ
Authors: Aksomitaitė Diana , Uzialo Deividas , Slavinskaitė Neringa
Published: June 2017

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos tiesioginės užsienio investicijos (TUI) Lietuvoje. Teorinėje dalyje analizuojama
TUI mokslinė literatūra bei atliekama pagrindinių makroekonominių veiksnių, turinčių įtakos TUI pritraukimui, analizė.
Praktinėje dalyje, siekiant nustatyti TUI priklausomybę nuo skirtingų makroekonominių rodiklių, atliekama koreliacinė
regresinė ir porinė regresinė analizė. Straipsnio metodikai naudojama mokslinės literatūros analizė, makroekonominių
rodiklių analizė, koreliacinė regresinė bei porinė regresinė analizės. Atlikus TUI Lietuvoje 2010–2015 m. analizę,
pastebėta, jog tiesioginių užsienio investicijų apimtys nagrinėjamu laikotarpiu nuolat augo. Nustatyta, kad TUI
pritraukimui Lietuvoje didžiausią įtaką turi BVP vienam gyventojui, bedarbių skaičius ir vidutinis darbo užmokestis
šalyje.
DARBO APMOKĖJIMO YPATUMAI IR DINAMIKA LIETUVOJE
Authors: Danilevičienė Irena
Published: June 2017

Darbo apmokėjimo sąlygos yra detaliai analizuojamos visame pasaulyje. Straipsnio tyrimo objektas yra
darbo apmokėjimo sąlygos ir dinamika Lietuvos pavyzdžiu. Šio straipsnio tikslas – apibrėžti darbo apmokėjimo sąlygas
ir įvertinti darbo užmokesčio dinamiką Lietuvoje. Sprendžiami su tuo susiję uždaviniai: išnagrinėti mokslinę literatūrą
darbo apmokėjimo srityje, apibrėžti darbo apmokėjimo ypatumus, įvertinti darbo užmokesčio dinamiką Lietuvoje.
Straipsnyje taikyti šie tyrimo metodai: mokslinės literatūros analizė, teorinių ir praktinių teiginių sugretinimo metodas,
statistinių duomenų analizė.
DARNIOS PLĖTROS APLINKOSAUGOS KOMPONENTO RAIŠKA ĮMONĖS VEIKLOJE
Authors: Oželienė Danguolė , Drejeris Rolandas
Published: June 2017

Vienas iš darnios plėtros tikslų – suderinti norą gerinti gyvenimo kokybę su globalinių ekologinių sistemų apribojimais. Įmonės, siekdamos darnios plėtros turi derinti ekonominius interesus su aplinkosauginėmis reikmėmis ir imtis visų galimų priemonių aplinkai išsaugoti. Pastaruoju metu pastebėta, kad aplinkosauginės priemonės yra ekonomiškai naudingos, nes leidžia sumažinti žaliavų suvartojimą ir padidinti energetinį efektyvumą. Straipsnio tikslas–išnagrinėjus darnios plėtros aplinkosaugos komponento aktualumą, raišką realių įmonių pavyzdžiu, galimybes šį komponentą integruoti į įmonės strategiją ir vadybos sistemas, pateikti sudarytą darnios plėtros aplinkosaugos komponento raiškos modelį, kurio taikymas įmonės veikloje leistų palaipsniui artėti prie darnios plėtros.Tyrimui atlikti naudota mokslinės literatūros sisteminė analizė, sintezė.
INVESTICIJŲ Į SAULĖS ELEKTRINES IŠMANIUOSIUOSE
TINKLUOSE EFEKTYVUMO ĮVERTINIMAS
Authors: Bužinskas Karolis , Rudzkis Paulius
Published: June 2017

Šiame straipsnyje nagrinėjama saulės elektrinių plėtros ir jų integracijos į dabartinį elektros tinklą problema.
Straipsnio tikslas yra išnagrinėti ir įvertinti investicijų į saulės energetikos projektus išmaniuosiuose elektros tinkluose
efektyvumą. Analizuojama išmaniųjų tinklų koncepcija ir saulės energetikos galimybės juose. Pateikiami projektų investicijų
efektyvumo ir rizikos vertinimo metodai, labiausiai tinkantys atsinaujinančios energetikos projektams. Projekto
efektyvumas apskaičiuojamas analizuojant investicijų į saulės elektrinę sukuriamus pinigų srautus ir finansinius rodiklius.
Skaičiuojant vertinamos suinteresuotos šalys ir jų gaunama vertė, nagrinėjamas dabartinių saulės energetikos projektų
potencialas kartu su jų integracija ir pinigų srautais išmaniuosiuose tinkluose. Pabaigoje įvertinama suinteresuotų
šalių gaunama vertė, pinigų srautai ir finansiniai rodikliai.
LIETUVOS GYVYBĖS DRAUDIMO RINKOS ANALIZĖ
Authors: Danilevičienė Irena , Macutkevičienė Janina
Published: June 2017

Šiuolaikiniame pasaulyje siekiama turėti stabilią finansinę padėtį ir užsitikrinti gerą finansinę ateitį sau ir savo šeimai. Būtina tinkamai valdyti savo finansus ir nuo tikėtino lėšų praradimo apsisaugoti sudarant gyvybės draudimo sutartį. Tačiau atsiranda problema – draudėjai turi nepakankamai informacijos apie sutarčių sudarymą ir tai neigiamai veikia šalies gyvybės draudimo rinkos plėtrą. Straipsnio tyrimo objektas yra Lietuvos gyvybės draudimo rinka. Straipsnio tikslas – išanalizuoti ir įvertinti situaciją Lietuvos gyvybės draudimo rinkoje. Sprendžiami su tuo susiję uždaviniai: išnagrinėti ir įvertinti gyvybės draudimo teorinius aspektus ir ypatumus, išanalizuoti situaciją Lietuvos gyvybės draudimo rinkoje. Straipsnyje taikyti šie tyrimo metodai: mokslinės literatūros analizė, teorinių ir praktinių teiginių sugretinimo metodas, statistinių duomenų analizė.
TVARIOS GRĄŽOS PUOSELĖJIMAS AKCIJŲ RINKOSE
Authors: Jokubauskaitė Sonata , Kvietkauskienė Alina
Published: June 2017

Tvarumas, išnagrinėtas daugelyje sričių, yra traktuojamas kaip ilgaamžiškumas ir dabartinių poreikių patenkinimas paliekant tokią pačią galimybę naudotis gerove ir ateities kartoms. Tvarios investicijos – investicijos į tvarią veiklą plėtojančias įmones, įtraukiant ekonominius, socialinius ir aplinkosauginius faktorius į savo vykdomą veiklą. Viso to komponentė – tvari investicinė grąža tyrimo metu yra traktuojama kaip stabili, ilgalaikė ir suderinta su galima rizika investicinė grąža, kurios koncepcija yra neseniai pradėta analizuoti tiek Lietuvoje, tiek visame pasaulyje. Be tvarios investicinės grąžos sąvokos teorinio pagrindimo, straipsnyje bus tiriama, iš kokių akcijų turėtų būti sudarytas investicinis portfelis, kuris galėtų užtikrinti investuotojui tvarią investicinę grąžą. Akcijų atranka bus vykdoma analizuojant skirtingas pasaulio rinkas, jų pramonės sektorius bei įmonių, vykdančių veiklą pelningiausiuose pramonės sektoriuose, fundamentaliuosius rodiklius atliekant daugiakriterinį rodiklių vertinimą.
ĮMONĖS DARNAUS VYSTYMOSI ĮTAKOS ĮMONĖS VERTEI TYRIMAS
Authors: Lapinskaitė Indrė , Afanasjevė Odeta
Published: June 2017

Įmonės darnus vystymasis šių dienų verslo pasaulyje yra vienas iš aktualesnių aspektų įmonės veikloje. Mokslinėje literatūroje plačiai nagrinėjamas ryšys tarp darnaus vystymosi ir verslo, tačiau vieningos nuomonės kokią sąveiką, teigiamą ar neigiamą, darnus vystymasis sukuria įmonei, lig šiol nėra. Todėl šiame straipsnyje dėmesys skiriamas ne tik darnaus vystymosi sampratos ir darnaus vystymosi įmonėje analizei, bet siekiant nustatyti darnaus vystymosi įtaką įmonės vertei, analizuojami įmonės vertei įtaką darantys veiksniai, atliekama teigiamą ir neigiamą įtaką darančių veiksnių klasifikacija ir galiausiai nustatomas ryšys tarp įmonės vertės ir įmonės darnaus vystymosi. Atlikus mokslinės literatūros analizę buvo nustatyta, jog darnus vystymasis įmonės vertę veikia labiau teigiamai nei neigiamai.
STRUKTŪRIZUOTAS INVESTICINIŲ PORTFELIŲ SUDARYMO, VALDYMO BEI VERTINIMO MODELIS VALIUTŲ RINKOJE
Authors: Miltakytė Indrė , Martinkutė-Kaulienė Raimonda
Published: June 2017

Straipsnyje analizuojamas valiutų rinkos vaidmuo finansų rinkose bei aprašomi išskirtinumai, pritraukiantys rinkos dalyvių dėmesį. Teoriniu aspektu pateikiama optimalaus investicinio portfelio samprata, investavimo strategijos, atitinkančios skirtingus investuotojų poreikius. Susisteminami valiutų rinkos statistiniai duomenys, kurių pagrindu kuriamas struktūrizuotas šešių etapų investicinių portfelių sudarymo, valdymo bei vertinimo modelis, pagal kurį lyginamos skirtingos investavimo galimybės, strategijos. Atliekamas realaus investavimo pagal sukurtą modelį tyrimas, pateikiami rezultatai. Investiciniams rezultatams gauti skaičiuojami pelningumo, rizikingumo, valdymo efektyvumo, prognozių patikimumo rodikliai, kurių bendras įvertis bei interpretacija padeda išskirti optimalų portfelį. Pateikiant išvadas atsižvelgiama į trumpą investicinį laikotarpį bei kitus apribojimus.
INVESTAVIMO GLOBALIOJE RINKOJE GALIMYBĖS
Authors: Riškus Augustinas , Stasytytė Viktorija
Published: June 2017

Investuojant pasaulio finansų biržose yra svarbu tinkamai įvertinti įvykių svarbą ir galimą
poveikį investicijoms. Šiame darbe nagrinėjama politinė įtaka finansų rinkoms, taip pat galimybės
prognozuoti rinkų reakciją į tam tikrus įvykius, tokius kaip referendumai bei teroro išpuoliai. Darbe
analizuojami moksliniai darbai finansų rinkų bei politikos tematika ir šių darbų autorių rezultatai
palyginami su šių dienų rinkimų rezultatų poveikiu investicijoms. Palyginus duomenis gautos išvados, kad
rinkos situacija keičiasi ir prieštarauja daliai mokslininkų teiginių – tokiems kaip mokslininkų prognozė
dėl finansinių rinkų situacijos JAV prezidentu tapus D. Tumpui bei dėl Brexit neigiamo poveikio finansų
rinkoms.
EDUKACINIŲ RENGINIŲ RĖMIMAS: VIRTUALIŲ PLATFORMŲ IR SOCIALINIŲ TINKLŲ TAIKYMO TARPTAUTINĖ PATIRTIS
Authors: Rakauskas Arūnas , Lobanova Liudmila
Published: June 2017

Straipsnyje analizuojamas edukacinių renginių aktualumas, vaidmuo, specifika ir plėtojimo galimybės šiuolaikinėje visuomenėje. Apibendrinus tarptautinę patirtį parengiama edukacinių renginių klasifikacija ir atliekamas rėmimo kanalų sisteminimas. Analizuojama socialinių tinklų ir renginių rėmimo platformų įtaka edukacinių renginių viešinimui. Mokslinių tyrimų tikslas – analizuojant tarptautinę renginių viešinimo patirtį įvertinti edukacinių renginių rėmimo kanalų ypatumus ir atskleisti virtualių rėmimo platformų pranašumą. Kompleksiniai empiriniai tyrimai leido įvertinti edukacinių renginių organizatorių ir IT specialistų požiūrį į renginių rėmimo priemonių panaudojimo galimybes viešinant renginius įvairiais rinkodaros kanalais. Edukacinių renginių rėmimo virtualių platformų ir socialinių tinklų turinio lyginamoji analizė atskleidė reikšmingas renginių rėmimo funkcijas, skirtas panaudoti kuriant renginių reklamavimo optimalios platformos viziją ir prototipą.