bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactate, Heart Rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion Responses to Shorter and Longer Duration CrossFit® Training Sessions
Authors: Tibana Ramires Alsamir , De Sousa Nuno Manuel Frade , Prestes Jonato , Voltarelli Fabrício Azevedo
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze blood lactate concentration (LAC), heart rate (HR), and rating perceived exertion (RPE) during and after shorter and longer duration CrossFit® sessions. Nine men (27.7 ± 3.2 years; 11.3 ± 4.6% body fat percentage and training experience: 41.1 ± 19.6 months) randomly performed two CrossFit® sessions (shorter: ~4 min and longer: 17 min) with a 7-day interval between them. The response of LAC and HR were measured pre, during, immediately after, and 10, 20, and 30 min after the sessions. RPE was measured pre and immediately after sessions. Lactate levels were higher during the recovery of the shorter session as compared with the longer session (shorter: 15.9 ± 2.2 mmol/L/min, longer: 12.6 ± 2.6 mmol/L/min; p = 0.019). There were no significant differences between protocols on HR during (shorter: 176 ± 6 bpm or 91 ± 4% HRmax, longer: 174 ± 3 bpm or 90 ± 3% HRmax, p = 0.387). The LAC was significantly higher throughout the recovery period for both training sessions as compared to pre-exercise. The RPE was increased immediately after both sessions as compared to pre-exercise, while there was no significant difference between them (shorter: 8.7 ± 0.9, longer: 9.6 ± 0.5; p = 0.360). These results demonstrated that both shorter and longer sessions induced elevated cardiovascular responses which met the recommendations for gains in cardiovascular fitness. In addition, both training sessions had a high metabolic and perceptual response, which may not be suitable if performed on consecutive days.
Mechanisms Involved in the Formation of Secondary Structures on the Friction Surface of Experimental Aluminum Alloys for Monometallic Journal Bearings
Authors: Podrabinnik Pavel , Gershman Iosif , Mironov Alexander , Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Peretyagin Pavel
Published: November 2018

The processes taking place on the friction surface of high-alloyed aluminum alloys working with steel whilst replacing bronze journal bearings with aluminum are investigated. In this regard, eight experimental aluminum alloys with an Sn content from 5.4% to 11.0%, which also included Pb, Zn, Si, Mg, and Cu, were cast. The surface and subsurface layer of experimental aluminum bearings were studied before and after tribological tests with a 38HN3MA steel counterbody by scanning electron microscopy including energy-dispersive analysis. The best aluminum alloy, which had an Sn content of 5.8% after the friction tests, showed 6.5-times better wear resistance and steel counterbody wear rate than the bronze reference. Both structural and compositional changes in the surface layer were observed. It was revealed that secondary structures formed on the surface during the friction process and included all of the chemical elements in the tribosystem, which is a consequence of its self-organization. Generally, the secondary structures are thin metal-polymer films generated as a result of the high carbon and oxygen content. The interaction behavior of some of the chemical elements in the tribosystem is shown and discussed. In addition, the influence that Sn, Pb, Cu, and C content in the secondary structures has on the tribological properties of low-tin and medium-tin alloys is shown.
Synthesis, Giant Dielectric, and Pyroelectric Response of [001]-Oriented Pr3+ Doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 Ferroelectric Nano-Films Grown on Si Substrates
Authors: Cai Changlong , Zhang Deqiang , Liu Weiguo , Wang Jun , Zhou Shun , Su Yongming , Sun Xueping , Lin Dabin
Published: November 2018

The [001]-oriented Pr3+ doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.30PbTiO3 (Pr-PMN-PT) thin films with a composition near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were synthesized by a sol–gel method. The crystal structure was characterized using X-ray diffraction. It was found that a single perovskite phase was achieved in Pr-PMN-PT thin films annealed at 650 °C for 3 min. The dielectric constant (εr) value was 2400 in 2.5% Pr-PMN-PT thin films at room temperature, 110% higher than that of pure PMN-PT samples. Through 2.5% Pr3+ doping, remanent polarization (Pr) and coercive field (Ec) values increased from 11.5 μC/cm2 and 35 kV/cm to 17.3 μC/cm2 and 63.5 kV/cm, respectively, in PMN-PT thin films. The leakage current densities of pure and 2.5% Pr-PMN-PT thin films were on the order of 1.24 × 10−4 A/cm2 and 5.8 × 10−5 A/cm2, respectively, at 100 kV/cm. A high pyroelectric coefficient (py) with a value of 167 μC/m2K was obtained in 2.5% Pr-PMN-PT thin films on Si substrate, which makes this material suitable for application in infrared detectors.
Formation of Nb(C,N) Carbonitride in Cast Austenitic Heat-Resistant Steel during Directional Solidification under Different Withdraw Rates
Authors: Zhang Yinhui , Yang Jian
Published: November 2018

It is recognized recently that primary “Chinese-script” Nb(C,N) carbonitride is critical to the development of cast austenitic heat-resistant steels for ultra-high temperature applications. In this paper, the precipitation behavior of Nb(C,N) carbonitride in a novel creep and fatigue resistant steel was investigated by the use of the liquid metal cooling directional solidification (LMC-DS) method under different withdraw rates. Thermodynamic calculations were also performed to aid in the understanding of the solidification behavior. Microstructural characterization and thermodynamic calculation agreed that the alloy solidified in the path of primary austenite, eutectic Nb(C,N) carbonitride, and secondary ferrite, regardless of the withdraw rate. However, the primary and secondary dendrite arm spacing decreased significantly with an increase in the withdraw rate, and a quantitative relationship was established. Furthermore, the eutectic reaction range increased at a higher withdraw rate, due to the rapid increase of the solid phase fraction and the accumulation of solutes in the interdendritic liquid phase. This gave rise to a decline in the interlamellar spacing of primary Nb(C,N) carbonitride sheets and rods for the higher withdraw rate. Therefore, a fine “Chinese-script” Nb(C,N) carbonitride in this type of alloys can be achieved through increasing the withdraw rate or the cooling rate during casting.
Feedstocks of Aluminum and 316L Stainless Steel Powders for Micro Hot Embossing
Authors: Emadinia Omid , Vieira Maria Teresa , Vieira Manuel Fernando
Published: November 2018

In metal powder, shaping the preparation and characterization of the feedstock is an aspect commonly recognized as fundamental. An optimized composition is required to ensure the successful shaping of the feedstock. In this study, a commercial binder system, pure aluminum and 316L austenitic stainless-steel powders were used for micro hot embossing. The optimization process revealed that powder characteristics such as shape and the stability of the torque mixing, were important parameters. Manipulating the feedstock composition by adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes or stearic acid or using a higher powder concentration considerably influenced the torque mixing values. The steady state of torque mixing was achieved for all feedstocks. This torque behavior indicates a homogeneous feedstock, which was also confirmed by microscopic observations. Nevertheless, an extruding process was required for greater homogeneity of the aluminum feedstocks. The presence of the carbon nanotubes increased the homogeneity of green parts and reduced microcrack formation. The roughness was essentially dependent on the feedstock composition and on the plastic deformation of the elastomer die. Shaping the prepared feedstocks (with or without carbon nanotube) was achieved by the optimized powder concentrations and it did not increase by the stearic acid addition.
Static and Fatigue Tests on Cementitious Cantilever Beams Using Nanoindenter
Authors: Gan Yidong , Zhang Hongzhi , Šavija Branko , Schlangen Erik , Van Breugel Klaas
Published: November 2018

Cement paste is the main binding component in concrete and thus its fundamental properties are of great significance for understanding the fracture behaviour as well as the ageing process of concrete. One major aim of this paper is to characterize the micromechanical properties of cement paste with the aid of a nanoindenter. Besides, this paper also presents a preliminary study on the fatigue behaviour of cement paste at the micrometer level. Miniaturized cantilever beams made of cement paste with different water/cement ratios were statically and cyclically loaded. The micromechanical properties of cement paste were determined based on the measured load-displacement curves. The evolution of fatigue damage was evaluated in terms of the residual displacement, strength, and elastic modulus. The results show that the developed test procedure in this work is able to produce reliable micromechanical properties of cement paste. In addition, little damage was observed in the cantilever beams under the applied stress level of 50% to 70% for 1000 loading cycles. This work may shed some light on studying the fatigue behaviour of concrete in a multiscale manner.
The Dual Role of Oat Bran Water Extract in Bone Homeostasis Through the Regulation of Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Kim Shin-Hye , Kim Kwang-Jin , Kang Hyeon Jung , Son Young-Jin , Choi Sik-Won , Lee Mi-Ja
Published: November 2018

The number of patients with bone metabolic disorders including osteoporosis is increasing worldwide. These disorders often facilitate bone fractures, which seriously impact the patient’s quality of life and could lead to further health complications. Bone homeostasis is tightly regulated to balance bone resorption and formation. However, many anti-osteoporotic agents are broadly categorized as either bone forming or anti-resorptive, and their therapeutic use is often limited due to unwanted side effects. Therefore, safe and effective therapeutic agents are needed for osteoporosis. This study aims to clarify the bone protecting effects of oat bran water extract (OBWE) and its mode of action. OBWE inhibited RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand)-induced osteoclast differentiation by blocking c-Fos/NFATc1 through the alteration of I-κB. Furthermore, we found that OBWE enhanced BMP-2-stimulated osteoblast differentiation by the induction of Runx2 via Smad signaling molecules. In addition, the anti-osteoporotic activity of OBWE was also evaluated using an in vivo model. OBWE significantly restored ovariectomy-induced bone loss. These in vitro and in vivo results showed that OBWE has the potential to prevent and treat bone metabolic disorders including osteoporosis.
Hierarchical Ta-Doped TiO2 Nanorod Arrays with Improved Charge Separation for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation under FTO Side Illumination
Authors: He Shiman , Meng Yuying , Cao Yangfei , Huang Senchuan , Yang Jingling , Tong Shengfu , Wu Mingmei
Published: November 2018

TiO2 is one of the most attractive semiconductors for use as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. However, the large-scale application of TiO2 photoanodes is restricted due to a short hole diffusion length and low electron mobility, which can be addressed by metal doping and surface decorating. In this paper we report the successful synthesis of hierarchical Ta doped TiO2 nanorod arrays, with nanoparticles on the top (Ta:TiO2), on F-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass by a hydrothermal method, and its application as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. It has been found that the incorporation of Ta5+ in the TiO2 lattice can decrease the diameter of surface TiO2 nanoparticles. Ta:TiO2-140, obtained with a moderate Ta concentration, yields a photocurrent of ∼1.36 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under FTO side illumination. The large photocurrent is attributed to the large interface area of the surface TiO2 nanoparticles and the good electron conductivity due to Ta doping. Besides, the electron trap-free model illustrates that Ta:TiO2 affords higher transport speed and lower electron resistance when under FTO side illumination.
Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers: A Nano-platform for Fabrication of Simple and Combinatorial Logic Gates
Authors: Goldsworthy Victoria , LaForce Geneva , Abels Seth , Khisamutdinov Emil F.
Published: November 2018

RNA aptamers that bind non-fluorescent dyes and activate their fluorescence are highly sensitive, nonperturbing, and convenient probes in the field of synthetic biology. These RNA molecules, referred to as light-up aptamers, operate as molecular nanoswitches that alter folding and fluorescence function in response to ligand binding, which is important in biosensing and molecular computing. Herein, we demonstrate a conceptually new generation of smart RNA nano-devices based on malachite green (MG)-binding RNA aptamer, which fluorescence output controlled by addition of short DNA oligonucleotides inputs. Four types of RNA switches possessing AND, OR, NAND, and NOR Boolean logic functions were created in modular form, allowing MG dye binding affinity to be changed by altering 3D conformation of the RNA aptamer. It is essential to develop higher-level logic circuits for the production of multi-task nanodevices for data processing, typically requiring combinatorial logic gates. Therefore, we further designed and synthetized higher-level half adder logic circuit by “in parallel” integration of two logic gates XOR and AND within a single RNA nanoparticle. The design utilizes fluorescence emissions from two different RNA aptamers: MG-binding RNA aptamer (AND gate) and Broccoli RNA aptamer that binds DFHBI dye (XOR gate). All computationally designed RNA devices were synthesized and experimentally tested in vitro. The ability to design smart nanodevices based on RNA binding aptamers offers a new route to engineer “label-free” ligand-sensing regulatory circuits, nucleic acid detection systems, and gene control elements.
Effect of Polyelectrolyte Mono- and Bilayer Formation on the Colloidal Stability of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Somosi Zoltán , Pavlovic Marko , Pálinkó István , Szilágyi István
Published: November 2018

Sequential adsorption of polyelectrolytes on nanoparticles is a popular method to obtain thin films after deposition. However, the effect of polyelectrolyte multilayer formation on the colloidal stability of the nanoparticles has not been studied in detail. In the present work, layered double hydroxides (LDH) were synthesized and interaction with oppositely and like-charged polyelectrolytes was investigated. Electrophoretic and light scattering measurements revealed that colloidal stability of LDH can be tuned by adsorption of poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) on the oppositely charged LDH surface in appropriate doses and thus, unstable or stable dispersions can be designed. Negatively charged LDH of adsorbed PSS monolayer was obtained and a poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) second layer was systematically built on the particles. The obtained polyelectrolyte bilayer provided high colloidal stability for the LDH-PSS-PDADMAC dispersions due to the presence of repulsive interparticle forces of electrostatic and steric origin. The results provide crucial quantitative information on designing highly stable particle-polyelectrolyte systems for the preparation of thin films or immobilization of guest substances between the layers for delivery processes.
Influence of Concentration Fluctuations on Relaxation Processes in Spin Glasses
Authors: Wagner Julia N. , Häußler Wolfgang , Holderer Olaf , Bauer Andreas , Shapiro Stephen M. , Böni Peter
Published: November 2018

Using the unique combination of atomically resolved atom probe tomography (APT) and volume averaged neutron (resonance) spin echo (NRSE and NSE) experiments, the influence of nano-scaled clusters on the spin relaxation in spin glasses was studied. For this purpose, the phase transition from the paramagnetic phase to the spin glass phase in an Fe-Cr spin glass with a composition of Fe 17.8 Cr 82.2 was studied in detail by means of NRSE. The microstructure was characterised by APT measurements, which show local concentration fluctuations of Fe and Cr on a length scale of 2 to 5 nm, which lead (i) to the coexistence of ferro- and anti-ferromagnetic clusters and (ii) a change of the magnetic properties of the whole sample, even in the spin glass phase, where spins are supposed to be randomly frozen. We show that a generalized spin glass relaxation function, which was successfully used to describe the phase transition in diluted spin glasses, can also be used for fitting the spin dynamics in spin glasses with significant concentration fluctuations.
Sparse in the Time Stabilization of a Bicycle Robot Model: Strategies for Event- and Self-Triggered Control Approaches
Authors: Zietkiewicz Joanna , Horla Dariusz , Owczarkowski Adam
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the problems of event- and self-triggered control are studied for a nonlinear bicycle robot model. It has been shown that by applying control techniques based on triggering conditions, it is possible to reduce both state-based performance index, as well as the number of triggers, in comparison to a standard linear-quadratic control which consumes less energy of the control system and decreases the potential mechanical wear of the robot parts. The results presented in this paper open a new research field for further studies, as discussed in the Summary section, and form the basis for further research in energy-efficient control techniques for stabilizing a bicycle robot.
Insect Detection and Classification Based on an Improved Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Xia Denan , Chen Peng , Wang Bing , Zhang Jun , Xie Chengjun
Published: November 2018

Regarding the growth of crops, one of the important factors affecting crop yield is insect disasters. Since most insect species are extremely similar, insect detection on field crops, such as rice, soybean and other crops, is more challenging than generic object detection. Presently, distinguishing insects in crop fields mainly relies on manual classification, but this is an extremely time-consuming and expensive process. This work proposes a convolutional neural network model to solve the problem of multi-classification of crop insects. The model can make full use of the advantages of the neural network to comprehensively extract multifaceted insect features. During the regional proposal stage, the Region Proposal Network is adopted rather than a traditional selective search technique to generate a smaller number of proposal windows, which is especially important for improving prediction accuracy and accelerating computations. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a heightened accuracy and is superior to the state-of-the-art traditional insect classification algorithms.
Long-Range Drone Detection of 24 G FMCW Radar with E-plane Sectoral Horn Array
Authors: Choi Byunggil , Oh Daegun , Kim Sunwoo , Chong Jong-Wha , Li Ying-Chun
Published: November 2018

In this work, a 24-GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar system with two sectoral horn antennas and one transmitting lens antenna for long-range drone detection is presented. The present work demonstrates the detection of a quadcopter-type drone using the implemented radar system up to a distance of 1 km. Moreover, a 3D subspace-based algorithm is proposed for the joint range-azimuth-Doppler estimation of long-range drone detection. The effectiveness of the long-range drone detection is verified with the implemented radar system through a variety of experiments in outdoor environments. This is the first such demonstration for long-range drone detection with a 24-GHz FMCW radar.
Towards an Architecture to Guarantee Both Data Privacy and Utility in the First Phases of Digital Clinical Trials
Authors: Angeletti Fabio , Chatzigiannakis Ioannis , Vitaletti Andrea
Published: November 2018

In the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), drug developers can potentially access a wealth of real-world, participant-generated data that enable better insights and streamlined clinical trial processes. Protection of confidential data is of primary interest when it comes to health data, as medical condition influences daily, professional, and social life. Current approaches in digital trials entail that private user data are provisioned to the trial investigator that is considered a trusted party. The aim of this paper is to present the technical requirements and the research challenges to secure the flow and control of personal data and to protect the interests of all the involved parties during the first phases of a clinical trial, namely the characterization of the potential patients and their possible recruitment. The proposed architecture will let the individuals keep their data private during these phases while providing a useful sketch of their data to the investigator. Proof-of-concept implementations are evaluated in terms of performances achieved in real-world environments.
Career Termination of Portuguese Elite Football Players: Comparison between the Last Three Decades
Authors: Carapinheira António , Mendes Pedro , Guedes Carvalho Pedro , Torregrossa Miquel , Travassos Bruno
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the process of career termination of elite soccer players, comparing the quality and the resources to support career termination over the last three decades. To this end, was developed a questionnaire defined by four sections: (a) biographical data, (b) athletic career, (c) quality of career termination and (d) available resources at the moment of career termination. Ninety male former elite Portuguese soccer players participated in this study. The results highlighted a decrease in the length of athletic career as football players and an increase in the number of years as youth players over the last 30 years. The results also revealed that the quality of career termination was difficult. The analysis of resources for career termination revealed an increase in a high level of education over the years. Despite the evolution in the level athletes’ education in the last three decades, the athletic career termination remained difficult and it was reported that they did not plan their career termination. In line with previous studies, the results highlight that the lack of plans for career termination is one of the most important factors that constrain the quality of career transition.
Flavanol-Rich Cacao Mucilage Juice Enhances Recovery of Power but Not Strength from Intensive Exercise in Healthy, Young Men
Authors: Morgan Paul T. , Wollman Paola M. , Jackman Sarah R. , Bowtell Joanna L.
Published: November 2018

(1) Background: Mucilage within cacao pods contains high levels of polyphenols. We investigated whether consumption of cacao juice enhances the recovery of muscle function following intensive knee extension exercise. (2) Methods: Ten recreationally active males completed two trials of 10 sets of 10 single leg knee extensions at ~80% one repetition maximum. Participants consumed each supplement (ZumoCacao® juice, CJ or a dextrose drink, PL) for 7 days prior to and 48 h post exercise. Knee extension maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and a counter movement jump (CMJ) were performed at baseline, immediately, 24 h, and 48 h post-exercise. Venous blood samples were collected at each time point and analyzed for indices of inflammation, oxidative damage, and muscle damage. (3) Results: CMJ height recovered faster with CJ at 24 h and 48 h post-exercise (p < 0.05), but there was no effect of CJ on recovery of MVC (both p > 0.05). There was also no effect of the trial on any blood markers (all p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Supplementation with CJ for 7 days prior to and 2 days after intensive knee extensor exercise improved functional recovery as shown by an improved recovery of CMJ up to 48 h post-exercise. However, the precise mechanism of action is unclear and requires further investigation.
The Theory of Reasoned Action to CSR Behavioral Intentions: The Role of CSR Expected Benefit, CSR Expected Effort and Stakeholders
Authors: Mi Chuanmin , Chang FangKai , Lin ChingTorng , Chang YuHsuan
Published: November 2018

During the past several years, many governments and non-government organizations in the world made efforts to promote policies and activities regarding corporate social responsibility and proposal of relevant regulations. However, scandals of international financial organizations and transnational corporations are enduring issues, which threaten to reduce social responsibility to a mere corporate slogan. This is not only the basis for sustainable operations but, also it is a vital academic issue. Understanding the factors behind the intention of a corporation’s social responsibility practice is a problem that governments and other governance organizations urgently need to solve and is also an issue that scholars and other relevant workers need to pay attention to and investigate. This study tries to discuss the behavioral intention behind social responsibility practices, and to point out exogenous factors, corresponding with theory of reasoned action, among the factors proposed by literature regarding corporate social responsibility. Then we apply structural equation modelling to analyze each hypothesis of the study. Finally, the results show several determinants which empirically affect behavioral intentions towards social responsibility practices. This study serves as a supplement for present literature, which did not clearly explain the reason why corporations hesitate to put social responsibility into action. In addition, although the theory of reasoned action was widely used to discuss the motive of various reasoned actions, the current study might be a pioneer in using theory of reasoned action to discuss the behavioral models for corporate social responsibility practices and discussing the applicability of the theory of reasoned action based on empirical data.
Analyzing the Finishing Works Service Life Pattern of Public Housing in South Korea by Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Park Soyeon , Ahn Yonghan , Lee Sanghyo
Published: November 2018

Over recent decades, it has become essential to establish preventive long-term maintenance plans for public housing developments. Also, deterministic maintenance strategies have been increasingly replaced by those based on reliability and risk, which are probabilistic. Efforts to obtain optimized long-term maintenance plans have included management of service life and prediction of service lifetime. Accordingly, the present research develops a system for various finishing works of public housing and analyzes the service life pattern of each component using a probabilistic approach. For the analysis, this research analyzed 46,201 South Korean public housing maintenance records from the last 21 years and determined the maintenance frequency distribution. The purpose of the research is to suggest efficient long-term maintenance plans using the analyzed results of service life patterns. Results from the analysis showed that each component has a different service life pattern that can be applied to establish the service lifetime and decision making for floating maintenance. Since the interaction between finishing works is affected due to various components and parameters, the results are useful to reduce the uncertainty and risk of deterministic maintenance plans. The meaning of this research is to analyze the service life pattern using a probabilistic approach and recommend how to establish an efficient maintenance system.
Analysing the Relationship between Price and Online Reputation by Lodging Category
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz Manuel , Rodríguez-Díaz Rosa , Rodríguez-Voltes Ana Cristina , Rodríguez-Voltes Crina Isabel
Published: November 2018

Price is fundamental in the competitive strategy of lodgings. Determining whether a company is setting its prices appropriately in relation to its main competitors and customer expectations is essential in the new digital age. Online reputation is a way of measuring customer ratings and, when shared on the Internet, it generates expectations for future users. On the other hand, websites specializing in tourism constantly provide updated information about the prices offered by lodgings. The purpose of this study is to establish whether there is a relationship between price and the main variables of online reputation (perceived value, added value and perceived quality of service) as well as the function that best suits considering the category of accommodation, using the information available on the website Booking.com. The methodology applied is regression analysis using different functions (linear, logarithmic, inverse, quadratic and cubic). In addition, 4- and 5-star lodgings are analysed separately from those with 3 stars or less, concluding that there are significant differences between the variables that best explain the price, as well as the functions that best achieve this fit. In 4 and 5-star accommodations, the average quality of service variable is the one most related to prices, whereas in 3-star accommodations or less, the added value is the variable most related to prices. The cubic, quadratic and logarithmic functions get the best adjustments. The results obtained are of great interest to the management of the accommodation as customer ratings are linked to price levels in a competitive environment. This methodology facilitates the definition of the strategy and tactics of prices on the basis of real and updated market data, indicating in the conclusions the direct implication in the future development of learning machines and artificial intelligence applied to tourism.
One Village One Product (OVOP)—A Rural Development Strategy and the Early Adaption in Vietnam, the Case of Quang Ninh Province
Authors: Hoang Thanh Long , Ta Nhat Linh , Nguyen Dang Hao , Ho Thi Minh Hop , Lebailly Philippe
Published: November 2018

Agriculture and rural development has continuously been a hot debate and received significant attention from literature. In this context, endogenous development is considered to be basic approach for rural development strategies in many countries of which the Japanese model namely One Village One Product (OVOP) is a successful one. This paper studies the OVOP movement and analyzes its early adaption in Vietnam, the so-called One Commune One Product (OCOP). This question is addressed by reviewing the existing literature on OVOP following by a case study in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. The results, reveal, in practice, despite some criticism, OCOP strategy in general generate employment opportunities, incomes; enhance creativity and capability of local people.
Average Load Definition in Random Wireless Sensor Networks: The Traffic Load Case
Authors: Demertzis Apostolos , Oikonomou Konstantinos
Published: November 2018

Load is a key magnitude for studying network performance for large-scale wireless sensor networks that are expected to support pervasive applications like personalized health-care, smart city and smart home, etc., in assistive environments (e.g., those supported by the Internet of Things). In these environments, nodes are usually spread at random, since deliberate positioning is not a practical approach. Due to this randomness it is necessary to use average values for almost all networks’ magnitudes, load being no exception. However, a consistent definition for the average load is not obvious, since both nodal load and position are random variables. Current literature circumvents randomness by computing the average value over nodes that happen to fall within small areas. This approach is insufficient, because the area’s average is still a random variable and also it does not permit us to deal with single points. This paper proposes a definition for the area’s average load, based on the statistical expected value, whereas a point’s average load is seen as the load of an area that has been reduced (or contracted) to that point. These new definitions are applied in the case of traffic load in multi-hop networks. An interesting result shows that traffic load increases in steps. The simplest form of this result is the constant step, which results in an analytical expression for the traffic load case. A comparison with some real-world networks shows that most of them are accurately described by the constant step model.
Three-Dimensional Glacier Changes in Geladandong Peak Region in the Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Junli , Shangguan Donghui , Wang Jian
Published: November 2018

In this study, contour lines from the topographic maps at a 1:100,000 scale (mapped in 1968), Landsat MSS/TM/OLI images, ASTER images and SPOT 6-7 stereo image pairs were used to study changes in glacier length, area and surface elevation. We summarized the results using the following three conclusions: (1) During the period from 1973 to 2013, glaciers retreated by 412 ± 32 m at a mean retraction rate of 10.3 ± 0.8 m·year−1 and the relative retreat was 5.6 ± 0.4%. The glacier area shrank by 7.5 ± 3.4%, which was larger than the glacier length. In the periods of 1968–2000, 2000–2005 and 2000–2013, the glacier surface elevation change rates were −7.7 ± 1.4 m (−0.24 ± 0.04 m·year−1), −1.9 ± 1.5 m (−0.38 ± 0.25 m·year−1) and −5.0 ± 1.4 m (−0.38 ± 0.11 m·year−1), respectively. The changes in the glacier area and thickness exhibited similar trends, both showing a significant increasing reduction after 2000. (2) Eleven glaciers were identified as surging glaciers. Changes of the mass balance in surging glaciers were stronger than in non-surging glaciers between 1968 and 2013. Changes of area in surging glaciers were weaker than in non-surging glaciers. (3) Increasing temperature was the major cause of glacier thickness reduction and area shrinkage. The increase in precipitation, to a certain extent, inhibited glacial ablation but it did not change the status of the shrinkage in the glacial area and the reduction in the glacier thickness.
Uncertainty in Rainfall Intensity Duration Frequency Curves of Peninsular Malaysia under Changing Climate Scenarios
Authors: Noor Muhammad , Ismail Tarmizi , Chung Eun-Sung , Shahid Shamsuddin , Sung Jang Hyun
Published: November 2018

This study developed a methodological framework to update the rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves under climate change scenarios. A model output statistics (MOS) method is used to downscale the daily rainfall of general circulation models (GCMs), and an artificial neural network (ANN) is employed for the disaggregation of projected daily rainfall to hourly maximum rainfall, which is then used for the development of IDF curves. Finally, the 1st quartiles, medians, and 3rd quartiles of projected rainfall intensities are estimated for developing IDF curves with uncertainty level. Eight GCM simulations under two radiative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios, namely, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, are used in the proposed framework for the projection of IDF curves with related uncertainties for peninsular Malaysia. The projection of rainfall revealed an increase in the annual average rainfall throughout the present century. The comparison of the projected IDF curves for the period 2006–2099 with that obtained using GCM hindcasts for the based period (1971–2005) revealed an increase in rainfall intensity for shorter durations and a decrease for longer durations. The uncertainty in rainfall intensity for different return periods for shorter duration is found to be 2 to 6 times more compared to longer duration rainfall, which indicates that a large increase in rainfall intensity for short durations projected by GCMs is highly uncertain for peninsular Malaysia. The IDF curves developed in this study can be used for the planning of climate resilient urban water storm water management infrastructure in Peninsular Malaysia.
Distribution of plagioclase in Carbonate rocks from the Tertiary metamorphic belt of the Central Alps
Authors: Wenk Eduard , Wenk Hans-Rudolf
Published: November 2018

On présente sur une carte les variations de la composition des plagioclases et la distribution d'intercroissances cristallographiques microscopiques de deux ou trois plagioclases dans des roches calcaires de la ceinture métamorphique tertiaire des Alpes centrales. La détermination du contenu en An par microsonde et à la platine universelle sur plus de 600 roches montre un diagramme de distribution régulier avec une zone d'albite marginale et une partie centrale ou apparaît l'anorthite. On trouve dans cette partie centrale des bytownites-anorthites An80-100 dans des roches de forte teneur en An normative, tandis que la labradorite An60-70 et l'andésine An30-40 apparaissent dans des roches de plus faible teneur en An. Des intercroissances rationnelles de ces phases sont communes, s 'étendant par dessus les discontinuités dans les séries. Ce résultat empirique confirme que, selon la composition de la roche, les plagioclases An30-40, 60-70 et 80-100 coexistent sur un large domaine de conditions P/T. Mais la région centrale avec An > 80 est entourée de zones de plus faible teneur en An, et l'on peut tracer des isogrades An40, 30 et 17. On en déduit que les feldspaths intermédiaires se forment aussi à plus basse température que l'anorthite. Nos résultats s'appliquent aux structures ordonnées à longue distance des plagioclases BT et non aux plagioclases HT désordonnés. Ils concernent les systèmes à haute pression de CO₂ et sont en bon accord avec les résultats expérimentaux de Goldsmith (1982).

On compare les isogrades de l'anorthite avec la distribution des polymorphes Al₂SiO₅. Les isogrades "staurolite et disthène" coïncident avec la ligne An30 calcite. Les limites An 17 pour la calcite et l'amphibole calcique sont presque identiques.
Les feldspaths potassiques partiellement ordonnés : structure cristallographique et signification géologique
Authors: Mergoil-Daniel Juliette , Chevallier Raymond
Published: November 2018

La mesure des paramètres de maille de plusieurs monocristaux de feldspaths potassiques issus de mégacristaux du faciès sombre du granite de la Margeride (Massif Central français) et l'établissement de la structure de deux d'entre eux au diffractomètre à 4 cercles (Nonius CAD4) montrent que :

— la répartition de l'aluminium entre les sites T (t1(O)=0,68, t1(m)=0,19, t2(O)=0,065 et t2(m)=0,065) déduite des distances de liaison T-O, confirme celle déduite des modèles utilisant les paramètres de maille (Kroll, 1973 - Stewart et Wright, 1974), calculés à partir de clichés obtenus avec une chambre à focalisation : il s'agit de microcline partiellement ordonné, proche du feldspath Spencer U (Bailey, 1969).

— ce type de feldspath occupe dans le schéma de mise en ordre (Wright et Stewart, 1974) un domaine très particulier entre les trajets "one-step" et "two-steps".

— la distorsion Δ a ne semble pas exclusivement liée à l'état cryptoperthitique d'un feldspath puisqu'elle persiste, bien que réduite, après homogénéisation de celui-ci.

Parmi les microclines considérés comme intermédiaires dans la littérature, il convient donc d'en distinguer deux types de signification pétrogénétique différente :

— les feldspaths tricliniques partiellement ordonnés (t) comme ci-dessus, qui sont de véritables microclines intermédiaires.

— et les microclines résultant de l'association de domaines d'état structural différent, par exemple, monoclinique et triclinique maximum (m+T).

Leur distinction par diffractométrie de poudres exige un procédé à très bon pouvoir séparateur (ex : chambre à focalisation type SB 3, CGR).

Une application de cette distinction à un problème géologique est présentée : l'étude des états structuraux des feldspaths des trois principaux faciès du granite de la Margeride conduit à séparer deux types de granites, ce qui s'accorde avec l'idée de deux mises en place distinctes suggérée par une étude structurale récente (Laboue, 1982).
Crystal structure and Al/Si-ordering of a synthetic nepheline
Authors: Gregorkiewitz Michael
Published: November 2018

Une néphéline de composition (□0.04K0.48Na0.48)Na3[Al0.99Si1.01O4]4 a été synthétisée à partir d'un mélange d'oxydes dans NaF fondu à 1 000 °C/1 jour. Pour mesurer les intensités avec un diffractomètre X automatique à monocristal, on a choisi un fragment cristallin présentant un rapport I(230):I(320) minimum. Après correction LP et réduction des données dans la classe de Laue 6/m, on a obtenu, au total, 749 facteurs de structures F0(hkl). L'addition symbolique dans le groupe spatial P63/m conduit sans ambiguïté aux coordonnées de tous les atomes sauf Ol, l'oxygène axial sur l'axe ternaire. L'affinement a été réalisé d'abord en P63/m (R=0,072), et ensuite en P63 (R=0,064) en appliquant diverses restrictions géométriques, afin d'éviter les corrélations causées par le pseudo-plan de symétrie perpendiculaire à c. La désymétrisation est significative et correspond à une distribution Al/Si ordonnée.

Le modèle final est pratiquement identique à celui de Dollase (1970) pour une néphéline naturelle, et toutes les variations de paramètres supérieures à 30 peuvent être expliquées comme la conséquence de l'occupation différente des grands canaux situés à 00z. La comparaison de l'ordre Al/Si avec celui des autres structures de néphéline permet les conclusions suivantes : (a) l'ordre est presque parfait, avec T2=T3=Si et T1=T4=A1, et ne se détruit que dans le cas d'une importante déviation du rapport 0,9 ≤ Al/Si ≤ 1,0, (b) entre ces limites, le degré d'ordre ne dépend pas des conditions de croissance cristalline ni de l'histoire thermique, (c) les distances T-O pour les positions spéciales T1 et T2 ne montrent pas de variation systématique, et elles sont sujettes à l'incertitude sur l'orientation de ces tétraèdres, qui s'exprime par le dédoublement de O1 ainsi que par les coefficients de température élevés et anisotropes pour O3 et O4 ; leur valeur comme indicateur de l'ordre Al/Si est donc limitée.
Thermal conductivity of feldspars
Authors: Linvill Marie L. , Vandersande Jan W. , Pohl Robert Otto
Published: November 2018

Thermal conductivity of several alkali and plagioclase feldspars has been measured in the temperature range 0.3-500 K. The conductivity between 10 and 100 K is found to decrease by over one order of magnitude from albite to bytownite. In some of the feldspars, the conductivity above 100 K approaches that of the glass of composition Ab50An50, which indicates very strong phonon scattering. It is tentatively suggested that this scattering occurs at lamellar structures with a spacing of tens of Å, which occur within intergrowths in feldspars.
Al ⇌ B substitution in alkali feldspars : Preliminary hydrothermal data in the system NaAlSi2O8 - NaBSi3O8
Authors: Pichavant Michel , Schnapper Denis , Brown William Lidlle
Published: November 2018

Le minéral reedmergnerite (NaBSi3O8) est l'équivalent de l'albite (NaAlSi3O8), l'atome de bore étant substitué à l'atome d'aluminium en position tétraédrique dans le réseau tectosilicaté. L'étude du système NaAlSi3O8-NaBSi3O8 a été entreprise pour déterminer les limites de la solution solide albite-reedmergnerite. La cristallisation simultanée des deux solutions solides : Ab90Rd10 (Ab55) et Ab3Rd97 (Rd55) a été obtenue à T = 500 °C, P = 1 kbar, expériences de durée 60 à 90 jours. Les produits de départ sont soit des gels de composition intermédiaire soit un verre de composition Ab50Rd50 (mole %).

Les phases solides obtenues sont étudiées morphologiquement au MEB. L'étude des diagrammes de diffraction des rayons X fait apparaître un très petit déplacement des pics des deux solutions solides, par rapport aux pôles purs, mais sans qu'il soit possible pour le moment de calibrer plus précisément le déplacement observé. Les données de distribution de Al (microsonde électronique) dans les cristaux de Rd55 montrent que l'équilibre n'est pas atteint en ce qui concerne la substitution Al ⇌ B . Cependant les compositions des deux solutions solides sont proches des pôles purs. La discussion des données expérimentales montre que, dans les conditions naturelles, l'incorporation du bore dans les réseaux tectosilicatés est très limitée.
Extreme Asteroids in the Pan-STARRS 1 Survey
Authors: McNeill Andrew , Fitzsimmons Alan , Jedicke Robert , Lacerda Pedro , Lilly Eva , Thompson Andrew , Trilling David E. , DeMooij Ernst , Hooton Matthew J. , Watson Christopher A.
Published: November 2018

Using the first 18 months of the Pan-STARRS 1 survey, we have identified 33 candidate high-amplitude objects for follow-up observations and carried out observations of 22 asteroids. Four of the observed objects were found to have observed amplitude A
obs ≥ 1.0 mag. We find that these high-amplitude objects are most simply explained by single rubble-pile objects with some density-dependent internal strength, allowing them to resist mass shedding even at their highly elongated shapes. Three further objects, although below the cutoff for “high amplitude,” had a combination of elongation and rotation period which also may require internal cohesive strength, depending on the density of the body. We find that none of the “high-amplitude asteroids” identified here require any unusual cohesive strengths to resist rotational fission. Three asteroids were sufficiently observed to allow for shape and spin-pole models to be determined through light curve inversion. Asteroid 45864 was determined to have retrograde rotation with spin-pole axes λ = 218° ± 10°, β = −82° ± 5° and asteroid 206167 was found to have best-fit spin-pole axes λ = 57° ± 5°, β = −67° ± 5°. An additional object not initially measured with A
obs > 1.0 mag, 49257, was determined to have a shape model that does suggest a high-amplitude object. Its spin-pole axes were best fit for values λ = 112°± 6°, β = 6° ± 5°. In the course of this project, to date no large superfast rotators (P
rot < 2.2 hr) have been identified.
An Optical Transmission Spectrum for the Ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-121b Measured with the Hubble Space Telescope
Authors: Evans Thomas M. , Sing David K. , Goyal Jayesh M. , Nikolov Nikolay , Marley Mark S. , Zahnle Kevin , Henry Gregory W. , Barstow Joanna K. , Alam Munazza K. , Sanz-Forcada Jorge , Kataria Tiffany , Lewis Nikole K. , Lavvas Panayotis , Ballester Gilda E. , Ben-Jaffel Lotfi , Blumenthal Sarah D. , Bourrier Vincent , Drummond Benjamin , Muñoz Antonio García , López-Morales Mercedes , Tremblin Pascal , Ehrenreich David , Wakeford Hannah R. , Buchhave Lars A. , des Etangs Alain Lecavelier , Hébrard Éric , Williamson Michael H.
Published: November 2018

We present an atmospheric transmission spectrum for the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-121b, measured using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope. Across the 0.47–1

wavelength range, the data imply an atmospheric opacity comparable to—and in some spectroscopic channels exceeding—that previously measured at near-infrared wavelengths (1.15–1.65

). Wavelength-dependent variations in the opacity rule out a gray cloud deck at a confidence level of 3.7σ and may instead be explained by VO spectral bands. We find a cloud-free model assuming chemical equilibrium for a temperature of 1500 K and a metal enrichment of 10–30× solar matches these data well. Using a free-chemistry retrieval analysis, we estimate a VO abundance of

dex. We find no evidence for TiO and place a 3σ upper limit of −7.9 dex on its abundance, suggesting TiO may have condensed from the gas phase at the day–night limb. The opacity rises steeply at the shortest wavelengths, increasing by approximately five pressure scale heights from 0.47 to 0.3

in wavelength. If this feature is caused by Rayleigh scattering due to uniformly distributed aerosols, it would imply an unphysically high temperature of 6810 ± 1530 K. One alternative explanation for the short-wavelength rise is absorption due to SH (mercapto radical), which has been predicted as an important product of non-equilibrium chemistry in hot Jupiter atmospheres. Irrespective of the identity of the NUV absorber, it likely captures a significant amount of incident stellar radiation at low pressures, thus playing a significant role in the overall energy budget, thermal structure, and circulation of the atmosphere.