bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superpixel Segmentation Based Synthetic Classifications with Clear Boundary Information for a Legged Robot
Authors: Zhu Yaguang , Luo Kailu , Ma Chao , Liu Qiong , Jin Bo
Published: August 2018

In view of terrain classification of the autonomous multi-legged walking robots, two synthetic classification methods for terrain classification, Simple Linear Iterative Clustering based Support Vector Machine (SLIC-SVM) and Simple Linear Iterative Clustering based SegNet (SLIC-SegNet), are proposed. SLIC-SVM is proposed to solve the problem that the SVM can only output a single terrain label and fails to identify the mixed terrain. The SLIC-SegNet single-input multi-output terrain classification model is derived to improve the applicability of the terrain classifier. Since terrain classification results of high quality for legged robot use are hard to gain, the SLIC-SegNet obtains the satisfied information without too much effort. A series of experiments on regular terrain, irregular terrain and mixed terrain were conducted to present that both superpixel segmentation based synthetic classification methods can supply reliable mixed terrain classification result with clear boundary information and will put the terrain depending gait selection and path planning of the multi-legged robots into practice.
Enhancing the Visibility of Delamination during Pulsed Thermography of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plates Using a Stacked Autoencoder
Authors: Xu Changhang , Xie Jing , Wu Changwei , Gao Lemei , Chen Guoming , Song Gangbing
Published: August 2018

The effectiveness of pulsed thermography (PT) for detecting delamination in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates has been widely verified. However, delaminations are usually characterized by weak visibility due to the influences of inspection factors and the delaminations with weak visibility are easily missed in real inspections. In this study, by introducing a deep learning algorithm—stacked autoencoder (SAE)—to PT, we propose a novel approach (SAE-PT) to enhance the visibility of delaminations. Based on the ability of SAE to learn unsupervised features from data, the thermal features of delaminations are extracted from the raw thermograms. The extracted features are then employed to construct SAE images, in which the visibility of delaminations is expected to be enhanced. To test the performance of SAE-PT, we inspected CFRP plates with prefabricated delaminations. By implementing SAE-PT on the raw inspection data, the delaminations were more clearly indicated in the constructed SAE images. We also compare SAE-PT to the widely used principal component thermography (PCT) method to further verify the validity of the proposed approach. The results reveal that compared to PCT, SAE-PT can show delaminations in CFRP with higher contrast. By effectively enhancing the delamination visibility, SAE-PT thus has potential for improving the inspection accuracy of PT for non-destructive testing (NDT) of CFRP.
Plasmonic-Ceria Nanoparticles as Fluorescence Intensity and Lifetime Quenching Optical Sensor
Authors: Shehata Nader , Samir Effat , Kandas Ishac
Published: August 2018

Ceria nanoparticles have been recently used as an optical fluorescent material with visible emission under ultraviolet excitation, due to the formation of trivalent cerium ions with corresponding oxygen vacancies. This paper introduces the enhancement of both fluorescence emission and lifetime through adding gold nanoparticles. The reason is due to possible coupling between the plasmonic resonance of gold nanoparticles and the fluorescence emission of ceria that has been achieved, along with enhanced formation of trivalent cerium ions. Both factors lead to higher fluorescence intensity peaks and shorter fluorescence lifetimes. As an application, gold-ceria nanoparticles have been used as an optical sensing material for lead particles in aqueous media based on fluorescence quenching. Stern-Volmer constant of in-situ gold-ceria nanoparticles is found to be 2.424 M−1, with a relative intensity change of up to 40% at 0.2 g/L.
Indoor Positioning Algorithm Based on the Improved RSSI Distance Model
Authors: Li Guoquan , Geng Enxu , Ye Zhouyang , Xu Yongjun , Lin Jinzhao , Pang Yu
Published: August 2018

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cannot achieve accurate positioning and navigation in the indoor environment. Therefore, efficient indoor positioning technology has become a very active research topic. Bluetooth beacon positioning is one of the most widely used technologies. Because of the time-varying characteristics of the Bluetooth received signal strength indication (RSSI), traditional positioning algorithms have large ranging errors because they use fixed path loss models. In this paper, we propose an RSSI real-time correction method based on Bluetooth gateway which is used to detect the RSSI fluctuations of surrounding Bluetooth nodes and upload them to the cloud server. The terminal to be located collects the RSSIs of surrounding Bluetooth nodes, and then adjusts them by the RSSI fluctuation information stored on the server in real-time. The adjusted RSSIs can be used for calculation and achieve smaller positioning error. Moreover, it is difficult to accurately fit the RSSI distance model with the logarithmic distance loss model due to the complex electromagnetic environment in the room. Therefore, the back propagation neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO-BPNN) is used to train the RSSI distance model to reduce the positioning error. The experiment shows that the proposed method has better positioning accuracy than the traditional method.
Artificial-Intelligence-Based Prediction of Clinical Events among Hemodialysis Patients Using Non-Contact Sensor Data
Authors: Thakur Saurabh Singh , Abdul Shabbir Syed , Chiu Hsiao-Yean (Shannon) , Roy Ram Babu , Huang Po-Yu , Malwade Shwetambara , Nursetyo Aldilas Achmad , Li Yu-Chuan (Jack)
Published: August 2018

Non-contact sensors are gaining popularity in clinical settings to monitor the vital parameters of patients. In this study, we used a non-contact sensor device to monitor vital parameters like the heart rate, respiration rate, and heart rate variability of hemodialysis (HD) patients for a period of 23 weeks during their HD sessions. During these 23 weeks, a total number of 3237 HD sessions were observed. Out of 109 patients enrolled in the study, 78 patients reported clinical events such as muscle spasms, inpatient stays, emergency visits or even death during the study period. We analyzed the sensor data of these two groups of patients, namely an event and no-event group. We found a statistically significant difference in the heart rates, respiration rates, and some heart rate variability parameters among the two groups of patients when their means were compared using an independent sample t-test. We further developed a supervised machine-learning-based prediction model to predict event or no-event based on the sensor data and demographic information. A mean area under curve (ROC AUC) of 90.16% with 96.21% mean precision, and 88.47% mean recall was achieved. Our findings point towards the novel use of non-contact sensors in clinical settings to monitor the vital parameters of patients and the further development of early warning solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) for the prediction of clinical events. These models could assist healthcare professionals in taking decisions and designing better care plans for patients by early detecting changes to vital parameters.
Managing Sustainable Hybrid Organisations: A Case Study in the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Díaz-Correa Jennifer E. , López-Navarro Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

Research in the field of sustainability has been dominated by an instrumental logic in which social and environmental aspects are reduced to their ability to generate financial benefits. However, the increasing problems facing society are highlighting the need to change this logic. In this context, a growing body of literature is developing around what are known as hybrid organisations, entities characterised by their combination of a social and/or environmental mission with the pursuit of economic benefit. This research uses a descriptive case study approach in order to examine how a Spanish winery—Celler la Muntanya—has implemented a sustainable business model to create positive social and environmental change. The agricultural sector is receiving increasing attention in the sustainability field because of its impact on society and the territory. In addition, agricultural activity generates tensions between social/environmental dimensions—such as the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity—and economic benefits. Our case study draws on the ‘sustainability-driven hybrid business model’ and its three basic elements: social and environmental change as organizational objective; mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders; and progressive interaction with markets, competitors and industry institutions. Our findings contribute to the literature by helping to explain how agricultural organisations can implement their business model based on sustainability criteria.
Quantifying Climate Change and Ecological Responses within the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Feiyan , Lin Aiwen , Zhu Hongji , Niu Jiqiang
Published: August 2018

The interactions between climate change and vegetation have a significant impact on the dynamics of the global carbon cycle. Based on the observed meteorological data from 1961 to 2013 and the temperature and precipitation data simulated by various climate models (simulations phase 5 of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project dataset), this paper analyzes the temperature and precipitation changes of the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) and finds that they are a similar trend, that is, the temperature presents a significant upward trend (R2 = 0.49, p < 0.01), and the variation trend of precipitation is not significant (R2 = 0.01). Specifically, based on observed meteorological data, the annual mean temperature increased significantly and the area of increasing temperature accounted for 99.94% of the total region (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant change in annual precipitation. Ecological indicators (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI); enhanced vegetation index (EVI); leaf area index (LAI); gross primary production (GPP); and net primary production (NPP)) of the YRB showed an increasing trend, and annual NDVI, annual EVI, LAI, annual total GPP and annual total NPP increased at respective rates of 0.002 yr−1, 0.001 yr−1, 0.07 m2m−2decade−1, 9 TgCyr−1yr−1, and 6 TgCyr−1yr−1, respectively. Correlation analysis between temperature/precipitation and NDVI/EVI/LAI/GPP/NPP was used to determine the relationships between climatic parameters and ecological indicators. Specifically, the temperature is significantly positively correlated with annual NDVI (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.05), with annual mean LAI (R2 = 0.35, p < 0.05) and with annual GPP (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.05). In addition, there is a moderate positive correlation between mean EVI and mean growing season air temperature (R2 = 0.24); annual mean air temperature is a moderate positive correlation with annual NPP (R2 = 0.28). Our findings confirm that temperature is more closely related to ecological factors than precipitation over the YRB in these decades.
Metal(loid) Bioremediation: Strategies Employed by Microbial Polymers
Authors: Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: August 2018

Environmental pollution arising from metal(loid)s is a result of industrialization, and has led to serious health issues. Conventional methods of metal(loid) removal often results in generation of secondary waste which is toxic to the environment. Bioremediation in combination with physicochemical techniques offer an excellent and effective means of removal. The use of secondary metabolites and extracellular polymers produced by microorganisms is an effective procedure employed in metal(loid) sequestration and reduction in toxicity of contaminated environments. These biopolymers have different chemical structures and have shown varied selectivity to different metal(loid)s. This review discusses various microbial polymers, their mechanism of metal(loid) removal and their potential application in remediation of contaminated environment.
Assessment of Advanced Natural Ventilation Space Cooling Potential across Southern European Coastal Region
Authors: Pesic Nikola , Roset Calzada Jaime , Muros Alcojor Adrian
Published: August 2018

Analyzing the Köppen–Geiger climate classification and available climate data for the southern European Mediterranean coast, eight reference geolocations were selected for this analysis: the cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Koper, Split, Athens and Nicosia. The first part of the research applies the climate potential for natural ventilation (CPNV) methodology that evaluates the theoretical availability of natural ventilation (NV) for each city location corresponding to human hygrothermal conditions. The second part of the article evaluates possible cooling energy savings (ES) applying the advanced natural ventilation (ANV) space-cooling strategy. A hypothetical four-story atrium office building model is designed for the building performance simulation (BPS) using mixed-mode (or hybrid-mode) and night-time natural ventilation (NNV) approaches. The objective is to present a comparison overview of possible space cooling ES between chosen geolocations. In the context of the current European Union’s (EU) energy transition (ET) process, the article displays ANV possibilities, as a renewable energy source (RES), in the reduction of building space cooling energy demands (ED) on the electricity grid.
Investigating the Factors Influencing the Decoupling of Transport-Related Carbon Emissions from Turnover Volume in China
Authors: Jiang Xue-ting , Su Min , Li Rongrong
Published: August 2018

With the boom of vehicles, especially the dramatic rise of private car ownership, in China, transport CO2 emission in China has surged. However, China has been taking the responsibility to cut down carbon emissions and to make positive efforts towards technology innovations in the transport sector. Breaking the link between transport carbon emissions and transport turnover capacity for the past decades should be analyzed. The paper tested the decoupling degree and ranked its potential determinants for every transport mode in consideration of specific transport mode characteristics. We extended the original Kaya identity to make the factor analysis more pertinent to the analysis of transport-related CO2 emissions. Besides, we combined the decomposition technique with decoupling analysis, decomposing the transport decoupling index into five distinct aspects to detect the key drivers of the decoupling of transport-related CO2 emissions from transport turnover volume. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between transport-related CO2 emission and transport output, which also offers a novel perspective on transport and corresponding environmental research. The results uncovered that a weak decoupling state appeared between 1990–1995 and 2000–2010 in China’s transport sector. Transport energy efficiency exerted the most significant impact in accelerating the decoupling of transport-related CO2 emissions from turnover volume for all transport modes while the energy mix effect impeded the decoupling evolution in most observed periods. Railway transport turnover and rail locomotives shared rises boosted by decoupling evolution, while vehicular transport showed adverse effects. The rise of the transport facilities’ shares of railways, waterways, and airways also advanced the decoupling evolution. Hence, policies of switching travel modes and establishing a “smart growth” pattern for private vehicles should be considered.
Intrapreneurial Self-Capital: A Key Resource for Promoting Well-Being in a Shifting Work Landscape
Authors: Di Fabio Annamaria , Kenny Maureen E.
Published: August 2018

Intrapreneurial Self-Capital (ISC) represents a promising individual resource that might be enhanced through intervention to help individuals cope adaptively with the ongoing changes that characterize the world of work and other life challenges in the 21st century. In order to examine the promise of this construct, the present study analyzed the relationship between ISC and both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, controlling for the effects of personality traits, which are substantially stable and not amenable to psychological intervention. The Intrapreneurial Self-Capital Scale (ISCS), the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Meaning in Life Measure (MLM), and the Flourishing Scale (FS), were administered to 563 Italian university students. Hierarchical regressions analyses showed that ISC explained a percentage of incremental variance beyond that accounted for by personality traits in relation to both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. These results support the premise that ISC may be a promising resource for fostering both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being.
Analysis of the Learning Effectiveness of the STEAM-6E Special Course—A Case Study about the Creative Design of IoT Assistant Devices for the Elderly
Authors: Chung Chih-Chao , Lin Chien-Linag , Lou Shi-Jer
Published: August 2018

This study developed a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)-6E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Enrich, Evaluate; 6E Learning by Design) special course based on the theme of creative design of IoT (Internet of Things) assistant devices for the elderly and investigated the impact of this course on students’ learning effectiveness. It invited eight experts and scholars for focus interviews, jointly developed the STEAM-6E special course, designed teaching activities around the theme of creative design of IoT assistant devices for the elderly, and created a learning effectiveness scale. Furthermore, it selected 46 students majoring in nursing in a vocational and technological college as its subjects and distributed copies of a questionnaire among them to explore learning effectiveness. This study reached the following conclusions. The STEAM-6E special course on the creative design of IoT assistant devices for the elderly included three dimensions, that is, the STEAM course, 6E teaching, and the acquisition of professional knowledge, as well as 17 competence indicators. The nursing students affirmed the learning outcome in the STEAM-6E course, the 6E teaching model, and thematic knowledge after attending the STEAM-6E course. The hands-on activities of the STEAM-6E special course could guide students to learn key points step by step. The STEAM-6E special course can strengthen students’ abilities to integrate STEAM knowledge and improve their learning effectiveness in each discipline. The STEAM-6E special course for the elderly improved the cooperative learning, professional knowledge, and confidence of the students. In light of these conclusions, this study developed a teaching model for the STEAM-6E special course on the creative design of IoT assistant devices for the elderly and proposed several suggestions for curriculum planning and the implementation of a STEAM-6E special course.
Porous Scaffold Design Based on Minimal Surfaces: Development and Assessment of Variable Architectures
Authors: Ambu Rita , Morabito Anna Eva
Published: August 2018

In tissue engineering, biocompatible porous scaffolds that try to mimic the features and function of the bone are of great relevance. In this paper, an effective method for the design of 3D porous scaffolds is applied to the modelling of structures with variable architectures. These structures are of interest since they are more similar to the stochastic configuration of real bone with respect to architectures made of a unit cell replicated in three orthogonal directions, which are usually considered for this kind of applications. This property configures them as, potentially, more suitable to satisfy simultaneously the biological requirements and those relative to the mechanical strength. The procedure implemented is based on the implicit surface modelling method and the use of a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS), specifically, the Schwarz’s Primitive (P) minimal surface, whose geometry was considered for the development of scaffolds with different configurations. The representative structures modelled were numerically analysed by means of finite element analysis (FEA), considering them made of a biocompatible titanium alloy. The architectures considered were thus assessed in terms of the relationship between the geometrical configuration and the mechanical response to compression loading.
Positive Solutions of One-Dimensional p-Laplacian Problems with Superlinearity
Authors: Yang G.C. , Li Z.Y.
Published: August 2018

We study one-dimensional p-Laplacian problems and answer the unsolved problem. Our method is to study the property of the operator, the concavity of the solutions and the continuity of the first eigenvalues. By the above study, the main difficulty is overcome and the fixed point theorem can be applied for the corresponding compact maps. An affirmative answer is given to the unsolved problem with superlinearity. A global growth condition is not imposed on the nonlinear term f. The assumptions of this paper are more general than the usual, thus the existing results cannot be utilized. Some recent results are improved from weak solutions to classical solutions and from p ≥ 2 to p ∈ ( 1 , ∞ ) .
Effects of Nano-Composite Adsorbents on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Organ Weights of Broilers Fed with Aflatoxin-Contaminated Feed
Authors: Saminathan Mookiah , Selamat Jinap , Abbasi Pirouz Atena , Abdullah Norhani , Zulkifli Idrus
Published: August 2018

The exploration of feed mycotoxin adsorbents to mitigate the adverse effects of mycotoxins on animals has received increasing attention over the last decade. The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of nano-composite magnetic graphene oxide with chitosan (MGO-CTS) adsorbents against feed contaminated with ~20 ng/g (ppb) aflatoxin (AF). A total of three hundred 1-day-old chicks were randomly distributed into six dietary treatment groups, as follows: basal diet (broilers fed a diet with neither AF nor MGO-CTS added, T1), basal diet + 0.25% MGO-CTS (T2), basal diet + 0.50% MGO-CTS (T3), AF diet + 0.25% MGO-CTS (T4), AF diet + 0.50% MGO-CTS (T5), and AF diet (T6). The two inclusion levels (0.25 and 0.50%) of MGO-CTS significantly (p < 0.05) improved the growth performances and feed conversion ratios of the AF-treated chicks at 1–35 days of age, and the impact was more pronounced for 0.5% MGO-CTS. The AF intake markedly increased the relative weights of the liver and kidney, resulting in significant alterations in the serum biochemical parameters, such as albumins, alkaline phosphatase, and SGPT/alanine (ALT), at 35 days of age. However, the chickens fed 0.5% MGO-CTS with AF diets had apparent recovery or restoration of AF-induced organ lesions and aberrant serum profiles. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the total AFs was observed in the gastrointestinal tracts of the chickens fed 0.25% or 0.50% adsorbent in combination with AF feed (T4 and T5), with decreases of 28.9% and 53.5%, respectively, compared with that in the chickens fed an AF-contaminated diet (T6). The results of the study indicated that a higher concentration of MGO-CTS (0.50%) was effective in improving the overall performance of broiler chickens by preventing the adverse effects associated with aflatoxicosis.
Host-Directed Antivirals: A Realistic Alternative to Fight Zika Virus
Authors: Saiz Juan-Carlos , Oya Nereida Jiménez de , Blázquez Ana-Belén , Escribano-Romero Estela , Martín-Acebes Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015, where it has been responsible for a threat to global health, causing a great social and sanitary alarm due to its increased virulence, rapid spread, and an association with severe neurological and ophthalmological complications. Currently, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available, and treatments are palliative and mainly directed toward the relief of symptoms, such as fever and rash, by administering antipyretics, anti-histamines, and fluids for dehydration. Nevertheless, lately, search for antivirals has been a major aim in ZIKV investigations. To do so, screening of libraries from different sources, testing of natural compounds, and repurposing of drugs with known antiviral activity have allowed the identification of several antiviral candidates directed to both viral (structural proteins and enzymes) and cellular elements. Here, we present an updated review of current knowledge about anti-ZIKV strategies, focusing on host-directed antivirals as a realistic alternative to combat ZIKV infection.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors in Influenza Treatment and Prevention–Is It Time to Call It a Day?
Authors: Parra-Rojas César , Nguyen Van Kinh , Hernandez-Mejia Gustavo , Hernandez-Vargas Esteban A.
Published: August 2018

Stockpiling neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) such as oseltamivir and zanamivir is part of a global effort to be prepared for an influenza pandemic. However, the contribution of NAIs for the treatment and prevention of influenza and its complications is largely debatable due to constraints in the ability to control for confounders and to explore unobserved areas of the drug effects. For this study, we used a mathematical model of influenza infection which allowed transparent analyses. The model recreated the oseltamivir effects and indicated that: (i) the efficacy was limited by design, (ii) a 99% efficacy could be achieved by using high drug doses (however, taking high doses of drug 48 h post-infection could only yield a maximum of 1.6-day reduction in the time to symptom alleviation), and (iii) contributions of oseltamivir to epidemic control could be high, but were observed only in fragile settings. In a typical influenza infection, NAIs’ efficacy is inherently not high, and even if their efficacy is improved, the effect can be negligible in practice.
Quantity and Quality of Surface and Subsurface Runoff from an Eroded Loess Slope Used for Agricultural Purposes
Authors: Mazur Andrzej
Published: August 2018

The purpose of the work was to determine the surface and subsurface water runoff and selected constituents of the matter contained and carried out from the eroded loess slope used as arable land. The research was carried out in 2008–2011 on the Lublin Upland. The quantity of water flowing out of the slope was measured and samples were collected in order to determine the concentration of the soil suspension of nitrogen and its forms as well as phosphorus and potassium. Soil tests were also carried out and the rainfall amount and intensity was monitored. The research results show that the amount of precipitation was significantly statistically correlated with the quantity of surface and subsurface water runoff and with the precipitation and surface runoff erosion indicator EI30 (correlations at the level of r = 0.75–0.78). In addition, the mass of eroded soil was strongly correlated with the erosion indicator of rain and surface runoff EI30 (r = 0.86). The annual soil losses were from 21.1 to 173.1 Mg ha−1. The concentration of chemical components dissolved in the surface and subsurface runoff water in most cases proved to be negatively statistically correlated with the amount of precipitation and indicator EI30. The correlation coefficients (r) were at levels from −0.32 to −0.52. The annual loss of nutrients caused by chemical erosion was: nitrogen 7.210–29.949 kg ha−1, phosphorus 0.846–5.279 kg ha−1 and potassium 7.065–21.660 kg ha−1. The highest intensity of water erosion was recorded in 2010, when root crops were grown in the field.
Drivers of Ecosystem Metabolism in Two Managed Shallow Lakes with Different Salinity and Trophic Conditions: The Sauce Grande and La Salada Lakes (Argentina)
Authors: Alfonso María Belén , Brendel Andrea Soledad , Vitale Alejandro José , Seitz Carina , Piccolo María Cintia , Perillo Gerardo Miguel Eduardo
Published: August 2018

Understanding the drivers and how they affect ecosystem metabolism is essential for developing effective management policy and plans. In this study, net ecosystem production (NEP), ecosystem respiration (R), and gross primary production (GPP) rates were estimated in relation to physicochemical, hydrological, and meteorological variables in La Salada (LS) and Sauce Grande (SG), two shallow lakes located in an important agricultural region with water management. LS is a mesosaline, mesotrophic-eutrophic lake, whereas SG is a hyposaline and eutrophic lake. GPP and R showed daily and seasonal variations, with R exceeding GPP during most of the study period in both lakes. Net heterotrophic conditions prevailed during the study period (NEP LS: −1.1 mmol O2 m−2 day−1 and NEP SG: −1.25 mmol O2 m−2 day−1). From data analysis, the temperature, wind speed, and lake volume are the main drivers of ecosystem metabolism for both lakes. Despite the significant differences between the two lakes, the NEP values were similar. The different hydrological characteristics (endorheic vs. flushing lake) were crucial in explaining why the two different systems presented similar ecosystem metabolic rates, emphasizing the importance of water management.
Using a Hierarchical Approach to Calibrate SWAT and Predict the Semi-Arid Hydrologic Regime of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Santos Carlos A. S. , Almeida Carina , Ramos Tiago B. , Rocha Felizardo A. , Oliveira Rodrigo , Neves Ramiro
Published: August 2018

The Paraguaçu watershed in northeastern Brazil faces increasing water scarcity, with water resources unable to meet the increasing demand. Accurate assessment of water availability is thus essential for efficient planning and management of local resources. In this work, the potential of the SWAT model for predicting daily and monthly variability of the hydrologic regime of the Paraguaçu River was assessed. Model calibration/validation followed: (i) A hierarchical framework; (ii) the assessment of maximum, average and minimum streamflow based on paired t-test and linear regression analysis; and (iii) the definition of permanence curves for streamflow with a probability of occurrence of 90% (Q90) and 95% (Q95). The goodness-of-fit indicators revealed a “satisfactory” model performance (model efficiency ranged from 0.42 to 0.83) when predicting streamflow in monitored sub-basins using a unique set of parameters for wet and dry conditions. The flow duration curves also showed that the model underestimated higher flows resulting from extreme events but performed well for flows with exceedance probabilities of <90%. The regression analysis and paired t-test demonstrated that the SWAT model can be used for estimating maximum, average and minimum monthly streamflow in a region where information is insufficient to support water authorities in the decision-making process. The SWAT model can thus be considered adequate for simulating monthly streamflow in the Paraguaçu watershed.
Optimizing Vascular Access for Patients Receiving Intravenous Systemic Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer—A Survey of Oncology Nurses and Physicians
Authors: LeVasseur N. , Stober C. , Daigle K. , Robinson A. , McDiarmid S. , Mazzarello S. , Hutton B. , Joy A. , Fergusson D. , Hilton J. , McInnes M. , Clemons M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Despite advances in systemic therapy choices for patients with early-stage breast cancer, optimal practices for intravenous (IV) access remain unknown. That lack of knowledge holds particularly true for the use of central venous access devices (cvads) such as peripherally inserted central catheters (piccs) and implanted vascular access devices (ports). Methods: Using a survey of Canadian oncologists and oncology nurses responsible for the care of breast cancer patients, we evaluated current access practices, perceptions of complications, and perceptions of risk, and we estimated complication rates and evaluated perceived risk factors for lymphedema. Results: Survey responses were received from 25 physicians and 57 oncology nurses. Administration of trastuzumab or an anthracycline was associated with a higher likelihood of a cvad being recommended. Other factors associated with recommendation of a cvad included prior difficult IV access and a recommendation from the chemotherapy nurse. Although the complication rates perceived to be associated with the use of piccs and ports remained high, respondents felt that cvads might improve patient quality of life. Risk factors perceived to be associated with the risk of lymphedema were axillary lymph node dissection, radiation to the axilla, and line-associated infection. Factors known to be unrelated to lymphedema risk (specifically, blood draws and blood pressure measurement) continue to be perceived as posing a higher risk. Conclusions: Despite widespread use of chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer, the type of venous access used for treatment varies significantly, as do perceptions about the risks of cvad use and the risk for lymphedema development. Further prospective studies are needed to identify best-practice strategies.
Unnecessary Variation in Practice: How to Improve Cancer Care through Pragmatic Trials
Authors: LeVasseur N. , Fergusson D. , Clemons M.
Published: August 2018

Oncologists are frequently faced with multiple “reasonable” treatment options, without sufficient evidence to choose one over the other[...]
Baseline Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and Survival in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Graham J. , Gingerich J. , Lambert P. , Alamri A. , Czaykowski P.
Published: August 2018

Background: Baseline symptom burden as measured using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), a patient-reported, validated, and reliable tool measuring symptom severity in 9 separate domains, might yield prognostic information in patients receiving treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) and might add to the existing prognostic models. Methods: In this retrospective single-centre cohort study, we included patients receiving first-line sunitinib therapy for MRCC between 2008 and 2012. Baseline variables included information relevant to the pre-existing prognostic models and pre-treatment ESAS summation scores (added together across all 9 domains), with higher scores representing greater symptom burden. We used Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression modelling to determine if symptom burden can provide prognostic information with respect to overall survival. Results: We identified 68 patients receiving first-line therapy for MRCC. Most had intermediate- or poor-risk disease based on both the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) models. The median baseline ESAS summation score was 16 (range: 6–57). In univariable analysis, the hazard ratio for overall survival was 1.270 (p = 0.0047) per 10-unit increase in summation ESAS. In multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio was 1.208 (p = 0.0362) when controlling for MSKCC risk group and 1.240 (p = 0.019) when controlling for IMDC risk group. Conclusions: Baseline symptom burden as measured by ESAS score appears to provide prognostic information for survival in patients with mrcc. Those results should encourage the investigation of patient-reported symptom scales as potential prognostic indicators for patients with advanced cancer.
Understanding the Reasons for Provincial Discordance in Cancer drug Funding—A Survey of Policymakers
Authors: Srikanthan A. , Penner N. , Chan K.K.W. , Sabharwal M. , Grill A.
Published: August 2018

Background: Cancer drug-funding decisions between provinces shows discordance. The pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (PCODR) was implemented in 2011 partly to address uneven drug coverage and lack of transparency in the various provincial cancer drug review processes in Canada. We evaluated the underlying reasons for ongoing provincial discordance since the implementation of PCODR. Methods: Participation in an online survey was solicited from participating provincial ministries of health (MOHS) and cancer agencies (CAS). The 4-question survey (with both multiple-choice and free-text responses) was administered between 4 March 2015 and 1 April 2015, inclusive. Anonymity was ensured. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate responses. Results: Data were available from 9 provinces (all Canadian provinces except Quebec), with a response rate of 100%. The 12 responses received each came from a senior policymaker with more than 5 years’ experience in cancer drug funding decision-making (5 from MOHS, 7 from CAS). Responses for 3 provinces came from both a moh representative and a ca representative. The most common reason for funding a drug not recommended by PCODR was political pressure (64%). The most common reason not to fund a drug recommended by PCODR was budget constraints (91%). The most common reason for a province to fund a drug before completion of the PCODR review was also political pressure (57%). Conclusions: Political pressure and budgetary constraints continue to affect equity of access to cancer drugs for patients throughout Canada.
Nanoscale characterization of the temporary adhesive of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Viana Ana S , Santos Romana
Published: August 2018

Background: Unlike the thin homogeneous films that are typical for adhesives produced by humans, biological adhesives present complex hierarchical micro- and nanostructures. Most studies on marine adhesives have focused on permanent adhesives, whereas the nanostructures of nonpermanent, temporary or reversible adhesives have only been examined in some organisms such as marine flatworms, barnacle cyprids, freshwater cnidaria and echinoderms such as sea cucumbers and sea stars. In this study, the first nanoscale characterization of sea urchin temporary adhesives was performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Results: The adhesive topography was similar under dry and native (seawater) conditions, which was comprised of a honeycomb-like meshwork of aggregated globular nanostructures. In terms of adhesion forces, higher values were obtained in dry conditions, reaching up to 50 nN. Under native conditions, lower adhesive forces were obtained (up to 500 pN) but the adhesive seemed to behave like a functional amyloid, as evidenced by the recorded characteristic sawtooth force–extension curves and positive thioflavin-T labelling.

Conclusion: Our results confirm that like other temporary adhesives, the sea urchin adhesive footprint nanostructure consists of a meshwork of entangled globular nanostructures. Under native conditions, the adhesive footprints of the sea urchin behaved like a functional amyloid, suggesting that among its proteinaceous constituents there are most likely proteins with amyloid quaternary structures or rich in β-sheets. These results extend our knowledge on sea urchin adhesive composition and mechanical properties essential for the engineering of biomimetic adhesives.
Two-dimensional photonic crystals increasing vertical light emission from Si nanocrystal-rich thin layers
Authors: Ondič Lukáš , Varga Marian , Pelant Ivan , Kromka Alexander , Hruška Karel , Elliman Robert G
Published: August 2018

We have fabricated two-dimensional photonic crystals (PhCs) on the surface of Si nanocrystal-rich SiO2 layers with the goal to maximize the photoluminescence extraction efficiency in the normal direction. The fabricated periodic structures consist of columns ordered into square and hexagonal pattern with lattice constants computed such that the red photoluminescence of Si nanocrystals (SiNCs) could couple to leaky modes of the PhCs and could be efficiently extracted to surrounding air. Samples having different lattice constants and heights of columns were investigated in order to find the configuration with the best performance. Spectral overlap of the leaky modes with the luminescence spectrum of SiNCs was verified experimentally by measuring photonic band diagrams of the leaky modes employing angle-resolved spectroscopy and also theoretically by computing the reflectance spectra. The extraction enhancement within different spatial angles was evaluated by means of micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy. More than 18-fold extraction enhancement was achieved for light propagating in the normal direction and up to 22% increase in overall intensity was obtained at the spatial collection angle of 14°.
Metal–dielectric hybrid nanoantennas for efficient frequency conversion at the anapole mode
Authors: Gili Valerio F , Ghirardini Lavinia , Rocco Davide , Marino Giuseppe , Favero Ivan , Roland Iännis , Pellegrini Giovanni , Duò Lamberto , Finazzi Marco , Carletti Luca , Locatelli Andrea , Lemaître Aristide , Neshev Dragomir , De Angelis Costantino , Leo Giuseppe , Celebrano Michele
Published: August 2018

Background: Dielectric nanoantennas have recently emerged as an alternative solution to plasmonics for nonlinear light manipulation at the nanoscale, thanks to the magnetic and electric resonances, the strong nonlinearities, and the low ohmic losses characterizing high refractive-index materials in the visible/near-infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum. In this frame, AlGaAs nanoantennas demonstrated to be extremely efficient sources of second harmonic radiation. In particular, the nonlinear polarization of an optical system pumped at the anapole mode can be potentially boosted, due to both the strong dip in the scattering spectrum and the near-field enhancement, which are characteristic of this mode. Plasmonic nanostructures, on the other hand, remain the most promising solution to achieve strong local field confinement, especially in the NIR, where metals such as gold display relatively low losses.

Results: We present a nonlinear hybrid antenna based on an AlGaAs nanopillar surrounded by a gold ring, which merges in a single platform the strong field confinement typically produced by plasmonic antennas with the high nonlinearity and low loss characteristics of dielectric nanoantennas. This platform allows enhancing the coupling of light to the nanopillar at coincidence with the anapole mode, hence boosting both second- and third-harmonic generation conversion efficiencies. More than one order of magnitude enhancement factors are measured for both processes with respect to the isolated structure.

Conclusion: The present results reveal the possibility to achieve tuneable metamixers and higher resolution in nonlinear sensing and spectroscopy, by means of improved both pump coupling and emission efficiency due to the excitation of the anapole mode enhanced by the plasmonic nanoantenna.
A Subarcsecond Near-infrared View of Massive Galaxies at z > 1 with Gemini Multi-conjugate Adaptive Optics
Authors: Lacy M. , Nyland K. , Mao M. , Jagannathan P. , Pforr J. , Ridgway S. E. , Afonso J. , Farrah D. , Guarnieri P. , Gonzales-Solares E. , Jarvis M. J. , Maraston C. , Nielsen D. M. , Petric A. O. , Sajina A. , Surace J. A. , Vaccari M.
Published: August 2018

We present images taken using the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) with the Gemini Multi-conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) in three 2 arcmin2 fields in the Spitzer Extragalactic Representative Volume Survey. These GeMS/GSAOI observations are among the first ≈0.″1 resolution data in the near-infrared spanning extragalactic fields exceeding 1.′5 in size. We use these data to estimate galaxy sizes, obtaining results similar to those from studies with the Hubble Space Telescope, though we find a higher fraction of compact star-forming galaxies at z > 2. To disentangle the star-forming galaxies from active galactic nuclei (AGNs), we use multiwavelength data from surveys in the optical and infrared, including far-infrared data from Herschel, as well as new radio continuum data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array and Very Large Array. We identify ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) at z ∼ 1–3, which consist of a combination of pure starburst galaxies and AGN/starburst composites. The ULIRGs show signs of recent merger activity, such as highly disturbed morphologies and include a rare candidate triple-AGN. We find that AGNs tend to reside in hosts with smaller scale sizes than purely star-forming galaxies of similar infrared luminosity. Our observations demonstrate the potential for MCAO to complement the deeper galaxy surveys to be made with the James Webb Space Telescope.
Economic valuation and mapping of Ecosystem Services in the context of protected area management (Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede, Portugal)
Authors: Marta-Pedroso Cristina , Laporta Lia , Gama Ivo , Domingos Tiago
Published: August 2018

Demonstrating economic benefits generated by protected areas is often pointed out as pivotal for supporting decision-making. We argue in this paper that the concept of ecosystem services (ES), defined as the benefits humans derive from ecosystems, provides a consistent framework to approach this issue as it links ecosystem functioning and benefits, including benefits with economic value. This study aimed at providing evidence on how to bring the economic value of protected areas to the decision-making process and contributing to extend current EU Member States' experience in mapping and assessing the economic value of ES in the context of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 (Action 5). In doing so, we used the Natural Park of Serra de S. Mamede (PNSSM), located in the Alentejo NUTS II region, as a case study. We followed a three-step approach to pursue our goals, entailing stakeholders' engagement for selecting relevant ES (through a participatory workshop), biophysical mapping of ES flows (based on a multi-tiered approach depending on data availability) and spatial economic estimation of such flows (using value transfer, willingness-to-pay and market price methods). Our results indicate that the ES with highest economic value are not always the ones with higher perceived value by stakeholders. For most ES, the economic value increased with increasing protection level within the park, except for the crop production service. Although no formal uncertainty or sensitivity analysis has been performed, the following range is based on a critical assessment of non-primary data used. We estimated the aggregate annual value of PNSSM to be 11 to 33M€/year (representing 0.1 to 0.3% of the regional NUTSII Alentejo Gross Domestic Product). Our findings reinforce the need to adopt mixes of monetary and non-monetary valuation processes and not to rely just on one approach or measure of value while bringing ES into protected areas management.
Knowing Oneself: The First Step to Be an Effective Member of an Interprofessional Team
Authors: Center Deborah
Published: August 2018

Interprofessional health care teams begin with team members who know themselves and are flexible, trusting, and competent to speak up to prevent harm and take action to ensure quality and safety. Often, the soft skills necessary for team members to be effective are underrated and missing in team trainings. By clarifying the expectations of team members and using tools to assess individual ability, educators can enhance awareness and improve both individual and team civility and performance. This article is the third in a series on interprofessional teams and focuses on the importance of knowing oneself to be an effective team member.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(9):397–399.