bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Public Acceptance of Connected Vehicle Systems in a New Scheme of Usage-Based Insurance
Authors: Sahebi Sina , Nassiri Habibollah
Published: July 2017

The consequences of road accidents are significant for drivers and society. The connected vehicle system (CVS) is a promising technology that can improve road safety by warning drivers of traffic hazards. Broad implementation of the CVS could mitigate the harmful consequences of road accidents. Widespread implementation requires schemes that can promote the pervasive adoption of the system by drivers. This study proposes the innovative idea of implementing the CVS in usage-based insurance (UBI) as a measurement probe and modeling drivers’ acceptance of the new UBI scheme. This study developed a random effect logit model demonstrating that the drivers of cheaper vehicles and middle-age drivers (30 to 60) were more inclined to accept the new UBI scheme and use the CVS in their vehicles. Risk-averse drivers were more likely to accept the scheme than were other drivers. The pervasive implementation of the CVS can be costly, but it can improve traffic safety. Because of the two-way spectrum of the costs and benefits of the CVS, providing comprehensive projects to develop the system is important for CVS investors and developers.
Integration of Traffic Speed Deflectometer and Ground-Penetrating Radar for Network-Level Roadway Structure Evaluation
Authors: Maser Kenneth , Schmalzer Pete , Shaw William , Carmichael Adam
Published: July 2017

The project has focused on the East Idaho Loop Corridor (EILC), representing 518 mi of primary roadways covering a wide range of geographic conditions. The Idaho Transportation Department (TD) has pursued this effort to support future project planning and design efforts and advance the management of its assets into a more efficient, best-first set of priorities. The EILC was surveyed with a traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) and with ground-penetrating radar (GPR). After preliminary review of the TSD data, segments were selected for falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing to confirm patterns observed in the TSD data and to adapt FWD analysis methods to the TSD data. Ninety-nine borings were taken to confirm the pavement layer structure and verify thickness calculations. The Idaho TD data were analyzed at a 10-m interval with the GPR layer thickness data to determine subgrade modulus, pavement modulus, and structural number. These values were then used to estimate overlay requirements and, given traffic projections, to calculate the remaining life as a continuous function of roadway position. The data were incorporated into a spatial geodatabase that provides the Idaho TD with a convenient means to visualize and evaluate the overall condition of the network down to the detail of its individual segments. The segments were subdivided into homogenous subsections on the basis of remaining life, and these subsegments were used for identifying and programming rehabilitation projects. The level of condition detail available at the subsegment level allows for pavement design and for scoping restoration projects.
Combined Model Framework for Asphalt Pavement Condition Determination After Flooding
Authors: Mallick Rajib B. , Tao Mingjiang , Daniel Jo Sias , Jacobs Jennifer M. , Veeraragavan A.
Published: July 2017

Flooding of pavements often causes damage that is invisible on the surface. A way to predict the condition of a pavement after flooding will be useful for agencies to make rational decisions about the need for closing a road to traffic or opening it up for cleaning and recovery work. In this study, the problem of flooded pavement assessment was formulated as a combination of hydraulic and structural analyses. A model was developed; it consisted of results from unsaturated hydraulic and layered elastic structural analyses. An interactive simulation was developed from the model and was made available on the web to users in the public domain. Simulations with the model showed significant impacts when subgrade layer moduli were below 50 MPa and layer thickness was less than 200 mm for the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and less than 600 mm for the base. Axle loads exceeding 80 kN exacerbated damages and hazardous conditions. The time to reach conditions that will not lead to damage or failure within a short period of time depends on both the pavement conditions and the load magnitude. On the basis of thickness of surface HMA layer and soil subgrade moduli, restrictions of traffic could be placed on flooded pavements.
Probabilistic Characterization of Life-Cycle Agency and User Costs: Case Study of Minnesota
Authors: Akbarian Mehdi , Swei Omar , Kirchain Randolph , Gregory Jeremy
Published: July 2017

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is a commonly used approach by pavement engineers to compare the economic efficiency of alternative pavement design and maintenance strategies. Over the past two decades, the pavement community has augmented the LCCA framework used in practice by explicitly accounting for uncertainty in the decision-making process and incorporating life-cycle costs not only to the agency but also to the users of a facility. This study represents another step toward improving the LCCA process by focusing on methods to characterize the cost of relevant pay items for an LCCA as well as integrating costs accrued to users of a facility caused by pavement–vehicle interaction (PVI) and work zone delays. The developed model was implemented in a case study to quantify the potential implication of both of these components on the outcomes of an LCCA. Results from the construction cost analysis suggest that the proposed approaches in this paper lead to high-fidelity estimates that outperform current practice. Furthermore, results from the case study indicate that PVI can be a dominant contributor to total life-cycle costs and, therefore, should be incorporated in future LCCAs.
Outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: A tertiary care center experience
Authors: Rahman Md Setabur , Akhter Parveen Shahida , Hasanuzzaman Md , Rahman Jillur , Bhattacharjee Avisak , Rassell Md , Hossen Nabir , Huq Ashraf Ul
Published: July 2017

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Bangladeshi women. Almost all present with palpable lump and 40% of them are with locally advanced breast cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard choice of treatment for the patients.This prospective study was done involving 220 newly diagnosed locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients from January 2010 to December 2014 in the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Mohakhali, Dhaka to observe the clinical and pathological response of locally advanced breast cancer after four cycles of chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy schedule with Cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2 and Doxorubicine 60mg/m2 (AC) was prescribed and carried out three weekly for four cycles. Primary tumor size and axillary nodal size was measured and compared with the previous record. After three weeks of chemotherapy the patients undergone mastectomy and axillary dissection. Histopathology was done to see the pathological response of primary tumor and axillary node. Other biological marker such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth receptor (HER-2) were done. After four cycles of chemotherapy with AC, 194 patients (88%) responded clinically, 29 patients (13%) showed complete clinical response (cCr) and 165 patients (75%) partial response (pCr). Surgical specimen showed complete pathological response (cPr) in 22 patients (10%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with AC is the standard chemotherapy schedule for locally advanced breast cancer and radical surgery was possible in 75% of the patients.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 141-146
Conservative management of single foetal death in multiple pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh: Two case reports
Authors: Nandi Eva Rani , Ashraf Fatema , Yasmin Nilofar , Begum Hasina
Published: July 2017

The single fetal death in multiple pregnancy is not rare. Death of one fetus in multiple pregnancy increases the risk of mortality and morbidity of the surviving fetus. This might pose management challenge to the obstetrician. It is a cause of great concern and psychological stress to the parents. Proper diagnosis and intervention in appropriate time can improve the maternal and neonatal outcome. Adequate counseling, psychological support and close follow up are mandatory. There are potential complications to the mother and the surviving twin.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 172-174
Oral Anti-diabetic Agents
Authors: Fariduddin M , Haq Tahniyah
Published: July 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 175-177
Bionic eye will send images direct to the brain to restore sight
Authors: Islam Md Khairul
Published: July 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 178-179
Emotion-Based Classification and Indexing for Wallpaper and Textile
Authors: Su Yuan-Yuan , Sun Hung-Min
Published: July 2017

This study, based on human emotions and visual impression, develops a novel framework of classification and indexing for wallpaper and textiles. This method allows users to obtain a number of similar images that can be corresponded to a specific emotion by indexing through a reference image or an emotional keyword. In addition, a predefined color–emotion model is applied to deal with the transference between emotions and colors in the paper. Besides color and emotion, the other significant feature for indexing is texture. Therefore, two features—the main colors (the representative colors) and the foreground complexity of a color image—are adopted in the method. The foreground complexity (a pattern complexity) is also called the texture of the pattern in an image. Another contribution of this study is the new algorithms of Touch Four Sides (TFS) and Touch Up Sides (TUS), which can aid in extracting an accurate background and foreground for color images. The potential applications of this study can support non-professionals in finding suitable color-combinations based on emotions for many applications with the transference between emotions and colors, and to imitate the professional operation of the color matching such as interior design, product design, advertising design, image retrieval and other relative applications.
Economic Analysis for Collapse Hazard Areas
Authors: Heo Bo-Young , Heo Won-Ho
Published: July 2017

In order to improve the quality assurance of collapse hazard zone projects, the economic effect of these projects in hazardous areas was analyzed. Ten areas were selected for the analysis to consider historical disaster records, and their effects were analyzed using a benefit/cost (B/C) analysis. The benefit was estimated using the human and material losses in the damage hazard zones and the cost was assumed with the total project cost. Analysis results indicate the B/C ratio is larger than 1 in the difference range, depending on factors such as analysis period and discount rates. According to the analysis results, the average B/C of the ten projects is 3.5. The project implies that a disaster management project in hazardous areas will yield positive investment effects. The results of this study can be applied for improving the ways investment priorities for collapse hazard zones are determined.
Lipid Bilayer Membrane in a Silicon Based Micron Sized Cavity Accessed by Atomic Force Microscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Dosoky Noura , Patel Darayas , Weimer Jeffrey , Williams John
Published: July 2017

Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are widely used in biophysical research to probe the functionality of biological membranes and to provide diagnoses in high throughput drug screening. Formation of SLBs at below phase transition temperature (Tm) has applications in nano-medicine research where low temperature profiles are required. Herein, we report the successful production of SLBs at above—as well as below—the Tm of the lipids in an anisotropically etched, silicon-based micro-cavity. The Si-based cavity walls exhibit controlled temperature which assist in the quick and stable formation of lipid bilayer membranes. Fusion of large unilamellar vesicles was monitored in real time in an aqueous environment inside the Si cavity using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the lateral organization of the lipid molecules was characterized until the formation of the SLBs. The stability of SLBs produced was also characterized by recording the electrical resistance and the capacitance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Analysis was done in the frequency regime of 10−2–105 Hz at a signal voltage of 100 mV and giga-ohm sealed impedance was obtained continuously over four days. Finally, the cantilever tip in AFM was utilized to estimate the bilayer thickness and to calculate the rupture force at the interface of the tip and the SLB. We anticipate that a silicon-based, micron-sized cavity has the potential to produce highly-stable SLBs below their Tm. The membranes inside the Si cavity could last for several days and allow robust characterization using AFM or EIS. This could be an excellent platform for nanomedicine experiments that require low operating temperatures.
Erratum: Tanaka, T. et al. Cimetidine and Clobenpropit Attenuate Inflammation-Associated Colorectal Carcinogenesis in Male ICR Mice. Cancers, 2016, 8, 25
Authors: Tanaka Takuji , Kochi Takahiro , Shirakami Yohei , Mori Takayuki , Niwa Ayumi , Watanabe Naoki , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito
Published: July 2017

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1]. The author Ayumi Kurata’s name should be changed to Ayumi Niwa. [...]
Multi-User Detection for Sporadic IDMA Transmission Based on Compressed Sensing
Authors: Li Bo , Du Rui , Kang Wenjing , Liu Gongliang
Published: July 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) is placing new demands on existing communication systems. The limited orthogonal resources do not meet the demands of massive connectivity of future IoT systems that require efficient multiple access. Interleave-division multiple access (IDMA) is a promising method of improving spectral efficiency and supporting massive connectivity for IoT networks. In a given time, not all sensors signal information to an aggregation node, but each node transmits a short frame on occasion, e.g., time-controlled or event-driven. The sporadic nature of the uplink transmission, low data rates, and massive connectivity in IoT scenarios necessitates minimal control overhead communication schemes. Therefore, sensor activity and data detection should be implemented on the receiver side. However, the current chip-by-chip (CBC) iterative multi-user detection (MUD) assumes that sensor activity is precisely known at the receiver. In this paper, we propose three schemes to solve the MUD problem in a sporadic IDMA uplink transmission system. Firstly, inspired by the observation of sensor sparsity, we incorporate compressed sensing (CS) to MUD in order to jointly perform activity and data detection. Secondly, as CS detection could provide reliable activity detection, we combine CS and CBC and propose a CS-CBC detector. In addition, a CBC-based MUD named CBC-AD is proposed to provide a comparable baseline scheme.
Initial Results of Testing Some Statistical Properties of Hard Disks Workload in Personal Computers in Terms of Non-Extensive Entropy and Long-Range Dependencies
Authors: Strzałka Dominik
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to present some preliminary results and non-extensive statistical properties of selected operating system counters related to hard drive behaviour. A number of experiments have been carried out in order to generate the workload and analyse the behaviour of computers during man–machine interaction. All analysed computers were personal ones, worked under Windows operating systems. The research was conducted to demonstrate how the concept of non-extensive statistical mechanics can be helpful in the description of computer systems behaviour, especially in the context of statistical properties with scaling phenomena, long-term dependencies and statistical self-similarity. The studies have been made on the basis of perfmon tool that allows the user to trace operating systems counters during processing.
Harmonic Distortion Minimization in Power Grids with Wind and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Misra Ritam , Paudyal Sumit , Ceylan Oğuzhan , Mandal Paras
Published: July 2017

Power-electronic interfacing based devices such as wind generators (WGs) and electrical vehicles (EVs) cause harmonic distortions on the power grid. Higher penetration and uncoordinated operation of WGs and EVs can lead to voltage and current harmonic distortions, which may exceed IEEE limits. It is interesting to note that WGs and EVs have some common harmonic profiles. Therefore, when EVs are connected to the grid, the harmonic pollution EVs impart onto the grid can be reduced to some extent by the amount of wind power injecting into the grid and vice versa. In this context, this work studies the impact of EVs on harmonic distortions and careful utilization of wind power to minimize the distortions in distribution feeders. For this, a harmonic unbalanced distribution feeder model is developed in OpenDSS and interfaced with Genetic Algorithm (GA) based optimization algorithm in MATLAB to solve optimal harmonic power flow (OHPF) problems. The developed OHPF model is first used to study impact of EV penetration on current/voltage total harmonic distortions (THDs) in distribution grids. Next, dispatch of WGs are found at different locations on the distribution grid to demonstrate reduction in the current/voltage THDs when EVs are charging.
The Influences of Landscape Features on Visitation of Hospital Green Spaces—A Choice Experiment Approach
Authors: Chang Kaowen , Chien Hungju
Published: July 2017

Studies have suggested that visiting and viewing landscaping at hospitals accelerates patient’s recovery from surgery and help staff’s recovery from mental fatigue. To plan and construct such landscapes, we need to unravel landscape features desirable to different groups so that the space can benefit a wide range of hospital users. Using discrete choice modeling, we developed experimental choice sets to investigate how landscape features influence the visitations of different users in a large regional hospital in Taiwan. The empirical survey provides quantitative estimates of the influence of each landscape feature on four user groups, including patients, caregivers, staff, and neighborhood residents. Our findings suggest that different types of features promote visits from specific user groups. Landscape features facilitating physical activities effectively encourage visits across user groups especially for caregivers and staff. Patients in this study specify a strong need for contact with nature. The nearby community favors the features designed for children’s play and family activities. People across user groups value the features that provide a mitigated microclimate of comfort, such as a shelter. Study implications and limitations are also discussed. Our study provides information essential for creating a better healing environment in a hospital setting.
An Injectable Glass Polyalkenoate Cement Engineered for Fracture Fixation and Stabilization
Authors: Khader Basel , Peel Sean , Towler Mark
Published: July 2017

Glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) have potential as bio-adhesives due to their ease of application, appropriate mechanical properties, radiopacity and chemical adhesion to bone. Aluminium (Al)-free GPCs have been discussed in the literature, but have proven difficult to balance injectability with mechanical integrity. For example, zinc-based, Al-free GPCs reported compressive strengths of 63 MPa, but set in under 2 min. Here, the authors design injectable GPCs (IGPCs) based on zinc-containing, Al-free silicate compositions containing GeO2, substituted for ZnO at 3% increments through the series. The setting reactions, injectability and mechanical properties of these GPCs were evaluated using both a hand-mix (h) technique, using a spatula for sample preparation and application and an injection (i) technique, using a 16-gauge needle, post mixing, for application. GPCs ability to act as a carrier for bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also evaluated. Germanium (Ge) and BSA containing IGPCs were produced and reported to have working times between 26 and 44 min and setting times between 37 and 55 min; the extended handling properties being as a result of less Ge. The incorporation of BSA into the cement had no effect on the handling and mechanical properties, but the latter were found to have increased compression strength with the addition of Ge from between 27 and 37 MPa after 30 days maturation.
Methodological Issues in Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Malassezia pachydermatis
Authors: Peano Andrea , Pasquetti Mario , Tizzani Paolo , Chiavassa Elisa , Guillot Jacques , Johnson Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Reference methods for antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts have been developed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). These methods are intended to test the main pathogenic yeasts that cause invasive infections, namely Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans, while testing other yeast species introduces several additional problems in standardization not addressed by these reference procedures. As a consequence, a number of procedures have been employed in the literature to test the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis. This has resulted in conflicting results. The aim of the present study is to review the procedures and the technical parameters (growth media, inoculum preparation, temperature and length of incubation, method of reading) employed for susceptibility testing of M. pachydermatis, and when possible, to propose recommendations for or against their use. Such information may be useful for the future development of a reference assay.
Assessment of the Dyeing Properties of the Pigments Produced by Talaromyces spp.
Authors: Morales-Oyervides Lourdes , Oliveira Jorge , Sousa-Gallagher Maria , Méndez-Zavala Alejandro , Montañez Julio Cesar
Published: July 2017

The high production yields of pigments by Talaromyces spp. and their high thermal stability have implied that industrial application interests may emerge in the food and textile industries, as they both involve subjecting the colourants to high temperatures. The present study aimed to assess the potential application of the pigments produced by Talaromyces spp. in the textile area by studying their dyeing properties. Dyeing studies were performed on wool. The dyeing process consisted of three stages: scouring, mordanting, and dyeing. Two different mordants (alum, A; ferric chloride, F) were tested at different concentrations on fabric weight (A: 5, 10, 15%; F: 10, 20, 30%). The mordanting process had a significant effect on the final colour of the dyed fabrics obtained. The values of dyeing rate constant (k), half-time of dyeing (t1/2), and sorption kinetics behaviour were evaluated and discussed. The obtained results showed that pigments produced by Talaromyces spp. could serve as a source for the natural dyeing of wool textiles.
Lithium Hydrazinidoborane Ammoniate LiN2H3BH3·0.25NH3, a Derivative of Hydrazine Borane
Authors: Ould-Amara Salem , Granier Dominique , Chiriac Rodica , Toche François , Yot Pascal , Demirci Umit
Published: July 2017

Boron- and nitrogen-based materials have shown to be attractive for solid-state chemical hydrogen storage owing to gravimetric hydrogen densities higher than 10 wt% H. Herein, we report a new derivative of hydrazine borane N2H4BH3, namely lithium hydrazinidoborane ammoniate LiN2H3BH3·0.25NH3. It is easily obtained in ambient conditions by ball-milling N2H4BH3 and lithium amide LiNH2 taken in equimolar amounts. Both compounds react without loss of any H atoms. The molecular and crystallographic structures of our new compound have been confirmed by NMR/FTIR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The complexation of the entity LiN2H3BH3 by some NH3 has been also established by thermogravimetric and calorimetric analyses. In our conditions, LiN2H3BH3·0.25NH3 has been shown to be able to release H2 at temperatures lower than the parent N2H4BH3 or the counterpart LiN2H3BH3. It also liberates non-negligible amounts of NH3 at temperatures lower than 100 °C. This is actually quite detrimental for chemical H storage, but alternatively LiN2H3BH3·0.25NH3 might be seen as a potential NH3 carrier.
Effect of Hybrid Reinforcements on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-Fe-Cr Titanium Alloy
Authors: Sun Shuyu , Lu Weijie
Published: July 2017

In order to investigate the different effects of trace TiB and TiC on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Fe-1Cr Ti alloy, two different modified Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Fe-1Cr Ti alloys are fabricated via a consumable vacuum arc-remelting furnace in this work. Though the volume fractions of the reinforcements are the same in the two alloys, the molar ratio of short fibers to particles is different. The materials are subjected to thermomechanical processing and heat treatment. The effects of TiB short fibers and TiC particles on the spheroidization of α phase or the refinement of β phase have no obvious difference during heat treatment. Subsequently, the room temperature tensile test is carried out. The area covered by the σ-ε curve of the tensile test is used to compare toughness. It is revealed that the refinement of the β phase and the load bearing of TiB play key roles in promoting the toughness of the alloys. TiB tends to parallel the external load during tensile tests. The distribution of TiB also changes during isothermal compression test. Owing to the competition of dynamic softening with dynamic hardening, the length direction of TiB tends to parallel to the direction of maximum shear stress during the compression, which makes TiB play the role of load bearing better.
Antioxidant Capacity, Anticancer Ability and Flavonoids Composition of 35 Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Varieties
Authors: Wang Yue , Qian Jing , Cao Jinping , Wang Dengliang , Liu Chunrong , Yang Rongxi , Li Xian , Sun Chongde
Published: July 2017

Citrus (Citrus reticulate Blanco) is one of the most commonly consumed and widely distributed fruit in the world, which is possessing extensive bioactivities. Present study aimed to fully understand the flavonoids compositions, antioxidant capacities and in vitro anticancer abilities of different citrus resources. Citrus fruits of 35 varieties belonging to 5 types (pummelos, oranges, tangerines, mandarins and hybrids) were collected. Combining li quid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD), a total of 39 flavonoid compounds were identified, including 4 flavones, 9 flavanones and 26 polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs). Each citrus fruit was examined and compared by 4 parts, flavedo, albedo, segment membrane and juice sacs. The juice sacs had the lowest total phenolics, following by the segment membrane. Four antioxidant traits including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) were applied for the antioxidant capacities evaluation. Three gastric cancer cell lines, SGC-7901, BGC-823 and AGS were applied for the cytotoxicity evaluation. According to the results of correlation analysis, phenolics compounds might be the main contributor to the antioxidant activity of citrus extracts, while PMFs existing only in the flavedo might be closely related to the gastric cancer cell line cytotoxicity of citrus extracts. The results of present study might provide a theoretical guidance for the utilization of citrus resources.
Advantages of an Electrochemical Method Compared to the Spectrophotometric Kinetic Study of Peroxidase Inhibition by Boroxine Derivative
Authors: Ostojić Jelena , Herenda Safija , Bešić Zerina , Miloš Mladen , Galić Borivoj
Published: July 2017

In this study, boroxine derivative (K2[B3O3F4OH]) was tested as an inhibitor of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods. The activity of horseradish peroxidase was first studied under steady-state kinetic conditions by a spectrophotometric method which required the use of guaiacol as a second substrate to measure guaiacol peroxidation. The results of this method have shown that, by changing the concentration of guaiacol as the literature suggests, a different type of inhibition is observed than when changing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide as the substrate. This suggests that guaiacol interferes with the reaction in some way. The electrochemical method involves direct electron transfer of HRP immobilized in Nafion nanocomposite films on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode, creating a sensor with an electro-catalytic response to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The electrochemical method simplifies kinetic assays by removing the requirement of reducing substrates.
Reflections on Reading the Scriptures as an Orthodox Christian
Authors: Ford Mary
Published: July 2017

The heart of the differences between an Orthodox understanding and use of Scripture, and what has prevailed in most non-Orthodox scholarly circles since the time of Spinoza, is not primarily anything to do with methodologies, or techniques as such, but fundamentally it is about the theological context within which the methods are used. Hence this paper begins by outlining the fundamentals of theology that undergird all traditional Orthodox exegesis. These fundamentals of Orthodox theology and life provide a radically different interpretive context for the use of any methods or tools of interpretation from that of the essentially agnostic approach promoted by Spinoza and those following him, who have exclusively used the historical critical method, whose foundational principle was to “interpret as if there is no God.” Hence, from an Orthodox perspective, all the basic technical aspects of historical criticism—linguistic studies, looking at the historical context, etc.—when used within a traditional Christian interpretive context can be valuable tools leading to a deeper understanding. However, the ultimate purpose of properly interpreting Scripture–salvation, becoming holy—is achieved primarily through living the gospel.
MPH-M, AODV-M and DSR-M Performance Evaluation under Jamming Attacks
Authors: Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Mex-Perera Carlos , Monroy Raul , Nolazco-Flores Juan
Published: July 2017

In this work, we present the design of a mitigation scheme for jamming attacks integrated to the routing protocols MPH, AODV, and DSR. The resulting protocols are named MPH-M (Multi-Parent Hierarchical - Modified), AODV-M (Ad hoc On Demand Distance Vector - Modified), and DSR-M (Dynamic Source Routing - Modified). For the mitigation algorithm, if the detection algorithm running locally in each node produces a positive result then the node is isolated; second, the routing protocol adapts their paths avoiding the isolated nodes. We evaluated how jamming attacks affect different metrics for all these modified protocols. The metrics we employ to detect jamming attack are number of packet retransmissions, number of CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) retries while waiting for an idle channel and the energy wasted by the node. The metrics to evaluate the performance of the modified routing protocols are the throughput and resilience of the system and the energy used by the nodes. We evaluated all the modified protocols when the attacker position was set near, middle and far of the collector node. The results of our evaluation show that performance for MPH-M is much better than AODV-M and DSR-M. For example, the node energy for MPH-M is 138.13% better than AODV-M and 126.07% better than DSR-M. Moreover, we also find that MPH-M benefits much more of the mitigation scheme than AODV-M and DSR-M. For example, the node energy consumption is 34.61% lower for MPH-M and only 3.92% and 3.42% for AODV-M and DSR-M, respectively. On throughput, the MPH protocol presents a packet reception efficiency at the collector node of 16.4% on to AODV and DSR when there is no mitigation mechanism. Moreover, MPH-M has an efficiency greater than 7.7% with respect to AODV-M and DSR-M when there is a mitigation scheme. In addition, we have that with the mitigation mechanism AODV-M and DSR-M do not present noticeable modification. However, MPH-M improves its efficiency by 8.4%. We also measure the resilience of these algorithms from the average packet re-transmissions perspective, and we find that MPH-M has around a 15% lower change rate than AODV-M and DSR-M. The MPH-M recovery time is 5 s faster than AODV-M and 2 s faster than DSR-M.
Social Vulnerability Assessment by Mapping Population Density and Pressure on Cropland in Shandong Province in China during the 17th–20th Century
Authors: Ye Yu , Wei Xueqiong , Fang Xiuqi , Li Yikai
Published: July 2017

Cropland area per capita and pressure index on cropland are important parameters for measuring the social vulnerability and sustainability from the perspective of food security in a certain region in China during the historical periods. This study reconstructed the change in spatial distribution of cropland area per labor/household and pressure index on cropland during the 17th–20th century by using historical documents, regression analysis, pressure index model, and GIS (geographic information system). Following this, we analyzed the impacting process of climate change and sustainability of cropland use during the different periods. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (i) there was an obvious spatial difference of labor/household density, as there was higher density in three agricultural areas, which had the same pattern as cropland distribution during the same periods; (ii) Cropland area per capita was relatively higher during the 17th–18th century, which were above 0.4 ha/person in the majority of counties and were distributed homogenously. Until the 19th century and the beginning of 20th century, cropland area per capita in a considerable proportion of regions decreased below 0.2 ha/person, which embodies the increase in social vulnerability and unsustainability at that time; (iii) The pressure index on cropland also showed a spatial pattern similar to cropland area per capita, which presented as having a lower threshold than nowadays. During the 17th–18th century, there was no pressure on cropland. In comparison, in the 19th century and at the beginning of 20th century, two high-value centers of pressure index on cropland appeared in the Middle Shandong and the Jiaodong region. As a result, pressure on cropland use increased and a food crisis was likely to have been created; (iv) A higher extent of sustainable cropland use corresponded to the cold period, while a lower extent of sustainable cropland use corresponded to the warm period in Shandong over the past 300 years. The turning point of the 1680s from dry to wet was not distinctively attributed to the decrease in the extent of sustainable cropland use in Shandong. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the increasing pressure on the sustainability of cropland use finally intensified the social conflict and increased the probability of social revolts.
Locating Sustainability Issues: Identification of Ecological Vulnerability in Mainland China’s Mega-Regions
Authors: Zou Hui , Duan Xuejun , Ye Lei , Wang Lei
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a spatial analysis of likely/potential hotspots of sustainability issues in Mainland China through an empirical investigation of patterns of ecological vulnerability in and of China’s megaregions. To be specific, this paper assesses the level of patterns of the ecological vulnerability of 16 megaregions through an indicator system, which includes soil erosion, desertification, ecosystem vulnerability, key ecological areas, and water and land resources. Empirical results reveal that while most megaregions are located in the less vulnerable areas, there are a couple of megaregions with a vulnerable basis of ecological environment. These megaregions consist of Chengdu-Chongqing, Guanzhong Tianshui Economic Zone, Shandong Peninsula, Wuhan City Circle, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and Liaoning Coastal Belt. Furthermore, a typology of these megaregions is identified based on their development level and ecological vulnerability.
Investigation of Indoor Air Quality and the Identification of Influential Factors at Primary Schools in the North of China
Authors: Peng Zhen , Deng Wu , Tenorio Rosangela
Published: July 2017

Over 70% of a pupil’s school life is spent inside a classroom, and indoor air quality has a significant impact on students’ attendance and learning potential. Therefore, the indoor air quality in primary school buildings is highly important. This empirical study investigates the indoor air quality in four naturally ventilated schools in China, with a focus on four parameters: PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and temperature. The correlations between the indoor air quality and the ambient air pollution, building defects, and occupants’ activities have been identified and discussed. The results indicate that building defects and occupants’ activities have a significant impact on indoor air quality. Buildings with better air tightness have a relatively smaller ratio of indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations to outdoor PM concentrations when unoccupied. During occupied periods, the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio could be larger than 1 due to internal students’ activities. The indoor air temperature in winter is mainly determined by occupants’ activities and the adiabatic ability of a building’s fabrics. CO2 can easily exceed 1000 ppm on average due to the closing of windows and doors to keep the inside air warmer in winter. It is concluded that improving air tightness might be a way of reducing outdoor air pollutants’ penetration in naturally ventilated school buildings. Mechanical ventilation with air purification could be also an option on severely polluted days.
Variability of Spatially Grid-Distributed Precipitation over the Huaihe River Basin in China
Authors: Yu Zhi-Lei , Yan Deng-Hua , Ni Guang-Heng , Do Pierre , Yan Deng-Ming , Cai Si-Yu , Qin Tian-Ling , Weng Bai-Sha , Yang Mei-Jian
Published: July 2017

This study investigates spatial characteristics of annual and decadal precipitation in the Huaihe River basin. Daily precipitation data, obtained from meteorological gauges, are analyzed for a 51-year period, from 1961 to 2011. Precipitation is analyzed in grids (5 km2) with respect to temporal variability. The spatial distribution and intensity of annual rainfall (mm/10 year), determined by the linear regression method, reveals a slight increase of 3 mm/10 year over the basin. However, the trend did not present a significant change at 95% significance level in the most of basin. Precipitation is mostly increasing for each ten-year periods during the total 51 years. The annual precipitation randomicity was calculated from the non-uniform coefficient Cv (coefficient of variation) test and showed a significant non-uniform spatial distribution, indicating that randomicity of annual rainfall was the moderate variability. The Pettitt test determined that the abrupt change points occurred mainly in 1965, 1975 and 2002. Wavelet analysis showed that cyclic variations appeared almost every 5 to 10 years, accounting for 36% of the basin area. Meanwhile, these cycles tended to be delimited by the abrupt change points. This study aims to provide insights for water resources management, mitigation of climate change effects and water supply in the Huaihe River basin and surrounding watersheds.
Agricultural Water Productivity Oriented Water Resources Allocation Based on the Coordination of Multiple Factors
Authors: Zhao Jianming , Li Mo , Guo Ping , Zhang Chenglong , Tan Qian
Published: July 2017

Agricultural water productivity (AWP), which is associated with multiple factors, is an important index for measuring the effectiveness of agricultural water management. The purpose of this study is to promote AWP through optimally allocating limited agricultural water resources with the coordination of related elements. Firstly, the coordination effects of multiple factors related to AWP are quantified as relative optimum membership degrees based on the fuzzy optimum selecting theory. Secondly, based on the relative optimum membership degrees for various crops, a linear fractional programming model is established to maximize AWP in agricultural water resources allocation. Thirdly, the impacts of the allocation schemes on the development of social-economy and ecological environment are discussed using the multi-dimensional regulation theory. The developed integrated system has advantages in increasing agricultural water productivity through the coordination of multiple factors with aspects of economy, society and resources. Moreover, the system is capable of screening schemes considering harmonious development of resources, economy, society and ecology based on optimization results, providing decision makers with more sustainable schemes for irrigation water allocation. The integrated system including the aforementioned three parts is applied to a real-world case study in China to demonstrate its feasibility and applicability. Different water allocation schemes for various crops under different scenarios were obtained. The average value of AWP is 1.85 kg/m3, which is 0.31 kg/m3 higher than the current value of AWP. An optimum scheme with 1.1405 × 108 m3 of water being allocated was also selected due to its highest level of coordination for resources, economy, society and ecology. The developed system can provide an effective method for AWP promotion. The obtained results can help local decision makers adjust water resources allocation schemes.
Empirical Sewer Water Quality Model for Generating Influent Data for WWTP Modelling
Authors: Langeveld Jeroen , Van Daal Petra , Schilperoort Remy , Nopens Ingmar , Flameling Tony , Weijers Stefan
Published: July 2017

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) typically have a service life of several decades. During this service life, external factors, such as changes in the effluent standards or the loading of the WWTP may change, requiring WWTP performance to be optimized. WWTP modelling is widely accepted as a means to assess and optimize WWTP performance. One of the challenges for WWTP modelling remains the prediction of water quality at the inlet of a WWTP. Recent applications of water quality sensors have resulted in long time series of WWTP influent quality, containing valuable information on the response of influent quality to e.g., storm events. This allows the development of empirical models to predict influent quality. This paper proposes a new approach for water quality modelling, which uses the measured hydraulic dynamics of the WWTP influent to derive the influent water quality. The model can also be based on simulated influent hydraulics as input. Possible applications of the model are filling gaps in time series used as input for WWTP models or to assess the impact of measures such as real time control (RTC) on the performance of wastewater systems.
Investigation of Relationship between High-energy X-Ray Sources and Photospheric and Helioseismic Impacts of X1.8 Solar Flare of 2012 October 23
Authors: Sharykin I. N. , Kosovichev A. G. , Sadykov V. M. , Zimovets I. V. , Myshyakov I. I.
Published: July 2017

The X-class solar flare of 2012 October 23 generated continuum photospheric emission and a strong helioseismic wave (“sunquake”) that points to an intensive energy release in the dense part of the solar atmosphere. We study properties of the energy release with high temporal and spatial resolutions, using photospheric data from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board Solar Dynamics Observatory, and hard X-ray observations made by RHESSI. For this analysis we use level-1 HMI data (filtergrams), obtained by scanning the Fe i line (6731 Å) with the time cadence of ∼3.6 s and spatial resolution of ∼0.″5 per pixel. It is found that the photospheric disturbances caused by the flare spatially coincide with the region of hard X-ray emission but are delayed by ≲4 s. This delay is consistent with predictions of the flare hydrodynamics RADYN models. However, the models fail to explain the magnitude of variations observed by the HMI. The data indicate that the photospheric impact and helioseismic wave might be caused by the electron energy flux, which is substantially higher than that in the current flare radiative hydrodynamic models.
Le cycle texte-conversation comme dispositif d’accompagnement du changement « catalyseur » des tensions au sein d’une organisation publique en restructuration
Authors: Lambotte François , Wathelet Emmanuel
Published: July 2017

Cet article analyse la mise en œuvre d’un cycle texte-conversation comme dispositif d’accompagnement du changement. L’un des auteurs a fait l’hypothèse qu’un dispositif participatif composé de conversations favoriserait la négociation du sens, la production, d’un niveau plus général ou collectif de signification prenant la forme d’un texte  : le plan de réorganisation. L’analyse empirique du cycle construit met en évidence : l’impossibilité de contrôle sur le cycle, la lutte entre les acteurs pour peser sur les productions du cycle par l’occupation de l’espace conversationnel et la capacité du cycle à révéler les conflits latents au sein de l’organisation.
Survivre à la région : instaurer, entretenir et développer la culture créative d’une agence de publicité hors métropole à travers des projets perso-professionnels
Authors: Baillargeon Dany
Published: July 2017

Démarrer une entreprise créative hors des grands centres urbains ou y travailler semble antithétique. Coupée des « clusters créatifs » et soumise aux effets plombant de la régionalité, la créativité, la vraie, s’accomplirait difficilement. Cet article montre comment des dirigeants et des employés de petites agences de publicité en région (PAPR) légitiment ce choix contre-intuitif grâce à des projets perso-professionnels. À travers deux études de cas, nous illustrons la dynamique de dislocation inhérente à la culture créative des PAPR et contribuons à analyser le couple changement personnel/changement organisationnel à l’aune de l’agentivité de la région.
Los cuerpos que somos y pensamos. Críticas de Judith Butler al escepticismo cartesiano y al constructivismo contemporáneo y aclaraciones sobre su comprensión de la existencia humana
Authors: Gamero Cabrera Isabel G.
Published: July 2017

En este artículo analizo las críticas recientes de Judith Butler al escepticismo cartesiano y al constructivismo posmoderno (identificado con las obras de Preciado y Haraway), para explicar el distanciamiento de Butler respecto de posturas constructivistas y, al mismo tiempo, como un argumento para afirmar la dimensión ética y con pretensión de universalidad de su defensa de las vidas precarias.
Acción, performatividad y autoridad: reflexiones desde Arendt y Butler
Authors: Straehle Edgar
Published: July 2017

En este artículo se propone repensar la cuestión específica de la autoridad y captar cómo se entrelaza con la acción y la performatividad. Primero, se lleva a cabo una exposición de la acción según el pensamiento de Arendt y se muestra su carácter rupturista, natalicio y performativo. Luego, se aborda el problema de la performatividad en Butler y cómo no puede ser explicada exclusivamente desde la perspectiva de los actores. A continuación, se conecta lo anterior con la cuestión de la autoridad y se plantea una reconsideración de ésta que nos puede ayudar a comprender cómo los espectadores pueden tener un rol activo y productivo en el éxito de la acción y en su incidencia en el mundo.