bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Comparison for Nonparametric Threshold Estimators
Authors: Chen Chaoyi , Sun Yiguo
Published: August 2018

This paper compares the finite sample performance of three non-parametric threshold estimators via the Monte Carlo method. Our results indicate that the finite sample performance of the three estimators is not robust to the position of the threshold level along the distribution of the threshold variable, especially when a structural change occurs at the tail part of the distribution.
N-(4-Bromophenyl)methoxycarbothioamide
Authors: Yeo Chien , Tiekink Edward
Published: August 2018

The synthesis, spectroscopic and crystallographic characterisation of the title compound, O-methyl-N-4-bromophenyl thiocarbamate, MeOC(=S)N(H)PhBr-4 (1), are described. Spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the compound and the molecular structure was determined crystallographically. Two independent but chemically similar molecules comprise the asymmetric unit of 1. The C‒S and C‒N bond lengths confirm the presence of the thioamide tautomer. The thione-S and amide-N‒H atoms are syn, enabling the formation of amide-N‒H…S(thione) hydrogen bonds between the two independent molecules that generates a two-molecule aggregate via an eight-membered {…HNCS}2 synthon. The aggregates are connected into a three-dimensional architecture via weak intermolecular interactions, including Br…π(4-bromophenyl), S…π(4-bromophenyl), and weak Br…S halogen bonding contacts. The overall molecular conformation, thioamide tautomer, and the presence of amide-N‒H…S(thione) hydrogen bonding in the crystal conform with expectation for this class of compound.
Sinus Membrane Elevation with Heterologous Cortical Lamina: A Randomized Study of a New Surgical Technique for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation without Bone Graft
Authors: Scarano Antonio , De Oliveira Pablo Santos , Traini Tonino , Lorusso Felice
Published: August 2018

Background: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of two different techniques for maxillary sinus augmentation using a lateral window approach: Heterologous cortical lamina without any grafting material versus 100% collagenated granular collagen porcine bone. Methods: Twenty-three healthy patients with not relevant past medical history (14 women and 9 men, non-smokers, mean age 52 years, range 48–65 years) were included. In Group I, the sinus was filled with collagen porcine bone (Geno-os, OsteoBiol, Turin, Italy) and a collagen membrane (Evolution, OsteoBiol, Turin, Italy) was used to close the lateral window of the sinus. In Group II, the sinus was treated with heterologous cortical lamina only (Lamina, OsteoBiol, Turin, Italy). Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the surgical time required to complete the augmentation procedures: 18.3 ± 2.1 min for lamina treated sites versus 12.5 ± 3.1 min for porcine bone treated sites. In Group I, the mean volume of the graft was 3101 ± 321 mm3 in the immediate postoperative examination (5–7 days), while after a six-month healing period it was 2716.7 ± 432 mm3. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the use of heterologous cortical lamina is a valid technique for the mechanical support of sinus membranes resulting in only bone tissue formation and not mixed with the graft. The graft material was biocompatible and not completely resorbed after six months, although the remains were integrated into the bone.
Virtual Extensometer Analysis of Martensite Band Nucleation, Growth, and Strain Softening in Pseudoelastic NiTi Subjected to Different Load Cases
Authors: Elibol Cagatay , Wagner Martin F.-X.
Published: August 2018

Pseudoelastic NiTi shape memory alloys exhibit different stress–strain curves and modes of deformation in tension vs. compression. We have recently shown that under a combination of compression and shear, heterogeneous deformation can occur. In the present study, we use digital image correlation to systematically analyze how characteristic features of the nominally uniaxial engineering stress–strain curves (particularly the martensite nucleation peak and the plateau length) are affected by extensometer parameters in tension, compression, and the novel load case of shear-compression. By post-experimental analysis of full surface strain field data, the effect of the placement of various virtual extensometers at different locations (with respect to the nucleation site of martensite bands or inhomogeneously deforming regions) and with different gauge lengths is documented. By positioning an extensometer directly on the region corresponding to the nucleating martensite band, we, for the first time, directly record the strain-softening nature of the material—a specific softening behavior that is, for instance, important for the modeling community. Our results show that the stress–strain curves, which are often used as a basis for constitutive modeling, are affected considerably by the choice of extensometer, particularly under tensile loading, that leads to a distinct mode of localized deformation/transformation. Under compression-shear loading, inhomogeneous deformation (without lateral growth of martensite bands) is observed. The effects of extensometer gauge length are thus less pronounced than in tension, yet systematic—they are rationalized by considering the relative impact of differently deforming regions.
CVD Synthesis of Monodisperse Graphene/Cu Microparticles with High Corrosion Resistance in Cu Etchant
Authors: Li Shuangyi , Hou Baosen , Dai Dan , Shu Shengcheng , Wu Mingliang , Li Ao , Han Yu , Zhu Zhi-xiang , Chen Bao-an , Ding Yi , Zhang Qiang , Wang Qiang , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng-Te
Published: August 2018

Copper powder has broad applications in the powder metallurgy, heat exchanger, and electronic industries due to its intrinsically high electrical and thermal conductivities. However, the ease of formation of surface oxide or patina layer raises difficulty of storage and handling of copper powder, particularly in the case of Cu microparticles. Here, we developed a thermal chemical vapor deposition chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for large-scale synthesis of graphene coatings on Cu microparticles, which importantly can remain monodisperse without aggregation after graphene growth at high temperature by using removal spacers. Compared to other protective coating methods, the intrinsic electrical and thermal properties of Cu powder would not be degraded by uniform growth of low defect few-layer graphene on each particle surface. As a result, when the anticorrosion performance test was carried out by immersing the samples in Cu etchant, the corrosion rate of graphene/Cu microparticles was significantly improved (ca three times slower) compared to that of pristine Cu powder, also showing a comparable anticorrosion ability to commercial CuZn30 alloy.
Corrosion Behaviors of Q345R Steel at the Initial Stage in an Oxygen-Containing Aqueous Environment: Experiment and Modeling
Authors: Chen Longjun , Hu Junying , Zhong Xiankang , Zhang Qiang , Zheng Yan , Zhang Zhi , Zeng Dezhi
Published: August 2018

The ingress of oxygen into pressure vessels used in oil & gas production and transportation could easily result in serious corrosion. In this work, the corrosion behaviors of Q345R steel at the initial stage in 1 wt.% NaCl solution were investigated using electrochemical techniques. The effects of oxygen concentration, temperature and pH on corrosion behaviors were discussed. Simultaneously, a numerical model based on the mixed potential theory was proposed. The results show that the proposed model accords well with the experimental data in the pH range from 9.0 to 5.0. In this pH range, the oxygen reduction reaction, H+ reduction, water reduction, and iron oxidation can be quantitatively analyzed using this model. However, this model shows a disagreement with the experimental data at lower pH. This can be attributed to the fact that actual area of reaction on the electrode is much smaller than the preset area due to the block effect resulted from hydrogen bubbles adsorbed on the electrode surface.
Effects of Cr and Zr Addition on Microstructures, Compressive Properties, and Abrasive Wear Behaviors of In Situ TiB2/Cu Cermets
Authors: Qiu Feng , Duan Xiangzheng , Dong Baixin , Yang Hongyu , Lu Jianbang , Li Xiujuan
Published: August 2018

In situ micro-TiB2/Cu cermets with a different TiB2 content (40, 50, and 60 vol %) were successfully fabricated by combustion synthesis (CS) and hot press consolidation in Cu-Ti-B systems. In addition, different contents of Cr and Zr were added to the Cu-Ti-B systems. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and abrasive wear properties of the TiB2/Cu cermets were investigated. As the ceramic content increased, the yield strength and compressive strength of the cermets were found to increase, while the strain decreased. An increase in load and abrasive particle size caused the wear volume loss of the TiB2/Cu cermets to increase. When the ceramic content was 60 vol %, the wear resistance of the TiB2/Cu cermets was 3.3 times higher than that of pure copper. The addition of the alloying elements Zr and Cr had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the cermets. When the Cr content was 5 wt %, the yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, and microhardness of the cermets reached a maximum of 997 MPa, 1183 MPa, and 491 Hv, respectively. Correspondingly, when the Zr content was 5 wt %, those three values reached 1764 MPa, 1967 MPa, and 655 Hv, respectively, which are 871 MPa, 919 MPa, and 223 Hv higher than those of the unalloyed cermets. The wear mechanism of the in-situ TiB2/Cu cermets, and the mechanisms by which the strength and wear resistance were enhanced by the addition of Zr, were preliminarily revealed.
MPC Control and LQ Optimal Control of A Two-Link Robot Arm: A Comparative Study
Authors: Guechi El-Hadi , Bouzoualegh Samir , Zennir Youcef , Blažič Sašo
Published: August 2018

This study examined the control of a planar two-link robot arm. The control approach design was based on the dynamic model of the robot. The mathematical model of the system was nonlinear, and thus a feedback linearization control was first proposed to obtain a linear system for which a model predictive control (MPC) was developed. The MPC control parameters were obtained analytically by minimizing a cost function. In addition, a simulation study was done comparing the proposed MPC control approach, the linear quadratic (LQ) control based on the same feedback linearization, and a control approach proposed in the literature for the same problem. The results showed the efficiency of the proposed method.
Magneto-Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Ti/Au/Co/Au/Pc Configuration and Sensitivity
Authors: Rizal Conrad
Published: August 2018

Magneto-optic surface plasmon resonance (MOSPR)-based sensors are highly attractive as next-generation biosensors. However, these sensors suffer from oxidation leading to degradation of performance, reproducibility of the sensor surface, because of the difficulty of removing adsorbed materials, and degradation of the sensor surface during surface cleaning and these limit their applications. In this paper, I propose MOSPR-based biosensors with 0 to 15 nm thick inert polycarbonate laminate plastic as a protective layer and theoretically demonstrate the practicability of my approach in water-medium for three different probing samples: ethanol, propanol, and pentanol. I also investigate microstructure and magnetic properties. The chemical composition and layered information of the sensor are investigated using X-ray reflectivity and X-ray diffraction analyses and these show distinct face-centered-cubic (fcc)-Au (111) phases, as dominated by the higher density of conduction electrons in Au as compared to Co. The magnetic characterization measured with the in-plane magnetic field to the sensor surface for both the as-deposited and annealed multilayers showed isotropic easy axis magnetization parallel to the multilayer interface at a saturating magnetic field of <100 Oersted (Oe). The sensor showed a maximum sensitivity of 5.5 × 104%/RIU (refractive index unit) for water–ethanol media and the highest detection level of 2.5 × 10−6 for water-pentanol media as the protective layer is increased from 0 to 15 nm.
Eccentricity-Based Topological Indices of a Cyclic Octahedron Structure
Authors: Zahid Manzoor Ahmed , Baig Abdul Qudair , Naeem Muhammad , Azhar Muhammad Razwan
Published: August 2018

In this article, we study the chemical graph of a cyclic octahedron structure of dimension n and compute the eccentric connectivity polynomial, the eccentric connectivity index, the total eccentricity, the average eccentricity, the first Zagreb index, the second Zagreb index, the third Zagreb index, the atom bond connectivity index and the geometric arithmetic index of the cyclic octahedron structure. Furthermore, we give the analytically closed formulas of these indices which are helpful for studying the underlying topologies.
Primary Structure and Graphite Nodules in Thin-Walled High-Nickel Ductile Iron Castings
Authors: Górny Marcin , Kawalec Magdalena , Sikora Gabriela , Olejnik Ewa , Lopez Hugo
Published: August 2018

This paper considers the most important quality factors in processing spheroidal graphite cast iron; namely, primary grains and graphite nodules in thin-walled ductile iron castings (TWDI). In the present study, the effect of grain refinement (by means of Ti, Nb and Zr) and of the holding time after spheroidization and inoculation on effecting the primary grains and eutectic structure in TWDI castings was investigated. Moreover, metallographic examinations (including electron backscattering diffraction, EBSD) were carried out to reveal the macro- and micro-structural features during the primary and eutectic solidification of the cast iron. EBSD results indicate that, within a single dendritic grain, there are numerous boundaries that split the grain into numerous smaller areas. In particular, it is found that the graphite nodules are in contact with the boundaries inside the primary dendritic grain. In turn, crystallization of highly branched dendrites is observed, which seems to “push” the graphite nodules into the interdendritic regions during their growth. The present work investigates the dominant mechanism that gives rise to the primary spheroidal graphite cast iron (SGI) structure. In addition, this work shows that the melt quality is closely associated with the resultant morphology and number of austenite dendrites, graphite nodules, and matrix structure.
Rapid Laser Manufacturing of Microfluidic Devices from Glass Substrates
Authors: Wlodarczyk Krystian , Carter Richard , Jahanbakhsh Amir , Lopes Amiel , Mackenzie Mark , Maier Robert , Hand Duncan , Maroto-Valer M.
Published: August 2018

Conventional manufacturing of microfluidic devices from glass substrates is a complex, multi-step process that involves different fabrication techniques and tools. Hence, it is time-consuming and expensive, in particular for the prototyping of microfluidic devices in low quantities. This article describes a laser-based process that enables the rapid manufacturing of enclosed micro-structures by laser micromachining and microwelding of two 1.1-mm-thick borosilicate glass plates. The fabrication process was carried out only with a picosecond laser (Trumpf TruMicro 5×50) that was used for: (a) the generation of microfluidic patterns on glass, (b) the drilling of inlet/outlet ports into the material, and (c) the bonding of two glass plates together in order to enclose the laser-generated microstructures. Using this manufacturing approach, a fully-functional microfluidic device can be fabricated in less than two hours. Initial fluid flow experiments proved that the laser-generated microstructures are completely sealed; thus, they show a potential use in many industrial and scientific areas. This includes geological and petroleum engineering research, where such microfluidic devices can be used to investigate single-phase and multi-phase flow of various fluids (such as brine, oil, and CO2) in porous media.
Deep Learning and Medical Diagnosis: A Review of Literature
Authors: Bakator Mihalj , Radosav Dragica
Published: August 2018

In this review the application of deep learning for medical diagnosis is addressed. A thorough analysis of various scientific articles in the domain of deep neural networks application in the medical field has been conducted. More than 300 research articles were obtained, and after several selection steps, 46 articles were presented in more detail. The results indicate that convolutional neural networks (CNN) are the most widely represented when it comes to deep learning and medical image analysis. Furthermore, based on the findings of this article, it can be noted that the application of deep learning technology is widespread, but the majority of applications are focused on bioinformatics, medical diagnosis and other similar fields.
Postprandial Glycaemic, Hormonal and Satiety Responses to Rice and Kiwifruit Preloads in Chinese Adults: A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Lubransky Alex , Monro John , Mishra Suman , Yu Hui , Haszard Jillian J. , Venn Bernard J.
Published: August 2018

Controlling postprandial glycaemia helps to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases. One strategy in controlling glycaemia may be to consume meals in two parts; a preload, followed by the remainder of the meal. Our aim was to test preloading a rice meal given for breakfast and lunch on different days, either by splitting the meal (rice preload followed by rice meal) or by using kiwifruit as a preload compared with consuming the rice meal in one sitting. Primary outcomes were glycaemic and insulinaemic responses with secondary outcomes of other hormonal responses, subjective satiety, and subsequent energy intake. Following breakfast, postprandial glycaemic peak concentration was 0.9 (95% CI: 0.2, 1.6) mmol/L lower for the kiwifruit preload compared with the rice meal eaten in one sitting. Following lunch, glycaemic peak concentrations were 1.0 (0.7, 1.4) and 1.1 (0.5, 1.7) mmol/L lower for the rice-split and kiwifruit preload compared with the rice meal alone, respectively. Postprandial insulinaemia area-under-the-curve was 1385 (87, 2684) mU/L·min less for the kiwifruit preload compared with the rice-split. There were no differences among treatments for subsequent energy intake. Meal splitting is useful for lowering postprandial glycaemia, and replacing part of a meal with kiwifruit may help with insulin efficiency without detriment to subsequent energy intake.
Dietary Supplement Use Differs by Socioeconomic and Health-Related Characteristics among U.S. Adults, NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Cowan Alexandra E. , Jun Shinyoung , Gahche Jaime J. , Tooze Janet A. , Dwyer Johanna T. , Eicher-Miller Heather A. , Bhadra Anindya , Guenther Patricia M. , Potischman Nancy , Dodd Kevin W. , Bailey Regan L.
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of use and types of dietary supplements (DS) used by U.S. adults (≥19 years) by sociodemographic characteristics: family income-to-poverty ratio (PIR), food security status, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation using NHANES 2011–2014 data (n = 11,024). DS use was ascertained via a home inventory and a retrospective 30-day questionnaire. Demographic and socioeconomic differences related to DS use were evaluated using a univariate t statistic. Half of U.S. adults (52%) took at least one DS during a 30-day period; multivitamin-mineral (MVM) products were the most commonly used (31%). DS and MVM use was significantly higher among those with a household income of ≥ 350% of the poverty level, those who were food secure, and SNAP income-ineligible nonparticipants across all sex, age, and race/ethnic groups. Among women, prevalence of use significantly differed between SNAP participants (39%) and SNAP income-eligible nonparticipants (54%). Older adults (71+ years) remained the highest consumers of DS, specifically among the highest income group (82%), while younger adults (19–30 years), predominantly in the lowest income group (28%), were the lowest consumers. Among U.S. adults, DS use and the types of products consumed varied with income, food security, and SNAP participation.
Drying Technologies for the Stability and Bioavailability of Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Emami Fakhrossadat , Vatanara Alireza , Park Eun Ji , Na Dong Hee
Published: August 2018

Solid dosage forms of biopharmaceuticals such as therapeutic proteins could provide enhanced bioavailability, improved storage stability, as well as expanded alternatives to parenteral administration. Although numerous drying methods have been used for preparing dried protein powders, choosing a suitable drying technique remains a challenge. In this review, the most frequent drying methods, such as freeze drying, spray drying, spray freeze drying, and supercritical fluid drying, for improving the stability and bioavailability of therapeutic proteins, are discussed. These technologies can prepare protein formulations for different applications as they produce particles with different sizes and morphologies. Proper drying methods are chosen, and the critical process parameters are optimized based on the proposed route of drug administration and the required pharmacokinetics. In an optimized drying procedure, the screening of formulations according to their protein properties is performed to prepare a stable protein formulation for various delivery systems, including pulmonary, nasal, and sustained-release applications.
Bayesian Adjustment for Insurance Misrepresentation in Heavy-Tailed Loss Regression
Authors: Xia Michelle
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study the problem of misrepresentation under heavy-tailed regression models with the presence of both misrepresented and correctly-measured risk factors. Misrepresentation is a type of fraud when a policy applicant gives a false statement on a risk factor that determines the insurance premium. Under the regression context, we introduce heavy-tailed misrepresentation models based on the lognormal, Weibull and Pareto distributions. The proposed models allow insurance modelers to identify risk characteristics associated with the misrepresentation risk, by imposing a latent logit model on the prevalence of misrepresentation. We prove the theoretical identifiability and implement the models using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques. The model performance is evaluated through both simulated data and real data from the Medical Panel Expenditure Survey. The simulation study confirms the consistency of the Bayesian estimators in large samples, whereas the case study demonstrates the necessity of the proposed models for real applications when the losses exhibit heavy-tailed features.
Development of a Dew/Frost Point Temperature Sensor Based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy and Its Application in a Cryogenic Wind Tunnel
Authors: Nie Wei , Xu Zhenyu , Kan Ruifeng , Ruan Jun , Yao Lu , Wang Bin , He Yabai
Published: August 2018

We have proposed a sensor for real-time and online measurement of dew/frost point temperature using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technique. Initial experiments have demonstrated its feasibility and technical advantages in comparison to a chilled mirror hygrometer (CMH). The TDLAS sensor we developed has a dew/frost point temperature range from −93 °C to + 14.5 °C, with a measurement uncertainly of less than 2%, and a response time of about 0.8 s, which is much faster than that of the chilled mirror hygrometer (ranging from several minutes to several hours). A TDLAS-based dew/frost point sensor has many advantages, such as rapid and continuous measurements, low frost point temperature sensing, high accuracy, and non-intrusiveness. Such a sensor would be useful for dew/frost point temperature determinations in various applications. In a cryogenic wind tunnel, real-time dew/frost point temperature measurements are helpful in preventing the formation of condensed liquid and ice, which can affect the model geometry and lead to unreliable test data.
Adhesive-Free Bonding of Monolithic Sapphire for Pressure Sensing in Extreme Environments
Authors: Yi Jihaeng
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a monolithic sapphire pressure sensor that is constructed from two commercially available sapphire wafers through a combination of reactive-ion etching and wafer bonding. A Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity is sealed fully between the adhesive-free bonded sapphire wafers and thus acts as a pressure transducer. A combination of standard silica fiber, bonded sapphire wafers and free-space optics is proposed to couple the optical signal to the FP cavity of the sensor. The pressure in the FP cavity is measured by applying both white-light interferometry and diaphragm deflection theory over a range of 0.03 to 3.45 MPa at room temperature. With an all-sapphire configuration, the adhesive-free bonded sapphire sensor is expected to be suitable for in-situ pressure measurements in extreme harsh environments.
Remote Sensing-Based and Participatory Analysis of Forests, Agricultural Land Dynamics, and Potential Land Conservation Measures in Kloto District (Togo, West Africa)
Authors: Koglo Yawovi S. , Agyare Wilson A. , Diwediga Badabate , Sogbedji Jean M. , Adden Ayi K. , Gaiser Thomas
Published: August 2018

This study investigates proximate drivers of cropland and forest degradation in the Kloto district (Togo, West Africa) as a way of exploring integrated sustainable landscape approaches with respect to socioeconomic and environmental needs and requirements. Net change analysis of major cash and food crops based on Landsat data from three time steps (1985–2002, 2002–2017, and 1985–2017) and quantitative analysis from participatory survey data with farmers and landowners are used. The study underlines poor agricultural systems and cassava farming as major factors contributing to the alarming forest losses between 1985 and 2017. A significant net loss in forest cover of 23.6% and areas under maize and cocoa agroforestry farming of 12.99% and 10.1% between 1985 and 2017, respectively, was noted. These significant losses are due to intensive cassava cropping (38.78%) and settlement expansion (7.87%). Meanwhile, the loss of forest cover between 2002 and 2017 was marginal (8.36%) compared to the period 1985–2002, which had a considerable loss of 15.24%. Based on participatory surveys, the majority of agricultural lands are threatened by erosion or physical deterioration (67.5%), land degradation or salt deposits and loss of micro/macro fauna and flora (56.7%), declines in soil fertility (32.5%) and soil water holding capacity (11.7%), and changes in soil texture (3.3%). Most farmers adhere to the proposed climate smart practices, with an emphasis on cost-effective drip irrigation systems (45.83%), soil mulching (35%), and the adoption of drought-resilient varieties (29.17%) to anticipate adverse spells. We conclude that low adoption of improved soil conservation, integrated water management, and harvesting systems and the use of less productive and adaptive cultivars entail extreme degradation of cropland and a decline in crop productivity. Consequently, farmers are forced to clear more forest in search of stable and healthy soil to meet their food demands and improve their livelihood. Capacity building on integrated pathways of soil and land management practices is therefore needed to ensure sustainable and viable socio-ecological systems at a local scale.
Implementation and Unification of the ERP System in a Global Company as a Strategic Decision for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Pohludka Michal , Stverkova Hana , Ślusarczyk Beata
Published: August 2018

This article considered factors connected with the implementation and unification of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, and their influence on the sustainable development of global companies. It showed a cognitive model on such impact and gave an example in the form of a case study of a global company listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. The basic strategic objectives of each organization include long-term growth and sustainability. In a growing competitive environment, it is essential to manage the company effectively. This can be achieved provided that the company’s organizational structure and operations are properly set from the point of view of the ERP system. The research results were aimed at creating the generalized process of the ERP system’s gradual implementation, to make the development of an organization progressive. The paper was focused on describing the implementation and unification of the Enterprise Resource Planning System, in a global company listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. The aim of the paper was to monitor and evaluate, the links between Enterprise Resource Planning and Customer Relationship Management. This process is time consuming and costly. To achieve the aim, the case study was carried out in the form of an expert survey aimed at assessing the impact of the unification and implementation of the ERP system in a global company. The study included methods of systemic analysis, methods of sociological expert survey, a method of qualitative peer review, and a method for a cognitive model. It leads not only to effective management of global companies but enables the monitoring and comparison of Key Performance Indicators and the Net Promoter Score in each country, using the same parameters. The implementation of a unified Enterprise Resource Planning system leads to a significant cost reduction and has a positive impact on the financial indicators reported on the stock exchange. This study highlighted the importance of the implementation of an effective ERP system, to make the development of organizations sustainable.
Latent Drivers of Landscape Transformation in Eastern Europe: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Prokopová Marcela , Cudlín Ondřej , Včeláková Renata , Lengyel Szabolcs , Salvati Luca , Cudlín Pavel
Published: August 2018

Land-use changes in Europe have been influenced by social forces including economic, demographic, political, technological and cultural factors. Contributing to a refined conceptualization of multifaceted processes of landscape transformation in the European continent, the present study proposes an extensive review of land-use trends in Eastern Europe, focusing on past, present and future conditions that may characterize latent drivers of change. Three time periods with a specific institutional, political and socioeconomic context reflecting distinct processes of land-use change were identified including: (i) the rapid transition to a centralized political system since the early 1950s (up to the late 1980s); (ii) a progressive transition from communist regimes to parliamentary democracy in 1989–1990 (up to the early 2000s); and (iii) the subsequent accession of individual countries to the European Union (2004–2007) up to nowadays. The most recent land-use trends are increasingly influenced by European directives on the environment, while national policies continue to shape economic development in member states.
Ski Tourism and Web Marketing Strategies: The Case of Ski Resorts in France and Spain
Authors: Cristobal-Fransi Eduard , Daries Natalia , Serra-Cantallops Antoni , Ramón-Cardona José , Zorzano Maria
Published: August 2018

The impacts of climate change are affecting ski tourism in Europe’s southernmost ski resorts, such as those in France, and Spain. This is leading to changes in the scheduling of activities which, in turn, imply changes in how ski resorts are managed. The main aim of this work is to analyze whether ski resort websites are developing an effective marketing strategy and if they are adapted to e-commerce and the needs of contemporary society, including the adaptations needed to better face climate change and the stagnation the sector is suffering. In order to achieve this, we have developed a model to analyze ski resort websites; it is based on web content analysis, taking four factors into account: information, communication, e-commerce, and additional functions. We will, secondly, apply the eMICA (Extended Model of Internet Commerce Adoption) methodology to analyze the maturity of such e-commerce activities in ski tourism. Fifty-two ski resorts in Spain and 173 in France were analyzed. Results show that, while alpine ski resorts in general, and those in France in particular, are better prepared, resorts still have to facilitate more effective communication and interaction with their target public. A minority of resorts provide information on environmental certifications and snowmaking.
New Carbon Emissions Allowance Allocation Method Based on Equilibrium Strategy for Carbon Emission Mitigation in the Coal-Fired Power Industry
Authors: Feng Qing , Huang Qian , Zheng Qingyan , Lu Li
Published: August 2018

The carbon emissions from coal-fired power have become an increasing concern to governments around the world. In this paper, a carbon emissions allowances allocation based on the equilibrium strategy is proposed to mitigate coal-fired power generation carbon emissions, in which the authority is the lead decision maker and the coal-fired power plants are the follower decision makers, and an interactive solution approach is designed to achieve equilibrium. A real-world case study is then given to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of this methodology. Sensitivity analyses under different constraint violation risk levels are also conducted to give authorities some insights into equilibrium strategies for different stakeholders and to identify the necessary tradeoffs between economic development and carbon emissions mitigation. It was found that the proposed method was able to mitigate coal-fired power generation carbon emissions significantly and encourage coal-fired power plants to improve their emissions performance.
Insights into the Voltage Regulation Mechanism of the Pore-Forming Toxin Lysenin
Authors: Bryant Sheenah Lynn , Clark Tyler , Thomas Christopher Alex , Ware Kaitlyn Summer , Bogard Andrew , Calzacorta Colleen , Prather Daniel , Fologea Daniel
Published: August 2018

Lysenin, a pore forming toxin (PFT) extracted from Eisenia fetida, inserts voltage-regulated channels into artificial lipid membranes containing sphingomyelin. The voltage-induced gating leads to a strong static hysteresis in conductance, which endows lysenin with molecular memory capabilities. To explain this history-dependent behavior, we hypothesized a gating mechanism that implies the movement of a voltage domain sensor from an aqueous environment into the hydrophobic core of the membrane under the influence of an external electric field. In this work, we employed electrophysiology approaches to investigate the effects of ionic screening elicited by metal cations on the voltage-induced gating and hysteresis in conductance of lysenin channels exposed to oscillatory voltage stimuli. Our experimental data show that screening of the voltage sensor domain strongly affects the voltage regulation only during inactivation (channel closing). In contrast, channel reactivation (reopening) presents a more stable, almost invariant voltage dependency. Additionally, in the presence of anionic Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), which binds at a different site in the channel’s structure and occludes the conducting pathway, both inactivation and reactivation pathways are significantly affected. Therefore, the movement of the voltage domain sensor into a physically different environment that precludes electrostatically bound ions may be an integral part of the gating mechanism.
Comparison of the Roles of Optimizing Root Distribution and the Water Uptake Function in Simulating Water and Heat Fluxes within a Maize Agroecosystem
Authors: Cai Fu , Zhang Yushu , Ming Huiqing , Mi Na , Zhang Shujie , Zhang Hui , Xie Yanbing , Zhao Xianli
Published: August 2018

Roots are an important water transport pathway between soil and plant. Root water uptake (RWU) plays a key role in water and heat exchange between plants and the atmosphere. Inaccurate RWU schemes in land surface models are one crucial reason for decreased model performance. Despite some types of RWU functions being adopted in land surface models, none have been certified as suitable for maize farmland ecosystems. Based on 2007–2009 data observed at the maize agroecosystem field station in Jinzhou, China, the RWU function and root distribution (RD) in the Common Land Model (CoLM) were optimized and the effects of the optimizations on model performance were compared. Results showed that RD parameters calculated with root length density were more practical relative to root biomass in reflecting soil water availability, and they improved the simulation accuracy for water and heat fluxes. The modified RWU function also played a significant role in optimizing the simulation of water and heat fluxes. Similarly, the respective and integrated roles of two optimization schemes in improving CoLM performance were significant during continuous non-precipitation days, especially during the key water requirement period of maize. Notably, the improvements were restrained within a threshold of soil water content, and the optimizations were inoperative outside this threshold. Thus, the optimized RWU function and the revised RD introduced into the CoLM model are applicable for simulation of water and heat fluxes for maize farmland ecosystems in arid areas.
Characteristics and Practices of Ecological Flow in Rivers with Flow Reductions Due to Water Storage and Hydropower Projects in China
Authors: Ma Lejun , Zhang Xingnan , Wang Huan , Qi Changjun
Published: August 2018

Water and flow reductions in the channels downstream of water storage and hydropower projects have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Understanding and analyzing the ecosystem status is of great significance to facilitate the protection of riverine ecosystems. A database was established based on the 2000–2017 environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports on water storage and hydropower projects in China, and corresponding analysis software was built based on an ArcGIS spatial analysis platform. The projects in China are mainly found in the Yangtze and Pearl River basins and in south-western China. The hydropower projects have a larger influence than the water storage projects on the flow of downstream rivers sections, and most of the hydropower projects, especially the water diversion projects, cause flow reductions in the downstream rivers. An ecological flow management mechanism in China implemented in 2006 provided a promising method to alleviate river flow reductions. However, there is still only one kind of ecological flow calculation method and few ecological flow regulation measures in use. Based on the advantages and problems of the existing ecological flow management system, this paper proposes a management scheme based on a regional-engineering calculation method. The results can facilitate decision making in ecological flow management.
Effects of Erosion Control Works: Case Study—Grdelica Gorge, the South Morava River (Serbia)
Authors: Kostadinov Stanimir , Braunović Sonja , Dragićević Slavoljub , Zlatić Miodrag , Dragović Nada , Rakonjac Nikola
Published: August 2018

The aim of this research was to analyse the changes in the soil erosion intensity caused by erosion control works (ECW) in Grdelica Gorge (The South Morava River) in the period between 1953 and 2016. For the purpose of quantifying the erosion intensity changes, the erosion potential model (EPM) was used to calculate the annual gross erosion (W), sediment transport (G), and erosion coefficient (Z) in the study area. As a result of the performed technical and biotechnical erosion control works, there was a general decreasing trend in the intensity of soil erosion processes in the last 63 years. The specific annual gross erosion in Grdelica Gorge was 1920.34 m3/km−2/year−1 in 1953, while in 2016 it was 492.42 m3/km−2/year−1. The specific sediment transport was 1421.05 m3/km−2/year−1 in 1953 and 364.39 m3/km−2/year−1 in 2016. Due to the changes in the intensity of erosion processes, the specific annual gross erosion in the study area decreased by 1427.92 m3/km−2/year−1 and the specific sediment transport by 1056.66 m3/km−2/year−1. The value of the erosion coefficient was reduced from Z = 0.84 in 1953 to Z = 0.32 in 2016. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the soil erosion intensity (erosion coefficient) and ECW (biotechnical works) performed in Grdelica Gorge. The permanent control of erosion processes in Grdelica Gorge is very important for torrential flood prevention and protection of two very important traffic routes (Belgrade-Skopje-Athens railway and motorway—Corridor X), as well as settlements, local roads, and other facilities in this area. Furthermore, these results are the basis for future water mana­gement projects, soil and environmental protection, spatial planning, agriculture, and other human activities.
Exploring and Quantifying River Thermal Response to Heatwaves
Authors: Piccolroaz Sebastiano , Toffolon Marco , Robinson Christopher T. , Siviglia Annunziato
Published: August 2018

Most of the existing literature on river water temperature focuseds on river thermal sensitivity to long-term trends of climate variables, whereas how river water temperature responds to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, still requires in-depth analysis. Research in this direction is particularly relevant in that heatwaves are expected to increase in intensity, frequency, and duration in the coming decades, with likely consequences on river thermal regimes and ecology. In this study we analyzed the long-term temperature and streamflow series of 19 Swiss rivers with different hydrological regime (regulated, low-land, and snow-fed), and characterized how concurrent changes in air temperature and streamflow concurred to affect their thermal dynamics. We focused on quantifying the thermal response to the three most significant heatwave events that occurred in Central Europe since 1950 (July–August 2003, July 2006, and July 2015). We found that the thermal response of the analyzed rivers contrasted strongly depending on the river hydrological regime, confirming the behavior observed under typical weather conditions. Low-land rivers were extremely sensitive to heatwaves. In sharp contrast, high-altitude snow-fed rivers and regulated rivers receiving cold water from higher altitude hydropower reservoirs or diversions showed a damped thermal response. The results presented in this study suggest that water resource managers should be aware of the multiple consequences of heatwave events on river water temperature and incorporate expected thermal responses in adaptive management policy. In this respect, additional efforts and dedicated studies are required to deepen our knowledge on how extreme heatwave events can affect river ecosystems.
Spatially Resolved Dense Molecular Gas Excitation in the Nearby LIRG VV 114
Authors: Saito Toshiki , Iono Daisuke , Espada Daniel , Nakanishi Kouichiro , Ueda Junko , Sugai Hajime , Yun Min S. , Takano Shuro , Imanishi Masatoshi , Michiyama Tomonari , Ohashi Satoshi , Lee Minju , Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Motohara Kentaro , Yamashita Takuji , Ando Misaki , Kawabe Ryohei
Published: August 2018

We present high-resolution observations (0.″2–1.″5) of multiple dense gas tracers, HCN and HCO+ (J = 1–0, 3–2, and 4–3), HNC (J = 1–0), and CS (J = 7–6) lines, toward the nearby luminous infrared galaxy VV 114 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. All lines are robustly detected at the central gaseous filamentary structure, including the eastern nucleus and the overlap region, the collision interface of the progenitors. We found that there is no correlation between star formation efficiency and dense gas fraction, indicating that the amount of dense gas does not simply control star formation in VV 114. We predict the presence of more turbulent and diffuse molecular gas clouds around the overlap region compared to those at the nuclear region, assuming a turbulence-regulated star formation model. The intracloud turbulence at the overlap region might be excited by galaxy-merger-induced shocks, which also explains the enhancement of gas-phase CH3OH abundance previously found there. We also present spatially resolved spectral line energy distributions of HCN and HCO+ for the first time, and derive excitation parameters by assuming optically thin and local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions. The LTE model revealed that warmer, HCO+-poorer molecular gas medium is dominated around the eastern nucleus, harboring an active galactic nucleus (AGN). The HCN abundance is remarkably flat (∼3.5 × 10−9) independently of the various environments within the filament of VV 114 (i.e., AGN, star formation, and shock).
The Search for Neutrinos from TXS 0506+056 with the ANTARES Telescope
Authors: Albert A. , André M. , Anghinolfi M. , Anton G. , Ardid M. , Aubert J.-J. , Aublin J. , Avgitas T. , Baret B. , Barrios-Martí J. , Basa S. , Belhorma B. , Bertin V. , Biagi S. , Bormuth R. , Boumaaza J. , Bourret S. , Bouwhuis M. C. , Brânzaş H. , Bruijn R. , Brunner J. , Busto J. , Capone A. , Caramete L. , Carr J. , Celli S. , Chabab M. , El Moursli R. Cherkaoui , Chiarusi T. , Circella M. , Coelho J. A. B. , Coleiro A. , Colomer M. , Coniglione R. , Costantini H. , Coyle P. , Creusot A. , Díaz A. F. , Deschamps A. , Distefano C. , Palma I. Di , Domi A. , Donà R. , Donzaud C. , Dornic D. , Drouhin D. , Eberl T. , Bojaddaini I. El , Khayati N. El , Elsässer D. , Enzenhöfer A. , Ettahiri A. , Fassi F. , Felis I. , Fermani P. , Ferrara G. , Fusco L. , Gay P. , Glotin H. , Grégoire T. , Ruiz R. Gracia , Graf K. , Hallmann S. , Haren H. van , Heijboer A. J. , Hello Y. , Hernández-Rey J. J. , Hößl J. , Hofestädt J. , Illuminati G. , Jong M. de , Jongen M. , Kadler M. , Kalekin O. , Katz U. , Khan-Chowdhury N. R. , Kouchner A. , Kreter M. , Kreykenbohm I. , Kulikovskiy V. , Lachaud C. , Lahmann R. , Lefèvre D. , Leonora E. , Lotze M. , Loucatos S. , Marcelin M. , Margiotta A. , Marinelli A. , Martínez-Mora J. A. , Mele R. , Melis K. , Migliozzi P. , Moussa A. , Navas S. , Nezri E. , Nuñez A. , Organokov M. , Păvălaş G. E. , Pellegrino C. , Piattelli P. , Popa V. , Pradier T. , Quinn L. , Racca C. , Randazzo N. , Riccobene G. , Sánchez-Losa A. , Saldaña M. , Salvadori I. , Samtleben D. F. E. , Sanguineti M. , Sapienza P. , Schüssler F. , Spurio M. , Stolarczyk Th. , Taiuti M. , Tayalati Y. , Trovato A. , Vallage B. , Elewyck V. Van , Versari F. , Vivolo D. , Wilms J. , Zaborov D. , Zornoza J. D. , Zúñiga J. ,   (ANTARES Collaboration)
Published: August 2018

The results of three different searches for neutrino candidates, associated with the IceCube-170922A event or from the direction of TXS 0506+056, by the ANTARES neutrino telescope, are presented. The first search refers to the online follow-up of the IceCube alert; the second is based on the standard time-integrated method employed by the Collaboration to search for point-like neutrino sources; the third uses information from the IceCube time-dependent analysis that reported bursting activity centered on 2014 December 13, as input for an ANTARES time-dependent analysis. The online follow-up and the time-dependent analysis yield no events related to the source. The time-integrated study performed over a period from 2007 to 2017 fits 1.03 signal events, which corresponds to a p-value of 3.4% (not considering trial factors). Only for two other astrophysical objects in our candidate list has a smaller p-value been found. When considering that 107 sources have been investigated, the post-trial p-value for TXS 0506+056 corresponds to 87%.