bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olive-oil amphorae imports in Roman Britain: 20 years later
Authors: Monfort Cèsar Carreras
Published: June 2018

Pedro Pablo A. Funari carried out research in amphora studies in Roman Britain in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was interested in the epigraphy (painted inscriptions and stamps) on the most common amphora in the Isles, which was the Baetican Dressel 20. His scholarship supposed an important change in the way amphorae were studied in the United Kingdom and influenced later scholars and research. The present paper attempts to overview his contribution in amphora research in Roman Britain, and how those studies have evolved in the last 20 years. Of course, there are new data available, but also alternative approaches in terms of methodology and interpretation.
Família, memória e morte nas inscrições sepulcrais de Mediolanum (I-II d.C.)
Authors: De Omena Luciane Munhoz , De Carvalho Margarida Maria
Published: June 2018

Ao levar em consideração os estudos contemporâneos sobre as atitudes diante da morte e dos mortos, analisaremos, dada à relevância documental, temática e histórica, alguns epitáfios femininos presentes na região de Mediolanum, atual cidade de Milão. Sabemos que, embora não tenhamos vestígios de necrópoles, tal como em Isola Sacra, os testemunhos mortuários presentes no Civico Museo Archeologico di Milano apresentam uma vasta gama de estelas em pedras, lastras de monumentos funerários com guirlandas em pedra, altares e urnas funerárias em mármores, evidenciando a riqueza de uma região conhecida, à época de 49 a.C., como municipium ciuium romanorum. Sob esse aspecto, torna-se relevante analisar, por exemplo, uma elegante estela, datada entre os anos finais do século II d. C., como um raro testemunho de uma mulher que, sem dúvida, com uma forte personalidade, comissiona o monumento funerário aos seus familiares. A partir daí, compreendemos que os epitáfios imortalizavam os falecidos bem como estimulavam a pietas de seus familiares. Logo, ao fazer referência à epigrafia sepulcral, realçamos as conexões e as simbologias entre palavras escritas e faladas, pois, assim concebida, a repetição ritual evocava a memória do falecido.
A economia antiga, a modernidade e a relação ocidente e oriente: as contribuições de Karl Marx e Max Weber
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre Galvão
Published: June 2018

Os trabalhos de Karl Marx (1818-1883) e Max Weber (1864-1920) sobre a economia e sociedade do mundo antigo inauguram uma nova perspectiva em relação aos economistas dos séculos XVIII e XIX e nos debates acerca da economia antiga travados na Alemanha no final do século XIX. Diferente dos economistas neoclássicos e dos modernistas e primitivistas, esses autores irão defender a tese de uma ruptura radical entre o mundo antigo e o moderno. Uma descontinuidade marcada, para Marx, pelo nascimento do sistema capitalista, e para Weber, do capitalismo moderno. Além dessa similaridade, esses pensadores reforçaram a visão eurocêntrica ao afirmarem que as raízes culturais e políticas do Ocidente moderno repousam na Antiguidade Clássica, reforçando uma tradição de pensamento de profundas clivagens entre as sociedades antigas do Oriente e as sociedades do mundo greco-romano, muito contestada na historiografia atual.
L’enfance du monde. Premiers contacts entre français et tupinambas dans le Brésil du XVIe siècle
Authors: Olivier Laurent
Published: June 2018

Ce texte discute des premiers contacts entre Français et Tupinambas au Brésil du XVIe siècle, envisageant surtout les réflexions de Jean de Léry à propos de la notion de "sauvage" et de rencontres et d'échanges culturels.
Wandelnde Horizonte des Weltwissens
Authors: Ito Toshiko
Published: June 2018

*Full article is in German

Changing Horizons of World Knowledge: On the Presentation of Space in
Primary School Geography Textbooks of the Japanese Empire

English abstract

The presentation of space in primary geography textbooks of the Japanese
Empire (1868–1945) changed according to the political climate. In the liberal
phase of the 1870s, Japanese geography schoolbooks dealt with the entire earth. In
the revisionist phase of the 1880s, in order to encourage a sense of national identity,
no knowledge of lands outside of Japan was imparted to lower primary school
students. In the phase of colonial expansion from the 1890s, the world reemerged
in geography school books, with an increasing emphasis on the reorganisation of
East Asia. Drawing on premodern mythology, primary geography textbooks served
to consolidate the Japanese concept of empire in accordance with the respective
political situation.

German abstract

Die Raumvorstellung in den elementaren Geographieschulbüchern
des Japanischen Kaiserreichs (1868–1945) änderte sich mit dem politischen Klima.
In der liberalen Phase der 1870er Jahre behandelten die Geographieschulbücher
alle Erdräume. In der revisionistischen Phase der 1880er Jahre wurde den unteren
Grundschülern zur Wahrung der nationalen Identität kein Wissen über die Erdräume
außerhalb Japans vermittelt. In der kolonialen Expansionsphase ab den
1890er Jahren fanden die Erdräume außerhalb Japans wieder Eingang in die Geographieschulbücher,
wobei die Neuordnung Ostasiens immer stärker betont wurde.
Auf der vormodernen Mythologie basierend dienten die elementaren Geographieschulbücher
der Festigung des japanischen Reichsgedankens nach Maßgabe der
jeweiligen politischen Lage.

Keywords: Geographieschulbücher, Großostasiatische Wohlstandssphäre, Japanisches Kaiserreich, koloniale Expansion, nationale Identität, Raumvorstellung
Taxonomy and reproductive biology of the genus Zephyranthes Herb. (Liliaceae) in Bangladesh
Authors: Afroz Sumona , Rahman M. Oliur , Hassan Md. Abul
Published: June 2018

The genus Zephyranthes Herb. is revised along with its pollination mechanism, seed germination and vegetative propagation. Detailed taxonomy of four Zephyranthes species occurring in Bangladesh, namely, Z. atamasco (L.) Herb., Z. candida (Lindl.) Herb., Z. carinata Herb. and Z. tubispatha (L’Her.) Herb. ex Traub. was studied with their updated nomenclature, important synonyms, phenology, specimens examined, habitat, distribution, economic value and mode of propagation. A dichotomous bracketed key is provided for easy identification of the species. Pollination investigation reveals that all studied species of Zephyranthes are self-pollinated. Minimum five days were required for germination of seeds in Z. atamasco, and three days each in Z. candida, Z. carinata and Z. tubispatha. Pseudovivipary type of germination has been reported in Z. candida and Z. carinata for the first time. The maximum number of seeds (30) per fruit are produced in Z. tubispatha, whereas the minimum seeds (2) per fruit are found in Z. atamasco. Vegetative propagation through bulb was found more suitable than seeds in Z. atamasco, Z. candida and Z. carinata. Pollen viability has been found 100% in Z. candida, and Z. tubispatha, whereas, Z. atamasco and Z. carinata have shown 80% and 98% viability, respectively. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 25(1): 57-69, 2018 (June)
Traditional honey production and bee flora of Espiye, Turkey
Authors: Karaköse Mustafa , Polat Ridvan , Rahman M. Oliur , Çakilcioğlu Uğur
Published: June 2018

This paper presents potential honey bee plants in Espiye (Giresun) which can be considered as a guide for beekeepers and researchers. A total of 149 taxa belonging to 125 genara and 48 families were recorded as pollen and nectary sources for honey bee colonies at Espiye (Giresun) region. Among the recorded taxa 58 were Phanerophytes, 57 taxa Hemicryptophytes, 19 taxa Therophytes, 13 taxa Cryptophytes and 2 taxa Chamaephytes. Updated nomenclature along with the families, local names, life form, flowering period and ecological status have been furnished under 94 herbs, 28 shrubs and 27 trees.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 25(1): 79-91, 2018 (June)
Effectively Quantifying the Performance of Lower-Limb Exoskeletons Over a Range of Walking Conditions
Authors: Gordon Daniel F. N. , Henderson Graham , Vijayakumar Sethu
Published: June 2018

Exoskeletons and other wearable robotic devices have a wide range of potential applications, including assisting patients with walking pathologies, acting as tools for rehabilitation, and enhancing the capabilities of healthy humans. However, applying these devices effectively in a real-world setting can be challenging, as the optimal design features and control commands for an exoskeleton are highly dependent on the current user, task and environment. Consequently, robust metrics and methods for quantifying exoskeleton performance are required. This work presents an analysis of walking data collected for healthy subjects walking with an active pelvis exoskeleton over three assistance scenarios and five walking contexts. Spatial and temporal, kinematic, kinetic and other novel dynamic gait metrics were compared to identify which metrics exhibit desirable invariance properties, and so are good candidates for use as a stability metric over varying walking conditions. Additionally, using a model-based approach, the average metabolic power consumption was calculated for a subset of muscles crossing the hip, knee and ankle joints, and used to analyse how the energy-reducing properties of an exoskeleton are affected by changes in walking context. The results demonstrated that medio-lateral centre of pressure displacement and medio-lateral margin of stability exhibit strong invariance to changes in walking conditions. This suggests that these dynamic gait metrics are optimised in human gait and are potentially suitable metrics for optimising in an exoskeleton control paradigm. The effectiveness of the exoskeleton at reducing human energy expenditure was observed to increase when walking on an incline, where muscles aiding in hip flexion were assisted, but decrease when walking at a slow speed. These results underline the need for adaptive control algorithms for exoskeletons if they are to be used in varied environments.
Cultivation of Potted Sea Fennel, an Emerging Mediterranean Halophyte, Using a Renewable Seaweed-Based Material as a Peat Substitute
Authors: Montesano Francesco Fabiano , Gattullo Concetta Eliana , Parente Angelo , Terzano Roberto , Renna Massimiliano
Published: June 2018

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), an emerging halophyte species, represents a nutritious and refined food product. In this study, the effect on yield and quality of potted sea fennel grown on three posidonia (Podisonia oceanica (L.) Delile)-based composts (a municipal organic solid waste compost, a sewage sludge compost and a green compost) and a peat-based substrate was analyzed. Composts were used both pure and mixed with peat at a dose of 50% on a volume basis. We hypothesized that the halophytic nature of this plant might overcome the limitations of high-salinity compost-based growing media. The growth parameters, color traits and trace metals content (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) of the edible parts were compared. Independently of the substrates, the average total and edible yields were 51 and 30 g plant−1, respectively, while the average waste portion was about 41%. The use of posidonia-based compost did not affect the color traits of sea fennel plants as compared with samples grown on the commercial peat-based substrate. In general, potted sea fennel grown on both posidonia-based composts and commercial peat-based substrate appeared a good source of essential micronutrients. Only a weak reduction of Fe and Mn concentrations was observed in plants grown on posidonia-based composts, especially when used at the highest dose. Independently of the growing medium, the content of potentially hazardous trace elements (Cd and Pb) in the edible parts of sea fennel was always below the maximum admissible limits fixed by the European legislation. Results indicate that posidonia-based composts can be used as a sustainable peat substitute for the formulation of soilless mixtures to grow potted sea fennel plants, even up to a complete peat replacement.
Nanosynthesis of Silver-Calcium Glycerophosphate: Promising Association against Oral Pathogens
Authors: Fernandes Gabriela Lopes , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Do Amaral Jackeline Gallo , Gorup Luiz Fernando , Fernandes Renan Aparecido , De Souza Neto Francisco Nunes , Souza José Antonio Santos , Monteiro Douglas Roberto , Hunt Alessandra Marçal Agostinho , Camargo Emerson Rodrigues , Barbosa Debora Barros
Published: June 2018

Nanobiomaterials combining remineralization and antimicrobial abilities would bring important benefits to control dental caries. This study aimed to produce nanocompounds containing calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) by varying the reducing agent of silver nitrate (sodium borohydride (B) or sodium citrate (C)), the concentration of silver (1% or 10%), and the CaGP forms (nano or commercial), and analyze its characterization and antimicrobial activity against ATCC Candida albicans (10231) and Streptococcus mutans (25175) by the microdilution method. Controls of AgNP were produced and silver ions (Ag+) were quantified in all of the samples. X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated AgNP associated with CaGP. Ag+ ions were considerably higher in AgCaGP/C. C. albicans was susceptible to nanocompounds produced with both reducing agents, regardless of Ag concentration and CaGP form, being Ag10%CaGP-N/C the most effective compound (19.5–39.0 µg Ag mL−1). While for S. mutans, the effectiveness was observed only for AgCaGP reduced by citrate, also presenting Ag10%CaGP-N the highest effectiveness (156.2–312.5 µg Ag mL−1). Notably, CaGP enhanced the silver antimicrobial potential in about two- and eight-fold against C. albicans and S. mutans when compared with the AgNP controls (from 7.8 to 3.9 and from 250 to 31.2 µg Ag mL−1, respectively). The synthesis that was used in this study promoted the formation of AgNP associated with CaGP, and although the use of sodium borohydride (B) resulted in a pronounced reduction of Ag+, the composite AgCaGP/B was less effective against the microorganisms that were tested.
Beyond Climate Change and Health: Integrating Broader Environmental Change and Natural Environments for Public Health Protection and Promotion in the UK
Authors: Fleming Lora , Leonardi Giovanni , White Mathew , Medlock Jolyon , Alcock Ian , Macintyre Helen , Maguire Kath , Nichols Gordon , Wheeler Benedict , Morris George , Taylor Tim , Hemming Deborah , Iacono Gianni , Gillingham Emma , Hansford Kayleigh , Heaviside Clare , Bone Angie , Duarte-Davidson Raquel
Published: June 2018

Increasingly, the potential short and long-term impacts of climate change on human health and wellbeing are being demonstrated. However, other environmental change factors, particularly relating to the natural environment, need to be taken into account to understand the totality of these interactions and impacts. This paper provides an overview of ongoing research in the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Environmental Change and Health, particularly around the positive and negative effects of the natural environment on human health and well-being and primarily within a UK context. In addition to exploring the potential increasing risks to human health from water-borne and vector-borne diseases and from exposure to aeroallergens such as pollen, this paper also demonstrates the potential opportunities and co-benefits to human physical and mental health from interacting with the natural environment. The involvement of a Health and Environment Public Engagement (HEPE) group as a public forum of “critical friends” has proven useful for prioritising and exploring some of this research; such public involvement is essential to minimise public health risks and maximise the benefits which are identified from this research into environmental change and human health. Research gaps are identified and recommendations made for future research into the risks, benefits and potential opportunities of climate and other environmental change on human and planetary health.
Generation of Gellan Gum-Based Adipose-Like Microtissues
Authors: Lago Manuela E. L. , Da Silva Lucília P. , Henriques Catarina , Carvalho Andreia F. , Reis Rui L. , Marques Alexandra P.
Published: June 2018

Adipose tissue is involved in many physiological processes. Therefore, the need for adipose tissue-like analogues either for soft tissue reconstruction or as in vitro testing platforms is undeniable. In this work, we explored the natural features of gellan gum (GG) to recreate injectable stable adipose-like microtissues. GG hydrogel particles with different percentages of polymer (0.5%, 0.75%, 1.25%) were developed and the effect of obtained mechanical properties over the ability of hASCs to differentiate towards the adipogenic lineage was evaluated based on the expression of the early (PPARγ) and late (FABP4) adipogenic markers, and on lipids formation and accumulation. Constructs were cultured in adipogenic induction medium up to 21 days or for six days in induction plus nine days in maintenance media. Overall, no significant differences were observed in terms of hASCs adipogenic differentiation within the range of Young’s moduli between 2.7 and 12.9 kPa. The long-term (up to six weeks) stability of the developed constructs supported its application in soft tissue reconstruction. Moreover, their ability to function as adipose-like microtissue models for drug screening was demonstrated by confirming its sensitivity to TNFα and ROCK inhibitor, respectively involved in the repression and induction of the adipogenic differentiation.
Numerical Solution of Fractional Diffusion Wave Equation and Fractional Klein–Gordon Equation via Two-Dimensional Genocchi Polynomials with a Ritz–Galerkin Method
Authors: Kanwal Afshan , Phang Chang , Iqbal Umer
Published: June 2018

In this paper, two-dimensional Genocchi polynomials and the Ritz–Galerkin method were developed to investigate the Fractional Diffusion Wave Equation (FDWE) and the Fractional Klein–Gordon Equation (FKGE). A satisfier function that satisfies all the initial and boundary conditions was used. A linear system of algebraic equations was obtained for the considered equation with the help of two-dimensional Genocchi polynomials along with the Ritz–Galerkin method. The FDWE and FKGE, including the nonlinear case, were reduced to solve the linear system of the algebraic equation. Hence, the proposed method was able to greatly reduce the complexity of the problems and provide an accurate solution. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated through several examples.
A Review of Facial Biometrics Security for Smart Devices
Authors: Galterio Mary Grace , Shavit Simi Angelic , Hayajneh Thaier
Published: June 2018

Biometrics play an avid role in today’s mobile security realm. Security experts have attempted to implement different forms of biometrics, from finger, hand, and signature to voice, retina, and iris. Recently, facial biometrics has been added to this list and has introduced another method for a more secure form of authentication. Various organizations believe that by using something you are, like biometrics, their system would be strongly secured. As this may be true, applications used for facial biometrics have lost their credibility when easily defeated. This may be through printed photographs, electronic images, and even look alike. This paper explores the scientific background as to why facial biometrics have become a trusted form of authentication, a user-friendly method, and explores the security of mobile device applications available for Android and iOS systems. We test several applications with our developed methods and discuss the results.
Nanomaterials in Liquid Crystals as Ion-Generating and Ion-Capturing Objects
Authors: Garbovskiy Yuriy
Published: June 2018

The majority of tunable liquid crystal devices are driven by electric fields. The performance of such devices can be altered by the presence of small amounts of ions in liquid crystals. Therefore, the understanding of possible sources of ions in liquid crystal materials is very critical to a broad range of existing and future applications employing liquid crystals. Recently, nanomaterials in liquid crystals have emerged as a hot research topic, promising for its implementation in the design of wearable and tunable liquid crystal devices. An analysis of published results revealed that nanodopants in liquid crystals can act as either ion-capturing agents or ion-generating objects. In this paper, a recently developed model of contaminated nanomaterials in liquid crystals is analyzed. Nanoparticle-enabled ion capturing and ion generation regimes in liquid crystals are discussed within the framework of the proposed model. This model is in very good agreement with existing experimental results. Practical implications and future research directions are also discussed.
Evolution of Interatomic and Intermolecular Interactions and Polymorphism of Melamine at High Pressure
Authors: Shelton Hannah , Dera Przemyslaw , Tkachev Sergey
Published: June 2018

Melamine (C3H6N6; 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine) is an aromatic substituted s-triazine, with carbon and nitrogen atoms forming the ring body, and amino groups bonded to each carbon. Melamine is widely used to produce laminate products, adhesives, and flame retardants, but is also similar chemically and structurally to many energetic materials, including TATB (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5- trinitrobenzene) and RDX (1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine). Additionally, melamine may be a precursor in the synthesis of superhard carbon-nitrides, such as β-C3N4. In the crystalline state melamine forms corrugated sheets of individual molecules, which are stacked on top of one another, and linked by intra- and inter-plane N-H hydrogen bonds. Several previous high-pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies have claimed that melamine undergoes two or more phase transformations below 25 GPa. Our results show no indication of previously reported low pressure polymorphism up to approximately 30 GPa. High-pressure crystal structure refinements demonstrate that the individual molecular units of melamine are remarkably rigid, and their geometry changes very little despite volume decrease by almost a factor of two at 30 GPa and major re-arrangements of the intermolecular interactions, as seen through the Hirshfeld surface analysis. A symmetry change from monoclinic to triclinic, indicated by both dramatic changes in diffraction pattern, as well as discontinuities in the vibration mode behavior, was observed above approximately 36 GPa in helium and 30 GPa in neon pressure media. Examination of the hydrogen bonding behavior in melamine’s structure will allow its improved utilization as a chemical feedstock and analog for related energetic compounds.
Birefringence Gradient and Exposure Energy of Hf:Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 Crystals with Various [Li]/[Nb] Ratios
Authors: Dai Li , Shao Yu , Han Xianbo , Wang Luping , Xu Yuheng
Published: June 2018

A series of Hf:Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystals with different [Li]/[Nb] ratios (0.946, 1.05, 1.20, and 1.38) were grown using the Czochralski method. X-ray diffraction phase results of the samples show that the LiNbO3 doped Hf4+, Yb3+, and Nd3+ only have a slight change in the lattice constant. The birefringence gradient of the HfYbNd4 sample measured using the birefringence gradient method was 3.3 × 10−5 ∆R/cm−1, which was the best optical uniformity. The optical damage resistance ability was measured using the light-induced scattering exposure energy flus threshold method. When the [Li]/[Nb] ratios in the melt achieve 1.38, the exposure energy achieves 120.74 J/cm2, which is approximately 87 times higher than HfYbNd1.
The Influence of Photoelectron Escape in Radiation Damage Simulations of Protein Micro-Crystallography
Authors: Marman Hugh , Darmanin Connie , Abbey Brian
Published: June 2018

Radiation damage represents a fundamental limit in the determination of protein structures via macromolecular crystallography (MX) at third-generation synchrotron sources. Over the past decade, improvements in both source and detector technology have led to MX experiments being performed with smaller and smaller crystals (on the order of a few microns), often using microfocus beams. Under these conditions, photoelectrons (PEs), the primary agents of radiation-damage in MX, may escape the diffraction volume prior to depositing all of their energy. The impact of PE escape is more significant at higher beam energies (>20 keV) as the electron inelastic mean free path (IMFP) is longer, allowing the electrons to deposit their energy over a larger area, extending further from their point of origin. Software such as RADDOSE-3D has been used extensively to predict the dose (energy absorbed per unit mass) that a crystal will absorb under a given set of experimental parameters and is an important component in planning a successful MX experiment. At the time this study was undertaken, dose predictions made using RADDOSE-3D were spatially-resolved, but did not yet account for the propagation of PEs through the diffraction volume. Hence, in the case of microfocus crystallography, it is anticipated that deviations may occur between the predicted and actual dose absorbed due to the influence of PEs. To explore this effect, we conducted a series of simulations of the dose absorbed by micron-sized crystals during microfocus MX experiments. Our simulations spanned beam and crystal sizes ranging from 1μm to 5μm for beam energies between 9 keV and 30 keV. Our simulations were spatially and temporarily resolved and accounted for the escape of PEs from the diffraction volume. The spatially-resolved dose maps produced by these simulations were used to predict the rate of intensity loss in a Bragg spot, a key metric for tracking global radiation damage. Our results were compared to predictions obtained using a recent version of RADDOSE-3D that did not account for PE escape; the predicted crystal lifetimes are shown to differ significantly for the smallest crystals and for high-energy beams, when PE escape is included in the simulations.
A Novel Output Power Control of Wireless Powering Kitchen Appliance System with Free-Positioning Feature
Authors: Nutwong Supapong , Sangswang Anawach , Naetiladdanon Sumate , Mujjalinvimut Ekkachai
Published: June 2018

To achieve a free-positioning wireless power transfer (WPT) system, the output power must be regulated throughout the operation. This paper presents a novel output power control of a WPT system, based on the model predictive control (MPC). The output power is predicted by utilizing the system’s mathematical model. The optimal duty cycle for a desired output power is obtained through the minimization of the objective function, which is simple and easy to implement, with no need for gain tuning. The proposed controller is implemented on the primary side, without any measurement or communication devices on the secondary side. This reduces the cost, size, and complexity of the WPT system. The load resistance and mutual inductance identification method is also introduced. It is based on the reflected impedance knowledge, where only the information of primary current is required. Experimental results of the output power step response show better performance compared with conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) control. The proposed controller is experimentally validated on a 200 W kettle. The output power can be kept constant at 200 W while the kettle is laterally moved. With the proposed controller, the kettle can be placed freely up to 7 cm from the align position, which is 63.64% of the primary coil’s outer radius.
Effect of Gap Position on the Heavy Metal Contents of Epiphytic Mosses and Lichens on the Fallen Logs and Standing Trees in an Alpine Forest
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Wu Fuzhong , Yang Wanqin , Tan Bo , Chang Chenhui , Wang Qin , Cao Rui , Tang Guoqing
Published: June 2018

To understand the role of the forest gaps and epiphytic mosses and lichens in the heavy metal cycles of forest ecosystems, the biomass, concentration, and storage of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in epiphytic mosses and lichens on fallen logs and standing trees from the gap center to the closed canopy of an alpine forest ecosystem on the eastern Tibetan Plateau were investigated. Mosses were the dominant epiphytes on fallen logs and standing trees and contribute 82.1–95.1% of total epiphyte biomass in the alpine forest. A significantly higher biomass of epiphytic mosses and lichens was observed at the gap edge. The heavy metals concentration in mosses and lichens on fallen logs and standing trees varied widely with gap positions. Lower concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Pb were found in the mosses and lichens under the closed canopy, higher concentrations of Cd and Pb were detected in the mosses and lichens at the gap edge, and higher concentrations of Cu were found at the gap center. A significant difference in Zn concentration was observed between the mosses and lichens. No significant differences in Pb or Zn concentrations were observed in the mosses and lichens between the fallen log and standing tree substrates. Furthermore, the epiphytic mosses and lichens at the gap edge accumulated more Cd, Pb, and Cu, whereas the epiphytic lichens on the fallen logs and large shrubs at the gap center accumulated more Zn. In conclusion, gap regeneration accelerates the cycling of heavy metals in alpine forest ecosystems by promoting the growth of epiphytic mosses and lichens on fallen logs and standing trees at gap edges and increasing the concentration of heavy metals in these plants.
Automatic Discrimination between Scomber japonicus and Scomber australasicus by Geometric and Texture Features
Authors: Kitasato Airi , Miyazaki Tomo , Sugaya Yoshihiro , Omachi Shinichiro
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a method for automatic discrimination of two mackerel species: Scomber japonicus (chub mackerel) and Scomber australasicus (blue mackerel). Because S. japonicus has a much higher market price than S. australasicus, the two species must be properly sorted before shipment, but their similar appearance makes discrimination difficult. These species can be effectively distinguished using the ratio of the base length between the dorsal fin’s first and ninth spines to the fork length. However, manual measurement of this ratio is time-consuming and reduces fish freshness. The proposed technique instead uses image processing to measure these lengths. We were able to successfully discriminate between the two species using the ratio as a geometric feature, in combination with several texture features. We then quantitatively verified the effectiveness of the proposed method and demonstrated that it is highly accurate in classifying mackerel.
Increasing the Yield of Irish Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) during Processing without Adversely Affecting Shelf-Life
Authors: McDermott Aoife , Whyte Paul , Brunton Nigel , Lyng James , Bolton Declan J.
Published: June 2018

During the processing of Irish Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus), protein and moisture are released and losses up to 10% (by weight) are common. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of clean label ingredients to reduce this loss, without adversely affecting shelf-life or promoting the growth of spoilage bacteria. Following preliminary studies, 5% (w/v) sodium caseinate (SC) and (5%, w/v) potato starch (PS), with and without (0.5%, w/v) ascorbic acid (AA) were selected. Ninety crabs (30 per treatment) were soaked and boiled in water (control 1), AA (control 2), SC, PS, SC plus AA, or PS plus AA and analyzed for cook loss as well as pH, aw, water holding capacity (WHC), and microbial shelf-life (total viable count (TVC), total Enterobacteriaceae count (TEC), and spoilage bacteria) during 28 days storage at 4 °C. On average, 11.1% of the control 1 weight was lost during processing. This was reduced to 8.0% when treated with AA (control 2) and to 3.5%, 4.7%, 5.8%, and 2.3% with SC, PS, SC plus AA, and PS plus AA, respectively. None of these treatments negatively impacted on shelf-life and similar growth curves were observed for TVC, TEC, Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hydrogen disulphide producing bacteria, regardless of treatment. It was therefore concluded that, subject to sensory evaluation and validation under commercial conditions, these natural ingredients could be used to substantially increase the yield and hence commercial value of crab meat, without adversely affecting shelf-life.
The Use of Colors as an Alternative to Size in Fusarium graminearum Growth Studies
Authors: Cambaza Edgar , Koseki Shigenobu , Kawamura Shuso
Published: June 2018

Size-based fungal growth studies have limitations. For example, the growth in size stops in closed systems once it reaches the borders and poorly describes metabolic status, especially in the stationary phase. This might lead mycotoxin studies to unrealistic results. Color change could be a viable alternative, as pigments result from a mold’s metabolic activity. This study aimed to verify the possibility of using gray values and the RGB system to analyze the growth of Fusarium graminearum. It consisted of color and area measurements using ImageJ software for specimens grown in yeast extract agar (YEA). The results suggest the utility of color and gray values as reliable tools to analyze the growth of F. graminearum.
Horizontal Transfer of Symbiosis Genes within and Between Rhizobial Genera: Occurrence and Importance
Authors: Andrews Mitchell , De Meyer Sofie , James Euan K. , Stępkowski Tomasz , Hodge Simon , Simon Marcelo F. , Young J. Peter W.
Published: June 2018

Rhizobial symbiosis genes are often carried on symbiotic islands or plasmids that can be transferred (horizontal transfer) between different bacterial species. Symbiosis genes involved in horizontal transfer have different phylogenies with respect to the core genome of their ‘host’. Here, the literature on legume–rhizobium symbioses in field soils was reviewed, and cases of phylogenetic incongruence between rhizobium core and symbiosis genes were collated. The occurrence and importance of horizontal transfer of rhizobial symbiosis genes within and between bacterial genera were assessed. Horizontal transfer of symbiosis genes between rhizobial strains is of common occurrence, is widespread geographically, is not restricted to specific rhizobial genera, and occurs within and between rhizobial genera. The transfer of symbiosis genes to bacteria adapted to local soil conditions can allow these bacteria to become rhizobial symbionts of previously incompatible legumes growing in these soils. This, in turn, will have consequences for the growth, life history, and biogeography of the legume species involved, which provides a critical ecological link connecting the horizontal transfer of symbiosis genes between rhizobial bacteria in the soil to the above-ground floral biodiversity and vegetation community structure.
APC and MUTYH Analysis in FAP Patients: A Novel Mutation in APC Gene and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation
Authors: D’Elia Giovanna , Caliendo Gemma , Casamassimi Amelia , Cioffi Michele , Molinari Anna Maria , Vietri Maria Teresa
Published: June 2018

APC and MUTYH genes are mutated in 70–90% and 10–30% of familial adenomatous polyposis cases (FAP) respectively. An association between mutation localization and FAP clinical phenotype is reported. The aims of this study were to determine APC and MUTYH mutational status in a small cohort of FAP patients and to evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation in mutated patients. Here, we report the identification of a novel APC germline mutation, c.510_511insA. Overall, mutational analysis showed pathogenic mutations in 6/10 patients: 5/10 in APC and 1/10 in MUTYH. Additionally, we found three variants of unknown significance in MUTYH gene that showed no evidence of possible splicing defects by in silico analysis. Molecular analysis was also extended to family members of mutated patients. A genotype-phenotype correlation was observed for colonic signs whereas a variation of disease onset age was revealed for the same mutation. Moreover, we found an intrafamilial variability of FAP onset age. Regarding extracolonic manifestations, the development of desmoid tumors was related to surgery and not to mutation position, while a genotype-phenotype correspondence was observed for the onset of thyroid or gastric cancer. These findings can be useful in association to clinical data for early surveillance and suitable treatment of FAP patients.
Lettuce Biomass Accumulation and Phytonutrient Concentrations Are Influenced by Genotype, N Application Rate and Location
Authors: Barickman T. Casey , Sublett William L. , Miles Carol , Crow Danielle , Scheenstra Ed
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this research is to determine how increasing levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizers, locations, and cultivars affected yields, biomass accumulation, and polyphenol concentrations in lettuce. This study is carried out at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center (NMREC) and Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC). The experiment is a randomized complete block design arranged in a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial with 4 replications. Treatments include two cos (romaine) lettuce cultivars, ‘Salvius’ and ‘Thurinus’. N treatments include 42, 63, 105 and 189 kg·ha−1. ‘Salvius’ has greater fresh mass (FM) and dry mass (DM), and a smaller DM:FM ratio when compared to ‘Thurinus’. The NWREC location has higher lettuce FM and DM. Quercetin-3-glucoside (Q-3-G) increases with increasing N concentrations. There are interactions between locations and lettuce cultivars for chlorogenic acid, Q-3-G, and quercetin/luteolin glucuronide (QL-G). There is increased chlorogenic acid content in ‘Salvius’ at the NMREC and increased concentrations of Q-3-G and QL-G in ‘Thurinus’ compared to the NWREC location. ‘Thurinus’ has significantly more chicoric acid and quercetin-malonyl-glucoside (QM-G) than ‘Salvius’. Lettuce at the NWREC has significantly more chicoric acid and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C-3-G). Lettuce at the NWREC has greater yields and biomass accumulation. Lettuce at the NWREC also has greater amounts of flavonoids and anthocyanins. ‘Salvius’ has greater amounts of phenolic acids and ‘Thurinus’ has greater amounts of flavonoids and anthocyanins.
The Importance of External Contacts in Job Performance: A Study in Healthcare Organizations Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Marqués-Sánchez Pilar , Muñoz-Doyague María F. , Martínez Yolanda V. , Everett Martin , Serrano-Fuentes Nestor , Van Bogaert Peter , Vassilev Ivaylo , Reeves David
Published: June 2018

There is evidence that relations between physicians and nurses within healthcare institutions might be shaped by informal aspects of such relations and by links to people external to the organization, with an impact on work performance. Social network analysis is underutilized in exploring such associations. The paper aims to describe physicians’ and nurses’ relationships outside their clinical units and to explore what kind of ties are related to job performance. A network analysis was performed on cross-sectional data. The study population consisted of 196 healthcare employees working in a public hospital and a primary healthcare centre in Spain. Relational data were analysed using the UCINET software package. Measures included: (i) sample characteristics; (ii) social network variables; and (iii) team performance ratings. Descriptive statistics (means, medians, percentages) were used to characterize staff and performance ratings. A correlational analysis was conducted to examine the strength of relationships between four different types of ties. Our findings suggest that external ties only contribute to improving the performance of physicians at both the individual and team level. They are focused on the decision-making process about the therapeutic plan and, therefore, might need to seek advice outside the workplace. In contrast, external ties are not relevant for the work performance of nurses, as they need to find solutions to immediate problems in a short period of time, having strong ties in the workplace. Social network analysis can illuminate relations within healthcare organizations and inform the development of innovative interventions.
Do Socio-Economic Characteristics Affect Travel Behavior? A Comparative Study of Low-Carbon and Non-Low-Carbon Shopping Travel in Shenyang City, China
Authors: Li Jing , Lo Kevin , Guo Meng
Published: June 2018

Choices regarding mode of travel have an evident effect on environment pollutants and public health. This paper makes a significant contribution by examining the differences between low-carbon and non-low-carbon travel mode choices during shopping trips, and how socio-economic characteristics impact individual travel behavior based on data gathered from a questionnaire conducted in Shenyang, China. The study found that, firstly, low-carbon travel modes were more common than non-low-carbon travel modes for shopping, and the average travel distance by non-low-carbon modes was a little longer than that of low-carbon modes. Secondly, suburban and wholesale specialized commercial centers attracted more residents travelling longer distances by non-low carbon modes, especially private car, compared to regional commercial centers in inner city areas. Thirdly, strong relationships between car ownership, gender, monthly income, and travel mode choices were identified in a binary logistic regression model. This study thus highlights the importance of sustainable transportation policies to advocate low-carbon travel modes and reduce carbon emissions.
Electrode Modification and Optimization in Air-Cathode Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Yanhua , Wu Jiayan , Yang Shengke , Li Huihui , Li Xiaoping
Published: June 2018

Due to the known problems of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), such as low electricity generation performance and high cost of operation, we modified the electrode with graphene and polyaniline (PANI) is a single-chamber air-cathode MFC and then evaluated the effects of electrode modification on MFC electricity generation performance. Carbon cloth electrodes (unmodified, CC; graphene-modified, G/CC; and polyaniline-graphene-modified, PANI-G/CC) were prepared using the impregnation method. Sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPcS) was then introduced as a cathode catalyst. The Co-PANI-G/CC cathode showed higher catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction compared with other electrodes. The maximum power density of the MFC with Co-PANI-G/CC cathode was 32.2 mW/m2, which was 1.8 and 6.1 times higher than the value obtained with Co-G/CC and Co/CC cathodes, respectively. This indicates a significant improvement in the electricity generation of single-chamber MFCs and provides a simple, effective cathode modification method. Furthermore, we constructed single-chamber MFCs using the modified anode and cathode and analyzed electricity generation and oxytetracycline (OTC) degradation with different concentrations of OTC as the fuel. With increasing added OTC concentration, the MFC performance in both electricity generation and OTC degradation gradually decreased. However, when less than 50 mg/L OTC was added, the 5-day degradation rate of OTC reached more than 90%. It is thus feasible to process OTC-containing wastewater and produce electricity using single-chamber MFCs, which provides a new concept for wastewater treatment.
Exposure to Environmental Contaminants and Lung Function in Adolescents—Is There a Link?
Authors: Leijs Marike M. , Koppe Janna G. , Olie Kees , De Voogt Pim , Van Aalderen Wim M. C. , Ten Tusscher Gavin W.
Published: June 2018

Dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF)), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and brominated flame retardants (BDEs) are well known toxic environmental contaminants. Their possible role in the incidence of respiratory disease is not yet well understood. Previous studies showed a negative effect on lung function in relation to prenatal and lactational dioxin exposure in pre-pubertal children. Effects of BDE exposure on the lung function have not previously been evaluated. As part of a longitudinal cohort study, the effects of perinatal dioxin (PCDD/F) exposure and serum PCDD/F, dl-PCB, and BDE levels on lung function in adolescents were assessed using spirometry, a body box, and diffusion measurements. Thirty-three children (born between 1986 and 1991) consented to the current follow-up study. Prenatal, lactational, and current dioxin, PCB, and BDE concentrations were determined using GC-MS. No relationship was seen between prenatal and lactational dioxin exposure, nor with current PCB body burden, and lung function. Indications of increasing airway obstruction were seen in relation to increasing current BDE exposure. This is a novel finding and certainly warrants further research.
Evaluating Disparities in Elderly Community Care Resources: Using a Geographic Accessibility and Inequality Index
Authors: Wu Hui-Ching , Tseng Ming-Hseng
Published: June 2018

This study evaluated geographic accessibility and utilized assessment indices to investigate disparities in elderly community care resource distribution. The data were derived from Taiwanese governmental data in 2017, including 3,148,283 elderly individuals (age 65+), 7681 villages, and 1941 community care centers. To identify disparities in geographic accessibility, we compared the efficacy of six measurements and proposed a composite index to identify levels of resource inequality from the Gini coefficient and “median-mean” skewness. Low village-level correlation (0.038) indicated inconsistencies between the demand populations and community care center distribution. Method M6 (calculated accessibility of nearest distance-decay accounting for population of villages, supplier loading, and elderly walkability) was identified as the most comprehensive disparity measurement. Community care policy assessment requires a comprehensive and weighted calculation process, including the elderly walkability distance-decay factor, demand population, and supplier loading. Three steps were suggested for elderly policy planning and improvement in future.
GPCRs in Cancer: Protease-Activated Receptors, Endocytic Adaptors and Signaling
Authors: Arakaki Aleena K. S. , Pan Wen-An , Trejo JoAnn
Published: June 2018

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large diverse family of cell surface signaling receptors implicated in various types of cancers. Several studies indicate that GPCRs control many aspects of cancer progression including tumor growth, invasion, migration, survival and metastasis. While it is known that GPCR activity can be altered in cancer through aberrant overexpression, gain-of-function activating mutations, and increased production and secretion of agonists, the precise mechanisms of how GPCRs contribute to cancer progression remains elusive. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a unique class of GPCRs implicated in cancer. PARs are a subfamily of GPCRs comprised of four members that are irreversibly activated by proteolytic cleavage induced by various proteases generated in the tumor microenvironment. Given the unusual proteolytic irreversible activation of PARs, expression of receptors at the cell surface is a key feature that influences signaling responses and is exquisitely controlled by endocytic adaptor proteins. Here, we discuss new survey data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Genotype-Tissue Expression projects analysis of expression of all PAR family member expression in human tumor samples as well as the role and function of the endocytic sorting machinery that controls PAR expression and signaling of PARs in normal cells and in cancer.