bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Shear Strength of RC Beams with Multiple Interfaces Formed before Initial Setting Using 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Kim Kyeongjin , Park Sangmin , Kim WooSeok , Jeong Yoseok , Lee Jaeha
Published: November 2017

With the recent development of 3D printing technology, concrete materials are sometimes used in 3D printing. Concrete structures based on 3D printing have been characterized to have the form of multiple layer build-up. Unlike general concrete structures, therefore, the 3D-printed concrete can be regarded as an orthotropic material. The material property of the 3D-printed concrete’s interface between layers is expected to be far different from that of general concrete bodies since there are no aggregate interlocks and weak chemical bonding. Such a difference finally affects the structural performance of concrete structures even though the interfaces are formed before initial setting of the concrete. The current study mainly reviewed the changes in fracture energy (toughness) with respect to various environmental conditions of such interface. Changes in fracture energies of interfaces between concrete layers were measured using low-speed Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) closed loop concrete fracture test. The experimental results indicated reduction in fracture energy as well as tensile strengths. To improve the tensile strength of interfaces, the use of bridging materials is suggested. Since it was assumed that reduction in fracture energy could be a cause of shear strength, to evaluate the reduced structural performance of concrete structure constructed with multiple interfaces by 3D printing technology, the shear strength of RC beam by 3D printing technology was predicted and compared with that of plain RC beam. Based on the fracture energy measured in this study, Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) theory-applied Vector 2 program was employed to predict the degree of reduction in shear strength without considering stirrups. Reduction factors were presented based on the obtained results to predict the reduction in shear strength due to interfaces before initial setting of the concrete.
MWCNT Coated Free-Standing Carbon Fiber Fabric for Enhanced Performance in EMI Shielding with a Higher Absolute EMI SE
Authors: Pothupitiya Gamage Sudesh , Yang Kihun , Braveenth Ramanaskanda , Raagulan Kanthasamy , Kim Hyun , Lee Yun , Yang Cheol-Min , Moon Jai , Chai Kyu
Published: November 2017

A series of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coated carbon fabrics was fabricated using a facile dip coating process, and their performance in electrical conductivity, thermal stability, tensile strength, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and shielding effectiveness (SE) was investigated. A solution of MWCNT oxide and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in water was used in the coating process. MWCNTs were observed to coat the surfaces of carbon fibers and to fill the pores in the carbon fabric. Electrical conductivity of the composites was 16.42 S cm−1. An EMI shielding effectiveness of 37 dB at 2 GHz was achieved with a single layer of C/C composites, whereas the double layers resulted in 68 dB EMI SE at 2.7 GHz. Fabricated composites had a specific SE of 486.54 dB cm3 g−1 and an absolute SE of approximately 35,000 dB cm2 g−1. According to the above results, MWCNT coated C/C composites have the potential to be used in advanced shielding applications such as aerospace and auto mobile electronic devices.
Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Body Wall Lipids from Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Authors: Shikov Alexander , Laakso Into , Pozharitskaya Olga , Seppänen-Laakso Tuulikki , Krishtopina Anna , Makarova Marina , Vuorela Heikki , Makarov Valery
Published: November 2017

The lipids from gonads and polyhydroxynaphthoquinone pigments from body walls of sea urchins are intensively studied. However, little is known about the body wall (BW) lipids. Ethanol extract (55 °C) contained about equal amounts of saturated (SaFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) representing 60% of total fatty acids, with myristic, palmitic and eicosenoic acids as major SaFAs and MUFAs, respectively. Non-methylene-interrupted dienes (13%) were composed of eicosadienoic and docosadienoic acids. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) included two main components, n6 arachidonic and n3 eicosapentaenoic acids, even with equal concentrations (15 μg/mg) and a balanced n6/n3 PUFA ratio (0.86). The UPLC-ELSD analysis showed that a great majority of the lipids (80%) in the ethanolic extract were phosphatidylcholine (60 μg/mg) and phosphatidylethanolamine (40 μg/mg), while the proportion of neutral lipids remained lower than 20%. In addition, alkoxyglycerol derivatives—chimyl, selachyl, and batyl alcohols—were quantified. We have assumed that the mechanism of action of body wall lipids in the present study is via the inhibition of MAPK p38, COX-1, and COX-2. Our findings open the prospective to utilize this lipid fraction as a source for the development of drugs with anti-inflammatory activity.
Alzheimer’s Disease, Brain Injury, and C.N.S. Nanotherapy in Humans: Sonoporation Augmenting Drug Targeting
Authors: D’Arrigo Joseph S.
Published: November 2017

Owing to the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases, multiple cellular types need to be targeted simultaneously in order for a given therapy to demonstrate any major effectiveness. Ultrasound-sensitive coated microbubbles (in a targeted nanoemulsion) are available. Versatile small-molecule drug(s) targeting multiple pathways of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis are known. By incorporating such drug(s) into the targeted lipid-coated microbubble/nanoparticle-derived (LCM/ND) lipid nanoemulsion type, one obtains a multitasking combination therapeutic for translational medicine. This multitasking therapeutic targets cell-surface scavenger receptors (mainly scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI)), making it possible for various Alzheimer’s-related cell types to be simultaneously sought for localized drug treatment in vivo. Besides targeting cell-surface SR-BI, the proposed LCM/ND-nanoemulsion combination therapeutic(s) include a characteristic lipid-coated microbubble (LCM) subpopulation (i.e., a stable LCM suspension); such LCM substantially reduce the acoustic power levels needed for accomplishing temporary noninvasive (transcranial) ultrasound treatment, or sonoporation, if additionally desired for the Alzheimer’s patient.
Thermal Growth Cu1.2Mn1.8O4 Spinel Coatings on Metal Interconnects for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Guo Pingyi , Lai Yongbiao , Shao Yong , Zhang Yu , Wang Yuxin
Published: November 2017

A novel cobalt-free Cu1.2Mn1.8O4 spinel coating is prepared and evaluated for the metal interconnect of solid oxide fuel cell. Mn-35Cu and Co-35Mn alloy coatings are deposited on 430 SS substrate and then in-situ oxidized in air at 750 °C for 100 h. XRD results confirm that Cu1.2Mn1.8O4 spinel with some Mn2O3 is formed, and the average thickness of the coating is 70–80 μm according to cross section image. Spinel oxide coating is compact and has good adherence to the substrate, and very low Cr and Fe contents are detected in the coating. A small area specific resistance of 8.7 mΩ cm2 is achieved at 800 °C for the composited Cu1.2Mn1.8O4 spinel coating, which is much less than that of the composited (Co,Mn)3O4 spinel coating. The research indicates that the Cu1.2Mn1.8O4 coating evolved by the high-energy micro-arc alloying process is a promising coating material for the metallic interconnects.
Metabolic Perturbations in a Bacillus subtilis clpP Mutant during Glucose Starvation
Authors: Schultz Daniel , Schlüter Rabea , Gerth Ulf , Lalk Michael
Published: November 2017

Proteolysis is essential for all living organisms to maintain the protein homeostasis and to adapt to changing environmental conditions. ClpP is the main protease in Bacillus subtilis, and forms complexes with different Clp ATPases. These complexes play crucial roles during heat stress, but also in sporulation or cell morphology. Especially enzymes of cell wall-, amino acid-, and nucleic acid biosynthesis are known substrates of the protease ClpP during glucose starvation. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of a clpP mutation on the metabolism in different growth phases and to search for putative new ClpP substrates. Therefore, B. subtilis 168 cells and an isogenic ∆clpP mutant were cultivated in a chemical defined medium, and the metabolome was analyzed by a combination of 1H-NMR, HPLC-MS, and GC-MS. Additionally, the cell morphology was investigated by electron microscopy. The clpP mutant showed higher levels of most glycolytic metabolites, the intermediates of the citric acid cycle, amino acids, and peptidoglycan precursors when compared to the wild-type. A strong secretion of overflow metabolites could be detected in the exo-metabolome of the clpP mutant. Furthermore, a massive increase was observed for the teichoic acid metabolite CDP-glycerol in combination with a swelling of the cell wall. Our results show a recognizable correlation between the metabolome and the corresponding proteome data of B. subtilis clpP mutant. Moreover, our results suggest an influence of ClpP on Tag proteins that are responsible for teichoic acids biosynthesis.
Advances and Opportunities in Ore Mineralogy
Authors: Cook Nigel , Ciobanu Cristiana , Ehrig Kathy , Slattery Ashley , Verdugo-Ihl Max , Courtney-Davies Liam , Gao Wenyuan
Published: November 2017

The study of ore minerals is rapidly transforming due to an explosion of new micro- and nano-analytical technologies. These advanced microbeam techniques can expose the physical and chemical character of ore minerals at ever-better spatial resolution and analytical precision. The insights that can be obtained from ten of today’s most important, or emerging, techniques and methodologies are reviewed: laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry; focussed ion beam-scanning electron microscopy; high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy; electron back-scatter diffraction; synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping; automated mineral analysis (Quantitative Evaluation of Mineralogy via Scanning Electron Microscopy and Mineral Liberation Analysis); nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry; atom probe tomography; radioisotope geochronology using ore minerals; and, non-traditional stable isotopes. Many of these technical advances cut across conceptual boundaries between mineralogy and geochemistry and require an in-depth knowledge of the material that is being analysed. These technological advances are accompanied by changing approaches to ore mineralogy: the increased focus on trace element distributions; the challenges offered by nanoscale characterisation; and the recognition of the critical petrogenetic information in gangue minerals, and, thus the need to for a holistic approach to the characterization of mineral assemblages. Using original examples, with an emphasis on iron oxide-copper-gold deposits, we show how increased analytical capabilities, particularly imaging and chemical mapping at the nanoscale, offer the potential to resolve outstanding questions in ore mineralogy. Broad regional or deposit-scale genetic models can be validated or refuted by careful analysis at the smallest scales of observation. As the volume of information at different scales of observation expands, the level of complexity that is revealed will increase, in turn generating additional research questions. Topics that are likely to be a focus of breakthrough research over the coming decades include, understanding atomic-scale distributions of metals and the role of nanoparticles, as well how minerals adapt, at the lattice-scale, to changing physicochemical conditions. Most importantly, the complementary use of advanced microbeam techniques allows for information of different types and levels of quantification on the same materials to be correlated.
A Novel Method to Improve the Anticancer Activity of Natural-Based Hydroxyapatite against the Liver Cancer Cell Line HepG2 Using Mesoporous Magnesia as a Micro-Carrier
Authors: Awwad Nasser , Alshahrani Ali , Saleh Kamel , Hamdy Mohamed
Published: November 2017

Micro-carriers are the best known vehicles to transport different kinds of drugs to achieve high impact. In this study, mesoporous magnesium oxide has been harnessed as a micro-carrier to encapsulate the anticancer candidate drug natural-based cubic hydroxyapatite (HAP). HAP@MgO composites with different HAP loading (0–60 wt %), were prepared by a hydrothermal treatment method using triethanol amine as a template. The characterization of the prepared composites were achieved by using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR and SEM. Characterization data confirm the formation of sphere-like structures of MgO containing HAP particles. It was observed that the size of the spheres increased with HAP loading up to 40 wt %, then collapsed. Furthermore, the anticancer property of the prepared composites was evaluated against the HepG2 liver cancer cell line. The HAP@MgO composites exhibited higher activity than neat MgO or HAP. The 20 wt % of HAP was the optimum loading to control cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. Apoptosis was determined by typical apoptotic bodies produced by the cell membrane.
Intrinsic Disorder in Proteins with Pathogenic Repeat Expansions
Authors: Darling April , Uversky Vladimir
Published: November 2017

Intrinsically disordered proteins and proteins with intrinsically disordered regions have been shown to be highly prevalent in disease. Furthermore, disease-causing expansions of the regions containing tandem amino acid repeats often push repetitive proteins towards formation of irreversible aggregates. In fact, in disease-relevant proteins, the increased repeat length often positively correlates with the increased aggregation efficiency and the increased disease severity and penetrance, being negatively correlated with the age of disease onset. The major categories of repeat extensions involved in disease include poly-glutamine and poly-alanine homorepeats, which are often times located in the intrinsically disordered regions, as well as repeats in non-coding regions of genes typically encoding proteins with ordered structures. Repeats in such non-coding regions of genes can be expressed at the mRNA level. Although they can affect the expression levels of encoded proteins, they are not translated as parts of an affected protein and have no effect on its structure. However, in some cases, the repetitive mRNAs can be translated in a non-canonical manner, generating highly repetitive peptides of different length and amino acid composition. The repeat extension-caused aggregation of a repetitive protein may represent a pivotal step for its transformation into a proteotoxic entity that can lead to pathology. The goals of this article are to systematically analyze molecular mechanisms of the proteinopathies caused by the poly-glutamine and poly-alanine homorepeat expansion, as well as by the polypeptides generated as a result of the microsatellite expansions in non-coding gene regions and to examine the related proteins. We also present results of the analysis of the prevalence and functional roles of intrinsic disorder in proteins associated with pathological repeat expansions.
Hydroboration-Oxidation of (±)-(1α,3α,3aβ,6aβ) -1,2,3,3a,4,6a-Hexahydro-1,3-pentalenedimethanol and
Its O-Protected Derivatives: Synthesis of New Compounds Useful for Obtaining (iso)Carbacyclin Analogues and X-ray Analysis of the Products
Authors: Tănase Constantin , Cocu Florea , Căproiu Miron , Drăghici Constantin , Shova Sergiu
Published: November 2017

Hydroboration-oxidation of 2α,4α-dimethanol-1β,5β-bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-6-en dibenzoate (1) gave alcohols 2 (symmetric) and 3 (unsymmetric) in ~60% yield, together with the monobenzoate diol 4a (37%), resulting from the reduction of the closer benzoate by the intermediate alkylborane. The corresponding alkene and dialdehyde gave only the triols 8 and 9 in ~1:1 ratio. By increasing the reaction time and the temperature, the isomerization of alkylboranes favours the un-symmetrical triol 9. The PDC oxidation of the alcohols gave cleanly the corresponding ketones 5 and 6 and the deprotection of the benzoate groups gave the symmetrical ketone 14, and the cyclic hemiketal 15, all in high yields. The ethylene ketals of the symmetrical ketones 11 and 13 were also obtained. The compounds 5, 6, 11, 13, 14 could be used for synthesis of new (iso)carbacyclin analogues. The structure of the compounds was established by NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Neurotoxic Effects of Linalool and β-Pinene on Tribolium castaneum Herbst
Authors: Pajaro-Castro Nerlis , Caballero-Gallardo Karina , Olivero-Verbel Jesus
Published: November 2017

Effective, ethical pest control requires the use of chemicals that are highly specific, safe, and ecofriendly. Linalool and β-pinene occur naturally as major constituents of the essential oils of many plant species distributed throughout the world, and thus meet these requirements. These monoterpenes were tested as repellents against Tribolium castaneum, using the area preference method, after four hours of exposure and the effect transcriptional of genes associated with neurotransmission. Changes in gene expression of acetylcholinesterase (Ace1), GABA-gated anion channel splice variant 3a6a (Rdl), GABA-gated ion channel (Grd), glutamate-gated chloride channel (Glucl), and histamine-gated chloride channel 2 (Hiscl2) were assessed and the interaction with proteins important for the insect using in silico methods was also studied. For linalool and β-pinene, the repellent concentration 50 (RC50) values were 0.11 µL/cm2 and 0.03 µL/cm2, respectively. Both compounds induced overexpression of Hiscl2 gen in adult insects, and β-pinene also promoted the overexpression of Grd and the Ace1 gene. However, β-pinene and linalool had little potential to dock on computer-generated models for GABA-gated ion channel LCCH3, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits alpha1 and alpha2, and putative octopamine/tyramine receptor proteins from T. castaneum as their respective binding affinities were marginal, and therefore the repellent action probably involved mechanisms other than direct interaction with these targets. Results indicated that β-pinene was more potent than linalool in inducing insect repellency, and also had a greater capacity to generate changes in the expression of genes involved in neuronal transmission.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Fluorescent Probes for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Nitrite
Authors: Feng Zhibiao , Li Zeliang , Zhang Xingwei , Shi Yanping , Zhou Nan
Published: November 2017

Nitrites are the upstream precursors of the carcinogenic nitrosamines, which are widely found in the natural environment and many food products. It is important to develop a simple and sensitive sensor for detecting nitrites. In this work, a fluorescence probe based on nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) was developed for the sensitive and selective determination of nitrites. At pH 2, the fluorescence of N-CQDs can be selectively quenched by nitrite due to the fact N-nitroso compounds can be formed in the reaction of amide groups with nitrous acid, which results in fluorescence static quenching. Under optimal conditions, fluorescence intensity quenching upon addition of nitrite gives a satisfactory linear relationship covering the linear range of 0.2–20 μM, and the limit of detection (LOD) is 40 nM. Moreover, this method has been successfully applied to the determination of nitrites in tap water, which indicates its great potential for monitoring of nitrites in environmental samples.
Effects of Different Types of Front-of-Pack Labelling Information on the Healthiness of Food Purchases—A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Neal Bruce , Crino Michelle , Dunford Elizabeth , Gao Annie , Greenland Rohan , Li Nicole , Ngai Judith , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Pettigrew Simone , Sacks Gary , Webster Jacqui , Wu Jason
Published: November 2017

Background: Front-of-pack nutrition labelling may support healthier packaged food purchases. Australia has adopted a novel Health Star Rating (HSR) system, but the legitimacy of this choice is unknown. Objective: To define the effects of different formats of front-of-pack labelling on the healthiness of food purchases and consumer perceptions. Design: Individuals were assigned at random to access one of four different formats of nutrition labelling—HSR, multiple traffic light labels (MTL), daily intake guides (DIG), recommendations/warnings (WARN)—or control (the nutrition information panel, NIP). Participants accessed nutrition information by using a smartphone application to scan the bar-codes of packaged foods, while shopping. The primary outcome was healthiness defined by the mean transformed nutrient profile score of packaged foods that were purchased over four weeks. Results: The 1578 participants, mean age 38 years, 84% female recorded purchases of 148,727 evaluable food items. The mean healthiness of the purchases in the HSR group was non-inferior to MTL, DIG, or WARN (all p < 0.001 at 2% non-inferiority margin). When compared to the NIP control, there was no difference in the mean healthiness of purchases for HSR, MTL, or DIG (all p > 0.07), but WARN resulted in healthier packaged food purchases (mean difference 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 1.72; p = 0.04). HSR was perceived by participants as more useful than DIG, and easier to understand than MTL or DIG (all p < 0.05). Participants also reported the HSR to be easier to understand, and the HSR and MTL to be more useful, than NIP (all p < 0.03). Conclusions: These real-world data align with experimental findings and provide support for the policy choice of HSR. Recommendation/warning labels warrant further exploration, as they may be a stronger driver of healthy food purchases.
Climate Modelling Shows Increased Risk to Eucalyptus sideroxylon on the Eastern Coast of Australia Compared to Eucalyptus albens
Authors: Shabani Farzin , Kumar Lalit , Ahmadi Mohsen
Published: November 2017

Aim: To identify the extent and direction of range shift of Eucalyptus sideroxylon and E. albens in Australia by 2050 through an ensemble forecast of four species distribution models (SDMs). Each was generated using four global climate models (GCMs), under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs). Location: Australia. Methods: We used four SDMs of (i) generalized linear model, (ii) MaxEnt, (iii) random forest, and (iv) boosted regression tree to construct SDMs for species E. sideroxylon and E. albens under four GCMs including (a) MRI-CGCM3, (b) MIROC5, (c) HadGEM2-AO and (d) CCSM4, under two RCPs of 4.5 and 6.0. Here, the true skill statistic (TSS) index was used to assess the accuracy of each SDM. Results: Results showed that E. albens and E. sideroxylon will lose large areas of their current suitable range by 2050 and E. sideroxylon is projected to gain in eastern and southeastern Australia. Some areas were also projected to remain suitable for each species between now and 2050. Our modelling showed that E. sideroxylon will lose suitable habitat on the western side and will not gain any on the eastern side because this region is one the most heavily populated areas in the country, and the populated areas are moving westward. The predicted decrease in E. sideroxylon’s distribution suggests that land managers should monitor its population closely, and evaluate whether it meets criteria for a protected legal status. Main conclusions: Both Eucalyptus sideroxylon and E. albens will be negatively affected by climate change and it is projected that E. sideroxylon will be at greater risk of losing habitat than E. albens.
Developing Composite Indicators for Agricultural Sustainability Assessment: Effect of Normalization and Aggregation Techniques
Authors: Talukder Byomkesh , W. Hipel Keith , W. vanLoon Gary
Published: November 2017

The assessment of the sustainability of agricultural systems is multidimensional in nature and requires holistic measures using indicators with different measurements and units reflecting social, economic, and environmental aspects. To simplify the assessment process, various indicators have different units, and measurements are grouped under broad indicator heads, and normalization and/or transformation processes are carried out in order to aggregate them. In this study, a total of 50 indicators from agricultural sustainability categories of productivity, stability, efficiency, durability, compatibility, and equity are employed to investigate which normalization technique is the most suitable for further mathematical analysis for developing a final composite indicator. To understand the consistency and quality of normalization measurement techniques and compare the benefits and drawbacks of the various selected normalization processes, the indicators of agricultural sustainability are considered. Each of the different techniques for normalization has advantages and drawbacks. This study shows that the proportionate normalization and hybrid aggregation rules of the arithmetic mean and the geometric mean are appropriate for the selected data set, and that this technique has a wider applicability for developing composite indicators for agricultural sustainability assessment.
An Analysis and Implementation of the Hidden Markov Model to Technology Stock Prediction
Authors: Nguyen Nguyet
Published: November 2017

Future stock prices depend on many internal and external factors that are not easy to evaluate. In this paper, we use the Hidden Markov Model, (HMM), to predict a daily stock price of three active trading stocks: Apple, Google, and Facebook, based on their historical data. We first use the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to choose the numbers of states from HMM. We then use the models to predict close prices of these three stocks using both single observation data and multiple observation data. Finally, we use the predictions as signals for trading these stocks. The criteria tests’ results showed that HMM with two states worked the best among two, three and four states for the three stocks. Our results also demonstrate that the HMM outperformed the naïve method in forecasting stock prices. The results also showed that active traders using HMM got a higher return than using the naïve forecast for Facebook and Google stocks. The stock price prediction method has a significant impact on stock trading and derivative hedging.
Moisture Content Measurement of Broadleaf Litters Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Technique
Authors: Kim Ghiseok , Hong Suk-Ju , Lee Ah-Yeong , Lee Ye-Eun , Im Sangjun
Published: November 2017

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was implemented to monitor the moisture content of broadleaf litters. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) models, incorporating optimal wavelength selection techniques, have been proposed to better predict the litter moisture of forest floor. Three broadleaf litters were used to sample the reflection spectra corresponding the different degrees of litter moisture. The maximum normalization preprocessing technique was successfully applied to remove unwanted noise from the reflectance spectra of litters. Four variable selection methods were also employed to extract the optimal subset of measured spectra for establishing the best prediction model. The results showed that the PLSR model with the peak of beta coefficients method was the best predictor among all of the candidate models. The proposed NIRS procedure is thought to be a suitable technique for on-the-spot evaluation of litter moisture.
A New Method for Acquisition of High-Resolution Seabed Topography by Matching Seabed Classification Images
Authors: Zhao Jianhu , Meng Junxia , Zhang Hongmei , Yan Jun
Published: November 2017

The multibeam echo sounders (MBES) can acquire accurate positional but low-resolution seabed terrain and images, whereas side scan sonars (SSS) can only acquire inaccurate positional but high-resolution seabed images. In this study, a new method for superimposing corrected-positional SSS images on multibeam bathymetric terrain is proposed to obtain high-resolution and accurate-positional seabed topography using traditional MBES and SSS. Three steps, including the normalization by the z-score, sediment classification by the k-means++ algorithm, and denoising processing using morphological operations, are processed for both MBES and SSS images to obtain the corresponding sediment images. Next, a segmented matching method is given based on the common sediment distributions and features of MBES and SSS sediment images. The two kinds of sediment images are matched segmentally using the speeded up robust features algorithm and random sample consensus algorithm. Then, the positions of SSS images are corrected segmentally using thin plate splines based on matching points. Finally, the corrected SSS image is superimposed on MBES bathymetric terrain, based on positional relationship. The proposed method was verified through experiments, and high image resolution and high position accuracy seabed topography were obtained. Moreover, the performances of the method are discussed, and some conclusions are drawn according to the experiments and discussions.
A Microwave Microfluidic Sensor Based on a Dual-Mode Resonator for Dual-Sensing Applications
Authors: Jankovic Nikolina , Radonic Vasa
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we propose a novel microwave microfluidic sensor with dual-sensing capability. The sensor is based on a dual-mode resonator that consists of a folded microstrip line loaded with interdigital lines and a stub at the plane of symmetry. Due to the specific configuration, the resonator exhibits two entirely independent resonant modes, which allows simultaneous sensing of two fluids using a resonance shift method. The sensor is designed in a multilayer configuration with the proposed resonator and two separated microfluidic channels—one intertwined with the interdigital lines and the other positioned below the stub. The circuit has been fabricated using low-temperature co-fired ceramics technology and its performance was verified through the measurement of its responses for different fluids in the microfluidic channels. The results confirm the dual-sensing capability with zero mutual influence as well as good overall performance. Besides an excellent potential for dual-sensing applications, the proposed sensor is a good candidate for application in mixing fluids and cell counting.
Robust Vehicle Detection in Aerial Images Based on Cascaded Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zhong Jiandan , Lei Tao , Yao Guangle
Published: November 2017

Vehicle detection in aerial images is an important and challenging task. Traditionally, many target detection models based on sliding-window fashion were developed and achieved acceptable performance, but these models are time-consuming in the detection phase. Recently, with the great success of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in computer vision, many state-of-the-art detectors have been designed based on deep CNNs. However, these CNN-based detectors are inefficient when applied in aerial image data due to the fact that the existing CNN-based models struggle with small-size object detection and precise localization. To improve the detection accuracy without decreasing speed, we propose a CNN-based detection model combining two independent convolutional neural networks, where the first network is applied to generate a set of vehicle-like regions from multi-feature maps of different hierarchies and scales. Because the multi-feature maps combine the advantage of the deep and shallow convolutional layer, the first network performs well on locating the small targets in aerial image data. Then, the generated candidate regions are fed into the second network for feature extraction and decision making. Comprehensive experiments are conducted on the Vehicle Detection in Aerial Imagery (VEDAI) dataset and Munich vehicle dataset. The proposed cascaded detection model yields high performance, not only in detection accuracy but also in detection speed.
Diffusion of Electricity Consumption Practices in Mexico
Authors: Escoto Castillo Ana , Sánchez Peña Landy
Published: November 2017

In recent decades, residential energy consumption has grown in Mexico despite high poverty levels. While inequalities in energy have been documented, less attention has been paid to practices of consumption. Particularly, we sustain that it is necessary to account for changes in associated behaviors, which shape energy use, such as the acquisition of electrical appliances. This paper analyzes if there is evidence of diffusion of energy practices from higher to lower-income households. We hypothesize that more intensive energy practices expand across groups beyond their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Employing a harmonized dataset of thirteen Income and Expenditure Household Surveys, we assess changes in electrical appliances and electricity consumption. Using latent class analysis, we construct energy profiles that identify underlying consumption behaviors from sociodemographic and residential characteristics. We find support for the argument that intensive energy practices expanded from high to lower socioeconomic groups. While this trend reflects improvements in living conditions in Mexico, it also highlights the environmental challenges that increasing consumption poses for sustainable development goals.
Indicators for Responsible Research and Innovation: A Methodological Proposal for Context-Based Weighting
Authors: Monsonís-Payá Irene , García-Melón Mónica , Lozano José-Félix
Published: November 2017

In the last decade, the term Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has rapidly attracted the attention of policy-makers and researchers of Europe, mainly due to its promotion by the European Commission (EC). The concretion of this framework of RRI has been articulated by the EC around six key areas: governance, public engagement, gender equality, science education, open access, and open science and ethics. The indicators to measure these dimensions have been proposed recently. In our opinion the set of indicators available so far has two weaknesses: a lack of context-based indicators and a need for hierarchical ordering. Our aim is to provide tools for policy- and decision-makers that might need to identify the more important indicators in a specific context. In this work, we explored how the multicriteria analysis technique Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) can be used to prioritize indicators for RRI by involving experts in the specific context. The AHP method allowed weighting indicators according to experts in the different areas and producing four different options to select indicators. The method of AHP can be an appropriated instrument to select the most suitable indicators for RRI policies and initiatives.
Measure the Performance with the Market Value Added: Evidence from CSR Companies
Authors: Carini Cristian , Comincioli Nicola , Poddi Laura , Vergalli Sergio
Published: November 2017

An increasing number of firms in OECD countries are obtaining certification as Socially Responsible. Literature is sensitive in testing whether there is a relation between firm performance and Social Responsibility certification. In order to overcome problems related to the multiplicity of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) definitions and certifications, our work implements a CSR index based on the intersection between two of the three main international indices (Domini 400 Social Index, Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and FTSE4Good Index). By using this database in a panel framework, our work shows that among Corporate Performance Measures (CPF), Market Value Added (MVA) is affected by a firm’s social responsible behaviour and certification. The results support the idea that CSR firms have better long-run performance. Thanks to the reputation effect, they achieve higher sales volumes and profits and a reduction in long-run costs: these effects compensate the costs due to the certification.
The Heterologous Expression of the p22 RNA Silencing Suppressor of the Crinivirus Tomato Chlorosis Virus from Tobacco Rattle Virus and Potato Virus X Enhances Disease Severity but Does Not Complement Suppressor-Defective Mutant Viruses
Authors: Landeo-Ríos Yazmín , Navas-Castillo Jesús , Moriones Enrique , Cañizares M.
Published: November 2017

To counteract host antiviral RNA silencing, plant viruses express suppressor proteins that function as pathogenicity enhancers. The genome of the Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) (genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae) encodes an RNA silencing suppressor, the protein p22, that has been described as having one of the longest lasting local suppressor activities when assayed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Since suppression of RNA silencing and the ability to enhance disease severity are closely associated, we analyzed the effect of expressing p22 in heterologous viral contexts. Thus, we studied the effect of the expression of ToCV p22 from viral vectors Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and Potato virus X (PVX), and from attenuated suppressor mutants in N. benthamiana plants. Our results show that although an exacerbation of disease symptoms leading to plant death was observed in the heterologous expression of ToCV p22 from both viruses, only in the case of TRV did increased viral accumulation occur. The heterologous expression of ToCV p22 could not complement suppressor-defective mutant viruses.
The Role of Thiamine and Effects of Deficiency in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Kritikos Georgia , Parr Jacqueline , Verbrugghe Adronie
Published: November 2017

Recent pet food recalls for insufficient dietary thiamine have highlighted the importance of adequate thiamine intake in dogs and cats, as thiamine is an essential dietary nutrient with a critical role in energy metabolism. Prolonged thiamine deficiency leads to clinical signs that can span several organ systems, and deficiency can be fatal if not reversed. In this review, the current knowledge of thiamine metabolism will be summarized. Dietary recommendations for dogs and cats will be discussed, and the risk factors and clinical signs associated with thiamine deficiency will be examined.
Improving service quality of hospital front office using an integrated Kano model and quality function deployment
Authors: Priyono Anjar , Yulita Andina
Published: November 2017

Purpose: The aims of this study are twofold: first, it attempts to investigate service attributes in a hospital front office; and second, to identify strategies to improve those service attributes.Design/methodology/approach: This study used integration of Quality Function Deployment and Kano Model. The research instrument, which takes the SERVQUAL model as its starting point, was developed using a comprehensive set of techniques, including a literature review of relevant topics, interviews and focus group discussions. Using a sample of 140 customers of an international hospital situated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 14 service attributes required by customers were identified. The attributes, which were further categorised into 5 attractive, 4 one-dimensional and 5 ‘must-be’ attributes, were analysed using the Kano Model.Findings: Using the integrated QFD and Kano Model, the service attributes needed for improvement were identified. The results are different from those when the company used either SERVQUAL or QFD alone. This study also reveals that benchmarking with competitor might produce misleading results. The results are different when the analysis combined a comprehensive method of QFD and Kano Model.Practical implications: Service providers will benefit from the findings of this study, as both the service attributes and technical requirements that require improvement as a priority are identified.Originality/value: It is the first time that front office quality of hospital is examined using integrated method of SERVQUAL, QFD and Kano Model. The recommendations proposed from this comprehensive method offer novel solution that has never been found in existing study.
Testing invariance between web and paper students satisfaction surveys: A case study
Authors: Martinez-Gomez Monica , Marin-Garcia Juan A. , Giraldo O'Meara Martha
Published: November 2017

Purpose: This paper studied the measurement invariance (MI) across web-based and paper-based surveys to evidece if both techniques of data collection can be regarded as equivalent.Design/methodology/approach: We develop a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) with Maximum Likelihood Estimation to asses meassurement invariance  of the Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS) adapted to teaching, with data collected from paper and web surveys. Sample from paper surveys was constituted by 294 student of a Spanish public university in the academic years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Internet surveys were administered through an open source survey application called LimeSurvey. We received 241 completed questionnaires.Findings: Results show that metric invariance, covariance invariance, variance of latent factors invariance and measurement errors invariance can be established between two groups. We can conclude that both methods of collecting data can be considered equivalent.Research limitations/implications: This study was done with a particular sample and strict focus questionnaire and we might not generalize the findings. It should be extended in the future to include other universities and graduate students.Originality/value: Results showed that the factor structures remained invariant across the internet-based and paper-based groups, that is to say, both methods of collecting data can be considered equivalent, with the same factor structure, factor loadings, measurement errors of factors and the same reliability. These findings are useful for researchers since they add a new sample in which web and paper questionnaires are equivalent and for teachers to desire to change the teaching methodology at university, encourage students’ participation and teamwork through active methodologies.
Las láminas de las guerras Tenochcas en Tovar y Durán. Variantes y equívocos
Authors: Battcock Clementina , Dávila Montoya Alejandra
Published: November 2017

Existen dos versiones de la guerra entre Tenochtitlan y Azcapotzalco contenidas en tres fuentes de tradición indígena de la segunda mitad del siglo XVI: la Historia de las Indias de Nueva España e Islas de la Tierra Firme de Diego Durán, y las dos derivadas de la Segunda Relación de Juan de Tovar: el Códice Ramírez y el Manuscrito Tovar. Mediante el análisis de las diferencias entre los relatos alfabéticos y pictográficos del episodio que ofrecen tales textos, el presente artículo expone y discute las disparidades y confusiones existentes en los materiales pictográficos que acompañan estas obras.
La fuerza de la ley y el asilo de la costumbre. Un proceso por fraudes y abusos en la Real Casa de Moneda de México
Authors: Castro Gutiérrez Felipe
Published: November 2017

El artículo tiene como asunto una acusación de fraude iniciada en 1729 en contra de los oficiales de la Real Casa de Moneda de México y los mayores comerciantes de plata del virreinato, cuyo desarrollo se prolongó más de diez años y provocó una grave crisis en la mayor ceca del Imperio. Los sucesos permiten conocer situaciones institucionales y procesos industriales que normalmente no son mencionados en la documentación, comprender el papel dominante que habían llegado a tener los mercaderes, así como comentar el sentido del proceso judicial y de las reformas implantadas por la Corona en las relaciones con sus súbditos indianos.
Les emplois du tour kāna… sa-/sawfa yafʿalu en arabe écrit contemporain
Authors: Sartori Manuel
Published: November 2017

Le tour kāna… sa-/sawfa yafʿalu se rencontre fréquemment dans la presse arabe contemporaine et les romans. Les grammaires récentes de cet état de langue semblent osciller entre trois valeurs distinctes : conditionnel présent (« il ferait/he would do »), imparfait périphrastique (« il allait faire/he was going to do ») et conditionnel passé (« il aurait fait/he would have done »). C’est pourtant ces deux dernières interprétations qui semblent le plus souvent retenues avec une lecture contrefactuelle. Cet article se propose de montrer, à partir d’un large corpus de presse arabe contemporaine, mais aussi à partir de réflexions tirées de la linguistique du français, comment le tour arabe kāna… sa-/sawfa yafʿalu, compris en linguistique de l’arabe comme un ultérieur du passé, n’est pas, à l’instar de son homologue français, uniquement passible d’une lecture contrefactuelle. Plus précisément, il s’agira de montrer et de comprendre comment ce tour arabe est en mesure de « dire ce qui ne s’est pas produit », de « dire ce qui s’est irrévocablement produit » et de « dire ce qu’il était possible qu’il se produise, que cela se soit produit, ou non », en insistant notamment sur l’aspect concordantiel d’un tel tour, prouvant que nombre de ses emplois sont en fait des calques depuis les langues européennes.
Indecent Clothing and Violence in the Street
Authors: Younes Khaled
Published: November 2017

This article studies an Arabic papyrus (P.Cam.Michaelides B1342) from third/ninth-century Egypt. The document records an unusual reference to a socially unacceptable deed resulting in a violent street fight between two men. The document is one of the few testimonies to commanding the right and forbidding the wrong (al-amr bi-l-maʿrūf wa-l-nahy ʿan al-munkar) in everyday life.
Architecture patronale dans l’isthme de Suez (1859-1956)
Authors: Piaton Claudine
Published: November 2017

Entre 1859 et 1956, la Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez a construit plus d’un millier de bâtiments dans les trois villes qui jalonnent le canal (Port-Saïd, Ismaïlia et Suez). En s’appuyant sur le fonds d’archives de la Compagnie et sur un inventaire des constructions en grande partie conservées, l’article propose d’analyser ce patrimoine immobilier dans une perspective d’histoire de l’architecture. À partir de l’étude des phases de constitution puis des formes produites et des protagonistes de la construction, il vise à mettre en évidence l’implication de la Compagnie dans l’aménagement des villes, ainsi que ses liens avec les autorités égyptiennes. Si, dans le domaine du foncier, la compagnie financière fut contrainte d’adopter des modes de gestion inédits âprement négociés avec les autorités locales, le domaine de l’architecture releva d’une gestion interne qui rend compte de pratiques plus conventionnelles inspirées par des modèles européens. En important des types d’habitat mis au point pour les cités ouvrières du nord de la France, les maîtres d’œuvres ont peu contribué à faire émerger des formes nouvelles. Paradoxalement, cette transposition quasi littérale de l’architecture patronale européenne imprime aujourd’hui à ce patrimoine égyptien une valeur singulière.
Affairisme dynastique et dandysme au Caire vers 1900
Authors: Mestyan Adam , Volait Mercedes
Published: November 2017

Cette contribution explore, à partir d’un bâtiment construit par l’architecte Antonio Lasciac en 1897-1898 et des domaines fonciers auxquels il est directement connecté, une forme particulière d’urbanisation spéculative menée dans ce qui allait devenir le centre-ville du Caire, par le biais d’une vaste opération de remembrement de terrains constitués en waqf. L’initiative implique deux grandes familles ottomanes vivant entre Le Caire et Istanbul, le khédive Abbas Hilmi II lui-même, et des actionnaires européens. Engagée dans une double perspective d’histoire sociale de l’architecture et d’histoire urbaine, l’étude montre comment l’affairisme dynastique égyptien et le capitalisme européen ont œuvré conjointement à la transformation du Caire aux premiers temps de l’occupation britannique, en s’accommodant du système du waqf, institution centrale du droit musulman, fondée sur le principe de l’inaliénabilité et de la pérennité de biens immobilisés en tout ou partie au profit d’œuvres pies. Les nouveaux styles de vie et formes de dandysme qui ont accompagné la mutation urbaine sont au cœur de l’une des toutes premières fictions de la littérature arabe due à la plume de Muḥammad al-Muwayliḥī. L’opération foncière et immobilière se solde, fortuitement et de fil en aiguille, par l’émergence d’un « Broadway cairote » rue ʿImād al-Dīn.