bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Salicylic Acid and Metabolic Profile after 1-Year Nutritional–Behavioral Intervention in Children with Obesity
Authors: Vizzari Giulia , Sommariva Maria Chiara , Dei Cas Michele , Bertoli Simona , Vizzuso Sara , Radaelli Giovanni , Battezzati Alberto , Paroni Rita , Verduci Elvira
Published: May 2019

Objectives and Study: Salicylic acid (SA), a phenolic compound produced by plants, may play a beneficial role on health. A pilot study showed that children with obesity had lower serum SA than normal-weight children. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a 1-year nutritional–behavioral intervention on serum SA levels and to study a possible association between SA levels and metabolic profile changes in children with obesity. Methods: This was an interventional longitudinal observational uncontrolled cohort study. Forty-nine children with obesity, aged >6 years were evaluated. BMI (body mass index) z-scores were calculated. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipids, insulin, and glucose. The most significant metabolic variables were calculated. Serum SA was measured using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. The 1-year intervention was based on the promotion of a balanced and normocaloric diet, in accordance with the national guidelines for treatment of childhood obesity. Additionally, behavioral education, based on the revised CALO-RE (Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-REfined) taxonomy, was performed. Results: At the end of intervention, children showed an increase in serum SA levels (mean (Standard Deviation, SD) 0.06 (0.02) vs. 0.09 (0.05) µmol/L; p < 0.001), a reduction of BMI z-score (3.14 (0.79) vs. 3.02 (0.82); p < 0.001), TyG index (4.52 (0.20) vs. 4.48 (0.23); p < 0.001), AIP (atherogenic index of plasma) (0.36 (0.21) vs. 0.27 (0.25); p < 0.001), and triglycerides/HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol (2.57 (1.28) vs. 2.18 (1.22); p < 0.001) ratio. No statistically significant change in HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment index) was observed (4.20 (3.29) vs. 4.03 (2.28)). An association between the longitudinal variation of serum SA and HOMA-IR was found (correlation coefficient: −0.338, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Nutritional–behavioral intervention may improve the circulating SA and the metabolic profile in children with obesity. Serum SA could influence mainly glucose metabolism. Further larger studies are needed to evaluate whether a nutritional intervention based on specific advice regarding the quantity and type of fruit and vegetables (FV) consumption could provide benefits in terms of metabolic syndrome.
Biomarkers of Nutrition and Health: New Tools for New Approaches
Authors: Picó Catalina , Serra Francisca , Rodríguez Ana María , Keijer Jaap , Palou Andreu
Published: May 2019

A main challenge in nutritional studies is the valid and reliable assessment of food intake, as well as its effects on the body. Generally, food intake measurement is based on self-reported dietary intake questionnaires, which have inherent limitations. They can be overcome by the use of biomarkers, capable of objectively assessing food consumption without the bias of self-reported dietary assessment. Another major goal is to determine the biological effects of foods and their impact on health. Systems analysis of dynamic responses may help to identify biomarkers indicative of intake and effects on the body at the same time, possibly in relation to individuals’ health/disease states. Such biomarkers could be used to quantify intake and validate intake questionnaires, analyse physiological or pathological responses to certain food components or diets, identify persons with specific dietary deficiency, provide information on inter-individual variations or help to formulate personalized dietary recommendations to achieve optimal health for particular phenotypes, currently referred as “precision nutrition.” In this regard, holistic approaches using global analysis methods (omics approaches), capable of gathering high amounts of data, appear to be very useful to identify new biomarkers and to enhance our understanding of the role of food in health and disease.
26th Annual GP2A Medicinal Chemistry Conference & 32nd Journées Franco-Belges de Pharmacochimie
Authors: Dallemagne Patrick , Rochais Christophe , Marchand Pascal , Besson Thierry
Published: May 2019

As a joint meeting, the 26th Medicinal Chemistry Conference of GP2A and 32nd Journées Franco-Belges de Pharmacochimie took place between 13th and 15th June at Asnelles sur Mer (Normandie, France), providing a unique opportunity for a wide group of European medicinal chemists to engage. Topics included chemical tools for medicinal chemistry, protein-protein interactions, epigenetics, natural product-inspired molecules, computer-aided drug design, and new strategies for the design and development of drugs. Abstracts of invited lectures, proffered young researcher communications, flash communications and posters presented during the meeting are collected in this report.
Ocular Biodistribution Studies Using Molecular Imaging
Authors: Castro-Balado Ana , Mondelo-García Cristina , González-Barcia Miguel , Zarra-Ferro Irene , Otero-Espinar Francisco J , Ruibal-Morell Álvaro , Aguiar Pablo , Fernández-Ferreiro Anxo
Published: May 2019

Classical methodologies used in ocular pharmacokinetics studies have difficulties to obtain information about topical and intraocular distribution and clearance of drugs and formulations. This is associated with multiple factors related to ophthalmic physiology, as well as the complexity and invasiveness intrinsic to the sampling. Molecular imaging is a new diagnostic discipline for in vivo imaging, which is emerging and spreading rapidly. Recent developments in molecular imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allow obtaining reliable pharmacokinetic data, which can be translated into improving the permanence of the ophthalmic drugs in its action site, leading to dosage optimisation. They can be used to study either topical or intraocular administration. With these techniques it is possible to obtain real-time visualisation, localisation, characterisation and quantification of the compounds after their administration, all in a reliable, safe and non-invasive way. None of these novel techniques presents simultaneously high sensitivity and specificity, but it is possible to study biological procedures with the information provided when the techniques are combined. With the results obtained, it is possible to assume that molecular imaging techniques are postulated as a resource with great potential for the research and development of new drugs and ophthalmic delivery systems.
Effect of Dwarfing Gene Ddw1 on Height and Agronomic Traits in Spring Triticale in Greenhouse and Field Experiments in a Non-Black Earth Region of Russia
Authors: Kroupin Pavel , Chernook Anastasiya , Karlov Gennady , Soloviev Alexander , Divashuk Mikhail
Published: May 2019

Triticale is a relatively new crop which still possesses serious drawbacks that can be significantly improved by breeding. The dwarfing genes proved to be very useful in the development of new lodging resistant and productive cultivars of winter triticale. The aim of our research was to assess the effect of the Ddw1 dwarfing gene from rye on the agronomic valuable traits in spring triticale. The Ddw1 effect was studied in the greenhouse experiment in segregating the F2:3 population and in the field of F3:4 and F4:5 families derived from crossing winter triticale ‘Hongor’ (Ddw1Ddw1) and spring triticale ‘Dublet’ (ddw1ddw1). As a result, in all three generations, a strong decrease in plant height was demonstrated that was accompanied by a decrease in grain weight per spike and 1000-grain weight. In field experiments, a decrease in spike length and increase in spike density and delay in flowering and heading were observed. As a result of decrease in culm vegetative weight due to Ddw1, the harvest index measured in F4:5 increased. The spike fertility and number of grains were not affected by Ddw1. The comparison of Ddw1 in rye, winter, and spring triticale, and the possible role of Ddw1 in improving spring triticale are discussed.
Receptor-mediated Uptake of Folic Acid-functionalized Dextran Nanoparticles for Applications in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Butzbach Kathrin , Konhäuser Matthias , Fach Matthias , Bamberger Denise , Breitenbach Benjamin , Epe Bernd , Wich Peter
Published: May 2019

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitizers and light are used to cause photochemically induced cell death. The selectivity and the effectiveness of the phototoxicity in cancer can be increased by a specific uptake of the photosensitizer into tumor cells. A promising target for this goal is the folic acid receptor α (FRα), which is overexpressed on the surface of many tumor cells and mediates an endocytotic uptake. Here, we describe a polysaccharide-based nanoparticle system suitable for targeted uptake and its photochemical and photobiological characterization. The photosensitizer 5, 10, 15, 20-tetraphenyl-21H, 23H-porphyrine (TPP) was encapsulated in spermine- and acetal-modified dextran (SpAcDex) nanoparticles and conjugated with folic acid (FA) on the surface [SpAcDex(TPP)-FA]. The particles are successfully taken up by human HeLa-KB cells, and a light-induced cytotoxicity is observable. An excess of free folate as the competitor for the FRα-mediated uptake inhibits the phototoxicity. In conclusion, folate-modified SpAcDex particles are a promising drug delivery system for a tumor cell targeted photodynamic therapy.
Religion, Education, Security
Authors: Gearon Liam Francis
Published: May 2019

On first glance the politicization and securitization of religion may seem remote from education. A second look reveals widespread international initiatives aimed at the uses of education precisely for political and security purposes, notably in the countering of terrorism, violent extremism and ideologies opposed to liberal democratic values. This editorial presents a critical framing on how scholars from a range of interrelated disciplines analyze the interface of religion, education and security. The purpose of this Special Issue is thus critically to engage scholars across religious studies and theology, politics and international relations, security and intelligence studies, to explore through empirical evidence and reasoned argument the role here for religion in education. The volume aims to make some ground-breaking cross-disciplinary theoretical advances and methodological innovations not simply to further debate but to provide the tools for asking new questions and opening new pathways and frameworks for exploring the critical interface of religion, education and security.
Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Variation in Land Subsidence on the Beijing Plain, China
Authors: Guo Lin , Gong Huili , Zhu Feng , Zhu Lin , Zhang Zhenxin , Zhou Chaofan , Gao Mingliang , Sun Yike
Published: May 2019

Since the 1970s, land subsidence has been rapidly developing on the Beijing Plain, and the systematic study of the evolutionary mechanism of this subsidence is of great significance in the sustainable development of the regional economy. On the basis of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) results, this study employed the Mann–Kendall method for the first time to determine the mutation information of land subsidence on the Beijing Plain from 2004 to 2015. By combining the hydrogeological conditions, “southern water” project, and other data, we attempted to analyse the reasons for land subsidence mutations. First, on the basis of ENVISAT ASAR and RADARSAT-2 data, the land subsidence of the Beijing Plain was determined while using small baseline interferometry (SBAS-InSAR) and Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI). Second, on the basis of the Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, vector data of displacement under different scales were obtained. Through a series of tests, a scale of 960 metres was selected as the research unit and the displacement rate from 2004 to 2015 was obtained. Finally, a trend analysis of land subsidence was carried out on the basis of the Mann–Kendall mutation test. The results showed that single-year mutations were mainly distributed in the middle and lower parts of the Yongding River alluvial fan and the Chaobai River alluvial fan. Among these mutations, the greatest numbers occurred in 2015 and 2005, being 1344 and 915, respectively. The upper and middle alluvial fan of the Chaobai River, the vicinity of the emergency water sources, and the edge of the groundwater funnel have undergone several mutations. Combining hydrogeological data of the study area and the impact of the south-to-north water transfer project, we analysed the causes of these mutations. The experimental results can quantitatively verify the mutation information of land subsidence in conjunction with time series to further elucidate the spatial-temporal variation characteristics of land subsidence in the study area.
On the Methods for Recalibrating Geostationary Longwave Channels Using Polar Orbiting Infrared Sounders
Authors: John Viju O. , Tabata Tasuku , Rüthrich Frank , Roebeling Rob , Hewison Tim , Stöckli Reto , Schulz Jörg
Published: May 2019

This study presents a common recalibration method that has been applied to geostationary imagers’ infrared (IR) and water vapour (WV) channel measurements, referred to as the multi-sensor infrared channel calibration (MSICC) method. The method relies on data of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), and High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/2) on polar orbiting satellites. The geostationary imagers considered here are VISSR/JAMI/IMAGER on JMA’s GMS/MTSAT series and MVIRI/SEVIRI on EUMETSAT’s METEOSAT series. IASI hyperspectral measurements are used to determine spectral band adjustment factors (SBAF) that account for spectral differences between the geostationary and polar orbiting satellite measurements. A new approach to handle the spectral gaps of AIRS measurements using IASI spectra is developed and demonstrated. Our method of recalibration can be directly applied to the lowest level of geostationary measurements available, i.e., digital counts, to obtain recalibrated radiances. These radiances are compared against GSICS-corrected radiances and are validated against SEVIRI radiances, both during overlapping periods. Significant reduction in biases have been observed for both IR and WV channels, 4% and 10%, respectively compared to the operational radiances.
Hyperspectral and Multispectral Image Fusion Using Cluster-Based Multi-Branch BP Neural Networks
Authors: Han Xiaolin , Yu Jing , Luo Jiqiang , Sun Weidong
Published: May 2019

Fusion of the high-spatial-resolution hyperspectral (HHS) image using low-spatial- resolution hyperspectral (LHS) and high-spatial-resolution multispectral (HMS) image is usually formulated as a spatial super-resolution problem of LHS image with the help of an HMS image, and that may result in the loss of detailed structural information. Facing the above problem, the fusion of HMS with LHS image is formulated as a nonlinear spectral mapping from an HMS to HHS image with the help of an LHS image, and a novel cluster-based fusion method using multi-branch BP neural networks (named CF-BPNNs) is proposed, to ensure a more reasonable spectral mapping for each cluster. In the training stage, considering the intrinsic characteristics that the spectra are more similar within each cluster than that between clusters and so do the corresponding spectral mapping, an unsupervised clustering is used to divide the spectra of the down-sampled HMS image (marked as LMS) into several clusters according to spectral correlation. Then, the spectrum-pairs from the clustered LMS image and the corresponding LHS image are used to train multi-branch BP neural networks (BPNNs), to establish the nonlinear spectral mapping for each cluster. In the fusion stage, a supervised clustering is used to group the spectra of HMS image into the clusters determined during the training stage, and the final HHS image is reconstructed from the clustered HMS image using the trained multi-branch BPNNs accordingly. Comparison results with the related state-of-the-art methods demonstrate that our proposed method achieves a better fusion quality both in spatial and spectral domains.
Industry 4.0: A Solution towards Technology Challenges of Sustainable Business Performance
Authors: Haseeb Muhammad , Hussain Hafezali Iqbal , Ślusarczyk Beata , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak
Published: May 2019

Technology adoption is always a difficult task for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) due to lack of resources and other market issues. Many technology challenges adversely affect the sustainable business performance of SMEs. However, the incorporation of Industry 4.0 can overcome various technology issues. The goal of Industry 4.0 is to attain an advanced level of operational effectiveness and productivity, as well as a higher level of automatization. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify the role of Industry 4.0 to promote sustainable business performance in SMEs in Thailand. A survey has been prepared to collect the data from managers of SMEs and analyzed with the help of Partial Least Square. The questionnaire was used to collect the data and questionnaires were distributed by using simple random sampling. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed amongst the managerial staff of SMEs located in Thailand. From these distributed questionnaires, 280 were returned and 270 valid responses were found. Data were analyzed by using Partial Least Square (PLS)-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings reveal that Industry 4.0 is a key to the growth of sustainable business performance among SMEs. Elements of Industry 4.0 such as big data, Internet of Things and smart factory have a positive role in promoting information technology (IT) implementation, which contributes to sustainable business performance. Moreover, organization structure and process strengthen the positive relationship between Industry 4.0 and IT implementation.
A Qualitative-Quantitative Evaluation Model for Systematical Improving the Creativity of Students’ Design Scheme
Authors: Xiong Lei , Teng Cheng-Lein , Li Yu-Qi , Lee Yuan-Zone , Zhu Bo-Wei , Liu Kun
Published: May 2019

For teaching architectural design, if creativity in students’ practice assignments can be effectively evaluated, it will help make certain the ranking of the performance of different design schemes and provide a critical decision basis for the continuous improvement of each scheme. Based on the review of related literature, this study integrates the grounded theory (GT) from the social sciences’ domain and the method of multiple attribute decision making (MADM) from operations research by analyzing their advantages and congruence to create a qualitative–quantitative evaluation model such as the GT-DANP-mV (GT, DEMATEL-based analytic network process [ANP] with modified VIKOR) model. Then, the characteristics and advantages of this evaluation model were examined by applying it to empirical research. Overall, this evaluation model fully utilized the advantages of the analytical techniques of GT and the MADM method to solve the corresponding problems at different stages of the evaluation study, which realizes their complementary advantages. More crucial is that, whether in the related evaluation study or practice assignments, the application of the GT-DANP-mV model could facilitate the formulation of continuous improvement strategies for architectural design schemes based on performance evaluation results under conditions of limited resources.
Interactions Among Factors Influencing Product Innovation and Innovation Behaviour: Market Orientation, Managerial Ties, and Government Support
Authors: Thongsri Natenapang , Chang Alex Kung-Hsiung
Published: May 2019

Ongoing globalization and changing customer needs make it increasingly difficult for firms to survive in the long term. Innovation is considered an important tool for firms in this environment. In particular, a firm’s ability to cultivate innovative behaviour and implement product innovation for sustainability is important. This study explores resources and capabilities to enhance firm innovation behaviour and implementation of sustainable product innovation. The results provide insights on how firms can manage strategies for future sustainable innovations. We used a sample of 645 small- and medium-sized enterprises and presented the conceptual framework according to a resource-based view and relational capital. We specified three independent factors that enhance sustainable innovation and superior performance: market orientation, managerial ties, and government support. We used a questionnaire survey and structural equation modelling to evaluate the conceptual model. We found that interactions between business ties, customers, and competitor orientation can enhance sustainable product innovation, whereas interactions between government support and political relations can enhance the sustainability of innovation behaviour. Moreover, product innovation and innovation behaviour are mediators that can lead to superior firm performance. The results suggest ways entrepreneurs and public policy makers can promote sustainable innovation.
Eating Habits and Sustainable Food Production in the Development of Innovative “Healthy” Snacks
Authors: Ciurzyńska Agnieszka , Cieśluk Piotr , Barwińska Magdalena , Marczak Weronika , Ordyniak Agnieszka , Lenart Andrzej , Janowicz Monika
Published: May 2019

In recent years, science about nutrition and food technology has grown enormously. These advances have provided information about the human body’s need for certain nutrients and the impact of human nutrition on quality of life and health. New technologies enable the production of many new products that meet the expectations of food consumers. To meet the challenges posed by consumers, food producers are developing new food products that are included in the next generation food. Changing nutritional trends force the food industry and technologists to look for innovative products that are not only ready for immediate consumption, but are also unique in terms of nutritional value and contain a minimum number of additives. Existing research trends are intended to develop innovative products, which can be considered a healthy snack that can help in the fight against obesity, especially among children. Such products are freeze-dried fruit or vegetable gels, fruit skins or edible films. The aim of the work is to present a review of the problem of increasing childhood obesity, the place of snacks in the daily diet and the possibility of replacing unhealthy, high-calorie snacks with alternative products with beneficial properties, in which balanced production is used. For example, the use of freeze-drying and the addition of only natural hydrocolloids provides an “clean label” healthy snack that is appreciated by conscious consumers.
The Underground Economy and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions in China
Authors: Zhou Zhimin
Published: May 2019

China aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity by 40–45% compared to its level in 2005 by 2020. The underground economy accounts for a significant proportion of China’s economy, but is not included in official statistics. Therefore, the nexus of CO2 and the underground economy in China is worthy of exploration. To this end, this paper identifies the extent to which the underground economy affects CO2 emissions through the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 1998 to 2016. Many studies have focused on the quantification of the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic development. However, the insights provided by those studies have generally ignored the underground economy. With full consideration of the scale of the underground economy, this research concludes that similar to previous studies, the inversely N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) still holds for the income-CO2 nexus in China. Furthermore, a threshold regression analysis shows that the structural and technological effects are environment-beneficial and drive the EKC downward by their threshold effects. The empirical techniques in this paper can also be applied for similar research on other emerging economies that are confronted with the difficulties of achieving sustainable development.
Climate Change Adaptation and Gender Inequality: Insights from Rural Vietnam
Authors: Ylipaa Josephine , Gabrielsson Sara , Jerneck Anne
Published: May 2019

Vietnam is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, especially from extreme weather events such as storms and floods. Thus, climate change adaptation is crucial, especially for natural resource-dependent farmers. Based on a qualitative research approach using a feminist political ecology lens, this article investigates gendered patterns of rural agrarian livelihoods and climate adaptation in the province of Thái Bình. In doing so, we identify differentiated rights and responsibilities between female and male farmers, leading to unequal opportunities and immobility for females, making them more vulnerable to climate impacts and threatening to reduce their capacity to adapt. This research also shows that demands on farmers to contribute to perpetual increases in agricultural output by the state poses a challenge, since farming livelihoods in Vietnam are increasingly becoming feminised, as a result of urbanisation and devaluation of farming. Past and present national strategies and provincial implementation plans linked to climate change do not consider the burden affecting rural female farmers, instead the focus lies on addressing technical solutions to adaptation. With little attention being paid to an increasingly female workforce, existing gender inequalities may be exacerbated, threatening the future existence of rural livelihoods and the viability of Vietnam’s expansion into global markets.
Assessment of Household Food Security in Fish Farming Communities in Ghana
Authors: Akuffo Akua S. , Quagrainie Kwamena K.
Published: May 2019

The Government of Ghana and international NGOs have been encouraging the adoption of fish farming to alleviate poverty and food insecurity through training workshops, financial contributions and creation of a fisheries ministry. Nevertheless, there is no study on how these efforts have influenced the household’s welfare, particularly their nutritional quality. Based on this, our objective is to identify the ways through which fish farming impacts the household’s nutritional quality. We hypothesize that engaging in fish farming will increase steady income flow and access to fish for the household’s direct consumption. We adopted the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach in a logit framework to achieve this objective and address the endogeneity from the bias of self -selection by creating a statistically similar-looking control group. The results suggest that fish farming households have higher nutritional quality and frequency of food consumed than the non-fish farming households through direct consumption. The probability of adopting fish farming increases with wealth, location, ecological zone and household size but decreases with household income per capita. The average effect of adopting fish farming on household nutritional quality is 15.5 Food Consumption Score points. Policies that encourage women to engage in not only fish processing, but production as well are advised.
LCA of a Consortium-Based MSW Management System to Quantify the Decrease in Environmental Impacts Achieved for Increasing Separate Collection Rates and Other Modifications
Authors: Costa Giulia , Lieto Alessio , Lombardi Francesco
Published: May 2019

In this study, the collection, transport, and treatment phases (including the management of products and processing residues) of six fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the Sinistra Piave Basin (Veneto, Italy), a consortium of 44 municipalities, were analyzed by life-cycle assessment (LCA). Specifically, two different scenarios were assessed for paper and cardboard, glass, multi-material (plastics and metals), food waste, garden waste, and dry residual fraction management, one referring to the year 2015 and the other to 2004. The primary aim was to investigate what consequences the increase in separate collection rates progressively achieved by the consortium (65% in 2004 versus to 80% in 2015) exerted on the management system and its potential environmental impacts. For each scenario, the type of separate collection method employed (door-to-door in 2015, and mixed door-to-door and curbside collection in 2004), the collected amounts, the geographic location of the main sorting/treatment plants, and the type of treatments applied to manage the products and processing residues were considered. The results of the study indicate that, among the variations that occurred in the management system for the two considered years, the increase in separate collection rate achieved was the factor that most affected all of the potential environmental impacts taken into account. In particular, for the 2015 scenario, differently from the 2004 one, all of the categories considered (apart from ecotoxicity) were negative, indicating savings instead of impacts. Treatment was the stage that by far mostly affected potential environmental savings, with regard to paper and cardboard recycling in particular.
Empirical Study on the Boundary Space Form of Residential Blocks Oriented Toward Low-Carbon Travel
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ji Hui , Zhang Songtian , Qian Caiyun , Wei Zixiong
Published: May 2019

As one of the three major carbon sources in cities, urban mobility has posed severe challenges to the social environment. Promoting low-carbon travel for residents is an important measure for building a low-carbon city and mitigating climate change. However, to date, previous research on residents’ low-carbon travel has been more oriented toward urban planning, while quantitative research on the influence of the boundary space form of residential blocks on residents’ travel modes, which takes residential blocks as the research objects at the meso- and micro-level, is relatively rare. Residential blocks in China, which were built in the late 1990s, mostly have a large and gated spatial form. Individual residential blocks are often gated by fences, commercial buildings, and other forms of interfaces, forming an independent residential group. Long and closed boundary forms will have a certain impact on residents’ choice of low-carbon travel modes, such as walking, riding bikes, and so on. Taking Nanjing as an example, this paper explores the essential factors that impact residents’ travel behaviors from the perspective of the boundary space of residential blocks, combining the socio-economic attributes of residents, land use, and transit facilities, and there are four dimensions to the study, including the boundary block scale, types of boundary interface, density and distribution of accesses, and the slow-travel environment, proposing recommended values of the relevant indicators in a targeted manner. This paper selects 21 residential blocks in the main districts in Nanjing, conducting a related survey on the residents’ socio-economic attributes and travel characteristics, boundary space form, land use, and transit facilities. The data obtained from the survey are analyzed by correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis, so as to screen out the key variables of the boundary space forms of the blocks that affect residents’ low-carbon travel. Meanwhile, on the basis of the appropriate share of low-carbon travel, the unary linear regression model is used to propose ideal recommended values of the key variables of the boundary space forms of the residential blocks. For instance, the block boundary density is recommended to be above 34.38 km/km², the permeability coefficient of the block interface should be above 0.43, the commercial interface ratio should be above 18.16 km/km², the density of accesses of the blocks is recommended to be above 246.71 km/km², and the cross-sectional ratio of the slow-travel roads should be above 0.5.
Existence of Solution for Non-Linear Functional Integral Equations of Two Variables in Banach Algebra
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Das Anupam , Hazarika Bipan , Mohiuddine S. A.
Published: May 2019

The aim of this article is to establish the existence of the solution of non-linear functional integral equations x ( l , h ) = U ( l , h , x ( l , h ) ) + F l , h , ∫ 0 l ∫ 0 h P ( l , h , r , u , x ( r , u ) ) d r d u , x ( l , h ) × G l , h , ∫ 0 a ∫ 0 a Q l , h , r , u , x ( r , u ) d r d u , x ( l , h ) of two variables, which is of the form of two operators in the setting of Banach algebra C [ 0 , a ] × [ 0 , a ] , a > 0 . Our methodology relies upon the measure of noncompactness related to the fixed point hypothesis. We have used the measure of noncompactness on C [ 0 , a ] × [ 0 , a ] and a fixed point theorem, which is a generalization of Darbo’s fixed point theorem for the product of operators. We additionally illustrate our outcome with the help of an interesting example.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach for Hybrid Operation of Wind Farms
Authors: Dhiman Harsh S. , Deb Dipankar , Muresan Vlad , Unguresan Mihaela-Ligia
Published: May 2019

Hybrid operation of wind farms has been in the limelight in recent years wherein the stochastic nature of wind causes market operators to choose an optimal strategy to maximize profit. The current work deals with a multi-criteria decision making approach to choose the best possible alternatives for a hybrid wind farm operation. A set of three, non-beneficial criteria, namely wind wakes, wind curtailment, and forced outages, were chosen to evaluate the best alternative. Three methods, (i) Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), (ii) the Technique for Order or Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and (iii) Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS), were applied to identify the best alternative, and the results revealed that for all three methods, borrowing deficit power from a neighboring wind farm is the best alternative. Comparative analyses in terms of the data requirement, the effect of dynamic decision matrices, and rank reversal in wind farm application have also been pioneered.
Exploring Differences in the Rate of Type 2 Diabetes Among American Cities: How Urbanization Continues to Challenge the Traditional Epidemiological View
Authors: Young Barry P.
Published: May 2019

As the world’s largest urban regions continue to expand, a concomitant rise in non-communicable diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes, poses an increasingly ominous challenge to experts in the field of public health. Given that the majority of the world’s population (54%) resides in urban areas, a figure likely to reach two-thirds by 2050, this issue presents serious implications for medical practitioners as well as policymakers seeking to manage long-term healthcare costs while sustaining historic increases in life expectancy. To explore how these trends are continuing to affect the United States, a multiple regression analysis was conducted using data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through their initiative, 500 Cities: Local Data for Better Health. The regression models revealed that larger cities reported significantly higher rates of type 2 diabetes even after controlling for variables that have been perennially linked to disease onset (e.g., levels of obesity, sedentary behavior). Implications are discussed, most notably the argument for moving beyond the ‘food desert’ paradigm when identifying and explaining which characteristics of larger cities place their residents at increased risk. This approach could help reveal opportunities for intervention that may not have garnered sufficient attention in the extant literature.
Porcine Dendritic Cells and Viruses: An Update
Authors: Franzoni Giulia , Graham Simon P. , Dei Giudici Silvia , Oggiano Annalisa
Published: May 2019

Several viral infections of swine are responsible for major economic losses and represent a threat to the swine industry worldwide. New tools are needed to prevent and control endemic, emerging, and re-emerging viral diseases. Dendritic cells (DC) play a central role in linking the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, so knowledge regarding their interaction with pathogens is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying diseases pathogenesis and protection. In the first part of this review, we provide an update on the heterogeneous cell subsets that comprise the porcine DC family. In the second part of this review, we provide an overview of how three viruses, affecting pork production at a global level, African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), modulate DC function.
Capture and Release of Phosphorus by Periphyton in Closed Water Systems Influenced by Illumination and Temperature
Authors: Zhao Yanhui , Chen Xiaofei , Xiong Xiong , Wu Chenxi
Published: May 2019

Periphyton is known to play an important role in the self-purification of aquatic ecosystems. However, little attention has been paid to the understanding of P distribution and its partitioning influenced by the physical parameters when periphyton is separated from the sediment. In this work, the effect of periphyton on the capture and release of phosphorus in closed water systems was studied and the influence of illumination and temperature conditions were investigated. Results showed that phosphorus was transferred from water to periphyton during the experiment at 15 °C, but periphyton turned from a sink to a source of phosphorus in a few days at 25 and 35 °C. Phosphorus capture in periphyton was more enhanced when illuminated at 70 than 20 μmol photons m−2 s−1 at 25 and 35 °C, but not at 15 °C. At the end of the experiment, cyanobacteria became more abundant at 25 and 35 °C and phosphorus fractionation showed that labile-P was predominant in periphyton. The release of the captured phosphorus could be related to the disaggregation of periphyton following the depletion of nutrients. Therefore, periphyton act as a temporary storage of phosphorus following nutrient input in closed water systems and the capture and release of phosphorus is strongly influenced by the environmental conditions.
An Analysis of a Water Use Decoupling Index and Its Spatial Migration Characteristics Based on Extracting Trend Components: A Case Study of the Poyang Lake Basin
Authors: Cai Hao , Mei Yadong , Chen Yueyun
Published: May 2019

Water resources and their utilization perform a critical role in sustainable development. A full comprehension of the decoupling relationship between water consumption and economic development is a prerequisite for sustainable water resource management. This thesis developed a decoupling index analysis model based on Hodrick–Prescott filtering; analyzed the spatial aggregation characteristics of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), water consumption, and the decoupling index by the Global and Local Moran’s Index; and calculated the spatial gravity migration characteristics of GDP, water consumption, and the decoupling index. A case study in the Poyang Lake basin was selected to analyze the relationship between water and the economy. The results indicated that decoupling status was steadier after extracting trend components. The decoupling index exhibited spatial outlier characteristics. The spatial gravity center migration directions of GDP and water consumption were opposite. Furthermore, the Poyang Lake basin was in a weak decoupling status, and its water use pattern was sustainable to a certain extent.
Application of Macrophytes to the Assessment and Classification of Ecological Status above and below the Barrage with Hydroelectric Buildings
Authors: Tomczyk Paweł , Wiatkowski Mirosław , Gruss Łukasz
Published: May 2019

The key goal of the Water Framework Directive is to achieve a good ecological status in water bodies. The ecological status is mainly determined by the biological elements, which are a very good indicator of the changes taking place in water environments. Thus, this article focuses on the analysis of different methods of assessment of the ecological status of water bodies based on macrophytes used in selected countries in the European Union (the Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MMOR)—Poland; the Mean Trophic Rank (MTR)—Ireland; the Trophic Index of Macrophytes (TIM)—Bavaria, Germany; the Bulgarian Reference Index of Macrophytes (RI-BG)—Bulgaria). Three research sections have been selected for research on the river Ślęza: The reference section, the section above the barrage and the section below the barrage. The analysis carried out revealed considerable similarity between the results obtained by all these methods—the differences were at most by one class of ecological status (and the analysis of sums of Wilcoxon’s ranks revealed that there were no differences between the results obtained using different methods, i.e., p = 0.860). With respect to surface waters, investigation of biological elements is important because it allows one to retrace the past and foresee the future based on the past and present trends in the changes occurring in the species diversity and structure of not only macrophytes, but also other groups of organisms. Further action is required that would determine the scope of influence of barrages with hydroelectric buildings on the environment (in the case of the investigated barrage this influence is negative).
Thermal comfort level in Chennai Metropolis under present and future climate scenarios
Authors: Jeganathan Anushiya , Andimuthu Ramachandran , Kandasamy Palanivelu
Published: May 2019

Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to urban inhabitants. Thermal comfort is one of the major issues in cities and it is expected to change in future due to climate change. The change of climate parameters particularly, temperature and relative humidity will affect the thermal comfort environments of people. Discomfort levels are largely preventable and requires prior assessment. In this study, the observed and projected thermal comfort level of Chennai Metropolis are calculated using Thermo-Hygrometric Index (THI) under present and future climate scenarios. The observed climate data of Chennai Metropolis for the period 1951-2010 procured from IMD are used to find the long term changes in observed thermal comfort. Monthly trends of THI are calculated for different periods to understand the thermal comfort behaviour in recent decades. On long term observation, high discomfort level is noticed during May and June months followed by July, August, April and September months. While there is a sharp increase in THI during winter months of recent decades. There is a considerable increase in discomfort level notice in post-monsoon season especially in December and November months. Future THI is calculated using high-resolution future climate scenarios developed using PRECIS. The deviations of THI from baseline to mid-century (2041-2070) and end-century period (2071-2099) are calculated and geospatially mapped using ArcGIS. There would be 2.0°C increase of THI is expected during winter and post monsoon months in mid-century scenario. Changes in future THI warrants the need for better cooling requirements and city planning to adapt with the future trends of external environment. Thus the study urges urban planners to evolve climate smart adaptation strategies to provide the congenial climate for a better living.
Iluminasi, Eksegesis, dan Doa
Authors: Nggadas Deky Hidnas Yan
Published: May 2019

This article is intended to discuss the doctrine of illumination in light of some current debates among scholars. In addition to the critical evaluation of the debate, I would like to contribute to this discussion by providing my own exegetical observation on various biblical texts. I will conclude this article with a brief review of the relationship between illumination and prayer. AbstrakArtikel ini dimaksudkan untuk membahas doktrin iluminasi terutama tentang beberapa perdebatan saat ini di antara para sarjana. Selain evaluasi kritis terhadap debat, saya ingin berkontribusi pada diskusi ini dengan memberikan pengamatan eksegetikal saya sendiri pada berbagai teks alkitabiah. Saya akan menyimpulkan artikel ini dengan tinjauan singkat tentang hubungan antara iluminasi dan doa
Faktor Budaya Organisasi, Kepemimpinan Transformasional dan Kompensasi Berpengaruh Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan (Studi Pada Kantor Telkom Cabang Banjarmasin)
Authors: Anwar Mahfuzil
Published: May 2019

This research propose to examine the effect organization culture, tranformational leadership, and compensation, on employee performance. Ninety eight respondents from PT Telkom Cabang Banjamasin, completed 65 itemsself-reported measures. The data collected survey method and questionares distributed to respondent. The statistic method used was Multiple Regression. As expected, result indicated that tranformational leadership and compensation has a positive effects on employee performance, while organization culture didnt have effect on employee performance, its mean that The Telkom Way 135 which made since 2003 couldnt employee perform, because before it telkom had strong organization culture. Furthermore, results show that tranformational leadership have a stronger effect on employee performance than compensation.
Rasio Keuangan dalam Memprediksi Pertumbuhan Laba Pada Perusahaan Tambang Minyak dan Gas Bumi Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia, Periode 2012-2016
Authors: Yetty Nenik Mey , Assih Prihat , Apriyanto Gaguk
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to examine the influence of independent variabel : Current ratio (X1), Debt to Equity Ratio (X2), Total Asset Turnover (X3), Net Profit Margin (X4) and Return on Equity (X5) the Growth Profit (Y) in the period 2012-2016. The research is using secondary data that obtained from Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI). Sampling technique that used on this research is purposive sampling. The number of samples in this research is about 7 company. Hypothesis testing is done by using multiple linear regression analysis. Result of the research shows that theres positive influence between variabel current ratio, debt to equity ratio, total asset turnover, net profit margin. Return on equity proved no significant effect on against the growth of profit in oil and word gas campany in period 2012-2016.
Outlook Ekonomi Indonesia 2014-2030
Authors: N Wachyudi n
Published: May 2019

Outlook ekonomi Indonesia merupakan frame ekonomi indonesia atau rancangan perekonomian indonesia