bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of a payments for ecosystem services scheme to improve the quality of water entering the Sydney catchments
Authors: Webb Ashley A. , Martin Paul V.
Published: December 2015

Although the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) largely controls the quality of water entering the Sydney catchments, it has limited jurisdiction over the majority of activities undertaken on private land, where much of the non-point source pollution originates. The current governance model reflects a traditional ‘command and control’, government-centred philosophy limiting the economic opportunities for landholders. Using six case studies from other jurisdictions we explore the potential for market-based schemes to better enable the SCA to meet its statutory objectives. A contemporary payments for watershed services scheme could better address issues of non-point pollution in more efficient and fairer ways than the present model. Under such a scheme, the SCA would rely more upon negotiated service arrangements pursuing a ‘least cost of supply’ for a defined water quality output, with the costs of these arrangements being reflected in the price of water to consumers. Funds are likely to be applied more strategically to secure water quality outcomes at the least public and private cost while maximizing the value of non-water ecological services from the same lands. These findings are relevant and can be applied to many other drinking water catchments within Australian and other jurisdictions.
A critical review of sensor location methods for contamination detection in water distribution networks
Authors: Rathi Shweta , Gupta Rajesh
Published: December 2015

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are vulnerable to various types of contamination events that may have impacts on human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a growing need to design an effective monitoring system. Due to the cost of both placing and maintaining the sensors, their numbers must be limited. This constraint makes the sensor deployment locations crucial in water monitoring systems. Several methodologies have been suggested in the past two decades by different researchers for placement of sensors in WDNs. These methodologies differ in many ways depending on the number of objectives, solution methodology, concentration level of contaminant considered, type of simulation, and so on. In this paper, various methodologies have been broadly classified based on the number of performance objectives as single and multi-objective sensor location problems. Some of the features of these methodologies are also mentioned to help understand the advantages of a particular method over other methods. A critical review of literature is presented. Some of the issues on which a consensus is being developed amongst researchers are discussed and recommendations are made with a view to suggest future research needs for sensor network design of large WDNs.
Treatment of dairy wastewaters by electrocoagulation using iron electrodesTraitement des eaux résiduaires d'une laiterie par électrocoagulation avec des électrodes de fer
Authors: Aoudjehane Malika , Benatallah Mohamed Elghazali
Published: December 2015

A procedure of electrocoagulation (EC) using iron electrodes has been used for the treatment of the wastewaters produced by the Beni-Tamou dairy in Algeria. The effect of the operating conditions, such as the current intensity, the electrolysis time, the pH of the solution and the electrical conductivity, on the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the total suspended solids (TSS) has been studied. An inter-electrode distance of 1 cm has been maintained constant during the tests. It has been found that an increase in electrolysis time and current density improved the treatment significantly, albeit with a greater consumption of energy as well as an increased electrode consumption. The results of the electrocoagulation treatment under various operating conditions show that the optimal efficiency has been obtained under the following conditions: 60 minutes of electrolysis, a current density of 200 A/m2, a pH 8, an electrical conductivity of 4.72 mS/cm and a consumption energy of 13.57 kWh/m3. Under these conditions, the removal efficiency for the COD and TSS parameters is 93.26 and 99.3%, respectively. The optimal treatment conditions of dairy wastewaters have resulted in final COD and TSS concentrations of 41.5 and 27 mg/L, respectively, values that are conform to industrial liquid effluents discharge norms.
Detection of food limitation in health of white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) 5 years after the closure of a bleached kraft pulp mill
Authors: Arciszewski T. J. , McMaster M. E. , Portt C. B. , Munkittrick K. R.
Published: December 2015

Recovery of fish after implementing better management of effluent or following the closure of pulp mills is not well studied. Results from existing studies suggest the predominant responses observed during the operation of mills would predict a pathway of recovery, but this hypothesis has not been tested at mills with variable effects on fish. Multiple studies done at a mill in northern Ontario showed variable responses in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), including effects on reproductive endpoints. Data from most years failed, however, to meet strict definitions of response patterns used in Environmental Effects Monitoring. After the permanent closure of the mill in 2006, white sucker were collected in 2011 to determine the status of fish. We predicted that no effects would be observed in white sucker after the mill's closure. Five years after the closure of the mill, however, female white sucker showed statistical food limitation. Males showed a similar trend, but fewer statistical differences. These changes, coupled with reduced catch rates, have not been previously observed downstream of this mill. Our results suggest that recovery of fish after the closure of mills may not be clearly associated with effects found during operation. The absence of recovery after closure may more broadly suggest relevance of effects of operational mills.
Membrane fouling remediation in ultrafiltration of latex contaminated wastewater
Authors: Abdelrasoul Amira , Doan Huu , Lohi Ali
Published: December 2015

The current study aimed to remediate membrane fouling by latex effluent by altering membrane surface charge or ionic strength of the effluent. Hydrophilic polysulfone and Ultrafilic flat membranes, with molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of 60,000 and 100,000, respectively, and hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride membrane (PVDF; MWCO 100,000) were used under a constant flow rate and in cross-flow mode for ultrafiltration of latex effluent. The effect of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) on the ionic strength of the effluent and the zeta potential of latex particles was investigated. LAS was also used to improve the anti-fouling properties of the membrane surface. The ionic strength of latex effluent was increased by raising its pH from 7 to 12, resulting in an increase of the zeta potential negativity of the latex particles from −26.61 to −42.66 mV. LAS was found to be an ineffective pretreatment for limiting the fouling propensity of latex effluent using hydrophilic membranes even at high concentration and long treatment times. It was concluded that LAS-treated membrane surface is much more favorable than pH changed feed pretreatment. The total mass of fouling decreased by 44.00 and 29.60%, when PVDF membrane surface was treated with LAS at a concentration of 1 × 10−4 g/L, and latex effluent at pH 11 was used, respectively.
A pilot study into public attitudes and perceptions towards greywater reuse in a low cost housing development in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Bakare B. F. , Mtsweni S. , Rathilal S.
Published: December 2015

The benefits of greywater reuse have been identified to include the protection of water resources, recovery of nutrients for agriculture, savings in fresh water usage, reduction in volumes of wastewater discharged into wastewater treatment works, groundwater recharge and sustainable water resource management. An understanding of public attitude and perceptions towards the reuse of greywater will help to facilitate a positive reaction to the promotion of such concepts. The study involved administering of structured questionnaires to residents within the community through field visits. The questionnaire addressed issues related to attitudes towards the reuse of greywater, perceived advantages related to the reuse of greywater and concerns related to public health issues regarding the reuse of greywater. A total number of 346 questionnaires were administered and respondents were aged from less than 19 to over 60 years. Of the respondents, 55% were female and 45% male. The findings revealed a complex and shifting relationship between attitudes towards and perception of the reuse of greywater. This paper thus presents the findings and assesses certain aspects of greywater reuse.
Residency and Local Connectivity of White Sharks at Liguanea Island: A
Second Aggregation Site in South Australia?
Authors: Robbins RL , Enarson M. , Bradford RW , Robbins WD , Fox AG
Published: December 2015

White sharks show a high degree of residency to specific aggregation sites, to which they return regularly over
multiple years. Australian research has historically focused on single aggregation areas within each of the southern states
where white sharks occur, but other key habitats likely exist and if so, will be important to identify to effectively monitor
and protect threatened white shark populations. This study is the first to describe Liguanea Island as a second white shark
aggregation site within South Australia, with residency periods and return visits recorded by multiple individuals. Eight
sharks were detected at both Liguanea Island and the other known aggregation area in the state, the Neptune Islands, demonstrating
movement between these locations. Sustained residency periods were recorded at both sites, although high periodic
site fidelity was apparent with many individuals showing preference for the location at which they were tagged. Individual
differences in site fidelity and residency patterns were found, although two sub-adult individuals were found to
follow similar movement patterns. The implications of white shark movements, and the suggested identification of a second
aggregation areas in close proximity are discussed.
Research Institute for the Study of Learning Disabilities (Columbia University)
Authors: Brynt N. Dale
Published: December 2015

The Bureau of Education for the Handicapped, through Title VI-G of PL 91–230 has funded five research institutes in learning disabilities. These institutes are to: a) conduct research on the nature and educational treatment of children with specific learning disabilities, b) work directly with client populations, and c) produce a set of responsible educational interventions. The reasearch institutes are located at the following universities: University of Illinois - Chicago, Columbia University - Teachers College, University of Kansas, University of Minnesota, and University of Virginia.

During this first year of funding all institutes are involved in program planning and the refinement of their research missions. Programmatic research efforts will begin in the summer or fall of 1978 and will continue for as long as four years.

The establishment of five major research institutes is a very significant step in the learning disability field. Historically, Title VI-G funds have focused primarily on the demonstration of existing research and practice through Child Service Demonstration Centers. The goal of these model centers over the past five years has been that of providing effective educational services and training, but through these efforts, many conceptual and educational concerns have surfaced. It has become clear that their resolution depends on intensive research efforts. The research institutes are directed to this end.

The following summaries provide an overview of each of the institutes' major goals and focus. The Quarterly will be disseminating information from the institutes in future issues.
Digital LDQ
Authors: Boone Randy , Higgins Kyle , Edyburn Dave
Published: December 2015

The Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) is pleased to announce the creation of an archive that permits online access to digital copies of back issues of the Learning Disability Quarterly (LDQ). Effective immediately, visitors can browse the table of contents of each issue of LDQ (since Fall 1998, Volume 21, Number 4), purchase specific back issues for $5 each, and immediately receive a digital copy of the file delivered via email.

Purchase of an LDQ back issue online is no different than purchasing a print copy of a back issue. The pages viewed in the PDF format on screen are identical to the print-on-paper pages of the hard copy journal. Scholars can be assured that citations taken from the PDF version are accurate in terms of page numbering, and so on. The file may not be distributed or copied for use by others outside the limits of the Fair Use Policy.

The following information will describe how to access the LDQ digital archive and highlight ways we anticipate the profession will utilize this valuable new resource.
Associations between Prior Disability-Focused Training and Disability-Related Attitudes and Perceptions among University Faculty
Authors: Murray Christopher , Lombardi Allison , Wren Carol T. , Keys Christopher
Published: December 2015

This investigation examined the relationship between prior disability-focused training and university faculty members' attitudes towards students with learning disabilities (LD). A survey containing items designed to measure faculty attitudes was sent to all full-time faculty at one university. Analyses of 198 responses indicated that faculty who had received some form of disability-focused training scored higher on factors pertaining to Willingness to Provide Exam Accommodations, Fairness and Sensitivity, General Knowledge About LD, Willingness to Personally Invest in Students with LD, and personal actions, such as Inviting Disclosure and Providing Accommodations, and lower scores on negatively valenced factors than did faculty who had not received prior training. Faculty who had previously attended disability-related workshops and courses reported the most positive attitudes, followed by faculty who had participated in “other” forms of training (i.e., reading books and articles or visiting websites) and faculty who had received no prior training. The total number of types of training experienced and time spent engaged in training was predictive of faculty attitudes as well as faculty-reported satisfaction with prior training. Implications of the findings are discussed.
The Effects of the Explicit Inquiry Routine on the Performance of Students with Learning Disabilities on One-Variable Equations
Authors: Scheuermann Amy M. , Deshler Donald D. , Schumaker Jean B.
Published: December 2015

This study determined the effects of the Explicit Inquiry Routine (EIR), a teaching routine, on the math performance of 14 middle-school students with math learning disabilities. The routine integrates validated mathematical teaching practices from general education (inquiry, dialogue) and special education (intensive, explicit instruction) to engage students in an interactive inquiry process across multiple modes (concrete, representation, and abstract) of illustration and manipulation to develop an understanding of the one-variable equation. A multiple-baseline-across-students design was employed. Both statistical analysis and visual inspection indicated that students' scores increased and were maintained for up to 11 weeks after instruction was terminated. In addition, students transferred their skills to textbook word problems and standardized math achievement measures.
Effects of a Computerized Program on Use of the Test-Taking Strategy by Secondary Students with Disabilities
Authors: Lancaster Paula E. , Schumaker Jean B. , Lancaster Sean J. C. , Deshler Donald D.
Published: December 2015

Students with disabilities must meet many testing demands, given the current emphasis on accountability and state competency testing. The purpose of this project was to develop and field test a computerized program to teach the Test-Taking Strategy (Hughes, Schumaker, Deshler, & Mercer, 1988) to secondary-level students with disabilities. The original instruction for the Test-Taking Strategy, validated by Hughes and Schumaker (1991), was transformed into a computerized format based on input from students, teachers, design experts, and technical consultants. A quasi-experimental design utilizing intact classes of students with learning disabilities at both the junior-high and high-school levels was employed to determine the effects of the program. Results showed the computerized program was effective in teaching students to use the Test-Taking Strategy. Statistical differences were found between the posttests of the two groups related to their knowledge of the Test-Taking Strategy, use of the strategy steps on tests, and ability to think aloud about their use of the strategy in a test-taking situation. No differences were found between gains made by junior- and senior-high students in the experimental groups. Further research is warranted to determine if this medium is effective for teaching students other types of strategies.
Active Learning, Cooperative Active Learning, and Passive Learning Methods in an Accounting Information Systems Course
Authors: Riley Jennifer , Ward Kerry
Published: December 2015

We report the results of a study to examine the effectiveness of active versus passive learning methods in the accounting information systems area. Two groups of students completed an assignment under two active learning conditions (individual and cooperative), while a third group covered the same topic in a passive lecture. Our findings indicate support for active learning, measured through student performance on exam questions and student feedback on a questionnaire. However, compared to passive learners, we find significantly improved exam performance only for students who work individually in an active environment. Students in the cooperative active environment posted exam scores that were not statistically different from passive participants' scores. Students in both individual and cooperative active environments reported positive feedback on satisfaction, perceived learning, and effectiveness of the method. We conclude that active learning enhances student outcomes, particularly for those who work individually.

Data Availability: Data are available upon request.
Effect of Cigarette Smoke on Resin Composite Bond Strength to Enamel and Dentin Using Different Adhesive Systems
Authors: Theobaldo JD , Catelan A , Rodrigues-Filho U , Marchi GM , Lima DANL , Aguiar FHB
Published: December 2015

Objective: To evaluate the microshear bond strength of composite resin restorations in dental blocks with or without exposure to cigarette smoke.

Method: Eighty bovine dental blocks were divided into eight groups (n=10) according to the type of adhesive (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA [SBMP]; Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE [SB]; Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Medical Inc, Okayama, Japan [CSEB]; Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE [SBU]) and exposure to smoke (no exposure; exposure for five days/20 cigarettes per day). The adhesive systems were applied to the tooth structure, and the blocks received a composite restoration made using a matrix of perforated pasta. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey test (α<0.05).

Results: For enamel, there was no difference between the presence or absence of cigarette smoke (p=0.1397); however, there were differences among the adhesive systems (p<0.001). CSEB showed higher values and did not differ from SBU, but both were statistically different from SB. The SBMP showed intermediate values, while SB demonstrated lower values. For dentin, specimens subjected to cigarette smoke presented bond strength values that were lower when compared with those not exposed to smoke (p<0.001). For the groups without exposure to cigarette smoke, CSEB showed higher values, differing from SBMP. SB and SBU showed intermediary values. For the groups with exposure to cigarette smoke, SBU showed values that were higher and statistically different from SB and CSEB, which presented lower values of bond strength. SBMP demonstrated an intermediate value of bond strength.

Conclusion: The exposure of dentin to cigarette smoke influenced the bonding strength of adhesives, but no differences were noted in enamel.
Electrically Active Defects In Solar Cells Based On Amorphous Silicon/Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction After Irradiation By Heavy Xe Ions
Authors: Harmatha Ladislav , Mikolášek Miroslav , Stuchlíková L’ubica , Kósa Arpád , Žiška Milan , Hrubčín Ladislav , Skuratov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2015

The contribution is focused on the diagnostics of structures with a heterojunction between amorphous and crystalline silicon prepared by HIT (Heterojunction with an Intrinsic Thin layer) technology. The samples were irradiated by Xe ions with energy 167 MeV and doses from 5 × 108 cm−2 to 5 × 1010 cm−2. Radiation defects induced in the bulk of Si and at the hydrogenated amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon (a-Si:H/c-Si) interface were identified by Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS). Radiation induced A-centre traps, boron vacancy traps and different types of divacancies with a high value of activation energy were observed. With an increased fluence of heavy ions the nature and density of the radiation induced defects was changed.
Modular Design Of Fast Leading Zeros Counting Circuit
Authors: Milenković Nebojša Z. , Stanković Vladimir V. , Milić Miljana Lj.
Published: December 2015

In modern computing technique, calculation of leading zeros in a data represented as strings of digits is used very often. Those techniques require high speed of the circuit, as well as its fast design. In this paper we propose a design of such a counter, which is applicable to data length of w = 4j bits, for 4 < j ≤ 8. With this solution it is also possible to process longer data, since the suggested technique offers a good modularity. This is very important, considering the current technology scaling trends. In this paper, a delay behavior of the proposed circuit has also been investigated using equations and VHDL simulation based worst-case delay estimation method. The results show a significant improvement of the circuit speed, compared to the known solutions.
Application Of Carbon Nanotubes And Reduced Graphene Oxide Layers For Ohmic Contacts To p–GaN
Authors: Liday Jozef , Vogrinčič Peter , Vretenár Viliam , Kotlár Mário , Marton Marián , Řeháček Vlastimil
Published: December 2015

Due to their properties, carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide are highly promising materials for obtaining low-resistance ohmic contacts to p-GaN with good optical transparency for visible light. In this contribution we designed a combination of these two materials, along with a cap layer, to be used as structures for ohmic contacts to p-GaN. Carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene oxide (GO) layers were deposited by spray coating using an off-the-shelf airbrush on p-GaN layers. The metallic layers of Au/Pd were vapour deposited. The structures for ohmic contacts were prepared in two configurations, namely as Au/Pd/r-GO/CNT/p-GaN and Au/Pd/CNT/r-GO/CNT/p-GaN. The prepared structures provide a low resistivity ohmic contact after subsequent annealing in air ambient at 600 °C for 3 minutes. The contact containing the sandwich CNT/r-GO/CNT interstructure exhibits lower values of contact resistance in comparison with the r-GO/CNT interstructure.
Religious Freedom and Sexual Orientation: Equality Jurisprudence and Intersecting Identities
Authors: Shipley Heather
Published: December 2015

The relationship between freedom of religion and sexual orientation equality rights in Canada (and elsewhere) is frequently seen as one of inherent tension and conflict. In the three decades since the entrenchment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the nature of this relationship has become more publicly visible and more publicly debated, as jurisprudence regarding equality rights and freedom of religion has sought to define itself and as public perceptions about rights claims increasingly become part of the landscape. However, unsurprisingly, the relationship as it is portrayed in legal and public discourses and as it is represented in media coverage, is a very narrow picture of the complexity of both religious identity and sexually diverse identities. In this article, I will summarize the development of jurisprudence in Canada as it connects with cases to do with sexual diversity and religion (in conflict or at the intersections). A small group of vocal opponents to sexual diversity and equality rights for the sexually diverse frequently become generalized as representing “the religious” view regarding sexuality and sexual identity. Subsequently, the public representation of religion is tied to anti-homosexual or anti-feminist attitudes, although the reality is that the religious voices that are represented within these debates and cases are recurring individuals and groups and represent only a portion of the broader traditions to which they belong.
Forced swim test in mice: A common animal model of depression
Authors: Aslam Muhammad
Published: December 2015

The Forced Swim Test (FST) is a rodent behavioral paradigm utilized for assessment of potential antidepressant-like medications. In this model the mice are put in a plexiglas tank. The tank is loaded with water and the behavior of the mice to escape the tank is scored. The behavioral parameter scored in this test is called immobility, resembling a behavioral state of misery, as seen in human depression.

 

VIDEO CLIPS

Pre-experiment:          50 sec

Experiment:               7 min 12 sec
Permutation Entropy for Random Binary Sequences
Authors: Liu Lingfeng , Miao Suoxia , Cheng Mengfan , Gao Xiaojing
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we generalize the permutation entropy (PE) measure to binary sequences, which is based on Shannon’s entropy, and theoretically analyze this measure for random binary sequences. We deduce the theoretical value of PE for random binary sequences, which can be used to measure the randomness of binary sequences. We also reveal the relationship between this PE measure with other randomness measures, such as Shannon’s entropy and Lempel–Ziv complexity. The results show that PE is consistent with these two measures. Furthermore, we use PE as one of the randomness measures to evaluate the randomness of chaotic binary sequences.
Preliminary Numerical Investigations of Entropy Generation in Electric Machines Based on a Canonical Configuration
Authors: Eger Toni , Bol Thomas , Thévenin Dominique , Schroth Rüdiger , Janiga Gábor
Published: December 2015

The present paper analyzes numerically the entropy generation induced by forced convection in a canonical configuration. The configuration itself includes two well known fluid dynamic problems: (1) an external flow (flow around a cylinder, Kármán flow); and (2) an internal flow (flow between two concentric rotating cylinders, Couette flow). In many daily engineering issues (e.g., cooling of electric machines), a combination of these problems occurs and has to be investigated. Using the canonical configuration, the fields of entropy generation are analyzed in this work for a constant wall heat flux but varying two key parameters (Reynolds numbers Re∞ and Re0). The entropy generation due to conduction shows an absolute minimum around Re0 = 10,000. The same minima can be found by a detailed analysis of the temperature profile. Thus, entropy generation seems to be a suitable indicator for optimizing heat exchange processes and delivers a large amount of information concerning fluid and heat transport.
The Influence of Stocking and Stand Composition on Productivity of Boreal Trembling Aspen-White Spruce Stands
Authors: Reyes-Hernández Valentín , Comeau Philip
Published: December 2015

We analyzed productivity, in terms of periodic annual increment (PAI) in volume, of pure and mixed unmanaged naturally regenerated boreal stands mainly comprised of Populus tremuloides Michx. (trembling aspen) and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce) ranging from 25–260 years old, in Alberta, Canada. Measures of density, site occupancy (Reineke’s stand density index-SDI), height, and site quality were evaluated in non-linear regression models aiming to explain the variation in PAI for the separate component species and for the entire stand. Analyses also included examination of the influence of stand composition. Results indicated a positive effect of both density of deciduous trees and of the percentage of deciduous tree stand basal area on trembling aspen volume PAI. White spruce PAI was positively influenced by spruce and aspen basal area, although effects of aspen were small. Height of both aspen and spruce were the most consistent independent variables in the models tested. Maximum PAI was achieved in mixed stands when site occupancy of both species was at its maximum, indicating the ecological combining ability of these two species. Variation in maximum stocking densities (i.e., stockability) has a strong influence on increment in these forests and is a major factor leading to increased productivity of mixed compared to pure stands.
Self-Folding Textiles through Manipulation of Knit Stitch Architecture
Authors: Knittel Chelsea , Nicholas Diana , Street Reva , Schauer Caroline , Dion Genevieve
Published: December 2015

This research presents a preliminary study on finding predictable methods of controlling the self-folding behaviors of weft knit textiles for use in the development of smart textiles and garment devices, such as those with shape memory, auxetic behavior or transformation abilities. In this work, Shima Seiki SDS-One Apex computer-aided knitting technology, Shima Seiki industrial knitting machines, and the study of paper origami tessellation patterns were used as tools to understand and predict the self-folding abilities of weft knit textiles. A wide range of self-folding weft knit structures was produced, and relationships between the angles and ratios of the knit and purl stitch types were determined. Mechanical testing was used as a means to characterize differences produced by stitch patterns, and to further understand the relationships between angles and folding abilities. By defining a formulaic method for predicting the nature of the folds that occur due to stitch architecture patterns, we can better design self-folding fabrics for smart textile applications.
The Spatial-Temporal Characteristics of Air Pollution in China from 2001–2014
Authors: Bao Junzhe , Yang Xiping , Zhao Zhiyuan , Wang Zhenkun , Yu Chuanhua , Li Xudong
Published: December 2015

To provide some useful information about the control of air pollution in China, we studied the spatial-temporal characteristics of air pollution in China from 2001–2014. First, we drew several line charts and histograms of the Air Pollution Index (API) and Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31 capital cities and municipalities to research the distribution across different times and cities; then, we researched the spatial clustering of API and AQI; finally, we examined the shift of the gravity center of API and AQI in different years and months. The API values had a decreasing trend: the high values had a clustering trend in some northern cities, and the low values had a clustering trend in some southern cities. The AQI values were relatively low, from 15:00–17:00 during the day. The gravity center of API had a trend of moving south from 2001–2003, then fluctuated in an unordered pattern and moved north in the winter. The AQI gravity center did not have a regular shift during different months. In conclusion, the government should take action to mitigate air pollution in some typical cities, as well as air pollution during the winter.
Reading Books and Watching Films as a Protective Factor against Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Kasahara-Kiritani Mami , Hadlaczky Gergö , Westerlund Michael , Carli Vladimir , Wasserman Camilla , Apter Alan , Balazs Judit , Bobes Julio , Brunner Romuald , McMahon Elaine , Cosman Doina , Farkas Luca , Haring Christian , Kaess Michael , Kahn Jean-Pierre , Keeley Helen , Nemes Bogdan , Mars Bitenc Urša , Postuvan Vita , Saiz Pilar , Sisask Merike , Värnik Airi , Sarchiapone Marco , Hoven Christina , Wasserman Danuta
Published: December 2015

Reading books and watching films were investigated as protective factors for serious suicidal ideation (SSI) in young people with low perceived social belonging. Cross-sectional and longitudinal (12-month) analyses were performed using data from a representative European sample of 3256 students from the “Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe” study. Low social belonging was associated to SSI. However, reading books and watching films moderated this association, especially for those with lowest levels of belonging. This was true both at baseline and at 12 months of follow-up analyses. These media may act as sources of social support or mental health literacy and thus reduce the suicide risk constituted by low sense of belonging.
Quantification and Application of Potential Epigenetic Markers in Maternal Plasma of Pregnancies with Hypertensive Disorders
Authors: Kim Hyun , Kim Shin , Lim Ji , Kwak Dong , Park So , Ryu Hyun
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate quantitative aberrations of novel fetal-specific epigenetic markers in maternal plasma of pregnancies with hypertensive disorders. We compared the concentrations of DSCR3, RASSF1A, and SRY as cell-free fetal DNA markers in 188 normal pregnancies, 16 pregnancies with early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE), 47 pregnancies with late-onset preeclampsia (LO-PE), and 29 pregnancies with gestational hypertension (GH). The concentrations of all markers were significantly correlated with gestational age (p < 0.001 for all). Strong positive correlations were also observed between DSCR3 and SRY (r = 0.471, p < 0.001), as well as between RASSF1A and SRY (r = 0.326, p = 0.015) and between DSCR3 and RASSF1A (r = 0.673, p < 0.001). The concentrations of DSCR3 and RASSF1A in the EO-PE were significantly higher at 24–32 weeks and onwards (p < 0.05 for both). In the LO-PE, DSCR3 and RASSF1A concentrations were significantly higher only at 33–41 weeks compared with the controls. The concentrations of all markers in the GH group were not significantly different from those in the control group. This study is the first demonstration that DSCR3 is a novel epigenetic marker that can be an alternative to the RASSF1A for the prediction of EO-PE.
Proteins and Their Interacting Partners: An Introduction to Protein–Ligand Binding Site Prediction Methods
Authors: Roche Daniel , Brackenridge Danielle , McGuffin Liam
Published: December 2015

Elucidating the biological and biochemical roles of proteins, and subsequently determining their interacting partners, can be difficult and time consuming using in vitro and/or in vivo methods, and consequently the majority of newly sequenced proteins will have unknown structures and functions. However, in silico methods for predicting protein–ligand binding sites and protein biochemical functions offer an alternative practical solution. The characterisation of protein–ligand binding sites is essential for investigating new functional roles, which can impact the major biological research spheres of health, food, and energy security. In this review we discuss the role in silico methods play in 3D modelling of protein–ligand binding sites, along with their role in predicting biochemical functionality. In addition, we describe in detail some of the key alternative in silico prediction approaches that are available, as well as discussing the Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction (CASP) and the Continuous Automated Model EvaluatiOn (CAMEO) projects, and their impact on developments in the field. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of protein function prediction methods for tackling 21st century problems.
Green Chemistry Approach for Synthesis of Effective Anticancer Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Gurunathan Sangiliyandi , Kim EunSu , Han Jae , Park Jung , Kim Jin-Hoi
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to design and synthesize Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using an environmentally friendly approach and evaluate the in vitro efficacy of PdNPs in human ovarian cancer A2780 cells. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was used to monitor the conversion of Pd(II) ions to Pd(0)NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the crystallinity of the as-synthesized PdNPs and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) further confirmed the role of the leaf extract of Evolvulus alsinoides as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of PdNPs. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the average size of the NPs was 5 nm. After a 24-h exposure to PdNPs, cell viability and light microscopy assays revealed the dose-dependent toxicity of the PdNPs. Furthermore, the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the PdNPs was confirmed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, activation of PdNPs-induced autophagy, impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), enhanced caspase-3 activity, and detection of TUNEL-positive cells. Our study demonstrates a single, simple, dependable and green approach for the synthesis of PdNPs using leaf extracts of Evolvulus alsinoides. Furthermore, the in vitro efficacy of PdNPs in human ovarian cancer cells suggests that it could be an effective therapeutic agent for cancer therapy.
Montelukast Disposition: No Indication of Transporter-Mediated Uptake in OATP2B1 and OATP1B1 Expressing HEK293 Cells
Authors: Brännström Marie , Nordell Pär , Bonn Britta , Davis Andrew , Palmgren Anna-Pia , Hilgendorf Constanze , Rubin Katarina , Grime Ken
Published: December 2015

Clinical studies with montelukast show variability in effect and polymorphic OATP2B1-dependent absorption has previously been implicated as a possible cause. This claim has been challenged with conflicting data and here we used OATP2B1-transfected HEK293 cells to clarify the mechanisms involved. For montelukast, no significant difference in cell uptake between HEK-OATP2B1 and empty vector cell lines was observed at pH 6.5 or pH 7.4, and no concentration-dependent uptake was detected. Montelukast is a carboxylic acid, a relatively potent inhibitor of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1, and has previously been postulated to be actively transported into human hepatocytes. Using OATP1B1-transfected HEK293 cells and primary human hepatocytes in the presence of OATP inhibitors we demonstrate for the first time that active OATP-dependent transport is unlikely to play a significant role in the human disposition of montelukast.
Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Carrageenan and Gelatine Hydrosols and Hydrogels Incorporated with Acidic Electrolyzed Water
Authors: Brychcy Ewa , Malik Magdalena , Drożdżewski Piotr , Król Żaneta , Jarmoluk Andrzej
Published: December 2015

The article focuses on investigation of the effects of usage of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) with different sodium chloride concentration (0.001%, 0.01%, and 0.1%) for the preparation of carrageenan and gelatine hydrosols and hydrogels. To determine physiochemical properties of hydrosols, the pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), available chloride concentration (ACC) and rheological parameters such us gelation and flow temperatures were measured. The samples were also characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT IR) and texture profile analysis (TPA). Additionally, the article contains an analysis of antibacterial activity of carrageenan and gelatine hydrosols incorporated with acidic electrolyzed water, against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The FT IR spectra demonstrated that the structure of gelatine and carrageenan are not significantly affected by electrolyzed NaCl solution components. Furthermore, TPA analysis showed that the use of AEW did not cause undesirable changes in hydrogels layer. The microbiological analysis confirmed inhibition of bacterial growth by hydrosols to about 2.10 log reduction. The results showed that the range of reduction of microorganisms depends on the type AEW used. This might be explained by the fact that the lowest pH and the highest ACC values of hydrosols were obtained for samples with the longest period of exposure to electrolysis (10 min) and the highest amount of NaCl (0.1% w/v). These results suggest that hydrogels and hydrosols incorporated with AEW may be used for food preservation.
Tailoring Hydrogel Viscoelasticity with Physical and Chemical Crosslinking
Authors: Bartnikowski Michal , Wellard R , Woodruff Maria , Klein Travis
Published: December 2015

Biological tissues are viscoelastic, demonstrating a mixture of fluid and solid responses to mechanical strain. Whilst viscoelasticity is critical for native tissue function, it is rarely used as a design criterion in biomaterials science or tissue engineering. We propose that viscoelasticity may be tailored to specific levels through manipulation of the hydrogel type, or more specifically the proportion of physical and chemical crosslinks present in a construct. This theory was assessed by comparing the mechanical properties of various hydrogel blends, comprising elastic, equilibrium, storage and loss moduli, as well as the loss tangent. These properties were also assessed in human articular cartilage explants. It was found that whilst very low in elastic modulus, the physical crosslinks found in gellan gum-only provided the closest approximation of loss tangent levels found in cartilage. Blends of physical and chemical crosslinks (gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) combined with gellan gum) gave highest values for elastic response. However, a greater proportion of gellan gum to GelMA than investigated may be required to achieve native cartilage viscoelasticity in this case. Human articular chondrocytes encapsulated in hydrogels remained viable over one week of culture. Overall, it was shown that viscoelasticity may be tailored similarly to other mechanical properties and may prove a new criterion to be included in the design of biomaterial structures for tissue engineering.
Object-Based Urban Tree Species Classification Using Bi-Temporal WorldView-2 and WorldView-3 Images
Authors: Li Dan , Ke Yinghai , Gong Huili , Li Xiaojuan
Published: December 2015

Urban tree species mapping is an important prerequisite to understanding the value of urban vegetation in ecological services. In this study, we explored the potential of bi-temporal WorldView-2 (WV2, acquired on 14 September 2012) and WorldView-3 images (WV3, acquired on 18 October 2014) for identifying five dominant urban tree species with the object-based Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) methods. Two study areas in Beijing, China, Capital Normal University (CNU) and Beijing Normal University (BNU), representing the typical urban environment, were evaluated. Three classification schemes—classification based solely on WV2; WV3; and bi-temporal WV2 and WV3 images—were examined. Our study showed that the single-date image did not produce satisfying classification results as both producer and user accuracies of tree species were relatively low (44.7%–82.5%), whereas those derived from bi-temporal images were on average 10.7% higher. In addition, the overall accuracy increased substantially (9.7%–20.2% for the CNU area and 4.7%–12% for BNU). A thorough analysis concluded that near-infrared 2, red-edge and green bands are always more important than the other bands to classification, and spectral features always contribute more than textural features. Our results also showed that the scattered distribution of trees and a more complex surrounding environment reduced classification accuracy. Comparisons between SVM and RF classifiers suggested that SVM is more effective for urban tree species classification as it outperforms RF when working with a smaller amount and imbalanced distribution of samples.
Optical Sensors and Methods for Underwater 3D Reconstruction
Authors: Massot-Campos Miquel , Oliver-Codina Gabriel
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a survey on optical sensors and methods for 3D reconstruction in underwater environments. The techniques to obtain range data have been listed and explained, together with the different sensor hardware that makes them possible. The literature has been reviewed, and a classification has been proposed for the existing solutions. New developments, commercial solutions and previous reviews in this topic have also been gathered and considered.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Radial Velocity Generation for Extending Bandwidth of Magnetohydrodynamic Angular Rate Sensor at Low Frequency
Authors: Ji Yue , Li Xingfei , Wu Tengfei , Chen Cheng
Published: December 2015

The magnetohydrodynamics angular rate sensor (MHD ARS) has received much attention for its ultra-low noise in ultra-broad bandwidth and its impact resistance in harsh environments; however, its poor performance at low frequency hinders its work in long time duration. The paper presents a modified MHD ARS combining Coriolis with MHD effect to extend the measurement scope throughout the whole bandwidth, in which an appropriate radial flow velocity should be provided to satisfy simplified model of the modified MHD ARS. A method that can generate radial velocity by an MHD pump in MHD ARS is proposed. A device is designed to study the radial flow velocity generated by the MHD pump. The influence of structure and physical parameters are studied by numerical simulation and experiment of the device. The analytic expression of the velocity generated by the energized current drawn from simulation and experiment are consistent, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the method generating radial velocity. The study can be applied to generate and control radial velocity in modified MHD ARS, which is essential for the two effects combination throughout the whole bandwidth.
Through-Metal-Wall Power Delivery and Data Transmission for Enclosed Sensors: A Review
Authors: Yang Ding-Xin , Hu Zheng , Zhao Hong , Hu Hai-Feng , Sun Yun-Zhe , Hou Bao-Jian
Published: December 2015

The aim of this review was to assess the current viable technologies for wireless power delivery and data transmission through metal barriers. Using such technologies sensors enclosed in hermetical metal containers can be powered and communicate through exterior power sources without penetration of the metal wall for wire feed-throughs. In this review, we first discuss the significant and essential requirements for through-metal-wall power delivery and data transmission and then we: (1) describe three electromagnetic coupling based techniques reported in the literature, which include inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, and magnetic resonance coupling; (2) present a detailed review of wireless ultrasonic through-metal-wall power delivery and/or data transmission methods; (3) compare various ultrasonic through-metal-wall systems in modeling, transducer configuration and communication mode with sensors; (4) summarize the characteristics of electromagnetic-based and ultrasound-based systems, evaluate the challenges and development trends. We conclude that electromagnetic coupling methods are suitable for through thin non-ferromagnetic metal wall power delivery and data transmission at a relatively low data rate; piezoelectric transducer-based ultrasonic systems are particularly advantageous in achieving high power transfer efficiency and high data rates; the combination of more than one single technique may provide a more practical and reliable solution for long term operation.