bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reception of OAM Radio Waves Using Pseudo-Doppler Interpolation Techniques: A Frequency-Domain Approach
Authors: Klemes Marek
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a practical method of receiving waves having orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the far field of an antenna transmitting multiple OAM modes, each carrying a separate data stream at the same radio frequency (RF). The OAM modes are made to overlap by design of the transmitting antenna structure. They are simultaneously received at a known far-field distance using a minimum of two antennas separated by a short distance tangential to the OAM conical beams’ maxima and endowed with different pseudo-Doppler frequency shifts by a modulating arrangement that dynamically interpolates their phases between the two receiving antennas. Subsequently down-converted harmonics of the pseudo-Doppler shifted spectra are linearly combined by sets of weighting coefficients which effectively separate each OAM mode in the frequency domain, resulting in a higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) than possible using spatial-domain OAM reception techniques. Moreover, no more than two receiving antennas are necessary to separate any number of OAM modes in principle, unlike conventional MIMO (Multi-Input, Multi-Output) which requires at least K antennas to resolve K spatial modes.
High-Gain Extended State Observer Based Adaptive Sliding Mode Path Following Control for An Underactuated Vessel Sailing in Restricted Waters
Authors: Wang Jianqin , Zou Zaojian , Wang Tao
Published: March 2019

This paper studied the path following problem for an underactuated vessel sailing in restricted waters with varying water depths. A novel high-gain extended state observer based adaptive sliding mode path following control scheme was proposed. The high-gain extended state observer based line-of-sight guidance law was designed according to vessel kinematics in the horizontal plane, which achieved accurate guidance in spite of time-varying sideslip angles. In the guidance system, a guidance angle was calculated to serve as a reference input for the yaw tracking control system. The sliding mode yaw tracking control system was designed, which can deal with model uncertainties and external disturbances. Since it is hard to obtain the exact model parameters in advance, an adaptive technique was adopted to estimate the unknown parameters, and an adaptive sliding mode control was designed to make the yaw tracking errors globally and asymptotically converge to zero in spite of unknown model parameters, model uncertainties, and external disturbances. Furthermore, the global uniformly asymptotically stability of the closed-loop system was proven based on the cascade system theory. Lastly, simulation experiments were conducted to validate the analysis results and to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed scheme.
Research on a Rail Defect Location Method Based on a Single Mode Extraction Algorithm
Authors: Xing Bo , Yu Zujun , Xu Xining , Zhu Liqiang , Shi Hongmei
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a rail defect location method based on a single mode extraction algorithm (SMEA) of ultrasonic guided waves. Simulation analysis and verification were conducted. The dispersion curves of a CHN60 rail were obtained using the semi-analytical finite element method, and the modal data of the guided waves were determined. According to the inverse transformation of the excitation response algorithm, modal identification under low-frequency and high-frequency excitation was realized, and the vibration displacements at other positions of a rail were successfully predicted. Furthermore, an SMEA for guided waves is proposed, through which the single extraction results of four modes were successfully obtained when the rail was excited along different excitation directions at a frequency of 200 Hz. In addition, the SMEA was applied to defect location detection, and the single reflection mode waveform of the defect was extracted. Based on the group velocity of the mode and its propagation time, the distance between the defect and the excitation point was measured, and the defect location was predicted as a result. Moreover, the SMEA was applied to locate the railhead defect. The detection mode, the frequency, and the excitation method Were selected through the dispersion curves and modal identification results, and a series of signals of the sampling nodes were obtained using the three-dimensional finite element software ANSYS. The distance between the defect and the excitation point was calculated using the SMEA result. When compared with the structure of the simulated model, the errors obtained were all less than 0.5 m, proving the efficacy of this method in precisely locating rail defects, thus providing an innovated solution for rail defect location.
An Empirical Study on the Impact Path of Urbanization to Carbon Emissions in the China Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Wang Feng , Gao Mengnan , Liu Juan , Qin Yuhui , Wang Ge , Fan Wenna , Ji Luxue
Published: March 2019

Urbanization is an important factor in the growth of carbon emissions, as the city is a dense area of carbon emissions. This paper estimates the carbon emissions at the provincial, municipal, and county spatial scales in the Yangtze River Delta region during 2008–2015. On this basis, this paper makes a comprehensive analysis of the pathway and difference of the urbanization to the carbon emission by using the scale variance decomposition method, the space correlation analysis method, the mediation effect test method, and the space panel data model. The results show that the urbanization of the Yangtze River Delta has a significant positive impact on carbon emissions; The pathway from urbanization to industrial structure has a significant impact on carbon emissions. Although the pathway from industrial structure to urbanization to carbon emissions is insignificant, the industrial structure directly affects carbon emissions. There is a significant path from urbanization to the level of economic development to carbon emissions, but there is no mechanism for the economic development level to adversely affect the level of urbanization and thus affect carbon emissions; the chain action pathway from the urbanization level to the employment level to the economic development level to carbon emissions is not significant. Finally, based on the research conclusions, the corresponding policy recommendations are submitted.
Fast Frequency Sweep Technique Based on Segmentation for the Acceleration of the Electromagnetic Analysis of Microwave Devices
Authors: Martinez Juan A. , Belenguer Angel , Esteban Héctor
Published: March 2019

The characterization of communication devices in a certain frequency band can be accelerated if a fast frequency sweep technique is used instead of a discrete frequency sweep. Existing fast frequency sweep techniques are either complex or specific for a certain electromagnetic solver. In this work, a new fast frequency sweep method is proposed that consists in segmenting the device under analysis into simple building blocks. Each building block is characterized with a generalized (multimode) circuital matrix whose elements present a simple and flat frequency response that is interpolated using natural cubic splines with very few points. In this way, the response of each block along the whole frequency band is obtained efficiently and accurately with as many frequency points as desired. Then, the circuital matrices of all the blocks are cascaded and the circuital matrix of the whole device in obtained. The new fast frequency sweep was successfully applied to the analysis of different types of devices (all metallic rectangular waveguide filter, dielectric loaded rectangular waveguide filter, and substrate integrated waveguide filter). The computational times were reduced to 15% or 19%, depending on the device, when compared with a discrete frequency sweep using the same electromagnetic solver.
A Deep Learning-Based Approach for Multi-Label Emotion Classification in Tweets
Authors: Jabreel Mohammed , Moreno Antonio
Published: March 2019

Currently, people use online social media such as Twitter or Facebook to share their emotions and thoughts. Detecting and analyzing the emotions expressed in social media content benefits many applications in commerce, public health, social welfare, etc. Most previous work on sentiment and emotion analysis has only focused on single-label classification and ignored the co-existence of multiple emotion labels in one instance. This paper describes the development of a novel deep learning-based system that addresses the multiple emotion classification problem in Twitter. We propose a novel method to transform it to a binary classification problem and exploit a deep learning approach to solve the transformed problem. Our system outperforms the state-of-the-art systems, achieving an accuracy score of 0.59 on the challenging SemEval2018 Task 1:E-cmulti-label emotion classification problem.
The Construction of Equivalent Particle Element Models for Conditioned Sandy Pebble
Authors: Cheng Panpan , Zhuang Xiaoying , Zhu Hehua , Li Yuanhai
Published: March 2019

When a shield tunneling machine based on earth pressure balance (EPB) bores through the sandy pebble stratum, the conditioned sandy pebble inside the soil cabin of shield machine is an aggregation of numerous granules with pebble grains as skeleton. It is essential to construct a reasonable particle element model of the conditioned sandy pebble before carrying out discrete element simulation of the soil cabin system. Sandy pebble belongs to a kind of frictional material, the friction behavior of which is highly sensitive to the angularity of the grains. In order to take the shape effect into account, two particle element models—single sphere with rolling resistance and cluster of particles—were attempted in this paper. The undetermined contact parameters in two models were calibrated by virtue of least squares support vector regression machine (LS-SVR). With the purpose of making both the flow behavior and mechanical properties of the modeled soil consistent with reality, the calibration targets the result of laboratory test of slump test and large-scale triaxial test as goals. The presented comparative analysis indicates that the two established particle models both can well describe the strength property and fluidity of the actual soil due to properly calibrated parameters. So, the rolling resistance and cluster models are two effective ways to incorporate the shape effect. Besides, because of the angularity of the nonspherical grains, there exists strong interlocking between clusters. So, in the cluster model, relatively smaller rolling friction coefficient and surface energy are required. It is also concluded that the single sphere model is more computationally efficient than the cluster model.
Episodic Ultradian Events—Ultradian Rhythms
Authors: Goh Grace H. , Maloney Shane K. , Mark Peter J. , Blache Dominique
Published: March 2019

In the fast lane of chronobiology, ultradian events are short-term rhythms that have been observed since the beginning of modern biology and were quantified about a century ago. They are ubiquitous in all biological systems and found in all organisms, from unicellular organisms to mammals, and from single cells to complex biological functions in multicellular animals. Since these events are aperiodic and last for a few minutes to a few hours, they are better classified as episodic ultradian events (EUEs). Their origin is unclear. However, they could have a molecular basis and could be controlled by hormonal inputs—in vertebrates, they originate from the activity of the central nervous system. EUEs are receiving increasing attention but their aperiodic nature requires specific sampling and analytic tools. While longer scale rhythms are adaptations to predictable changes in the environment, in theory, EUEs could contribute to adaptation by preparing organisms and biological functions for unpredictability.
Novel Biobased Polyol Using Corn Oil for Highly Flame-Retardant Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Ramanujam Sneha , Zequine Camila , Bhoyate Sanket , Neria Brooks , Kahol Pawan K. , Gupta Ram K.
Published: March 2019

A novel bio-based polyol was synthesized using corn oil and 2-mercaptoethanol via thiol-ene reaction as an alternative to petroleum-based polyol for the synthesis of polyurethane foams. The polyol was analyzed using wet chemical techniques to obtain hydroxyl number and viscosity. Infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography were used to confirm the structural properties of the foams. Flame-retardant polyurethane foams were prepared by the addition of different concentrations of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) in final foam composition. The effect of DMMP on the thermo-mechanical properties of the polyurethane foams was analyzed. The TGA analysis showed improved stability of the final char with addition of DMMP in the foams. All the foams maintained a well-defined cellular structure and over 95% of closed cell content. The horizontal burning test showed reduced burning time and weight loss from 115 s and 38 wt.% for the neat foams, to 3.5 s and 5.5 wt.% for DMMP-containing foams (1.94 wt.% P). The combustion test using cone calorimeter showed a considerable reduction in heat release rate and total heat release. Thus, our study shows that corn-oil based polyol can be used to produce renewable polyol for industrially producible rigid polyurethane foams. The addition of a small amount of DMMP could result in a significant reduction in the flame-retardant properties of the polyurethane foams.
Heterogeneous Fenton-Like Degradation of p-Nitrophenol over Tailored Carbon-Based Materials
Authors: Soares O. S. G. P. , Rodrigues Carmen S. D. , Madeira Luis M. , Pereira M. F. R.
Published: March 2019

Activated carbon (AC), carbon xerogel (XG), and carbon nanotubes (CNT), with and without N-functionalities, were prepared. Catalysts were obtained after impregnation of these materials with 2 wt.% of iron. The materials were characterized in terms of N2 adsorption at −196 °C, elemental analysis (EA), and the pH at the point of zero charge (pHPZC). The p-nitrophenol (PNP) degradation and mineralization (assessed in terms of total organic carbon–TOC–removal) were evaluated during adsorption, catalytic wet peroxidation (CWPO), and Fenton process. The textural and chemical properties of the carbon-based materials play an important role in such processes, as it was found that the support with the highest surface area -AC- presents the best performance in adsorption, whereas the materials with the highest mesopore surface area -XG or Fe/XG- lead to best removals by oxidation processes (for XG it was achieved 39.7 and 35.0% and for Fe/XG 45.4 and 41.7% for PNP and TOC, respectively). The presence of N-functionalities increases such removals. The materials were reused in consecutive cycles: the carbon-based materials were deactivated by hydrogen peroxide, while the catalysts showed high stability and no Fe leaching. For the support with superior performances -XG-, the effect of nitrogen content was also evaluated. The removals increase with the increase of the nitrogen content, the maximum removals (81% and 65% for PNP and TOC, respectively) being reached when iron supported on a carbon xerogel doped with melamine was used as catalyst.
CLEAs, Combi-CLEAs and ‘Smart’ Magnetic CLEAs: Biocatalysis in a Bio-Based Economy
Authors: Sheldon Roger A.
Published: March 2019

Biocatalysis has emerged in the last decade as a pre-eminent technology for enabling the envisaged transition to a more sustainable bio-based economy. For industrial viability it is essential that enzymes can be readily recovered and recycled by immobilization as solid, recyclable catalysts. One method to achieve this is via carrier-free immobilization as cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs). This methodology proved to be very effective with a broad selection of enzymes, in particular carbohydrate-converting enzymes. Methods for optimizing CLEA preparations by, for example, adding proteic feeders to promote cross-linking, and strategies for making the pores accessible for macromolecular substrates are critically reviewed and compared. Co-immobilization of two or more enzymes in combi-CLEAs enables the cost-effective use of multiple enzymes in biocatalytic cascade processes and the use of “smart” magnetic CLEAs to separate the immobilized enzyme from other solids has raised the CLEA technology to a new level of industrial and environmental relevance. Magnetic-CLEAs of polysaccharide-converting enzymes, for example, are eminently suitable for use in the conversion of first and second generation biomass.
Chaotic Map with No Fixed Points: Entropy, Implementation and Control
Authors: Huynh Van Van , Ouannas Adel , Wang Xiong , Pham Viet-Thanh , Nguyen Xuan Quynh , Alsaadi Fawaz E.
Published: March 2019

A map without equilibrium has been proposed and studied in this paper. The proposed map has no fixed point and exhibits chaos. We have investigated its dynamics and shown its chaotic behavior using tools such as return map, bifurcation diagram and Lyapunov exponents’ diagram. Entropy of this new map has been calculated. Using an open micro-controller platform, the map is implemented, and experimental observation is presented. In addition, two control schemes have been proposed to stabilize and synchronize the chaotic map.
Multi-Pattern Data Mining and Recognition of Primary Electric Appliances from Single Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Data
Authors: Du Shengli , Li Mingchao , Han Shuai , Shi Jonathan , Li Heng
Published: March 2019

The electric power industry is an essential part of the energy industry as it strengthens the monitoring and control management of household electricity for the construction of an economic power system. In this paper, a non-intrusive affinity propagation (AP) clustering algorithm is improved according to the factor graph model and the belief propagation theory. The energy data of non-intrusive monitoring consists of the actual energy consumption data of each electronic appliance. The experimental results show that this improved algorithm identifies the basic and combined class of home appliances. According to the possibility of conversion between different classes, the combination of classes is broken down into different basic classes. This method provides the basis for power management companies to allocate electricity scientifically and rationally.
Installation and Operation of a Solar Cooling and Heating System Incorporated with Air-Source Heat Pumps
Authors: Huang Li , Zheng Rongyue , Piontek Udo
Published: March 2019

A solar cooling and heating system incorporated with two air-source heat pumps was installed in Ningbo City, China and has been operating since 2018. It is composed of 40 evacuated tube modules with a total aperture area of 120 m2, a single-stage and LiBr–water-based absorption chiller with a cooling capacity of 35 kW, a cooling tower, a hot water storage tank, a buffer tank, and two air-source heat pumps, each with a rated cooling capacity of 23.8 kW and heating capacity of 33 kW as the auxiliary system. This paper presents the operational results and performance evaluation of the system during the summer cooling and winter heatingperiod, as well as on a typical summer day in 2018. It was found that the collector field yield and cooling energy yield increased by more than 40% when the solar cooling and heating system is incorporated with heat pumps. The annual average collector efficiency was 44% for cooling and 42% for heating, and the average coefficient of performance (COP) of the absorption chiller ranged between 0.68 and 0.76. The annual average solar fraction reached 56.6% for cooling and 62.5% for heating respectively. The yearly electricity savings accounted for 41.1% of the total electricity consumption for building cooling and heating.
Ageing and Efficiency Aware Battery Dispatch for Arbitrage Markets Using Mixed Integer Linear Programming †
Authors: Hesse Holger C. , Kumtepeli Volkan , Schimpe Michael , Reniers Jorn , Howey David A. , Tripathi Anshuman , Wang Youyi , Jossen Andreas
Published: March 2019

To achieve maximum profit by dispatching a battery storage system in an arbitrage operation, multiple factors must be considered. While revenue from the application is determined by the time variability of the electricity cost, the profit will be lowered by costs resulting from energy efficiency losses, as well as by battery degradation. In this paper, an optimal dispatch strategy is proposed for storage systems trading on energy arbitrage markets. The dispatch is based on a computationally-efficient implementation of a mixed-integer linear programming method, with a cost function that includes variable-energy conversion losses and a cycle-induced battery capacity fade. The parametrisation of these non-linear functions is backed by in-house laboratory tests. A detailed analysis of the proposed methods is given through case studies of different cost-inclusion scenarios, as well as battery investment-cost scenarios. An evaluation with a sample intraday market data set, collected throughout 2017 in Germany, offers a potential monthly revenue of up to 8762 EUR/MWh cap installed capacity, without accounting for the costs attributed to energy losses and battery degradation. While this is slightly above the revenue attainable in a reference application—namely, primary frequency regulation for the same sample month (7716 EUR/MWh cap installed capacity)—the situation changes if costs are considered: The optimisation reveals that losses in battery ageing and efficiency reduce the attainable profit by up to 36% for the most profitable arbitrage use case considered herein. The findings underline the significance of considering both ageing and efficiency in battery system dispatch optimisation.
Constraint-Aware Electricity Consumption Estimation for Prevention of Overload by Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Authors: Ahn Namhyun , Jo So Yeon , Kang Suk-Ju
Published: March 2019

An increase in the number of electrical vehicles has resulted in an increase in the number of electrical vehicle charging stations. As a result, the electricity load consumed by charging stations has become large enough to de-stabilize the electricity supply system. Therefore, real-time monitoring of how much electricity each charging station is consuming has become very much important. However, only limited information such as charging time is available from the operators of electric vehicle charging stations. The actual electricity consumption data is not provided in real time. Conventional methods estimate the accumulated electricity consumption of charging stations using a linear regression curve. However, an estimate of the electricity consumption for each charge is needed. In this paper, we propose an advanced electricity estimation system which predicts the energy consumption for each charge. The proposed method uses a constraint-aware non-linear regression curve, and performs additional data selection processes. The experimental results show that the proposed system achieves about 73% regression accuracy. In addition, the proposed system can display the energy consumption per hour and visualize this information on a map. This makes it possible to monitor the electricity consumption of the charging stations in real-time and by location, which helps to select appropriate locations where new vehicle charging stations need to be installed.
Remote Monitoring of Joints Status on In-Service High-Voltage Overhead Lines
Authors: Olivieri Carlo , de Paulis Francesco , Orlandi Antonio , Giannuzzi Giorgio , Salvati Roberto , Zaottini Roberto , Morandini Carlo , Mocarelli Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

This work presents the feasibility study of an on-line monitoring technique aimed to discover unwanted variations of longitudinal impedance along the line (also named “impedance discontinuities”) and, possibly, incipient faults typically occurring on high voltage power transmission lines, like those generated by oxidated midspan joints or bolted joints usually present on such lines. In this paper, the focus is placed on the application and proper customization of a technique based on the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technique when applied to an in-service high-voltage overhead line. An extensive set of numerical simulations are provided in order to highlight the critical points of this particular application scenario, especially those that concern the modeling of both the TDR signal injection strategy and the required high-voltage coupling devices, and to plan a measurement activity. The modeling and simulation approach followed for the study of either the overhead line or the on-line TDR system is fully detailed, discussing three main strategies. Furthermore, some measurement data that were used to characterize the specific coupling device selected for this application at high frequency—that is, a capacitive voltage transformer (CVT)—are presented and discussed too. This work sets the basic concepts underlying the implementation of an on-line remote monitoring system based on reflectometric principles for in-service lines, showing how much impact is introduced by the high-voltage coupling strategy on the amplitude of the detected reflected voltage waves (also named “voltage echoes”).
Environmental Hazards: A Coverage Response Approach
Authors: Croft Paul J.
Published: March 2019

The rapid rise and implementation of Smart Systems (i.e., multi-functional observation and platform systems that depict settings and/or identify situations or features of interest, often in real-time) has inversely paralleled and readily exposed the reduced capacity of human and societal systems to effectively respond to environmental hazards. This overarching review and essay explores the complex set of interactions found among Smart, Societal, and Environmental Systems. The resulting rise in the poorly performing response solutions to environmental hazards that has occurred despite best practices, detailed forecast information, and the use and application of real-time in situ observational platforms are considered. The application of Smart Systems, relevant architectures, and ever-increasing numbers of applications and tools development by individuals as they interact with Smart Systems offers a means to ameliorate and resolve confounding found among all of the interdependent Systems. The interactions of human systems with environmental hazards further expose society’s complex operational vulnerabilities and gaps in response to such threats. An examination of decision-making, the auto-reactive nature of responses before, during, and after environmental hazards; and the lack of scalability and comparability are presented with regard to the prospects of applying probabilistic methods, cross-scale time and space domains; anticipated impacts, and the need to account for multimodal actions and reactions—including psycho-social contributions. Assimilation of these concepts and principles in Smart System architectures, applications, and tools is essential to ensure future viability and functionalities with regard to environmental hazards and to produce an effective set of societal engagement responses. Achieving the promise of Smart Systems relative to environmental hazards will require an extensive transdisciplinary approach to tie psycho-social behaviors directly with non-human components and systems in order to close actionable gaps in response. Pathways to achieve a more comprehensive understanding are given for consideration by the wide diversity of disciplines necessary to move forward in Smart Systems as tied with the societal response to environmental hazards.
Constructing the Microbial Association Network from Large-Scale Time Series Data Using Granger Causality
Authors: Ai Dongmei , Li Xiaoxin , Liu Gang , Liang Xiaoyi , Xia Li C.
Published: March 2019

The increasing availability of large-scale time series data allows the inference of microbial community dynamics by association network analysis. However, correlation-based association network analyses are noninformative of causal, mediating and time-dependent relationships between microbial community functional factors. To address this insufficiency, we introduced the Granger causality model to the analysis of a recent marine microbial time series dataset. We systematically constructed a directed acyclic network, representing both internal and external causal relationships among the microbial and environmental factors. We further optimized the network by removing false causal associations using the conditional Granger causality. The final network was visualized as a Granger graph, which was analyzed to identify causal relationships driven by key functional operators in the environment, such as Gammaproteobacteria, which was Granger caused by total organic nitrogen and primary production (p < 0.05 and Q < 0.05).
Modeling Water Quality Parameters Using Data-Driven Models, a Case Study Abu-Ziriq Marsh in South of Iraq
Authors: Al-Mukhtar Mustafa , Al-Yaseen Fuaad
Published: March 2019

Total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) are important parameters in determining water quality for drinking and agricultural water, since they are directly associated to the concentration of salt in water and, hence, high values of these parameters cause low water quality indices. In addition, they play a significant role in hydrous life, effective water resources management and health studies. Thus, it is of critical importance to identify the optimum modeling method that would be capable to capture the behavior of these parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of using three different models of artificial intelligence techniques: Adaptive neural based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and Multiple Regression Model (MLR) to predict and estimate TDS and EC in Abu-Ziriq marsh south of Iraq. As so, eighty four monthly TDS and EC values collected from 2009 to 2018 were used in the evaluation. The collected data was randomly split into 75% for training and 25% for testing. The most effective input parameters to model TDS and EC were determined based on cross-correlation test. The three performance criteria: correlation coefficient (CC), root mean square error (RMSE) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) were used to evaluate the performance of the developed models. It was found that nitrate (NO3), calcium (Ca+2), magnesium (Mg+2), total hardness (T.H), sulfate (SO4) and chloride (Cl−1) are the most influential inputs on TDS. While calcium (Ca+2), magnesium (Mg+2), total hardness (T.H), sulfate (SO4) and chloride (Cl−1) are the most effective on EC. The comparison of the results showed that the three models can satisfactorily estimate the total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity, but ANFIS model outperformed the ANN and MLR models in the three performance criteria: RMSE, CC and NSE during the calibration and validation periods in modeling the two water quality parameters. ANFIS is recommended to be used as a predictive model for TDS and EC in the Iraqi marshes.
Factors Associated with Levels of Latrine Completion and Consequent Latrine Use in Northern Ghana
Authors: Nunbogu Abraham Marshall , Harter Miriam , Mosler Hans-Joachim
Published: March 2019

Open defecation is still a major health problem in developing countries. While enormous empirical research exists on latrine coverage, little is known about households’ latrine construction and usage behaviours. Using field observation and survey data collected from 1523 households in 132 communities in northern Ghana after 16 months of implementation of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), this paper assessed the factors associated with latrine completion and latrine use. The survey tool was structured to conform to the Risk, Attitude, Norms, Ability and Self-regulation (RANAS) model. In the analysis, we classified households into three based on their latrine completion level, and conducted descriptive statistics for statistical correlation in level of latrine construction and latrine use behaviour. The findings suggest that open defecation among households reduces as latrine construction approaches completion. Although the study did not find socio-demographic differences of household to be significantly associated with level of latrine completion, we found that social context is a significant determinant of households’ latrine completion decisions. The study therefore emphasises the need for continuous sensitisation and social marketing to ensure latrine completion by households at lower levels of construction, and the sustained use of latrines by households.
The Relationship between Green Organization Identity and Corporate Environmental Performance: The Mediating Role of Sustainability Exploration and Exploitation Innovation
Authors: Xing Xinpeng , Wang Jianhua , Tou Lulu
Published: March 2019

The link between green organizational identity (GOI) and corporate environmental performance (CEP) has been investigated, but existing studies have no consistent conclusion. A significant research gap remains regarding the mediating role of sustainability exploration innovation (SER), sustainability exploitation innovation (SEI), and the moderating role of government environmental regulation (GER). This study explored the relationship between GOI and CEP in a moderated meditation model which includes SER, SEI, and GER. Using structural equation modelling and bootstrap method based on data sets from of 380 Chinese companies, the results show that: (1) GOI promotes SER, thereby enhancing CEP; (2) GOI promotes SEI, thereby enhancing CEP; (3) GER can positively moderate the indirect effect of GOI on CEP via SER; (4) GER negatively moderate the indirect effect of GOI on CEP via SEI. These findings suggest that firms choose different innovative ways between SER and SEI to improve CEP which depends on different levels of GER in China.
Biological, Psychological, Social, and Legal Aspects of Trans Parenthood Based on a Real Case—A Literature Review
Authors: de-Castro-Peraza Maria-Elisa , García-Acosta Jesús Manuel , Delgado-Rodriguez Naira , Sosa-Alvarez Maria Inmaculada , Llabrés-Solé Rosa , Cardona-Llabrés Carla , Lorenzo-Rocha Nieves Doria
Published: March 2019

Trans men are people who, based on their genitals, were assigned the status of female at birth. However, their identity and their way of living gender do not correspond to the socially established norms. In this paper, we discuss the different perspectives in relation to transgender people and their desire for parenthood. This review, and the basis of this paper, is inspired by the case of a trans man who desired gestation with his own genetic material. He began the cycle of assisted reproduction when he was a legally recognized woman, but that attempt ended with a miscarriage. From that assisted reproduction cycle, four embryos remained frozen. After the failed experience of gestation, the person completed his transition. Now legally a man, he attempted to gestate using his reproductive organs. This literature review aimed to identify relevant studies describing the relationship between transgender person and biological parenthood. This study comprehensively addresses important aspects one should know when considering a transgender pregnancy. These factors include biological, psychological, social, and legal issues. After reviewing the state-of-the-art information on trans parenthood, the main conclusion is that ‘the desire to have a child is not a male or female desire but a human desire’.
Information Exchange between GIS and Geospatial ITS Databases Based on a Generic Model
Authors: Jetlund Knut , Onstein Erling , Huang Lizhen
Published: March 2019

This study aims to improve interoperability between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial databases for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). Road authorities maintain authoritative information for legal and safe navigation in GIS databases. This information needs to be shared with ITS databases for route planning and navigation, and for use in combination with local knowledge from vehicle sensors. Current solutions for modelling and exchanging geospatial information in the domains of GIS and ITS have been studied and evaluated. Limitations have been pointed out related to usability in the GIS domain and flexibility for representing an evolving real world. A prototype for an improved information exchange model has been developed, based on ISO/TC 211 standards, Model Driven Architecture (MDA), and concepts from the studied solutions. The prototype contains generic models for feature catalogues and features, with implementation schemas in the Geography Markup Language (GML). Results from a case study indicated that the models could be implemented with feature catalogues from the ITS standard ISO 14825 Geographic Data Files (GDF) and the INSPIRE Transport Networks specification. The prototype can be a candidate solution for improved information exchange from GIS databases to ITS databases that are based on the Navigation Data Standard.
Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics of the Hydrogen Abstraction Reactions of C4–C6 Alkenes with Hydroxyl Radical: A Theoretical Exploration
Authors: Wang Quan-De , Sun Mao-Mao , Liang Jin-Hu
Published: March 2019

The reaction of alkenes with hydroxyl (OH) radical is of great importance to atmospheric and combustion chemistry. This work used a combined ab initio/transition state theory (TST) method to study the reaction mechanisms and kinetics for hydrogen abstraction reactions by OH radical on C4–C6 alkenes. The elementary abstraction reactions involved were divided into 10 reaction classes depending upon the type of carbon atoms in the reaction center. Geometry optimization was performed by using DFT M06-2X functional with the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set. The energies were computed at the high-level CCSD(T)/CBS level of theory. Linear correlation for the computed reaction barriers and enthalpies between M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) and CCSD(T)/CBS methods were found. It was shown that the C=C double bond in long alkenes not only affected the related allylic reaction site, but also exhibited a large influence on the reaction sites nearby the allylic site due to steric effects. TST in conjunction with tunneling effects were employed to determine high-pressure limit rate constants of these abstraction reactions and the computed overall rate constants were compared with the available literature data.
Interactions between WUSCHEL- and CYC2-like Transcription Factors in Regulating the Development of Reproductive Organs in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Yang Yi , Sun Ming , Yuan Cunquan , Han Yu , Zheng Tangchun , Cheng Tangren , Wang Jia , Zhang Qixiang
Published: March 2019

Chrysanthemum morifolium is a gynomonoecious plant that bears both female zygomorphic ray florets and bisexual actinomorphic disc florets in the inflorescence. This sexual system is quite prevalent in Asteraceae, but poorly understood. CYCLOIDEA (CYC) 2 subclade transcription factors, key regulators of flower symmetry and floret identity in Asteraceae, have also been speculated to function in reproductive organs and could be an entry point for studying gynomonoecy. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. On the other hand, the Arabidopsis WUSCHEL (WUS) transcription factor has been proven to play a vital role in the development of reproductive organs. Here, a WUS homologue (CmWUS) in C. morifolium was isolated and characterized. Overexpression of CmWUS in A. thaliana led to shorter siliques and fewer stamens, which was similar to CYC2-like genes reported before. In addition, both CmWUS and CmCYC2 were highly expressed in flower buds during floral organ differentiation and in the reproductive organs at later development stages, indicating their involvement in the development of reproductive organs. Moreover, CmWUS could directly interact with CmCYC2d. Thus, our data suggest a collaboration between CmWUS and CmCYC2 in the regulation of reproductive organ development in chrysanthemum and will contribute to a further understanding of the gynomonoecious sexual system in Asteraceae.
Quo Vadis Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy?
Authors: Selenko Philipp
Published: March 2019

In-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy offers the possibility to study proteins and other biomolecules at atomic resolution directly in cells. As such, it provides compelling means to complement existing tools in cellular structural biology. Given the dominance of electron microscopy (EM)-based methods in current structure determination routines, I share my personal view about the role of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy in the aftermath of the revolution in resolution. Specifically, I focus on spin-off applications that in-cell NMR has helped to develop and how they may provide broader and more generally applicable routes for future NMR investigations. I discuss the use of ‘static’ and time-resolved solution NMR spectroscopy to detect post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) and to investigate structural consequences that occur in their response. I argue that available examples vindicate the need for collective and systematic efforts to determine post-translationally modified protein structures in the future. Furthermore, I explain my reasoning behind a Quinary Structure Assessment (QSA) initiative to interrogate cellular effects on protein dynamics and transient interactions present in physiological environments.
Human Heart Explant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Characterization and Effects on the In Vitro Recellularization of Decellularized Heart Valves
Authors: Leitolis Amanda , Suss Paula Hansen , Roderjan João Gabriel , Angulski Addeli Bez Batti , da Costa Francisco Diniz Affonso , Stimamiglio Marco Augusto , Correa Alejandro
Published: March 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles released from different cell types and represent key components of paracrine secretion. Accumulating evidence supports the beneficial effects of EVs for tissue regeneration. In this study, discarded human heart tissues were used to isolate human heart-derived extracellular vesicles (hH-EVs). We used nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to physically characterize hH-EVs and mass spectrometry (MS) to profile the protein content in these particles. The MS analysis identified a total of 1248 proteins. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis in hH-EVs revealed the proteins involved in processes, such as the regulation of cell death and response to wounding. The potential of hH-EVs to induce proliferation, adhesion, angiogenesis and wound healing was investigated in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that hH-EVs have the potential to induce proliferation and angiogenesis in endothelial cells, improve wound healing and reduce mesenchymal stem-cell adhesion. Last, we showed that hH-EVs were able to significantly promote mesenchymal stem-cell recellularization of decellularized porcine heart valve leaflets. Altogether our data confirmed that hH-EVs modulate cellular processes, shedding light on the potential of these particles for tissue regeneration and for scaffold recellularization.
Adenosine Induces EBV Lytic Reactivation through ADORA1 in EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Choi Su Jin , Ryu Eunhyun , Lee Seulki , Huh Sora , Shin Yu Su , Kang Byung Woog , Kim Jong Gwang , Cho Hyosun , Kang Hyojeung
Published: March 2019

Cordyceps species are known to contain numerous bioactive compounds, including cordycepin. Extracts of Cordyceps militaris (CME) are used in diverse medicinal purposes because of their bioactive components. Cordycepin, one of the active components of CME, exhibits anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordycepin structurally differs from adenosine in that its ribose lacks an oxygen atom at the 3′ position. We previously reported that cordycepin suppresses Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) gene expression and lytic replication in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). However, other studies reported that cordycepin induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation. Thus, it was reasonable to clarify the bioactive effects of CME bioactive compounds on the EBV life cycle. We first confirmed that CME preferentially induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation; second, we determined that adenosine in CME induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation; third, we discovered that the adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1) is required for adenosine to initiate signaling for upregulating BZLF1, which encodes for a key EBV regulator (Zta) of the EBV lytic cycle; finally, we showed that BZLF1 upregulation by adenosine leads to delayed tumor development in the EBVaGC xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that adenosine is an EBV lytic cycle inducer that inhibits EBVaGC development.
Uncovering the Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Curcumin on Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Authors: Ferreira Nelson , Saraiva Maria João , Almeida Maria Rosário
Published: March 2019

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses (ATTR amyloidosis) are diseases associated with transthyretin (TTR) misfolding, aggregation and extracellular deposition in tissues as amyloid. Clinical manifestations of the disease are variable and include mainly polyneuropathy and/or cardiomyopathy. The reasons why TTR forms aggregates and amyloid are related with amino acid substitutions in the protein due to mutations, or with environmental alterations associated with aging, that make the protein more unstable and prone to aggregation. According to this model, several therapeutic approaches have been proposed for the diseases that range from stabilization of TTR, using chemical chaperones, to clearance of the aggregated protein deposited in tissues in the form of oligomers or small aggregates, by the action of disruptors or by activation of the immune system. Interestingly, different studies revealed that curcumin presents anti-amyloid properties, targeting multiple steps in the ATTR amyloidogenic cascade. The effects of curcumin on ATTR amyloidosis will be reviewed and discussed in the current work in order to contribute to knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in TTR amyloidosis and propose more efficient drugs for therapy.