bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of CeO2 Nanoparticles to Enhance UV-Shielding of Transparent Regenerated Cellulose Films
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Baikai , Jiang Shuai , Bai Huiyu , Zhang Shengwen
Published: March 2019

The major challenge in preparing polymer nanocomposites is to prevent the agglomeration of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs). Here, with regenerated cellulose (RC) films as supporting medium, UV-shielding and transparent nanocomposite films with hydrophobicity were fabricated by in situ synthesis of CeO2 NPs. Facilitated through the interaction between organic and inorganic components revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization, it was found that CeO2 NPs were uniformly dispersed in and immobilized by a cellulose matrix. However some agglomeration of CeO2 NPs occurred at higher precursor concentrations. These results suggest that the morphology and particle size of CeO2 and the corresponding performance of the resulting films are affected by the porous RC films and the concentrations of Ce(NO3)3·6H2O solutions. The optimized nanocomposite film containing 2.95 wt% CeO2 NPs had more than 75% light transmittance (550 nm), high UV shielding properties, and a certain hydrophobicity.
Characterization of Highly Filled PP/Graphite Composites for Adhesive Joining in Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Rzeczkowski Piotr , Krause Beate , Pötschke Petra
Published: March 2019

In order to evaluate the suitability of graphite composite materials for use as bipolar plates in fuel cells, polypropylene (PP) was melt compounded with expanded graphite as conductive filler to form composites with different filler contents of 10–80 wt %. Electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties were measured and evaluated as a function of filler content. The electrical and thermal conductivities increased with filler content. Tensile and flexural strengths decreased with the incorporation of expanded graphite in PP. With higher graphite contents, however, both strength values remained more or less unchanged and were below the values of pure PP. Young’s-modulus and flexural modulus increased almost linearly with increasing filler content. The results of the thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the actual filler content in the composite materials. In order to evaluate the wettability and suitability for adhesive joining of graphite composites, contact angle measurements were conducted and surface tensions of composite surfaces were calculated. The results showed a significant increase in the surface tension of graphite composites with increasing filler content. Furthermore, graphite composites were adhesively joined and the strength of the joints was evaluated in the lap-shear test. Increasing filler content in the substrate material resulted in higher tensile lap-shear strength. Additionally, the influence of surface treatment (plasma and chemical) on surface tension and tensile lap-shear strength was investigated. The surface treatment led to a significant improvement of both properties.
Isolation, Characterization and Structural Elucidation of Polybutylene Terephthalate Cyclic Oligomers and Purity Assessment Using a 1H qNMR Method
Authors: Tsochatzis Emmanouil D. , Alberto Lopes Joao , Holland Margaret V. , Reniero Fabiano , Emons Hendrik , Guillou Claude
Published: March 2019

The use of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a food contact material is increasing over the last years. Typical contaminations in the final PBT product include its cyclic oligomers, which are allowed as additives in food contact plastics according to Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011. Their investigation is currently limited by the lack of analytical standards and physical-chemical information. Therefore, four PBT cyclic oligomers have been isolated and purified from a PBT raw material with an automated preparative HPLC-DAD system. Comprehensive characterization of the compounds was performed using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) with high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The purity of each oligomer was assessed using a 1H qNMR method and ranged from 96.1% to 97.0% for PBT tetramer and trimer respectively. The availability of pure and well characterized PBT cyclic oligomer standards will facilitate future studies of release from plastic food packaging materials.
High Resolution Mapping of Orientation and Strain Gradients in Metals by Synchrotron 3D X-ray Laue Microdiffraction
Authors: Zhang Yubin , Barabash Rozaliya I.
Published: March 2019

Synchrotron 3D X-ray Laue microdiffraction, available at beamline 34-ID-E at Advanced Photon Source in Argonne National Laboratory, is a powerful tool for 3D non-destructive mapping of local orientations and strains at sub-micron scale in the bulk. With this technique, it is possible to study local residual stresses developed during manufacturing or while in service due to interactions between, for example, different phases and/or grains with different orientations in materials containing multiple or single phase(s). Such information is essential for understanding mechanical properties and designing advanced materials, but is largely non-existent in the current generation of materials models. In the present paper, the principle and experimental set-up of the 3D microdiffraction are introduced, followed by a description of a method for quantification of the local plastic deformation based on high-angular-resolution orientation maps. The quantification of local residual stresses in two model materials, ductile cast iron (two phases) and partially recrystallized pure nickel (single phase), using 3D microdiffraction will then be presented. The results show that 3D microdiffraction is important for understanding the origin of local residual stresses and to relate them to the microstructural evolution. Finally, the limitations of the 3D microdiffraction on the current generation synchrotron source and new possibilities after the synchrotron upgrade are discussed.
From One Islam to Another: A Paradoxical Agency of the Entry into Female Students’ Careers
Authors: Hanafi Rania
Published: March 2019

The European continent appears as a new transcultural environment at the heart of globalization in which religious subjectivities are developed. I observe this more specifically in the socioreligious trajectories of the descendants of Muslim migrants. This paper focuses on the mobilization of Islam in its social manifestations among female Muslim teachers in Muslim private schools, in comparison with the Islam of young female students at university. Research with the professors allows us to question the religious activity of the interviewees and how they develop a long-term lifestyle, including in a context marked by stigmatization, against the backdrop of the results of our previous work on the emancipation pattern of the “sisters in Islam”. This analysis is based on a comparative approach that aims to capture a new way of being in the French society, in a religious frame of reference that is being reinvented.
Learning from Anaesthetists: A Technique for Safe and Effective Facial Nerve Monitoring
Authors: George Jayan , Alatsatianos Anton , Farboud Amir , Pope Laysan
Published: March 2019

To develop a technique to reliably secure facial nerve monitoring electrodes, NeurosignTM facial nerve monitor electrodes were attached as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The electrodes were secured with ½ inch steristripsTM before connecting leads were brought to the contralateral side of the face and a single torque loop was created and secured with either more Steri-StripsTM, Micropore tapeTM, or a TegedermTM. By creating a single torque loop, a buffer between the electrode and its anchor point to the contralateral face was formed. This allowed for the secure attachment of leads from the electrodes by removing tension, thereby reducing the likelihood of displacement. We have used this technique successfully for the last three years in over 50 parotid procedures and 50 middle ear explorations. Facial nerve monitoring is an important surgical tool used in otology and head and neck surgery. Using torque loops when preparing a patient for surgery prevents the dislodgement of electrodes during operation, thereby ensuring the safety of the patient in a sometimes perilous environment.
A Robust Robotic Disassembly Sequence Design Using Orthogonal Arrays and Task Allocation
Authors: Alshibli Mohammad , ElSayed Ahmed , Kongar Elif , Sobh Tarek , Gupta Surendra M.
Published: March 2019

Disassembly sequence planning (DSP) is a nondeterministic polynomial time (NP) complete problem, making the utilization of metaheuristic approaches a viable alternative. DSP aims at creating efficient algorithms for deriving the optimum or near-optimum disassembly sequence for a given product or a product family. The problem-specific nature of such algorithms, however, requires these solutions to be validated, proving their versatility in accommodating substantial variations in the problem environment. To achieve this goal, this paper utilizes Taguchi’s orthogonal arrays to test the robustness of a previously-proposed Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm. A comparison with an exhaustive search is also conducted to verify the efficiency of the algorithm in generating an optimum or near-optimum disassembly sequence for a given product. In order to further improve the solution, a distributed task allocation technique is also introduced into the model environment to accommodate multiple robot arms.
Estimation of Cargo Handling Capacity of Coastal Ports in China Based on Panel Model and DMSP-OLS Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Liu Aoshuang , Wei Ye , Yu Bailang , Song Wei
Published: March 2019

The cargo handling capacity of a port is the most basic and important indicator of port size. Based on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program-Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) nighttime light data and panel model, this study attempts to estimate the cargo handling capacity of 28 coastal ports in China using satellite remote sensing. The study confirmed that there is a very close correlation between DMSP-OLS nighttime light data and the cargo handling capacity of the ports. Based on this correlation, the panel data model was established for remote sensing-based estimation of cargo handling capacity at the port and port group scales. The test results confirm that the nighttime light data can be used to accurately estimate the cargo handling capacity of Chinese ports, especially for the Yangtze River Delta Port Group, Pearl River Delta Port Group, Southeast Coastal Port Group, and Southwest Coastal Port Group that possess huge cargo handling capacities. The high accuracy of the model reveals that the remote sensing analysis method can make up for the lack of statistical data to a certain extent, which helps to scientifically analyze the spatiotemporal dynamic changes of coastal ports, provides a strong basis for decision-making regarding port development, and more importantly provides a convenient estimation method for areas that have long lacked statistical data on cargo handling capacity.
Entrance Pupil Irradiance Estimating Model for a Moon-Based Earth Radiation Observatory Instrument
Authors: Duan Wentao , Huang Shaopeng , Nie Chenwei
Published: March 2019

A Moon-based Earth radiation observatory (MERO) could provide a longer-term continuous measurement of radiation exiting the Earth system compared to current satellite-based observatories. In order to parameterize the detector for such a newly-proposed MERO, the evaluation of the instrument’s entrance pupil irradiance (EPI) is of great importance. The motivation of this work is to build an EPI estimating model for a simplified single-pixel MERO instrument. The rationale of this model is to sum the contributions of every location in the MERO-viewed region on the Earth’s top of atmosphere (TOA) to the MERO sensor’s EPI, taking into account the anisotropy in the longwave radiance at the Earth TOA. Such anisotropy could be characterized by the TOA anisotropic factors, which can be derived from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) angular distribution models (ADMs). As an application, we estimated the shortwave (SW) (0.3–5 µm) and longwave (LW) (5–200 µm) EPIs for a hypothetic MERO instrument located at the Apollo 15 landing site. Results show that the SW EPI varied from 0 to 0.065 W/m2, while the LW EPI ranged between 0.061 and 0.075 W/m2 from 1 to 29 October, 2017. We also utilized this model to predict the SW and LW EPIs for any given location within the MERO-deployable region (region of 80.5°W–80.5°E and 81.5°S–81.5°N on the nearside of the Moon) for the future 18.6 years from October 2017 to June 2036. Results suggest that the SW EPI will vary between 0 and 0.118 W/m2, while the LW EPI will range from 0.056 to 0.081 W/m2. Though the EPI estimating model in this study was built for a simplistic single-pixel instrument, it could eventually be extended and improved in order to estimate the EPI for a multi-pixel MERO sensor.
Characterizing and Monitoring Ground Settlement of Marine Reclamation Land of Xiamen New Airport, China with Sentinel-1 SAR Datasets
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Zhao Chaoying , Zhang Qin , Yang Chengsheng , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2019

Artificial lands or islands reclaimed from the sea due to their vast land spaces and air are suitable for the construction of airports, harbors, and industrial parks, which are convenient for human and cargo transportation. However, the settlement process of reclamation foundation is a problem of public concern, including soil consolidation and water recharge. Xiamen New Airport, one of the largest international airports in China, has been under construction on marine reclamation land for three years. At present, the airport has reached the second phase of construction, occupying 15.33 km2. The project will last about twenty years. To investigate the temporal and spatial evolution of ground settlement associated with land reclamation, Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, including intensity images and phase measurements, were considered. A total of 82 SAR images acquired by C-band Sentinel-1 satellite covering the time period from August 2015 to October 2018 were collected. First, the spatial evolution process of land reclamation was analyzed by exploring the time series of SAR image intensity maps. Then, the small baseline subset InSAR (SBAS–InSAR) technique was used to retrieve ground deformation information over the past three years for the first time since land reclamation. Results suggest that the reclaimed land experienced remarkable subsidence, especially after the second phase of land reclamation. Furthermore, 26 ground settlement areas (i.e., 0.015% of the whole area) associated with land reclamation were uncovered over an area of more than 1200 km2 of the Xiamen coastal area from January 2017 to October 2018. This study offers important guidance for the next phase of land reclamation and the future construction of Xiamen New Airport.
Ligand-Linked Nanoparticles-Based Hydrogen Gas Sensor with Excellent Homogeneous Temperature Field and a Comparative Stability Evaluation of Different Ligand-Linked Catalysts
Authors: Pranti Anmona Shabnam , Loof Daniel , Kunz Sebastian , Zielasek Volkmar , Bäumer Marcus , Lang Walter
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a thermoelectric gas microsensor with improved stability where platinum nanoparticles linked by bifunctional ligands are used as a catalyst. The sensor design provides a homogeneous temperature field over the membrane, an important factor for the long-term stability of the catalyst. A comprehensive study of heat transfer from the chip is performed to evaluate the convection heat loss coefficient and to understand its effect on the homogeneity of the temperature field in a real-time situation. The effect of highly heat-conductive thermopiles is also analyzed by comparing the temperature distribution and power consumption with a thermoresistive sensor of the same dimensions and materials. Despite the thermopiles, the thermoelectric sensor gives better temperature homogeneity and consumes 23% less power than the thermoresistive sensor for 90 °C average temperature on the membrane. A comparative stability analysis among ligand-linked nanoparticles with 5 different ligands and unprotected nanoparticles was done through 3 consecutive 24 h tests under 1.5% continuous hydrogen gas flow. The sensors give very stable output, almost no degradation, through 72 h (3 × 24 h) tests for 3 different ligand-linked nanoparticles. The sensor design provides superb stability to the catalyst: Even catalysts of unprotected nanoparticles withstood more than 24 h and the sensor signal degradation is only 20%.
The Emergence of Anti-Privacy and Control at the Nexus between the Concepts of Safe City and Smart City
Authors: Allam Zaheer
Published: March 2019

The emergence of Big Data, accelerated through the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence, from the emerging, contemporary concept of smart cities coupled with that of the notion for safe cities is raising concerns of privacy and good governance that are impacting on socio-economic and liveability dimensions of urban fabrics. As these gain ground, largely due to economic pressures from large ICT providers, there is a notable increase towards the need for inclusion of human dimensions, complemented by the use of technology. However, the latter is seen as catalysing elements of control and propaganda which are thriving through oversimplified and non-inclusive urban IT policy measures. This paper dwells on the intersecting subjects of smart and safe cities and explores the highlighted issues that are deemed to cause concern and further explore the need for transparency and inclusivity in urban processes and systems. This paper is oriented towards urban planners and policy makers looking at the implementation of smart and safe cities concepts.
Digital Mapping of Habitat for Plant Communities Based on Soil Functions: A Case Study in the Virgin Forest-Steppe of Russia
Authors: Lozbenev Nikolai , Smirnova Maria , Bocharnikov Maxim , Kozlov Daniil
Published: March 2019

The spatial structure of the habitat for plant communities based on soil functions in virgin forest-steppe of the Central Russian Upland is the focus of this study. The objectives include the identification of the leading factors of soil function variety and to determine the spatial heterogeneity of the soil function. A detailed topographic survey was carried out on a key site (35 hectares), 157 soil, and 34 geobotanical descriptions were made. The main factor of soil and plant cover differentiation is the redistribution of soil moisture along the microrelief. Redistributed runoff value was modelled in SIMWE and used as a tool for spatial prediction of soils due to their role in a habitat for plant communities’ functional context. The main methods of the study are the multidimensional scaling and discriminant analysis. We model the composition of plant communities (accuracy is 95%) and Reference Soil Group (accuracy is 88%) due to different soil moisture conditions. There are two stable soil habitat types: mesophytic communities on the Phaeozems (with additional water runoff more than 80 mm) and xerophytic communities on Chernozems (additional runoff less than 55 mm). A transitional type corresponded to xero- mesophytic communities on the Phaeozems with 55–80 mm additional redistributed runoff value. With acceptable accuracy, the habitat for natural plant communities based on soil function model predicts the position of contrastingly different components of biota in relation to their soil moisture requirements within the virgin forest-steppe of the Central Russian Upland.
Passage Performance of Potamodromous Cyprinids over an Experimental Low-Head Ramped Weir: The Effect of Ramp Length and Slope
Authors: Amaral Susana , Branco Paulo , Katopodis Christos , Ferreira Maria , Pinheiro António , Santos José
Published: March 2019

Low-head ramped weirs are a common instream obstacle to fish movements. Fish passability of these structures, where water passes over but does not generate a waterfall, is primarily related to ramp length and slope, but their relative contribution has seldom been considered. This study aims to assess the passage performance of a potamodromous cyprinid, the Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei), negotiating an experimental ramped weir with varying ramp length (L) and slope (S). Four configurations were tested, with a constant discharge of 110 L∙s−1. Results suggest that both factors influenced passage performance of fish. Attraction efficiency (AE) increased with increasing L and S, whereas the number of successes (N) and passage efficiency (PE) decreased upon increasing L. For S, it was found that both N and PE peaked at the intermediate level (20%). These results suggest that configurations with the lowest slopes may not necessarily be the best option because they may be less attractive for the fish and their demand for space is higher. Higher slopes (but not excessive) could be more attractive to fish, less space-demanding, and therefore, more cost-effective. Future studies should investigate how discharge and boulder placement influence fish passage across ramped weirs, to improve habitat connectivity.
Embedded in Nature: Challenges to Sustainability in Communities of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Bergstrom Ryan D. , Harrington Lisa M.B.
Published: March 2019

Solutions to sustainability transitions tend to be applicable for specific regions but not the whole of society. Limitations on what may be sustained also exist, and preferences will vary among people in different places. Because of these differences, there is a need for better understanding of the perceptions and experiences of local community members and the challenges they face in the transition toward sustainability to promote realistic and effective decision-making. As a region with significant natural resource protections, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has been known to researchers for decades as an ideal location to study human-environment interactions. The objective of this study was to determine the challenges to sustainable community development and natural resource management identified by residents of communities surrounding Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Thirty-two key informant interviews were conducted with decision-makers, with a focus on the communities of Red Lodge and West Yellowstone, Montana, and Jackson, Wyoming. Findings suggest that primary challenges include the seasonality of the tourist industry, disparities between agricultural and tourism-dependent priorities, and the implementation of stated sustainability goals. Challenges differ based on communities’ socio-economic conditions, dependence on tourism and recreation-based industries, and the influence of local and extra-local institutions.
Information Technology Outsourcing Chain: Literature Review and Implications for Development of Distributed Coordination
Authors: Pankowska Malgorzata
Published: March 2019

The paper aims to analyse how the management science literature explains sustainable coordination and management of Information Technology (IT) outsourcing chains. The IT outsourcing theories,—that is, transaction cost theory, theory of agency, resource based view, activity based theory, contractual theory, partnership and alliance theory and stakeholder theory—are applied as a background to the analysis. A systematic literature review reveals that IT outsourcing is developed in collaborative networks and chains. There are some mechanisms identified in the literature for outsourcing chains’ management, interchain sustainability, coordination and interchain activities’ cohesion. The complexity of outsourcing relationships presented among outsourcers and outsourcees stimulate looking for new business models. Furthermore, outsourcing chains research would benefit from considering strategy-based theoretical discussions, relationship modelling and project management. The literature survey aims to present outsourcing chains in different aspects, that is, dynamics and agility, communication in chains, compensation and compliance, contracting, stakeholders, decision making models, governance problems, integration, performance measurement, project management and strategy development. This paper intends to emphasize that interchain coordination can be improved by enterprise architecture modelling as well as by the application of blockchain economy.
Determinants of Consumer Intentions to Purchase Energy-Saving Household Products in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Saqib , Ullah Habib , Akbar Minhas , Akhtar Waheed , Zahid Hasan
Published: March 2019

The looming threat of climate change has become an undeniable harsh reality. Inefficient energy consumption is one of the major causes of this threat. Protecting the aquatic and terrestrial environment by reducing carbon footprints is a shared responsibility. In this pursuit, the contribution of household sector is extremely valuable and use of energy-saving products can be helpful to epitomize the goal of achieving sustainability. This study aims to investigate the determinants of consumers’ intention to purchase energy-saving household products by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Readiness Index (TRI) 2.0’s four indicators (optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity). This study applied a hypo deductive research approach. Using cross sectional data, a total 396 valid questionnaires were collected to validate the proposed hypothesis by using Partial Least Square (PLS) path modeling approach (a variance based SEM technique). Results showed that contributors of technology readiness positively influence residents’ attitude towards their buying intention, while inhibitors of technology readiness negatively affect this relationship. Further, attitude and perceived behavioral control were found to be significant determinants of intention to purchase energy-saving household products. Based on the above research findings, implications for marketers and policy makers are discussed, moreover future research directions are suggested.
Access to Rural Credit Markets in Developing Countries, the Case of Vietnam: A Literature Review
Authors: Linh Ta Nhat , Long Hoang Thanh , Chi Le Van , Tam Le Thanh , Lebailly Philippe
Published: March 2019

Agricultural sectors play an important role in the process of economic development of a country, especially in developing ones. Vietnam is known as an emerging market, which depends directly on agriculture-related activities for their livelihood, in which the issue of rural credit access still remains a confounding problem. The paper focuses on the characteristics of rural credit markets, the determinants of farmer access to the markets, the socio-economic impacts of credit access in Vietnam and briefly comparing with those of some developing countries. This question is addressed by reviewing existing literature and empirical evidence, followed by a comprehensive case study in Vietnam. Comprehensive literature review with secondary data collection and key informant interviews are methods that are applied in this research. The results of this analysis indicate the features of Vietnam markets as participated constraints, government intervention, and segmentation. Other results reveal the significant determinants of credit accessibility. Impacts of credit access on output production, household income, and poverty reduction are highlighted in this paper. Some managerial implications are recommended for households through participation in lending networks; for financial institutions relating to expand target clients as well as capital allocation; and, for policy-makers via ensuring market competitiveness and sustainable development in the long run.
Assessment of Municipal Masterplans Aimed at Identifying and Fostering Green Infrastructure: A Study Concerning Three Towns of the Metropolitan Area of Cagliari, Italy
Authors: Lai Sabrina , Leone Federica , Zoppi Corrado
Published: March 2019

Building upon a recent piece of research that maps a regional green infrastructure (RGI) in relation to four components (natural value, conservation value, landscape value, and recreational value), this study aims at identifying planning policies that can foster the enhancement of the RGI by increasing one or more of its components at the sub-regional scale. To this end, the RGI suitability map is overlaid with the planning schemes of the municipal masterplans (MMPs) of three towns belonging to the Metropolitan City of Cagliari (Italy), and multiple linear regressions are performed. The outcomes of the study imply that the eligibility of a land parcel to be part of the RGI depends on several factors related to planning policies entailed by the zoning schemes of the MMPs, such as presence and spreading of conservation and safeguard areas within urban fabrics, improved accessibility of historic and natural landmarks, planned use of nature-based solutions within the regulating codes of MMPs, improvement of habitat quality in the spatial context of rural areas. Main limitations of the proposed methodology concern the fragile theoretical foundations concerning the assessment of the recreational value, and the need for structured integration of nature-based solutions into the proposed methodology.
Dynamic Changes in Carbon Sequestration from Opencast Mining Activities and Land Reclamation in China’s Loess Plateau
Authors: Yang Boyu , Bai Zhongke , Cao Yingui , Xie Feng , Zhang Junjie , Wang Yannan
Published: March 2019

Opencast coal mining causes serious damage to the natural landscape, resulting in the depletion of the carbon sequestration capacity in the mining activity. There are few studies on the variation of carbon sequestration capabilities caused by land use changes in opencast mining areas. This paper uses six images were used to quantify the changes in land use types from 1986 to 2015 in the Pingshuo mining area in northwest China. At the same time, used statistical analysis and mathematical models to study soil and vegetation carbon sequestration. Results indicate that the total carbon sequestration exhibits a significant downward trend from 4.58 × 106 Mg in 1986 to 3.78 × 106 Mg in 2015, with the decrease of soil carbon sequestration accounting for the largest proportion. The carbon sequestration of arable land accounted for 51% of the total carbon sequestration in the mining area, followed by grassland (31%) and forestland (18%). Land reclamation contributed to the greatest increase in carbon sequestration of arable land from 17,890.15 Mg (1986) to 27,837.95 Mg (2015). Additionally, the downward trend in the carbon sequestration capacity of the mining ecosystem was mitigated after 2010 as the positive effects of land reclamation gradually amplified over time and as the mining techniques were greatly optimized in recent years in the Pingshuo mining area. Thus, terrestrial carbon sequestration can be improved through land reclamation projects and optimized mining activities. These results can help guide the utilization of reclaimed land in the future.
The Impact of Hospital Specialization on Congestion and Efficiency
Authors: Park Sung-hun , Ko Joong Hoon , Bae Eun-song , Chang Meehyang , Kim Daecheol
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to verify the existence of congestion in Korean hospitals, to identify the causes of congestion, and to suggest directions for efficiency improvement of hospitals. The result showed that congestion occurred in 71.90% of 1185 hospitals. In addition, it was found that hospital specialization has a negative effect on congestion. In other words, the higher the hospital specialization, the lower the overall congestion rate of the hospital. More specifically, the specialization of hospitals also showed a negative effect on congestion of nurses. On the other hand, hospital specialization was found to have a positive effect on the congestion of the number of doctors, but it does not have a significant effect on the congestion of hospital beds. It was also found that hospital size has an effect on the relationship between hospital specialization and congestion, but the location of the hospital and the type of ownership did not act as a moderator.
Cost Adjustment in the Korean Defense Industry: Empirical Research on the Relation between Earnings Management and Sustainability
Authors: Sohn Sangkyun , Park Joonho , Lee Jinseek
Published: March 2019

This article is a demonstrative research on the motivation and method for earnings management in the Korean defense industry and its connection with the cost of equity capital. The data for this article comes from the Korean DICS (Defense Integrated Cost System). The difference between the cost data submitted by defense corporations and those verified by DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration) serves as an indicator of earnings management; such a direct measurement of earnings management distinguishes this research from previous studies focusing on indirect indicators of earnings management, such as discretionary accruals. This article purposefully names such a specific form of earnings management as ‘cost adjustment’ that takes advantage of the difference between the submitted cost and the verified cost. The result of the research shows that cost adjustment activities in the defense industry are proportional to the capital cost required by shareholders. It is also notable that the cost adjustment activities in the defense industry are mostly done by making use of direct costs, in contrast to other industries utilizing indirect costs, which are hardly traceable. As a result of cost adjustment to meet short-term target profit, the long-term sustainability of the company would get impaired from the inflated costs in direct cost adjustments.
Face Liveness Detection Using Thermal Face-CNN with External Knowledge
Authors: Seo Jongwoo , Chung In-Jeong
Published: March 2019

Face liveness detection is important for ensuring security. However, because faces are shown in photographs or on a display, it is difficult to detect the real face using the features of the face shape. In this paper, we propose a thermal face-convolutional neural network (Thermal Face-CNN) that knows the external knowledge regarding the fact that the real face temperature of the real person is 36~37 degrees on average. First, we compared the red, green, and blue (RGB) image with the thermal image to identify the data suitable for face liveness detection using a multi-layer neural network (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), and C-support vector machine (C-SVM). Next, we compared the performance of the algorithms and the newly proposed Thermal Face-CNN in a thermal image dataset. The experiment results show that the thermal image is more suitable than the RGB image for face liveness detection. Further, we also found that Thermal Face-CNN performs better than CNN, MLP, and C-SVM when the precision is slightly more crucial than recall through F-measure.
Using the State Space of a BLV Retail Model to Analyse the Dynamics and Categorise Phase Transitions of Urban Development
Authors: Dearden Joel , Gong Yi , Jones Mark , Wilson Alan
Published: March 2019

Urban areas are now the dominant human habitat, with more influence than ever on economies, environment and our health. Dynamic urban models are increasingly applied to explore possible future scenarios of urban development to achieve sustainability. However, it is still challenging to use these models for prediction, taking into consideration the complex nature of urban systems, the nonlinear interactions between different parts of the system, and the large quantities of data output from simulations. The aim of this study is to analyse the dynamics of two hypothetical dynamic BLV (Boltzmann–Lotka–Volterra) retail models (two-zone and three-zone). Here, by visualising and analysing the qualitative nature of state space (the space of all possible initial conditions), we propose an alternative way of understanding urban dynamics more fully. This involves examining all possible configurations of an urban system in order to identify the potential development in future. Using this method we are able to identify a supply-demand balancing hyperplane and categorise two causes of phase transition of urban development: (A) change in variable values (e.g., building a new shopping centre) that cause the system to cross a basin boundary, (B) state space change (e.g., construction of a new motorway changes travel costs in the region) causes the containing basin to be modified. We also identify key characteristics of the dynamics such as velocity and how the phase space landscape changes over time. This analysis is then linked with equilibrium-size graphs, which allow insights from state space to be applicable to models with large numbers of zones. More generally this type of analysis can potentially offer insights into the nature of the dynamics in any dynamical-systems-type urban model. This is critical for increasing our understanding and helping stakeholders and policy-makers to plan for future urban changes.
Effects of Biochar Application and Irrigation Methods on Soil Temperature in Farmland
Authors: Ding Yanhong , Gao Xiaoyu , Qu Zhongyi , Jia Yonglin , Hu Min , Li Changjian
Published: March 2019

Soil temperature plays a vital role in determining crop yield. Excessive irrigation may result in low soil temperature and a waste of water resources. In this paper, field experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of irrigation methods and biochar application on soil temperature. The experiment included six treatments: (a) YB: biochar application in border irrigation with Yellow River water; (b) GB: biochar application in border irrigation with groundwater; (c) DB: biochar application in drip irrigation with groundwater; (d) Y(CK): border irrigation with Yellow River water; (e) G(CK): border irrigation with groundwater; (f) D(CK): drip irrigation with groundwater. The results are as follows: coupling drip irrigation and biochar, soil temperature increased by 1.20–3.87%. In the biochar application in border irrigation with Yellow River water and groundwater, soil temperature increased by 0.80–2.40% and 1.01–5.15%, respectively. Biochar is a medium for reducing the heat exchange of soil and atmosphere, as it hinders bi-directional heat movement. This mechanism was especially apparent at a 0–10 cm soil depth in the treatments of border irrigation using Yellow River water and groundwater. Biochar may help stabilize the fluctuation of soil temperature and improve the soil accumulated temperature. The effect of drip irrigation at 5–10 cm depth, border irrigation using the groundwater and the Yellow River water was great on soil temperatures above the 10 cm level but less on deep soil temperatures. After applying biochar to soil, the soil temperature was more sensitive to external temperature changes, such as air temperature and water temperature. Therefore, in the Hetao irrigation area, applying a proper amount of biochar to farmland soil was shown to improve the water and heat environment and improve the effectiveness of traditional border irrigation in synchronizing water and heat, especially under the drip irrigation condition. The results here suggest that using biochar under drip irrigation can promote growth and increase yield.
Gridded Flash Flood Risk Index Coupling Statistical Approaches and TOPLATS Land Surface Model for Mountainous Areas
Authors: Lee Byong-Ju , Kim Sangil
Published: March 2019

This study presents the development of a statistical flash flood risk index model, which is currently operating in research mode for flash flood risk forecasting in ungauged mountainous areas. The grid-based statistical flash flood risk index, with temporal and spatial resolutions of 1 h and 1 km, respectively, has been developed to simulate the flash flood risk index leading to flash flood casualties using hourly rainfall, surface flow, and soil water content in the previous 6 h. The statistical index model employs factor analysis and multi-linear regression to analyze its gridded hydrological components that are obtained from the TOPMODEL-based Land Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (TOPLATS). The performance of the developed index model has been evaluated in estimating flash flooding in ungauged mountain valleys and small streams. Numerical results show that the approach simulated 38 flash flood catastrophes in the Seoul Capital Region with 71% accuracy; therefore, this approach is potentially adequate for flash flood risk forecasting.
The User and the Association: Neglecting Household Irrigation as Neglecting Household Well-Being in the Creation of Water Users’ Associations in the Republic of Tajikistan
Authors: MacDonald Katie
Published: March 2019

Development initiatives often cite Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) as fundamental to water governance reform or the broad process of decentralizing responsibilities for management, supply and delivery. But the label of “WUA” indicates little about those who take on these duties as association members, suggesting all who use water in pursuit of life or livelihood are eligible to participate and benefit through collective action. Grounded in the belief that participatory projects can equitably empower and distribute resources, the enthusiastic introduction of WUAs continues despite critique that anticipated outcomes are overstated. Since borders opened to neoliberal development institutions in the 1990s, WUAs have been created throughout post-Soviet Central Asia. Yet, there has been limited reflection on how associations’ design and operation interact with physical or social structures to effect resource access across diverse groups. Drawing on fieldwork in Tajikistan, I demonstrate how WUAs reproduce exclusionary outcomes by requiring members to possess farmland in turn threatening rural food security. Held by a minority, farmland dedicated to commercial production stands in contrast to ubiquitous kitchen gardens, where crops sown for self-consumption form a buffer against hunger in the wake of labor migration and income inconsistency. Households’ inability to become members undermines their claim to water and voice in decision-making, ultimately constraining access to irrigation and a robust harvest.
Patients’ understanding of cellulitis and their information needs: a mixed-methods study in primary and secondary care
Authors: Teasdale Emma , Lalonde Anna , Muller Ingrid , Chalmers Joanne , Smart Peter , Hooper Julie , El-Gohary Magdy , Thomas Kim S , Santer Miriam
Published: March 2019

Background

Cellulitis is a painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues, commonly affecting the lower leg. Approximately one-third of people experience recurrence. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.

Aim

To explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis, and their information needs.

Design and setting

Mixed-methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and a cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary and secondary care, and advertising.

Method

Adults aged ≥18 years with a history of cellulitis were invited to take part in a survey, qualitative interview, or both.

Results

In all, 30 interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data highlighted a low awareness of cellulitis before the first episode, uncertainty about when it had been diagnosed, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and a perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised that they had never heard of cellulitis and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this confusing.

A total of 240 surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, although many participants had received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they often reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).

Conclusion

There is a need to provide information for people with cellulitis, particularly in regard to naming their condition, the management of acute episodes, and how to reduce the risk of recurrences.
Influencing Factors on Spectators' Revisit Intention In Minor League Baseball (MiLB): Spectators' Perceptions of Complaint Management Practices
Authors: Lee Cindy , Won Doyeon
Published: March 2019

This study investigates four influencing factors (i.e., facility quality, performance quality, interaction quality, and complaint management) on fans' satisfaction and perceived value, which further leads the intention to return. A total of 238 respondents of a Class A Short Season Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team participated in an online survey. Data were analyzed primarily with structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationship between study variables. The results indicated that spectators' satisfaction was influenced by interaction quality, performance quality, and complaint management while perceived value was predicted by facility quality and interaction quality. In predicting spectators' revisit intention, fans' perceived value was more critical in comparison to their perceived level of satisfaction.
Leadership Skills in Event Management Courses
Authors: Padron Thomas C. , Stone Matthew J.
Published: March 2019

Event management education continues to increase in popularity and importance. However, in many event management courses, learning outcomes are often expressed in learning process-oriented skills. Beyond event management skills, this research proposes that leadership skills should also
be included in event management courses. Experiential learning activities are an ideal opportunity to develop, practice, and enhance leadership skills and the optimal situation is experiential learning activities. Students were surveyed after completing an event management course, which included
an experiential learning activity where they developed and produced instructor-led events. Students indicated that they learned many leadership skills, including communication, commitment, strategic planning, and accountability. Communication was the most cited skill that students both learned
and demonstrated, and this correlated to the students' perception that communication is also the most important leadership skill required for a career in event management. It is proposed that event management courses utilize leadership skills in the course objectives and that, by doing so,
it may provide additional student benefits and academic legitimacy to these courses.
Vancomycin Removal during High-Volume Peritoneal Dialysis in Acute Kidney Injury Patients
Authors: Ponce Daniela , Zamoner Welder , Freitas Fernanda Moreira , Balbi André , Awdishu Linda
Published: March 2019

Studies on vancomycin pharmacokinetics in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients on high-volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) are lacking. We studied the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) vancomycin in AKI patients treated by HVPD who received a prescribed single IV dose of vancomycin (15 - 20 mg/kg total body weight) to determine the extent of vancomycin removal and to establish vancomycin dosing guidelines for the empirical treatment of AKI patients receiving HVPD. The application of 18 mg/kg vancomycin every 48 - 72 hours in AKI patients undergoing HVPD was required to maintain therapeutic concentrations.