bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switchgrass growth and development: water, nitrogen, and plant density effects
Authors: Sanderson M. A. , Reed R. L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), an important component of the tallgrass prairie, is a productive warm-season forage grass. Interest in growing switchgrass for alternative uses has raised questions about resource use during production. The objective of our study was to examine how resource inputs affected interspecific plant competition in switchgrass. 'Alamo' switchgrass was established from seed in outdoor lysimeters in May 1993 and grown under 22 or 112 kg N ha(-1), and under field capacity or water-deficit conditions until August 1994. Plant spacing varied systematically from 10 to 70 cm. Plants were harvested in late summer each year and individual plant dry weight, tiller number, leaf area, and morphological development stage were measured. Soil moisture tensions below -45 kPa reduced switchgrass photosynthetic rates and xylem pressure potential. As plant spacing increased, tiller number, leaf area, plant dry weight, and morphological development stage increased. Plant dry weight and tiller number in the establishment year was not affected by N input. Established plants in 1994, however, responded to high N input at low plant densities with 50 to 100% greater leaf area and up to 3-fold greater plant dry weight compared to the low-N treatment. The increased plant dry weight at high N input resulted from increased individual tiller weight and not increased tiller number. Our data indicate that competitive responses of switchgrass plants at high plant densities were controlled by competition for aboveground resources, as plant yield and morphology at high densities were not affected by water or N inputs.
Livestock effects on reproduction of the Columbia spotted frog
Authors: Bull E. L. , Hayes M. P. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

We evaluated reproduction and recruitment of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris Thompson) in 70 ponds used by beef cattle and in 57 ponds not used by beef cattle in northeastern Oregon. No significant differences were detected in the number of egg masses or recently metamorphosed frogs in grazed and ungrazed sites. No pond characteristic measured could predict egg mass numbers, but percent aquatic vegetation and dissolved oxygen had some ability to predict recently metamorphosed frog numbers. Both variables explained 65% of the variability in recently metamorphosed frog numbers in grazed ponds. At ungrazed ponds, 4 additional variables (presence of fish, elevation, percent of rock, and conductivity) were required to achieve the same level of variability in predicting recently transformed frog abundance. The egg mass volume was larger at grazed than at ungrazed ponds suggesting that grazed ponds may have a greater food abundance or larger (older) individuals.
Protocol for monitoring standing crop in grasslands using visual obstruction
Authors: Benkobi L. , Uresk D. W. , Schenbeck G. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Assessment of standing crop on grasslands using a visual obstruction technique provides valuable information to help plan livestock grazing management and indicate the status of wildlife habitat. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a simple regression model using easily measured visual obstruction to estimate standing crop on sandy lowland range sites in the Nebraska Sandhills, (2) provide sampling and monitoring suggestions in the use of visual obstruction on this grassland type, and (3) compare the visual obstruction technique to the standard clip and weigh procedure. Visual obstruction precisely predicted average standing crop dry weights for the sandy lowland range sites (r2=0.88). A prediction accuracy of ± 295 kg ha-1was found using a test data set. Two sampling options (A and B) were evaluated using a 2-stage sampling protocol. Option A (1 transect/quarter section) provided more precise estimates applicable to extensive grasslands than option B. However, option A was not applicable to a section (259 ha) or a few sections. Option B (3 transects/section) provided estimates applicable to each section and to the entire area, but it required more intensive sampling than option A to attain the same precision. The visual obstruction technique provided more precise estimates of standing crop than the standard clip and weigh technique when clipping and weighing up to 6 plots per transect. When 7 or more clipped and weighed plots per transect were sampled, standing crop estimates were more precise than using visual obstruction readings. However, since 20 visual obstruction readings/transect (25 minutes) can be sampled in about half the time spent clipping and weighing 6 plots/transect (45 minutes), visual obstruction in combination with a previously estimated regression model provides a simple, reliable, and cost effective alternative to the clip and weigh technique. Regression models should be developed for other grassland types following the methodology described in this paper.
Grassland bird densities in seral stages of mixed-grass prairie
Authors: Fritcher Shawn C. , Rumble Mark A. , Flake Lester D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Birds associated with prairie ecosystems are declining and the ecological condition (seral stage) of remaining grassland communities may be a factor. Livestock grazing intensity influences the seral stage of grassland communities and resource managers lack information to assess how grassland birds are affected by these changes. We estimated bird density, species diversity, and species richness on 37 sites in 4 seral stages of western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve]-green needlegrass [Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth] communities of the Fort Pierre National Grassland. Bird species richness did not differ among seral stages (P = 0.57), but bird species diversity was greater (P < 0.10) in early seral stages compared to late-intermediate seral stages. Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum Gmlin), bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus Linnaeus), dickcissel (Spiza americana Gmlin), and brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater Boddaert) density increased (P < 0.10) from early to late seral stages. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia Molina), upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda Bechstein), chestnut-collared longspur (Calcarius ornatus Townsend), and horned lark (Eremophila alpestris Linnaeus) density decreased (P < 0.10) from early to late seral stages. Western meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta Audubon) were more abundant in early (P = 0.05) and early-intermediate (P = 0.01) seral stages than late seral stages. Birds with habitat requirements including tall vegetation and residual cover were more abundant in later seral stages. Early seral stages were beneficial to birds that prefer short grass and sparse vegetative cover. Seral stage was an effective predictor of density for many bird species. A mosaic that includes all seral stages is necessary to maximize grassland bird species diversity and abundance across the landscape. Managers can assess the effects on grassland birds of management actions that alter the seral stage of the vegetation.
Gully seeder for reseeding rangeland and riparian areas
Authors: Gutierrez L. R. , Herrick J. E. , Donart G. B. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Traditional methods of reseeding degraded arid and semi-arid rangeland are expensive and frequently unsuccessful due to high rates of seed predation and seedling mortality. A runoff-based method is described that protects seeds from predation and degradation until soil moisture is available, then deposits them in favorable microsites for germination and establishment. Seeds are placed in three, 2 cm-diameter × 8 cm PVC tubes. The small tubes are capped with crepe paper and glued inside of a 7.5 cm-diameter × 15 cm-long tube which is capped with hardware cloth. The tubes are placed in small rills, gullies, arroyos or riparian areas and the seeds are released sequentially from the 3 tubes as flow depth increases. Seeds are deposited beneath piles of litter where soil moisture and temperature are more favorable for seedling establishment.
Altered Multifidus Recruitment During Walking in Young Asymptomatic Individuals With a History of Low Back Pain
Authors: Smith Jo Armour , Kulig Kornelia
Published: March 2016

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study, with a case-control, cross-sectional design.

Background

Individuals with low back pain have impaired activation of the multifidus during postural adjustments and increased activity of the erector spinae musculature during walking. However, it is unclear whether these alterations in muscle activity are evident during locomotion in individuals with a history of low back pain when they are between symptomatic episodes.

Objectives

To compare paraspinal muscle activity in young, healthy individuals and young individuals with a history of low back pain during walking turns.

Methods

Fourteen asymptomatic individuals with a history of low back pain and 14 controls performed 90° walking turns at both a self-selected speed and a fast speed. The duration and amplitude of activity in the deep fibers of the multifidus and the lumbar and thoracic longissimus were quantified using intramuscular electromyography.

Results

There was a significant speed-by-group interaction for the duration of multifidus activity (P = .013). Duration of activity increased from the self-selected speed to the fast locomotor speed in the controls, but decreased in the individuals with a history of low back pain (P = .003). Self-selected speed was the same in both groups (P = .719). There was a trend toward a significant association between group and the direction of change in the duration of deep multifidus activity (χ2 = 0.058). Duration of thoracic longissimus activity and amplitude of multifidus and thoracic longissimus activity increased similarly in both groups from the self-selected to the faster speed.

Conclusion

Even between symptomatic episodes, young individuals with a history of low back pain demonstrated altered recruitment of the deep fibers of the lumbar multifidus in response to changing locomotor speed during walking turns. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(5):365–374. Epub 21 Mar 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6230
NRT2.4 and NRT2.5 Are Two Half-Size Transporters from the Chlamydomonas NRT2 Family
Authors: Higuera Jose , Calatrava Victoria , González Zaira , Mariscal Vicente , Siverio Jose , Fernández Emilio , Galván Aurora
Published: March 2016

The NRT2 transporters mediate High Affinity Nitrate/NitriteTransport (HAN/NiT), which are essential for nitrogen acquisition from these inorganic forms. The NRT2 proteins are encoded by a multigene family in plants, and contain 12 transmembrane-spanning domains. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has six NRT2, two of which (NRT2.5 and NRT2.4) are located in Chromosome III, in tandem head to tail. cDNAs for these genes were isolated and their sequence revealed that they correspond to half-size NRT2 transporters each containing six transmembrane domains. NRT2.5 has long N- and C- termini sequences without known homology. NRT2.4 also contains long termini sequences but smaller than NRT2.5. Expression of both studied genes occurred at a very low level, slightly in darkness, and was not modified by the N or C source. Silencing of NRT2.4 by specific artificial miRNA resulted in the inhibition of nitrite transport in the absence of other HANNiT (NRT2.1/NAR2) in the cell genetic background. Nitrite transport activity in the Hansenula polymorpha Δynt::URA3 Leu2 mutant was restored by expressing CrNRT2.4. These results indicate that half-size NRT2 transporters are present in photosynthetic organisms and that NRT2.4 is a HANiT.
A Pre-Scheduling Mechanism in LTE Handover for Streaming Video
Authors: Lai Wei-Kuang , Tai Chih-Kun , Su Wei-Ming
Published: March 2016

This paper focuses on downlink packet scheduling for streaming video in Long Term Evolution (LTE). As a hard handover is adopted in LTE and has the period of breaking connection, it may cause a low user-perceived video quality. Therefore, we propose a handover prediction mechanism and a pre-scheduling mechanism to dynamically adjust the data rates of transmissions for providing a high quality of service (QoS) for streaming video before new connection establishment. Advantages of our method in comparison to the exponential/proportional fair (EXP/PF) scheme are shown through simulation experiments.
Graphene and Two-Dimensional Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Bablich Andreas , Kataria Satender , Lemme Max
Published: March 2016

This article reviews optoelectronic devices based on graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials. The review includes basic considerations of process technology, including demonstrations of 2D heterostructure growth, and comments on the scalability and manufacturability of the growth methods. We then assess the potential of graphene-based transparent conducting electrodes. A major part of the review describes photodetectors based on lateral graphene p-n junctions and Schottky diodes. Finally, the progress in vertical devices made from 2D/3D heterojunctions, as well as all-2D heterostructures is discussed.
Hybridizing DEMD and Quantum PSO with SVR in Electric Load Forecasting
Authors: Peng Li-Ling , Fan Guo-Feng , Huang Min-Liang , Hong Wei-Chiang
Published: March 2016

Electric load forecasting is an important issue for a power utility, associated with the management of daily operations such as energy transfer scheduling, unit commitment, and load dispatch. Inspired by strong non-linear learning capability of support vector regression (SVR), this paper presents an SVR model hybridized with the differential empirical mode decomposition (DEMD) method and quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm (QPSO) for electric load forecasting. The DEMD method is employed to decompose the electric load to several detail parts associated with high frequencies (intrinsic mode function—IMF) and an approximate part associated with low frequencies. Hybridized with quantum theory to enhance particle searching performance, the so-called QPSO is used to optimize the parameters of SVR. The electric load data of the New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) market and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO, New York, USA) are used for comparing the forecasting performances of different forecasting models. The results illustrate the validity of the idea that the proposed model can simultaneously provide forecasting with good accuracy and interpretability.
Association of Sociodemographic and Perceived Environmental Factors with Public Bicycle Use among Taiwanese Urban Adults
Authors: Liao Yung
Published: March 2016

Background: This study examined the sociodemographic and perceived environmental factors associated with public bicycle use among Taiwanese urban adults. Methods: A random-digit-dialing telephone-based cross-sectional survey was administered to Taiwanese urban adults aged 20–64 years in 2015. Data on sociodemographic variables, perceived environmental factors (for attributes identified in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Environmental Module), and public bicycle use were obtained from 1002 adults in three cities. Adjusted logistic regression was used. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, the results showed that adults aged 20–29 years (odds ratio (OR) = 4.42) with a university degree or higher (OR = 2.03) were more likely to use public bicycles. In addition, adults living in Kaohsiung City were less likely to use public bicycles (OR = 0.24). Adults who saw people being active (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.05–2.86) and had positive aesthetic experiences of their environment (OR = 1.69) were more likely to use public bicycles. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that seeing physically active people and positive aesthetic perceptions of the environment are key factors for developing transportation policies and intervention strategies for promoting public bicycle use among Taiwanese urban adults.
Effects of Air Pollution on Hospital Emergency Room Visits for Respiratory Diseases: Urban-Suburban Differences in Eastern China
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Xining , Fan Jiayin , Xiao Wenxin , Wang Yan
Published: March 2016

A study on the relationships between ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, SO2 and NO2) and hospital emergency room visits (ERVs) for respiratory diseases from 2013 to 2014 was performed in both urban and suburban areas of Jinan, a heavily air-polluted city in Eastern China. This research was analyzed using generalized additive models (GAM) with Poisson regression, which controls for long-time trends, the “day of the week” effect and meteorological parameters. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 corresponded to a 1.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7%, 2.1%), 1.2% (95% CI: 0.5%, 1.9%), and 2.5% (95%: 0.8%, 4.2%) growth in ERVs for the urban population, respectively, and a 1.5% (95%: 0.4%, 2.6%), 0.8% (95%: −0.7%, 2.3%), and 3.1% (95%: 0.5%, 5.7%) rise in ERVs for the suburban population, respectively. It was found that females were more susceptible than males to air pollution in the urban area when the analysis was stratified by gender, and the reverse result was seen in the suburban area. Our results suggest that the increase in ERVs for respiratory illnesses is linked to the levels of air pollutants in Jinan, and there may be some urban-suburban discrepancies in health outcomes from air pollutant exposure.
Do Climate Change Policies Promote or Conflict with Subjective Wellbeing: A Case Study of Suzhou, China
Authors: Liu Miaomiao , Huang Yining , Hiscock Rosemary , Li Qin , Bi Jun , Kinney Patrick , Sabel Clive
Published: March 2016

As public expectations for health rise, health measurements broaden from a focus on death, disease, and disability to wellbeing. However, wellbeing hasn’t been incorporated into the framework of climate change policy decision-making in Chinese cities. Based on survey data (n = 763) from Suzhou, this study used Generalized Estimation Equation approach to model external conditions associated with wellbeing. Then, semi-quantitative analyses were conducted to provide a first indication to whether local climate change policies promote or conflict with wellbeing through altering these conditions. Our findings suggested: (i) Socio-demographic (age, job satisfaction, health), psychosocial (satisfaction with social life, ontological security/resilience) and environmental conditions (distance to busy road, noise annoyance and range hoods in the kitchen) were significantly associated with wellbeing; (ii) None of existing climate change strategies in Suzhou conflict with wellbeing. Three mitigation policies (promotion of tertiary and high–tech industry, increased renewable energy in buildings, and restrictions on car use) and one adaption policy (increasing resilience) brought positive co–benefits for wellbeing, through the availability of high-satisfied jobs, reduced dependence on range hoods, noise reduction, and valuing citizens, respectively. This study also provided implications for other similar Chinese cities that potential consequences of climate change interventions for wellbeing should be considered.
Communication-Theoretic Model of Power Talk for a Single-Bus DC Microgrid
Authors: Angjelichinoski Marko , Stefanović Čedomir , Popovski Petar , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: March 2016

Power talk is a method for communication among voltage control sources (VSCs) in DC microgrids (MGs), achieved through variations of the supplied power that is incurred by modulation of the parameters of the primary control. The physical medium upon which the communication channel is established is the voltage supply level of the common MG bus. In this paper, we show how to create power talk channels in all-to-all communication scenarios and implement the signaling and detection techniques, focusing on the construction and use of the constellations or arbitrary order. The main challenge to the proposed communication method stems from random shifts of the loci of the constellation symbols, which are due to random load variations in the MG. We investigate the impact that solutions that combat the effects of random load variations by re-establishing the detection regions have on the power talk rate.
An Overview of Hox Genes in Lophotrochozoa: Evolution and Functionality
Authors: Barucca Marco , Canapa Adriana , Biscotti Maria
Published: March 2016

Hox genes are regulators of animal embryonic development. Changes in the number and sequence of Hox genes as well as in their expression patterns have been related to the evolution of the body plan. Lophotrochozoa is a clade of Protostomia characterized by several phyla which show a wide morphological diversity. Despite that the works summarized in this review emphasize the fragmentary nature of the data available regarding the presence and expression of Hox genes, they also offer interesting insight into the evolution of the Hox cluster and the role played by Hox genes in several phyla. However, the number of genes involved in the cluster of the lophotrochozoan ancestor is still a question of debate. The data presented here suggest that at least nine genes were present while two other genes, Lox4 and Post-2, may either have been present in the ancestor or may have arisen as a result of duplication in the Brachiopoda-Mollusca-Annelida lineage. Spatial and temporal collinearity is a feature of Hox gene expression which was probably present in the ancestor of deuterostomes and protostomes. However, in Lophotrochozoa, it has been detected in only a few species belonging to Annelida and Mollusca.
Compound Library Screening Identified Cardiac Glycoside Digitoxin as an Effective Growth Inhibitor of Gefitinib-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Downregulation of α-Tubulin and Inhibition of Microtubule Formation
Authors: Zhang Yi-Ze , Chen Xi , Fan Xing-Xing , He Jian-Xing , Huang Jun , Xiao Da-Kai , Zhou Yan-Ling , Zheng Sen-You , Xu Jia-Hui , Yao Xiao-Jun , Liu Liang , Leung Elaine
Published: March 2016

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) dominates over 85% of all lung cancer cases. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutation is a common situation in NSCLC. In the clinic, molecular-targeting with Gefitinib as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for EGFR downstream signaling is initially effective. However, drug resistance frequently happens due to additional mutation on EGFR, such as substitution from threonine to methionine at amino acid position 790 (T790M). In this study, we screened a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound library consisting of 800 single compounds in TKI-resistance NSCLC H1975 cells, which contains substitutions from leucine to arginine at amino acid 858 (L858R) and T790M mutation on EGFR. Attractively, among these compounds there are 24 compounds CC50 of which was less than 2.5 μM were identified. We have further investigated the mechanism of the most effective one, Digitoxin. It showed a significantly cytotoxic effect in H1975 cells by causing G2 phase arrest, also remarkably activated 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, we first proved that Digitoxin suppressed microtubule formation through decreasing α-tubulin. Therefore, it confirmed that Digitoxin effectively depressed the growth of TKI-resistance NSCLC H1975 cells by inhibiting microtubule polymerization and inducing cell cycle arrest.
A New Megastigmane Sesquiterpenoid from Zanthoxylum Schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc
Authors: Hu Linzhen , Wang Kongchao , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Junjun , Wang Kaiping , Zhang Jinwen , Luo Zengwei , Xue Yongbo , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yonghui
Published: March 2016

Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc. (Rutaceae), a dioecious shrub with hooked prickly branches, has been used as folk medicine for the treatment of the common cold, stomach ache, diarrhea, and jaundice in China, Korea, and Japan. In our phytochemical investigations on this genus, a new megastigmane sesquiterpenoid, which is referred to as schinifolenol A (1), was isolated from Z. schinifolium. The stereochemistry was characterized via the analyses of extensive spectra. The absolute configuration was established by the application of a modified Mosher’s experiment and assisted by a time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) on calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Bioactivity screenings showed that compound 1 exhibited a safe hypotoxicity and a better selectivity on anti-Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpes virus (KSHV).
Synthesis and Evaluation of Ester Derivatives of 10-Hydroxycanthin-6-one as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Zhao Fei , Dai Jiang-Kun , Liu Dan , Wang Shi-Jun , Wang Jun-Ru
Published: March 2016

As part of our continuing research on canthin-6-one antimicrobial agents, a new series of ester derivatives of 10-hydroxycanthin-6-one were synthesized using a simple and effective synthetic route. The structure of each compound was characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, FT-IR, UV, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial activity of these compounds against three phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria solani, Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium solani) and four bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Pseudomonas syringae) were evaluated using the mycelium linear growth rate method and micro-broth dilution method, respectively. The structure-activity relationship is discussed. Of the tested compounds, 4 and 7s displayed significant antifungal activity against F. graminearum, with inhibition rates of 100% at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Compounds 5, 7s, and 7t showed the best inhibitory activity against all the tested bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 3.91 and 31.25 μg/mL. Thus, 7s emerged as a promising lead compound for the development of novel canthine-6-one antimicrobial agents.
Rheological and Mechanical Behavior of Silk Fibroin Reinforced Waterborne Polyurethane
Authors: Tao Yongzhen , Hasan Anwarul , Deeb George , Hu Changkai , Han Huipeng
Published: March 2016

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is a versatile and environment-friendly material with growing applications in both industry and academia. Silk fibroin (SF) is an attractive material known for its structural, biological and hemocompatible properties. The SF reinforced waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is a promising scaffold material for tissue engineering applications. In this work, we report synthesis and characterization of a novel nanocomposite using SF reinforced WPU. The rheological behaviors of WPU and WPU-SF dispersions with different solid contents were investigated with steady shear and dynamic oscillatory tests to evaluate the formation of the cross-linked gel structure. The average particle size and the zeta potential of WPU-SF dispersions with different SF content were examined at 25 °C to investigate the interaction between SF and WPU. FTIR, SEM, TEM and tensile testing were performed to study the effects of SF content on the structural morphology and mechanical properties of the resultant composite films. Experimental results revealed formation of gel network in the WPU dispersions at solid contents more than 17 wt %. The conjugate reaction between the WPU and SF as well as the hydrogen bond between them helped in dispersing the SF powder into the WPU matrix as small aggregates. Addition of SF to the WPU also improved the Young’s modulus from 0.30 to 3.91 MPa, tensile strength from 0.56 to 8.94 MPa, and elongation at break from 1067% to 2480%, as SF was increased up to 5 wt %. Thus, significant strengthening and toughening can be achieved by introducing SF powder into the WPU formulations.
Efficient Data Gathering in 3D Linear Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks Using Sink Mobility
Authors: Akbar Mariam , Javaid Nadeem , Khan Ayesha , Imran Muhammad , Shoaib Muhammad , Vasilakos Athanasios
Published: March 2016

Due to the unpleasant and unpredictable underwater environment, designing an energy-efficient routing protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) demands more accuracy and extra computations. In the proposed scheme, we introduce a mobile sink (MS), i.e., an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and also courier nodes (CNs), to minimize the energy consumption of nodes. MS and CNs stop at specific stops for data gathering; later on, CNs forward the received data to the MS for further transmission. By the mobility of CNs and MS, the overall energy consumption of nodes is minimized. We perform simulations to investigate the performance of the proposed scheme and compare it to preexisting techniques. Simulation results are compared in terms of network lifetime, throughput, path loss, transmission loss and packet drop ratio. The results show that the proposed technique performs better in terms of network lifetime, throughput, path loss and scalability.
Designing Mobile Applications for Emergency Response: Citizens Acting as Human Sensors
Authors: Romano Marco , Onorati Teresa , Aedo Ignacio , Diaz Paloma
Published: March 2016

When an emergency occurs, citizens can be a helpful support for the operation centers involved in the response activities. As witnesses to a crisis, they initially can share updated and detailed information about what is going on. Moreover, thanks to the current technological evolution people are able to quickly and easily gather rich information and transmit it through different communication channels. Indeed, modern mobile devices embed several sensors such as GPS receivers, Wi-Fi, accelerometers or cameras that can transform users into well-equipped human sensors. For these reasons, emergency organizations and small and medium enterprises have demonstrated a growing interest in developing smart applications for reporting any exceptional circumstances. In this paper, we present a practical study about this kind of applications for identifying both limitations and common features. Based on a study of relevant existent contributions in this area and our personal direct experience in developing and evaluating emergency management solutions, our aim is to propose several findings about how to design effective and efficient mobile emergency notification applications. For this purpose we have exploited the basic sensors of modern mobile devices and the users’ aptitude for using them. The evaluation consists of a practical and a theoretical part. In the practical part, we have simulated a traffic accident as closely as possible to a real scenario, with a victim lying on the ground near a car in the middle of a street. For the theoretical part, we have interviewed some emergency experts for collecting their opinions about the utility of the proposed solution. Results from this evaluation phase confirm the positive impact that EN application have for both operators’ and citizens’ perspective. Moreover, we collected several findings useful for future design challenges in the same area, as shown in the final redesign of the proposed application.
Fast Selective Detection of Pyocyanin Using Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Alatraktchi Fatima , Breum Andersen Sandra , Krogh Johansen Helle , Molin Søren , Svendsen Winnie
Published: March 2016

Pyocyanin is a virulence factor uniquely produced by the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The fast and selective detection of pyocyanin in clinical samples can reveal important information about the presence of this microorganism in patients. Electrochemical sensing of the redox-active pyocyanin is a route to directly quantify pyocyanin in real time and in situ in hospitals and clinics. The selective quantification of pyocyanin is, however, limited by other redox-active compounds existing in human fluids and by other metabolites produced by pathogenic bacteria. Here we present a direct selective method to detect pyocyanin in a complex electroactive environment using commercially available electrodes. It is shown that cyclic voltammetry measurements between −1.0 V to 1.0 V reveal a potential detection window of pyocyanin of 0.58–0.82 V that is unaffected by other redox-active interferents. The linear quantification of pyocyanin has an R2 value of 0.991 across the clinically relevant concentration range of 2–100 µM. The proposed method was tested on human saliva showing a standard deviation of 2.5% ± 1% (n = 5) from the known added pyocyanin concentration to the samples. This inexpensive procedure is suggested for clinical use in monitoring the presence and state of P. aeruginosa infection in patients.
A Crowd-Sourcing Indoor Localization Algorithm via Optical Camera on a Smartphone Assisted by Wi-Fi Fingerprint RSSI
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Weiping , Li Qun , Chang Qiang , Hou Hongtao
Published: March 2016

Indoor positioning based on existing Wi-Fi fingerprints is becoming more and more common. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi fingerprint is susceptible to multiple path interferences, signal attenuation, and environmental changes, which leads to low accuracy. Meanwhile, with the recent advances in charge-coupled device (CCD) technologies and the processing speed of smartphones, indoor positioning using the optical camera on a smartphone has become an attractive research topic; however, the major challenge is its high computational complexity; as a result, real-time positioning cannot be achieved. In this paper we introduce a crowd-sourcing indoor localization algorithm via an optical camera and orientation sensor on a smartphone to address these issues. First, we use Wi-Fi fingerprint based on the K Weighted Nearest Neighbor (KWNN) algorithm to make a coarse estimation. Second, we adopt a mean-weighted exponent algorithm to fuse optical image features and orientation sensor data as well as KWNN in the smartphone to refine the result. Furthermore, a crowd-sourcing approach is utilized to update and supplement the positioning database. We perform several experiments comparing our approach with other positioning algorithms on a common smartphone to evaluate the performance of the proposed sensor-calibrated algorithm, and the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm could significantly improve accuracy, stability, and applicability of positioning.
MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING: PART I – A STATE-OF-THE-ART SURVEY
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Antuchevičienė Jurgita , Kapliński Oleg
Published: March 2016

For several decades, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been in use to address issues particular to design, organisation and management of constructions. This article reviews the history of MCDM methods since their origins to current times. The academic database Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection was used to overview publications that contain keyword “MCDM” and are included in Web of Science Category “Engineering Civil”. The analysis of publications was made according to their year, state, journals and used MCDM methods.
Immunomodulatory Effect of H. Pylori CagA Genotype and Gastric Hormones On Gastric Versus Inflammatory Cells Fas Gene Expression in Iraqi Patients with Gastroduodenal Disorders
Authors: Al-Ezzy Ali Ibrahim Ali
Published: March 2016

AIM: To evaluate the Immunomodulatory effects of CagA expression; pepsinogen I, II & gastrin-17 on PMNs and lymphocytes Fas expression in inflammatory and gastric cells; demographic distribution of Fas molecule in gastric tissue and inflammatory cells.METHODS: Gastroduodenal biopsies were taken from 80 patients for histopathology and H. pylori diagnosis. Serum samples were used for evaluation of pepsinogen I (PGI); (PGII); gastrin-17 (G-17).RESULTS: Significant difference (p < 0.001) in lymphocytes & PMNs Fas expression; epithelial & lamina propria Fas localization among H. pylori associated gastric disorders. No correlation between grade of lymphocytes & PMNs Fas expression in gastric epithelia; lamina propria and types of gastric disorder. Significant difference (p < 0.001) in total gastric Fas expression, epithelial Fas; lamina propria and gastric gland Fas expression according to CagA, PGI; PGII; PGI/PGII; Gastrin-17. Total gastric Fas expression has significant correlation with CagA, PGII levels. Gastric epithelial and gastric lamina propria Fas expression have significant correlation with CagA, PGI; PGII levels. Significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in lymphocytes & PMNs Fas expression; epithelial & lamina propria localization of lymphocytes & PMNs Fas expression according to CagA, PGI; PGII; PGI/PGII; Gastrin-17. Lymphocytes Fas expression have correlation with PGI, PGII, PGI/PGII. PMNs Fas expression have correlation with PGI, PGII.CONCLUSION: Fas gene expression and localization on gastric and inflammatory cells affected directly by H. pylori CagA and indirectly by gastric hormones. This contributes to progression of various gastric disorders according to severity of CagA induced gastric pathology and gastric hormones disturbance throughout the course of infection and disease.
Creating a Value Added College Environment
Authors: Miller Michael T. , Nadler Daniel P.
Published: March 2016

This chapter explores how colleges and universities have struggled to define who they are and what they are responsible for doing. From the understanding that society increasingly equated educated with employed and highly compensated, the discussion traces the formal and informal education student receive on a college campus. Extending the idea of a formal curriculum to the ‘hidden curriculum,' that is, the unintended learning and experiences students encounter on campus. The hidden curriculum can play an important role in the student development process, and in many cases, has become the de facto value-added experience on campus. College policy makers and leaders can use the hidden curriculum to their advantage in working with students, but must first take the step of creating expectations for this curriculum and align their activities with their projected outcomes.
Work Integrated Learning and Learning Integrated Work
Authors: Jonsson Bosse , Lyckhage Elisabeth Dahlborg , Pennbrant Sandra
Published: March 2016

The difference between the professional competence conveyed during education and the competence demanded in working life is substantial and needs to be taken seriously. In this chapter where the case is nursing education, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Learning Integrated Work (LIW), are suggested as pedagogical approaches in Higher Education aiming to integrate scientific knowledge and with practical knowledge, and to provide an analytical perspective where students have the opportunity to develop metacognitive skills and praxis by learning through experiences during internship. One way to achieve this in vocational education to learn from the knowledge and skills used when performing in practice. By integrating scientific and practical vocational knowledge, one promotes professionalization that is exhibited as Learning Integrated Work (LIW), i.e. the capability to perform the expected tasks and learn at work by using a critical and development-oriented attitude in daily work and actively participate in renewals of work assignments.
Software Defined Intelligent Building
Authors: Xu Rui Yang , Huang Xin , Zhang Jie , Lu Yulin , Wu Ge , Yan Zheng
Published: March 2016

The networks of intelligent building are usually consist of a great number of smart devices. Since many smart devices only support on-site configuration and upgrade, and communication between devices could be observed and even altered by attackers, efficiency and security are two key concerns in maintaining and managing the devices used in intelligent building networks. In this paper, the authors apply the technology of software defined networking to satisfy the requirement for efficiency in intelligent building networks. More specific, a protocol stack in smart devices that support OpenFlow is designed. In addition, the authors designed the lightweight security mechanism with two foundation protocols and a full protocol that uses the foundation protocols as example. Performance and session key establishment for the security mechanism are also discussed.
Awareness of Mobile Device Security
Authors: Clarke Nathan , Symes Jane , Saevanee Hataichanok , Furnell Steve
Published: March 2016

Mobile devices have become a ubiquitous technology that are also inherently intertwined with modern society. They have enabled a revolution of how people engage and interact with technology, computing and the Internet. However, as their popularity has increased, so have the threats against them. The paper presents the findings of a survey undertaken to examine users' attitudes and opinions towards security for their mobile device. The results are based upon a respondent population of 301 and show a pattern of users being concerned about security for their device (68%), wanting additional security (63%), yet not engaging with the security they are provided with. Only 54% of respondents utilise a PIN for authentication against a backdrop of 46% of respondents experiencing some form of security breach. Interestingly, the results do show a preference for security to be preinstalled and activated out-of-the-box (84%), placing a responsibility on network operators and/or manufacturers to provide sufficient controls.
Synthesis and Size-Control of Monoclinic Crystalline Phase VO2 Powders
Authors: Huang Min , Wang Kai , Huang Yue , Zhou Zhong Hua , Shen Shirley
Published: March 2016

The exploration of efficient preparation methods of VO2(M) powders, especially the controls of particle sizes, is a challenge. In this article VO2(M) powders were prepared by a liquid phase precipitation and post annealing method. The structure and morphology of the VO2(M) powders were characterized by XRD and SEM. The effects of annealing temperature and the amounts of additive SiO2 aerogels on the particle size controlling were studied .The thermal phase transition properties were characterized by DSC analysis. The results reveal that the transformation of crystal phases from V6O13 to VO2(M) takes place in the annealing process and the additive of SiO2 aerogels can control the particle size and promote the particle size to be smaller effectively.
Life Cycle Environmental Impact Assessment of Amorphous Alloy Strips Production
Authors: Liu Li Feng , Gao Feng , Wang Shao Bo , Wang Zhi Hong , Gong Xian Zheng , Li Xiao Qing
Published: March 2016

Amorphous alloy strips has been widely used in the field of distribution transformers due to its good soft magnetic properties. The resources, energy consumption of the amorphous alloy strips production with the rapid solidification technique and the environmental impacts were calculated based on the life cycle assessment method. The results showed that the largest contribution to the non-renewable resource consumption was ferroboron production process, accounting for 98% of abiotic resource depletion (ADP). And the strip production process had the largest contribution to the global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), photochemical oxidation potential (POCP), human toxicity potential (HTP),eutrophication potential (EP). Ferroboron production process contributed the biggest environmental impact when producing 1 ton amorphous strip, accounting for 70% of the total environmental impact. Under the new technology for energy-saving and emission-reduction, when the utilization rate of boric acid increased in ferroboron production process, all the environmental impact decreased.
Investigation of UV Absorber Residue Improving Aging Properties of Bitumen
Authors: Gao Li , Yu Jian Ying , Wu Min , Xue Li Hui
Published: March 2016

Ultraviolet (UV) absorber residue was used to modify bitumen. Effects of UV absorber residue on thermo-oxidative and UV aging properties of bitumen were evaluated by conventional physical properties and SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and bitumenenes) analysis. The results showed that the viscosity aging index (VAI) and softening point increment (SPI) of bitumen decreased significantly due to introduction of the UV absorber residue, and the ductility retention rate (DRR) was evidently higher compared to the pristine bitumen. SARA show that UV absorber residue can effectively restrain the gelatinization of bitumen resulted from aging. As a consequence, the UV absorber residue modified bitumen displays enhanced aging resistance properties, which can be attributed to the physical sorption of activated carbon to lighter components in the thermo-oxidative aging process and the absorption of UV absorption residue to the ultraviolet light in the process of UV aging.
Surface and Interface of Fine Aggregate Mixture under the Condition of UV-Ageing and Moisture-Treatment
Authors: Zhou Xin Xing , Wu Shao Peng , Liu Gang
Published: March 2016

Three-dimensional depth of field microscope (3-D FM), scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) were used to evaluate the surface morphology, behaviors and failure mechanisms of mortar and fine aggregate mixture (FAM). The effects of ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture for FAM, the interfacial behaviors of bitumen-aggregate were investigated. Results showed that in the pure mortar, the UV-ageing could increase the adhesion between the bitumen and fine aggregates, and the cohesion failure was dominant after UV-ageing. Due to the lower air voids in the pure mortar, the moisture did not cause the adhesion failure. The molecular dynamic simulation implied that UV ageing and moisture-treatment could reduce the interfacial energy, and the aromatic and asphaltene played a great role in the adhesion between bitumen and aggregate.
Recycled CRT Funnel Glass as Coarse Aggregate and Fine Aggregate in the Radiation Protection Concrete
Authors: Tian Ying Liang , Liu Wen Cai , Cui Su Ping , Sun Shi Bing , Wang Yi , Li Jin Hui , Fu Yue Sheng , Wang Jian
Published: March 2016

In recent decades, high-tech electrical equipment has drastically proliferated instead of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), making CRT funnel glass potential hazardous solid waste. Due to a relatively high level of lead, CRT funnel glass could be used as a potential material for the production of anti-radioactive concrete. In our study the CRT funnel glass , which was separated as aggregate in the concrete, was reduced to 4.75-25 mm (coarse aggregates) and less 4.75 mm (fine aggregates) in the production of anti-radioactive concrete. Mixes containing 0%, 20%, 40% , 60%, 80% and 100% (volume percentage) of CRT funnel glass to replace fine aggregate and coarse aggregate (respectively or simultaneously)) were prepared. The influence of the size, shape and replacement percentage of aggregates on workability, compressive strength and radiation shielding performance were determined. It was found that the replacement of natural aggregate with recycled CRT glass considerably improved the slump and radiation shielding performance but reduced compressive strength. The optimum percentage of waste funnel glass used as fine aggregate and coarse aggregate was 40%. The results clearly showed that the CRT funnel glass performed a significant enhancement in radiation shielding properties.