bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) Imputation Models for Species-Level Aboveground Forest Biomass Mapping in Northeast China
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , He Hong S. , Hawbaker Todd J. , Henne Paul D. , Zhu Zhiliang , Larsen David R.
Published: August 2019

Quantifying spatially explicit or pixel-level aboveground forest biomass (AFB) across large regions is critical for measuring forest carbon sequestration capacity, assessing forest carbon balance, and revealing changes in the structure and function of forest ecosystems. When AFB is measured at the species level using widely available remote sensing data, regional changes in forest composition can readily be monitored. In this study, wall-to-wall maps of species-level AFB were generated for forests in Northeast China by integrating forest inventory data with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images and environmental variables through applying the optimal k-nearest neighbor (kNN) imputation model. By comparing the prediction accuracy of 630 kNN models, we found that the models with random forest (RF) as the distance metric showed the highest accuracy. Compared to the use of single-month MODIS data for September, there was no appreciable improvement for the estimation accuracy of species-level AFB by using multi-month MODIS data. When k > 7, the accuracy improvement of the RF-based kNN models using the single MODIS predictors for September was essentially negligible. Therefore, the kNN model using the RF distance metric, single-month (September) MODIS predictors and k = 7 was the optimal model to impute the species-level AFB for entire Northeast China. Our imputation results showed that average AFB of all species over Northeast China was 101.98 Mg/ha around 2000. Among 17 widespread species, larch was most dominant, with the largest AFB (20.88 Mg/ha), followed by white birch (13.84 Mg/ha). Amur corktree and willow had low AFB (0.91 and 0.96 Mg/ha, respectively). Environmental variables (e.g., climate and topography) had strong relationships with species-level AFB. By integrating forest inventory data and remote sensing data with complete spatial coverage using the optimal kNN model, we successfully mapped the AFB distribution of the 17 tree species over Northeast China. We also evaluated the accuracy of AFB at different spatial scales. The AFB estimation accuracy significantly improved from stand level up to the ecotype level, indicating that the AFB maps generated from this study are more suitable to apply to forest ecosystem models (e.g., LINKAGES) which require species-level attributes at the ecotype scale.
Mapping Plastic Mulched Farmland for High Resolution Images of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using Deep Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Yang Qinchen , Liu Man , Zhang Zhitao , Yang Shuqin , Ning Jifeng , Han Wenting
Published: August 2019

With increasing consumption, plastic mulch benefits agriculture by promoting crop quality and yield, but the environmental and soil pollution is becoming increasingly serious. Therefore, research on the monitoring of plastic mulched farmland (PMF) has received increasing attention. Plastic mulched farmland in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote images due to the high resolution, shows a prominent spatial pattern, which brings difficulties to the task of monitoring PMF. In this paper, through a comparison between two deep semantic segmentation methods, SegNet and fully convolutional networks (FCN), and a traditional classification method, Support Vector Machine (SVM), we propose an end-to-end deep-learning method aimed at accurately recognizing PMF for UAV remote sensing images from Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, China. After experiments with single-band, three-band and six-band image data, we found that deep semantic segmentation models built via single-band data which only use the texture pattern of PMF can identify it well; for example, SegNet reaching the highest accuracy of 88.68% in a 900 nm band. Furthermore, with three visual bands and six-band data (3 visible bands and 3 near-infrared bands), deep semantic segmentation models combining the texture and spectral features further improve the accuracy of PMF identification, whereas six-band data obtains an optimal performance for FCN and SegNet. In addition, deep semantic segmentation methods, FCN and SegNet, due to their strong feature extraction capability and direct pixel classification, clearly outperform the traditional SVM method in precision and speed. Among three classification methods, SegNet model built on three-band and six-band data obtains the optimal average accuracy of 89.62% and 90.6%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed deep semantic segmentation model, when tested against the traditional classification method, provides a promising path for mapping PMF in UAV remote sensing images.
Comparison of Passive Microwave Data with Shipborne Photographic Observations of Summer Sea Ice Concentration along an Arctic Cruise Path
Authors: Wang Qingkai , Lu Peng , Zu Yongheng , Li Zhijun , Leppäranta Matti , Zhang Guiyong
Published: August 2019

Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) has been studied extensively using passive microwave (PM) remote sensing. This technology could be used to improve navigation along vessel cruise paths; however, investigations on this topic have been limited. In this study, shipborne photographic observation (P-OBS) of sea ice was conducted using oblique-oriented cameras during the Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition in the summer of 2016. SIC and the areal fractions of open water, melt ponds, and sea ice (Aw, Ap, and Ai, respectively) were determined along the cruise path. The distribution of SIC along the cruise path was U-shaped, and open water accounted for a large proportion of the path. The SIC derived from the commonly used PM algorithms was compared with the moving average (MA) P-OBS SIC, including Bootstrap and NASA Team (NT) algorithms based on Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) data; and ARTIST sea ice, Bootstrap, Sea Ice Climate Change Initiative, and NASA Team 2 (NT2) algorithms based on Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) data. P-OBS performed better than PM remote sensing at detecting low SIC (< 10%). Our results indicate that PM SIC overestimates MA P-OBS SIC at low SIC, but underestimates it when SIC exceeds a turnover point (TP). The presence of melt ponds affected the accuracy of the PM SIC; the PM SIC shifted from an overestimate to an underestimate with increasing Ap, compared with MA P-OBS SIC below the TP, while the underestimation increased above the TP. The PM algorithms were then ranked; SSMIS-NT and AMSR2-NT2 are the best and worst choices for Arctic navigation, respectively.
Hybrid IRBM-BPNN Approach for Error Parameter Estimation of SINS on Aircraft
Authors: Guo Weilin , Xian Yong , Zhang Daqiao , Li Bing , Ren Leliang
Published: August 2019

To realize the error parameter estimation of strap-down inertial navigation system (SINS) and improve the navigation accuracy for aircraft, a hybrid improved restricted Boltzmann machine BP neural network (IRBM-BPNN) approach, which combines restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) and BP neural network (BPNN), is proposed to forecast the inertial measurement unit (IMU) instrument errors and initial alignment errors of SINS. Firstly, the error generation mechanism of SINS is analyzed, and initial alignment error model and IMU instrument error model are established. Secondly, an unsupervised RBM method is introduced to initialize BPNN to improve the forecast performance of the neural network. The RBM-BPNN model is constructed through the information fusion of SINS/GPS/CNS integrated navigation system by using the sum of position deviation, the sum of velocity deviation and the sum of attitude deviation as the inputs and by using the error parameters of SINS as the outputs. The RBM-BPNN structure is improved to enhance its forecast accuracy, and the pulse signal is increased as the input of the neural network. Finally, we conduct simulation experiments to forecast and compensate the error parameters of the proposed IRBM-BPNN method. Simulation results show that the artificial neural network method is feasible and effective in forecasting SINS error parameters, and the forecast accuracy of SINS error parameters can be effectively improved by combining RBM and BPNN methods and improving the neural network structure. The proposed IRBM-BPNN method has the optimal forecast accuracy of SINS error parameters and navigation accuracy of aircraft compared with the radial basis function neural network method and BPNN method.
Evaluation of Horizontal Stresses in Soil during Direct Simple Shear by High-Resolution Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing
Authors: Klar Assaf , Roed Michael , Rocchi Irene , Paegle Ieva
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an approach for evaluating the horizontal stresses that develop in geotechnical Direct Simple Shear (DSS) tests through the use of high-resolution distributed fiber optic sensing. For this aim, fiber optics were embedded in 3D printed rings used for confining the soil in the test procedure. An analytical approach linking the measured spatially-distributed strain profile and the internal soil-ring contact stresses is developed in the paper. The method is based on representation of the contact stresses by a Fourier series expansion, and determining the coefficients of the series by minimizing the difference between the measured strain and the analytical strain within the linear elastic ring. The minimization problem results in a linear set of equations that can easily be solved for a given measurement. The approach is demonstrated on a set of drained DSS tests on clean sand specimens. Stress paths using the evaluated horizontal stresses are plotted together with Mohr circles at failure. These illustrate how, in these specific tests, the horizontal stress increases and principal stress direction rotates, until failure occurs along horizontal planes.
Soil Erosion and Land Degradation on Trail Systems in Mountainous Areas: Two Case Studies from South-East Brazil
Authors: Rangel Luana , Jorge Maria do Carmo , Guerra Antonio , Fullen Michael
Published: August 2019

This paper addresses the role of soil erosion and mass movements on mountainous trails due to human trampling on steep slopes. This is the case of several trails situated on forested areas in South-East Brazil, even those located in protected areas. Two methods were used to achieve the research objectives. Firstly, analyses of microtopography using erosion bridges, which was monitored four times on Caixa D’Aço natural pool trails in Serra da Bocaina National Park. Secondly, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected at 0–10 cm depth at four sites on Água Branca trail in Serra do Mar State Park. Using this methodology, we assessed soil degradation in two different humid tropical environments. Generally, trampling combined with deficient trail management, play important roles in degrading soils in both areas. Bioengineering techniques should be used to recuperate these trails, which are used by tourists and local residents. We hope this research work may contribute towards improved management in Brazilian protected areas.
Culinary Tourism Experiences in Agri-Tourism Destinations and Sustainable Consumption—Understanding Italian Tourists’ Motivations
Authors: Testa Riccardo , Galati Antonino , Schifani Giorgio , Di Trapani Anna Maria , Migliore Giuseppina
Published: August 2019

Culinary tourism represents an emerging component of the tourism industry and encompasses all the traditional values associated with the new trends in tourism: respect for culture and tradition, authenticity and sustainability. Italy is known worldwide for the richness and variety of its gastronomy, and agri-tourism represents one of the most important places where culinary tourists can experience local food and beverages. By using a modified version of Kim and Eves’ motivational scale, the present study aims to investigate which motivational factors affect the frequency of culinary tourists to experience local food and beverages in agri-tourism destinations. The findings of the present study reveal that the social and environmental sustainability, among the other motivations, has shown to play a crucial role in influencing Italian tourists’ frequency to experience local food and beverage in agri-tourism destinations.
Exploring the Multilevel Perception of Safety Climate on Taiwanese Construction Sites
Authors: Chen Wei Tong , Merrett Hew Cameron , Huang Ying-Hua , Lu Shih Tong , Sun Wen Chun , Li Yadi
Published: August 2019

This study investigates multilevel differences in safety climate (SC) perception dimensions between management and laborers on Taiwanese construction sites. With Taiwan’s high rate of construction site safety incidents, implementing successful safety strategies requires understanding differences in SC perceptions between management and laborers. This study used a structured SC questionnaire with responses from 74 managers and 261 laborers. The analysis of collected data includes (1) descriptive statistics comparing the selected dimensions; (2) Pearson correlation analysis examining relationships between SC perception dimensions; (3) t-test and one-way ANOVA to assess relationships between the respondent’s background and SC perception dimensions; and (4) Post-Tukey comparison analysis to compare the SC perception differences between management and laborers. The results indicate that management-level staff show a higher degree of SC perception than laborer-level staff. This level of SC perception varies between individual dimensions. The strongest convergence between the two groups is observed in the dimension of ‘workmate care of each other’, and the greatest divergence is found in ‘risk decision making’. Previous studies regarding SC perception in Taiwan specifically focus on construction workers and neglect the differences in perception between management and laborers. The outcomes of this study contribute to the understanding of multilevel SC perceptions, which can be used in the development of targeted strategies to improve SC on construction sites.
Bioeconomic Clusters—Background, Emergence, Localization and Modelling
Authors: Perez-Valdes Gerardo A. , Nørstebø Vibeke S. , Ellingsen May-Britt , Teräs Jukka , Werner Adrian T.
Published: August 2019

Industrial Clusters, especially those based on biologically sourced materials and their derivative products, can play an important role in the global shift to more sustainable production methods and ecological economic systems. The concept of cluster, however, is difficult to define and study. This paper presents quantitative methods based on Input-Output and Operations Research analysis to establish and plan cluster operations and complement that with qualitative reflections on the nature of these clusters. The purpose is to bring together both dimensions and demonstrate their complementarity, with social and policy aspects being as important considerations as techno-economic-driven ones. Using a case study, hypothetical clusters using numerical methods are created; the clusters produced by numerical methods point to and raise important issues related to the need to utilize qualitative analysis in conjunction to pure economic motives while designing/planning industrial clusters.
Mandatory Nonfinancial Disclosure and Its Consequences on the Sustainability Reporting Quality of Italian and German Companies
Authors: Mion Giorgio , Loza Adaui Cristian R.
Published: August 2019

Companies disclosing nonfinancial information through sustainability reporting practices provide markets with data on their social, environmental, and governance performance. The quality of sustainability reporting is much discussed in the literature because this quality affects factors such as the credibility of accountability and building stakeholders’ trust in the company. Nonetheless, the concept of quality is multidimensional, and empirical evidence relating to the quality of sustainability reporting presents different findings. Regulations on mandatory nonfinancial disclosure (NFD) open new perspectives for research on sustainability reporting quality (SRQ). This study explored the effect of introducing mandatory NFD on SRQ by focusing on the effects of new legislation (Directive 2014/95/EU) introduced in Italy and Germany. The analysis was conducted through qualitative content analysis of the sustainability reporting practices of Italian and German companies in the top lists of stock exchanges. Sustainability reporting practices of one year before (2016) and one year after (2017) the implementation of Directive 2014/95/EU were compared. The results of 132 observations demonstrated that the quality of sustainability reporting increased after implementation of the law on mandatory NFD. Further, the effect of the law seemed to reduce the differences in SRQ of the two countries before the introduction of mandatory NFD. The results suggested that obligatoriness of NFD affects SRQ together with other relevant determinants focused on by previous research (e.g., company size and industry type).
A Sustainable Development Strategy for the Uzbekistan Textile Industry: The Results of a SWOT-AHP Analysis
Authors: Kim Yong-Jeong , Park Jaehun
Published: August 2019

Uzbekistan is paying great attention to the textile industry as an industry offering a traditional production advantage, coming to the conclusion that it is necessary to establish and implement effective policies. In Uzbekistan as in other developing countries, whereas there are many strategic directions and development strategies to be considered for key industries, investment resources are limited. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize and to apply limited resources accordingly. Even though research on the textile industry in Uzbekistan is ongoing for a long time, most of the resultant literature concerns only general industrial trends and pertinent investment and advancement strategies. The present study examined sustainable, concrete, and effective development strategy directions for the Uzbekistan textile industry using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model. The SWOT-AHP model was tested in a case study on Uzbekistan’s textile industry. In the case study, the results were presented in an illustrative way by utilizing the quantitative information achieved by the model. The results indicated that the weakness and opportunity (WO) strategy had the highest importance, and suggested accordingly that priority should be given to that strategy for Uzbekistan’s textile industry development. The results further suggested that the Uzbekistan government should endeavor to upgrade obsolescent technology and solve the problems of high-priced imported raw materials and workers’ low education level, which are weak points of the textile industry of that country. Also, Uzbekistan should gradually shift the industrial structure from raw cotton to finished textile exportation, which offers relatively high added economic value. To achieve this, the Uzbek government needs to promote joint ventures and strategic alliances with foreign companies wishing to enter the textile industry through foreign direct investment (FDI) schemes.
Sector Portfolio Performance Comparison between Islamic and Conventional Stock Markets
Authors: González María de la O , Jareño Francisco , El Haddouti Camalea
Published: August 2019

This study compares the performance of sector portfolios from Islamic and conventional stock markets, using standard as well as current performance measures for a recent sample period between January 1996 and December 2015. Furthermore, to test the robustness of our analysis and to determine which type of portfolios offer better performance depending on the economic cycle, the full sample period is divided into three sub-sample periods: Before, during and after the recent global financial crisis. The three main outcomes of this research confirm that, first, the sector with the best performance results is Health Care, while the sector with the worst performance results is Financials for the Islamic as well as the conventional stock market. Second, the post-crisis sub-period exhibits the best performance not only in conventional but also in Islamic markets, confirming that portfolio performance depends on the economic stage and highlighting emerging signs of economic recovery. Third, Islamic sector portfolios, as a whole, show better performance than conventional sector portfolios for all performance measures—not just for the full period but also for the three sub-sample periods. The superior risk-adjusted returns of the Islamic sector portfolios, even during the recent global financial crisis, can be justified, among other reasons, by the moderated uncertainty and speculation, as well as the fact that Islamic finance prevents interest rates that have a negative impact on the economy. Thus, Sharia-compliant assets can contribute to improving the sustainability of unattractive performance portfolios during financial crises.
Investigating Road-Constrained Spatial Distributions and Semantic Attractiveness for Area of Interest
Authors: Ma Hongtao , Meng Yuan , Xing Hanfa , Li Cansong
Published: August 2019

An area of interest (AOI) refers to an urban area that attracts people’s attention within different urban functions through cities. The wide availability of big geo-data that are able to capture human activities and environmental socioeconomics enable a more nuanced identification of AOIs. Current research has proposed various approaches to delineate continuous AOI patterns using big geo-data. However, these approaches ignore the effects of urban structures such as road networks on reshaping AOIs, and fail to investigate the attractiveness and certain functions within AOIs. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a systematic framework to investigate the spatial distribution of road-constrained AOIs and analyze the semantic attractiveness. First, we propose an Epanechnikov-based kernel density estimation (KDE) with a bandwidth selection strategy to extract road-constrained AOIs. Then, we establish semantic attractiveness indices regarding AOIs based on the textual information and the number of review data. Finally, we investigate in detail the spatial distribution and semantic attractiveness of AOIs in Yuexiu, Guangzhou. The results show that road-constrained AOIs can not only effectively capture the human activity patterns influenced by urban structures, but also depict certain urban functions including entertainment, public, service, hotel, education, and food functions. This method provides a quantitative reference to monitor urban structures and human activities to support city planning.
Sustainable Fruit Consumption: The Influence of Color, Shape and Damage on Consumer Sensory Perception and Liking of Different Apples
Authors: Normann Anne , Röding Magnus , Wendin Karin
Published: August 2019

Sustainable food production and consumption are currently key issues. About one third of food produced for human consumption is wasted. In developed countries, consumers are responsible for the largest amount of food waste throughout the supply chain. The unwillingness to purchase and consume suboptimal food products is an important cause of food waste, however, the reasons behind this are still insufficiently studied. Our research addresses the question of how combinations of color, shape and damage of apples influence consumer liking and perceived sensory attributes. In a laboratory study based on factorial design of visual appearance (color, shape and damage varied from optimal to suboptimal) a total of 130 consumers evaluated sensory perception of flavor and texture attributes in apple samples. Liking was also evaluated. The results showed a significant difference in liking between an optimal apple and all apple categories with at least two out of three suboptimal properties. Further, it was a clear trend that the optimal apple was perceived as sweeter, crispier, less bitter, and less earthy than all the other apples by the participating consumers, however, the results were not statistically significant. A suboptimal appearance, therefore, had a negative effect on both perception and liking.
Evaluating Water Resource Assets Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model: A Case Study of Wuhan City, China
Authors: Zhang Jingdong , Fu Jiatian , Liu Chaoyang , Qu Zhiguang , Li Yanan , Li Fei , Yang Zhaofei , Jiang Luping
Published: August 2019

With the rapid development of China’s economy, the demand for water resources continues to sharply increase, which has gradually contributed to serious environmental problems. The Chinese government has proposed establishing a natural resource balance sheet, which is expected to solve this problem by assessing the value of water resources. The main purpose of this study was to assess the value of water resources in Wuhan from 2013 to 2017. Based on a fuzzy mathematical evaluation model, 15 indicators were chosen considering the three main aspects of resources, society, and the environment to construct a water resource evaluation indicator system. In addition, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight methods were combined to determine the index weight. Based on this, we calculated the value of water resources in Wuhan from 2013 to 2017. The results demonstrated that the values of water resources in Wuhan from 2013 to 2017 were US$2.910 billion, US$5.006 billion, US$9.223 billion, US$14.167 billion, and US$7.189 billion, respectively. Therefore, this paper provides a scientific foundation for the rational establishment of water prices, the assessment of local natural resource assets, and the preparation of natural resource balance sheets.
Building University-Industry Co-Innovation Networks in Transnational Innovation Ecosystems: Towards a Transdisciplinary Approach of Integrating Social Sciences and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Cai Yuzhuo , Ramis Ferrer Borja , Luis Martinez Lastra Jose
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a potential solution to fill a gap in both research and practice that there are few interactions between transnational industry cooperation (TIC) and transnational university cooperation (TUC) in transnational innovation ecosystems. To strengthen the synergies between TIC and TUC for innovation, the first step is to match suitable industrial firms from two countries for collaboration through their common connections to transnational university/academic partnerships. Our proposed matching solution is based on the integration of social science theories and specific artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. While the insights of social sciences, e.g., innovation studies and social network theory, have potential to answer the question of why TIC and TUC should be looked at as synergetic entities with elaborated conceptualization, the method of machine learning, as one specific technic off AI, can help answer the question of how to realize that synergy. On the way towards a transdisciplinary approach to TIC and TUC synergy building, or creating transnational university-industry co-innovation networks, the paper takes an initial step by examining what the supports and gaps of existing studies on the topic are, and using the context of EU–China science, technology and innovation cooperation as a testbed. This is followed by the introduction of our proposed approach and our suggestions for future research.
Green BIM Assessment Applying for Energy Consumption and Comfort in the Traditional Public Market: A Case Study
Authors: Lin Pao-Hung , Chang Chin-Chuan , Lin Yu-Hui , Lin Wei-Liang
Published: August 2019

This study focused on the energy consumption and environmental comfort of the traditional Xindian Central Public Retail Market. Established for more than 30 years, the market has been a crucial role in the daily life of local residents. Thus, the energy consumption and comfort level of the market are subjects of great concern. By using green building information modeling (BIM) simulation, which is an innovative assessment process that combines green buildings and BIM for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries to achieve sustainability, this study explored the current situation of energy efficiency and comfort level of the market. A green BIM model of the market and surrounding area was constructed in Autodesk Revit. Subsequently, nine items pertaining to energy consumption and environmental comfort were selected from the green BIM model to conduct simulation by using the software package Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IES VE). Based on the IES VE simulation results, heat radiation was identified as one of the main causes of energy consumption in the market. Moreover, the results indicated problems of ventilation and insufficient sunlight inside the market. These analytical outcomes and optimization suggestions can be provided as references for retrofitting to obtain sustainable architectures in future.
The Effect of Brand Experience on Customers’ Engagement Behavior within the Context of Online Brand Communities: The Impact on Intention to Forward Online Company-Generated Content
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud , Porcu Lucia , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to assess the antecedent role of brand experience (BE) in the intention to forward online company-generated content (CGC) within an online Islamic banking sector. The present study analyzed 387 valid responses collected through an online survey conducted among a number of online Islamic bank customers in Palestine. The results of this study revealed that BE has a stronger influence on customers’ intention to forward online company-generated contents. This research pioneers the empirical research in Palestinian Islamic banking systems exploring the instrumental role of BE on customers’ engagement behaviors, as well as the intention to forward online CGC. In addition, this research aims to fill the existing gap in the under-researched area of the online branding of Islamic banking services.
The Cracking of WalnutDSA: A Survey
Authors: Escribano Pablos José Ignacio , González Vasco María Isabel , Marriaga Misael Enrique , Pérez del Pozo Ángel Luis
Published: August 2019

This paper reports on the Walnut Digital Signature Algorithm (WalnutDSA), which is an asymmetric signature scheme recently presented for standardization at the NIST call for post-quantum cryptographic constructions. WalnutDSA is a group theoretical construction, the security of which relies on the hardness of certain problems related to an action of a braid group on a finite set. In spite of originally resisting the typical attacks succeeding against this kind of construction, soon different loopholes were identified rendering the proposal insecure (and finally, resulting in it being excluded from Round 2 of the NIST competition). Some of these attacks are related to the well-structured and symmetric masking of certain secret elements during the signing process. We explain the design principles behind this proposal and survey the main attack strategies that have succeeded, contradicting its claimed security properties, as well as the recently-proposed ideas aimed at overcoming these issues.
Cytotoxic and Proapoptotic Activity of Sanguinarine, Berberine, and Extracts of Chelidonium majus L. and Berberis thunbergii DC. toward Hematopoietic Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Och Anna , Zalewski Daniel , Komsta Łukasz , Kołodziej Przemysław , Kocki Janusz , Bogucka-Kocka Anna
Published: August 2019

Isoquinoline alkaloids belong to the toxic secondary metabolites occurring in plants of many families. The high biological activity makes these compounds promising agents for use in medicine, particularly as anticancer drugs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and proapoptotic activity of sanguinarine, berberine, and extracts of Chelidonium majus L. and Berberis thunbergii DC. IC10, IC50, and IC90 doses were established toward hematopoietic cancer cell lines using trypan blue staining. Alterations in the expression of 18 apoptosis-related genes in cells exposed to IC10, IC50, and IC90 were evaluated using real-time PCR. Sanguinarine and Chelidonium majus L. extract exhibit significant cytotoxicity against all studied cell lines. Lower cytotoxic activity was demonstrated for berberine. Berberis thunbergii DC. extract had no influence on cell viability. Berberine, sanguinarine, and Chelidonium majus L. extract altered the expression of apoptosis-related genes in all tested cell lines, indicating the induction of apoptosis. The presented study confirmed the substantial cytotoxicity and proapoptotic activity of sanguinarine, berberine, and Chelidonium majus L. extract toward the studied hematopoietic cell lines, which indicates the utility of these substances in anticancer therapy.
Built Cultural Heritage Recording and Evaluation in the Traditional Settlement of Siatista in Greece: Functional and Institutional Proposals for Conservation
Authors: Linaki Eleni G.
Published: August 2019

This case report explores the town of Siatista (located in the Western Macedonia Region—Greece), which is designated as a “traditional settlement”. The paper argues that, despite the relevant legislation that designated 400 settlements in Greece as “traditional settlements” and put them under protection, Siatista has no delimited traditional section. Through the years, new house typologies, demolitions, and alterations of its urban form have appeared, and Siatista has lost its identity. Having as an ultimate goal to identify proper planning guidelines and regulations for the preservation of Siatista’s built heritage, the methodology used in the paper includes the following steps: (a) recording and codification of the key legislation for the protection of Siatista, including the official urban plans (and their revisions); (b) identification and mapping of the urban form and spatial characteristics of Siatista (existing land uses, house typology, etc.); (c) identification of the alterations of the urban form and the demolitions, mainly with the use of aerial photos (1960–2014); and (d) creation of a map presenting the remaining built heritage per degree of evaluation. Following the analysis of the existing situation and the identification of the key challenges, the paper ends by defining and delimitating the well-preserved section of the town (proposing stricter rules and regulations for its preservation).
The Role of Reference Materials in the Research and Development of Diagnostic Tools and Treatments for Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses
Authors: Mattiuzzo Giada , Bentley Emma M. , Page Mark
Published: August 2019

Following the Ebola outbreak in Western Africa in 2013–16, a global effort has taken place for preparedness for future outbreaks. As part of this response, the development of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tools has been accelerated, especially towards pathogens listed as likely to cause an epidemic and for which there are no current treatments. Several of the priority pathogens identified by the World Health Organisation are haemorrhagic fever viruses. This review provides information on the role of reference materials as an enabling tool for the development and evaluation of assays, and ultimately vaccines and treatments. The types of standards available are described, along with how they can be applied for assay harmonisation through calibration as a relative potency to a common arbitrary unitage system (WHO International Unit). This assures that assay metrology is accurate and robust. We describe reference materials that have been or are being developed for haemorrhagic fever viruses and consider the issues surrounding their production, particularly that of biosafety where the viruses require specialised containment facilities. Finally, we advocate the use of reference materials at early stages, including research and development, as this helps produce reliable assays and can smooth the path to regulatory approval.
Treat and Extend Treatment Interval Patterns with Anti-VEGF Therapy in nAMD Patients
Authors: Skelly Adrian , Bezlyak Vladimir , Liew Gerald , Kap Elisabeth , Sagkriotis Alexandros
Published: August 2019

Treat and extend (T&E) is a standard treatment regimen for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs), but the treatment intervals attained are not well documented. This retrospective, non-comparative, non-randomised study of eyes with nAMD classified treatment interval sequences in a T&E cohort in Australia using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) data. We analysed data from 632 treatment-naïve eyes from 555 patients injected with ranibizumab, aflibercept or unlicensed bevacizumab between January 2012 and June 2016 (mean baseline age 78.0). Eyes were categorised into non-overlapping clusters of interval sequences based on the first 12 months of follow-up. We identified 523 different treatment interval sequences. The largest cluster of 197 (31.5%) eyes attained an 8-week treatment interval before dropping to a shorter frequency, followed by 168 (26.8%) eyes that did not reach or attained a single 8-week interval at the end of the study period. A total of 65 (10.4%) and 83 (13.3%) eyes reached and sustained (≥2 consecutive injection intervals of the same length) an 8 and 12 weekly interval, respectively. This study demonstrates highly individualised treatment patterns in the first year of anti-VEGF therapy in Australia using T&E regimens, with the majority of patients requiring more frequent injections than once every 8 weeks.
Hydraulic Jump below Abrupt Asymmetric Expanding Stilling Basin on Rough Bed
Authors: Torkamanzad Nafiseh , Hosseinzadeh Dalir Ali , Salmasi Farzin , Abbaspour Akram
Published: August 2019

The present research describes a laboratory study of hydraulic jump in the abrupt asymmetric expansion stilling basin as an energy dissipator by changing the geometry of walls and bed roughness elements. The experiments were carried out in a horizontal flume with 10 m length, 0.5 m width, and 0.5 m depth for a range of the upstream Froude numbers ( F r 1 ) from 5 to 11. Four physical models with expansion ratio of α   = 0.33, 0.5, 0.67, and 1 and asymmetry ratio of Δ = 0.16 were installed in the flume and two different heights of roughness elements ( h   = 1.4 and 2.8 cm) were also considered. The results indicated that the sequent depth and the jump length as well as the roller length below abrupt asymmetric expansion on the rough bed were decreased in comparison to the same parameters of the jump in a prismatic channel with smooth bed. It was revealed that the roughness elements have the effective role on stabilization of the hydraulic jump location. The analysis of energy dissipation efficiency confirmed that the spatial jump in the abruptly expanded basin with roughened bed was more efficient than classical jump. In order to estimate the hydraulic jump characteristics, empirical relationships associated with expansion ratio of basin walls, relative height of roughness elements and upstream Froude number were proposed based on the experimental data that resulted in preliminary design of an abrupt asymmetric enlarged basin.
Impact Assessment of Pier Shape and Modifications on Scouring around Bridge Pier
Authors: Farooq Rashid , Ghumman Abdul Razzaq
Published: August 2019

Previous experimental research on utilizing pier modifications as countermeasures against local scour has focused primarily on circular pier. It is of utmost importance to further investigate the most suitable pier shape for pier modification countermeasure separately and in combination. This experimental study aims to reduce the stagnation of the flow and vortex formation in front of the bridge pier by providing a collar, a hooked collar, a cable, and openings separately and in combination around a suitable pier shape. Therefore, six different pier shapes were utilized to find out the influence of pier shape on local scouring for a length–width ratio smaller than or equal to 3. A plain octagonal shape was shown as having more satisfactory results in reducing scour compared to other pier shapes. Furthermore, the efficiency of pier modification was then evaluated by testing different combinations of collar, hooked collar, cable, and openings within the octagonal bridge pier, which was compared to an unprotected octagonal pier without any modification. The results show that by applying such modifications, the scour depth reduced significantly. The best combination was found to be a hooked collar with cable and openings around an octagonal pier. It was revealed that the best combination reduced almost 53% of scour depth, as compared to an unprotected octagonal pier.
Geochemical and Isotopic Compositions and Geothermometry of Thermal Waters in the Magumsan Area, South Korea
Authors: Jeong Chan-Ho , Lee Byeong-Dae , Yang Jae-Ha , Nagao Keisuke , Kim Kyu-Han , Ahn Sang-Won , Lee Yong-Cheon , Lee Yu-Jin , Jang Hyeon-Woo
Published: August 2019

The Magumsan thermal waters of the southeastern Korean Peninsula are pumped out of six deep wells (average depth, 300 m) at temperatures of 30.8–49 °C. The thermal waters are chemically classified into two groups: NaHCO3 type (<31 °C) and NaCl (HCO3, SO4) type (>40 °C), both of which have chemical compositions that are distinct from local groundwater (Ca–HCO3 type). δ18O and δD values suggest that the thermal waters originate from meteoric water and they are isotopically fractionated by silicate hydration or H2S exchange. δ34S values (+7.0 to +15%) of dissolved sulfate in the thermal waters reflect enrichment in 34S through kinetically controlled oxidation of magmatic pyrite in the thermal aquifer and mixing with paleo-seawater. On the 3He/4He vs. 4He/20Ne diagram, the thermal waters plot along a single air mixing line of dominant crustal He, which indicates that the heat source for the thermal waters is non-volcanogenic thermal energy that is generated from the decay of radioactive elements in crustal rocks. Chalcedony geothermometry and thermodynamic equilibrium calculations using the PHREEQC program indicate a reservoir temperature for the immature thermal waters of 54–86 °C and 55–83 °C, respectively.
Sobre a estrutura das gramáticas antigas
Authors: Baratin Marc
Published: August 2019

Este artigo busca analisar a estrutura e a constituição do tipo de descrição gramatical que ocupou uma posição dominante no final da Antiguidade, os tratados intitulados Artes grammaticae. A despeito da tentativa de descobrir um modelo grego original nas Artes latinas a partir dos textos estoicos, o autor demonstra que a lógica interna obedecida pela descrição gramatical artigráfica é completamente diferente daquela obedecida pela estoica. Palavras-chave: Artes grammaticae; gramáticas antigas; Estudos Clássicos; descrição linguística. Résumé: Cet article porte sur l’analyse de la structure et la constitution du type de description grammaticale qui a occupé une position dominante à la fin de l’Antiquité, les traités intitulés Artes grammaticae. En dépit de la tentative de découvrir un modèle grec originel aux Artes latines à partir des textes stoïciens, l’auteur nous montre que la logique interne à laquelle obéit la description grammaticale artigraphique est tout à fait différente de celle à laquelle obéit la stoïcienne. Mots-clés : Artes grammaticae; grammaires antiques; Études classiques; description linguistique.
O Canto dos Ladrões: tradução e notas d’As Metamorfoses 4.8-22 de Apuleio.
Authors: Cerdas Emerson
Published: August 2019

O presente trabalho apresenta a tradução de um episódio do romance de Apuleio, As Metamorfoses 4.8-22, na qual buscou-se, por meio de uma tradução criativa, tornar visível ao leitor em português elementos de paródia do discurso épico, como o uso de um linguajar elevado, sintaxe empolada, uso de epítetos, entre outros.
Félix ou o anti-Aquiles: diálogos entre Homero e Machado de Assis
Authors: Teixeira Fernando , Martins Edson
Published: August 2019

Resumo: No presente trabalho, estudamos a recepção da cultura greco-romana no romance Ressurreição, de Machado de Assis. Para tal, buscamos identificar elementos de intertextualidade (BAKHTIN, 2002) presentes na obra em questão, a fim de discutir como tais elementos seriam importantes para o projeto literário do autor. Após uma apresentação panorâmica dos temas clássicos citados no romance, discutimos como essas referências à cultura clássica são apropriadas e ressignificadas na caracterização psicológica do personagem Félix, protagonista do romance.
Pítica 1 de Píndaro
Authors: Brito Ricardo Tieri de , Werner Christian
Published: August 2019

Apresenta-se uma tradução para o português da Pítica 1 de Píndaro, realizada com base no texto grego editado por Snell e Mahler (1980), acompanhada de uma pequena introdução e notas.
Vida de Ésquilo
Authors: Mota Marcus
Published: August 2019

Apresenta-se a tradução do texto anônimo Vida de Ésquilo, que se encontra nos manuscritos medievais que nos transmitiram a obra restante de Ésquilo. Fruto da colagem de diversas fontes como Aristófanes e as próprias tragédias de Ésquilo, Vida de Ésquilo contribui tanto para reforçar alguns estereótipos da dramaturgia de Ésquilo, quanto para fornecer informações sobre o dramaturgo e seus contextos histórico e cênico.
A Narrativa da Ressurreição de Jesus como Tradução Repensando o Lugar do Feminino nos Cristianismos
Authors: Tavares Juliana Batista Cavalcanti Miranda
Published: August 2019

Visa-se problematizar as memórias sobre a narrativa da ressurreição, de modo a apontá-la como um elemento de disputa no interior das comunidades cristãs. Auxiliados pela literatura intra e extracanônica em confronto com o afresco durano sobre a vista das mulheres ao túmulo vazio, buscar-se-á, a luz dos conceitos detradução e narração, apontar a ressurreição como um evento que sistematiza o papel das mulheres nas comunidades cristãs.
A crise do Império e os projetos de Nação no contexto luso-brasileiro (1820-1834)
Authors: Gonçalves Andréa Lisly
Published: August 2019

Longe de se afrouxarem de todo após a emancipação política da ex-colônia portuguesa, os vínculos entre a história de Portugal e a do Brasil vicejaram, nas penas de publicistas e atores políticos do antigo reino e da ex-colônia, em discussões sobre a restauração do império luso-brasileiro. São os desafios impostos nas décadas iniciais de construção dos Estados Nacionais, nos dois lados do Atlântico, que este artigo busca analisar.
Duas lições de Giulio Romano para Cristoforo Sorte: continuidade e ruptura de uma tradição
Authors: Ragazzi Alexandre
Published: August 2019

Neste artigo serão considerados métodos de trabalho empregados por Giulio Romano e a transferência desses métodos para o norte da Itália. Em Mântua, Cristoforo Sorte foi um dos muitos artistas que se aproximaram de Giulio Romano com a intenção de aprender o ofício da pintura. Sorte então publicou duas edições de suas Observações sobre a pintura, obra na qual é possível reconhecer uma mescla de continuidade e ruptura e que será aqui utilizada para explorar questões relativas a esse período de profunda transformação do pensamento.
A Constituição cidadã e os legados da ditadura
Authors: Reis Daniel Aarão
Published: August 2019

A Constituição de 1988 no contexto da longa transição da ditadura à democracia. A ditadura e suas tentativas de institucionalização: a Constituição de 1967. As lutas por uma Constituinte soberana. A convocação da Constituinte em 1985: alcance e limites. As eleições de 1986. A trajetória da Constituinte: organização interna, participação dos lobbies e mobilização popular. A Constituição de 1988: inovações democráticas e legados da ditadura. Cidadania social e democrática X centralização do poder e tutela militar. O caráter híbrido da nova Constituição e sua correspondência com o processo de transição “transicional e transacional”. A incidência da cultura política nacional-estatista. O retalhamento da nova Constituição e seu precoce envelhecimento. A atual crise política e a necessidade de uma nova Constituição.