bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Legal Profession in the Era of Digital Capitalism: Disruption or New Dawn?
Authors: Caserta Salvatore , Madsen Mikael Rask
Published: January 2019

This article investigates the impact of what we label “digital capitalism” on the structure and organization of the legal profession. We explore whether the rise of digital capitalism is transforming the dynamics of the legal field by the introduction of new actors and ways of practicing law, which might challenge the traditional control (and monopoly) of jurists on the production of law. We find that not only have new service providers already entered the legal market, but also new on-line tools for solving legal disputes or producing legal documents are gaining a foothold. Similarly, we also find that new intelligent search systems are challenging the role of junior lawyers and paralegals with regard to reviewing large sets of documents. However, big data techniques deployed to predict future courts’ decisions are not yet advanced enough to pose a challenge. Overall, we argue that these developments will not only change legal practices, but are also likely to influence the internal structure and organization of the legal field. In particular, we argue that the processes of change associated with digitalization is further accelerating the economization and commodification of the practice of law, whereby lawyers are decreasingly disinterested brokers in society and defenders of the public good, and increasingly service firms at the cutting edge of the capitalist economy. These developments are also triggering new forms of stratification of the legal field. While some legal actors will likely benefit from digitalization and expand their business, either by integrating new technologies to reach more clients or by developing new niche areas of practices, the more routinized forms of legal practice are facing serious challenges and will most likely be replaced by technology and associated service firms.
High-Pressure Synthesis and Chemical Bonding of Barium Trisilicide BaSi3
Authors: Hübner Julia-Maria , Akselrud Lev , Schnelle Walter , Burkhardt Ulrich , Bobnar Matej , Prots Yurii , Grin Yuri , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: January 2019

BaSi3 is obtained at pressures between 12(2) and 15(2) GPa and temperatures from 800(80) and 1050(105) K applied for one to five hours before quenching. The new trisilicide crystallizes in the space group I 4 ¯ 2m (no. 121) and adopts a unique atomic arrangement which is a distorted variant of the CaGe3 type. At ambient pressure and 570(5) K, the compound decomposes in an exothermal reaction into (hP3)BaSi2 and two amorphous silicon-rich phases. Chemical bonding analysis reveals covalent bonding in the silicon partial structure and polar multicenter interactions between the silicon layers and the barium atoms. The temperature dependence of electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate metallic behavior.
Graphene-Enriched Agglomerated Cork Material and Its Behaviour under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loading
Authors: Ptak Mariusz , Kaczyński Paweł , Wilhelm Johannes , Margarido José M. T. , Marques Paula A. A. P. , Pinto Susana C. , Alves de Sousa Ricardo J. , Fernandes Fábio A. O.
Published: January 2019

The use of cork for a variety of applications has been gaining significance due to environmental concerns and political agendas. Consequently, its range of applications is growing rapidly. In this work, aiming to improve its mechanical response for crashworthiness applications, cork agglomerates were enriched by small quantities of graphene oxide or graphene nanoplates in order to observe a resulting improvement of the mechanical behaviour during quasi-static and dynamic compressive loading cases. To produce homogenous cork agglomerates including graphene, the material was previously dispersed into granulated cork using stirrers to achieve a good distribution. Then, the typical procedure of compression and curing was carried out. Magnified images attest a good dispersion of graphene into the cork matrix. Mechanical testing was performed for a variety of graphene concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 weight %), becoming clear that the beneficial effect of including graphene (either oxide or nanoplates) is related to a later densification stage while keeping the same stress plateau levels.
Topological Indices of mth Chain Silicate Graphs
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Shafiq Muhammad Kashif , Ali Haidar , Naseem Asim , Maryam Nayab , Asghar Syed Sheraz
Published: January 2019

A topological index is a numerical representation of a chemical structure, while a topological descriptor correlates certain physico-chemical characteristics of underlying chemical compounds besides its numerical representation. A large number of properties like physico-chemical properties, thermodynamic properties, chemical activity, and biological activity are determined by the chemical applications of graph theory. The biological activity of chemical compounds can be constructed by the help of topological indices such as atom-bond connectivity (ABC), Randić, and geometric arithmetic (GA). In this paper, Randić, atom bond connectivity (ABC), Zagreb, geometric arithmetic (GA), ABC4, and GA5 indices of the mth chain silicate S L ( m , n ) network are determined.
The Aα-Spectral Radii of Graphs with Given Connectivity
Authors: Wang Chunxiang , Wang Shaohui
Published: January 2019

The A α -matrix is A α ( G ) = α D ( G ) + ( 1 − α ) A ( G ) with α ∈ [ 0 , 1 ] , given by Nikiforov in 2017, where A ( G ) is adjacent matrix, and D ( G ) is its diagonal matrix of the degrees of a graph G. The maximal eigenvalue of A α ( G ) is said to be the A α -spectral radius of G. In this work, we determine the graphs with largest A α ( G ) -spectral radius with fixed vertex or edge connectivity. In addition, related extremal graphs are characterized and equations satisfying A α ( G ) -spectral radius are proposed.
Some Identities on Degenerate Bernstein and Degenerate Euler Polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San
Published: January 2019

In recent years, intensive studies on degenerate versions of various special numbers and polynomials have been done by means of generating functions, combinatorial methods, umbral calculus, p-adic analysis and differential equations. The degenerate Bernstein polynomials and operators were recently introduced as degenerate versions of the classical Bernstein polynomials and operators. Herein, we firstly derive some of their basic properties. Secondly, we explore some properties of the degenerate Euler numbers and polynomials and also their relations with the degenerate Bernstein polynomials.
Are Preoperative CT Findings Useful for Predicting Postoperative Intraabdominal Abscess in the Patients with Acute Appendicitis?
Authors: Kohga Kohga , Yajima Kiyoshige , Okumura Takuya , Yamashita Kimihiro , Isogaki Jun , Suzuki Kenji , Muramatsu Katsuaki , Komiyama Akira , Kawabe Akihiro
Published: January 2019

Background and objective: In patients with acute appendicitis (AA), preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings suggesting development of intraabdominal abscess (IAA) had not been widely used. The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative clinical and radiological factors that predict the development of a postoperative IAA in patients with AA who were treated by laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Methods: Two hundred and sixteen patients with pathologically proven AA underwent LA between January 2013 and March 2018 in our department. Medical records and preoperative CT images of these 216 patients were retrospectively reviewed and the predictive factors of postoperative IAA were investigated. In addition, patients were divided into complicated appendicitis (CA) and simple appendicitis (SA) and perioperative factors of two groups were compared. Results: One hundred and forty-seven patients were diagnosed with CA, while the other 69 patients were diagnosed with SA. Sixteen patients developed postoperative IAA in the CA group, while no patients in the SA group did. The univariate analysis revealed that time from onset to surgery more than 3 days (p = 0.011), the preoperative CT finding of periappendiceal fluid (p = 0.003), abscess (p < 0.001), and free air (p < 0.001), operation time more than 120 min (p = 0.023) and placement of a drainage tube (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the development of IAA. Multivariate analysis revealed that the preoperative CT finding of free air was independently associated with the development of IAA (p = 0.007, odds ratio = 5.427, 95% CI: 1.586–18.57). Conclusions: IAA developed predominantly in patients with CA. Preoperative CT findings of free air was found to be an independent predictor for the development of IAA. Surgeons should be meticulous in managing the postoperative course of patients with this finding.
Association between Physical and Motor Fitness with Cognition in Children
Authors: Moradi Akbar , Sadri Damirchi Esmaeil , Narimani Mohammad , Esmaeilzadeh Samad , Dziembowska Inga , Azevedo Liane B. , Luiz do Prado Wagner
Published: January 2019

Background and objective: There is an increased interest in exploring the association between fitness components with cognitive development in children in recent years. One of the scopes is to find the best exercise prescription to enhance health and cognition. Most of the studies so far have focused on cardiorespiratory fitness with little evidence on other fitness components. The present study aimed to explore the association between physical fitness (PF) and motor fitness (MF) with cognitive performance in children. Methods: Two hundred and six schoolboys (11.0 ± 0.8 y) underwent a battery of tests to measure information processing speed (i.e., simple and choice reaction time) and inhibitory control (i.e., Simon task). PF components (i.e., flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance) and MF components (speed and agility) were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders (i.e., age, socioeconomic status, %fat and physical activity) revealed no relationship between flexibility, speed, muscular strength, and endurance with either information processing tasks or inhibitory control tasks. However, a positive association was observed between agility with both congruent reaction time and incongruent reaction time. Conclusions: No relationship was observed between the underlying fitness components with either information processing or inhibitory control. However, an association was observed between agility with inhibitory control.
Modelling Mixed-Gas Sorption in Glassy Polymers for CO2 Removal: A Sensitivity Analysis of the Dual Mode Sorption Model
Authors: Ricci Eleonora , De Angelis Maria
Published: January 2019

In an effort to reduce the experimental tests required to characterize the mixed-gas solubility and solubility-selectivity of materials for membrane separation processes, there is a need for reliable models which involve a minimum number of adjustable parameters. In this work, the ability of the Dual Mode Sorption (DMS) model to represent the sorption of CO2/CH4 mixtures in three high free volume glassy polymers, poly(trimethylsilyl propyne) (PTMSP), the first reported polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) and tetrazole-modified PIM-1 (TZ-PIM), was tested. The sorption of gas mixtures in these materials suitable for CO2 separation has been characterized experimentally in previous works, which showed that these systems exhibit rather marked deviations from the ideal pure-gas behavior, especially due to competitive effects. The accuracy of the DMS model in representing the non-idealities that arise during mixed-gas sorption was assessed in a wide range of temperatures, pressures and compositions, by comparing with the experimental results available. Using the parameters obtained from the best fit of pure-gas sorption isotherms, the agreement between the mixed-gas calculations and the experimental data varied greatly in the different cases inspected, especially in the case of CH4 absorbed in mixed-gas conditions. A sensitivity analysis revealed that pure-gas data can be represented with the same accuracy by several different parameter sets, which, however, yield markedly different mixed-gas predictions, that, in some cases, agree with the experimental data only qualitatively. However, the multicomponent calculations with the DMS model yield more reliable results than the use of pure-gas data in the estimation of the solubility-selectivity of the material.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Signatures of Metalliferous Sediments in Wocan-1 and Wocan-2 Hydrothermal Sites on the Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean
Authors: Popoola Samuel Olatunde , Han Xiqiu , Wang Yejian , Qiu Zhongyan , Ye Ying , Cai Yiyang
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we conduct a comparative study on the mineralogy and geochemistry of metalliferous sediment collected near the active hydrothermal site (Wocan-1) and inactive hydrothermal site (Wocan-2) from Wocan Hydrothermal Field, on the Carlsberg Ridge (CR), northwest Indian Ocean. We aim to understand the spatial variations in the primary and post-depositional conditions and the intensity of hydrothermal circulations in the Wocan hydrothermal systems. Sediment samples were collected from six stations which includes TVG-07, TVG-08 (Wocan-1), TVG-05, TVG-10 (Wocan-2), TVG-12 and TVG-13 (ridge flanks). The mineralogical investigations show that sediment samples from Wocan-1 and Wocan-2 are composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, barite, gypsum, amorphous silica, altered volcanic glass, Fe-oxides, and hydroxides. The ridge flank sediments are dominated by biogenic calcite and foraminifera assemblages. The bulk sediment samples of Wocan-1 have an elevated Fe/Mn ratio (up to ~1545), with lower U contents (<7.4 ppm) and U/Fe ratio (<~1.8 × 10−5). The sulfide separates (chalcopyrite, pyrite, and sphalerite) are enriched in Se, Co, As, Sb, and Pb. The calculated sphalerite precipitation temperature (Sph.PT) yields ~278 °C. The sulfur isotope (δ34S) analysis returned a light value of 3.0–3.6‰. The bulk sediment samples of Wocan-2 have a lower Fe/Mn ratio (<~523), with high U contents (up to 19.6 ppm) and U/Fe ratio (up to ~6.2 × 10−5). The sulfide separates are enriched in Zn, Cu, Tl, and Sn. The calculated Sph.PT is ~233 °C. The δ34S returned significant values of 4.1–4.3‰ and 6.4–8.7‰ in stations TVG-10 and TVG-05, respectively. The geochemical signatures (e.g., Fe/Mn and U/Fe ratio, mineral chemistry of sulfides separates, and S-isotopes and Sph.PT) suggest that sediment samples from Wocan-1 are located near intermediate–high temperature hydrothermal discharge environments. Additionally, relatively low δ34S values exhibit a lower proportion (less than 20%) of seawater-derived components. The geochemical signatures suggest that sediment samples from Wocan-2 has undergone moderate–extensive oxidation and secondary alterations by seawater in a low–intermediate temperature hydrothermal environments. Additionally, the significant δ34S values of station TVG-05 exhibit a higher estimated proportion (up to 41%) of seawater-derived components. Our results showed pervasive hydrothermal contributions into station TVG-08 relative to TVG-07, it further showed the increased process of seafloor weathering at TVG-05 relative to TVG-10.
Eco-Friendly Syntheses of 2-Substituted Benzoxazoles and 2-Substituted Benzothiazoles from 2-Aminophenols, 2-Aminothiophenols and DMF Derivatives in the Presence of Imidazolium Chloride
Authors: Tian Qingqiang , Luo Wen , Gan Zongjie , Li Dan , Dai Zeshu , Wang Huajun , Wang Xuetong , Yuan Jianyong
Published: January 2019

A simple, economical and metal-free approach to the synthesis of 2-substituted benzoxazoles and 2-substituted benzothiazoles from 2-aminophenols, 2-aminothiophenols and DMF derivatives, only using imidazolium chloride (50% mmol) as promoter without any other additive, was reported. Various 2-substituted benzoxazoles and 2-substituted benzothiazoles were thus prepared in moderate to excellent yields.
Improved Dispersion of Bacterial Cellulose Fibers for the Reinforcement of Paper Made from Recycled Fibers
Authors: Xiang Zhouyang , Zhang Jie , Liu Qingguo , Chen Yong , Li Jun , Lu Fachuang
Published: January 2019

Bacterial cellulose (BC) can be used to improve the physical properties of paper. However, previous studies have showed that the effectiveness of this improvement is impaired by the agglomeration of the disintegrated BC fibers. Effective dispersion of BC fibers is important to their reinforcing effects to paper products, especially those made of recycled fibers. In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose, xylan, glucomannan, cationized starch, and polyethylene oxide were used to improve the dispersion of BC fibers. With dispersed BC fibers, the paper made of recycled fiber showed improved dry tensile strength. The best improvement in dry tensile index was 4.2 N·m/g or 12.7% up, which was obtained by adding BC fibers dispersed with glucomannan. Glucomannan had the highest adsorption onto BC fibers, i.e., 750 mg/g at 1000 mg/L concentration, leading to the best colloidal stability of BC fiber suspension that had no aggregation in 50 min at 0.1 weight ratio of glucomannan to BC. TEMPO-mediated oxidation of BC was effective in improving its colloidal stability, but not effective in improving the ability of BC fiber to enhance paper dry tensile index while the wet tensile index was improved from 0.89 N·m/g to 1.59 N·m/g, i.e., ~80% improvement.
Composite Nanofibers Containing Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as Biodegradable Membranes in Reconstructive Medicine
Authors: Hudecki Andrzej , Łyko-Morawska Dorota , Likus Wirginia , Skonieczna Magdalena , Markowski Jarosław , Wilk Renata , Kolano-Burian Aleksandra , Maziarz Wojciech , Adamska Jolanta , Łos Marek J.
Published: January 2019

We have tested titanium (Ti) plates that are used for bone reconstruction in maxillofacial surgery, in combination with five types of novel long-resorbable biomaterials: (i) PCL0—polycaprolactone without additives, (ii) PCLMWCNT—polycaprolactone with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), (iii) PCLOH—polycaprolactone doped with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) containing –OH hydroxyl groups, (iv) PCLCOOH—polycaprolactone with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) containing carboxyl groups, and (v) PCLTI—polycaprolactone with the addition of Ti nanoparticles. The structure and properties of the obtained materials have been examined with the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and/or X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Titanium BR plates have been covered with: (i) PCL0 fibers (PCL0BR—connection plates), (ii) PCLMWCNT fibers (PCLMWCNTBR—plates), (iii) PCLOH fibers (PCLOHBR—plates), (iv) PCLCOOH (PCLCOOHBR—plates), (v) PCLTI fiber (PCLTIBR—connection plates). Such modified titanium plates were exposed to X-ray doses corresponding to those applied in head and neck tumor treatment. The potential leaching of toxic materials upon the irradiation of such modified titanium plates, and their effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) have been assessed by MTT assay. The presented results show variable biological responses depending on the modifications to titanium plates.
The Impact of the Electric Field on Surface Condensation of Water Vapor: Insight from Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Wang Qin , Xie Hui , Hu Zhiming , Liu Chao
Published: January 2019

In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to study the coupling effect of electric field strength and surface wettability on the condensation process of water vapor. Our results show that an electric field can rotate water molecules upward and restrict condensation. Formed clusters are stretched to become columns above the threshold strength of the field, causing the condensation rate to drop quickly. The enhancement of surface attraction force boosts the rearrangement of water molecules adjacent to the surface and exaggerates the threshold value for shape transformation. In addition, the contact area between clusters and the surface increases with increasing amounts of surface attraction force, which raises the condensation efficiency. Thus, the condensation rate of water vapor on a surface under an electric field is determined by competition between intermolecular forces from the electric field and the surface.
Association between Eating Speed and Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Paz-Graniel Indira , Babio Nancy , Mendez Ignacio , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: January 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Lifestyle is recognized as a key factor in the development of metabolic disorders and CVD. Recently, eating speed has been of particular interest since some studies have associated it with the development of obesity and other cardiometabolic disorders. We aimed to assess the association between eating speed and various cardiovascular risk factors. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within the framework of the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) study with 792 participants from the Reus-Tarragona center. Eating speed was self-reported according to participant perception and categorized as slow, medium, or fast. The association between eating speed and cardiovascular risk factors was assessed using Cox regression models with constant time of follow-up for all individuals. Compared to participants in the slow eating speed category, those in the faster eating speed category were 59% more likely to have the hypertriglyceridemia component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) (Hazard Ratio, (HR) 1.59; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.16–2.17), even after adjustment for potential confounders (HR 1.47; 95% CI 1.08–2.02). No other significant differences were observed. Eating speed was positively associated with the prevalence of the hypertriglyceridemia component of the MetS in a senior population at high cardiovascular risk.
The Practice and Potential of Renewable Energy Localisation: Results from a UK Field Trial
Authors: Boait Peter , Snape J. Richard , Morris Robin , Hamilton Jo , Darby Sarah
Published: January 2019

The adaptation of electricity demand to match the non-despatchable nature of renewable generation is one of the key challenges of the energy transition. We describe a UK field trial in 48 homes of an approach to this problem aimed at directly matching local supply and demand. This combined a community-based business model with social engagement and demand response technology employing both thermal and electrical energy storage. A proportion of these homes (14) were equipped with rooftop photovoltaics (PV) amounting to a total of 45 kWp; the business model enabled the remaining 34 homes to consume the electricity exported from the PV-equipped dwellings at a favourably low tariff in the context of a time-of-day tariff scheme. We report on the useful financial return achieved by all participants, their overall experience of the trial, and the proportion of local generation consumed locally. The energy storage devices were controlled, with user oversight, to respond automatically to signals indicating the availability of low cost electricity either from the photovoltaics or the time of day grid tariff. A substantial response was observed in the resulting demand profile from these controls, less so from demand scheduling methods which required regular user configuration. Finally results are reported from a follow-up fully commercial implementation of the concept showing the viability of the business model. We conclude that the sustainability of the transition to renewable energy can be strengthened with a community-oriented approach as demonstrated in the trial that supports users through technological change and improves return on investment by matching local generation and consumption.
Spatio-temporal Evolution and Factors Influencing the Control Efficiency for Soil and Water Loss in the Wei River Catchment, China
Authors: Wang Yifei , Zhang Tingting , Yao Shunbo , Deng Yuanjie
Published: January 2019

With regard to important scientific and policy issues in the Wei River Catchment, much emphasis has been put on the objective assessment of the effectiveness of ecological restoration measures and the analysis of effective ways to promote the efficiency of ecological management. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, the present study investigates the measurement of the control efficiency for soil and water loss induced by the Sloping Land Conversion Program and terrace fields, a part of the Water and Soil Conservation Project, in an attempt to detect and quantify indicators of different fields to do so. The applied methods included a Bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis model which covers 39 counties over the period of 2000–2015. Then, an exploratory spatial data analysis was conducted to capture the spatial characteristics for the control efficiency of each county. Finally, the geographically weighted regression model was employed to identify the spatial heterogeneity and evolutionary characteristics in the relationship between control efficiency and natural conditions and socioeconomic development in each sample county. Results show that the control efficiency increased from 0.263 to 0.365 during the study period. In addition, the Moran’I indicates that efficiency presented a stable spatial agglomeration but still at a low level, from 0.192 to 0.151. The difference in control efficiency is the result of a combination of multiple factors, of which the most relevant factors often vary among different counties, indicating that regional governments should consider full-scale initiatives. This analytical perspective helps to provide experience and reference for countries facing the same environmental challenges in the world.
The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Competitive Advantage with Multiple Mediations from Social Capital and Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: Zhao Zhonghua , Meng Fanchen , He Yin , Gu Zhouyang
Published: January 2019

The correlation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and competitive advantage (CA) has been studied for decades; however, a consistent conclusion has still not been reached. This may be due to the lack of discussion about the variables that affect the relationship between them. We extended the examination of the relationship between CSR and CA through largely ignored perspectives of organization resources and capabilities. Drawing on the multiple mediations of social capital (SC) and dynamic capabilities (DCs), we generated propositions concerning the relationship of CSR with CA. Based on 112 enterprises in China, the data from 269 surveys were used to test our theoretical model. The results showed that CSR can positively affect CA directly and indirectly with mediations of structure and relational dimensions of CA. The results also showed that, in the dynamic environment, CSR indirectly created CA by enhancing DCs, such as resource integration capability and organizing learning capability, but not by innovation and transformation capability. From these results, the paper concluded that with a proper combination of external social measures, internal competitive resources and capabilities, enterprises can realize the creation of a shared value of economy and society, which in turn will become the sustainable power with which enterprises can gain CA.
Engagement in Healthcare Systems: Adopting Digital Tools for a Sustainable Approach
Authors: Lo Presti Letizia , Testa Mario , Marino Vittoria , Singer Pierpaolo
Published: January 2019

The rapid development of new technologies has created interesting and unexpected possibilities in e-health, and digital platforms have become widespread, connecting users, experts, and practitioners of the health world. This triggered our investigation into the relationship between the engagement platforms used by 293 doctors with various specializations, their satisfaction, and the dimensions of social sustainability in the healthcare sector. The research focused on professional interaction and its sphere of action in engagement platforms, defined as virtual contact points for exchanging information, thus increasing the co-creation of value between physicians and patients. In order to verify our hypothesis, a health digital platform called paginemediche.it was used, and the two dimensions of engagement and sustainability were considered, examining their causal relationship and evaluating their effects on physician loyalty in terms of the re-use of the digital platform by doctors. Our results, using a multiple linear regression analysis, showed that the social sustainability of the digital health platform was directly influenced by online engagement, generating a positive effect on physician loyalty. In particular, the human dimension of social sustainability proved to be decisive for the re-use of the platform.
Analysis of CO2 Emissions in China’s Manufacturing Industry Based on Extended Logarithmic Mean Division Index Decomposition
Authors: Liu Jian , Yang Qingshan , Zhang Yu , Sun Wen , Xu Yiming
Published: January 2019

China is the world’s largest emitter of CO2. As the largest sector of China’s fossil energy consumption and carbon emissions, manufacturing plays an important role in achieving emission reduction targets in China. Using the extended logarithmic mean division index (LMDI) decomposition model, this paper decomposed the factors that affect the CO2 emissions of China’s manufacturing industry into eight effects. The results show the following: (1) China’s manufacturing CO2 emissions increased from 1.91 billion tons in 1995 to 6.25 billion tons in 2015, with an average annual growth rate of 6%. Ferrous metal smelting and rolling were the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions, followed by chemical raw materials and products and then non-metallic minerals. (2) During the research period, the industrial activity effects were the most important factor leading to increased CO2 emissions in manufacturing and energy intensity was the most important factor in promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions from manufacturing. The investment intensity was the second most influential factor leading to the increase in China’s manufacturing CO2 emissions after the industrial scale and this even exceeded the industrial activity effect in some time periods (2000–2005). R&D efficiency and R&D intensity were shown to have significant roles in reducing CO2 emissions in China’s manufacturing industry. The input of R&D innovation factors is an effective way to achieve emission reductions in China’s manufacturing industry. (3) There were differences in the driving factors of CO2 emissions in the manufacturing industry in different periods that were closely related to the international and domestic economic development environment and the relevant policies of the Chinese government regarding energy conservation and emission reduction. (4) Sub-sector research found that the factors that affect the reduction of CO2 emissions in various industries appear to be differentiated. This paper has important policy significance to allow the Chinese government to implement effective energy-saving and emission reduction measures and to reduce CO2 emissions from the manufacturing industry.
Spatial Organization of Hierarchical Medical Services within the City Proper of Tianjin, China: Towards Efficient Medical Alliances
Authors: Sun Xuan , Sun Tao , Jin Yushan , Wang Ya Ping
Published: January 2019

To address the low performance of health care service delivery in the half-market system, the Chinese government has begun to advocate the medical alliance (MA) recently. Instead of strict regulations on the procedure of diagnosis and treatment, flexible resource sharing among medical institutions of different grades inside each MA is encouraged. By now, many attempts have been made for MA establishment from different perspectives, but there is no effective model maturely developed. For the promotion of the spatial accessibility to medical services at different levels, it is important to organize the hierarchial medial services according to the distributions of different grades of health care facilities in a city. With the city proper of Tianjin as the study case, we explored the optimal establishment of MAs using the geographic information system (GIS). By means of the Voronoi Diagrams, the service regions of different medical institutions were precisely defined and the organizational structure of hierarchical medical services in MAs was determined. Through interpolation analysis, accessibility to different levels of medical services was measured, and on this basis, discussions were conducted on the service efficiency of the MAs. According to the results from Tianjin, (1) under the proposed organizational model for MAs, the fit of the service regions of the first grade and the other two higher grades of medical institutions was good. but the fit of the second and the third grade medical institutions was insufficient. (2) Although the overall service efficiency was excellent, there were still deficiencies in a number of the MAs. (3) Increasing the number of second and third grade medical institutions in specific regions near the city’s edge, as well as the number of first grade institutions, could further improve the performance of hierarchical medical services.
Viral Delivery Systems for CRISPR
Authors: Xu Christine L. , Ruan Merry Z. C. , Mahajan Vinit B. , Tsang Stephen H.
Published: January 2019

The frontiers of precision medicine have been revolutionized by the development of Clustered Regularly-Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 as an editing tool. CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to develop animal models, understand disease mechanisms, and validate treatment targets. In addition, it is regarded as an effective tool for genome surgery when combined with viral delivery vectors. In this article, we will explore the various viral mechanisms for delivering CRISPR/Cas9 into tissues and cells, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each method. We will also review the history and recent development of CRISPR and viral vectors and discuss their applications as a powerful tool in furthering our exploration of disease mechanisms and therapies.
Evaluation of Return Period and Risk in Bivariate Non-Stationary Flood Frequency Analysis
Authors: Kang Ling , Jiang Shangwen , Hu Xiaoyong , Li Changwen
Published: January 2019

The concept of a traditional return period has long been questioned in non-stationary studies, and the risk of failure was recommended to evaluate the design events in flood modeling. However, few studies have been done in terms of multivariate cases. To investigate the impact of non-stationarity on the streamflow series, the Yichang station in the Yangtze River was taken as a case study. A time varying copula model was constructed for bivariate modeling of flood peak and 7-day flood volume, and the non-stationary return period and risk of failure were applied to compare the results between stationary and non-stationary models. The results demonstrated that the streamflow series at the Yichang station showed significant non-stationary properties. The flood peak and volume series presented decreasing trends in their location parameters and the dependence structure between them also weakened over time. The conclusions of the bivariate non-stationary return period and risk of failure were different depending on the design flood event. In the event that both flood peak and volume are exceeding, the flood risk is smaller with the non-stationary model, which is a joint effect of the time varying marginal distribution and copula function. While in the event that either flood peak or volume exceed, the effect of non-stationary properties is almost negligible. As for the design values, the non-stationary model is characterized by a higher flood peak and lower flood volume. These conclusions may be helpful in long-term decision making in the Yangtze River basin under non-stationary conditions.
Collaboration, Intentions, and Local Value Creation from Cruise Arrivals
Authors: Madsen Einar Lier , Wigger Karin Andrea , Vinogradov Evgueni
Published: January 2019

The cruise experience is cocreated between local cruise suppliers (e.g., tourism attractions, ports, and transportation companies) and global cruise liners. Therefore, cruise suppliers' intention to continue delivering services to cruise lines is a key prerequisite for local value creation
from cruise arrivals. Given the involvement of multiple stakeholders in the collective creation of value, we elaborate on the relationship between collaboration (both at the port of call and between channel members) and local firms' intentions regarding continued cruise supply. We conducted
a survey to learn more about Norwegian cruise suppliers and how collaboration influences their intentions for value creation. Our data demonstrates that a high level of channel cooperation and high cooperativeness at the destination are positively associated with the firms' intentions for
cruise supply continuation. Based on our findings, we suggest that a high degree of collaboration, which stimulates the suppliers' intentions to provide services, positively influences local value creation from cruise arrivals.
A comparison of tarsal morphology and traction force in the two burying beetles Nicrophorus nepalensis and Nicrophorus vespilloides (Coleoptera, Silphidae)
Authors: Schnee Liesa , Sampalla Benjamin , Müller Josef K , Betz Oliver
Published: January 2019

Our aim was to compare friction and traction forces between two burying beetle species of the genus Nicrophorus exhibiting different attachment abilities during climbing. Specifically, the interaction of adhesive hairs and claws during attachment with respect to various surface properties was investigated by using a 2 × 3 experimental design. Traction force was measured for two different surface energies (hydrophilic vs hydrophobic) varying in roughness from smooth to micro-rough to rough. Nanotribometric tests on single legs were also performed. The external morphology of the attachment devices investigated by scanning electron microscopy suggested higher intra-specific (intersexual) than inter-specific differences. Whereas differences between the two species in traction force were high on smooth surfaces, no differences could be detected between males and females within each species. With claws intact, both species showed the highest forces on rough surfaces, although N. nepalensis with clipped claws performed best on a smooth surface. However, N. nepalensis beetles outperformed N. vespilloides, which showed no differences between smooth and rough surfaces with clipped claws. Both species demonstrated poor traction forces on micro-rough surfaces. Results concerning the impact of surface polarity were inconclusive, whereas roughness more strongly affected the attachment performance in both species. Nanotribometric analyses of the fore tarsi performed on micro-rough and rough surfaces revealed higher friction in the proximal (pull) direction compared with the distal (push) direction. In these experiments, we detected neither differences in friction performance between the two species, nor clear trends concerning the influence of surface polarity. We conclude that the investigated morphological traits are not critical for the observed interspecific difference in attachment ability on smooth surfaces. Furthermore, interspecific differences in performance are only clear on smooth surfaces and vanish on micro-rough and rough surfaces. Our results suggest that even subtle differences in the adhesion-mediating secretion in closely related species might result in qualitative performance shifts.
DYNAMICS OF AN ELASTIC AIRPLANE
Authors: Chudý Peter , Daněk Vladimír
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the work performed by the Institute of Aerospace Engineering at the Brno University of Technology. The purpose of the project was to compare the results obtained from classical analytical solutions and a complex numerical simulation of an airplane's aero elastic response. Compared to the analytical solution, which reduces the entire process to a straightforward manipulation with time‐proven graphs and tables, the numerical simulation offers a more complex description of the dynamic processes. A complex simulation, in contrast to the analytical solution providing us with only one estimated parameter, allows monitoring selected quantities in the time domain, thus giving us a tool for a visual qualification of the investigated process. In the past, dynamic aeroelastic properties were estimated utilizing simplified stick beam models. The desire for more complex aero elastic simulations led to the concept of the advanced aero elastic model, coupling advanced 3D structural FEM models with proven aerodynamic theory in the form of the DLM panel method.
CIVILIAN LONG ENDURANCE UAV – DESIGN CHALLENGES
Authors: Goraj Zdobyslaw
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a selected aspect of design activity devoted to optimising HALE and MALE UAVs. The project is taking place at Warsaw University of Technology under the V Framework of European Union in the CAPECON project. This paper deals with wing airfoil selection, defining of the configuration layout and power unit integration. A brief overview of wing sections developed in some design centres (mainly in Israel Aircraft Industry and in Northrop Grumman) is included. Aircraft layout depends on the mission and sensor selection and is discussed using the examples of PW‐103 and PW‐114. Engine suspension and integration with aircraft is included in the analysis because if it is not properly analysed, it can lead to an excessive vibration and fatigue of the whole aircraft structure.
CRACK PROPAGATION IN RECTANGULAR THIN‐WALLED PLATES WITH CONCENTRATORS SUBECTED TO CYCLING LOADING
Authors: Kopecki Henryk , Zacharzewski Jan
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the results of experimental investigations of the crack propagation process in thin‐walled elements made from optically active materials (polycarbonate), making the visualization of the field possible isochromatics at the front of the crack. Influence of the orientation of principal directions was analyses An experimental investigation of thin‐walled plate with circular and rectangular cutouts subjected to cycling shear loading was made. Using the photo‐stress method, propagation of the crack and the field of isochromatics were recorded over time. In parallel, the areas of initiation of fatigue fractures were identified. The results presented in the paper constitute a fragment of a larger process of investigation of thin-walled structures at the stress pattern in conditions of fatigue crack propagation to failure.
ON CONTINUITY OF AVIATION ENGINEER TRAINING BASED ON MODULAR CURRICULUM
Authors: Aaver Ants , Mikita Villu , Umborg Jaak
Published: January 2019

The topic of the present paper is ensuring the continuity of the training of aviation engineers at Tartu Aviation College (TAC), where instruction is provided in cooperation with the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology.
Precovery of Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Single Transits with Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope
Authors: Yao Xinyu , Pepper Joshua , Scott Gaudi B. , Labadie-Bartz Jonathan , Beatty Thomas G. , Colón Knicole D. , James David J. , Kuhn Rudolf B. , Lund Michael B. , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Siverd Robert J. , Stassun Keivan G. , Stevens Daniel J. , Villanueva Steven , Bayliss Daniel
Published: January 2019

During the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
(
TESS) prime mission, 74% of the sky area will have an observational baseline of only 27 days. For planets with orbital periods longer than 13.5 days, TESS can capture only one or two transits, and the planet ephemerides will be difficult to determine from TESS data alone. Follow-up observations of transits of these candidates will require precise ephemerides. We explore the use of existing ground-based wide-field photometric surveys to constrain the ephemerides of the TESS single-transit candidates, with a focus on the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey. We insert simulated TESS-detected single transits into KELT light curves and evaluate how well their orbital periods can be recovered. We find that KELT photometry can be used to confirm ephemerides with high accuracy for planets of Saturn size or larger, with orbital periods as long as a year, and therefore span a wide range of planet equilibrium temperatures. In a large fraction of the sky, we recover 30%–50% of warm Jupiter systems (planet radius of 0.9–1.1 R
J and 13.5 < P < 50 days), 5%–20% of temperate Jupiters (50 < P < 300 days), and 10%–30% of warm Saturns (planet radius of 0.5–0.9 R
J and 13.5 < P < 50 days). The resulting ephemerides can be used for follow-up observations to confirm candidates as planets, eclipsing binaries, or other false positives, as well as to conduct detailed transit observations with facilities like James Webb Space Telescope or Hubble Space Telescope.
NuSTAR and Keck Observations of Heavily Obscured Quasars Selected by WISE
Authors: Yan Wei , Hickox Ryan C. , Hainline Kevin N. , Stern Daniel , Lansbury George , Alexander David M. , Hviding Raphael E. , Assef Roberto J. , Ballantyne David R. , Dipompeo Michael A. , Lanz Lauranne , Carroll Christopher M. , Koss Michael , Lamperti Isabella , Civano Francesca , Moro Agnese Del , Gandhi Poshak , Myers Adam D.
Published: January 2019

A primary aim of the

(NuSTAR) mission is to find and characterize heavily obscured Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). Based on mid-infrared photometry from the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) and optical photometry from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys, we have selected a large population of luminous obscured AGNs (i.e., “obscured quasars”). Here we report NuSTAR observations of four WISE-selected heavily obscured quasars for which we have optical spectroscopy from the Southern African Large Telescope and W. M. Keck Observatory. Optical diagnostics confirm that all four targets are AGNs. With NuSTAR hard X-ray observations, three of the four objects are undetected, while the fourth has a marginal detection. We confirm that these objects have observed hard X-ray (10–40 keV) luminosities at or below ∼1043 erg s−1. We compare X-ray and IR luminosities to obtain estimates of the hydrogen column densities (N
H) based on the suppression of the hard X-ray emission. We estimate N
H of these quasars to be at or larger than 1025 cm−2, confirming that WISE and optical selection can identify very heavily obscured quasars that may be missed in X-ray surveys, and they do not contribute significantly to the cosmic X-ray background. From the optical Balmer decrements, we found that our three extreme obscured targets lie in highly reddened host environments. This galactic extinction cannot adequately explain the more obscured AGNs, but it may imply a different scale of obscuration in the galaxy.