bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Socio-Environmental Factors Are Associated with Japanese Encephalitis in Shaanxi, China—A Bayesian Spatial Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shaobai , Hu Wenbiao , Qi Xin , Zhuang Guihua
Published: March 2018

Evidence indicated that socio-environmental factors were associated with occurrence of Japanese encephalitis (JE). This study explored the association of climate and socioeconomic factors with JE (2006–2014) in Shaanxi, China. JE data at the county level in Shaanxi were supplied by Shaanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Population and socioeconomic data were obtained from the China Population Census in 2010 and statistical yearbooks. Meteorological data were acquired from the China Meteorological Administration. A Bayesian conditional autoregressive model was used to examine the association of meteorological and socioeconomic factors with JE. A total of 1197 JE cases were included in this study. Urbanization rate was inversely associated with JE incidence during the whole study period. Meteorological variables were significantly associated with JE incidence between 2012 and 2014. The excessive precipitation at lag of 1–2 months in the north of Shaanxi in June 2013 had an impact on the increase of local JE incidence. The spatial residual variations indicated that the whole study area had more stable risk (0.80–1.19 across all the counties) between 2012 and 2014 than earlier years. Public health interventions need to be implemented to reduce JE incidence, especially in rural areas and after extreme weather.
Evaluating Community Partnerships Addressing Community Resilience in Los Angeles, California
Authors: Williams Malcolm , Chandra Anita , Spears Asya , Varda Danielle , Wells Kenneth , Plough Alonzo , Eisenman David
Published: March 2018

Community resilience has grown in importance in national disaster response and recovery efforts. However, measurement of community resilience, particularly the content and quality of relationships aimed at improving resilience, is lacking. To address this gap, we used a social network survey to measure the number, type, and quality of relationships among organizations participating in 16 coalitions brought together to address community resilience in the Los Angeles Community Disaster Resilience project. These coalitions were randomized to one of two approaches (community resilience or preparedness). Resilience coalitions received training and support to develop these partnerships and implement new activities. Both coalition types received expert facilitation by a public health nurse or community educator. We also measured the activities each coalition engaged in and the extent to which partners participated in these activities at two time points. We found that the community resilience coalitions were initially larger and had lower trust among members than the preparedness communities. Over time, these trust differences dissipated. While both coalitions grew, the resilience community coalitions maintained their size difference throughout the project. We also found differences in the types of activities implemented by the resilience communities; these differences were directly related to the trainings provided. This information is useful to organizations seeking guidance on expanding the network of community-based organizations that participate in community resilience activities.
Linking Ab Initio Data on Hydrogen and Carbon in Steel to Statistical and Continuum Descriptions
Authors: Weikamp Marc , Hüter Claas , Spatschek Robert
Published: March 2018

We present a selection of scale transfer approaches from the electronic to the continuum regime for topics relevant to hydrogen embrittlement. With a focus on grain boundary related hydrogen embrittlement, we discuss the scale transfer for the dependence of the carbon solution behavior in steel on elastic effects and the hydrogen solution in austenitic bulk regions depending on Al content. We introduce an approximative scheme to estimate grain boundary energies for varying carbon and hydrogen population. We employ this approach for a discussion of the suppressing influence of Al on the substitution of carbon with hydrogen at grain boundaries, which is an assumed mechanism for grain boundary hydrogen embrittlement. Finally, we discuss the dependence of hydride formation on the grain boundary stiffness.
A Visible Light-Driven Minisci-Type Reaction with N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters
Authors: Kammer Lisa , Rahman Aliyaah , Opatz Till
Published: March 2018

A visible light-promoted protocol for the redox-neutral coupling of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters with different N-heterocyclic compounds is described. The reaction proceeds through an alkyl radical intermediate generated by reductive decarboxylation of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters. In contrast to the original Minisci protocol, polyalkylation can largely be avoided. Mechanistic investigations revealed a radical chain mechanism which in some cases can proceed even if no photocatalyst is added. This valuable and functional group-tolerant reaction produces substituted heterocycles in moderate to excellent yield. The use of inexpensive starting materials and LEDs as the light source are key features of this C–C bond formation.
E-p-Methoxycinnamoyl-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl Ester, a Phenylpropanoid Isolated from Scrophularia buergeriana, Increases Nuclear Factor Erythroid-Derived 2-Related Factor 2 Stability by Inhibiting Ubiquitination in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Jeong Jiwon , Wahyudi Lilik , Keum Young-Sam , Yang Heejung , Kim Jung-Hwan
Published: March 2018

The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of gene expression during oxidative stress and drug detoxification. Thus, identifying Nrf2 activators to protect from possible cell damage is necessary. In this study, we investigated whether E-p-methoxycinnamoyl-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl ester (MCR), a phenylpropanoid isolated from Scrophularia buergeriana, can activate Nrf2 signaling in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). First, we determined the dose- and time-dependent effects of MCR on the expression and activity of Nrf2. The antioxidant response element-luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis results showed that MCR markedly induced Nrf2 activity and its protein expression, respectively. Further, MCR increased both the mRNA and protein levels of heme-oxygenase-1, one of the Nrf2 target genes, in the cells. Interestingly, we found that Nrf2 stability was remarkably enhanced by MCR. Furthermore, ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of Nrf2 was significantly reduced by MCR. Thus, MCR might afford skin protection by enhancing Nrf2 stability or by blocking its proteasomal degradation.
A New Lignanamide from the Root of Lycium yunnanense Kuang and Its Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zheng Xin-Heng , Huang Yuan-Peng , Liang Qiu-Ping , Xu Wei , Lan Ting , Zhou Guang-Xiong
Published: March 2018

A new lignanamide (1), lyciumamide K, together with four known analogues (2–5), was isolated from the root of Lycium yunnanense Kuang. Based on HR-ESI-MS, NMR spectral data and quantum chemistry ECD calculations, the structure of this new compound was confirmed, including its absolute configuration. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of compounds 1–5 in the oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) assay showed that they all exhibited significant antioxidant activities. Particularly, compound 1 showed the best activity with ORAC values (U/mol) of 7.90 ± 0.52. Thus, the new lignanamide may be a good source of bioavtive and protective compounds.
Stereoselective Syntheses and Application of Chiral Bi- and Tridentate Ligands Derived from (+)-Sabinol
Authors: Tashenov Yerbolat , Daniels Mathias , Robeyns Koen , Van Meervelt Luc , Dehaen Wim , Suleimen Yerlan , Szakonyi Zsolt
Published: March 2018

A library of bidentate diols, as well as tridentate triols and aminodiols, derived from (+)-sabinol, was synthesized in a stereoselective manner. Sabinol was transformed into allylic trichloroacetamide via Overman rearrangement of the corresponding trichloroacetimidate. After changing the protecting group to Boc, the enamine was subjected to stereospecific dihydroxylation with OsO4/NMO, resulting in the (1R,2R,3R,5R)-aminodiol diastereomer. The obtained primary aminodiol was transformed to a secondary analogue. The ring closure of the N-benzyl-substituted aminodiol with formaldehyde was investigated and regioselective formation of the spiro-oxazolidine ring was observed. Hydroboration or dihydroxylation of sabinol or its benzyl ether with OsO4/NMO resulted in the formation of sabinane-based diols and triols following a highly stereospecific reaction. Treatment of sabinol with m-CPBA afforded O-benzoyl triol as a diastereoisomer of the directly dihydroxylated product, instead of the expected epoxy alcohol. The resulting aminodiols, diol, and triols were applied as chiral catalysts in the reaction of diethylzinc and benzaldehyde from moderate to good selectivity.
In Silico Discovery of a Substituted 6-Methoxy-quinalidine with Leishmanicidal Activity in Leishmania infantum
Authors: Stevanović Strahinja , Perdih Andrej , Senćanski Milan , Glišić Sanja , Duarte Margarida , Tomás Ana , Sena Filipa , Sousa Filipe , Pereira Manuela , Solmajer Tom
Published: March 2018

There is an urgent need for the discovery of new antileishmanial drugs with a new mechanism of action. Type 2 NADH dehydrogenase from Leishmania infantum (LiNDH2) is an enzyme of the parasite’s respiratory system, which catalyzes the electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone without coupled proton pumping. In previous studies of the related NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase crystal structure from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two ubiquinone-binding sites (UQI and UQII) were identified and shown to play an important role in the NDH-2-catalyzed oxidoreduction reaction. Based on the available structural data, we developed a three-dimensional structural model of LiNDH2 using homology detection methods and performed an in silico virtual screening campaign to search for potential inhibitors targeting the LiNDH2 ubiquinone-binding site 1—UQI. Selected compounds displaying favorable properties in the computational screening experiments were assayed for inhibitory activity in the structurally similar recombinant NDH-2 from S. aureus and leishmanicidal activity was determined in the wild-type axenic amastigotes and promastigotes of L. infantum. The identified compound, a substituted 6-methoxy-quinalidine, showed promising nanomolar leishmanicidal activity on wild-type axenic promastigotes and amastigotes of L. infantum and the potential for further development.
Can Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Trigger On-Demand Drug Release from High-Tm Magnetoliposomes?
Authors: Nardoni Martina , Della Valle Elena , Liberti Micaela , Relucenti Michela , Casadei Maria , Paolicelli Patrizia , Apollonio Francesca , Petralito Stefania
Published: March 2018

Recently, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used to trigger drug release from magnetoliposomes through a magneto-nanomechanical approach, where the mechanical actuation of the MNPs is used to enhance the membrane permeability. This result can be effectively achieved with low intensity non-thermal alternating magnetic field (AMF), which, however, found rare clinic application. Therefore, a different modality of generating non-thermal magnetic fields has now been investigated. Specifically, the ability of the intermittent signals generated by non-thermal pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFS) were used to verify if, once applied to high-transition temperature magnetoliposomes (high-Tm MLs), they could be able to efficiently trigger the release of a hydrophilic model drug. To this end, hydrophilic MNPs were combined with hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol to design high-Tm MLs. The release of a dye was evaluated under the effect of PEMFs for different times. The MNPs motions produced by PEMF could effectively increase the bilayer permeability, without affecting the liposomes integrity and resulted in nearly 20% of release after 3 h exposure. Therefore, the current contribution provides an exciting proof-of-concept for the ability of PEMFS to trigger drug release, considering that PEMFS find already application in therapy due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Is What Low-Income Brazilians Are Eating in Popular Restaurants Contributing to Promote Their Health?
Authors: Carrijo Alinne , Botelho Raquel , Akutsu Rita , Zandonadi Renata
Published: March 2018

This study evaluates the healthfulness of the meals offered to and consumed by low-income Brazilians in Popular Restaurants (PR). It is a cross-sectional, exploratory study. The final sample includes 36 PRs, respecting the stratification criteria for each of the five Brazilian regions. To identify the quantity and quality of food consumption, consumers’ meals are evaluated. The sample calculation uses a minimum of 41 consumers in each PR. Consumption evaluation is carried out by weighing and direct observation of the meal that each consumer served to his plate. Each dish of the meals had its Technical preparation files (TPF) developed by observing the production and weighing all the ingredients. Evaluations of Energy density (ED), meal’s weight components and sodium composition are conducted. Plate’s composition is compared to “My plate” guidelines United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The final sample includes 1771 low-income Brazilians consumers. The plate of PRs consumers is adequate only for the “protein group” in comparison to “My plate”. Rice and beans compose more than 50% of the plate’s weight, as expected, since it is a Brazilian habit of consumption at lunch. Thus, grains are the major group consumed by PRs consumers. The average ED for all PRs is 1.34 kcal/g. Regarding sodium content, rice and main courses presented the highest values and are classified as high, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Concerning sodium, PRs are putting Brazilian low-income population at risk for chronic diseases. However, in general, PRs are good choices because they promote access to cheap and quality traditional Brazilian foods.
Wavelet-Based Rust Spectral Feature Set (WRSFs): A Novel Spectral Feature Set Based on Continuous Wavelet Transformation for Tracking Progressive Host–Pathogen Interaction of Yellow Rust on Wheat
Authors: Shi Yue , Huang Wenjiang , González-Moreno Pablo , Luke Belinda , Dong Yingying , Zheng Qiong , Ma Huiqin , Liu Linyi
Published: March 2018

Understanding the progression of host–pathogen interaction through time by hyperspectral features is vital for tracking yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis) development, one of the major diseases of wheat. However, well-designed features are still open issues that impact the performance of relevant models to nondestructively detect pathological progress of wheat rust. The aim of this paper is (1) to propose a novel wavelet-based rust spectral feature set (WRSFs) to uncover wheat rust-related processes; and (2) to evaluate the performance and robustness of the proposed WRSFs and models for retrieving the progression of host–pathogen interaction and tracking rust development. A hyperspectral dataset was collected by analytical spectral devices (ASD) spectroradiometer and Headwall spectrograph, along with corresponding physiological measurements of chlorophyll index (CHL), nitrogen balance index (NBI), anthocyanin index (ANTH), and percentile dry matter (PDM) from the 7th to 41st day after inoculation (dai) under controlled conditions. The resultant findings suggest that the progression of yellow rust on wheat is better characterized by the proposed WRSFs (R2 > 0.7). The WRSFs-based PLSR model provides insight into specific leaf biophysical variations in the rust pathological progress. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed WRSFs on yellow rust discrimination during different infestation stages, the identified WRSFs and vegetation indices (VIs) were fed into linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machine (SVM) classification frames. The WRSFs in conjunction with a SVM classifier can obtain better performance than that of LDA method and the VIs-based models. Overall, synthesizing the biophysical analysis, retrieving accuracy, and classification performance, we recommend the proposed WRSFs for monitoring the progression of the host–pathogen interaction of yellow rust on wheat cross various hyperspectral sensors.
Evaluation of Advertising Campaigns on Social Media Networks
Authors: Raudeliūnienė Jurgita , Davidavičienė Vida , Tvaronavičienė Manuela , Jonuška Laimonas
Published: March 2018

As the virtual environment is constantly changing, not only users’ informational and knowledge needs but also the means and channels of communication with customers applied by organizations change. There is a noticeable trend to move more and more advertising campaigns to social media networks because of the opportunities they provide to organizations and users, which results in the ever-increasing popularity of social media networks and a number of their users. Such a transition is explained by one of the main objectives organizations have: to inform their customers in an appropriate way and receive feedback on social media networks, which is difficult when traditional advertising channels and means are applied. Since advertising campaigns on social media networks are evolving rapidly, their assessment factors and methods, which receive controversial opinions in both scientific literature and practice, change too. Researchers assess and interpret the factors that influence the effectiveness of advertising campaigns on social media networks differently. Thus, a problem arises: how should we evaluate which approach is more capable of accurately and fully reflecting and conveying reality? In this research, this problem is studied by connecting approaches of different researchers. These approaches are linked to the effectiveness assessment of advertising campaigns on social media network aspects. To achieve the objective of this study, such research methods as analysis of scientific literature, multiple criteria and expert assessment (a structured survey and an interview) were applied. During the study, out of 39 primary assessment factors, eight primary factors that influence the effectiveness of advertising campaigns on social media networks were identified: sales, content reach, traffic to website, impressions, frequency, relevance score, leads and audience growth.
Addressing Complex Societal Problems: Enabling Multiple Dimensions of Proximity to Sustain Partnerships for Collective Impact in Quebec
Authors: Addy Nii , Dubé Laurette
Published: March 2018

Sustainable solutions for complex societal problems, like poverty, require informing stakeholders about progress and changes needed as they collaborate. Yet, inter-organizational collaboration researchers highlight monumental challenges in measuring seemingly intangible factors during collective impact processes. We grapple with the question: How can decision-makers coherently conceptualize and measure seemingly intangible factors to sustain partnerships for the emergence of collective impact? We conducted an inductive process case study to address this question, analyzing data from documents, observations, and interviews of 24 philanthropy leaders and multiple stakeholders in a decades-long partnership involving Canada’s largest private family foundation, government and community networks, and during which a “collective impact project” emerged in Quebec Province, Canada. The multidimensional proximity framework provided an analytical lens. During the first phase of the partnership studied, there was a lack of baseline measurement of largely qualitative factors—conceptualized as cognitive, social, and institutional proximity between stakeholders—which evaluations suggested were important for explaining which community networks successfully brought about desired outcomes. Non-measurement of these factors was a problem in providing evidence for sustained engagement of stakeholders, such as government and local businesses. We develop a multidimensional proximity model that coherently conceptualizes qualitative proximity factors, for measuring their change over time.
Initial Provincial Allocation and Equity Evaluation of China’s Carbon Emission Rights—Based on the Improved TOPSIS Method
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhao Han , Duan Fumei , Wang Ying
Published: March 2018

As the world’s largest carbon emitter, China considers carbon emissions trading to be an important measure in its national strategy for energy conservation and emissions reduction. The initial allocation of China’s carbon emissions rights at the provincial level is a core issue of carbon emissions trading. A scientific and reasonable distinction between the carbon emission rights of provinces is crucial for China to achieve emissions reduction targets. Based on the idea of multi-objective decision-making, this paper uses the improved Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to allocate China’s initial carbon emission rights to the provinces and uses the Gini coefficient sub-group decomposition method to evaluate the fairness of the allocation results. First, the results of a theoretical distribution show that in the initial allocation of carbon emission rights, a large proportion of China’s provinces have large populations and high energy use, such as Shandong Province, Jiangsu Province, Hebei Province and Henan Province; the provinces with a small proportion of the initial allocation of carbon emissions consist of two municipalities, Beijing and Shanghai, as well as Hainan Province, which is dominated by tourism. Overall, the initial allocation of carbon emission rights in the northern and eastern regions constituted the largest proportion, with the south-central region and the northwest region being the second largest and the southwest region being the smallest. Second, the difference between the theoretical allocation and the actual allocation of carbon emission rights in China was clear. The energy consumption of large provinces and provinces dominated by industry generally had a negative difference (the theoretical allocation of carbon emissions was less than the actual value), while Qinghai, dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry, showed a positive balance (the theoretical allocation of carbon emissions was greater than the actual value). Third, the results based on the Gini coefficient showed that the carbon emission right allocation scheme proposed by the Topsis model in this paper has good fairness. Fourth, the economic development structure, technological innovation level, carbon emissions and other indicators have certain impacts on the fairness of the initial allocation of carbon emission rights. Finally, this paper offers some suggestions on energy conservation and emissions reduction in China, taking four aspects into account: regional disparities, technological innovation, industrial structure and the initial allocation of carbon emission rights. This paper could be helpful to provide a reference for the rational allocation of China’s carbon emission right.
Seismic Retrofit Measures for Masonry Walls of Historical Buildings, from an Energy Saving Perspective
Authors: De Vita Mariangela , Mannella Antonio , Sabino Antonio , Marchetti Alessio
Published: March 2018

The planning of energy saving and structural retrofit interventions on masonry buildings are usually two separate projects; combined interventions are rare. Solutions tackling both aspects can reduce total refurbishment costs and improve global building performance. However, heavy interventions on the envelope have to be carefully designed in order to improve both seismic and energy performance whilst mitigating environmental impact. National energy saving regulations are generally less strict for historical buildings, making this category of buildings very interesting not only because of their widespread diffusion across Italy but also because of the possibility of planning interventions that will allow significant improvements by combining building efficiency and safety. This research looks at these aspects and proposes new methods for refurbishing masonry buildings combining seismic improvements and energy saving interventions. Among those mostly commonly applied on masonry buildings in Italy, and described in this paper, are various combined retrofit interventions, and we report the results of these interventions on thermal transmittance reduction and global costs.
Exploring Neighborhood Unit’s Planning Elements and Configuration Methods in Seoul and Singapore from a Walkability Perspective
Authors: Lee Jeeun , Park Sohyun
Published: March 2018

This paper is to explore how the neighborhood-unit concept, which had been initially promoted by North America and the United Kingdom, was adopted and utilized in the Asian cities of high-density developments, such as Seoul and Singapore from a walkability perspective. Among various environmental elements of walkability in a given neighborhood unit, 10 planning elements, as well as their configuration methods, were drawn from the review of the existing studies, which became an analytical framework for this paper. The findings of the analysis are as follows. First, there were similarities, yet also marked distinctions between the cases of Seoul and Singapore, on the one hand, and those in North America and the UK on the other, with respect to the configuration methods, categorized into four groups of typologies: ‘Neighborhood Size’, ‘Neighborhood Structure’, ‘Neighborhood Network’, and ‘Neighborhood Facilities’. The differences largely resulted from the high-density developments in Seoul and Singapore. In the years since the 1990s, however, when the concept of sustainable development was strengthened, the configuration methods, related to ‘Neighborhood Structure’ and to ‘Neighborhood Facilities’ in most cases, were enhanced to suit more neighborhood walking. The initial concept of the neighborhood unit was actively modified to accommodate the high-density urban situations in Seoul and Singapore, having both positive and negative impacts on neighborhood walkability.
Reducing Amazon Deforestation through Agricultural Intensification in the Cerrado for Advancing Food Security and Mitigating Climate Change
Authors: Cerri Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino , Cerri Carlos Clemente , Maia Stoécio Malta Ferreira , Cherubin Maurício Roberto , Feigl Brigitte Josefine , Lal Rattan
Published: March 2018

Important among global issues is the trilemma of abrupt climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Despite the increasing use of fossil fuel, about one third of global C emissions come from tropical deforestation and indiscriminate use of agricultural practices. Global food insecurity, affecting one in seven persons, aggravates environmental degradation. The importance of judicious land use and soil sustainability in addressing the trilemma cannot be overemphasized. While intensifying agronomic production on existing land, it is also essential to identify suitable eco-regions for bringing new land under production. Based on 35-years of data from Brazil, we report that C emissions from agroecosystems are 4 to 5.5 times greater by bringing new land under production in Amazon than in the Cerrado for pastures and cropland production, respectively. The data presented indicate that agricultural intensification is feasible in the Cerrado, and the forest in Rondônia and Mato Grosso states must be protected and restored for nature conservancy. Now is the time to think beyond COP 21—Paris 2015 and take concrete actions to address these issues of global significance.
Identification of Ellagic Acid from Plant Rhodiola rosea L. as an Anti-Ebola Virus Entry Inhibitor
Authors: Cui Qinghua , Du Ruikun , Anantpadma Manu , Schafer Adam , Hou Lin , Tian Jingzhen , Davey Robert , Cheng Han , Rong Lijun
Published: March 2018

The recent 2014–2016 West African Ebola virus epidemic underscores the need for the development of novel anti-Ebola therapeutics, due to the high mortality rates of Ebola virus infections and the lack of FDA-approved vaccine or therapy that is available for the prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) represent a huge reservoir of bioactive chemicals and many TCMs have been shown to have antiviral activities. 373 extracts from 128 TCMs were evaluated using a high throughput assay to screen for inhibitors of Ebola virus cell entry. Extract of Rhodiola rosea displayed specific and potent inhibition against cell entry of both Ebola virus and Marburg virus. In addition, twenty commercial compounds that were isolated from Rhodiola rosea were evaluated using the pseudotyped Ebola virus entry assay, and it was found that ellagic acid and gallic acid, which are two structurally related compounds, are the most effective ones. The activity of the extract and the two pure compounds were validated using infectious Ebola virus. The time-of-addition experiments suggest that, mechanistically, the Rhodiola rosea extract and the effective compounds act at an early step in the infection cycle following initial cell attachment, but prior to viral/cell membrane fusion. Our findings provide evidence that Rhodiola rosea has potent anti-filovirus properties that may be developed as a novel anti-Ebola treatment.
Assessment of Practices for Controlling Shallow Valley-Bottom Gullies in the Sub-Humid Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Addisie Meseret , Langendoen Eddy , Aynalem Dessalew , Ayele Getaneh , Tilahun Seifu , Schmitter Petra , Mekuria Wolde , Moges Mikael , Steenhuis Tammo
Published: March 2018

Rehabilitation of large valley bottom gullies in developing countries is hampered by high cost. Stopping head cuts at the time of initiation will prevent large gullies from forming and is affordable. However, research on practices to control shallow gully heads with local materials is limited. The objective of this research was therefore to identify cost-effective shallow gully head stabilization practices. The four-year study was conducted on 14 shallow gullies (<3 m deep) in the central Ethiopian highlands. Six gullies were used as a control. Heads in the remaining eight gullies were regraded to a 1:1 slope. Additional practices implemented were adding either riprap or vegetation or both on the regraded heads and stabilizing the gully bed downstream. Gully heads were enclosed by fencing to prohibit cattle access to the planted vegetation. The median yearly head retreat of the control gullies was 3.6 m a−1 with a maximum of 23 m a−1. Vegetative treatments without riprap prevented gully incision by trapping sediments but did not stop the upslope retreat. The gully heads protected by riprap did not erode. Regrading the slope and adding riprap was most effective in controlling gully head retreat, and with hay grown on the fenced-in areas around the practice, it was profitable for farmers.
Possible Presence of a Third Body in the Kepler K2 Variable EPIC 202073314
Authors: Sriram K. , Malu S. , Choi C. S. , Rao P. Vivekananda
Published: March 2018

We report the presence of an unseen third-body companion in a low-mass-ratio deep contact binary system Kepler K2 EPIC 202073314 as seen by the presence of the light time effect (LITE) on the O–C diagram. The system is found to be exhibiting an increasing period trend along with a sinusoidal behavior of the O–C residuals owing to the LITE variations. The residuals are modeled initially assuming a circular orbit to obtain a third-body orbital period of ∼9.75 years. We further performed a rigorous analysis by allowing the eccentricity to vary, which led to a third-body orbital period of ∼8.66 years with e
3 = 0.51. We also report the photometric study of this variable. The system is found to have a mass ratio of ∼0.15 with an inclination of ∼77°. Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to verify the consistency of the obtained photometric solution. The system is considered to be in significant geometrical contact as seen by the high fill-out factor of ∼57%. Magnetic inactivity of the system is understood in terms of the absence of O’ Connell effect and lack of fill-in effect in the Hα spectral line. The dynamical state of the system is discussed in terms of the Hut’s stability criteria (

) as the low-mass and high fill-out factor configuration of the system makes it a promising candidate in the context of stellar mergers. Assuming conservative mass transfer, the system is expected to meet the critical mass ratio of ∼0.07–0.09 in ∼106 years.
Radial Velocities of RR Lyrae Stars in and around NGC 6441
Authors: Kunder Andrea , Mills Arthur , Edgecomb Joseph , Thomas Mathew , Schilter Levi , Boyle Craig , Parker Stephen , Bellevue Gordon , Rich R. Michael , Koch Andreas , Johnson Christian I. , Nataf David M.
Published: March 2018

Detailed elemental abundance patterns of metal-poor ([Fe/H] ∼ −1 dex) stars in the Galactic bulge indicate that a number of them are consistent with globular cluster (GC) stars and may be former members of dissolved GCs. This would indicate that a few per cent of the Galactic bulge was built up from destruction and/or evaporation of GCs. Here, an attempt is made to identify such presumptive stripped stars originating from the massive, inner Galaxy GC NGC 6441 using its rich RR Lyrae variable star (RRL) population. We present radial velocities of 40 RRLs centered on the GC NGC 6441. All 13 of the RRLs observed within the cluster tidal radius have velocities consistent with cluster membership, with an average radial velocity of 24 ± 5 km s−1 and a star-to-star scatter of 11 km s−1. This includes two new RRLs that were previously not associated with the cluster. Eight RRLs with radial velocities consistent with cluster membership but up to three time the distance from the tidal radius are also reported. These potential extra-tidal RRLs also have exceptionally long periods, which is a curious characteristic of the NGC 6441 RRL population that hosts RRLs with periods longer than seen anywhere else in the Milky Way. As expected of stripped cluster stars, most are inline with the cluster’s orbit. Therefore, either the tidal radius of NGC 6441 is underestimated and/or we are seeing dissolving cluster stars stemming from NGC 6441 that are building up the old spheroidal bulge.
Fine Structures of Solar Radio Type III Bursts and Their Possible Relationship with Coronal Density Turbulence
Authors: Chen Xingyao , Kontar Eduard P. , Yu Sijie , Yan Yihua , Huang Jing , Tan Baolin
Published: March 2018

Solar radio type III bursts are believed to be the most sensitive signatures of near-relativistic electron beam propagation in the corona. A solar radio type IIIb-III pair burst with fine frequency structures, observed by the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) with high temporal (∼10 ms) and spectral (12.5 kHz) resolutions at 30–80 MHz, is presented. The observations show that the type III burst consists of many striae, which have a frequency scale of about 0.1 MHz in both the fundamental (plasma) and the harmonic (double plasma) emission. We investigate the effects of background density fluctuations based on the observation of striae structure to estimate the density perturbation in the solar corona. It is found that the spectral index of the density fluctuation spectrum is about −1.7, and the characteristic spatial scale of the density perturbation is around 700 km. This spectral index is very close to a Kolmogorov turbulence spectral index of −5/3, consistent with a turbulent cascade. This fact indicates that the coronal turbulence may play the important role of modulating the time structures of solar radio type III bursts, and the fine structure of radio type III bursts could provide a useful and unique tool to diagnose the turbulence in the solar corona.
Unlocking CO Depletion in Protoplanetary Disks. I. The Warm Molecular Layer
Authors: Schwarz Kamber R. , Bergin Edwin A. , Cleeves L. Ilsedore , Zhang Ke , Öberg Karin I. , Blake Geoffrey A. , Anderson Dana
Published: March 2018

CO is commonly used as a tracer of the total gas mass in both the interstellar medium and in protoplanetary disks. Recently, there has been much debate about the utility of CO as a mass tracer in disks. Observations of CO in protoplanetary disks reveal a range of CO abundances, with measurements of low CO to dust mass ratios in numerous systems. One possibility is that carbon is removed from CO via chemistry. However, the full range of physical conditions conducive to this chemical reprocessing is not well understood. We perform a systematic survey of the time dependent chemistry in protoplanetary disks for 198 models with a range of physical conditions. We vary dust grain size distribution, temperature, comic-ray and X-ray ionization rates, disk mass, and initial water abundance, detailing what physical conditions are necessary to activate the various CO depletion mechanisms in the warm molecular layer. We focus our analysis on the warm molecular layer in two regions: the outer disk (100 au) well outside the CO snowline and the inner disk (19 au) just inside the midplane CO snowline. After 1 Myr, we find that the majority of models have a CO abundance relative to H2 less than 10−4 in the outer disk, while an abundance less than 10−5 requires the presence of cosmic-rays. Inside the CO snowline, significant depletion of CO only occurs in models with a high cosmic-ray rate. If cosmic-rays are not present in young disks, it is difficult to chemically remove carbon from CO. Additionally, removing water prior to CO depletion impedes the chemical processing of CO. Chemical processing alone cannot explain current observations of low CO abundances. Other mechanisms must also be involved.
The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS). XXXII. A Search for Globular Cluster Substructures in the Virgo Galaxy Cluster Core
Authors: Powalka Mathieu , Puzia Thomas H. , Lançon Ariane , Longobardi Alessia , Peng Eric W. , Duc Pierre-Alain , Alamo-Martínez Karla , Blakeslee John P. , Côté Patrick , Cuillandre Jean-Charles , Durrell Patrick , Eigenthaler Paul , Ferrarese Laura , Guhathakurta Puragra , Gwyn S. D. J. , Hudelot Patrick , Liu Chengze , Mei Simona , Muñoz Roberto P. , Roediger Joel , Sánchez-Janssen Rubén , Toloba Elisa , Zhang Hongxin
Published: March 2018

Substructure in globular cluster (GC) populations around large galaxies is expected in galaxy formation scenarios that involve accretion or merger events, and it has been searched for using direct associations between GCs and structure in the diffuse galaxy light, or with GC kinematics. Here, we present a search for candidate substructures in the GC population around the Virgo cD galaxy M87 through the analysis of the spatial distribution of the GC colors. The study is based on a sample of ∼1800 bright GCs with high-quality u, g, r, i, z, K

s
photometry, selected to ensure a low contamination by foreground stars or background galaxies. The spectral energy distributions of the GCs are associated with formal estimates of age and metallicity, which are representative of its position in a 4D color space relative to standard single stellar population models. Dividing the sample into broad bins based on the relative formal ages, we observe inhomogeneities that reveal signatures of GC substructures. The most significant of these is a spatial overdensity of GCs with relatively young age labels, of diameter ∼0.°1 (∼30 kpc), located to the south of M87. The significance of this detection is larger than about 5σ after accounting for estimates of random and systematic errors. Surprisingly, no large Virgo galaxy is present in this area that could potentially host these GCs. But candidate substructures in the M87 halo with equally elusive hosts have been described based on kinematic studies in the past. The number of GC spectra available around M87 is currently insufficient to clarify the nature of the new candidate substructure.
A Chandra Study of the Stellar X-Ray Emissivity of Globular Clusters in the M31 Bulge
Authors: Xu Xiao-jie , Li Zhiyuan
Published: March 2018

The X-ray emissivity (i.e., luminosity per unit stellar mass) of globular clusters (GCs) is an important indicator of their dynamical evolution history. Based on deep archival Chandra observations, we report a stacking analysis of 44 GCs with 0.5–8 keV luminosities L
X ≲ 1035 erg s−1 in the M31 bulge, which are supposed to be dominated by cataclysmic variables (CVs) and coronally active binaries (ABs). We obtain a significant detection at the 5σ level in 0.5–8 keV band. The average X-ray luminosity per GC and the average X-ray emissivity are determined to be 5.3 ± 1.6 × 1033 erg s−1 and 13.2 ± 4.3 × 1027 erg s−1

, respectively. Both of these values are consistent with those of Milky Way GCs. Moreover, the measured emissivity of M31 GCs is also consistent with that of the Milky Way field stars. Massive GCs have X-ray luminosities that are marginally higher than those of less massive ones. Massive GCs also show a lower emissivity (

) than less massive ones (

), which is consistent with the scenario that the (progenitors of) CVs and ABs were more efficiently destroyed via stellar encounters in the more massive GCs. No dependence of the X-ray emissivity on GC color or on the projected galactocentric distance of GCs is found.
Demonstration of a Novel Method for Measuring Mass-loss Rates for Massive Stars
Authors: Kobulnicky Henry A. , Chick William T. , Povich Matthew S.
Published: March 2018

The rate at which massive stars eject mass in stellar winds significantly influences their evolutionary path. Cosmic rates of nucleosynthesis, explosive stellar phenomena, and compact object genesis depend on this poorly known facet of stellar evolution. We employ an unexploited observational technique for measuring the mass-loss rates of O and early-B stars. Our approach, which has no adjustable parameters, uses the principle of pressure equilibrium between the stellar wind and the ambient interstellar medium for a high-velocity star generating an infrared bow shock nebula. Results for 20 bow-shock-generating stars show good agreement with two sets of theoretical predictions for O5–O9.5 main-sequence stars, yielding

 = 1.3 × 10−6 to 2 × 10−9

. Although

values derived for this sample are smaller than theoretical expectations by a factor of about two, this discrepancy is greatly reduced compared to canonical mass-loss methods. Bow-shock-derived mass-loss rates are factors of 10 smaller than Hα-based measurements (uncorrected for clumping) for similar stellar types and are nearly an order of magnitude larger than P4+ and some other diagnostics based on UV absorption lines. Ambient interstellar densities of at least several cm−3 appear to be required for formation of a prominent infrared bow shock nebula. Measurements of

for early-B stars are not yet compelling owing to the small number in our sample and the lack of clear theoretical predictions in the regime of lower stellar luminosities. These results may constitute a partial resolution of the extant “weak-wind problem” for late-O stars. The technique shows promise for determining mass-loss rates in the weak-wind regime.
Un fonds de capital-risque dédié à la chimie du renouvelable
Authors: Lucquin Denis
Published: March 2018

Sofinnova, une des premières sociétés de capital-risque en Europe, s’est spécialisée dans les sciences de la vie et les innovations thérapeutiques. Après avoir investi dans une start-up qui remplace le carbone fossile par du carbone biologique, elle lance, en 2016, un fonds dédié à la chimie du renouvelable...
Microfinance et pauvreté multidimensionnelle dans la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) : une perspective macro-économique
Authors: Couchoro Mawuli K. , Gbandi Tchapo
Published: March 2018

Cet article étudie, dans une perspective macro-économique, l’impact de la microfinance sur la pauvreté, sous l’angle du développement humain et des privations multidimensionnelles. Les estimations sur un panel de pays de la CEDEAO montrent que la microfinance est positivement et significativement associée aux indices dimensionnels du développement humain de santé et de revenu. Les résultats révèlent également qu’elle contribue aux objectifs de lutte contre la pauvreté en termes de privation dans les pays de la CEDEAO.
Associations d’usagers et sclérose en plaques : impact du néolibéralisme en France sur les trajectoires de vie des patients
Authors: Colinet Séverine
Published: March 2018

Introduction : La sclérose en plaques est une maladie neurologique qui entraîne une limitation des performances corporelles. Ses impacts sur la vie sociale et professionnelle des personnes atteintes sont majeurs car, les symptômes restant souvent invisibles, les incapacités du malade suscitent l’incompréhension dans une société marquée par le dogme néolibéral de la performance. L’engagement associatif constitue alors fréquemment pour les malades un support à leur trajectoire. Objectif : L’objectif de cette recherche était d’identifier comment se manifestent les principes du néolibéralisme dans les discours des sujets atteints de sclérose en plaques, de comprendre les effets induits par l’intégration du néolibéralisme, et de préciser le rôle joué par l’engagement associatif dans les trajectoires de vie. Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude qualitative : 30 entretiens individuels et quatre entretiens collectifs ont été réalisés avec des patients, ainsi que 23 observations de réunions et de groupes de réflexion d’associations de patients. Dix personnes rencontrées en entretien ont par ailleurs rédigé un mini-journal ayant pour objet une restitution quotidienne de leur action associative. Les données ont été analysées thématiquement, indépendamment dans un premier temps, de manière croisée ensuite. Le Logiciel AtlasTi a été utilisé. Résultats : L’association constitue sous deux formes, pratique et idéologique, une illustration de la résistance au néolibéralisme, notamment au travers des prises de responsabilités individuelles et collectives. Toutefois, elle recrée dans une certaine mesure des espaces de performance. Conclusion : Sur le plan pratique, cette recherche vient réaffirmer la nécessité de créer des activités collectives pour accompagner les sujets atteints de maladie chronique.
Le bénéfice du tiers dans le « travail d’organisation » des cadres de santé
Authors: Dujardin Pierre-Philippe , Valette Annick , Reverdy Thomas , François Patrice
Published: March 2018

L’organisation de la production de soins peut être considérée comme un travail d’organisation (TO) décomposé en trois niveaux, opérationnel, organisationnel et d’apprentissage. Le TO du cadre de santé (CdS) se concentre souvent au niveau opérationnel, au détriment des deux autres niveaux. Cette difficulté vient de l’organisation qui présente une rationalité politique, cognitive et pragmatique limitée. L’objectif de l’étude est d’identifier l’impact d’un tiers sur l’organisation et l’effet sur le TO du CdS. Un dispositif pédagogique met des étudiants cadres en position de tiers pour travailler un problème organisationnel délégué par un CdS. La recherche-intervention a suivi 17 projets sur une année. L’action de ces tiers a permis de légitimer le problème, reconnaître les difficultés des soignants, reconfigurer les relations dans une dimension politique. Les méthodes employées par le tiers ont réassuré le CdS et complété ses connaissances. Pour les CdS, les apprentissages de la démarche concernaient la méthodologie et la posture managériale. En pratique, le tiers a relancé le CdS dans son pouvoir d’agir et a synchronisé les interrelations autour du TO. Le tiers aide pour développer le TO et combler certaines limites de la rationalité politique, cognitive et pragmatique. Les difficultés à faire évoluer les pratiques au-delà de l’équipe soignante limite toutefois la portée de l’action. Il est préconisé une unité de soutien managérial pour apporter la structure et l’accompagnement au TO, de mettre à l’agenda collectif le TO et de développer des espaces de discussion sur le TO.