bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Socio-Ecological Dynamics of Human Responses in a Land Degradation-Affected Region: The Messara Valley (Crete, Greece)
Authors: Detsis Vassilis , Briassoulis Helen , Kosmas Constantinos
Published: June 2017

This paper applies a resilience- and assemblage-based methodology to study the socio-ecological dynamics of human responses in the land degradation-affected Messara Valley (Crete, Greece) socio-ecological system, from 1950 to 2010. It posits that thesedynamics aredriven by changes in their effectiveness, called ‘socio-ecological fit’, to serve place- and time-specific goals. The socio-ecological fit expresses the degree to which the match among all the biophysical and human components of a Response Assemblage emerging in a socio-ecological system, maintains the socio-ecological resilience of this Assemblage. The socio-ecological resilience results is gauged by synthesizing three system-level properties (Resilience, Adaptability, Transformability) shaped by lower level properties that are assessed from available data. The reported application revealed that human responses (traditional land management, agricultural modernization and subsidized agriculture) and their effectiveness were driven by prioritizing economic and technological considerations that shaped the properties, socio-ecological resilience and fit of three main Response Assemblages formed over the study period, rather than combating land degradation. Agricultural modernization did not uniformly and necessarily lead to land degradation; the situated relationships among the components of the Response Assemblages determined its effects. The fit of future options can be assessed also to support rational land use planning. Refinements in the methodology include the development of techniques to: (a) assess and synthesize the properties of different components in order to improve assessments of socio-ecological resilience and fit and (b) study relationships among the properties of Response Assemblages emerging at different levels.
Tunable Multiple Plasmon-Induced Transparencies Based on Asymmetrical Grapheme Nanoribbon Structures
Authors: Lu Chunyu , Wang Jicheng , Yan Shubin , Hu Zheng-Da , Zheng Gaige , Yang Liu
Published: June 2017

We present plasmonic devices, consisting of periodic arrays of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and a graphene sheet waveguide, to achieve controllable plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) by numerical simulation. We analyze the bright and dark elements of the GNRs and graphene-sheet waveguide structure. Results show that applying the gate voltage can electrically tune the PIT spectrum. Adjusting the coupling distance and widths of GNRs directly results in a shift of transmission dips. In addition, increased angle of incidence causes the transmission to split into multiple PIT peaks. We also demonstrate that PIT devices based on graphene plasmonics may have promising applications as plasmonic sensors in nanophotonics.
High Mobility Thin Film Transistors Based on Amorphous Indium Zinc Tin Oxide
Authors: Noviyana Imas , Lestari Annisa Dwi , Putri Maryane , Won Mi-Sook , Bae Jong-Seong , Heo Young-Woo , Lee Hee Young
Published: June 2017

Top-contact bottom-gate thin film transistors (TFTs) with zinc-rich indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO) active layer were prepared at room temperature by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Sintered ceramic target was prepared and used for deposition from oxide powder mixture having the molar ratio of In2O3:ZnO:SnO2 = 2:5:1. Annealing treatment was carried out for as-deposited films at various temperatures to investigate its effect on TFT performances. It was found that annealing treatment at 350 °C for 30 min in air atmosphere yielded the best result, with the high field effect mobility value of 34 cm2/Vs and the minimum subthreshold swing value of 0.12 V/dec. All IZTO thin films were amorphous, even after annealing treatment of up to 350 °C.
Banach Subspaces of Continuous Functions Possessing Schauder Bases
Authors: Ludkowski Sergey
Published: June 2017

In this article, Müntz spaces M Λ , C of continuous functions supplied with the absolute maximum norm are considered. An existence of Schauder bases in Müntz spaces M Λ , C is investigated. Moreover, Fourier series approximation of functions in Müntz spaces M Λ , C is studied.
Association between Auricular Signals and the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Suen Lorna , Yeh Chao , Yeung Simon , Kwan Jojo , Wong Hon , Chan David , Cheung Alice , Yeung Vincent
Published: June 2017

Objective: This study aims to determine the association between auricular signals and the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: A case-control study with an equal number of cases and controls matched by age group and gender was conducted. A total of 204 participants were recruited. Patients were verified as having MS based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Auricular assessment was conducted in the following sequence: visual inspection, electrical skin resistance test (ESRT), and pressure pain test (PPT). Results: MS+ patients tend to have much more oily auricle complexion than the controls. The ‘endocrine’ (right) of the participants with MS indicated a significantly higher electrical conductivity compared to that of the controls. The MS group participants experienced significant tenderness on the ‘heart’ and ‘endocrine’ acupoints. A number of auricular signals were also associated with the risk factors of MS, including age, gender, smoking status, family history of diabetes, and comorbid illnesses. Both the ‘heart’ and ‘endocrine’ acupoints showed the highest sensitivity to tenderness (60.8%), followed by the ‘endocrine’ (59.8%) and ‘pancreas and gallbladder’ (55.9%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that electrical conductivity and tenderness of a number of auricular points, including the ‘heart’, ‘pancreas and gall bladder’, and ‘endocrine’, are associated with MS and its risk factors. Further investigations with a larger sample size could be conducted to verify the value of these auricular signals on MS risk prediction so that this method can be used as an early screening method for the population with a high MS risk.
Report from the 9th International Symposium on Auriculotherapy Held in Singapore, 10–12 August 2017
Authors: Quah-Smith Im , Litscher Gerhard , Rong Peijing , Oleson Terry , Stanton Gary , Pock Arnyce , Niemtzow Richard , Aung Steven , Nogier Raphael
Published: June 2017

Auricular interventions also known as auriculotherapy, auricular medicine and ear acupuncture depending on practice locale, has come of age and has gained the attention of the wider medical community in recent years.[...]
Secondary Solidification Behavior of A356 Aluminum Alloy Prepared by the Self-Inoculation Method
Authors: Li Ming , Li Yuandong , Huang Xiaofeng , Ma Ying , Guan Renguo
Published: June 2017

Semisolid slurry of A356 aluminum alloy was prepared by Self-Inoculation Method, and the secondary solidification behavior during rheo-diecasting forming process was researched. The results indicate that the component with non-dendritic and uniformly distributed microstructures can be produced by Rheo-Diecasting (RDC) process (combining Self-inoculation Method (SIM) with High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC)). The isothermal holding time of the slurry has large effect on primary particles, but has little effect on secondary particles. Growth rate of the primary particles in the isothermal holding process conforms to the dynamic equation of Dt3 − D03 = Kt. The suitable holding time for rheo-diecasting of A356 aluminum alloy is 3 min. During filling process, the nucleation occurs throughout the entire remaining liquid, and nuclei grow stably into globular particles with the limited grain size of 6.5μm firstly, then both α1 and α2 particles appear unstable growth phenomenon due to the existence of constitutional undercooling. The average particle sizes and shape factors of both α1 and α2 are decreasing with the increase of filling distance due to different cooling rate in different positions. The growth rate of the eutectic in RDC is 4 times faster than HPDC, which is mainly due to the limitation of α2 particles in RDC process. The average eutectic spacings are decreasing with the increase of filling distance.
Potential of Piezoelectric MEMS Resonators for Grape Must Fermentation Monitoring
Authors: Pfusterschmied Georg , Toledo Javier , Kucera Martin , Steindl Wolfgang , Zemann Stefan , Ruiz-Díez Víctor , Schneider Michael , Bittner Achim , Sanchez-Rojas Jose , Schmid Ulrich
Published: June 2017

In this study grape must fermentation is monitored using a self-actuating/self-sensing piezoelectric micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) resonator. The sensor element is excited in an advanced roof tile-shaped vibration mode, which ensures high Q-factors in liquids (i.e., Q ~100 in isopropanol), precise resonance frequency analysis, and a fast measurement procedure. Two sets of artificial model solutions are prepared, representing an ordinary and a stuck/sluggish wine fermentation process. The precision and reusability of the sensor are shown using repetitive measurements (10 times), resulting in standard deviations of the measured resonance frequencies of ~0.1%, Q-factor of ~11%, and an electrical conductance peak height of ~12%, respectively. With the applied evaluation procedure, moderate standard deviations of ~1.1% with respect to density values are achieved. Based on these results, the presented sensor concept is capable to distinguish between ordinary and stuck wine fermentation, where the evolution of the wine density associated with the decrease in sugar and the increase in ethanol concentrations during fermentation processes causes a steady increase in the resonance frequency for an ordinary fermentation. Finally, the first test measurements in real grape must are presented, showing a similar trend in the resonance frequency compared to the results of an artificial solutions, thus proving that the presented sensor concept is a reliable and reusable platform for grape must fermentation monitoring.
Design and Modeling of Polysilicon Electrothermal Actuators for a MEMS Mirror with Low Power Consumption
Authors: Lara-Castro Miguel , Herrera-Amaya Adrian , Escarola-Rosas Marco , Vázquez-Toledo Moisés , López-Huerta Francisco , Aguilera-Cortés Luz , Herrera-May Agustín
Published: June 2017

Endoscopic optical-coherence tomography (OCT) systems require low cost mirrors with small footprint size, out-of-plane deflections and low bias voltage. These requirements can be achieved with electrothermal actuators based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). We present the design and modeling of polysilicon electrothermal actuators for a MEMS mirror (100 μm × 100 μm × 2.25 μm). These actuators are composed by two beam types (2.25 μm thickness) with different cross-section area, which are separated by 2 μm gap. The mirror and actuators are designed through the Sandia Ultra-planar Multi-level MEMS Technology V (SUMMiT V®) process, obtaining a small footprint size (1028 μm × 1028 µm) for actuators of 550 µm length. The actuators have out-of-plane displacements caused by low dc voltages and without use material layers with distinct thermal expansion coefficients. The temperature behavior along the actuators is calculated through analytical models that include terms of heat energy generation, heat conduction and heat energy loss. The force method is used to predict the maximum out-of-plane displacements in the actuator tip as function of supplied voltage. Both analytical models, under steady-state conditions, employ the polysilicon resistivity as function of the temperature. The electrothermal-and structural behavior of the actuators is studied considering different beams dimensions (length and width) and dc bias voltages from 0.5 to 2.5 V. For 2.5 V, the actuator of 550 µm length reaches a maximum temperature, displacement and electrical power of 115 °C, 10.3 µm and 6.3 mW, respectively. The designed actuation mechanism can be useful for MEMS mirrors of different sizes with potential application in endoscopic OCT systems that require low power consumption.
General Methodologies Toward cis-Fused Quinone Sesquiterpenoids. Enantiospecific Synthesis of the epi-Ilimaquinone Core Featuring Sc-Catalyzed Ring Expansion
Authors: Kaplan Hilan , Rendina Victor , Kingsbury Jason
Published: June 2017

A stereocontrolled approach to the cis-decalin framework of clerodane diterpenes and biologically active quinone sesquiterpenes is reported. Starting from an inexpensive optically pure tetrahydroindanone, Birch reductive alkylation builds two new contiguous chiral centers—one of which is quaternary and all-carbon-substituted. Also featured is a highly regioselective diazoalkane—carbonyl homologation reaction to prepare the 6,6-bicyclic skeleton. Therein, the utility of Sc(OTf)3 as a mild catalyst for formal 1C insertion in complex settings is demonstrated.
Recent Advances in Conotoxin Classification by Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Dao Fu-Ying , Yang Hui , Su Zhen-Dong , Yang Wuritu , Wu Yun , Hui Ding , Chen Wei , Tang Hua , Lin Hao
Published: June 2017

Conotoxins are disulfide-rich small peptides, which are invaluable peptides that target ion channel and neuronal receptors. Conotoxins have been demonstrated as potent pharmaceuticals in the treatment of a series of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. In addition, conotoxins are also ideal molecular templates for the development of new drug lead compounds and play important roles in neurobiological research as well. Thus, the accurate identification of conotoxin types will provide key clues for the biological research and clinical medicine. Generally, conotoxin types are confirmed when their sequence, structure, and function are experimentally validated. However, it is time-consuming and costly to acquire the structure and function information by using biochemical experiments. Therefore, it is important to develop computational tools for efficiently and effectively recognizing conotoxin types based on sequence information. In this work, we reviewed the current progress in computational identification of conotoxins in the following aspects: (i) construction of benchmark dataset; (ii) strategies for extracting sequence features; (iii) feature selection techniques; (iv) machine learning methods for classifying conotoxins; (v) the results obtained by these methods and the published tools; and (vi) future perspectives on conotoxin classification. The paper provides the basis for in-depth study of conotoxins and drug therapy research.
Calculation of Five Thermodynamic Molecular Descriptors by Means of a General Computer Algorithm Based on the Group-Additivity Method: Standard Enthalpies of Vaporization, Sublimation and Solvation, and Entropy of Fusion of Ordinary Organic Molecules and Total Phase-Change Entropy of Liquid Crystals
Authors: Naef Rudolf , Acree William
Published: June 2017

The calculation of the standard enthalpies of vaporization, sublimation and solvation of organic molecules is presented using a common computer algorithm on the basis of a group-additivity method. The same algorithm is also shown to enable the calculation of their entropy of fusion as well as the total phase-change entropy of liquid crystals. The present method is based on the complete breakdown of the molecules into their constituting atoms and their immediate neighbourhood; the respective calculations of the contribution of the atomic groups by means of the Gauss-Seidel fitting method is based on experimental data collected from literature. The feasibility of the calculations for each of the mentioned descriptors was verified by means of a 10-fold cross-validation procedure proving the good to high quality of the predicted values for the three mentioned enthalpies and for the entropy of fusion, whereas the predictive quality for the total phase-change entropy of liquid crystals was poor. The goodness of fit (Q2) and the standard deviation (σ) of the cross-validation calculations for the five descriptors was as follows: 0.9641 and 4.56 kJ/mol (N = 3386 test molecules) for the enthalpy of vaporization, 0.8657 and 11.39 kJ/mol (N = 1791) for the enthalpy of sublimation, 0.9546 and 4.34 kJ/mol (N = 373) for the enthalpy of solvation, 0.8727 and 17.93 J/mol/K (N = 2637) for the entropy of fusion and 0.5804 and 32.79 J/mol/K (N = 2643) for the total phase-change entropy of liquid crystals. The large discrepancy between the results of the two closely related entropies is discussed in detail. Molecules for which both the standard enthalpies of vaporization and sublimation were calculable, enabled the estimation of their standard enthalpy of fusion by simple subtraction of the former from the latter enthalpy. For 990 of them the experimental enthalpy-of-fusion values are also known, allowing their comparison with predictions, yielding a correlation coefficient R2 of 0.6066.
In silico Study of the Pharmacologic Properties and Cytotoxicity Pathways in Cancer Cells of Various Indolylquinone Analogues of Perezone
Authors: Escobedo-González René , Vargas-Requena Claudia , Moyers-Montoya Edgar , Aceves-Hernández Juan , Nicolás-Vázquez María , Miranda-Ruvalcaba René
Published: June 2017

Several indolylquinone analogues of perezone, a natural sesquiterpene quinone, were characterized in this work by theoretical methods. In addition, some physicochemical, toxicological and metabolic properties were predicted using bioinformatics software. The predicted physicochemical properties are in agreement with the solubility and cLogP values, the penetration across the cell membrane, and absorption values, as well as with a possible apoptosis-activated mechanism of cytotoxic action. The toxicological predictions suggest no mutagenic, tumorigenic or reproductive effects of the four target molecules. Complementarily, the results of a performed docking study show high scoring values and hydrogen bonding values in agreement with the cytotoxicity IC50 value ranking, i.e: indolylmenadione > indolylperezone > indolylplumbagine > indolylisoperezone. Consequently, it is possible to suggest an appropriate apoptotic pathway for each compound. Finally, potential metabolic pathways of the molecules were proposed.
Mechanism Exploration of Arylpiperazine Derivatives Targeting the 5-HT2A Receptor by In Silico Methods
Authors: Lin Feng , Li Feng , Wang Chao , Wang Jinghui , Yang Yinfeng , Yang Ling , Li Yan
Published: June 2017

As a G-protein coupled receptor, the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor is known for its critical role in the cognitive, behavioural and physiological functions, and thus is a primary molecular target to treat psychiatric diseases, including especially depression. With purpose to explore the structural traits affecting the inhibitory activity, currently a dataset of 109 arylpiperazine derivatives as promising 5-HT2A antagonists was built, based on which the ligand-based three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study by using both comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) approaches was carried out. The resultant optimal CoMSIA model displays proper validity and predictability with cross-validated correlation coefficient Q2 = 0.587, non-cross-validated correlation coefficient R2ncv = 0.900 and predicted correlation coefficient for the test set of compounds R2pre = 0.897, respectively. Besides, molecular docking was also conducted to investigate the binding mode between these ligands and the active site of the 5-HT2A receptor. Meanwhile, as a docking supplementary tool to study the antagonists’ conformation in the binding cavity, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was also performed, providing further elucidation about the changes in the ligand-receptor complex. Lastly, some new molecules were also newly-designed based on the above results that are potential arylpiperazine antagonists of 5-HT2A receptor. We hope that the present models and derived information may be of help for facilitating the optimization and design of novel potent antagonists as antidepressant drugs as well as exploring the interaction mechanism of 5-HT2A antagonists.
N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease the Protein Expression of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase via Oxidative Stress-Induced P38 Kinase in Rat Endothelial Cells
Authors: Okada Takashi , Morino Katsutaro , Nakagawa Fumiyuki , Tawa Masashi , Kondo Keiko , Sekine Osamu , Imamura Takeshi , Okamura Tomio , Ugi Satoshi , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2017

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) improve endothelial function. The arachidonic acid-derived metabolites (epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs)) are part of the endothelial hyperpolarization factor and are vasodilators independent of nitric oxide. However, little is known regarding the regulation of EET concentration by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in blood vessels. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control or fish oil diet for 3 weeks. Compared with the control, the fish oil diet improved acetylcholine-induced vasodilation and reduced the protein expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a key EET metabolic enzyme, in aortic strips. Both DHA and EPA suppressed sEH protein expression in rat aorta endothelial cells (RAECs). Furthermore, the concentration of 4-hydroxy hexenal (4-HHE), a lipid peroxidation product of n-3 PUFAs, increased in n-3 PUFA-treated RAECs. In addition, 4-HHE treatment suppressed sEH expression in RAECs, suggesting that 4-HHE (derived from n-3 PUFAs) is involved in this phenomenon. The suppression of sEH was attenuated by the p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580) and by treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In conclusion, sEH expression decreased after n-3 PUFAs treatment, potentially through oxidative stress and p38 kinase. Mild oxidative stress induced by n-3 PUFAs may contribute to their cardio-protective effect.
Individual and Combined Effects of Engineered Peptides and Antibiotics on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Mishra Biswajit , Wang Guangshun
Published: June 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is involved in a variety of difficult-to-treat infections frequently due to biofilm formation. To identify useful antibiofilm strategies, this article evaluated efficacy of two newly engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (17BIPHE2 and DASamP2), traditional antibiotics, and their combinations against biofilms at different stages. 17BIPHE2 is designed based on the 3D structure of human cathelicidin LL-37 and DASamP2 is derived from database screening. While both peptides show effects on bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and preformed biofilms, select antibiotics only inhibit biofilm formation, probably due to direct bacterial killing. In addition, the time dependence of biofilm formation and treatment in a static in vitro biofilm model was also studied. The initial bacterial inoculum determines the peptide concentration needed to inhibit biofilm growth. When the bacterial growth time is less than 8 h, the biomass in the wells can be dispersed by either antibiotics alone or peptides alone. However, nearly complete biofilm disruption can be achieved when both the peptide and antibiotics are applied. Our results emphasize the importance of antibiofilm peptides, early treatment using monotherapy, and the combination therapy for already formed biofilms of P. aeruginosa.
Photodeprotectable N-Alkoxybenzyl Aromatic Polyamides
Authors: Iwashita Kenichi , Katoh Hironobu , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: June 2017

N-alkoxybenzyl aromatic polyamides were synthesized by polycondensation of N-alkoxybenzyl aromatic diamine with equimolar dicarboxylic acid chloride in the presence of 2.2 equiv. of pyridine at room temperature for 2 days. The obtained polyamides were mainly cyclic polymers, as determined by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and showed higher solubility in organic solvents than unprotected aromatic polyamides. Photodeprotection of N-alkoxybenzyl aromatic polyamide film containing photo acid generator (PAG) proceeded well under UV irradiation (5 J/cm2), followed by heating at 130 °C for 15 min. The nature of the polymer end groups of N-alkoxybenzyl aromatic polyamides was found to be crucial for photodeprotection reactivity. These polymers are promising candidates for photosensitive heat-resistant materials for fine Cu wiring formation by electroless Cu plating of high-density semiconductor packaging substrates.
Digital Microfluidics for Nucleic Acid Amplification
Authors: Coelho Beatriz , Veigas Bruno , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Águas Hugo , Igreja Rui , Baptista Pedro
Published: June 2017

Digital Microfluidics (DMF) has emerged as a disruptive methodology for the control and manipulation of low volume droplets. In DMF, each droplet acts as a single reactor, which allows for extensive multiparallelization of biological and chemical reactions at a much smaller scale. DMF devices open entirely new and promising pathways for multiplex analysis and reaction occurring in a miniaturized format, thus allowing for healthcare decentralization from major laboratories to point-of-care with accurate, robust and inexpensive molecular diagnostics. Here, we shall focus on DMF platforms specifically designed for nucleic acid amplification, which is key for molecular diagnostics of several diseases and conditions, from pathogen identification to cancer mutations detection. Particular attention will be given to the device architecture, materials and nucleic acid amplification applications in validated settings.
Ultra-Weak Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Network Coated with Sensitive Material for Multi-Parameter Measurements
Authors: Bai Wei , Yang Minghong , Hu Chenyuan , Dai Jixiang , Zhong Xuexiang , Huang Shuai , Wang Gaopeng
Published: June 2017

A multi-parameter measurement system based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UFBG) array with sensitive material was proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The UFBG array interrogation principle is time division multiplex technology with two semiconductor optical amplifiers as timing units. Experimental results showed that the performance of the proposed UFBG system is almost equal to that of traditional FBG, while the UFBG array system has obvious superiority with potential multiplexing ability for multi-point and multi-parameter measurement. The system experimented on a 144 UFBG array with the reflectivity of UFBG ~0.04% for the four target parameters: hydrogen, humidity, temperature and salinity. Moreover, a uniform solution was customized to divide the cross-sensitivity between temperature and other target parameters. It is expected that this scheme will be capable of handling thousands of multi-parameter sensors in a single fiber.
More Energy and Less Work, but New Crises: How the Societal Metabolism-Labour Nexus Changes from Agrarian to Industrial Societies
Authors: Haas Willi , Andarge Hailemariam
Published: June 2017

The scientific finding that humanity is overburdening nature and thus risks further ecological crises is almost uncontroversial. Main reason for the crises is the drastic increase in the societal metabolism, which is accomplished through labour. In this article, we examine the societal metabolism-labour nexus in two energy regimes: a valley in the Ethiopian highlands, typical of an agrarian society, and a village in Austria, typical of an industrial society. In the Ethiopian village, the supply of food demands almost the entire labour force, thus limiting the capacity to facilitate material flows beyond food provision. In the Austrian village, fewer working hours, lower workloads but 50 times higher useful energy allow to accumulate stocks like buildings 70 times higher than the Ethiopian case. With fossil energy, industrial societies decisively expand their energy supply and reduce labour hours at the cost of high carbon emissions, which are almost non-existent in the Ethiopian case. To overcome the resulting ecological crises, there is a call to drastically reduce fossil fuel consumption. Such an abandonment of fossil fuels might have as far reaching consequences for the societal metabolism-labour nexus and consequently human labour as the introduction of fossil fuels has had.
Societal Relations to Nature in Times of Crisis—Social Ecology’s Contributions to Interdisciplinary Sustainability Studies
Authors: Kramm Johanna , Pichler Melanie , Schaffartzik Anke , Zimmermann Martin
Published: June 2017

During the second half of the 20th century, the crisis of societal relations to nature emerged as the subject of an international scientific, political, and popular debate. Anthropogenic climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource peaks, or local air and water pollution are symptoms of this crisis. Social ecology provides an inter- and transdisciplinary take on sustainability research and is well-equipped to respond to the research challenges associated with this crisis. Social ecology comprises different schools of thought, of which two initiated this special issue on “State of the Art and Future Prospects” for the research field. The approaches to social ecology of the ISOE—Institute for Social-Ecological Research in Frankfurt, Germany, and the Institute of Social Ecology (SEC) in Vienna, Austria are based on a common understanding of the challenges posed by social-ecological crises. In how these social ecologies tackle their research questions, conceptual differences become evident. In this article, we provide an overview of social ecology research as it is conducted in Frankfurt and in Vienna. We discuss how this research responds to the ongoing crisis and conclude by identifying important future prospects for social ecology.
Challenges for Social-Ecological Transformations: Contributions from Social and Political Ecology
Authors: Görg Christoph , Brand Ulrich , Haberl Helmut , Hummel Diana , Jahn Thomas , Liehr Stefan
Published: June 2017

Transformation has become a major topic of sustainability research. This opens up new perspectives, but at the same time, runs the danger to convert into a new critical orthodoxy which narrows down analytical perspectives. Most research is committed towards a political-strategic approach towards transformation. This focus, however, clashes with ongoing transformation processes towards un-sustainability. The paper presents cornerstones of an integrative approach to social-ecological transformations (SET), which builds upon empirical work and conceptual considerations from Social Ecology and Political Ecology. We argue that a critical understanding of the challenges for societal transformations can be advanced by focusing on the interdependencies between societies and the natural environment. This starting point provides a more realistic understanding of the societal and biophysical constraints of sustainability transformations by emphasising the crisis-driven and contested character of the appropriation of nature and the power relations involved. Moreover, it pursues a transdisciplinary mode of research, decisive for adequately understanding any strategy for transformations towards sustainability. Such a conceptual approach of SET is supposed to better integrate the analytical, normative and political-strategic dimension of transformation research. We use the examples of global land use patterns, neo-extractivism in Latin America and the global water crisis to clarify our approach.
The Material Stock–Flow–Service Nexus: A New Approach for Tackling the Decoupling Conundrum
Authors: Haberl Helmut , Wiedenhofer Dominik , Erb Karl-Heinz , Görg Christoph , Krausmann Fridolin
Published: June 2017

Fundamental changes in the societal use of biophysical resources are required for a sustainability transformation. Current socioeconomic metabolism research traces flows of energy, materials or substances to capture resource use: input of raw materials or energy, their fate in production and consumption, and the discharge of wastes and emissions. This approach has yielded important insights into eco-efficiency and long-term drivers of resource use. But socio-metabolic research has not yet fully incorporated material stocks or their services, hence not completely exploiting the analytic power of the metabolism concept. This commentary argues for a material stock–flow–service nexus approach focused on the analysis of interrelations between material and energy flows, socioeconomic material stocks (“in-use stocks of materials”) and the services provided by specific stock/flow combinations. Analyzing the interrelations between stocks, flows and services will allow researchers to develop highly innovative indicators of eco-efficiency and open new research directions that will help to better understand biophysical foundations of transformations towards sustainability.
Development of the Korean Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VESTAP)—Centered on Health Vulnerability to Heat Waves
Authors: Oh Kwan-Young , Lee Moung-Jin , Jeon Seong-Woo
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop a Korean climate change vulnerability assessment tool, the Vulnerability Assessment Tool to build Climate Change Adaptation Plan (VESTAP). Based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodology, VESTAP can be used to evaluate Korea’s vulnerability to major climate impacts (including 32 conditions in 8 categories). VESTAP is based on RCP 4.5/8.5 scenarios and can provide evaluation results in 10-year intervals from the 2010s to 2040s. In addition, this paper presents the results of a case study using VESTAP for targeted assessment of health vulnerability to heat waves under the RCP 8.5 scenario for the 2040s. Through vulnerability assessment at the province level in South Korea, Daegu Metropolitan City was identified as the most vulnerable region. The municipality and submunicipality levels of Daegu were also assessed in separate stages. The results indicated that Pyeongni 3-Dong in Seo-Gu was most vulnerable. Through comprehensive analysis of the results, the climate exposure index was identified as the greatest contributor to health vulnerability in Korea. Regional differences in climate exposure can be moderated by social investment in improving sensitivity and adaptive capacity. This study is significant in presenting a quantitative assessment of vulnerability to climate change by the administrative unit in South Korea. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the efficient development and implementation of climate change adaptation policies in South Korea.
Ecosystem Services as a Boundary Concept: Arguments from Social Ecology
Authors: Schleyer Christian , Lux Alexandra , Mehring Marion , Görg Christoph
Published: June 2017

Ecosystem services (ES) are defined as the interdependencies between society and nature. Despite several years of conceptual discussions, some challenges of the ES concept are far from being resolved. In particular, the usefulness of the concept for nature protection is questioned, and a strong critique is expressed concerning its contribution towards the neoliberal commodification of nature. This paper argues that these challenges can be addressed by dealing more carefully with ES as a boundary concept between different disciplines and between science and society. ES are neither about nature nor about human wellbeing, but about the mutual dependencies between nature and human wellbeing. These mutual interdependencies, however, create tensions and contradictions that manifest themselves in the boundary negotiations between different scientific disciplines and between science and society. This paper shows that approaches from Social Ecology can address these boundary negotiations and the power relations involved more explicitly. Finally, this implies the urgent need for more inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration in ES research. We conclude (1) that the social–ecological nature of ES must be elaborated more carefully while explicitly focussing on the interdependencies between nature and society; (2) to better implement inter- and transdisciplinary methods into ES research; and (3) that such ES research can—and to some extent already does—substantially enhance international research programmes such as Future Earth.
Environmental Impacts of Sand Exploitation. Analysis of Sand Market
Authors: Gavriletea Marius
Published: June 2017

Sand is an indispensable natural resource for any society. Despite society’s increasing dependence on sand, there are major challenges that this industry needs to deal with: limited sand resources, illegal mining, and environmental impact of sand mining. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to present an overview of the sand market, highlighting the main trends and actors for production, export and import, and to review the main environmental impacts associated with sand exploitation process. Based on these findings, we recommend different measures to be followed to reduce negative impacts. Sand mining should be done in a way that limits environmental damage during exploitation and restores the land after mining operations are completed.
Molecular Modeling of the Catalytic Domain of CyaA Deepened the Knowledge of Its Functional Dynamics
Authors: Malliavin Thérèse
Published: June 2017

Although CyaA has been studied for over three decades and revealed itself to be a very good prototype for developing various biotechnological applications, only a little is known about its functional dynamics and about the conformational landscape of this protein. Molecular dynamics simulations helped to clarify the view on these points in the following way. First, the model of interaction between AC and calmodulin (CaM) has evolved from an interaction centered on the surface between C-CaM hydrophobic patch and the α helix H of AC, to a more balanced view, in which the C-terminal tail of AC along with the C-CaM Calcium loops play an important role. This role has been confirmed by the reduction of the affinity of AC for calmodulin in the presence of R338, D360 and N347 mutations. In addition, enhanced sampling studies have permitted to propose a representation of the conformational space for the isolated AC. It remains to refine this representation using structural low resolution information measured on the inactive state of AC. Finally, due to a virtual screening study on another adenyl cyclase from Bacillus anthracis, weak inhibitors of AC have been discovered.
Survey of Alternaria Toxins and Other Mycotoxins in Dried Fruits in China
Authors: Wei Dizhe , Wang Yao , Jiang Dongmei , Feng Xiaoyuan , Li Jun , Wang Meng
Published: June 2017

Occurrence of toxigenic molds and mycotoxins on dried fruits is a worldwide problem, but limited information is available in China. A total of 220 dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, dates and wolfberries) purchased from China were analyzed for 17 mycotoxins (i.e., Alternaria toxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT) and trichothecenes) by UPLC-MS/MS, combined with a single-step cleanup. The result showed that at least one mycotoxin was detected in 142 samples (64.6%). The lowest incidence of contaminated samples was observed in dried apricots (48.2%), and the highest incidence in dried wolfberries (83.3%). The Alternaria toxins seemed to be the major problem in dried fruits, rather than OTA or PAT. Tenuazonic acid (TeA) was the predominant mycotoxin, in both frequency and concentration, ranging from 6.9 to 5665.3 μg kg−1, followed by tentoxin (TEN; 20.5%), and mycophenolic acid (MPA; 19.5%). Moreover, raisins are more likely to be contaminated with OTA than the other dried fruits. Penicillic acid (PA) was detected only in dried dates, and PAT was detected only in one apricot sample. In addition, our results also showed that the simultaneous presence of 2–4 mycotoxins was observed in 31.4% of dried fruits. TeA and TEN were the most frequent combination, detected in 29 (13.2%) samples, followed by TeA and MPA with a prevalence of 11.4%. Therefore, the results of this survey suggest the need for wider monitoring on the contamination of these mycotoxins, especially Alternaria toxins in agro-products, and indicate the importance of setting a maximum limit for Alternaria toxins in China.
Regional Variations in the Risk and Severity of Ciguatera Caused by Eating Moray Eels
Authors: Chan Thomas
Published: June 2017

Moray eels (Gymnothorax species) from tropical waters have long been known to be high-risk species, and the consumption of particularly the viscera or ungutted eels can result in severe ciguatera (known as Gymnothorax or moray eel poisoning), characterized by prominent neurological features. In this review, the main objective was to describe the risk and severity of ciguatera caused by eating moray eels in different parts of the world. Moray eels can accumulate very high ciguatoxin (CTX) levels in the flesh and particularly the liver. Therefore, even the smaller ones can be toxic and the consumption of an average portion (particularly liver) can result in severe or fatal ciguatera. Moray eels (particularly when ungutted) must never be served in gatherings since they can cause mass poisoning because of their large sizes and high CTX levels. Apart from regulatory measures restricting or excluding access, the public should be repeatedly warned to avoid eating moray eels.
Seepage Piping Evolution Characteristics in Bimsoils -An Experimental Study
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Changhong , Zhou Xiaolong , Wei Xiaoming
Published: June 2017

Piping is a kind of seepage failure mode that commonly occurs under the influence of seepage force in soil materials. Many studies have been done to study the characteristics of piping for soil materials, however, the initiation and development mechanism of piping in bimsoils is poorly understood. In this work, an experimental program was set for investigating the evolution process of piping, in a self-developed servo-controlled flow–erosion–stress coupled testing system. All the studied samples with rock block percentage (RBP) of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%, were produced as a cylindrical shape(50 mm diameter and 100 mm height) by compaction tests with different hammer strike counts to roughly insure the same void ratio. The results show that the amount of rock blocks in bimsoil samples significantly influenced the initiation and development of piping. Furthermore, the stress state has a crucial influence on the critical hydraulic gradient, seepage velocity, permeability, erosion, and migration of soil particles. Moreover, interactions among soil matrix, rock blocks, and rock–soil interfaces control the seepage stability of the bimsoil sample.
Strategies toward protecting group-free glycosylation through selective activation of the anomeric center
Authors: Downey A Michael , Hocek Michal
Published: June 2017

Glycosylation is an immensely important biological process and one that is highly controlled and very efficient in nature. However, in a chemical laboratory the process is much more challenging and usually requires the extensive use of protecting groups to squelch reactivity at undesired reactive moieties. Nonetheless, by taking advantage of the differential reactivity of the anomeric center, a selective activation at this position is possible. As a result, protecting group-free strategies to effect glycosylations are available thanks to the tremendous efforts of many research groups. In this review, we showcase the methods available for the selective activation of the anomeric center on the glycosyl donor and the mechanisms by which the glycosylation reactions take place to illustrate the power these techniques.
Instructional Design for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-Assisted Intercultural Communication Course
Authors: Shih Yu-Chih Doris
Published: June 2017

Today’s era of societies comprise of one coherent global village, in which learning about and understanding other cultures is crucial. Fu-Jen Catholic University (FJCU), a private university in northern Taiwan, has joined the “Global Academic Initiatives” (GAI) coordinated by East Carolina University (ECU) in USA since 2007. A course entitled Cross-Cultural Communication: Global Understanding is offered in FJCU to allow students in the English department to discuss cultural topics with students from two other countries via Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for authentic contacts. The ICT tools support both the synchronous and asynchronous mode of communication. This paper describes the instructional design of the Cross-Cultural Communication: Global Understanding course including the pre-connection trainings and the connection discussions. For the post-connection part, students’ learning and reflections will be discussed along with their e-learning styles. This example could offer other educators who are interested in designing similar intercultural communication courses.
Analysis of the Reasons of Public High School Students in United States Choosing Chinese as a Foreign Language – The Case of Nevada
Authors: He Haihuai
Published: June 2017

The research focuses on the motivations of US’s high school students chose Chinese as a secondary language study programme from multiple aspects: the future career considerations, Chinese population growth, and the personal interests. The current Chinese language learning statistics have been given as further references in terms of questionnaire findings.
Emerging Concerns for Gender Equality and Role of Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Indrakanti Verlaxmi
Published: June 2017

Gender inequality is increasingly on the forefront of global developmental agenda and it is more acute in developing countries. The Indian conditions are much more difficult due to widespread socioeconomic, ethnic, linguistic and cultural variations across the country thus the job of educational planners becomes much more challenging. As compared to conventional systems of education, Open and Distance Learning systems are in a much better position to respond to the peculiar needs of women in India. This chapter describes the status of women education in light of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and intends to explore potential of Open and Distance Learning to address the issues of women empowerment. Efforts are made to place the women scholastic status vis-à-vis educational opportunities, reforms and prospects starting with a global perspective, the hurdles in women education and various governmental initiatives for women education. The constraints, new possibilities and a critical appraisal of existing initiatives have been given.
Equivalency Programmes Through Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Priyadarshini Anita
Published: June 2017

This chapter outlines the beginnings of equivalency programmes in India through the Open Basic Education programme, which was initiated by National Institute of Open Schooling(NIOS) and supported by the National Literacy Mission. An equivalency programme is an alternative educational programme equivalent to existing formal general or vocational education. The chapter traces the genesis of the Open Basic Education programme and shows how the growth of adult literacy in India led to a demand for equivalent education for neo-literates. The open and distance learning system with its inherent flexibilities became the appropriate vehicle for equivalency programmes. This chapter describes the concept of equivalency, its international context in the developing world and its relevance for out of school adults. The author outlines the design and development of the curriculum, course materials as well as the process of examination and certification. The chapter describes the close partnership between different stakeholders leading to its successful implementation in India.