bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and Lacto-N-Neotetraose (LNnT) in Infant Formula
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Berger Bernard , Carnielli Virgilio , Ksiazyk Janusz , Lagström Hanna , Sanchez Luna Manuel , Migacheva Natalia , Mosselmans Jean-Marc , Picaud Jean-Charles , Possner Mike , Singhal Atul , Wabitsch Martin
Published: August 2018

The authors reviewed the published evidence on the presence of oligosaccharides in human milk (HMO) and their benefits in in vitro and in vivo studies. The still limited data of trials evaluating the effect of mainly 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) on the addition of some of HMOs to infant formula were also reviewed. PubMed was searched from January 1990 to April 2018. The amount of HMOs in mother’s milk is a dynamic process as it changes over time. Many factors, such as duration of lactation, environmental, and genetic factors, influence the amount of HMOs. HMOs may support immune function development and provide protection against infectious diseases directly through the interaction of the gut epithelial cells or indirectly through the modulation of the gut microbiota, including the stimulation of the bifidobacteria. The limited clinical data suggest that the addition of HMOs to infant formula seems to be safe and well tolerated, inducing a normal growth and suggesting a trend towards health benefits. HMOs are one of the major differences between cow’s milk and human milk, and available evidence indicates that these components do have a health promoting benefit. The addition of one or two of these components to infant formula is safe, and brings infant formula closer to human milk. More prospective, randomized trials in infants are need to evaluate the clinical benefit of supplementing infant formula with HMOs.
Synthesis and Characterization of In-Situ-Prepared Nanocomposites Based on Poly(Propylene 2,5-Furan Dicarboxylate) and Aluminosilicate Clays
Authors: Papadopoulos Lazaros , Terzopoulou Zoi , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Patsiaoura Dimitra , Chrissafis Kostantinos , Papageorgiou Dimitrios G. , Papageorgiou George Z.
Published: August 2018

Poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PPF), or poly(trimethylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PTF), is a biobased alipharomatic polyester that is expected to replace its fossil-based terephthalate (PPT) and naphthate (PPN) homologues. PPF possesses exceptional gas barrier properties, but its slow crystallization rate might affect its success in specific applications in the future. Therefore, a series of PPF based nanocomposites with the nanoclays Cloisite®-Na (MMT), Cloisite®-20A (MMT 20A), and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were synthesized via the in situ transterification and polycondensation method. The effect of the nanoclays on the structure, thermal, and crystallization properties of PPF was studied with several methods including infrared spectroscopy (IR), Nuclear Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR), Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The insertion of the nanofillers in the polymer matrix altered the crystallization rates, and TGA results showed good thermal stability, since no significant mass loss occurred up to 300 °C. Finally, the degradation mechanism was studied in depth with Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy, and it was found that β-scission is the dominant degradation mechanism.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Green Cationic Polyfluorene and Its Potential Use as a Fluorescent Membrane Probe
Authors: Vázquez-Guilló Rebeca , Martínez-Tomé María José , Kahveci Zehra , Torres Ivan , Falco Alberto , Mallavia Ricardo , Mateo C. Reyes
Published: August 2018

In the present work, we have synthesized a novel green-emitter conjugated polyelectrolyte Copoly-{[9,9-bis(6′-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl]-2,7-(fluorene)-alt-4,7-(2-(phenyl) benzo[d] [1,2,3] triazole)} bromide (HTMA-PFBT) by microwave-assisted Suzuki coupling reaction. Its fluorescent properties have been studied in aqueous media and in presence of model membranes of different composition, in order to explore its ability to be used as a green fluorescent membrane probe. The polyelectrolyte was bound with high affinity to the membrane surface, where it exhibited high fluorescence efficiency and stability. HTMA-PFBT showed lower affinity to zwitterionic membranes as compared to anionic ones, as well as a more external location, near the membrane-aqueous interface. Fluorescence microscopy studies confirmed the interaction of HTMA-PFBT with the model membranes, labelling the lipid bilayer without perturbing its morphology and showing a clear preference towards anionic systems. In addition, the polyelectrolyte was able to label the membrane of bacteria and living mammalian cells, separately. Finally, we explored if the polyelectrolyte can function also as a sensitive probe able of detecting lipid-phase transitions. All these results suggest the potential use of HTMA-PFBT as a green membrane marker for bioimaging and selective recognition of bacteria cell over mammalian ones and as a tool to monitor changes in physical state of lipid membranes.
Advanced Polybenzoxazine Structures Based on Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Bîru Elena Iuliana , Gârea Sorina Alexandra , Nicolescu Alina , Vasile Eugeniu , Iovu Horia
Published: August 2018

Two new polybenzoxazine products based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized. The synthesis process started with an rGO with amino functionalities. Benzoxazine structures were synthesized with oxazine rings attached to the surface of rGO and were fully characterized by FT-IR, 1H–NMR, XPS and XRD. The presence of polybenzoxazine chains was pointed out by 1H–NMR and it correlated with XRD data which show a partial exfoliation of the graphene oxide layers. The degree of polymerization plays a significant role against the exfoliation process. A higher yield of the ring-opening process for benzoxazine rings leads to a low degree of exfoliation, as the inner covalent bonds within the polybenzoxazine chains keep the graphene oxide sheets together.
Effects of γ-Ray Irradiation on the Radial Structure Heterogeneity in Polyacrylonitrile Fibers during Thermal Stabilization
Authors: Dang Wei , Liu Jie , Huang Xiangyu , Liang Jieying , Wang Chunhua , Miao Peng , An Yongzhen , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: August 2018

The radial structural heterogeneity of thermally-stabilized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber is considered to be a limiting factor affecting the mechanical properties of the resulting carbon fibers. In this study, we demonstrate that a low-dose (60 kGy) γ-ray irradiation pretreatment can effectively mitigate the radial structural heterogeneity of PAN fibers after thermal stabilization. The characterization results indicate that low-dose γ-ray irradiation only affects the physical structure of PAN through decreasing its crystalline size and crystallinity, rather than inducing chemical cross-linking and/or intramolecular cyclization. It is proposed that an increased amorphous region in PAN fibers prompted by low-dose γ-ray irradiation can facilitate oxygen diffusion from skin to core during stabilization, which results in the increased structural homogeneity of stabilized PAN fibers.
Valorization of Shale Gas Condensate to Liquid Hydrocarbons through Catalytic Dehydrogenation and Oligomerization
Authors: Ridha Taufik , Li Yiru , Gençer Emre , Siirola Jeffrey J. , Miller Jeffrey T. , Ribeiro Fabio H. , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: August 2018

The recent shale gas boom has transformed the energy landscape of the United States. Compared to natural gas, shale resources contain a substantial amount of condensate and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Many shale basin regions located in remote areas are lacking the infrastructure to distribute the extracted NGLs to other regions—particularly the Gulf Coast, a major gas processing region. Here we present a shale gas transformation process that converts NGLs in shale resources into liquid hydrocarbons, which are easier to transport from these remote basins than NGL or its constituents. This process involves catalytic dehydrogenation followed by catalytic oligomerization. Thermodynamic process analysis shows that this process has the potential to be more energy efficient than existing NGL-to-liquid fuel (NTL) technologies. In addition, our estimated payback period for this process is within the average lifetime of shale gas wells. The proposed process holds the promise to be an energy efficient and economically attractive step to valorize condensate in remote shale basins.
Caught in between: Profanation and Re-Sacralization in Marco Bellocchio’s Nel nome del padre (1971)
Authors: Angeli Silvia
Published: August 2018

This article assesses the coexistence of the practices of profanation and re-sacralization in one of Marco Bellocchio’s most understudied films: Nel nome del padre (In the Name of the Father, 1971). Indeed, such practices rarely situate themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum but rather are integrated within other works by the same director, and even within the same film. By providing a content and stylistic analysis of episodes of profanation and re-sacralization, this article highlights how Bellocchio profanes traditional Roman Catholic elements through the employment of parody and satire as well as how he re-sacralizes unorthodox characters and situations using narrative, symbolism, and iconography. This integration allows him to deliver his criticism of pre-conciliar Roman Catholicism (its folk manifestations at grassroots level, empty rituals, and sexuophobic education), on the one hand, and identify possible alternatives, characterized by a more progressive, tolerant, and forgiving religious sentiment, on the other. What emerges is Bellocchio’s essentially ambivalent attitude toward religion, characterized by the simultaneous and apparently contradictory need for both more and less Catholicism.
Recent Research and Developing Trends of Wearable Sensors for Detecting Blood Pressure
Authors: Arakawa Toshiya
Published: August 2018

Blood pressure is considered an index to measure a person’s health or state. The IEEE published a standard for wearable cuffless blood pressure measuring devices, which was certified as IEEE1708 on 26 August 2014, and, according to this standard, the development of wearable devices based on blood pressure is expected in the future. Considering this, blood pressure should be detectable all the time and everywhere, and this can help improve health consciousness. In this review, we introduce the recent development of wearable blood pressure measuring devices and research trends, and present the future prospects for blood pressure measuring devices.
Parameter Estimation of Micro-Motion Targets for High-Resolution-Range Radar Using Online Measured Reference
Authors: Xing Yu , You Peng , Yong Shaowei
Published: August 2018

Micro-motion dynamics produce Micro-range (m-R) signatures which are important features for target classification and recognition, provided that the range resolution of radar signal is high enough. However, dechirping the echo with reference measured by narrow bandwidth radar would generate the residual translational motion, which exhibits as random shifts of envelopes of range profiles. The residual translational motion would destroy the periodicity of m-R signatures and make a challenge to estimate rotational parameter. In this work, we proposed an efficient high-resolution range profile (HRRP)-based method to estimate rotational parameter, in which online measured reference distances are used to dechirp the radar raw echo. Firstly, the deduction for the modified first conditional comment of range profiles (MFCMRP) is introduced in detail, and the MFCMRP contain periodic and random components when dechirped by measured reference, corresponding to the rotational motion and the reference measured errors compared with actual reference. Secondly, the Wavelet Transform (WT) is utilized to separate the measured errors from the MFCMRP. The estimations of measured errors are used to compensate the MFCMRP, and then autocorrelation is performed on the estimated periodic component to obtain the estimation of rotational period. Lastly, the rotational amplitudes and phases are achieved by inverse Radon transform (IRT) of the compensated HRRP. The effectiveness of the proposed method in this paper is verified by synthetic data and measured radar data.
Effect of Strapdown Integration Order and Sampling Rate on IMU-Based Attitude Estimation Accuracy
Authors: Lee Jung Keun , Choi Mi Jin
Published: August 2018

This paper deals with the strapdown integration of attitude estimation Kalman filter (KF) based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals. In many low-cost wearable IMU applications, a first-order is selected for strapdown integration, which may degrade attitude estimation performance in high-speed angular motions. The purpose of this research is to provide insights into the effect of the strapdown integration order and sampling rate on the attitude estimation accuracy for low-cost IMU applications. Experimental results showed that the effect of integration order was small when the angular velocity was low and the sampling rate was large. However, as the angular velocity increased and the sampling rate decreased, the effect of integration order increased, i.e., obviously, the third-order KF resulted in better estimations than the first-order KF. When comparing the case where both transient matrix and process noise covariance matrix are applied to the corresponding order and the case where only the transient matrix is applied to the corresponding order but the process noise covariance matrix for the first-order is still used, both cases had almost equivalent estimation accuracy. However, in terms of the calculation cost, the latter case was more economical than the former, particularly for the third-order KF (i.e., the ratio of the former to the latter is 1.22 to 1).
Effect of Sensor Set Size on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Mao Lei , Jackson Lisa
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a comparative study on the performance of different sizes of sensor sets on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell fault diagnosis. The effectiveness of three sizes of sensor sets, including fuel cell voltage only, all the available sensors, and selected optimal sensors in detecting and isolating fuel cell faults (e.g., cell flooding and membrane dehydration) are investigated using the test data from a PEM fuel cell system. Wavelet packet transform and kernel principal component analysis are employed to reduce the dimensions of the dataset and extract features for state classification. Results demonstrate that the selected optimal sensors can provide the best diagnostic performance, where different fuel cell faults can be detected and isolated with good quality.
Design and Simulation of an Integrated Wireless Capacitive Sensors Array for Measuring Ventricular Pressure
Authors: Hernández-Sebastián Natiely , Díaz-Alonso Daniela , Renero-Carrillo Francisco Javier , Villa-Villaseñor Noé , Calleja-Arriaga Wilfrido
Published: August 2018

This paper reports the novel design of a touch mode capacitive pressure sensor (TMCPS) system with a wireless approach for a full-range continuous monitoring of ventricular pressure. The system consists of two modules: an implantable set and an external reading device. The implantable set, restricted to a 2 × 2 cm2 area, consists of a TMCPS array connected with a dual-layer coil, for making a reliable resonant circuit for communication with the external device. The capacitive array is modelled considering the small deflection regime for achieving a dynamic and full 5–300 mmHg pressure range. In this design, the two inductive-coupled modules are calculated considering proper electromagnetic alignment, based on two planar coils and considering the following: 13.56 MHz frequency to avoid tissue damage and three types of biological tissue as core (skin, fat and muscle). The system was validated with the Comsol Multiphysics and CoventorWare softwares; showing a 90% power transmission efficiency at a 3.5 cm distance between coils. The implantable module includes aluminum- and polyimide-based devices, which allows ergonomic, robust, reproducible, and technologically feasible integrated sensors. In addition, the module shows a simplified and low cost design approach based on PolyMEMS INAOE® technology, featured by low-temperature processing.
Generative vs. Discriminative Recognition Models for Off-Line Arabic Handwriting
Authors: Elzobi Moftah , Al-Hamadi Ayoub
Published: August 2018

The majority of handwritten word recognition strategies are constructed on learning-based generative frameworks from letter or word training samples. Theoretically, constructing recognition models through discriminative learning should be the more effective alternative. The primary goal of this research is to compare the performances of discriminative and generative recognition strategies, which are described by generatively-trained hidden Markov modeling (HMM), discriminatively-trained conditional random fields (CRF) and discriminatively-trained hidden-state CRF (HCRF). With learning samples obtained from two dissimilar databases, we initially trained and applied an HMM classification scheme. To enable HMM classifiers to effectively reject incorrect and out-of-vocabulary segmentation, we enhance the models with adaptive threshold schemes. Aside from proposing such schemes for HMM classifiers, this research introduces CRF and HCRF classifiers in the recognition of offline Arabic handwritten words. Furthermore, the efficiencies of all three strategies are fully assessed using two dissimilar databases. Recognition outcomes for both words and letters are presented, with the pros and cons of each strategy emphasized.
Colony Fingerprint-Based Discrimination of Staphylococcus species with Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Maeda Yoshiaki , Sugiyama Yui , Kogiso Atsushi , Lim Tae-Kyu , Harada Manabu , Yoshino Tomoko , Matsunaga Tadashi , Tanaka Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2018

Detection and discrimination of bacteria are crucial in a wide range of industries, including clinical testing, and food and beverage production. Staphylococcus species cause various diseases, and are frequently detected in clinical specimens and food products. In particular, S. aureus is well known to be the most pathogenic species. Conventional phenotypic and genotypic methods for discrimination of Staphylococcus spp. are time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this issue, in the present study, we applied a novel discrimination methodology called colony fingerprinting. Colony fingerprinting discriminates bacterial species based on the multivariate analysis of the images of microcolonies (referred to as colony fingerprints) with a size of up to 250 μm in diameter. The colony fingerprints were obtained via a lens-less imaging system. Profiling of the colony fingerprints of five Staphylococcus spp. (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. saprophyticus, and S. simulans) revealed that the central regions of the colony fingerprints showed species-specific patterns. We developed 14 discriminative parameters, some of which highlight the features of the central regions, and analyzed them by several machine learning approaches. As a result, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) showed high performance for discrimination of theses bacteria. Bacterial discrimination by colony fingerprinting can be performed within 11 h, on average, and therefore can cut discrimination time in half compared to conventional methods. Moreover, we also successfully demonstrated discrimination of S. aureus in a mixed culture with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results suggest that colony fingerprinting is useful for discrimination of Staphylococcus spp.
Steep Switching of In0.18Al0.82N/AlN/GaN MIS-HEMT (Metal Insulator Semiconductor High Electron Mobility Transistors) on Si for Sensor Applications
Authors: Chen Pin-Guang , Chen Kuan-Ting , Tang Ming , Wang Zheng-Ying , Chou Yu-Chen , Lee Min-Hung
Published: August 2018

InAlN/Al/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) directly on Si with dynamic threshold voltage for steep subthreshold slope (<60 mV/dec) are demonstrated in this study, and attributed to displacement charge transition effects. The material analysis with High-Resolution X-ray Diffraction (HR-XRD) and the relaxation by reciprocal space mapping (RSM) are performed to confirm indium barrier composition and epitaxy quality. The proposed InAlN barrier HEMTs exhibits high ON/OFF ratio with seven magnitudes and a steep threshold swing (SS) is also obtained with SS = 99 mV/dec for forward sweep and SS = 28 mV/dec for reverse sweep. For GaN-based HEMT directly on Si, this study displays outstanding performance with high ON/OFF ratio and SS < 60 mV/dec behaviors.
IoT Elements, Layered Architectures and Security Issues: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Burhan Muhammad , Rehman Rana Asif , Khan Bilal , Kim Byung-Seo
Published: August 2018

The use of the Internet is growing in this day and age, so another area has developed to use the Internet, called Internet of Things (IoT). It facilitates the machines and objects to communicate, compute and coordinate with each other. It is an enabler for the intelligence affixed to several essential features of the modern world, such as homes, hospitals, buildings, transports and cities. The security and privacy are some of the critical issues related to the wide application of IoT. Therefore, these issues prevent the wide adoption of the IoT. In this paper, we are presenting an overview about different layered architectures of IoT and attacks regarding security from the perspective of layers. In addition, a review of mechanisms that provide solutions to these issues is presented with their limitations. Furthermore, we have suggested a new secure layered architecture of IoT to overcome these issues.
A Social Network Analysis of the Impact of a Teacher and Student Community on Academic Motivation in a Science Classroom
Authors: Li Manyu , Stone Heather Nicole
Published: August 2018

(1) Background: The Teacher and student community plays an important role in students’ academic development. Previous studies showed that students’ academic success is influenced by their social relations in school. This study extended to use a mix of social network analysis and survey methodology to understand how eighth-grade students’ network and perceived teacher’s support relate to their academic motivation. (2) Methods: A total of 95 eighth graders with the same teacher in a middle school in the southeastern United States were recruited. (3) Results: Results showed that the number of friendship nominations received (i.e., in-degree), degree centrality and betweenness centrality significantly correlated with higher academic motivation. In addition, a regression model analysis showed that perceived teacher’s support, together with more friendship nominations, predicted higher academic motivation.
State Control Versus Hybrid Land Markets: Planning and Urban Development in Transitional Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Linh , Duan Jin , Liu Jin Hua
Published: August 2018

During the post-reform period since 1986, land-use systems in Vietnam have been reformed in terms of the regulation of land markets and the built environment. This study analyzes the changing role of urban planning and the policy of state intervention in land markets to manage spatial changes in Vietnamese cities. Theoretical and empirical approaches are used to analyze urban development and planning practices in Hanoi. The study further describes the constraints of planning systems in hybrid land markets that include both formal and informal land development. We argue that in Vietnam, where the role of the state in market construction has not been fully developed and land market institutions are incomplete, urban planning is used as a passive tool of state control and is no longer relevant to the process of spatial development, which is driven by the speculative activities of interest actors. This situation challenges state regulations for the effective management of spatial resources. The empirical results suggest the utility of further reforms to the land-use system and planning institutions in Vietnam, and of strengthening the capacity of the state in land administration.
Specialized Villages in Inland China: Spatial and Developmental Issues
Authors: Li Xiaojian , Ye Xinyue , Zhou Xiongfei , Zheng Chunhui , Leipnik Mark , Lou Fan
Published: August 2018

The development of specialized villages in China is an interesting trend. This paper studies specialized villages in China by using the rational small household theory, division of labor and specialization concepts, as well as the distance decay and neighborhood effect theories. We use the census data on specialized villages in Henan Province (the largest agricultural province in China) from 2010 as the basis for a case study, applying dummy variables representing sixteen types of specialized villages, and selecting environmental variables, such as land form, location, arable land area, and labor force characteristics. We find that significant factors related to specialization are location and production factors. Policy implications of this research are discussed.
A Machine Learning Approach to the Residential Relocation Distance of Households in the Seoul Metropolitan Region
Authors: Yi Changhyo , Kim Kijung
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a machine learning approach to the description of residential mobility patterns of households in the Seoul metropolitan region (SMR). The spatial range and temporal scope of the empirical study were set to 2015 to review the most recent residential mobility patterns in the SMR. The analysis data used in this study included the Internal Migration Statistics microdata provided by the Microdata Integrated Service of Statistics Korea. We analysed the residential relocation distance of households in the SMR using machine learning techniques, such as ordinary least squares regression and decision tree regression. The results of this study showed that a decision tree model can be more advantageous than ordinary least squares regression in terms of explanatory power and estimation of moving distance. A large number of residential movements are mainly related to the accessibility to employment markets and some household characteristics. The shortest movements occur when households with two or more members move into densely populated districts. In contrast, job-based residential movements are relatively farther. Furthermore, we derived knowledge on residential relocation distance, which can provide significant information for the urban management of metropolitan residential districts and the construction of reasonable housing policies.
Social Capital and Long-Term Regional Development within Poland in the Light of Experimental Economics and Data from a Questionnaire
Authors: Markowska-Przybyła Urszula , Ramsey David M.
Published: August 2018

For some time, researchers have been interested in determinants of long-term growth which are not purely economic in nature. The development of the concept of social capital by sociologists, politologists and economists is a visible effect of this interest. Any determinant of long-term growth is obviously important from the point of view of sustainability, particularly when its relation to other factors of sustainability, such as environmental protection, is taken into account. This article presents the results of research into spatial variation in social capital within Poland (according to region and size of home town). The authors consider social capital in relation to trust, trustworthiness and, in particular, cooperation, as well as taking into account attitudes regarding legal norms (law-abidingness). Such a wide approach enables us to eliminate the negative aspects of trust and concentrate on its positive forms, which can result in an economic rent. The aim of the article is to identify regions of Poland that are characterized by a high level of social capital from the point of view of individuals exhibiting a willingness to cooperate with others and observe the law and relate these results with the perspectives for long-term growth in Poland. The results of the research are based on a study carried out on a sample of 1540 students using experimental game theory alongside a questionnaire that investigated various aspects of cooperation, trust, trustworthiness and aversion to inequality. The results of the study indicate intuitively reasonable associations between the data from the questionnaire and behaviour in the experimental games suggesting that the declarations are (in statistical terms) meaningful. Analysis indicates that, in Poland, readiness to cooperate tends to be higher in rural areas. Although the study concentrates on the relation between social capital and economic development, it is also argued that high levels of social capital also favour other components of sustainable development.
Characteristics of Corporate R&D Investment in Emerging Markets: Evidence from Manufacturing Industry in China and South Korea
Authors: Xu Jian , Sim Jae-Woo
Published: August 2018

The issue concerning the increasing research and development (R&D) investment in emerging markets is especially attractive for many researchers and practitioners. This paper measures and compares the characteristics of Chinese and South Korean R&D expenditures of manufacturing companies from 2012 to 2016. It also examines the impact of R&D investment on firm performance. The results show that debt maturity and cash reserves are positive determinants of R&D investment in China and South Korea. Firm size, internal financing, and debt ratio are restrictive factors of R&D intensity in Chinese manufacturing companies, while debt ratio is the only negative determinant of R&D investment in their South Korean counterparts. The results also show that R&D intensity exhibits a strong positive impact on the performance of manufacturing companies in both countries. Moreover, this impact is stronger in South Korea than in China. In addition, R&D investment has a positive time-lag effect only on the performance of Chinese manufacturing companies. Our study presents some new evidence for the relationship between R&D intensity and firm performance in emerging markets.
Spatial Suitability Evaluation of an Arid City Based on the Perspective of Major Function Oriented Zoning: A Case Study of Urumqi City in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Chen Dongli , Yang Degang , Zhang Xinhuan , Zhao Yannan , Zhang Yufang
Published: August 2018

The realization of regional sustainable development has been a popular research topic during the process of urbanization. To explore the coordination relationships between urban development and ecological security—taking Urumqi city, a representative arid city in Xinjiang, China, as a study area—this study has constructed a framework of spatial suitability evaluation based on the characteristics of a Mountain–Oasis–Desert System (MODS) in an arid area under the framework of major function oriented zoning (MFOZ). A spatial overlay analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) with a 5 m × 5 m grid or towns and streets as the basic unit was applied to comprehensively evaluate spatial suitability. The results showed that the study area was zoned into a forbidden development zone (as patches set in towns and streets), an ecological protection zone (nine towns or streets), a moderate development zone (16 towns or streets), and a key development zone (82 towns or streets), accounting for 30.35%, 32.50%, 23.79%, and 13.36%, respectively. The zoning results provided a basis to pointedly put forward the development and protection strategies of each administrative unit; and the research framework can be applied to other arid areas for the decision-making related to the urban space layout and environmental management.
Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on Radon Exhalation from Porous Media: An Experimental Case Study
Authors: Xie Ling-feng , Zou Shu-liang , Li Xiang-yang , Hong Chang-shou , Wang Hong , Cai Zi-qi , Li Ming , Zhang Shuai , Yuan Jing-fan
Published: August 2018

Radon is internationally recognized as one of the seven seismic precursors. A self-assembly ultrasonic generator and experimental apparatus for radon measurement were utilized to explore the radon exhalation regularities of water-bearing porous media under different ultrasonic intensities. The experimental results showed that there was a coupling relationship among radon exhalation rate, moisture content, and ultrasonic frequency. With the increase of the frequency of the ultrasonic wave, its effect on the promotion of radon exhalation rate was found to be a more obviously positive linear correlation. The radon exhalation rate, which could climb to a maximum value of 0.179 Bq·m−2·s−1 in a naturally air-dried sample, increased at first and then decreased along with increased moisture content. Moreover, this study found that the ultrasonic wave had the most remarkable promoting effects on the radon exhalation rate of porous media with high moisture content, and there is a positive linear correlation between the growth rate of the radon exhalation rate and moisture content. The experimental results could provide a beneficial reference for the continual monitoring of radon in a seismically active belt and an explanation of radon anomalies; however, the proposed experimental model was simplified, so further insights are strictly required for a reliable correlation with the real monitoring of radon in a seismically active belt.
Reduction of Nitrates in Waste Water through the Valorization of Rice Straw: LIFE LIBERNITRATE Project
Authors: Moliner Cristina , Teruel-Juanes Roberto , Primaz Carmem T. , Badia Jose David , Bosio Barbara , Campíns-Falcó Pilar , Molíns-Legua Carmen , Hernandez Francesc , Sanjuan-Navarro Lorenzo , Madramany Plàcid , Morán José , Castro José , Sanchis Francisco Javier , Martínez José Domingo , Hiddink Frank , Ribes-Greus Amparo , Arato Elisabetta
Published: August 2018

An improved and more sustainable waste management system is required for successful development of technologies based on renewable sources. Rice straw is submitted to controlled combustion reactions and the produced ashes are chemically treated to produce silica. After a chemical activation step, the activated silica shows potential as an adsorbent agent and will be used to remove the excess of nitrates in groundwater and wells in the area of Alginet (Valencia, Spain), selected as a vulnerable zone within the Nitrates Directive. The demonstration activity aims to have a local impact on municipalities of 200 inhabitants or fewer, decreasing from current nitrate concentrations close to 50 mg/L, to a target of 25 mg/L. In a successive step, the methodology will be transferred to other municipalities with similar nitrate problems (Piemonte, Italy) and replicated to remove different pollutants such as manure (the Netherlands) and waste waters from the textile industry (Italy).
A Sustainable Application Based on Grouping Genetic Algorithm for Modularized Redesign Model in Apparel Reverse Supply Chain
Authors: Paras Manoj Kumar , Wang Lichuan , Chen Yan , Curteza Antonela , Pal Rudrajeet , Ekwall Daniel
Published: August 2018

The scarcity of natural resources and the problem of pollution have initiated the need for extending the life and use of existing products. The concept of the reverse supply chain provides an opportunity to recover value from discarded products. The potential for recovery and the improvement of value in the reverse supply chain of apparel has been barely studied. In this research, a novel modularized redesign model is developed and applied to the garment redesign process. The concept of modularization is used to extract parts from the end-of-use or end-of-life of products. The extracted parts are reassembled or reconstructed with the help of a proposed group genetic algorithm by using domain and industry-specific knowledge. Design fitness is calculated to achieve the optimal redesign. Subsequently, the practical relevance of the model is investigated with the help of an industrial case in Sweden. The case study finding reveals that the proposed method and model to calculate the design fitness could simplify the redesign process. The design fitness calculation is illustrated with the example of a polo t-shirt. The redesigned system-based modularization is in accordance with the practical situations because of its flexibility and viability to formulate redesign decisions. The grouping genetic algorithm could enable fast redesign decisions for designers.
Toward a New Cycle: Short-Term Population Dynamics, Gentrification, and Re-Urbanization of Milan (Italy)
Authors: Carlucci Margherita , Chelli Francesco Maria , Salvati Luca
Published: August 2018

After sequential cycles of urbanization and suburbanization, European cities underwent a (more or less intense) re-urbanization wave. The present study analyzes short-term population dynamics in the core of a large metropolitan region (Milan, northern Italy), providing evidence of spatially-heterogeneous re-urbanization characterized by spatially-complex population growth (or shrinkage) at a local scale. Population dynamics over 1999–2017 were assessed in 88 urban districts partitioning Milan′s municipal area and projected up to 2036 for the same spatial units. Empirical results identify spatially-complex and temporally non-linear dynamics with expanding or declining districts distributed heterogeneously across the study area. Multivariate analysis outlines a generalized population decline during 1999–2008 and an opposite pattern afterward (2008–2017), with spatially-homogeneous population expansion expected in the near future. Spatial analysis finally highlights that local-scale population growth rates were more clustered in 2008–2017 than in 1999–2008. While the population decreased continuously in the inner districts (<1 km from the city centre), sub-central districts (1–5 km far from the city centre) experienced mixed patterns of population growth and stability. These results confirm the relevance of local-scale policies managing urban renewal and rehabilitation and promoting metropolitan expansion in a spatially-coordinated manner.
Sexism and Aggression in Adolescence—How Do They Relate to Perceived Academic Achievement?
Authors: Malonda Elisabeth , Llorca Anna , Tur-Porcar Ana , Samper Paula , Mestre Mª Vicenta
Published: August 2018

Sexist attitudes are rooted in patriarchal structures, which uphold traditional gender stereotypes, and which are still found in society today. Scholars have found gender differences in perceived academic achievement, with girls performing better than boys, and negative relationships between sexism and perceived academic achievement. Moreover, perceived academic achievement and sexist attitudes have been associated with aggression and different kinds of violence. This study examined the associations between sexist attitudes and perceived academic achievement (using self-report data). The study also assessed the mediating role of physical and verbal aggression in the relationship between sexist attitudes and perceived academic achievement. Seven hundred eight Spanish adolescents participated in the study. The mean age was 13.00 (SD = 0.95; range = 12–14 years). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the effects among variables for boys and girls. Results showed the role of benevolent sexism and hostile sexism in perceived academic achievement, as well as the mediating role of aggression in the relationship between sexism and perceived academic achievement. Findings and implications are discussed to assess measures for establishing intervention programs and educating adolescents in a non-sexist manner.
Electric Bicycle Lane-Changing Behavior under Strategy Games
Authors: Shao Haipeng , Wang Jiangping , Wang Yin , Chen Sitian
Published: August 2018

The random lane-changing behavior of electric bicycles brings a great safety hazard to urban transportation: According to the national traffic accident statistics in 2015, 8.22% of traffic accidents are caused by non-motor vehicle violations. Among them, the accident rate caused by electric bicycles is as high as 78%. In order to effectively analyze and quantify the risk of this lane-changing behavior, based on the non-cooperative strategy model under complete information, a Z-test of the speed before and after the “illegal” lane-changing behavior was carried out by using the data of the mixed-flow sections of Xi’an city. Constructing the judgment matrix to determine the weight value of motor vehicles’ game strategy and constructing the charge matrix, the utility income analysis of the electric bicycle and the affected motor vehicle is made by using the payment function, and the exceeding conflict model is established to quantify the risk level of the conflict number in the unit road. It is verified that the “illegal” lane-changing behavior of electric bicycles is a goal-oriented behavior for obtaining greater desired speed.
A New Sequence and Its Some Congruence Properties
Authors: Zhang Wenpeng , Lin Xin
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper is to study the congruence properties of a new sequence, which is closely related to Fubini polynomials and Euler numbers, using the elementary method and the properties of the second kind Stirling numbers. As results, we obtain some interesting congruences for it. This solves a problem proposed in a published paper.
Enormously Low Frictional Surface on Tough Hydrogels Simply Created by Laser-Cutting Process
Authors: Yoshida Kazunari , Yahagi Hikaru , Wada Masato , Kameyama Toshiki , Kawakami Masaru , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Adachi Koshi
Published: August 2018

We measured the friction forces and calculated the friction coefficients of non-processed and laser-processed surfaces of a double network hydrogel (DN gel), which is one of the more famous high-strength gels. The results indicate that laser processing has the ability to reduce the friction coefficients of the gel surfaces. The observation of gel surfaces suggests that the cause of friction reduction is a change in the roughness of the gel surfaces due to laser processing. This finding is expected to lead us to further understanding of the physicochemical properties of hydrogels.
Structural and Mechanistic Features of ClyA-Like α-Pore-Forming Toxins
Authors: Bräuning Bastian , Groll Michael
Published: August 2018

Recent technological advances have seen increasing numbers of complex structures from diverse pore-forming toxins (PFT). The ClyA family of α-PFTs comprises a broad variety of assemblies including single-, two- and three-component toxin systems. With crystal structures available for soluble subunits of all major groups in this extended protein family, efforts now focus on obtaining molecular insights into physiological pore formation. This review provides an up-to-date discussion on common and divergent structural and functional traits that distinguish the various ClyA family PFTs. Open questions of this research topic are outlined and discussed.
A Human DPP4-Knockin Mouse’s Susceptibility to Infection by Authentic and Pseudotyped MERS-CoV
Authors: Fan Changfa , Wu Xi , Liu Qiang , Li Qianqian , Liu Susu , Lu Jianjun , Yang Yanwei , Cao Yuan , Huang Weijin , Liang Chunnan , Ying Tianlei , Jiang Shibo , Wang Youchun
Published: August 2018

Infection by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes respiratory illness and has a high mortality rate (~35%). The requirement for the virus to be manipulated in a biosafety level three (BSL-3) facility has impeded development of urgently-needed antiviral agents. Here, we established anovel mouse model by inserting human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4) into the Rosa26 locus using CRISPR/Cas9, resulting in global expression of the transgene in a genetically stable mouse line. The mice were highly susceptible to infection by MERS-CoV clinical strain hCoV-EMC, which induced severe diffuse pulmonary disease in the animals, and could also be infected by an optimized pseudotyped MERS-CoV. Administration of the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, H111-1 and m336, as well as a fusion inhibitor peptide, HR2P-M2, protected mice from challenge with authentic and pseudotyped MERS-CoV. These results confirmed that the hDPP4-knockin mouse is a novel model for studies of MERS-CoV pathogenesis and anti-MERS-CoV antiviral agents in BSL-3 and BSL-2facilities, respectively.
Sequence Analysis of Plum pox virus Strain C Isolates from Russia Revealed Prevalence of the D96E Mutation in the Universal Epitope and Interstrain Recombination Events
Authors: Sheveleva Anna , Ivanov Peter , Gasanova Tatiana , Osipov Gennady , Chirkov Sergei
Published: August 2018

The understanding of genetic diversity, geographic distribution, and antigenic properties of Plum pox virus (PPV) is a prerequisite to improve control of sharka, the most detrimental viral disease of stone fruit crops worldwide. Forty new PPV strain C isolates were detected in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) from three geographically distant (700–1100 km) regions of European Russia. Analysis of their 3’-terminal genomic sequences showed that nineteen isolates (47.5%) bear the D96E mutation in the universal epitope of the coat protein. Almost all of them cannot be detected by the monoclonal antibody 5B in triple antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis that may potentially compromise serological PPV detection in cherries. Full-length genomes of seven PPV-C isolates were determined employing next-generation sequencing. Using the Recombination Detection Program (RDP4), the recombination event covering the region from (Cter)P1 to the middle of the HcPro gene was predicted in all the available PPV-C complete genomes. The isolates Tat-4, belonging to the strain CV, and RU-17sc (PPV-CR) were inferred as major and minor parents, respectively, suggesting possible pathways of evolution of the cherry-adapted strains. Downy cherry (P. tomentosa) was identified as the natural PPV-C host for the first time.
Novel and Selective Rhipicephalus microplus Triosephosphate Isomerase Inhibitors with Acaricidal Activity
Authors: Saramago Luiz , Gomes Helga , Aguilera Elena , Cerecetto Hugo , González Mercedes , Cabrera Mauricio , Alzugaray Maria Fernanda , Da Silva Vaz Junior Itabajara , Nunes da Fonseca Rodrigo , Aguirre-López Beatriz , Cabrera Nallely , Pérez-Montfort Ruy , Merlino Alicia , Moraes Jorge , Álvarez Guzmán
Published: August 2018

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the most important ectoparasites causing significant economic losses for the cattle industry. The major tool of control is reducing the number of ticks, applying acaricides in cattle. However, overuse has led to selection of resistant populations of R. microplus to most of these products, some even to more than one active principle. Thus, exploration for new molecules with acaricidal activity in R. microplus has become necessary. Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) is an essential enzyme in R. microplus metabolism and could be an interesting target for the development of new methods for tick control. In this work, we screened 227 compounds, from our in-house chemo-library, against TIM from R. microplus. Four compounds (50, 98, 14, and 161) selectively inhibited this enzyme with IC50 values between 25 and 50 μM. They were also able to diminish cellular viability of BME26 embryonic cells by more than 50% at 50 μM. A molecular docking study showed that the compounds bind in different regions of the protein; compound 14 interacts with the dimer interface. Furthermore, compound 14 affected the survival of partially engorged females, fed artificially, using the capillary technique. This molecule is simple, easy to produce, and important biological data—including toxicological information—are available for it. Our results imply a promising role for compound 14 as a prototype for development of a new acaricidal involving selective TIM inhibition.