bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of Virulent Yersinia pestis Bacteria to Predator Bacteria in the Lungs of Mice
Authors: Russo Riccardo , Kolesnikova Irina , Kim Thomas , Gupta Shilpi , Pericleous Androulla , Kadouri Daniel E. , Connell Nancy D.
Published: December 2018

Multi-drug resistant bacterial infections are a serious threat to global public health. Changes in treatment modalities and prudent use of antibiotics can assist in reducing the threat, but new approaches are also required for untreatable cases. The use of predatory bacteria, such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, is among the novel approaches being considered as possible therapeutics for antibiotic resistant and/or unidentified bacterial infections. Previous studies have examined the feasibility of using predatory bacteria to reduce colony-forming units (CFUs) in the lungs of rats exposed to lethal doses of Klebsiella pneumoniae; here we apply the approach to the Tier 1 select agent Yersinia pestis, and show that three doses of B. bacteriovorus introduced every six hours reduces the number of CFUs of Y. pestis in the lungs of inoculated mice by 86% after 24 h of infection. These experiments further demonstrate that predatory bacteria may serve to combat Gram negative bacterial infections, including those considered potential bioweapon agents, in the future.
Dellagiustaite: A Novel Natural Spinel Containing V2+
Authors: Cámara Fernando , Bindi Luca , Pagano Adriana , Pagano Renato , Gain Sarah , Griffin William
Published: December 2018

Dellagiustaite, ideally Al2V2+O4, is a new spinel-group mineral from Sierra de Comechingones, San Luis, Argentina, where it is found associated with hibonite (containing tubular inclusions, 5–100 μm, of metallic vanadium), grossite, and two other unknown phases with ideal stoichiometry of Ca2Al3O6F and Ca2Al2SiO7. A very similar rock containing dellagiustaite has been found at Mt Carmel (northern Israel), where super-reduced mineral assemblages have crystallized from high-T melts trapped in corundum aggregates (micro-xenoliths) within picritic-tholeiitic lavas ejected from Cretaceous volcanoes. In the holotype, euhedral grains of dellagiustaite are found as inclusions in grossite. The empirical average chemical formula of dellagiustaite is (Al1.09 V 0.91 2 + V 0.87 3 + Mg0.08 Ti 0.04 3 + Mn0.01)Σ3O4, but it may show limited replacement of V2+ by Mg and of V3+ by Al. As Al is the dominant trivalent cation, the ideal formula is Al2V2+O4 according to the current IMA rules. Dellagiustaite shows the usual space group of spinel-group minerals (Fd 3 ¯ m, R1 = 1.46%) with a = 8.1950(1) Å. The observed mean bond lengths  = 1.782(2) Å and  = 2.0445(9) Å, the observed site scattering (T = 13.3 eps, M = 22.5 eps), and the chemical composition show that dellagiustaite is an inverse spinel: T tetrahedra are occupied by Al3+, whereas M octahedra are occupied by V2+ and V3+, leading to the site assignment as TAlM( V 0.91 2 + V 0.88 3 + Al 0.09 3 + Mg0.08 Ti 0.03 3 + Mn0.01)O4.
Fungi-Mediated Biotransformation of the Isomeric Forms of the Apocarotenoids Ionone, Damascone and Theaspirane
Authors: Serra Stefano , De Simeis Davide
Published: December 2018

In this work, we describe a study on the biotransformation of seven natural occurring apocarotenoids by means of eleven selected fungal species. The substrates, namely ionone (α-, β- and γ-isomers), 3,4-dehydroionone, damascone (α- and β-isomers) and theaspirane are relevant flavour and fragrances components. We found that most of the investigated biotransformation reactions afforded oxidized products such as hydroxy- keto- or epoxy-derivatives. On the contrary, the reduction of the keto groups or the reduction of the double bond functional groups were observed only for few substrates, where the reduced products are however formed in minor amount. When starting apocarotenoids are isomers of the same chemical compound (e.g., ionone isomers) their biotransformation can give products very different from each other, depending both on the starting substrate and on the fungal species used. Since the majority of the starting apocarotenoids are often available in natural form and the described products are natural compounds, identified in flavours or fragrances, our biotransformation procedures can be regarded as prospective processes for the preparation of high value olfactory active compounds.
A H2O2-Responsive Boron Dipyrromethene-Based Photosensitizer for Imaging-Guided Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Zhi-Wei , Su Dan , Li Xiao-Qiang , Cao Jing-Jing , Yang De-Chao , Liu Jian-Yong
Published: December 2018

In this study, we demonstrate a novel H2O2 activatable photosensitizer (compound 7) which contains a diiodo distyryl boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) core and an arylboronate group that quenches the excited state of the BODIPY dye by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The BODIPY-based photosensitizer is highly soluble and remains nonaggregated in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as shown by the intense and sharp Q-band absorption (707 nm). As expected, compound 7 exhibits negligible fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation efficiency. However, upon interaction with H2O2, both the fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen production of the photosensitizer can be restored in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and PBS buffer solution containing 20% DMSO as a result of the cleavage of the arylboronate group. Due to the higher concentration of H2O2 in cancer cells, compound 7 even with low concentration is particularly sensitive to human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells (IC50 = 0.95 μM) but hardly damage human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) cells. The results above suggest that this novel BODIPY derivative is a promising candidate for fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic cancer therapy.
Quality Evaluation of Tricholoma matsutake Based on the Nucleic Acid Compounds by UPLC-TOF/MS and UPLC-QqQ/MS
Authors: Xue Ying , Jin Wei , Xu Xian-Shun , Yong Li , Hu Bin , Xiong Jing , Hu Xue-Mei , Qing Lin-Sen , Xie Jing
Published: December 2018

So far, there has been no quality evaluation of Tricholoma matsutake. Nucleic acid compounds are a kind of functional ingredient in T. matsutake that is beneficial to human health. In this study, a UPLC-TOF/MS method was first used to scan and identify the potential nucleic acid compounds in T. matsutake. Based on the calculation of the molecular formula and subsequent confirmation by authentic standards, 15 nucleic acid compounds were unambiguously identified: adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine, uridine, xanthosine dehydrate, 2′-deoxyadenosine, 2′-deoxycytidine, 2′-deoxyguanosine, 2′-deoxyuridine, adenosine 5′-monophosphate, cytidine 5′-monophosphate, guanosine 5′-monophosphate, and uridine 5′-monophosphate. Then, a UPLC-QqQ/MS method was developed for the subsequent quantitative analysis. After validating the limits of quantification, detection, precision, repeatability, and recovery through a calibration curve, the content of 15 nucleic acid compounds was determined by the proposed UPLC-QqQ/MS method in 80 T. matsutake samples collected from different regions in Sichuan province, Southwest China. After the statistical analysis, we suggest that the total content of nucleic acid compounds in the qualified T. matsutake should be higher than 24.49 mg/100 g. The results indicated that the combined use of UPLC-TOF/MS and UPLC-QqQ/MS is efficient for fast identification and determination of nucleic acid compounds to comprehensively evaluate the quality of T. matsutake.
Binding of Small Molecules to G-quadruplex DNA in Cells Revealed by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy of o-BMVC Foci
Authors: Tseng Ting-Yuan , Chu I-Te , Lin Shang-Jyun , Li Jie , Chang Ta-Chau
Published: December 2018

G-quadruplex (G4) structures have recently received increasing attention as a potential target for cancer research. We used time-gated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with a G4 fluorescent probe, 3,6-bis(1-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium) carbazole diiodide (o-BMVC), to measure the number of o-BMVC foci, which may represent G4 foci, in cells as a common signature to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Here, the decrease in the number of o-BMVC foci in the pretreatment of cancer cells with TMPyP4, BRACO-19 and BMVC4 suggested that they directly bind to G4s in cells. In contrast, the increase in the number of o-BMVC foci in the pretreatment of cells with PDS and Hoechst 33258 (H33258) suggested that they do not inhabit the binding site of o-BMVC to G4s in cells. After the H33258 was removed, the gradual decrease of H33258-induced G4 foci may be due to DNA repair. The purpose of this work is to introduce o-BMVC foci as an indicator not only to verify the direct binding of potential G4 ligands to G4 structures but also to examine the possible effect of some DNA binding ligands on DNA integrity by monitoring the number of G4 foci in cells.
Isolation, Chemical Profile and Antimalarial Activities of Bioactive Compounds from Rauvolfia caffra Sond
Authors: Tlhapi Dorcas , Ramaite Isaiah , Van Ree Teunis , Anokwuru Chinedu , Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati , Hoppe Heinrich
Published: December 2018

In this study, the chemical profile of a crude methanol extract of Rauvolfia caffra Sond was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography were used to isolate three indole alkaloids (raucaffricine, N-methylsarpagine and spegatrine) and one triterpenoid (lupeol). The antiplasmodial activity was determined using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. The UPLC-MS profile of the crude extract reveals that the major constituents of R. caffra are raucaffricine (m/z 513.2) and spegatrine (m/z 352.2). Fraction 3 displayed the highest antiplasmodial activity with an IC50 of 6.533 μg/mL. However, raucaffricine, isolated from the active fraction did not display any activity. The study identifies the major constituents of R. caffra and also demonstrates that the major constituents do not contribute to the antiplasmodial activity of R. caffra.
Tunable Metamaterial with Gold and Graphene Split-Ring Resonators and Plasmonically Induced Transparency
Authors: Ma Qichang , Zhan Youwei , Hong Weiyi
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we propose a metamaterial structure for realizing the electromagnetically induced transparency effect in the MIR region, which consists of a gold split-ring and a graphene split-ring. The simulated results indicate that a single tunable transparency window can be realized in the structure due to the hybridization between the two rings. The transparency window can be tuned individually by the coupling distance and/or the Fermi level of the graphene split-ring via electrostatic gating. These results could find significant applications in nanoscale light control and functional devices operating such as sensors and modulators.
Smart Airport Cybersecurity: Threat Mitigation and Cyber Resilience Controls
Authors: Lykou Georgia , Anagnostopoulou Argiro , Gritzalis Dimitris
Published: December 2018

Airports are at the forefront of technological innovation, mainly due to the fact that the number of air travel passengers is exponentially increasing every year. As a result, airports enhance their infrastructure intelligence and evolve as smart facilities to support growth, by offering an enjoyable travel experience. New challenges are coming up, which aviation has to deal with and adapt to, such as the integration of Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) in airport facilities and the increased use of smart devices from travelers and employees. Cybersecurity is becoming a key enabler for safety, which is paramount in the aviation context. Smart airports strive to provide optimal services in a reliable and sustainable manner, by working around the domains of growth, efficiency, safety and security. This article researches: (a) the implementation rate of cybersecurity measures in commercial airports; (b) malicious threats that evolve due to IoT and smart devices installed; (c) risk scenario analysis for IoT malicious attacks with threat mitigation actions. With the aim to enhance operational practices and develop robust cybersecurity governance in smart airports, we present a systematic and comprehensive analysis of malicious attacks in smart airports, to facilitate airport community comprehend risks and proactively act, by implementing cybersecurity best practices and resilience measures.
A Real-Time Path Planning Algorithm for AUV in Unknown Underwater Environment Based on Combining PSO and Waypoint Guidance
Authors: Yan Zheping , Li Jiyun , Wu Yi , Zhang Gengshi
Published: December 2018

It is a challengeable task to plan multi-objective optimization paths for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in an unknown environments, which involves reducing travel time, shortening path length, keeping navigation safety, and smoothing trajectory. To address the above challenges, a real-time path planning approach combining particle swarm optimization and waypoint guidance is proposed for AUV in unknown oceanic environments in this paper. In this algorithm, a multi-beam forward looking sonar (FLS) is utilized to detect obstacles and the output data of FLS are used to produce those obstacles’ outlines (polygons). Particle swarm optimization is used to search for appropriate temporary waypoints, in which the optimization parameters of path planning are taken into account. Subsequently, an optimal path is automatically generated under the guidance of the destination and these temporary waypoints. Finally, three algorithms, including artificial potential field and genic algorithm, are adopted in the simulation experiments. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can generate the optimal paths compared with the other two algorithms.
An Internet-of-Things (IoT) Network System for Connected Safety and Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Wu Fan , Wu Taiyang , Yuce Mehmet Rasit
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a hybrid wearable sensor network system towards the Internet of Things (IoT) connected safety and health monitoring applications. The system is aimed at improving safety in the outdoor workplace. The proposed system consists of a wearable body area network (WBAN) to collect user data and a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) to connect the WBAN with the Internet. The wearable sensors in the WBAN are exerted to measure the environmental conditions around the subject using a Safe Node and monitor the vital signs of the subject using a Health Node. A standalone local server (gateway), which can process the raw sensor signals, display the environmental and physiological data, and trigger an alert if any emergency circumstance is detected, is designed within the proposed network. To connect the gateway with the Internet, an IoT cloud server is implemented to provide more functionalities, such as web monitoring and mobile applications.
Integration of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and NURBS Modeling for the Deformation Monitoring of an Earth-Rock Dam
Authors: Xu Hao , Li Haibo , Yang Xingguo , Qi Shunchao , Zhou Jiawen
Published: December 2018

A complete picture of the deformation characteristics (distribution and evolution) of the geotechnical infrastructures serves as superior information for understanding their potential instability mechanism. How to monitor more completely and accurately the deformation of these infrastructures (either artificial or natural) in the field expediently and roundly remains a scientific topic. The conventional deformation monitoring methods are mostly carried out at a limited number of discrete points and cannot acquire the deformation data of the whole structure. In this paper, a new monitoring methodology of dam deformation and associated results interpretation is presented by taking the advantages of the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), which, in contrast with most of the conventional methods, is capable of capturing the geometric information at a huge amount of points over an object in a relatively fast manner. By employing the non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) technology, the high spatial resolution models of the monitored geotechnical objects can be created with sufficient accuracy based on these point cloud data obtained from application of the TLS. Finally, the characteristics of deformation, to which the geotechnical infrastructures have been subjected, are interpreted more completely according to the models created based on a series of consecutive monitoring exercises at different times. The present methodology is applied to the Changheba earth-rock dam, which allows the visualization of deformation over the entire dam during different periods. Results from analysis of the surface deformation distribution show that the surface deformations in the middle are generally larger than those on both sides near the bank, and the deformations increase with the increase of the elevations. The results from the present application highlight that the adhibition of the TLS and NURBS technology permits a better understanding of deformation behavior of geotechnical objects of large size in the field.
Have I Seen This Place Before? A Fast and Robust Loop Detection and Correction Method for 3D Lidar SLAM
Authors: Vlaminck Michiel , Luong Hiep , Philips Wilfried
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we present a complete loop detection and correction system developed for data originating from lidar scanners. Regarding detection, we propose a combination of a global point cloud matcher with a novel registration algorithm to determine loop candidates in a highly effective way. The registration method can deal with point clouds that are largely deviating in orientation while improving the efficiency over existing techniques. In addition, we accelerated the computation of the global point cloud matcher by a factor of 2–4, exploiting the GPU to its maximum. Experiments demonstrated that our combined approach more reliably detects loops in lidar data compared to other point cloud matchers as it leads to better precision–recall trade-offs: for nearly 100% recall, we gain up to 7% in precision. Finally, we present a novel loop correction algorithm that leads to an improvement by a factor of 2 on the average and median pose error, while at the same time only requires a handful of seconds to complete.
A Piezoresistive Tactile Sensor for a Large Area Employing Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Ye Jinhua , Lin Zhengkang , Huang Shuheng , Wang Haomiao , Wu Haibin
Published: December 2018

Electronic skin is an important means through which robots can obtain external information. A novel flexible tactile sensor capable of simultaneously detecting the contact position and force was proposed in this paper. The tactile sensor had a three-layer structure. The upper layer was a specially designed conductive film based on indium-tin oxide polyethylene terephthalate (ITO-PET), which could be used for detecting contact position. The intermediate layer was a piezoresistive film used as the force-sensitive element. The lower layer was made of fully conductive material such as aluminum foil and was used only for signal output. In order to solve the inconsistencies and nonlinearity of the piezoresistive properties for large areas, a Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network was used. This includes input, hidden, and output layers. The input layer has three nodes representing position coordinates, X, Y, and resistor, R. The output layer has one node representing force, F. A sensor sample was fabricated and experiments of contact position and force detection were performed on the sample. The results showed that the principal function of the tactile sensor was feasible. The sensor sample exhibited good consistency and linearity. The tactile sensor has only five lead wires and can provide the information support necessary for safe human—computer interactions.
Integrated Performance Evaluation of the Smart Body Area Networks Physical Layer for Future Medical and Healthcare IoT
Authors: Takabayashi Kento , Tanaka Hirokazu , Sakakibara Katsumi
Published: December 2018

This paper performs integrated performance evaluation, including preamble detection in the Smart Body Area Networks (SmartBAN) physical layer (PHY). The system specifications for a PHY and media access control layer (MAC) in SmartBAN, which is a standard for medical and health care advanced by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), were issued in April 2015. In the PHY, the packet structure has a two-octet preamble, which is used, e.g., for timing synchronization. However, it is considered that the current preamble structure is not appropriate for handling medical and healthcare data that are required to have high reliability because of the too simple structure. Therefore, we propose adding a start frame delimiter (SFD) to correctly detect the header position. Computer simulations indicate that preambles with an SFD consisting of an orthogonal maximal length sequence (M-sequence) perform better than SmartBAN and similar approaches, particularly when transmitting over the IEEE model CM3. In addition, the packet error ratio (PER) and energy efficiency are evaluated in an integrated manner while taking preamble detection into consideration. The numerical results from computer simulations indicated the best performance with respect to PER was achieved using a preamble with orthogonal M-sequences of 4 octets. However, for energy efficiency, better results were obtained using a preamble with orthogonal M-sequences of 2 octets. Additionally, the theoretical analysis found the optimum length of the PHY packet to achieve the maximum energy efficiency with PER less than 10−2.
A Recent Progress of Steel Bar Corrosion Diagnostic Techniques in RC Structures
Authors: Luo Dong , Li Yuanyuan , Li Junnan , Lim Kok-Sing , Nazal Nurul Asha Mohd , Ahmad Harith
Published: December 2018

Corrosion of steel bar is one of key factors undermining reinforced concrete (RC) structures in a harsh environment. This paper attempts to review the non-destructive procedures from the aspect of the corrosion measurement techniques, especially their advantages and limitations. Systematical classification of diagnostic methods is carried out to determine any probable corrosion issues before the structures become severe, and helps choose the suitable method according to different construction features. Furthermore, the three electrochemical factors method is introduced to inspire researchers to combine various techniques to improve corrosion evaluation accuracy. The recommendations for future work are summarized, in conclusion.
Enablers and Constraints of Female Entrepreneurship in Khyber Pukhtunkhawa, Pakistan: Institutional and Feminist Perspectives
Authors: Yunis Mohammad Sohail , Hashim Hina , Anderson Alistair R.
Published: December 2018

Entrepreneurship is often considered a male-gendered concept, and carries masculine connotations. However, the importance of women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economy has recently been realized. Nonetheless, there is limited research about female entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship in the developing countries context. This paper challenges the implicit masculinism of the traditional entrepreneurship research, and aims to explore the enablers and constraints of female social entrepreneurship within the context of a developing country. Our theoretical focus is based on institutional and feminist perspectives, thus developing logic through reconciling predictions from these two competing theories. This integration contributes by offering novel insights about social entrepreneurship. Utilising an interpretive qualitative research approach, data from in-depth interviews with ten female social entrepreneurs of KP, Pakistan were analyzed using thematic analysis. Empirically, we identify and discuss a number of interesting and explanatory themes affecting female entrepreneurship such as “women empowerment, patriarchal culture, role of culture and societal norms, religious extremism and terrorism, forced entrepreneurs, change creators, unique institutional constraints, institutional corruption and security issues”. The findings highlight female entrepreneurs’ struggle for sustainability, and explain how this occurs. The paper also provides an interesting insight into how context determines social entrepreneurship in KP, Pakistan.
Informal Food Deserts and Household Food Insecurity in Windhoek, Namibia
Authors: Crush Jonathan , Nickanor Ndeyapo , Kazembe Lawrence
Published: December 2018

Informal settlements in rapidly-growing African cities are urban and peri-urban spaces with high rates of formal unemployment, poverty, poor health outcomes, limited service provision, and chronic food insecurity. Traditional concepts of food deserts developed to describe North American and European cities do not accurately capture the realities of food inaccessibility in Africa’s urban informal food deserts. This paper focuses on a case study of informal settlements in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, to shed further light on the relationship between informality and food deserts in African cities. The data for the paper was collected in a 2016 survey and uses a sub-sample of households living in shack housing in three informal settlements in the city. Using various standard measures, the paper reveals that the informal settlements are spaces of extremely high food insecurity. They are not, however, food deprived. The proximity of supermarkets and open markets, and a vibrant informal food sector, all make food available. The problem is one of accessibility. Households are unable to access food in sufficient quantity, quality, variety, and with sufficient regularity.
Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of the Change of Cultivated Land Resources in the Black Soil Region of Heilongjiang Province (China)
Authors: Xu Shan
Published: December 2018

It is of great significance for the improvement of grain production capacity and the protection of cultivated land in the Black Soil Region to reveal the temporal and spatial evolution trend of the change in cultivated land resources. In this paper, the temporal and spatial variation pattern of cultivated land resources in Heilongjiang Province was analyzed based on the remote sensing images made in 1995, 2005, and 2015 with the 3S Technology by using the land use dynamic degree, kernel density analysis, and transfer matrix methods. The results showed that, during the two decades from 1995 to 2015, the total quantity of cultivated land increased slightly. To be specific, in 1995–2005, the total quantity of cultivated land increased; in 2005–2015, the number decreased. Spatially, the conversion of cultivated land was mainly concentrated in the west of Heilongjiang Province. During the study period, the high-density cultivated land area was concentrated in the west of Heilongjiang Province, and the largest increase came in Heihe City and Qitaihe City. The conversion between each land type and cultivated land was observed. The internal conversion of cultivated land was between dryland and paddy field. The transfer-out of cultivated land was mainly the conversion of dryland into construction land and woodland, and the transfer-in was mainly the conversion of woodland, unused land, and construction land into dryland, while only a small quantity of conversion involving paddy field was found. Spatially, the conversion mainly took place in Harbin City, Heihe City, and Suihua City in the center and west of Heilongjiang Province, and also in a moderate amount in Qiqihar City in the east of Heilongjiang Province.
Can China’s Agricultural FDI in Developing Countries Achieve a Win-Win Goal?—Enlightenment from the Literature
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Chen Yangfen , Wang Lijuan
Published: December 2018

Since 2014, there have been increasing numbers of undernourished people in the world, mainly distributed in developing countries. At the same time, the rapid growth of China’s agricultural FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) has attracted international attention. There are different opinions on whether China’s fast-growing agricultural investment can contribute to promoting global food security. The objective of the article is to clarify the consensus and differences of current research, and explore the actual impacts of China’s agricultural FDI. This paper adopts the Grounded Theory to sort out the characteristics, reasons, and impacts of China’s agricultural FDI and their intrinsic relationship. The results show that private enterprises are the mainstay of China’s agricultural FDI, mainly concentrated in developing countries in Asia and a few developed countries such as Singapore, New Zealand, and the United States. As the investment model is transformed from land leasing to mergers and acquisitions, China’s agricultural investment links are transformed from planting to full-industry chain operations. The motives of Chinese agricultural FDI are affected by corporate goals, national strategies, and the international environment. For China, overseas agricultural investment guarantees national food security, helps expand the agricultural product market, and enhances China’s influence. For the host country, China’s agricultural investment brings about agricultural technology, management experience, and employment opportunities. However, in the actual investment process, the investment model of land leasing has caused the instability of local farmers’ livelihoods, and the excessive pursuit of profits by Chinese companies has also led to an unfair distribution of agricultural products. All of these may bring some challenges to the social and economic development of the host country to a certain extent, affecting the realization of win-win goals. In order to achieve a win-win goal, at the enterprise level, Chinese companies should make the investment model fit the interests and development goals of the host country, rationally choose the investment location, and abide by local rules. At the government level, the Chinese government should guide enterprises to focus on the less developed countries and regions that are most in need of introducing agricultural investment, and provide enterprises with risk protection. At the international level, it is necessary to strengthen the formulation and improvement of international agricultural investment rules, guide the public to form an objective understanding of agricultural investment behavior and impact, and create a suitable environment for international agricultural investment.
Effects of Packaging and Food Waste Prevention by Consumers on the Environmental Impact of Production and Consumption of Bread in Norway
Authors: Svanes Erik , Oestergaard Sofie , Hanssen Ole Joergen
Published: December 2018

Bread is a staple food in Norway, with a yearly per capita consumption of 52 kg. It is an important source of energy, dietary fibre and protein as well as certain minerals and vitamins. Previous studies have shown that bread has a relatively low environmental impact compared with other foods. Food waste studies, however, have shown that bread and other baked goods have a high wastage rate in Norway. On the basis of lower Norwegian wheat yields, it is therefore expected that the environmental impact of bread could be higher than in other European countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental impact of bread from cradle to grave, identify environmental hotspots, examine the role of packaging in bread waste and identify possible remediation measures with a particular focus on the post-farm value chain. The results showed that for every kilogram of bread consumed, the global warming potential was 0.99 kg CO2-eq, the eutrophication potential was 7.2 g PO4-eq, the acidification potential was 8.4 g SO2-eq and the cumulative energy demand was 18 MJ. The principal uncertainty within the calculation was the use of database data for the 21 ingredients. For example, the effect of soil mineralisation, which could give significant CO2 and N2O emissions, was not included because figures have only been quantified for a few ingredients and there is no international agreement on the methodology. The primary hotspot was the production of the ingredients, principally at the agricultural stage, while bread waste took the second place. The highest potential for the reduction of post-farm environmental impact lies in reducing product wastage at the retail and consumer stages. Consumers already employ strategies to reduce wastage, such as using extra packaging and freezing and toasting bread. This study shows that other consumer packaging solutions can keep the bread fresh for longer, thus reducing wastage and the need for the abovementioned consumer strategies. Nevertheless, other researches in this subject have shown that consumer preferences and behaviours play a significant role in the creation of bread waste, and this should therefore be taken into account when planning reduction measures.
Performance of Riverbank Filtration under Hydrogeologic Conditions along the Upper Krishna River in Southern India
Authors: Boving T.B. , Patil K. , D’Souza F. , Barker S.F. , McGuinness S.L. , O’Toole J. , Sinclair M. , Forbes A.B. , Leder K.
Published: December 2018

Riverbank filtration (RBF) systems were installed in four rural villages along a 64 km stretch of the upper Krishna River in southern India; with each one designed to supply approximately 2500 people. Site selection criteria included hydrogeological suitability, land availability and access, proximity to villages and their population sizes, and electric power supply. Water samples were collected from the river and the RBF wells over more than one year (November 2015 to December 2017) and were analyzed for Escherichia coli bacteria, major ions, and a range of other physicochemical and chemical parameters. The shallow groundwater at the study sites was also sampled, but less frequently. The hydrogeology of the four RBF systems was described in terms of bore-log data, mixing of river and groundwater, pumping test data, and vertical water column profiling. E. coli removal percentages of >99.9% were observed immediately before and during the monsoon, when E. coli concentrations in the river were the highest. The results provide evidence that RBF installations are challenging but possible under the climate and hydrogeologic conditions prevailing in this part of southern India. Specifically, when installing RBF wells in the study, area one needs to balance the well depth and set-back distance from the river against the limited extent of alluvial deposits. The viability of RBF systems as a domestic water source is also influenced by other factors that are not limited to southern India, including surface water and groundwater salinity, agricultural practices surrounding RBF wells, and the reliability of the power grid.
ECONOMICAL HOUSING PROVISION IN CHINA (1998–2002) - A CASE STUDY OF BEIJING
Authors: Meng Fan-yu
Published: December 2018

Economical housing in China is targeted at the housing needs of middle and lower‐middle income urban households. Subsidies and other preferential policies for the provision of such housing are extended by the government. Economical housing is viewed by the Chinese central government as a fundamental component of the new housing system, which was set up in 1998 following the end of the old public housing system. It has also been used as the main driver for economic growth by the Chinese central government in the past five years. In each of those years, billions of RMB from the national budget has been invested in building economical housing, with the aim of eliminating the large gap between housing prices in the open market and public affordability, as well as to support economic growth. The issue of economical housing in China is intimately tied up with political and social issues. This paper presents a thorough study of the evolution of economical housing from 1998 to 2002 in China. Beijing is chosen as a case study because it is the capital city and has one of the most important real estate markets in the country. Recommendations are also given on the future development of economical housing.
EVALUATION OF BUILDINGS’ REDEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE MULTIPARTITE SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Antuchevičiene Jurgita
Published: December 2018

The authors analyse the problem of derelict buildings’ redevelopment by means of multi criterion decision‐making techniques. The aim of the research is to rank derelict buildings’ redevelopment alternatives from the multiple sustainability approach. Moreover, handling of MCDM techniques is discussed. The MCDM techniques used are: technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and compromise ranking method (VIKOR). A Lithuanian case study is presented to illustrate similarities and differences of ranking results using these methods in particular situation. The comparisons of the results after multiple criteria analysis implementation are made in the paper and scientific recommendations for a sustainable redevelopment of derelict buildings in Lithuanian rural areas are suggested on a basis of calculations.
A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT FORMATION
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Kaklauskas Artūras , Vainiūnas Povilas , Šaparauskas Jonas
Published: December 2018

Life in any modern city of the world is concentrated mostly in a particular ever‐changing environment. Micro, meso and macro environments have a direct impact on sustainable urban development opportunities. This may facilitate sustainable urban development or, on the contrary, it may create constraints. Micro, meso and macro environments must be considered as an aggregate of forces influencing sustainable urban development and combining both the factors that have a direct impact and those whose impact is indirectly. This researches aim was to develop a model of sustainable urban development formation by undertaking a complex analysis of micro, meso and macro environmental factors affecting it and to present recommendations for the increase of its competitive abilities.
SOCIAL AND REGIONAL ASPECTS OF HOUSING SITUATION IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Jonaitis Vytautas , Naimavičiene Jurga
Published: December 2018

With respect to the assessment of Lithuanian housing situation in the context of other EU countries, it is important to consider it more thoroughly in social and regional aspects. It is also necessary to evaluate the situation on a scale of emerging housing problems and specify the strategic trends as well as goals to deal with these problems. This article discusses the following issues: social and regional aspects of housing and the quality of it; the possibility to obtain or rent a home in the context of current market situation; State financial support for housing; sociological assessment of living conditions.
A Discrete Set of Possible Transit Ephemerides for Two Long-period Gas Giants Orbiting HIP 41378
Authors: Becker Juliette C. , Vanderburg Andrew , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Omohundro Mark , Adams Fred C. , Stassun Keivan G. , Yao Xinyu , Hartman Joel , Pepper Joshua , Bakos Gaspar , Barentsen Geert , Beatty Thomas G. , Bhatti Waqas , Chontos Ashley , Cameron Andrew Collier , Hellier Coel , Huber Daniel , James David , Kuhn Rudolf B. , Lund Michael B. , Pollacco Don , Siverd Robert J. , Stevens Daniel J. , Cardoso José Vinícius de Miranda , West Richard
Published: December 2018

In 2015, K2 observations of the bright (V = 8.9, K = 7.7) star HIP 41378 revealed a rich system of at least five transiting exoplanets, ranging in size from super-Earths to gas giants. The 2015 K2 observations only spanned 74.8 days, and the outer three long-period planets in the system were only detected with a single transit, so their orbital periods and transit ephemerides could not be determined at that time. Here, we report on 50.8 days of new K2 observations of HIP 41378 from summer 2018. These data reveal additional transits of the long-period planets HIP 41378 d and HIP 41378 f, yielding a set of discrete possible orbital periods for these two planets. We identify the most probable orbital periods for these two planets using our knowledge of the planets’ transit durations, the host star’s properties, the system’s dynamics, and data from the ground-based HATNet, KELT, and WASP transit surveys. Targeted photometric follow-up during the most probable future transit times will be able to determine the planets’ orbital periods and will enable future observations with facilities like the James Webb Space Telescope. The methods developed herein to determine the most probable orbital periods will be important for long-period planets detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, where similar period ambiguities will frequently arise due to the mission’s survey strategy.
A Test Particle Monte Carlo Investigation of the CH4 Torus around Saturn
Authors: Niu D.-D. , Cui J. , Gu H. , Dong C.-Y. , Zhou L.-Y. , Wellbrock A. , Jiang F.-Y. , Xu X.-J.
Published: December 2018

The issue of CH4 escape on Titan is still under debate, and a range of escape rates from 1024 to 1027 s−1 has been reported in previous studies. One effective way of solving the CH4 escape dilemma is to investigate the morphology of the CH4 torus around Saturn, which varies with both the total CH4 escape rate on Titan and the CH4 energy distribution near its exobase. Such a torus is modeled via a test particle Monte Carlo approach in this study for a variety of CH4 escaping scenarios characterized by different energy distributions near the exobase. The model calculations indicate that the extension of the CH4 torus depends critically on the population of the high-energy tail of the CH4 energy distribution. The model also predicts several distinctive cavities in CH4 density related to mean motion resonances between Titan and the torus particles.
Probing the Inner Disk Emission of the Herbig Ae Stars HD 163296 and HD 190073
Authors: Setterholm Benjamin R. , Monnier John D. , Davies Claire L. , Kreplin Alexander , Kraus Stefan , Baron Fabien , Aarnio Alicia , Berger Jean-Philippe , Calvet Nuria , Curé Michel , Kanaan Samer , Kloppenborg Brian , Bouquin Jean-Baptiste Le , Millan-Gabet Rafael , Rubinstein Adam E. , Sitko Michael L. , Sturmann Judit , ten Brummelaar Theo A. , Touhami Yamina
Published: December 2018

The physical processes occurring within the inner few astronomical units of protoplanetary disks surrounding Herbig Ae stars are crucial to setting the environment in which the outer planet-forming disk evolves and put critical constraints on the processes of accretion and planet migration. We present the most complete published sample of high angular resolution H- and K-band observations of the stars HD 163296 and HD 190073, including 30 previously unpublished nights of observations of the former and 45 nights of the latter with the CHARA long-baseline interferometer, in addition to archival VLTI data. We confirm previous observations suggesting that significant near-infrared emission originates within the putative dust evaporation front of HD 163296 and show that this is the case for HD 190073 as well. The H- and K-band sizes are the same within (3 ± 3)% for HD 163296 and within (6 ± 10)% for HD 190073. The radial surface brightness profiles for both disks are remarkably Gaussian-like with little or no sign of the sharp edge expected for a dust evaporation front. Coupled with spectral energy distribution analysis, our direct measurements of the stellar flux component at the H and K bands suggest that HD 190073 is much younger (<400 kyr) and more massive (∼5.6 M
⊙) than previously thought, mainly as a consequence of the new Gaia distance (891 pc).
The Sources of Extreme Ultraviolet and Soft X-Ray Backgrounds
Authors: Sanderbeck Phoebe R. Upton , McQuinn Matthew , D’Aloisio Anson , Werk Jessica K.
Published: December 2018

Radiation in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray holds clues to the location of missing baryons, the energetics in stellar feedback processes, and the cosmic enrichment history. Additionally, EUV and soft X-ray photons help determine the ionization state of most intergalactic and circumgalactic metals, shaping the rate at which cosmic gas cools. Unfortunately, this band is extremely difficult to probe observationally due to absorption from the Galaxy. In this paper, we model the contributions of various sources to the cosmic EUV and soft X-ray backgrounds. We bracket the contribution from (1) quasars, (2) X-ray binaries, (3) hot interstellar gas, (4) circumgalactic gas, (5) virialized gas, and (6) supersoft sources, developing models that extrapolate into these bands using both empirical and theoretical inputs. While quasars are traditionally assumed to dominate these backgrounds, we discuss the substantial uncertainty in their contribution. Furthermore, we find that hot intrahalo gases likely emit an

fraction of this radiation at low redshifts, and that interstellar and circumgalactic emission potentially contribute tens of percent to these backgrounds at all redshifts. We estimate that uncertainties in the angular-averaged background intensity impact the ionization corrections for common circumgalactic and intergalactic metal absorption lines by ≈0.3–1 dex, and we show that local emissions are comparable to the cosmic background only at r
prox = 10–100 kpc from Milky Way–like galaxies.
Gliophorus glutinosus sp. nov. (Hygrophoraceae, Agaricales) from Eastern Himalayan region of India
Authors: Chakraborty Dyutiparna , Das Kanad , Vizzini Alfredo
Published: December 2018

An interesting species of the genus Gliophorus (sect.Glutinosae), collected from Sikkim Himalaya in India, is described here asG.glutinosussp. nov.after thorough morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis. The species is mainly characterised by its strongly glutinous basidiomata throughout, particularly on the twisted stipe, decurrent lamellae with glutinous edge, gelatinised cheilocystidia, presence of pleuropseudocystidia and absence of clamps in hyphae of the pileipellis. This communication includes detailed morphological description, illustrations, comparison with the allied taxa, nrITS based phylogeny of this novel taxon and a key to the species under Gliophorussect.Glutinosae.