bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Benefits of Improving Animal Welfare from the Perspective of Livestock Stakeholders across Asia
Authors: Sinclair Michelle , Fryer Claire , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: March 2019

In this study, 17 focus group meetings were held with livestock industry leaders in geographically dispersed areas of China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Bangladesh, regarding animal welfare issues, potential solutions and attitudes. Livestock leaders were asked ‘what do you see as the benefits to improving animal welfare’ and later to discuss the potential benefits and rank them according to their associated importance. While differences existed by country, the most important perceived benefit area across all countries was financial in nature, primarily focussed on the potential to increase the productive output of the animals and to improve meat and product quality. However, doubt existed around the ability to increase profit against the cost of improving animal welfare, particularly in China. Human health benefits and the tie to human welfare and community livelihood were considered most important in India and Bangladesh, and animal-focussed benefits were not significant in any countries, except India and, to a lesser extent, Bangladesh. Thus, improving animal welfare for the sake of the animals is unlikely to be a compelling argument. The results presented here can be used to create meaningful mutual ground between those that advocate improvement of animal welfare and the stakeholders that have the ability to implement it, i.e., the livestock industry.
Effect of Lignocaine and a Topical Vapocoolant Spray on Pain Response during Surgical Castration of Beef Calves
Authors: Van der Saag Dominique , Lomax Sabrina , Windsor Peter Andrew , Hall Evelyn , White Peter John
Published: March 2019

This study assessed the efficacy of pre-operative injected lignocaine and peri-operative topical vapocoolant spray, administered as most practical for incorporation into routine calf castration procedures. Calves were randomly allocated to: (1) sham castration (SHAM); (2) surgical castration (CAST); (3) surgical castration with lignocaine (LIG); and (4) surgical castration with vapocoolant spray (VAPO). Calf behavioural responses were scored at different stages of the sham castration or castration procedure. Maximum ocular temperatures were measured at three time-points relative to restraint and treatment. There were significant effects of treatment (p < 0.001) and stage of procedure (p < 0.001) on calf behavioural response. SHAM calves were more likely to display less severe responses compared to all other calves and LIG calves were more likely to display less severe responses compared to VAPO calves. Calves were more likely to display more severe responses to extrusion of the first spermatic cord compared to all other stages of castration, and to extrusion of the second spermatic cord compared to severing of the second spermatic cord. There was a significant effect of time (p < 0.001) on ocular temperature, with ocular temperature being greater following sham castration or castration. In this study, there was no evidence of pain reduction during castration of calves by either lignocaine or vapocoolant spray.
Effect of Increasing Species Diversity and Grazing Management on Pasture Productivity, Animal Performance, and Soil Carbon Sequestration of Re-Established Pasture in Canadian Prairie
Authors: Alemu Aklilu W. , Kröbel Roland , McConkey Brian G. , Iwaasa Alan D.
Published: March 2019

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of type of pasture mix and grazing management on pasture productivity, animal response and soil organic carbon (SOC) level. Pasture was established in 2001 on 16 paddocks of 2.1 ha that had been primarily in wheat and summer fallow. Treatments consisted of a completely randomized experimental design with two replicates: two pasture mixes (7-species (7-mix) and 12-species (12-mix)) and two grazing systems (continuous grazing (CG) and deferred-rotational grazing (DRG)). Pasture was stocked with commercial yearling Angus steers (Bos Taurus, 354 ± 13 kg) between 2005 and 2014. All pastures were grazed to an average utilization rate of 50% (40% to 60%). Average peak and pre-grazing pasture dry matter (DM) yield and animal response were independent of pasture seed mixture but varied with grazing management and production year. Average peak DM yield was 26.4% higher (p = 0.0003) for pasture under DRG relative to CG (1301 kg ha−1). However, total digestible nutrient for pasture under DRG was 4% lower (p < 0.0001) as compared to CG (60.2%). Average daily weight gain was 18% higher (p = 0.017) for CG than DRG (0.81 kg d−1), likely related to higher pasture quality under CG. Soil carbon sequestration was affected by seed mixture × grazing system interaction (p ≤ 0.004). Over the fourteen years of production, pasture with 7-mix under CG had the lowest (p < 0.01) average SOC stock at 15 cm (24.5 Mg ha−1) and 30 cm depth (42.3 Mg ha−1). Overall, the results from our study implied that increasing species diversity for pasture managed under CG may increase SOC gain while improving animal productivity.
Effects of Body Condition and Concentrate Proportion of the Ration on Mobilization of Fat Depots and Energetic Condition in Dairy Cows during Early Lactation Based on Ultrasonic Measurements
Authors: Bünemann Katharina , von Soosten Dirk , Frahm Jana , Kersten Susanne , Meyer Ulrich , Hummel Jürgen , Zeyner Annette , Dänicke Sven
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate energy metabolism and lipid mobilization via ultrasonic measurements (USM), considering inner fat depots, in lactating dairy cows differing in body condition score (BCS) and fed rations with low (35% at dry matter basis; C35) or high (60% at dry matter basis; C60) concentrate feed proportions postpartum. Sixty pluriparous German Holstein cows were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design from d 42 antepartum (relative to calculated calving) until d 120 postpartum. Animals were divided into a group with a lower (initial BCS = 3.1 ± 0.38 SD; BCSL) and a group with a higher (initial BCS = 3.83 ± 0.41 SD; BCSH) BCS. Due to higher dry matter intake C60 groups reached the positive energy balance earlier, whereas C35 groups had a more pronounced negative energy balance. Although this would suggest a more pronounced mobilization of C35 groups the USM revealed no differences between feeding groups. Differences in BCS between both BCS groups remained almost the same over the trial. This was not reflected in ultrasonic data, as lipid mobilization was higher in higher conditioned cows. These findings demonstrate the extended possibilities of USM to depict metabolic processes.
Efforts to Ban the Routine Tail Docking of Pigs and to Give Pigs Enrichment Materials via EU Law: Where Do We Stand a Quarter of a Century on?
Authors: Nalon Elena , De Briyne Nancy
Published: March 2019

In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the European Commission must ensure that Member States enforce EU law within their territories. If adequate enforcement is found to be wanting, the Commission also has the power to take infringement procedures as a corrective measure. The case of Directive 120/2008/EC on the protection of pigs is problematic, as only a few Member States are respecting the ban on routine tail docking, whilst not all pigs are given (adequate) enrichment materials. Twenty-five years after the first EU-wide legal ban on routine tail docking came into force, we are faced with an unprecedented situation that may lead to infringement procedures against more than 20 Member States. This paper describes the various steps that led to the development of the EU law designed specifically to safeguard the welfare of pigs. It lists the numerous efforts (research studies, study visits, recommendations, audits, reports, factsheets, action plans, etc.), undertaken by European decision makers to assist Member States in their efforts to better implement and enforce the relevant rules. Finally, the paper further analyses the current state of play and presents a reflection on possible future scenarios.
Photocatalytic Lithography
Authors: Panzarasa Guido , Soliveri Guido
Published: March 2019

Patterning, the controlled formation of ordered surface features with different physico-chemical properties, is a cornerstone of contemporary micro- and nanofabrication. In this context, lithographic approaches owe their wide success to their versatility and their relative ease of implementation and scalability. Conventional photolithographic methods require several steps and the use of polymeric photoresists for the development of the desired pattern, all factors which can be deleterious, especially for sensitive substrates. Efficient patterning of surfaces, with resolution down to the nanometer scale, can be achieved by means of photocatalytic lithography. This approach is based on the use of photocatalysts to achieve the selective chemical modification or degradation of self-assembled monolayers, polymers, and metals. A wide range of photoactive compounds, from semiconducting oxides to porphyrins, have been demonstrated to be suitable photocatalysts. The goal of the present review is to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art photocatalytic lithography, ranging from approaches based on semiconducting oxides to singlet oxygen-based lithography. Special attention will be dedicated to the results obtained for the patterning of polymer brushes, the sculpturing of metal nanoparticle arrays, and the patterning of graphene-based structures.
Mechanical Characteristics and Water Absorption Properties of Blast-Furnace Slag Concretes with Fly Ashes or Microsilica Additions
Authors: Foti Dora , Lerna Michela , Sabbà Maria Francesca , Vacca Vitantonio
Published: March 2019

The paper shows the results of an experimental tests campaign carried out on concretes with recycled aggregates added in substitution of sand. Sand, in fact, has been totally replaced once by blast-furnace slag and fly ashes, once by blast-furnace slag and microsilica. The aim is both to utilize industrial by-products and to reduce the use of artificial aggregates, which impose the opening of pits with high environmental damage. The results show that in the concretes so made the water absorption capacity has reduced and durability has improved. The test campaign and the results described in the present article are certainly useful and can be especially utilized for research on a larger scale in this field.
Efficient Control of a Non-Linear System Using a Modified Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Abbasi Saad Jamshed , Kallu Karam Dad , Lee Min Cheol
Published: March 2019

Trajectory tracking is an essential requirement in robot manipulator movement and localization applications. It is a current research topic of interest, and several researchers have proposed different schemes to achieve the task accurately. This research proposes efficient control of a hydraulic non-linear robot manipulator using a modified sliding mode control, named proportional derivative sliding mode control with sliding perturbation observer (PDSMCSPO), to overcome parameter uncertainties and non-linearity. The proposed new control strategy achieves higher accuracy and better time convergence than the previous one. A positive derivative gain, which has a value less than one, is multiplied with the velocity error term of the sliding surface. The proposed control (PDSMCSPO) also achieves robustness. Results show that by introducing the derivative gain, the chattering from the system has been reduced more than classical sliding mode control (SMC). The reason is that during reaching phase this small gain multiplies with the perturbation and minimizes the effect of perturbation on the system. A smaller value of switching gain K is required as compared to SMC, and the transfer function between sliding surface and perturbation in proportional derivative sliding mode control (PDSMC)has low pass filter characteristics. The proposed PDSMCSPO has a faster response than previous sliding mode control with sliding perturbation observer (SMCSPO), and the output and sliding surface convergence to the desired value is much quicker than conventional logic. Some other characteristics such as error in the output are small because of more attenuation of the perturbation signal. Simulation and experimental results are presented for a link between the hydraulic robot manipulator and the mass damper system.
Smart Cyber-Physical Manufacturing: Extended and Real-Time Optimization of Logistics Resources in Matrix Production
Authors: Bányai Ágota , Illés Béla , Glistau Elke , Machado Norge Isaias Coello , Tamás Péter , Manzoor Faiza , Bányai Tamás
Published: March 2019

In the context of Industry 4.0, the matrix production concept represents revolutionary solutions from a technological and logistics point of view. In a matrix production system, flexible, configurable production and assembly cells are arranged in a grid layout, and the in-plant supply is based on autonomous vehicles. Adaptable and flexible material handling solutions are required to perform the dynamically changing supply-demands of standardized and categorized manufacturing and assembly cells. Within the frame of this paper, the authors describe the in-plant supply process of matrix production and the optimization potential in these processes. After a systematic literature review, this paper introduces the structure of matrix production as a cyber-physical system focusing on logistics aspects. A mathematical model of this in-plant supply process is described including extended and real-time optimization from routing, assignment, and scheduling points of view. The optimization problem described in the model is an NP-hard problem. There are no known efficient analytical methods to find the best solution for this kind of problem; therefore, we use heuristics to find a suitable solution for the above-described problem. Next, a sequential black hole–floral pollination heuristic algorithm is described. The scenario analysis, which focuses on the clustering and routing aspects of supply demands in a matrix production system, validates the model and evaluates its performance to increase cost-efficiency and warrants environmental awareness of the in-plant supply in matrix production.
Introduction of Fractal Based Information Processing and Recognition
Authors: Liu Shuai , Cattani Carlo , Zhang Yudong
Published: March 2019

Fractal characteristic, one typical nonlinear characteristic, is applied as a key characteristic in complex information processing and used in many research domains [...]
Effective Behavioural Dynamic Coupling through Echo State Networks
Authors: Melidis Christos , Marocco Davide
Published: March 2019

This work presents a novel approach and paradigm for the coupling of human and robot dynamics with respect to control. We present an adaptive system based on Reservoir Computing and Recurrent Neural Networks able to couple control signals and robotic behaviours. A supervised method is utilised for the training of the network together with an unsupervised method for the adaptation of the reservoir. The proposed method is tested and analysed using a public dataset, a set of dynamic gestures and a group of users under a scenario of robot navigation. First, the architecture is benchmarked and placed among the state of the art. Second, based on our dataset we provide an analysis for key properties of the architecture. We test and provide analysis on the variability of the lengths of the trained patterns, propagation of geometrical properties of the input signal, handling of transitions by the architecture and recognition of partial input signals. Based on the user testing scenarios, we test how the architecture responds to real scenarios and users. In conclusion, the synergistic approach that we follow shows a way forward towards human in-the-loop systems and the evidence provided establish its competitiveness with available methods, while the key properties analysed the merits of the approach to the commonly used ones. Finally, reflective remarks on the applicability and usage in other fields are discussed.
Time-Varying IIR Notch Filter with Reduced Transient Response Based on the Bézier Curve Pole Radius Variability
Authors: Kocoń Sławomir , Piskorowski Jacek
Published: March 2019

In this paper a concept of the second order digital infinite impulse response narrow band-reject filter with reduced transient response is proposed. In order to suppress the transient response of the considered infinite impulse response (IIR) notch filter its pole radius is temporarily varied in time using the Bézier parametric curve. Computer simulations verifying the effectiveness of the proposed pole-radius-varying notch filter are presented and compared to the performance of the traditional time-invariant filter using ECG signals distorted by unwanted powerline interference.
Formation Control and Distributed Goal Assignment for Multi-Agent Non-Holonomic Systems
Authors: Kowalczyk Wojciech
Published: March 2019

This paper presents control algorithms for multiple non-holonomic mobile robots moving in formation. Trajectory tracking based on linear feedback control is combined with inter-agent collision avoidance. Artificial potential functions (APF) are used to generate a repulsive component of the control. Stability analysis is based on a Lyapunov-like function. Then the presented method is extended to include a goal exchange algorithm that makes the convergence of the formation much more rapid and, in addition, reduces the number of collision avoidance interactions. The extended method is theoretically justified using a Lyapunov-like function. The controller is discontinuous but the set of discontinuity points is of zero measure. The novelty of the proposed method lies in integration of the closed-loop control for non-holonomic mobile robots with the distributed goal assignment, which is usually regarded in the literature as part of trajectory planning problem. A Lyapunov-like function joins both trajectory tracking and goal assignment analyses. It is shown that distributed goal exchange supports stability of the closed-loop control system. Moreover, robots are equipped with a reactive collision avoidance mechanism, which often does not exist in the known algorithms. The effectiveness of the presented method is illustrated by numerical simulations carried out on the large formation of robots.
Integrated Inundation Modeling of Flooded Water in Coastal Cities
Authors: Shin Eun Taek , Shin Jaehyun , Rhee Dong Sop , Kim Hyung-Jun , Song Chang Geun
Published: March 2019

Climate change has increased the damage caused by subtropical rainfall and typhoons in coastal areas. Major flooding factors in coastal areas can be classified as storm surges, river inundation, and inland submergence. Because previous studies usually applied a linear sum of individual inundation components to predict comprehensive flood phenomena, this approach does not consider weighted effects associated with the simultaneous occurrence of complex flooding. In this study, a series of comprehensive flood simulations were performed using two numerical models: HDM-2D and FLUval Modeling ENgine (FLUMEN). The results revealed that an integrated flood analysis considering the effects of inundation flooding, river flooding, and coastal flooding required evaluation of the risk of flooding in coastal cities.
Modification of Chitosan for the Generation of Functional Derivatives
Authors: Brasselet Clément , Pierre Guillaume , Dubessay Pascal , Dols-Lafargue Marguerite , Coulon Joana , Maupeu Julie , Vallet-Courbin Amélie , de Baynast Hélène , Doco Thierry , Michaud Philippe , Delattre Cédric
Published: March 2019

Today, chitosan (CS) is probably considered as a biofunctional polysaccharide with the most notable growth and potential for applications in various fields. The progress in chitin chemistry and the need to replace additives and non-natural polymers with functional natural-based polymers have opened many new opportunities for CS and its derivatives. Thanks to the specific reactive groups of CS and easy chemical modifications, a wide range of physico-chemical and biological properties can be obtained from this ubiquitous polysaccharide that is composed of β-(1,4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucose repeating units. This review is presented to share insights into multiple native/modified CSs and chitooligosaccharides (COS) associated with their functional properties. An overview will be given on bioadhesive applications, antimicrobial activities, adsorption, and chelation in the wine industry, as well as developments in medical fields or biodegradability.
Evaluation of In Vitro Bio-Activities Effects of WST (Wushanshencha)
Authors: Li Chong , Liu Chaomin , Zhang Jing , Li Honggang , Zhou Yan , Li Yidong , Zhao Xin , Liu Weiwei
Published: March 2019

As a traditional Chinese drink, tea is favored for its rich flavor and its medicinal functionality. In this study, the in vitro bioactivities of Wushanshencha (WST; a local tea from Chongqing, China), which is processed mainly from the leaves of the wild Malus hupehensis (Pamp.) Rehd.). We assessed the scavenging capacity of tea extracts on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS); and hydroxyl (OH) free radicals, and demonstrate the high antioxidant activity and dose-dependent relationship of these extracts. We also detail the anti-mutagenic effect of these tea extracts against the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain induced by the 2, 7-diaminofluorene (2, 7-AF) mutagen and the TA100 strain induced by the N-methyl-N′-nitro- N- nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) mutagen at concentrations of 1.25 and 2.50 mg/plate, respectively, with the high-dose groups showing better results. We investigated the anticancer mechanisms of WST extracts (40, 100, and 160 μg/mL) in HepG2 human hepatoma cells via 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results showed that the proliferation of HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the tea extracts. Moreover, apoptosis in HepG2 cells was induced via upregulation of Caspase-3, Caspase-7, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, p21, p53, and Bax as well as downregulation of Bcl-2 apoptosis-associated factors, as assessed via mRNA expression levels after treating with WST extracts. The expression of inflammation-related factors, e.g., NF-κB, and Cox-2, was significantly downregulated by the WST extracts, demonstrating its inflammatory properties. Together, these observations indicated that WST extracts have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that WST extracts contained chlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, isoquercitrin, taxifolin, quercitrin, rosmarinic acid, myricetin, baicalin, neosperidin dihydrochalcone, and quercetin. As such, WST appears to be an effectively functional drink, due to its rich functional components and anti-cancer activity.
Flocking of Multi-Agent System with Nonlinear Dynamics via Distributed Event-Triggered Control
Authors: Shen Yanhua , Kong Zhengmin , Ding Li
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a distributed event-triggered control strategy is proposed to investigate a flocking problem in a multi-agent system with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics, where triggering conditions are proposed to determine the instants to update the controller. A distributed event-triggered control law with bounded action function is proposed for free flocking. It is proved that the designed event-triggered controller ensures a group of agents reach stable flocking motion while preserving connectivity of the communication network. Lastly, simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Experimental Research on Bond Behavior between GFRP Bars and Stirrups-Confined Concrete
Authors: Gao Kui , Li Zhao , Zhang Jiarui , Tu Jianwei , Li Xinping
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the results of a series of pullout tests that were performed on Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars embedded in concrete, while providing a detailed report on the influence of various variables that impinge upon bond behavior, such as the surface characteristics and diameter of the bars, concrete strength, as well as the confined effect of stirrups. The Bertero-Popov-Eligehausen (BPE) and Cosenza-Manfredi-Realfonzo (CMR) models analyzed the bond stress (τ)–slip (s) relationship between GFRP bar and stirrups-confined concrete. The tests results indicate that when the bond failure interface only occurs on the surface of a GFRP bar, the bond strength is not dependent upon the concrete strength. Moreover, the results indicate that in comparison to specimens without stirrups, their stirrup-containing counterparts are more prone to pullout failure with greater ductility and higher bond strength and corresponding slip. The BPE and CMR models are able to investigate the τ-s relationship between GFRP bars and the stirrups-confined concrete with accuracy. With the experimental data, the specific parameters in the models classified by surface characteristics have been suggested.
Artists from Syria in the International Artworld: Mediators of a Universal Humanism
Authors: Cusenza Cristina
Published: March 2019

With the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, many artists left as part of a massive migratory flow out of the country. Other artists had already migrated because of perceived constraints to art-making due to censorship and lack of professional opportunities. Both waves of migration converged in artistic hubs throughout the Middle East and Europe. From the interviews I carried out with visual artists from Syria displaced in London and other locations, it emerged that they faced a shared dilemma. Many wished to move away from politics focusing on universal themes like human suffering, which in the Syrian art-scene were perceived to be apolitical. In exile, however, it is precisely these themes that marked their works as political in the eyes of agents of the artworld and international audiences. I argue that this politicization is a form of essentialization and homogenization of the Syrian art-scene abroad, for categorizing these artists as ‘Syrian’ or ‘Middle Eastern’ flattens their individual creativity by placing them within a national or regional category. This form of ‘othering’ is rooted in the history of Western colonialism in the Middle East and postcolonial geopolitics and power relations structuring the Syrian conflict and Western perceptions of it. I show how my informants attempt to overcome these constraints by employing the discursive register of universalism, while often organizing their lives around the ‘Syrian artist’ category.
Urban Rainfall Anomaly under Intensive Development, 1949–2018, Case of Tel-Aviv, Israel
Authors: Alpert Pinhas , Radian Ronen , Halfon Noam , Levin Zev
Published: March 2019

The primary objective here is the study of the urban rainfall anomaly patterns, particularly the positive/negative dipole reported in the literature as well as their temporal/spatial evolution due to rapid urban development. The spatial changes in the annual rainfall distribution, eastward and downwind of the largest coastal urban area of Israel, i.e., the Greater Tel Aviv region, in relation to the rapid expansion of the urban area are analyzed. This provides a unique opportunity, as shown here, to study the effect of a most rapid urban expansion on the potential for urban rainfall anomalies. Tel-Aviv probably serves as a case study for other fast-growing Mediterranean cities. Rain gauges’ data (over 100) collected over a period of 70 years (1948–2018), are divided into six sub-periods of 20 years and plotted on top of the urban area growth in those years. The average precipitation spatial distributions and their anomalies are both calculated for each sub-period. The results were examined along three geographic lines of particularly rapid urban expansion over the area, towards the northeast, east, and southeast. Increases of the precipitation downwind of the urban area are noticed when progressing along with the urban development. In addition, an upwind decrease over the coastal region is found. These findings are well correlated with the expansion of the urban area and the rainfall urban anomalies, P d e v , are of the order of 50–100 mm/y. Other potential explanations to these anomalies are discussed and suggested to be less feasible.
Recent Strengthened Impact of the Winter Arctic Oscillation on the Southeast Asian Surface Air Temperature Variation
Authors: Chen Shangfeng , Song Linye
Published: March 2019

A previous study indicated that the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Siberian High (SH) are two important drivers for the interannual variation of winter surface air temperature (SAT) over southeast Asia. This study reveals that the impact of the winter SH on the southeast Asian SAT was stable. By contrast, the connection between the winter AO and southeast Asian SAT displays a pronounced interdecadal change around the late-1990s. Significant impact of the winter AO on the southeast Asian SAT can only be detected after the late-1990s. The result shows that change in the impact of the winter AO on southeast Asian SAT was mainly attributed to change in the spatial structure of the AO. Before the late-1990s, significant atmospheric signals related to the winter AO were confined to the North Atlantic region and the atmospheric anomalies over Eurasia were weak. As such, impact of the winter AO on the southeast Asian SAT was weak. By contrast, after the late-1990s, winter AO displays a more zonally symmetric structure, with significant negative sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies over the Arctic, and positive anomalies over mid-latitudes. Specifically, the positive SLP anomalies over East China induce clear northerly wind anomalies over southeast Asia, which lead to negative SAT anomalies there via wind-induced temperature advection. Hence, the winter AO has a significant impact on the southeast Asian SAT after the late-1990s. Further analysis shows that after the late-1990s, hindcast skill of the winter southeast Asian SAT anomalies was enhanced when taking both the winter AO and SH into account.
Electrochemical Detection and Characterization of Nanoparticles with Printed Devices
Authors: Martín-Yerga Daniel
Published: March 2019

Innovative methods to achieve the user-friendly, quick, and highly sensitive detection of nanomaterials are urgently needed. Nanomaterials have increased importance in commercial products, and there are concerns about the potential risk that they entail for the environment. In addition, detection of nanomaterials can be a highly valuable tool in many applications, such as biosensing. Electrochemical methods using disposable, low-cost, printed electrodes provide excellent analytical performance for the detection of a wide set of nanomaterials. In this review, the foundations and latest advances of several electrochemical strategies for the detection of nanoparticles using cost-effective printed devices are introduced. These strategies will equip the experimentalist with an extensive toolbox for the detection of nanoparticles of different chemical nature and possible applications ranging from quality control to environmental analysis and biosensing.
A Review of Functional and Structural Neurobiology of the Action Observation Network in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Kilroy Emily , Cermak Sharon A. , Aziz-Zadeh Lisa
Published: March 2019

Recent research has reported motor impairment similarities between children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and a subgroup of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is a debate as to whether DCD is a co-occurring diagnosis in individuals with ASD and motor impairments (ASDd), or if motor impairments in ASD are distinct from DCD. However, the etiology of motor impairments is not well understood in either disorder. Clarifying comorbidities in ASD is important to determine different etiopathological phenotyping clusters in ASD and to understand the variety of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disorder. Furthermore, this distinction has important therapeutic relevance. Here we explore the current neuroimaging findings in ASD and DCD and discusses possible neural mechanisms that underlie similarities and differences between the disorders.
Positive and Negative Emotion Regulation in Adolescence: Links to Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Young Katherine , Sandman Christina , Craske Michelle
Published: March 2019

Emotion regulation skills develop substantially across adolescence, a period characterized by emotional challenges and developing regulatory neural circuitry. Adolescence is also a risk period for the new onset of anxiety and depressive disorders, psychopathologies which have long been associated with disruptions in regulation of positive and negative emotions. This paper reviews the current understanding of the role of disrupted emotion regulation in adolescent anxiety and depression, describing findings from self-report, behavioral, peripheral psychophysiological, and neural measures. Self-report studies robustly identified associations between emotion dysregulation and adolescent anxiety and depression. Findings from behavioral and psychophysiological studies are mixed, with some suggestion of specific impairments in reappraisal in anxiety. Results from neuroimaging studies broadly implicate altered functioning of amygdala-prefrontal cortical circuitries, although again, findings are mixed regarding specific patterns of altered neural functioning. Future work may benefit from focusing on designs that contrast effects of specific regulatory strategies, and isolate changes in emotional regulation from emotional reactivity. Approaches to improve treatments based on empirical evidence of disrupted emotion regulation in adolescents are also discussed. Future intervention studies might consider training and measurement of specific strategies in adolescents to better understand the role of emotion regulation as a treatment mechanism.
Healthy and Sustainable Hospital Evaluation—A Review of POE Tools for Hospital Assessment in an Evidence-Based Design Framework
Authors: Brambilla Andrea , Capolongo Stefano
Published: March 2019

Hospitals are complex, high-performance systems that demand continuous quality improvement. Several instruments evaluate the organizational or clinical qualities but very few focus on the built environment. The purpose of this paper is to compare and review the recent tools able to assess the hospital built environment and test how they measure health, sustainability, or both through Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE). A literature review has been conducted in the field of hospital quality assessment and 13 POE instruments have been included and analyzed through Ulrich’s Evidence-Based Design (EBD) framework. The percentage and the content of health or sustainability-related criteria have been compared and further discussed. Health related criteria the most recent tools are used three times more than in the tools developed in the nineties. The most used EBD criteria are safety enhancement (n = 131; 14%) and visual environment (n = 119; 13%). Although sustainability remains a relevant issue, today, growing attention is dedicated to the impact of built environment on occupant’s health. Further investigation is needed to understand the effectiveness of those instruments in practice.
Montmorillonite K10-Catalyzed Solvent-Free Conversion of Furfural into Cyclopentenones
Authors: Bonacci Sonia , Nardi Monica , Costanzo Paola , De Nino Antonio , Di Gioia Maria Luisa , Oliverio Manuela , Procopio Antonio
Published: March 2019

A simple and eco-friendly montmorillonite K10 (MK10)-catalyzed method for the synthesis of cyclopentenone derivatives from biomass-produced furfural has been developed. The versatility of this protocol is that the reactions were performed under solvent-free conditions and in a short reaction time under heterogeneous catalysis. Montmorillonite K10 is mostly explored as a heterogeneous catalyst since it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
On the High Structural Heterogeneity of Fe-Impregnated Graphitic-Carbon Catalysts from Fe Nitrate Precursor
Authors: Arrigo Rosa , Schuster Manfred Erwin
Published: March 2019

Wet impregnation is broadly applied for the synthesis of carbon-supported metal/metal oxide nanostructures because of its high flexibility, simplicity and low cost. By contrast, impregnated catalysts are typified by a usually undesired nanostructural and morphological heterogeneity of the supported phase resulting from a poor stabilization at the support surface. This study on graphite-supported Fe-based materials from Fe nitrate precursor is concerned with the understanding of the chemistry that dictates during the multistep synthesis, which is key to designing structurally homogeneous catalysts. By means of core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and atomic resolution electron microscopy, we found not only a large variety of particles sizes and morphologies but also chemical phases. Herein, thermally stable single atoms and few atoms clusters are identified together with large agglomerates of an oxy-hydroxide ferrihydrite-like phase. Moreover, the thermally induced phase transformation of the initially poorly ordered oxy-hydroxide phase into several oxide phases is revealed, together with the existence of thermally stable N impurities retained in the structure as Fe–N–O bonds. The nature of the interactions with the support and the structural dynamics induced by the thermal treatment rationalize the high heterogeneity observed in these catalysts.
Synergistic Effect of New ZrNi5/Nb2O5 Catalytic Agent on Storage Behavior of Nanocrystalline MgH2 Powders
Authors: El-Eskandarany M. Sherif , Banyan Mohammad , Al-Ajmi Fahad
Published: March 2019

Due to its availability and high storage capacity, Mg is an ideal material in hydrogen storage applications. In practice, doping Mg/MgH2 with catalyst(s) is necessary in enhancing the de/rehydrogenation kinetics and minimizing both of decomposition temperature and its related apparent activation energy. The present study proposed a new heterogeneous catalytic agent that consisted of intermetallic compound (ZrNi5)/metal oxide (Nb2O5) binary system for using with different concentrations (5−30 wt%) to improve MgH2. Doping MgH2 powders with low concentration (5, 7, 10 wt%) of this new catalytic system led to superior absorption/desorption kinetics, being indexed by the short time that is required to absorb/desorb 4.2−5.6 wt% H2 within 200 s to 300 s. Increasing the doping dose to 15–30 wt% led to better kinetic effect but a significant decrease in the hydrogen storage capacity was seen. The dependent of apparent activation energy and decomposition temperature of MgH2 on the concentration of ZrNi5/Nb2O5 has been investigated. They tended to be linearly decreased with increasing the catalyst concentrations. The results elucidated the crucial role of catalytic additives on the disintegration of MgH2 into ultrafine powders (196 nm to 364 nm diameter). The formation of such nanoparticles enhance the hydrogen diffusion and shorten the time that is required for the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation process. Moreover, this refractory catalytic system acted as a grain growth inhibitor, in which Mg/MgH2 powders maintained their submicron level during the cycle-life-test that was extended to 100 h at 200 °C.
Micro-Kinetic Modelling of CO-TPD from Fe(100)—Incorporating Lateral Interactions
Authors: Gambu Thobani G. , Abrahams R. Kyle , van Steen Eric
Published: March 2019

The experimentally determined temperature programmed desorption profile of CO from Fe(100) is characterized by four maxima, i.e., α1-CO, α2-CO, α3-CO, and β-CO (see e.g., Moon et al., Surf. Sci. 1985, 163, 215). The CO-TPD profile is modeled using mean-field techniques and kinetic Monte Carlo to show the importance of lateral interactions in the appearance of the CO-TPD-profile. The inclusion of lateral interactions results in the appearance of a new maximum in the simulated CO-TPD profile if modeled using the mean-field, quasi-chemical approach or kinetic Monte Carlo. It is argued that α2-CO may thus originate from lateral interactions rather than a differently bound CO on Fe(100). A detailed sensitivity analysis of the effect of the strength of the lateral interactions between the species involved (CO, C, and O), and the choice of the transition state, which affects the activation energy for CO dissociation, and the energy barrier for diffusion on the CO-TPD profile is presented.
Tin(IV)-Porphyrin Tetracarbonyl Cobaltate: An Efficient Catalyst for the Carbonylation of Epoxides
Authors: Baral Ek , Kim Dongwook , Lee Sunwoo , Park Myung , Kim Jeung
Published: March 2019

Cationic tin(IV) porphyrins with tetracarbonyl cobaltates were synthesized, exhibiting bifunctional catalytic reactivity. The Lewis acidic tin-porphyrin center activated epoxides; concurrently, cobalt carbonyl anions efficiently opened epoxides and delivered carbonyl moieties. Thus, a series of β-lactones with a high synthetic value were obtained. This catalytic system showed excellent efficiency exceeding a turnover number of one thousand with a broad substrate scope. In addition, the presented tin porphyrin-based catalyst exhibited exclusive chemoselectivity to terminal epoxides over internal ones. The selective carbonylation of di-epoxides demonstrated the usefulness of these catalysts in the synthesis of complex molecular structures.
Cellular and Animal Models of Striated Muscle Laminopathies
Authors: Nicolas Hannah A. , Akimenko Marie-Andrée , Tesson Frédérique
Published: March 2019

The lamin A/C (LMNA) gene codes for nuclear intermediate filaments constitutive of the nuclear lamina. LMNA has 12 exons and alternative splicing of exon 10 results in two major isoforms—lamins A and C. Mutations found throughout the LMNA gene cause a group of diseases collectively known as laminopathies, of which the type, diversity, penetrance and severity of phenotypes can vary from one individual to the other, even between individuals carrying the same mutation. The majority of the laminopathies affect cardiac and/or skeletal muscles. The underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to such tissue-specific phenotypes caused by mutations in a ubiquitously expressed gene are not yet well elucidated. This review will explore the different phenotypes observed in established models of striated muscle laminopathies and their respective contributions to advancing our understanding of cardiac and skeletal muscle-related laminopathies. Potential future directions for developing effective treatments for patients with lamin A/C mutation-associated cardiac and/or skeletal muscle conditions will be discussed.
Microbiome—Microbial Metabolome—Cancer Cell Interactions in Breast Cancer—Familiar, but Unexplored
Authors: Mikó Edit , Kovács Tünde , Sebő Éva , Tóth Judit , Csonka Tamás , Ujlaki Gyula , Sipos Adrienn , Szabó Judit , Méhes Gábor , Bai Péter
Published: March 2019

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women worldwide. Dysbiosis, an aberrant composition of the microbiome, characterizes breast cancer. In this review we discuss the changes to the metabolism of breast cancer cells, as well as the composition of the breast and gut microbiome in breast cancer. The role of the breast microbiome in breast cancer is unresolved, nevertheless it seems that the gut microbiome does have a role in the pathology of the disease. The gut microbiome secretes bioactive metabolites (reactivated estrogens, short chain fatty acids, amino acid metabolites, or secondary bile acids) that modulate breast cancer. We highlight the bacterial species or taxonomical units that generate these metabolites, we show their mode of action, and discuss how the metabolites affect mitochondrial metabolism and other molecular events in breast cancer. These metabolites resemble human hormones, as they are produced in a “gland” (in this case, the microbiome) and they are subsequently transferred to distant sites of action through the circulation. These metabolites appear to be important constituents of the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we discuss how bacterial dysbiosis interferes with breast cancer treatment through interfering with chemotherapeutic drug metabolism and availability.
Molecular Phylogeny and Historical Biogeography of the Butterfly Tribe Aeromachini Tutt (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from China
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhu Jianqing , Ge Chen , Wang Ying , Zhao Zimiao , Ma Shuojia , Hoffmann Ary A. , Endersby Nancy M. , Liu Qunxiu , Yu Weidong , Jiang Weibin
Published: March 2019

The butterfly tribe Aeromachini Tutt, 1906 is a large group of skippers. In this study, a total of 10 genera and 45 species of putative members of this tribe, which represent most of the generic diversity and nearly all the species diversity of the group in China, were sequenced for two mitochondrial genes and three nuclear genes (2093 bp). The combined dataset was analyzed with maximum likelihood inference using IQtree. We found strong support for monophyly of Aeromachini from China and support for the most recent accepted species in the tribe. Two paraphyletic genera within Aeromachini are presented and discussed. The divergence time estimates with BEAST and ancestral-area reconstructions with RASP provide a detailed description about the historical biogeography of the Aeromachini from China. The tribe very likely originated from the Hengduan Mountains in the late Ecocene and expanded to the Himalaya Mountains and Central China Regions. A dispersal-vicariance analysis suggests that dispersal events have played essential roles in the distribution of extant species, and geological and climatic changes have been important factors driving current distribution patterns.
Effect of Brazing Temperature on the Microstructure and Chosen Properties of WC–10Ni/NiCrBSi Composite Coatings Produced by Vacuum Cladding from Flexible Coated Cloths
Authors: Xu Xiangping , Ding Hengnan , Xia Chunzhi , Zou Jiasheng , Wang Yi
Published: March 2019

Three kinds of WC–10Ni/NiCrBSi composite coatings were prepared on the surface of Q235 carbon steel at 1015, 1055, and 1095 °C by vacuum brazing. The microstructure and properties of the composite coatings were investigated. The results showed that various reaction layers appeared at the bonding area of the coatings and the substrate. As the brazing temperature increased, the reaction layer between the solder and the hard phase gradually decreased and disappeared at 1095 °C. Simultaneously, the size of gray-white massive phases with a large amount of W in the brazing layer decreased gradually. When the brazing temperature increased, the Fe content markedly increased in the reaction layer of the matrix and the solder, indicating that the increase in brazing temperature was beneficial for metallurgical bonding between the coating and the substrate. Interface bonding strength and wear resistance were enhanced by the increase in brazing temperature; however, the microhardness of the composite coating section decreased. The interface bonding strength reached 362.9 MPa and the wear loss reached a minimum at 1095 °C.