bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Healthiness of Sustainable Construction: Example of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Authors: Petrović Emina , Hamer Lydia
Published: February 2018

With the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction, it has become important to better understand the impacts of common materials. This is especially paramount with the introduction of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which call for more comprehensive evaluations, adding many aspects of social consideration to the issues of environmental sustainability, including human health. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/vinyl can be seen as a material with potential for significant adverse effects on a multiplicity of levels, and the construction industry is its single most significant consumer. This article presents a transdisciplinary review of adverse health impacts associated with PVC showing a number of issues: some that could be eliminated through design, but also some which appear inherent to the material itself and therefore unavoidable. The totality of issues revealed in relation to PVC presents a compelling case for a call for complete elimination of use of this material in sustainable construction.
Influence of TiO2-Coating Layer on Nanoporous Alumina Membranes by ALD Technique
Authors: Gelde Lourdes , Cuevas Ana , Martínez de Yuso María , Benavente Juana , Vega Víctor , González Ana , Prida Víctor , Hernando Blanca
Published: February 2018

Geometrical, chemical, optical and ionic transport changes associated with ALD of TiO2-coating on the porous structure of two nanoporous alumina membranes (NPAMs), which were obtained by the two-step aluminum anodization method but with different pore size and porosity, are presented. Chemical and morphological changes were determined by analyzing XPS spectra and SEM images, showing practically total coverage of the NPAMs surface and leading to a reduction in the geometrical parameters of both samples, while SAED and high resolution TEM measurements allowed us to determine the crystalline structure and thickness of the TiO2-coating, with the latter confirmed by depth-profile XPS analysis. Spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements were also carried out in order to detect changes in characteristic optical parameters (refractive index, n, and extinction coefficient, k), due to the TiO2-coating of NPAMs. Considering the common application of NPAMs in solute/ion diffusion processes, the effect of the TiO2-coverage on electrochemical parameters was analyzed by measuring the concentration potential with a typical model electrolyte (KCl solutions), leading to an increase of the electropositive character for both kinds of samples.
Sequential Change-Point Detection via Online Convex Optimization
Authors: Cao Yang , Xie Liyan , Xie Yao , Xu Huan
Published: February 2018

Sequential change-point detection when the distribution parameters are unknown is a fundamental problem in statistics and machine learning. When the post-change parameters are unknown, we consider a set of detection procedures based on sequential likelihood ratios with non-anticipating estimators constructed using online convex optimization algorithms such as online mirror descent, which provides a more versatile approach to tackling complex situations where recursive maximum likelihood estimators cannot be found. When the underlying distributions belong to a exponential family and the estimators satisfy the logarithm regret property, we show that this approach is nearly second-order asymptotically optimal. This means that the upper bound for the false alarm rate of the algorithm (measured by the average-run-length) meets the lower bound asymptotically up to a log-log factor when the threshold tends to infinity. Our proof is achieved by making a connection between sequential change-point and online convex optimization and leveraging the logarithmic regret bound property of online mirror descent algorithm. Numerical and real data examples validate our theory.
Tsallis Extended Thermodynamics Applied to 2-d Turbulence: Lévy Statistics and q-Fractional Generalized Kraichnanian Energy and Enstrophy Spectra
Authors: Egolf Peter , Hutter Kolumban
Published: February 2018

The extended thermodynamics of Tsallis is reviewed in detail and applied to turbulence. It is based on a generalization of the exponential and logarithmic functions with a parameter q. By applying this nonequilibrium thermodynamics, the Boltzmann-Gibbs thermodynamic approach of Kraichnan to 2-d turbulence is generalized. This physical modeling implies fractional calculus methods, obeying anomalous diffusion, described by Lévy statistics with q < 5/3 (sub diffusion), q = 5/3 (normal or Brownian diffusion) and q > 5/3 (super diffusion). The generalized energy spectrum of Kraichnan, occurring at small wave numbers k, now reveals the more general and precise result k−q. This corresponds well for q = 5/3 with the Kolmogorov-Oboukov energy spectrum and for q > 5/3 to turbulence with intermittency. The enstrophy spectrum, occurring at large wave numbers k, leads to a k−3q power law, suggesting that large wave-number eddies are in thermodynamic equilibrium, which is characterized by q = 1, finally resulting in Kraichnan’s correct k−3 enstrophy spectrum. The theory reveals in a natural manner a generalized temperature of turbulence, which in the non-equilibrium energy transfer domain decreases with wave number and shows an energy equipartition law with a constant generalized temperature in the equilibrium enstrophy transfer domain. The article contains numerous new results; some are stated in form of eight new (proven) propositions.
Determination of the Structural Characteristics of Microalgal Cells Walls under the Influence of Turbulent Mixing Energy in Open Raceway Ponds
Authors: Ali Haider , Cheema Taqi , Park Cheol
Published: February 2018

Turbulent flow mixing is essential in optimizing microalgal cultivation in raceway ponds. Microalgal cells are however highly sensitive to hydrodynamic stresses produced by turbulent mixing because of their small size. The mechanical properties (wall deformation and von Misses stress) of the microalgal cell wall structure under the influence of turbulent mixing are yet to be explored. High turbulence magnitudes damage microalgal cell walls by adversely affecting their mechanical properties which consequently destroy the microalgal cells and reduce the biofuel production. Therefore, such a study is required to improve the biofuel productivity of microalgal cells before their cell wall damage in raceway pond. This study developed a novel fluid–structure interaction (FSI)-based numerical model to investigate the effects of turbulent mixing on the cell wall damage of microalgal cells in raceway ponds. The study investigated microalgal cell wall damage at four different locations in a raceway pond in consideration of the effects of pond’s hydrodynamic and geometric properties. An experiment was conducted with a laboratory-scale raceway pond to compare and validate the numerical results by using time-dependent water velocities. Microalgal cell wall shear stress, cell wall deformation, and von Misses stress in the raceway pond were investigated by considering the effects of aspect ratios, water depths, and paddle wheel rotational speeds. Results showed that the proposed numerical model can be used as a prerequisite method for the selection of appropriate turbulent mixing. Microalgal cell wall damage is high in shallow and narrow raceway ponds with high paddle rotational speeds.
Characterization of Bubble Size Distributions within a Bubble Column
Authors: Mohagheghian Shahrouz , Elbing Brian
Published: February 2018

The current study experimentally examines bubble size distribution (BSD) within a bubble column and the associated characteristic length scales. Air was injected into a column of water via a single injection tube. The column diameter (63–102 mm), injection tube diameter (0.8–1.6 mm) and superficial gas velocity (1.4–55 mm/s) were varied. Large samples (up to 54,000 bubbles) of bubble sizes measured via 2D imaging were used to produce probability density functions (PDFs). The PDFs were used to identify an alternative length scale termed the most frequent bubble size (dmf) and defined as the peak in the PDF. This length scale as well as the traditional Sauter mean diameter were used to assess the sensitivity of the BSD to gas injection rate, injector tube diameter, injection tube angle and column diameter. The dmf was relatively insensitive to most variation, which indicates these bubbles are produced by the turbulent wakes. In addition, the current work examines higher order statistics (standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis) and notes that there is evidence in support of using these statistics to quantify the influence of specific parameters on the flow-field as well as a potential indicator of regime transitions.
3D Biomimetic Magnetic Structures for Static Magnetic Field Stimulation of Osteogenesis
Authors: Paun Irina , Popescu Roxana , Calin Bogdan , Mustaciosu Cosmin , Dinescu Maria , Luculescu Catalin
Published: February 2018

We designed, fabricated and optimized 3D biomimetic magnetic structures that stimulate the osteogenesis in static magnetic fields. The structures were fabricated by direct laser writing via two-photon polymerization of IP-L780 photopolymer and were based on ellipsoidal, hexagonal units organized in a multilayered architecture. The magnetic activity of the structures was assured by coating with a thin layer of collagen-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-magnetic nanoparticles composite. In vitro experiments using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells for 3D structures with gradients of pore size helped us to find an optimum pore size between 20–40 µm. Starting from optimized 3D structures, we evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively the effects of static magnetic fields of up to 250 mT on cell proliferation and differentiation, by ALP (alkaline phosphatase) production, Alizarin Red and osteocalcin secretion measurements. We demonstrated that the synergic effect of 3D structure optimization and static magnetic stimulation enhances the bone regeneration by a factor greater than 2 as compared with the same structure in the absence of a magnetic field.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Induced Radiation Sensitization Effects on Human Cancer Cells after Photon and Hadron Radiation Exposure
Authors: Gerelchuluun Ariungerel , Maeda Junko , Manabe Eri , Brents Colleen , Sakae Takeji , Fujimori Akira , Chen David , Tsuboi Koji , Kato Takamitsu
Published: February 2018

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, which has been widely utilized throughout the cancer research field. SAHA-induced radiosensitization in normal human fibroblasts AG1522 and lung carcinoma cells A549 were evaluated with a combination of γ-rays, proton, and carbon ion exposure. Growth delay was observed in both cell lines during SAHA treatment; 2 μM SAHA treatment decreased clonogenicity and induced cell cycle block in G1 phase but 0.2 μM SAHA treatment did not show either of them. Low LET (Linear Energy Transfer) irradiated A549 cells showed radiosensitization effects on cell killing in cycling and G1 phase with 0.2 or 2 μM SAHA pretreatment. In contrast, minimal sensitization was observed in normal human cells after low and high LET radiation exposure. The potentially lethal damage repair was not affected by SAHA treatment. SAHA treatment reduced the rate of γ-H2AX foci disappearance and suppressed RAD51 and RPA (Replication Protein A) focus formation. Suppression of DNA double strand break repair by SAHA did not result in the differences of SAHA-induced radiosensitization between human cancer cells and normal cells. In conclusion, our results suggest SAHA treatment will sensitize cancer cells to low and high LET radiation with minimum effects to normal cells.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Profiling of Thrombotic Material Obtained by Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Muñoz Roberto , Santamaría Enrique , Rubio Idoya , Ausín Karina , Ostolaza Aiora , Labarga Alberto , Roldán Miren , Zandio Beatriz , Mayor Sergio , Bermejo Rebeca , Mendigaña Mónica , Herrera María , Aymerich Nuria , Olier Jorge , Gállego Jaime , Mendioroz Maite , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín
Published: February 2018

Thrombotic material retrieved from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients represents a valuable source of biological information. In this study, we have developed a clinical proteomics workflow to characterize the protein cargo of thrombi derived from AIS patients. To analyze the thrombus proteome in a large-scale format, we developed a workflow that combines the isolation of thrombus by endovascular thrombectomy and peptide chromatographic fractionation coupled to mass-spectrometry. Using this workflow, we have characterized a specific proteomic expression profile derived from four AIS patients included in this study. Around 1600 protein species were unambiguously identified in the analyzed material. Functional bioinformatics analyses were performed, emphasizing a clustering of proteins with immunological functions as well as cardiopathy-related proteins with blood-cell dependent functions and peripheral vascular processes. In addition, we established a reference proteomic fingerprint of 341 proteins commonly detected in all patients. Protein interactome network of this subproteome revealed protein clusters involved in the interaction of fibronectin with 14-3-3 proteins, TGFβ signaling, and TCP complex network. Taken together, our data contributes to the repertoire of the human thrombus proteome, serving as a reference library to increase our knowledge about the molecular basis of thrombus derived from AIS patients, paving the way toward the establishment of a quantitative approach necessary to detect and characterize potential novel biomarkers in the stroke field.
An Overview of Deep Learning Based Methods for Unsupervised and Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection in Videos
Authors: Kiran B. , Thomas Dilip , Parakkal Ranjith
Published: February 2018

Videos represent the primary source of information for surveillance applications. Video material is often available in large quantities but in most cases it contains little or no annotation for supervised learning. This article reviews the state-of-the-art deep learning based methods for video anomaly detection and categorizes them based on the type of model and criteria of detection. We also perform simple studies to understand the different approaches and provide the criteria of evaluation for spatio-temporal anomaly detection.
Structure and Infrared Emissivity Properties of the MAO Coatings Formed on TC4 Alloys in K2ZrF6-Based Solution
Authors: Gao Guangrui , Li Ying , Hu Dan , Xi Zhengping
Published: February 2018

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) ceramic coatings were formed on TC4 alloy surface in silicate and metaphosphate electrolytes based with K2ZrF6 for various concentrations. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the phase composition, microstructure and chemical compositions of the coatings. The infrared emissivity of the coatings was measured at 50 °C in a wavelength range of 8–20 µm. The microstructural observations all revealed the typical porousstructures. Moreover, adecline in roughness and thickness of the prepared coatings can be observed when the concentration of K2ZrF6 increases. Combined with the results of XRD and XPS, it was found that all the oxides existed as the amorphous form in the coatings except the TiO2 phase. The coatings exhibited the highest infrared emissivity value (about 0.89) when the concentration of K2ZrF6 was 6 g/L, which was possibly attributed to the defect microstructure and the optimal role of ZrO2.
Purification and Characterization of a Biofilm-Degradable Dextranase from a Marine Bacterium
Authors: Ren Wei , Cai Ruanhong , Yan Wanli , Lyu Mingsheng , Fang Yaowei , Wang Shujun
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated the ability of a dextranase from a marine bacterium Catenovulum sp. (Cadex) to impede formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms, a primary pathogen of dental caries, one of the most common human infectious diseases. Cadex was purified 29.6-fold and had a specific activity of 2309 U/mg protein and molecular weight of 75 kDa. Cadex showed maximum activity at pH 8.0 and 40 °C and was stable at temperatures under 30 °C and at pH ranging from 5.0 to 11.0. A metal ion and chemical dependency study showed that Mn2+ and Sr2+ exerted positive effects on Cadex, whereas Cu2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ functioned as inhibitors. Several teeth rinsing product reagents, including carboxybenzene, ethanol, sodium fluoride, and xylitol were found to have no effects on Cadex activity. A substrate specificity study showed that Cadex specifically cleaved the α-1,6 glycosidic bond. Thin layer chromatogram and high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the main hydrolysis products were isomaltoogligosaccharides. Crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy showed that Cadex impeded the formation of S. mutans biofilm to some extent. In conclusion, Cadex from a marine bacterium was shown to be an alkaline and cold-adapted endo-type dextranase suitable for development of a novel marine agent for the treatment of dental caries.
Identification, Characteristics and Mechanism of 1-Deoxy-N-acetylglucosamine from Deep-Sea Virgibacillus dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493
Authors: Huang Dian , Shao Zong-Ze , Yu Yi , Cai Min-Min , Zheng Long-Yu , Li Guang-Yu , Yu Zi-Niu , Yi Xian-Feng , Zhang Ji-Bin , Hao Fu-Hua
Published: February 2018

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, which causes rice bacterial blight, is one of the most destructive pathogenic bacteria. Biological control against plant pathogens has recently received increasing interest. 1-Deoxy-N-acetylglucosamine (1-DGlcNAc) was extracted from the supernatant of Virgibacillus dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493 fermentation through antibacterial bioassay-guided isolation. Its structure was elucidated by LC/MS, NMR, chemical synthesis and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. 1-DGlcNAc specifically suppressed X. oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A (MIC was 23.90 μg/mL), but not other common pathogens including Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris str.8004 and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola RS105. However, its diastereomer (2-acetamido-1,5-anhydro-2-deoxy-d-mannitol) also has no activity to X. oryzae pv. oryzae. This result suggested that activity of 1-DGlcNAc was related to the difference in the spatial conformation of the 2-acetamido moiety, which might be attributed to their different interactions with a receptor. Eighty-four unique proteins were found in X. oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A compared with the genome of strains8004 and RS105 by blastp. There may be unique interactions between 1-DGlcNAc and one or more of these unique proteins in X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Quantitative real-time PCR and the pharmMapper server indicated that proteins involved in cell division could be the targets in PXO99A. This research suggested that specificity of active substance was based on the active group and spatial conformation selection, and these unique proteins could help to reveal the specific mechanism of action of 1-DGlcNAc against PXO99A.
Efficacy of Compounds Isolated from the Essential Oil of Artemisia lavandulaefolia in Control of the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zou Kexing , Zhang Wenjuan , Guo Shanshan , Liu Hong , Sun Jiansheng , Li Jigang , Huang Dongye , Wu Yan , Du Shushan , Borjigidai Almaz
Published: February 2018

To develop natural product resources to control cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne), the essential oil from Artemisia lavandulaefolia (Compositae) was investigated. Oil was extracted by hydrodistillation of the above-ground portion of A. lavandulaefolia and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Extracted essential oil and three compounds isolated from the oil were then evaluated in laboratory assays to determine the fumigant, contact, and repellent efficacy against the stored-products’ pest, L. serricorne. The bioactive constituents from the oil extracts were identified as chamazulene (40.4%), 1,8-cineole (16.0%), and β-caryophyllene (11.5%). In the insecticidal activity assay, the adults of L. serricorne were susceptible to fumigant action of the essential oil and 1,8-cineole, with LC50 values of 31.81 and 5.18 mg/L air. The essential oil, 1,8-cineole, chamazulene, and β-caryophyllene exhibited contact toxicity with LD50 values of 13.51, 15.58, 15.18 and 35.52 μg/adult, respectively. During the repellency test, the essential oil and chamazulene had repellency approximating the positive control. The results indicated that chamazulene was abundant in A. lavandulaefolia essential oil and was toxic to cigarette beetles.
Stability of Anthocyanins and Their Degradation Products from Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine under Gastrointestinal pH and Temperature Conditions
Authors: Yang Ping , Yuan Chunlong , Wang Hua , Han Fuliang , Liu Yangjie , Wang Lin , Liu Yang
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the stability of wine anthocyanins under simulated gastrointestinal pH and temperature conditions, and further studied the evolution of anthocyanin degradation products through simulated digestive conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between anthocyanins’ structure and their digestive stability. Results showed that a total of 22 anthocyanins were identified in wine and most of these anthocyanins remained stable under simulated gastric digestion process. However, a dramatic concentration decrease happened to these anthocyanins during simulated intestinal digestion. The stability of anthocyanins in digestive process appeared to be related to their structure. The methoxy group in the B-ring enhanced the stability of anthocyanins, whereas hydroxyl group resulted in a reduction of their stability. Acylation decreased the stability of malvidin 3-O-glucoside. Pyruvic acid conjugation enhanced the structural stability of pyranoanthocyanins, whereas acetaldehyde attachment weakened their stability. A commercial malvidin 3-O-glucoside standard was used to investigate anthocyanin degradation products under simulated digestion process, and syringic acid, protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid were confirmed to be the degradation products via anthocyanin chalcone conversion path. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and p-coumaric acid in wine experienced a significant concentration decrease during digestion process. However, wine model solution revealed that phenolic acids remained stable under gastrointestinal conditions, except gallic acid.
The Band-Gap Modulation of Graphyne Nanoribbons by Edge Quantum Entrapment
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Bo Maolin , Sun Chang , Huang Yongli
Published: February 2018

Using ab initio calculation coupled with the bond-order-length-strength (BOLS) approximation, we investigate the configurations and electronic properties of (α, β)-graphyne nanoribbons (GYNRs) with armchair (AGYNRs) and zigzag (ZGYNRs) edges. Our investigation shows that the armchair-edged β-GYNRs and all α-GYNRs are semiconductors with suitable band-gaps, and that their band-gaps increase as the widths of nanoribbons decrease; on the other hand, zigzag-edged β-GYNRs appear to be zero-band-gap materials. Observation results suggest that (i) atomic undercoordination shortens and stiffens the C–C bond, which contributes to the Hamiltonian and hence widens the band-gap intrinsically; (ii) zigzag-edged β-GYNRs lack a band-gap due to the edge-undercoordinated atoms lacking the energy to open the β-graphyne gap; and (iii) the edge-undercoordination of atoms occurs during charge entrapment.
Lower Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated with Lower Glycemic Index Scores among College Students
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo , Chen Jie , Wirth Michael , Shivappa Nitin , Hebert James
Published: February 2018

The association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), the glycemic index (GI), and the glycemic load (GL) is not known, although it is known that carbohydrates are pro-inflammatory. We aimed to measure the association between the DII and both GI and GL among college students. In this cross-sectional study, 110 college students completed a 3-day food diary, which was used to calculate the DII, the GI, the GL, and the healthy eating index (HEI)-2010. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals of the GI, the GL, and the HEI-2010 were presented per DII tertile using generalized linear mixed models. Participants in tertile 1 of DII scores had lower GI and GL scores, but higher HEI-2010 scores than those in tertile 3. Pearson correlations showed that DII score was positively correlated with the GI score (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), but negatively correlated with the HEI-2010 (r = −0.56, p < 0.001). DII score was not correlated with GL score. Results from this study suggest that increased inflammatory potential of diet, as represented by higher DII scores, was associated with increased GI scores and lower quality of diet on the HEI-2010. Use of the DII suggests new directions for dietary approaches for preventing chronic diseases that moves beyond convention by decreasing systemic inflammation.
Vitamin D-Binding Protein Polymorphisms, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Sunshine and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Langer-Gould Annette , Lucas Robyn , Xiang Anny , Wu Jun , Chen Lie , Gonzales Edlin , Haraszti Samantha , Smith Jessica , Quach Hong , Barcellos Lisa
Published: February 2018

Blacks have different dominant polymorphisms in the vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene that result in higher bioavailable vitamin D than whites. This study tested whether the lack of association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk in blacks and Hispanics is due to differences in these common polymorphisms (rs7041, rs4588). We recruited incident MS cases and controls (blacks 116 cases/131 controls; Hispanics 183/197; whites 247/267) from Kaiser Permanente Southern California. AA is the dominant rs7041 genotype in blacks (70.0%) whereas C is the dominant allele in whites (79.0% AC/CC) and Hispanics (77.1%). Higher 25OHD levels were associated with a lower risk of MS in whites who carried at least one copy of the C allele but not AA carriers. No association was found in Hispanics or blacks regardless of genotype. Higher ultraviolet radiation exposure was associated with a lower risk of MS in blacks (OR = 0.06), Hispanics and whites who carried at least one copy of the C allele but not in others. Racial/ethnic variations in bioavailable vitamin D do not explain the lack of association between 25OHD and MS in blacks and Hispanics. These findings further challenge the biological plausibility of vitamin D deficiency as causal for MS.
Material Implications of Rural Electrification—A Methodological Framework to Assess In-Use Stocks of Off-Grid Solar Products and EEE in Rural Households in Bangladesh
Authors: Batteiger Alexander , Rotter Vera
Published: February 2018

“Universal access to electricity” is proclaimed as the seventh sustainable development goal (SDG 7) of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals list. The achievement of this goal will result in a rapid diffusion of energy technologies that would in turn increase materials stocks, subsequently increase the raw material demand as well as the arising waste flows. This study describes a methodological framework to assess in-use stocks of off-grid solar products and electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) for rural communities in developing countries. The methodology is based on energy-access data. Furthermore, the specifics of the characteristics of off-grid solar products are discussed. The methodology is applied to rural Bangladesh and its solar home system (SHS) program. By the end of 2016, around 4.1 million SHSs were installed. This type of access to electricity has a significant impact on the in-use stocks, as households add the comparatively heavy SHSs to their in-use stocks. In-use stocks of EEE, in general, are low. Off-grid solar products are lighter than standard EEE, and fewer products types are available. These findings will help to better understand material stocks and future waste flows in the given context and will support the adaption of recycling infrastructures.
Lake Chad Total Surface Water Area as Derived from Land Surface Temperature and Radar Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Policelli Frederick , Hubbard Alfred , Jung Hahn , Zaitchik Ben , Ichoku Charles
Published: February 2018

Lake Chad, located in the middle of the African Sahel belt, underwent dramatic decreases in the 1970s and 1980s leaving less than ten percent of its 1960s surface water extent as open water. In this paper, we present an extended record (dry seasons 1988–2016) of the total surface water area of the lake (including both open water and flooded vegetation) derived using Land Surface Temperature (LST) data (dry seasons 2000–2016) from the NASA Terra MODIS sensor and EUMETSAT Meteosat-based LST measurements (dry seasons 1988–2001) from an earlier study. We also examine the total surface water area for Lake Chad using radar data (dry seasons 2015–2016) from the ESA Sentinel-1a mission. For the limited number of radar data sets available to us (18 data sets), we find on average a close match between the estimates from these data and the corresponding estimates from LST, though we find spatial differences in the estimates using the two types of data. We use these spatial differences to adjust the record (dry seasons 2000–2016) from MODIS LST. Then we use the adjusted record to remove the bias of the existing LST record (dry seasons 1988–2001) derived from Meteosat measurements and combine the two records. From this composite, extended record, we plot the total surface water area of the lake for the dry seasons of 1988–1989 through 2016–2017. We find for the dry seasons of 1988–1989 to 2016–2017 that the maximum total surface water area of the lake was approximately 16,800 sq. km (February and May, 2000), the minimum total surface water area of the lake was approximately 6400 sq. km (November, 1990), and the average was approximately 12,700 sq. km. Further, we find the total surface water area of the lake to be highly variable during this period, with an average rate of increase of approximately 143 km2 per year.
Estimation of High Spatial-Resolution Clear-Sky Land Surface-Upwelling Longwave Radiation from VIIRS/S-NPP Data
Authors: Zhou Shugui , Cheng Jie
Published: February 2018

Surface-upwelling longwave radiation (LWUP) is an important component of the surface radiation budget. Under the general framework of the hybrid method, the linear models and the multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) models are developed to estimate the 750 m instantaneous clear-sky LWUP from the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) channels M14, M15, and M16. Comprehensive radiative transfer simulations are conducted to generate a huge amount of representative samples, from which the linear model and the MARS model are derived. The two models developed are validated by the field measurements collected from seven sites in the Surface Radiation Budget Network (SURFRAD). The bias and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the linear models are −4.59 W/m2 and 16.15 W/m2, whereas those of the MARS models are −5.23 W/m2 and 16.38 W/m2, respectively. The linear models are preferable for the production of the operational LWUP product due to its higher computational efficiency and acceptable accuracy. The LWUP estimated by the linear models developed from VIIRS is compared to that retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). They agree well with each other with bias and RMSE of −0.15 W/m2 and 25.24 W/m2 respectively. This is the first time that the hybrid method has been applied to globally estimate clear-sky LWUP from VIIRS data. The good performance of the developed hybrid method and consistency between VIIRS LWUP and MODIS LWUP indicate that the hybrid method is promising for producing the long-term high spatial resolution environmental data record (EDR) of LWUP.
EPIC Spectral Observations of Variability in Earth’s Global Reflectance
Authors: Yang Weidong , Marshak Alexander , Várnai Tamás , Knyazikhin Yuri
Published: February 2018

NASA’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) onboard NOAA’s Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite observes the entire sunlit Earth every 65 to 110 min from the Sun–Earth Lagrangian L1 point. This paper presents initial EPIC shortwave spectral observations of the sunlit Earth reflectance and analyses of its diurnal and seasonal variations. The results show that the reflectance depends mostly on (1) the ratio between land and ocean areas exposed to the Sun and (2) cloud spatial and temporal distributions over the sunlit side of Earth. In particular, the paper shows that (a) diurnal variations of the Earth’s reflectance are determined mostly by periodic changes in the land–ocean fraction of its the sunlit side; (b) the daily reflectance displays clear seasonal variations that are significant even without including the contributions from snow and ice in the polar regions (which can enhance daily mean reflectances by up to 2 to 6% in winter and up to 1 to 4% in summer); (c) the seasonal variations of the sunlit Earth reflectance are mostly determined by the latitudinal distribution of oceanic clouds.
Vertical Displacements Driven by Groundwater Storage Changes in the North China Plain Detected by GPS Observations
Authors: Liu Renli , Zou Rong , Li Jiancheng , Zhang Caihong , Zhao Bin , Zhang Yakun
Published: February 2018

The North China Plain (NCP) has been experiencing the most severe groundwater depletion in China, leading to a broad region of vertical motions of the Earth’s surface. This paper explores the seasonal and linear trend variations of surface vertical displacements caused by the groundwater changes in NCP from 2009 to 2013 using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) techniques. Results show that the peak-to-peak amplitude of GPS-derived annual variation is about 3.7~6.0 mm and is highly correlated (R > 0.6 for most selected GPS stations) with results from GRACE, which would confirm that the vertical displacements of continuous GPS (CGPS) stations are mainly caused by groundwater storage (GWS) changes in NCP, since GWS is the dominant component of total water storage (TWS) anomalies in this area. The linear trends of selected bedrock-located IGS CGPS stations reveal the distinct GWS changes in period of 2009–2010 (decrease) and 2011–2013 (rebound), which are consistent with results from GRACE-derived GWS anomalies and in situ GWS observations. This result implies that the rate of groundwater depletion in NCP has slowed in recent years. The impacts of geological condition (bedrock or sediment) of CGPS stations to their results are also investigated in this study. Contrasted with the slight linear rates (−0.69~1.5 mm/a) of bedrock-located CGPS stations, the linear rates of sediment-located CGPS stations are between −44 mm/a and −17 mm/a. It is due to the opposite vertical displacements induced by the Earth surface’s porous and elastic response to groundwater depletion. Besides, the distinct renewal characteristics of shallow and deep groundwater in NCP are discussed. The GPS-based vertical displacement time series, to some extent, can reflect the quicker recovery of shallow unconfined groundwater than the deep confined groundwater in NCP; through one month earlier to attain the maximum height for CGPS stations nearby shallow groundwater depression cones than those nearby deep groundwater depression cones.
Frequency Response of Graphene Electrolyte-Gated Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Mackin Charles , McVay Elaine , Palacios Tomás
Published: February 2018

This work develops the first frequency-dependent small-signal model for graphene electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EGFETs). Graphene EGFETs are microfabricated to measure intrinsic voltage gain, frequency response, and to develop a frequency-dependent small-signal model. The transfer function of the graphene EGFET small-signal model is found to contain a unique pole due to a resistive element, which stems from electrolyte gating. Intrinsic voltage gain, cutoff frequency, and transition frequency for the microfabricated graphene EGFETs are approximately 3.1 V/V, 1.9 kHz, and 6.9 kHz, respectively. This work marks a critical step in the development of high-speed chemical and biological sensors using graphene EGFETs.
Spatio-Temporal Super-Resolution Reconstruction of Remote-Sensing Images Based on Adaptive Multi-Scale Detail Enhancement
Authors: Zhu Hong , Tang Xinming , Xie Junfeng , Song Weidong , Mo Fan , Gao Xiaoming
Published: February 2018

There are many problems in existing reconstruction-based super-resolution algorithms, such as the lack of texture-feature representation and of high-frequency details. Multi-scale detail enhancement can produce more texture information and high-frequency information. Therefore, super-resolution reconstruction of remote-sensing images based on adaptive multi-scale detail enhancement (AMDE-SR) is proposed in this paper. First, the information entropy of each remote-sensing image is calculated, and the image with the maximum entropy value is regarded as the reference image. Subsequently, spatio-temporal remote-sensing images are processed using phase normalization, which is to reduce the time phase difference of image data and enhance the complementarity of information. The multi-scale image information is then decomposed using the L0 gradient minimization model, and the non-redundant information is processed by difference calculation and expanding non-redundant layers and the redundant layer by the iterative back-projection (IBP) technique. The different-scale non-redundant information is adaptive-weighted and fused using cross-entropy. Finally, a nonlinear texture-detail-enhancement function is built to improve the scope of small details, and the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is used as an iterative constraint. Ultimately, high-resolution remote-sensing images with abundant texture information are obtained by iterative optimization. Real results show an average gain in entropy of up to 0.42 dB for an up-scaling of 2 and a significant promotion gain in enhancement measure evaluation for an up-scaling of 2. The experimental results show that the performance of the AMED-SR method is better than existing super-resolution reconstruction methods in terms of visual and accuracy improvements.
Factors Influencing Farmers’ Adoption of Best Management Practices: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Bruins Randall , Heberling Matthew
Published: February 2018

Best management practices (BMPs) for reducing agricultural non-point source pollution are widely available. However, agriculture remains a major global contributor to degradation of waters because farmers often do not adopt BMPs. To improve water quality, it is necessary to understand the factors that influence BMP adoption by farmers. We review the findings of BMP adoption studies from both developed and developing countries, published after (or otherwise not included in) two major literature reviews from 2007 and 2008. We summarize the study locations, scales, and BMPs studied; the analytical methods used; the factors evaluated; and the directionality of each factor’s influence on BMP adoption. We then present a conceptual framework for BMP adoption decisions that emphasizes the importance of scale, the tailoring or targeting of information and incentives, and the importance of expected farm profits. We suggest that future research directions should focus on study scale, on measuring and modeling of adoption as a continuous process, and on incorporation of social norms and uncertainty into decision-making. More research is needed on uses of social media and market recognition approaches (such as certificate schemes and consumer labeling) to influence BMP adoption.
La migration et le droit
Authors: Guimezanes Nicole
Published: February 2018

Suivant le schéma proposé nous traiterons d’abord des conditions générales de la migration et du séjour, puis des migrations dans une perspective plus large en répondant aux questions posées.
L’enseignement transsystémique du droit en Europe, vers l’enseignement juridique de demain ?
Authors: Bouabdallah Safia
Published: February 2018

L’enseignement du droit en Europe est encore très marqué par une approche nationale des matières étudiées, en dépit d’un contexte d’internationalisation et d’européanisation du droit. Cette approche tranche avec certaines expériences (néerlandaise et luxembourgeoise) qui promeuvent un enseignement transsystémique. Selon cette méthode, il ne s’agit plus de s’intéresser exclusivement aux réponses que donnent le droit positif, mais de se défaire de la tradition juridique nationale pour présenter les grandes questions auxquelles les règles de droit positif répondent. Cette contribution vise à présenter ces projets, à mettre en lumière les points d’achoppement et surtout à cerner les acteurs et les vecteurs de cette transformation de l’enseignement du droit.
La réforme du droit mauricien des sûretés
Authors: Piette Gaël , Georgijevic Goran
Published: February 2018

La Law Reform Commission de la République de Maurice a élaboré en octobre 2013 un avant-projet de réforme du droit des sûretés, rendu nécessaire par le fait que ce dernier n’avait plus connu de réforme d’ampleur depuis 1983. Cet avant-projet, qui s’inspire du droit français, vise à moderniser le droit mauricien des sûretés, au travers de la reconnaissance dans le Code civil ou de la généralisation d’un certain nombre de mécanismes : garantie autonome, lettre d’intention, droit de rétention, hypothèque rechargeable, pacte commissoire, antichrèse ou encore gage sans déplacement. L’avant-projet s’attache toutefois à assurer une certaine protection aux garants et aux constituants. Pour ce faire, la Law Reform Commission s’est inspirée des règles françaises protectrices de la caution, mais s’est affranchie du droit français, en refusant certains mécanismes récemment admis, tels que le prêt viager hypothécaire ou le pacte commissoire en matière hypothécaire.
Environmental Dependence of Type Ia Supernova Luminosities from a Sample without a Local–Global Difference in Host Star Formation
Authors: Kim Young-Lo , Smith Mathew , Sullivan Mark , Lee Young-Wook
Published: February 2018

It is established that there is a dependence of the luminosity of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) on environment: SNe Ia in young, star-forming, metal-poor stellar populations appear fainter after light-curve shape corrections than those in older, passive, metal-rich environments. This is accounted for in cosmological studies using a global property of the SN host galaxy, typically the host galaxy stellar mass. However, recent low-redshift studies suggest that this effect manifests itself most strongly when using the local star formation rate (SFR) at the SN location, rather than the global SFR or the stellar mass of the host galaxy. At high-redshift, such local SFRs are difficult to determine; here, we show that an equivalent local correction can be made by restricting the SN Ia sample in globally star-forming host galaxies to a low-mass host galaxy subset (≤1010
M
☉). Comparing this sample of SNe Ia (in locally star-forming environments) to those in locally passive host galaxies, we find that SNe Ia in locally star-forming environments are 0.081 ± 0.018 mag fainter (4.5σ), consistent with the result reported by Rigault et al., but our conclusion is based on a sample ∼5 times larger over a wider redshift range. This is a larger difference than when splitting the SN Ia sample based on global host galaxy SFR or host galaxy stellar mass. This method can be used in ongoing and future high-redshift SN surveys, where local SN Ia environments are difficult to determine.
Frequencies of Flare Occurrence: Interaction between Convection and Coronal Loops
Authors: Mullan D. J. , Paudel R. R.
Published: February 2018

Observations of solar and stellar flares have revealed the presence of power-law dependences between the flare energy and the time interval between flares. Various models have been proposed to explain these dependences and the numerical value of the power-law indices. Here, we propose a model in which convective flows in granules force the footpoints of coronal magnetic loops, which are frozen-in to photospheric gas, to undergo a random walk. In certain conditions, this can lead to a twist in the loop, which drives the loop unstable if the twist exceeds a critical value. The possibility that a solar flare is caused by such a twist-induced instability in a loop has been in the literature for decades. Here, we quantify the process in an approximate way with a view to replicating the power-law index. We find that, for relatively small flares, the random walk twisting model leads to a rather steep power-law slope that agrees very well with the index derived from a sample of 56,000+ solar X-ray flares reported by the GOES satellites. For relatively large flares, we find that the slope of the power law is shallower. The empirical power-law slopes reported for flare stars also have a range that overlaps with the slopes obtained here. We suggest that in the coolest stars, a significant change in slope should occur when the frozen-flux assumption breaks down due to low electrical conductivity.
Caracterização física e química de biscoito salgado enriquecido com farinha de resíduos do processamento da cenoura e especiarias
Authors: Santos Any-Kely , Rodrigues Erika , Hernandes Thais , Oliveira Adriana Paiva de
Published: February 2018

O trabalho objetivou a caracterização físico-química de biscoitos aromatizados com especiarias e enriquecidos com farinha da casca e do talo da cenoura (FCTC). Os biscoitos foram elaborados por meio da substituição parcial da farinha de trigo por FCTC na proporção de 5%. Para o biscoito referência sem a adição de FCTC (F1) e os enriquecidos (F2) foram determinados os parâmetros físicos (peso, volume, densidade, fator de expansão, atividade de água e força de cisalhamento), químicos (pH, acidez total e carotenóides) e  composição centesimal (umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídios e carboidratos totais). Para os parâmetros físicos, apenas a densidade apresentou diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre as formulações. Nas determinações químicas, a F2 apresentou pH inferior (6,09) a F1 (6,36) e, para acidez titulável a F2 apresentou maior valor (6,39%) do que a F1(4,49%). Os teores de cinzas, umidade e proteínas em F2 (3,13, 5,91, 9,81%) e F1 (2,30, 6,81, 10,91%) apresentaram diferenças significativas (p ; 0,05) entre si. O teor de carboidratos totais em F2 (70,02%) foi maior do que em F1 (67,49%). As diferenças entre os resultados obtidos na caracterização física e química das formulações podem ser atribuídas a adição da FCTC. As concentrações de β e α carotenos em F2 foram de 510 e 603 µg/100g, respectivamente, indicando a presença de substâncias bioativas oriundas da adição FCTC. Neste contexto, os resultados sugerem que o uso de resíduos de vegetais pode contribuir na redução do desperdício de alimentos e enriquecimento nutricional de alimentos prontos para consumo como os biscoitos.