bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decentralized 3D Collision Avoidance for Multiple UAVs in Outdoor Environments
Authors: Ferrera Eduardo , Alcántara Alfonso , Capitán Jesús , Castaño Angel R. , Marrón Pedro J. , Ollero Aníbal
Published: November 2018

The use of multiple aerial vehicles for autonomous missions is turning into commonplace. In many of these applications, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have to cooperate and navigate in a shared airspace, becoming 3D collision avoidance a relevant issue. Outdoor scenarios impose additional challenges: (i) accurate positioning systems are costly; (ii) communication can be unreliable or delayed; and (iii) external conditions like wind gusts affect UAVs’ maneuverability. In this paper, we present 3D-SWAP, a decentralized algorithm for 3D collision avoidance with multiple UAVs. 3D-SWAP operates reactively without high computational requirements and allows UAVs to integrate measurements from their local sensors with positions of other teammates within communication range. We tested 3D-SWAP with our team of custom-designed UAVs. First, we used a Software-In-The-Loop simulator for system integration and evaluation. Second, we run field experiments with up to three UAVs in an outdoor scenario with uncontrolled conditions (i.e., noisy positioning systems, wind gusts, etc). We report our results and our procedures for this field experimentation.
Structural Health Monitoring of a Prestressed Concrete Bridge Based on Statistical Pattern Recognition of Continuous Dynamic Measurements over 14 years
Authors: Hu Wei-Hua , Tang De-Hui , Teng Jun , Said Samir , Rohrmann Rolf. G.
Published: November 2018

This work describes a vibration-based structural health monitoring of a prestressed-concrete box girder bridge on the A100 Highway in Berlin by applying statistical pattern recognition technique to a huge amount of data continuously collected by an integrated monitoring system during the period from 2000 to 2013. Firstly, the general condition and potential damage of the bridge is described. Then, the dynamic properties are extracted from 20 velocity sensors. Environmental variability captured by five thermal transducers and traffic intensity approximately estimated by strain measurements are also reported. Nonlinear influences of temperature on natural frequencies are observed. Subsequently, the measurements during the first year are used to build a baseline health index. The multiple linear regression (MLR) method is used to characterize the nonlinear relationship between natural frequencies and temperatures. The Euclidean distance of the residual errors is calculated to build a statistical health index. Finally, the indices extracted from the following years gradually deviate; which may indicate structural deterioration due to loss of prestress in the prestressed tendons.
Considering Emission Treatment for Energy-Efficiency Improvement and Air Pollution Reduction in China’s Industrial Sector
Authors: Teng Xiangyu , Lu Liang Chun , Chiu Yung-ho
Published: November 2018

China has one of the most serious air quality conditions in the world, with the main energy consumption and air pollution emissions coming from its industrial sector. Since 2010, the Chinese government has strengthened the governance requirements for industrial sector emissions. This study uses emission treatment as a new input on the basis of past literature, and employs the dynamic SBM model to evaluate the energy and emission-reduction efficiencies of the country’s industrial sector from 2011 to 2015. The study finds that the improvement in industrial sector efficiency is not only due to the optimization of the energy consumption structure and reduction of energy intensity, but also from investing inemission treatment methods that help cut emissions as an undesirable output. The end result is a positive effect on the improvement and sustainability of energy and emission-reduction efficiencies.
SU(2) Quantum Yang–Mills Thermodynamics: Some Theory and Some Applications
Authors: Hofmann Ralf
Published: November 2018

In the first part of this talk, we review some prerequisites for and essential arguments involved in the construction of the thermal-ground-state estimate underlying the deconfining phase in the thermodynamics of SU(2) Quantum Yang–Mills theory and how this structure supports its distinct excitations. The second part applies deconfining SU(2) Yang–Mills thermodynamics to the Cosmic Microwave Background in view of (i) a modified temperature-redshift relation with an interesting link to correlation-length criticality in the 3D Ising model, (ii) the implied minimal changes in the dark sector of the cosmological model, and (iii) best-fit parameter values of this model when confronted with the spectra of the angular two-point functions temperature-temperature (TT), temperature-E-mode-polarisation (TE), E-mode-polarisation-E-mode-polarisation (EE), excluding the low-l physics. The latter, which so far is treated in an incomplete way due to the omission of radiative effects, is addressed in passing.
Length-based estimates of growth parameters and mortality rates of fish populations from a coastal zone in the Southeastern Brazil
Authors: da Costa Marcus Rodrigues , Tubino Rafael de Almeida , Monteiro-Neto Cassiano
Published: November 2018

Small-scale fisheries in Brazil contribute to a significant share of total fish production, accessing a large variety of species. Life history parameters from these resources are important for their management and conservation, based on primary data. The objective of this article is to generate growth parameters and mortality rates of ten fish populations from a coastal zone in Southeastern Brazil. Monthly samples were taken between January 2011 and November 2014 from landings of the beach-seine fishery in an area adjacent to the entrance of the Guanabara Bay. All fishes were measured (total length) and weighed. The length-weight relationships (LWR) were estimated by linear regression analysis on log-transformed data of the equation: W = aLb. The Von Bertalanffy Growth Function (VBGF) was fitted to size-at-age data to obtain growth parameters (K, L∞). The length-converted catch curve was used for estimating the instantaneous total mortality (Z). Taylor’s equations provided an independent estimate of the natural mortality (M) and longevity. The difference between Z and M derived Fishing mortality (F). A total of 2,938 individuals from ten fish species were used to determine the length-weight relationships. Harengulaclupeola (Cuvier, 1829) has a new maximum length record for the FishBase LWR database. Sardinellabrasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879) presented the smallest and largest size recorded for LWR observed in the literature and FishBase database. Upeneusparvus showed the greatest total length, while Trichiuruslepturus Linnaeus, 1758, Orthopristisruber (Cuvier, 1830) and Dactylopterusvolitans (Linnaeus, 1758) presented the smallest sizes for LWR in FishBase. The other species showed parameters within the expected values for each group. The performance index combining information from K and L∞ presented values between 2.32 and 3.76 and were considered appropriate for the populations evaluated. Fishing was the primary source of mortality for Caranxcrysos (Mitchill, 1815), Eucinostomusargenteus Baird & Girard, 1855, S.brasiliensis and U.parvus, and less important for Cynoscionjamaicensis (Vaillant & Bocourt, 1883), D.volitans, O.ruber, Selenesetapinnis (Mitchill, 1815), T.lepturus and H.clupeola. The parameters generated may be used for the management and conservation of the species’ stocks.
Le patrimoine pénitentiaire dans le musée d’Histoire de la justice de Criminocorpus (2007-2017)
Authors: Renneville Marc , Victorien Sophie , Sanchez Jean-Lucien
Published: November 2018

Cet article présente l’action conduite par le site Criminocorpus en matière de sauvegarde du patrimoine pénitentiaire. Devenu depuis 2016 le premier musée numérique dédié à l’histoire de la justice, la question du patrimoine pénitentiaire y est bien représentée à travers différents contenus proposés dans le musée, la revue et le carnet de recherche de Criminocorpus. Face à sa fragilité et au regard de l’urgence de la situation de ce patrimoine, Criminocorpus a œuvré pour sa préservation et sa conservation en élaborant des outils originaux (visites virtuelles d’établissements pénitentiaires, expositions virtuelles, projet collaboratif « HUGO. Patrimoine des lieux de justice », etc.).
La police au musée : une perspective comparative
Authors: Ricordeau Gwenola , Bugnon Fanny
Published: November 2018

Peu nombreux et relativement confidentiels en France, les musées de la police ne sont pas rares à l’échelle mondiale. Ils sont pourtant quasi-absents des recherches tant sur la police que sur les musées. À partir de l’étude de quatorze musées de ce type dans sept pays différents, dans lesquels les auteures ont mené des observations in situ , cet article reconstitue les trois vagues historiques au cours desquelles ils sont apparus depuis la fin du XIX e siècle. Par ailleurs, à partir d’une réflexion sur les collections exposées et la muséographie, les auteures questionnent la demande sociale à laquelle ces musées répondent, qu’ils soient accessibles au public ou réservés aux policiers, et interrogent les formes de patrimonialisation du travail policier.
D’une innovation en réponse à un besoin interne à la conquête d’un marché en émergence
Authors: Bernard Bruno
Published: November 2018

Michelin s’est initié très tôt à la fabrication additive métallique et a ainsi pris une avance déterminante sur ses concurrents. Au travers d’AddUp, société créée avec Fives, le Groupe entend investir ce marché au développement rapide et aux défis nombreux.
Du pari audacieux au passage à l’échelle : Renault pionnier du véhicule électrique, un vrai avantage compétitif ?
Authors: Feunteun Éric
Published: November 2018

En 2009, le lancement du programme Véhicule électrique de Renault pouvait sembler un pari hasardeux. Aujourd’hui, le bien-fondé de cette stratégie se confirme et le first mover amorce un nouveau virage, celui de la montée rapide en volume...
Saint-Malo et le Canada au xvie siècle : la puissance et l’oubli
Authors: Guillorel Éva
Published: November 2018

Saint-Malo entretient une relation complexe avec le
Canada au cours du long xvie siècle. La figure de Jacques Cartier, aujourd’hui
immédiatement associée à l’exploration et à la colonisation de
l’Amérique française, n’est aucunement emblématique des choix
privilégiés par cette ville. En effet, les marchands concentrent leurs
activités sur la pêche saisonnière ou la traite de fourrures mais
s’opposent aux projets de colonisation permanente sur le continent,
bien que plusieurs Malouins aient joué un rôle déterminant dans
l’établissement des premiers colons français en Amérique. Dans les
mémoires collectives, Jacques Cartier lui-même fut longtemps oublié :
ce n’est qu’à partir du xixe siècle qu’il fait l’objet d’une réappropriation
historique et patrimoniale en tant que « découvreur du Canada », même
si son image est partiellement éclipsée par celle d’autres « grands
hommes » malouins associés à la représentation d’une cité corsaire au
cœur de la construction identitaire malouine actuelle.
New Evidence on the Origin of the Hikayat Muhammad Hanafiyyah
Authors: Daneshgar Majid
Published: November 2018

Many scholars have studied the contribution of the Hikayat Muhammad Hanafiyyah to Malay Islamic literature. Some of them, including Van Ronkel, Winstedt, Braginsky, and, especially, Brakel, have paid particular attention to the structure and content of the story. These scholars have all suggested that this hikayat was copied from an unidentified Persian manuscript and that the Malay version includes some sections not found in the Persian one. In this study, several manuscript copies of a Persian text, preserved in various libraries around the world, are examined in order to investigate whether this text could be the original source of the Malay version of the Hikayat Muhammad Hanafiyyah. In order to follow up on and test some previous scholarly conclusions, this study highlights the similarities and differences between both the content and the structure of the Malay and Persian versions on the basis of Brakel’s edition of the text.
Impediments in Healthcare Digital Transformation
Authors: Furda Robert , Gregus Michal
Published: November 2018

This article is addressing the specific impediments that appear in the process of healthcare digital transformation. Enterprise architecture provides the framework for investigating the behavioral and active structural aspects that apply to business and application layers. This includes an analysis of, including inherent relationship between, selected scopes such as strategy, business, and education to standard elements such as process, service, and function of an application. The presented classification and assignment of individual impediments indicate to healthcare managers where they may potentially struggle during different stages of digital transformation. Among others, they facilitate strategic planning and managerial decisions during implementation of the emerging information technologies and techniques. In addition, the idea is to contribute to the successful implementation of healthcare digital transformation, thereby delivering business value within healthcare sector, and consequently to a better quality of life.
The Challenges of the IS/IT Projects in the Healthcare Sector
Authors: Gomes Jorge , Romão Mário
Published: November 2018

Essentially, the purpose of investment in information systems and information technology (IS/IT) is to improve the operational efficiency of the organizations, reducing costs and improving levels of quality. Thus, many traditional appraisal techniques are used to evaluate tangible benefits, which are based on direct project costs. Since the 1980s, IS/IT has positioned itself as a strategic tool that through flexibility and innovative ways can produce superior performance. The health sector has sought to improve its effectiveness and efficiency by adopting IS/IT solutions to increase the quality of services, namely patient safety, organizational efficiency, and end-user satisfaction. Hospitals are complex organizations, and this complexity magnifies the opportunity for inevitable human errors. A poorly integrated system can decrease operational efficiency and reduce the quality of healthcare services. The issue remains controversial, as evidenced by several articles. The authors noticed that emergent technologies may offer opportunities to those who can exploit them effectively.
Analysis of a Training Package for Law Enforcement to Conduct Open Source Research
Authors: Williams Joseph , Humphries Georgina
Published: November 2018

Law enforcement officials (LEOs) in the UK conduct open source research (OSR) as part of their routine online investigations. OSR, in this instance, refers to publicly available information that is accessed via the Internet. As part of the research, identifying and tracing the electronic suspect (RITES) course provided by the UK's College of Policing, LEOs are introduced to the open source internet research tool (OSIRT); a free software tool designed to assist LEOs with OSR investigations. This article draws on analyses from questionnaires and observations from a RITES course; mapping them to Kirkpatrick's evaluation model. Results showed the positive impact the RITES course had in transferring knowledge back on-the-job, with LEOs applying knowledge learned to real-life investigative scenarios. Additionally, results showed OSIRT integrated both in the RITES course and into the LEOs investigative routine.
A Mutation Operator-Based Scenario for Evaluating Software Clone Detection Tools and Techniques
Authors: Gautam Pratiksha , Saini Hemraj
Published: November 2018

Over the past few years, several software clone detection tools and techniques have been introduced by numerous researchers. The software clone detection techniques and tools are based on their numerous attributes and sub-attributes which make them difficult to complete a comparative study. Therefore, the authors propose a mutation operator-based editing taxonomy for generating different software clone types. In addition, a hypothetical scenario is developed using mutation operator-based editing taxonomy and this hypothetical scenario is used to evaluate various software clone detection techniques and tools. Further, the existing evaluation criterion is extended by the hypothetical scenario which is clearly represented by the analysis of results.
Introducing ITIL Framework in Small Enterprises
Authors: Abir El Yamami  , Khalifa Mansouri  , Mohammed Qbadou  , El Hossein Illoussamen
Published: November 2018

Given the critical consequences that IT can have on the survival of SMEs in a competitive environment, ITSM practices have becoming a necessity for SMEs that must be investigated. ITIL is criticized as being appropriate for large enterprises and less for SMEs. Thus, it calls for tailoring this framework while taking into consideration the specific realities of small companies. In this context, this article provides a practical tool formally developed according to the design science research approach, and it addresses an area of relevance to both practitioners and academics and suggests solutions that can help managers to personalize IT service practices to suit the characteristics of small scale enterprises. Results show that the flexible nature of the proposed framework has enabled to overcome the main difficulties of ITIL components implementation in small scale environments. It is found that the integrated use of balanced scorecard perspectives and ITIL practices can help SMEs to better implement ITIL components, achieving in that way a better alignment between the business and the IT.
The Role of Self-Confidence in the Criteria of Aesthetic Labour Recruitment
Authors: Tsai Chien-Wen
Published: November 2018

The international tourist hotel industry that focuses on quality of the “tangible” service is a typical high-contact service. Many studies raised the importance of recruitment criteria for aesthetic labour. To survive in the recent competitive work environment, many hoteliers enhance their competitiveness in the process of service employee selection and emphasize the importance of physical attractiveness. However, it is “self-confidence” to be the basic reason for employees to perform their attractive manner and professional jobs. This study uses self-confidence as a moderator which is rare relevant empirical evidence to confirm the relationships between physical attractiveness, professional competence and service attitude. The results show that confidence of the service personnel, physical attractiveness and professional competence have positive significant correlation relationships with service attitude. Service personnel's “self-confidence” is the most important variable towards service attitude. The study borrows selection and training functions of human resource management to integrate the knowledge of psychology, marketing management to expand the theory.
Detecting Users' Dietary Preferences and Their Evolutions via Chinese Social Media
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Chengzhi
Published: November 2018

Dietary preferences are linked to human life and region culture. With the rapid development of the Internet, people are becoming frequently interested in sharing their opinions about dietary in social media. This article aims to mine social media users' dietary preferences and their evolutions with user generated content. The authors use microblogs from weibo.com to detect dietary preferences and their evolutions of social media users in China via sentiment analysis. First, the authors compare four aspect extraction methods to obtain dietary aspects. Second, sentiment polarities of aspects and dishes are identified. Finally, dietary preference evolutions are analyzed. Empirical analysis shows that social media users in weibo are not satisfied with status quo of a Chinese diet. Meanwhile, gender and region have significant effects on dietary preferences, and users' dietary preferences change over time. In addition, experimental results show that contextual information is useful in extracting dietary aspects.
SALUTO DEL PRESIDENTE DELLâ€™ISTITUTO LOMBARDO
Authors: Beretta Silvio
Published: November 2018

Non disponibile.
Voorbeelde van die ontwikkeling van geloofsgemeenskappe in verskillende tekste en kontekste: Vanaf die Ou Testament en die Nuwe Testament tot vandag
Authors: Geyser-Fouche Ananda , Fourie Carli
Published: November 2018

In this study, the development of faith communities is investigated in different texts and contexts. The socio-religious understanding of various communities, from the time of the Old Testament, to today, has the potential to provide an understanding of ecclesiology and perceptions about what ‘church’ entails. In this study it is not suggested that there is one ideal faith community, nor can the approach of one faith community be adopted by another community. Every community exists within a certain socio-historical context and must be understood as functioning within that framework. Yet it is possible to learn from history by reinterpreting key elements in new contexts.
A cross-sectional study of depression among women attending antenatal clinics in Blantyre district, Malawi
Authors: Chorwe-Sungani Genesis , Chipps Jennifer
Published: November 2018

Background: Pregnancy is a period associated with major psychological and social changes in the life of a woman and can be associated with anxiety and depression.Aim: To describe demographic, clinical and risk profile of antenatal depression among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Blantyre district, Malawi.Setting: The study was conducted in eight antenatal clinics in Blantyre district, Malawi.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 480 randomly selected pregnant women attending antenatal clinics was conducted. Prevalence was determined using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) which was validated against a sub-sample using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The risk factors of depression were assessed using the Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression.Results: Prevalence of antenatal depression using the EPDS was 19% (95% CI 15.5% – 22.5%, n = 91) and was comparable to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (25.8% [95% CI = 17.5–34], n = 25). The key risk factors that predicted antenatal depression were: ‘being distressed by anxiety or depression for more than 2 weeks during this pregnancy’ (OR = 4.1 [2.1–7.9], p≤ 0.001); ‘feeling that a relationship with partner is not an emotionally supportive one’ (OR = 3.5 [1.4–8.4], p = 0.01); ‘having major stresses, changes or losses in the course of this pregnancy’ (OR = 3.2 [1.7–6.2], p = 0.01); ‘feeling that father was critical of her when growing up’ (OR = 3.2 [1.4–7.6], p = 0.01); and ‘having history of feeling miserable or depressed for ≥2 weeks before this pregnancy’ (OR = 2.4 [1.3–4.4], p = 0.01).Conclusion: This study confirmed the high-prevalence rate of depression in this group and illustrated that antenatal depression was associated with being distressed by anxiety or depression; support from partner; major stresses during pregnancy; and history of feeling miserable or depressed before pregnancy. This study also found a history of poor relationship between pregnant women and their fathers during childhood.
Impacts of a large flood along a mountain river basin: the importance of channel widening and estimating the large wood budget in the upper Emme River (Switzerland)
Authors: Ruiz-Villanueva Virginia , Badoux Alexandre , Rickenmann Dieter , Böckli Martin , Schläfli Salome , Steeb Nicolas , Stoffel Markus , Rickli Christian
Published: November 2018

Abstract. On 24 July 2014, an exceptionally large flood (recurrence interval ca.
150 years) caused large-scale inundations, severe overbank sedimentation, and
damage to infrastructure and buildings along the Emme River (central
Switzerland). Widespread lateral bank erosion occurred along the river,
thereby entraining sediment and large wood (LW) from alluvial forest stands.
This work analyzes the catchment response to the flood in terms of channel
widening and LW recruitment and deposition, but also identifies the factors
controlling these processes. We found that hydraulic forces (e.g., stream
power index) or geomorphic variables (e.g., channel width, gradient, valley
confinement), if considered alone, are not sufficient to explain the flood
response. Instead, the spatial variability of channel widening was first driven
by precipitation and secondly by geomorphic variables (e.g., channel width,
gradient, confinement, and forest length). LW recruitment was mainly caused by
channel widening (lateral bank erosion) and thus indirectly driven by
precipitation. In contrast, LW deposition was controlled by channel
morphology (mainly channel gradient and width). However, we also observed
that extending the analysis to the whole upper catchment of the Emme River by
including all the tributaries and not only to the most affected zones
resulted in a different set of significant explanatory or correlated
variables. Our findings highlight the need to continue documenting and
analyzing channel widening after floods at different locations and scales for
a better process understanding. The identification of controlling factors can
also contribute to the identification of critical reaches, which in turn is
crucial for the forecasting and design of sound river basin management
strategies.
What Is the Use of the Colonial Model (or, Better Yet, the Concept of Coloniality) for Studying Appalachia?
Authors: Stump Jacob L.
Published: November 2018

This article engages a recent Journal of Appalachian Studies roundtable (Volume 22, Number 1), organized by Steve Fisher and Barbara Ellen Smith, that critiqued the colonial model. My basic argument is that the colonial model has critical value because it offers a well-established orientation, framework, and line of argument to counter the culture of poverty thesis, which was recently re-popularized in J. D. Vance’s memoir Hillbilly Elegy. My argument centers on three main points. First, I concur that the internal colony model warrants scholarly and activist reconsideration. But, in contrast to the majority of the forum voices, I argue that the idea of coloniality is imminently relevant to understanding and acting in the global political economy in which Appalachia is situated. Second, I locate Appalachia in the global political economy. The important and often overlooked point that I make is the global political economy, its historical emergence, and present-day practice are already implicated in Anglo-European colonial relationships. Third, I reconsider the way that colonialism is conceptualized, moving away from colonialism as attributes and toward colonialism as relationships between colonizer and colonized.
The Feasibility of Septic Systems for Households in Poverty in Lee County, Virginia
Authors: Verrecchia Jackie
Published: November 2018

Many households in Lee County, Virginia, sit on plots of land that are too small for septic systems, where the soil is inadequate, or where the household simply cannot afford a septic system. Households in Lee County that are unable to afford the installation of conventional or alternative septic systems resort to straight-piping raw sewage into local waterways or distant locations in their yards. The implications of straight-piping are significant stressors to human health and the environment. In order to install legal septic systems, households must go through an array of bureaucratic and expensive steps that households in poverty cannot afford. This paper will analyze and critique the legal methods of installing septic systems and determine if households living in poverty can realistically implement septic systems. This case study of Lee County will bring to light the geographic, financial, and legal issues associated with sewage treatment in rural America for households in poverty.
Paying Close Attention to Women Inside Militaries
Authors: Enloe Cynthia
Published: November 2018

REPRINTGlobalization and Militarism: Feminists Make the Link,2nd ed., p. 77-98. Copyright © 2016Used by permission of Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group.All rights reserved.
La création d’un partenariat
Authors: Bellemare Denis , Morgado Dias Lopes Paula
Published: November 2018

Cet article est le fruit de la rencontre de deux chercheurs, issus de formations distinctes, l’une en anthropologie, l’autre en cinéma, et de leurs réflexions sur le développement d’un partenariat de recherche avec des communautés autochtones du Brésil et du Canada. Leur principal objectif est de nourrir un dialogue toujours en processus sur leur travail de collaboration en termes d’approches participatives. Leurs objectifs, souvent communs, témoignent aussi de la différence de leurs approches, d’où l’importance de la dimension comparative engagée tout au long de cet article. La création, ici en cinéma, se veut un outil de transmission culturelle où les membres des communautés autochtones sont les acteurs et auteurs de leurs produits de diffusion.
Towards predictive biophysical and mechanistic models for disease-causing protein variants
Authors: Stein Amelie , Fowler Douglas M , Hartmann-Petersen Rasmus , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: November 2018

The rapid decrease in DNA sequencing cost is revolutionizing medicine and science. In medicine, genome sequencing has revealed millions of missense variants that change protein sequences, yet we only understand the molecular and phenotypic consequences of a small fraction. Within protein science, high-throughput deep mutational scanning experiments enable us to probe thousands of mutations in a single, multiplexed experiment. We review efforts that bring together these topics via experimental and computational approaches to determine the consequences of missense mutations in proteins. We focus on the role of changes in protein stability as a driver for disease, and how experiments, biophysical models and computation are together providing a framework for understanding and predicting how mutations affect cellular protein stability.
Multifunctional Coatings and Nanotopographies: Toward Cell Instructive and Antibacterial Implants
Authors: Mas‐Moruno Carlos , Su Bo , Dalby Matthew J.
Published: November 2018

In biomaterials science, it is nowadays well accepted that improving the biointegration of dental and orthopedic implants with surrounding tissues is a major goal. However, implant surfaces that support osteointegration may also favor colonization of bacterial cells. Infection of biomaterials and subsequent biofilm formation can have devastating effects and reduce patient quality of life, representing an emerging concern in healthcare. Conversely, efforts toward inhibiting bacterial colonization may impair biomaterial–tissue integration. Therefore, to improve the long‐term success of medical implants, biomaterial surfaces should ideally discourage the attachment of bacteria without affecting eukaryotic cell functions. However, most current strategies seldom investigate a combined goal. This work reviews recent strategies of surface modification to simultaneously address implant biointegration while mitigating bacterial infections. To this end, two emerging solutions are considered, multifunctional chemical coatings and nanotopographical features.
Ultra‐Lightweight and Flexible Current Collector Based on Freestanding Carbon Nanotube Sheets for Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Jun Jong Han , Song Hyeonjun , Jeong Youngjin
Published: November 2018

A new and simple strategy for the fabrication of an ultra‐lightweight and flexible current collector based on freestanding carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets for lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) with excellent electrochemical performance is reported. A novel lightweight current collector is fabricated using CNT sheets (≈0.05 mg cm−2) which are prepared by a direct spinning method. LICs are assembled using prelithiated graphite/CNT sheets as anodes, and activated carbon/CNT sheets as cathodes. The electrochemical performances of anode and cathode are investigated through coin‐type half‐cell tests, demonstrating the high discharge capacities of about 350 and 40 mAh g−1, respectively. These discharge capacities based on the total mass of electrode exhibit about 73% and 75% of capacities based on the mass of active materials. However, in the case of fabricating metallic current collector electrode, discharge capacities are reduced to about 6.5% and 20%, respectively. LICs demonstrate the maximum energy density of ≈26.4 Wh kg−1 and the maximum power density of ≈672 W kg−1, showing comparable energy and power densities when values are evaluated on the basis of the total mass of electrode. These features make the collector a potential candidate for the energy storage systems, which require large‐scale and lightweight power sources.
Bio‐Inspired Non‐Bactericidal Coating Used for Antibiofouling
Authors: Bing Wei , Tian Limei , Wang Yangjun , Jin Huichao , Ren Luquan , Dong Shiyun
Published: November 2018

Inspired by the antifouling properties of soft coral surface, the antifouling film of graphene‐silicone elastomers (GSE) composite materials are prepared and modified with a tentacle structure (TS‐GSE). This antifouling coating has an adjusted elastic modulus, originally low surface energy, and strong electronegativity, and all these physical properties are a benefit to antifouling. The nonbactericidal film of TS‐GSE can expel bacteria through physical interaction, and it is more effective than bactericidal coatings. Moreover, the elasticity deformation of SE is modeled by the standard k‐ε turbulence model. Results indicate this elastic material has a harmonic motion effect through deformation under the fluid flow, and the response frequency is about 10 Hz. The harmonic motion effect makes the elastic surface unstable and provide a foul release basis. Bacteria attachment is tested under both static conditions and dynamic conditions, and results show that the antiadhesion coating of TS‐GSE showed strong antiadhesion activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. This work should not only enhance understanding of elastomers‐based antifouling materials but also facilitate the design and construction of other types of nontoxic foul‐release materials.
Control of Resistive Switching Voltage by Nanoparticle‐Decorated Wrinkle Interface
Authors: Mao Huiwu , Zhou Zhe , Wang Xiangjing , Ban Chaoyi , Ding Yamei , Sun Tao , Yin Yuhang , Liu Zhengdong , Liu Juqing , Huang Wei
Published: November 2018

Control of resistive switching voltage in nonvolatile memory devices plays a critical role in building commercial ultra‐low power data storage technology. Here, an effective strategy to control the resistive switching voltage in polymer memory devices by interfacial engineering is presented. By creating a wrinkled surface in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film as the conductive electrode, an electrical bistable phenomenon is observed in polymer diode with this rGO electrode, with the feature of a write‐once‐read‐many‐times nonvolatile memory effect. By further employing silver nanoparticles and controlling their density at the wrinkled rGO electrode/polymer interface, the optimized device exhibits a high performance nonvolatile memory effect with an ultra‐low switching voltage of 0.9 V, high ON/OFF ratio of 1000, and desirable long retention time over 104 s. To the best knowledge, the value of switching voltage is much lower than that of previous related polymer memory devices. This study paves a new way toward ultra‐low power manufacturing of nonvolatile polymer memory devices.
The decline of U.S. export competitiveness in the Chinese meat import market
Authors: Hejazi Mina , Marchant Mary A. , Zhu Jue , Ning Xin
Published: November 2018

China has been the number one destination for U.S. agricultural exports in four of the past six years, and the U.S. has been China's leading import supplier. China's trade policies significantly impact U.S. farmers and agribusinesses and vice‐versa as seen from the recent U.S.–China trade dispute. In 2015, China began initiating a trade diversification strategy to increase trade with nations other than the United States. This research investigates the impacts of China's expanding global meat suppliers on its meat import demand, as well as on the relative competitiveness of U.S. meat exporters to China. Our meat import demand model is unique, in which it uses a restricted source‐differentiated almost ideal demand system that accounts for differentiation by source country and across meat products. Although the U.S. was the dominant source for China's meat imports previously, price and expenditure elasticities suggest that suppliers such as Australia, Brazil, the EU, Uruguay, and Argentina have the largest potential for China's meat market.
Templated PISA: Driving Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly towards Fibre Morphology
Authors: Mellot Gaëlle , Guigner Jean‐Michel , Bouteiller Laurent , Stoffelbach François , Rieger Jutta
Published: November 2018

Dispersions of block copolymer fibres in water have many potential applications and can be obtained by polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA), but only under very restricted experimental conditions. In order to enlarge this experimental window, we introduced a supramolecular moiety, a hydrogen‐bonded bis‐urea sticker, in the macromolecular reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent to drive the morphology of the nano‐objects produced by RAFT‐mediated PISA towards the fibre morphology. This novel concept is tested in the synthesis of a series of poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) (PDMAc‐b‐PMEA) diblock copolymers prepared by dispersion polymerization in water. The results prove that the introduction of the templating bis‐urea stickers into PISA greatly promotes the formation of fibres in a large experimental window.
Mechanism of the Water–Gas Shift Reaction Catalyzed by Efficient Ruthenium‐Based Catalysts: A Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Stepić Robert , Wick Christian R. , Strobel Vinzent , Berger Daniel , Vučemilović‐Alagić Nataša , Haumann Marco , Wasserscheid Peter , Smith Ana‐Sunčana , Smith David M.
Published: November 2018

Supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalysis enables a highly efficient, Ru‐based, homogeneously catalyzed water‐gas shift reaction (WGSR) between 100 °C and 150 °C. The active Ru‐complexes have been found to exist in imidazolium chloride melts under operating conditions in a dynamic equilibrium, which is dominated by the [Ru(CO)3Cl3]− complex. Herein we present state‐of‐the‐art theoretical calculations to elucidate the reaction mechanism in more detail. We show that the mechanism includes the intermediate formation and degradation of hydrogen chloride, which effectively reduces the high barrier for the formation of the requisite dihydrogen complex. The hypothesis that the rate‐limiting step involves water is supported by using D2O in continuous catalytic WGSR experiments. The resulting mechanism constitutes a highly competitive alternative to earlier reported generic routes involving nucleophilic addition of hydroxide in the gas phase and in solution.
Synergistic flame retardant interplay of phosphorus containing flame retardants with aluminum trihydrate depending on the specific surface area in unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Reuter Jens , Greiner Lara , Schönberger Frank , Döring Manfred
Published: November 2018

The influence of the specific surface area of aluminum trihydrate (ATH) on the synergism to different phosphorus‐based flame retardants (FRs) in unsaturated polyester (UP) resin was investigated. Flammability and thermal stability of UP composites were evaluated with UL‐94 vertical burning, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry. The morphology of char residues was examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An interaction between crystalline ATH (4.5 m2 g−1) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) or zinc diethylphosphinate (DEPZn) was observed. When 37 wt % ATH and 8 wt % AHP or DEPZn were incorporated, samples passed V‐0 in UL‐94 tests. Furthermore, peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) were reduced by introduction of phosphorus containing FRs compared to a formulation containing solely crystalline ATH. The incorporation of amorphous ATH (300 m2 g−1) leaded to lower UL‐94 ratings, using the same amount of AHP or DEPZn. In comparison to crystalline ATH, an addition of phosphorus containing FRs did not lead to a decrease of PHRR and THR for amorphous ATH. SEM of the residues showed that the combination of crystalline ATH with phosphorus species having hydrogen/carbon rich environment formed a dense and tough layer. The combination of crystalline ATH with phosphorus species providing oxygen rich environment gives fragile residues. An incorporation of amorphous ATH leaded to a fragile residue as well. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47270.
Silver Doping‐Induced Luminescence Enhancement and Red‐Shift of Gold Nanoclusters with Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Wang Ziping , Zhu Zhiling , Zhao Chengkun , Yao Qiaofeng , Li Xiyou , Liu Heyuan , Du Fanglin , Yuan Xun , Xie Jianping
Published: November 2018

A deep understanding on the luminescence property of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) featured metal nanoclusters (NCs) is highly desired. This paper reports a systematic study on enhancing the luminescence of AIE‐featured Au NCs, which is achieved by Ag doping to engineer the size/structure and aggregation states of the AuI‐thiolate motifs in the NC shell. Moreover, by prolonging the reaction time, the luminescence of the as‐synthesized AuAg NCs could be further tailored from orange to red, which is also due to the variation of the AuI‐thiolate motifs of NCs. This study can facilitate a better understanding of this AIE‐featured luminescent probe and the design of other synthetic routes for this rising family of functional materials.
Single‐Molecule Nanocatalysis Via the Support Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Cao Yingying , Kang Seong Ho
Published: November 2018

The catalytic properties of supported catalysts are greatly influenced by the nature of the support. Here, by monitoring the nanocatalysis of gold (Au) nanoparticles deposited on the outer surface (Au/CNTs‐out) and inner surface (Au/CNTs‐in) of CNTs at the single‐molecule level, the support effect of CNTs was observed in both product formation process and product dissociation process. The results indicated that Au/CNTs‐out possessed higher intrinsic catalytic activity than Au/CNTs‐in in reductive N‐deoxygenation reaction of resazurin to resorufin. For the product dissociation process, the product molecules on both Au/CNTs‐out and Au/CNTs‐in preferred the reactant‐assisted dissociation pathway. Furthermore, product molecules dissociated faster on Au/CNTs‐out than Au/CNTs‐in. These differences were attributed to the support effect of CNTs. This study shows a better understanding of support effect for supported catalyst and gives deeper insight into heterogeneous catalytic process.
Anchorage‐dependent cell expansion in fiber‐shaped microcarrier aggregates
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiro , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: November 2018

This article describes a three‐dimensional culture system for the expansion of anchorage‐dependent cells using fiber‐shaped microcarrier (MC; Cytodex3) aggregates, termed “MC fibers.” The fiber encapsulates the cells, the MC aggregates, and collagen and is covered with a poly‐l‐lysine membrane. The thin structure of the fiber enables sufficient supply of O2 and nutrients to the cell. Using the MC fiber, we demonstrated the efficient expansion of C2C12 cells with high viability through serial passaging. Therefore, our culture system is useful for various applications where large‐scale cell expansion is required, such as in pharmaceutical technologies, regenerative medicine, and cultured meat production. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2755, 2019.
Covalent immobilization of alkaline proteinase on amino‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and application in soy protein hydrolysis
Authors: Zhu Xinjun , Li Ying , Yang Guang , Lv Min , Zhang Lianying
Published: November 2018

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized and surface modified with (3‐Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The alkaline proteinase (AP) was covalently immobilized on the APTES‐modified MNPs through glutaraldehyde linkage. The resulting AP‐loaded MNPs have an average size of 84 nm in aqueous solution, and a magnetization of 40 emu/g, endowing the immobilized enzyme with excellent magnetic responsively and dispersity. The maximum amount of AP and catalytic activity immobilized 1.0 mg MNPs was 120 μg and 25.3 units, respectively. Immobilized AP showed maximum activity at pH 10.0 and 50°C. Compared with free enzyme, the immobilized AP exhibited better storage stability. Moreover, immobilized AP can be reused 10 times and still maintained about 50% of its initial activity. The degree of hydrolysis of soy protein hydrolysates for immobilized AP could reach 19.0%, which was closer to the value of free enzyme. The molecular weight (M.W.) analysis showed that the soy protein was hydrolyzed successfully into small peptides of two main fractions with an average M.W. of 742 and 2126 Da. This study indicated that the immobilized AP could be used to hydrolyze continuously soy protein for potential industry application. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2756, 2019.
Outcome after new generation single‐layer polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stent implantation for the treatment of coronary artery perforation
Authors: Kufner Sebastian , Schacher Nora , Ferenc Miroslaw , Schlundt Christian , Hoppmann Petra , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed , Mayer Katharina , Fusaro Massimiliano , Byrne Robert A. , Kastrati Adnan
Published: November 2018

Aims

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but severe complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Implantation of covered stents (CS) represents a potentially life‐saving treatment. Concerns exist regarding limited efficacy and high stent thrombosis (ST) rates related to early generation CS. The aim of this study was to evaluate angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with CAP treated with a new generation single‐layer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐CS.

Methods

Between May 2013 and November 2017, we identified a total of 61 patients who underwent implantation of 71 single layer PTFE‐CS after CAP. We analyzed angiographic results at follow up (including binary angiographic restenosis [BAR] and late‐lumen‐loss [LLL]) and clinical outcomes in hospital and at follow up, including target lesion revascularization (TLR), cardiovascular‐, and all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and stent thrombosis (ST).

Results

Procedural success was achieved in all but two patients (96.7%). Procedure related MI, occurred in 19 cases (31.1%), in hospital death occurred in five cases (8.2%). At follow‐up, TLR occurred in 11 cases (18.0%), two patients (3.3%) died from non‐cardiovascular cause, there was no case of MI or ST.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis, implantation of a new generation PTFE‐CS, for the treatment of CAP showed high technical success rates. Although, periprocedural MI—and in‐hospital‐death rates remain not inconsiderable, new generation PTFE‐CS showed favorable angiographic and clinical efficacy and high safety profile, especially with regard to thrombotic events.