bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Psychology of Sustainable Seafood Consumption: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Richter Isabel , Klöckner Christian
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses conceptual confusions of sustainable seafood consumption, practical challenges, and potential anchors from where this behaviour can be fostered. The main focus lies on psychological variables. The resulting framework comprises (1) a definition of sustainable seafood consumption, (2) suggestions for corresponding behaviours, (3) the identification of facilitating and hindering factors, (4) an assemblage of these factors into a theoretical model, and (5) a short discussion of how the model adds up value to the current state of the art in marine resource conservation. Behavioural models significantly contribute to behavioural change research. The originality and value of this research are that it tackles the so far relatively neglected field of sustainable seafood consumption as important part of sustainable development and marine conservation in the future. From an interventional perspective, the developed model facilitates the identification of contact points to approach consumers and disseminate sustainable seafood consumption among modern Western consumers.
A Longitudinal Study of Child Maltreatment and Mental Health Predictors of Admission to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
Authors: Rose Roderick , Lanier Paul
Published: September 2017

The child welfare system is an access point for children’s mental health services. Psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) are the most restrictive, and most expensive setting for children to receive long-term care. Given the high rates of behavioral health concerns among maltreated children in out-of-home care, research is needed to examine the factors that predict entry in PRTFs among children investigated for maltreatment. This exploratory study used cross-sector administrative records linked across multiple systems, including child welfare records and Medicaid claims, from a single state over a five-year period (n = 105,982). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to predict entry into a PRTF. After controlling for many factors, PRTF entry was predicted by diagnosis code indicating a trauma-related condition, antipsychotic medication prescriptions, and entry into lower levels of out-of-home care, supporting the view that youth are admitted to PRTFs largely due to clinical need. However, PRTF admission is also associated with characteristics of their experiences with the social service system, primarily foster care placement stability and permanency. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The Adsorption of Cd(II) on Manganese Oxide Investigated by Batch and Modeling Techniques
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Chen Tianhu , Zou Xuehua , Zhu Mulan , Chen Dong , Pan Min
Published: September 2017

Manganese (Mn) oxide is a ubiquitous metal oxide in sub-environments. The adsorption of Cd(II) on Mn oxide as function of adsorption time, pH, ionic strength, temperature, and initial Cd(II) concentration was investigated by batch techniques. The adsorption kinetics showed that the adsorption of Cd(II) on Mn oxide can be satisfactorily simulated by pseudo-second-order kinetic model with high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.999). The adsorption of Cd(II) on Mn oxide significantly decreased with increasing ionic strength at pH < 5.0, whereas Cd(II) adsorption was independent of ionic strength at pH > 6.0, which indicated that outer-sphere and inner-sphere surface complexation dominated the adsorption of Cd(II) on Mn oxide at pH < 5.0 and pH > 6.0, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of Mn oxide for Cd(II) calculated from Langmuir model was 104.17 mg/g at pH 6.0 and 298 K. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Cd(II) on Mn oxide was an endothermic and spontaneous process. According to the results of surface complexation modeling, the adsorption of Cd(II) on Mn oxide can be satisfactorily simulated by ion exchange sites (X2Cd) at low pH and inner-sphere surface complexation sites (SOCd+ and (SO)2CdOH− species) at high pH conditions. The finding presented herein plays an important role in understanding the fate and transport of heavy metals at the water–mineral interface.
Multiple Gene-Environment Interactions on the Angiogenesis Gene-Pathway Impact Rectal Cancer Risk and Survival
Authors: Sharafeldin Noha , Slattery Martha , Liu Qi , Franco-Villalobos Conrado , Caan Bette , Potter John , Yasui Yutaka
Published: September 2017

Characterization of gene-environment interactions (GEIs) in cancer is limited. We aimed at identifying GEIs in rectal cancer focusing on a relevant biologic process involving the angiogenesis pathway and relevant environmental exposures: cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and animal protein intake. We analyzed data from 747 rectal cancer cases and 956 controls from the Diet, Activity and Lifestyle as a Risk Factor for Rectal Cancer study. We applied a 3-step analysis approach: first, we searched for interactions among single nucleotide polymorphisms on the pathway genes; second, we searched for interactions among the genes, both steps using Logic regression; third, we examined the GEIs significant at the 5% level using logistic regression for cancer risk and Cox proportional hazards models for survival. Permutation-based test was used for multiple testing adjustment. We identified 8 significant GEIs associated with risk among 6 genes adjusting for multiple testing: TNF (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.11), TLR4 (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.98), and EGR2 (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.78) with smoking; IGF1R (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.72), TLR4 (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.22, 3.60) and EGR2 (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.46) with alcohol; and PDGFB (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.92) and MMP1 (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.81) with protein. Five GEIs were associated with survival at the 5% significance level but not after multiple testing adjustment: CXCR1 (HR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.75) with smoking; and KDR (HR = 4.36, 95% CI: 1.62, 11.73), TLR2 (HR = 9.06, 95% CI: 1.14, 72.11), EGR2 (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.42, 4.22), and EGFR (HR = 6.33, 95% CI: 1.95, 20.54) with protein. GEIs between angiogenesis genes and smoking, alcohol, and animal protein impact rectal cancer risk. Our results support the importance of considering the biologic hypothesis to characterize GEIs associated with cancer outcomes.
Assessing and Validating an Educational Resource Package for Health Professionals to Improve Smoking Cessation Care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pregnant Women
Authors: Bar-Zeev Yael , Bovill Michelle , Bonevski Billie , Gruppetta Maree , Reath Jennifer ,   The ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy Pilot Group, Gould Gillian
Published: September 2017

Australian Aboriginal pregnant women have a high smoking prevalence (45%). Health professionals lack adequate educational resources to manage smoking. Resources need to be tailored to ensure saliency, cultural-sensitivity and account for diversity of Indigenous populations. As part of an intervention to improve health professionals’ smoking cessation care in Aboriginal pregnant women, a resource package was developed collaboratively with two Aboriginal Medical Services. The purpose of this study was to assess and validate this resource package. A multi-centred community-based participatory 4-step process (with three Aboriginal Medical Services from three Australian states), included: (1) Scientific review by an expert panel (2) ‘Suitability of Materials’ scoring by two Aboriginal Health Workers (3) Readability scores (4) Focus groups with health professionals. Content was analysed using six pre-determined themes (attraction, comprehension, self-efficacy, graphics and layout, cultural acceptability, and persuasion), with further inductive analysis for emerging themes. Suitability of Material scoring was adequate or superior. Average readability was grade 6.4 for patient resources (range 5.1–7.2), and 9.8 for health provider resources (range 8.5–10.6). Emergent themes included ‘Getting the message right’; ‘Engaging with family’; ‘Needing visual aids’; and ‘Requiring practicality under a tight timeframe’. Results were presented back to a Stakeholder and Consumer Aboriginal Advisory Panel and resources were adjusted accordingly. This process ensured materials used for the intervention were culturally responsive, evidence-based and useful. This novel formative evaluation protocol could be adapted for other Indigenous and culturally diverse interventions. The added value of this time-consuming and costly process is yet to be justified in research, and might impact the potential adaption by other projects.
A Hybrid Process/Thread Parallel Algorithm for Generating DEM from LiDAR Points
Authors: Ren Yibin , Chen Zhenjie , Chen Ge , Han Yong , Wang Yanjie
Published: September 2017

Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is widely used in digital elevation model (DEM) generation. However, the very large volume of LiDAR datasets brings a great challenge for the traditional serial algorithm. Using parallel computing to accelerate the efficiency of DEM generation from LiDAR points has been a hot topic in parallel geo-computing. Generally, most of the existing parallel algorithms running on high-performance clusters (HPC) were in process-paralleling mode, with a static scheduling strategy. The static strategy would not respond dynamically according to the computation progress, leading to load unbalancing. Additionally, because each process has independent memory space, the cost of dealing with boundary problems increases obviously with the increase in the number of processes. Actually, these two problems can have a significant influence on the efficiency of DEM generation for larger datasets, especially for those of irregular shapes. Thus, to solve these problems, we combined the advantages of process-paralleling with the advantages of thread-paralleling, forming a new idea: using process-paralleling to achieve a flexible schedule and scalable computation, using thread-paralleling inside the process to reduce boundary problems. Therefore, we proposed a hybrid process/thread parallel algorithm for generating DEM from LiDAR points. Firstly, at the process level, we designed a parallel method (PPDB) to accelerate the partitioning of LiDAR points. We also proposed a new dynamic scheduling strategy to achieve better load balancing. Secondly, at the thread level, we designed an asynchronous parallel strategy to hide the cost of LiDAR points’ reading. Lastly, we tested our algorithm with three LiDAR datasets. Experiments showed that our parallel algorithm had no influence on the accuracy of the resultant DEM. At the same time, our algorithm reduced the conversion time from 112,486 s to 2342 s when we used the largest dataset (150 GB). The PPDB was parallelizable and the new dynamic scheduling strategy achieved a better load balancing. Furthermore, the asynchronous parallel strategy reduced the impact of LiDAR points reading. When compared with the traditional process-paralleling algorithm, the hybrid process/thread parallel algorithm improved the conversion efficiency by 30%.
Circadian Rhythms of Retinomotor Movement in a Marine Megapredator, the Atlantic Tarpon, Megalops atlanticus
Authors: Kopperud Kristin , Grace Michael
Published: September 2017

Many ecologically and economically important marine fish species worldwide spend portions of their lives in coastal regions that are increasingly inundated by artificial light at night. However, while extensive research illustrates the harmful effects of inappropriate light exposure on biological timing in humans, rodents and birds, comparable studies on marine fish are virtually nonexistent. This study aimed to assess the effects of light on biological clock function in the marine fish retina using the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) as a model. Using anti-opsin immunofluorescence, we observed robust rhythms of photoreceptor outer segment position (retinomotor movement) over the course of the daily light–dark cycle: cone outer segments were contracted toward the inner retina and rods were elongated during the day; the opposite occurred at night. Phase shifting the daily light–dark cycle caused a corresponding shift of retinomotor movement timing, and cone retinomotor movement persisted in constant darkness, indicating control by a circadian clock. Constant light abolished retinomotor movements of both photoreceptor types. Thus, abnormally-timed light exposure may disrupt normal M. atlanticus clock function and harm vision, which in turn may affect prey capture and predator avoidance. These results should help inform efforts to mitigate the effects of coastal light pollution on organisms in marine ecosystems.
DNA Protecting Activities of Nymphaea nouchali (Burm. f) Flower Extract Attenuate t-BHP-Induced Oxidative Stress Cell Death through Nrf2-Mediated Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression by Activating MAP-Kinases
Authors: Alam Md , Ju Mi-Kyoung , Lee Sang-Han
Published: September 2017

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant activities of Nymphaea nouchali flower (NNF) extract and the underlying mechanism using RAW 264.7 cells. The presence of gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, caffeic acid, quercetin, and apigenin in the NNF was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extract had a very potent capacity to scavenge numerous free radicals. NNF extract was also able to prevent DNA damage and quench cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) with no signs of toxicity. The NNF extract was able to augment the expression of both primary and phase II detoxifying enzyme, resulting in combat the oxidative stress. This is accomplished by phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) (p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)) followed by enhancing the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). This attenuates cellular ROS generation and confers protection from cell death. Altogether, the results of current study revealed that Nymphaea nouchali flower could be a source of natural phytochemicals that could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for preventing oxidative stress associated diseases and attenuating disease progression.
A Novel Hybrid BND-FOA-LSSVM Model for Electricity Price Forecasting
Authors: Guo Weishang , Zhao Zhenyu
Published: September 2017

Accurate electricity price forecasting plays an important role in the profits of electricity market participants and the healthy development of electricity market. However, the electricity price time series hold the characteristics of volatility and randomness, which make it quite hard to forecast electricity price accurately. In this paper, a novel hybrid model for electricity price forecasting was proposed combining Beveridge-Nelson decomposition (BND) method, fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA), and least square support vector machine (LSSVM) model, namely BND-FOA-LSSVM model. Firstly, the original electricity price time series were decomposed into deterministic term, periodic term, and stochastic term by using BND model. Then, these three decomposed terms were forecasted by employing LSSVM model, respectively. Meanwhile, to improve the forecasting performance, a new swarm intelligence optimization algorithm FOA was used to automatically determine the optimal parameters of LSSVM model for deterministic term forecasting, periodic term forecasting, and stochastic term forecasting. Finally, the forecasting result of electricity price can be obtained by multiplying the forecasting values of these three terms. The results show the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of the proposed BND-FOA-LSSVM model are respectively 3.48%, 11.18 Yuan/MWh and 9.95 Yuan/MWh, which are much smaller than that of LSSVM, BND-LSSVM, FOA-LSSVM, auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and empirical mode decomposition (EMD)-FOA-LSSVM models. The proposed BND-FOA-LSSVM model is effective and practical for electricity price forecasting, which can improve the electricity price forecasting accuracy.
Assessing the Cost Impact of Multiple Transportation Modes to Enhance Sustainability in an Integrated, Two Stage, Automotive Supply Chain
Authors: Masoud Sherif , Mason Scott
Published: September 2017

As the automotive industry has been striving to enhance its efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability, great focus is often placed on opportunities for improving its supply chain operations. We study the effect of introducing multiple modes of transportation in an industry-motivated production and transportation problem involving short-term automotive supply chain planning. We consider multiple, heterogeneous modes of transportation that offer a cost vs. delivery time option to the manufacturer. Having multiple modes of transportation in the system promotes supply chain sustainability. We present an integer linear programming model that captures the availability of multiple transportation modes. We then provide a solution approach based on a hybrid simulated annealing algorithm that we use to analyze the problem. Experimental results demonstrate the impact of additional transportation mode lead times compared to costs in the integrated supply chain.
Preparation, Microstructure Evolutions, and Mechanical Property of an Ultra-Fine Grained Mg-10Gd-4Y-1.5Zn-0.5Zr Alloy
Authors: Liu Huan , Ju Jia , Bai Jing , Sun Jiapeng , Song Dan , Yan Jingli , Jiang Jinghua , Ma Aibin
Published: September 2017

In this work, the microstructural evolutions and mechanical properties of an as-cast Mg-10Gd-4Y-1.5Zn-0.5Zr (wt %) alloy during successive multi-pass equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) were systematically investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and compression test. The obtained results show that the microstructure of as-cast alloy consists of α-Mg grains, Mg3Gd island phase, few Y-rich particles, and lamellar 14H LPSO (long period stacking ordered) phase located at the grain boundaries. During ECAP, the Mg3Gd-type phase is crushed and refined gradually. However, the refined Mg3Gd particles are not distributed uniformly in the matrix, but still aggregated at the interdendritic area. The 14H phase becomes kinked during the early passes of ECAP and then broken at the kinking bands with more severe deformation. Dynamic recrystallization of α-Mg is activated during ECAP, and their average diameter decreases to around 1 μm, which is stabilized in spite of increasing ECAP passes. Moreover, nano-scale γ′ phases were dynamically precipitated in 16p ECAP alloy. Compression tests indicate that 16p ECAP alloy exhibits excellent mechanical property with compressive strength of 548 MPa and fracture strain of 19.1%. The significant improvement for both strength and ductility of deformed alloy could be ascribed to dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains, refined Mg3Gd-type and 14H particles, and dynamically precipitated γ′ plates.
Effect of Weld Bead Shape on the Fatigue Behavior of GMAW Lap Fillet Joint in GA 590 MPa Steel Sheets
Authors: Hwang Insung , Kim Dong-Yoon , Jeong Geunho , Kang Munjin , Kim Dongcheol , Kim Young-Min
Published: September 2017

In this study, the effect of weld bead shape on the fatigue strength of lap fillet joints using the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process was investigated. The base material used in the experiment was 590 MPa grade galvanealed steel sheet with 2.3 mm and 2.6 mm thickness. In order to make the four types of weld beads with different shapes by factors such as length, angle, and area, the welding process, wire feeding speed, and joint shape were changed. The stress-number of cycles to failure (S–N) curve and fatigue strength were obtained from the fatigue test for four types of weld bead, and the cause of the fatigue strength difference was clarified through the analysis of the geometrical factors, such as length, angle, and area of the weld bead. In addition, the relationship between weld bead shape and fatigue strength was discussed.
First Principles Thermodynamics of Minerals at HP–HT Conditions: MgO as a Prototypical Material
Authors: Belmonte Donato
Published: September 2017

Ab initio thermodynamic properties, equation of state and phase stability of periclase (MgO, B1-type structure) have been investigated in a broad P–T range (0–160 GPa; 0–3000 K) in order to set a model reference system for phase equilibria simulations under deep Earth conditions. Phonon dispersion calculations performed on large supercells using the finite displacement method and in the framework of quasi-harmonic approximation highlight the performance of the Becke three-parameter Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) hybrid density functional in predicting accurate thermodynamic functions (heat capacity, entropy, thermal expansivity, isothermal bulk modulus) and phase reaction boundaries at high pressure and temperature. A first principles Mie–Grüneisen equation of state based on lattice vibrations directly provides a physically-consistent description of thermal pressure and P–V–T relations without any need to rely on empirical parameters or other phenomenological formalisms that could give spurious anomalies or uncontrolled extrapolations at HP–HT. The post-spinel phase transformation, Mg2SiO4 (ringwoodite) = MgO (periclase) + MgSiO3 (bridgmanite), is taken as a computational example to illustrate how first principles theory combined with the use of hybrid functionals is able to provide sound results on the Clapeyron slope, density change and P–T location of equilibrium mineral reactions relevant to mantle dynamics.
Predicting the Global Potential Distribution of Four Endangered Panax Species in Middle-and Low-Latitude Regions of China by the Geographic Information System for Global Medicinal Plants (GMPGIS)
Authors: Du Zhixia , Wu Jie , Meng Xiangxiao , Li Jinhua , Huang Linfang
Published: September 2017

Global biodiversity is strongly influenced by the decrease in endangered biological species. Predicting the distribution of endangered medicinal plants is necessary for resource conservation. A spatial distribution model—geographic information system for global medicinal plants (GMPGIS)—is used to predict the global potential suitable distribution of four endangered Panax species, including Panax japonicas (T. Nees) C. A. Meyer and Panax japonicas var. major (Burkill) C. Y. Wu & K. M. Feng distributed in low- and middle-latitude, Panax zingiberensis C. Y. Wu & K. M. Feng and Panax stipuleanatus C. T. Tsai & K. M. Feng in low-latitude regions of China based on seven bioclimatic variables and 600 occurrence points. Results indicate that areas of P. japonicus and P. japonicus var. major are 266.29 × 105 and 77.5 × 105 km2, respectively, which are mainly distributed in China and America. By contrast, the areas of P. zingiberensis and P. stipuleanatus are 5.09 × 105 and 2.05 × 105 km2, respectively, which are mainly distributed in Brazil and China. P. japonicus has the widest distribution among the four species. The data also indicate that the mean temperature of coldest quarter is the most critical factor. This scientific prediction can be used as reference for resource conservation of endangered plants and as a guide to search for endangered species in previously unknown areas.
Supporting Optimal Aging through the Innovative Use of Virtual Reality Technology
Authors: Hughes Sally , Warren-Norton Kathryn , Spadafora Pat , Tsotsos Lia
Published: September 2017

Although virtual reality (VR) technology has been implemented as a tool to address the health issues of older adults, its applicability to social connectedness is underrepresented in the literature, and less is known about its efficacy in this area in contributing to overall wellness and well-being in later life. Expanding the VR possibilities beyond traditional entertainment purposes holds considerable potential for the older adult market. Technological tools have been employed in the elder health care field for many years, and cutting-edge developments such as virtual and augmented reality have begun to be used to facilitate optimal wellness in aging. Such technological advances have the potential to significantly impact one of the most important issues that older people face: social isolation and loneliness. This paper will serve as an introductory exploration of what is currently known about the use of virtual reality technology with an older cohort.
The New Era of Virtual Reality Locomotion: A Systematic Literature Review of Techniques and a Proposed Typology
Authors: Boletsis Costas
Published: September 2017

The latest technical and interaction advancements that took place in the Virtual Reality (VR) field have marked a new era, not only for VR, but also for VR locomotion. Although the latest advancements in VR locomotion have raised the interest of both researchers and users in analyzing and experiencing current VR locomotion techniques, the field of research on VR locomotion, in its new era, is still uncharted. In this work, VR locomotion is explored through a systematic literature review investigating empirical studies of VR locomotion techniques from 2014–2017. The review analyzes the VR locomotion techniques that have been studied, their interaction-related characteristics and the research topics that were addressed in these studies. Thirty-six articles were identified as relevant to the literature review, and the analysis of the articles resulted in 73 instances of 11 VR locomotion techniques, such as real-walking, walking-in-place, point and teleport, joystick-based locomotion, and more. Results showed that since the VR revival, the focus of VR locomotion research has been on VR technology and various technological aspects, overshadowing the investigation of user experience. From an interaction perspective, the majority of the utilized and studied VR locomotion techniques were found to be based on physical interaction, exploiting physical motion cues for navigation in VR environments. A significant contribution of the literature review lies in the proposed typology for VR locomotion, introducing four distinct VR locomotion types: motion-based, room scale-based, controller-based and teleportation-based locomotion.
Translational Aspects of Diet and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Goossens Nicolas , Jornayvaz François
Published: September 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of diseases ranging from simple steatosis without inflammation or fibrosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Despite the strong association between dietary factors and NAFLD, no dietary animal model of NAFLD fully recapitulates the complex metabolic and histological phenotype of the disease, although recent models show promise. Although animal models have significantly contributed to our understanding of human diseases, they have been less successful in accurate translation to predict effective treatment strategies. We discuss strategies to overcome this challenge, in particular the adoption of big data approaches combining clinical phenotype, genomic heterogeneity, transcriptomics, and metabolomics changes to identify the ideal NAFLD animal model for a given scientific question or to test a given drug. We conclude by noting that novel big data approaches may help to bridge the translational gap for selecting dietary models of NAFLD.
Monitoring Urban Clusters Expansion in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, China, Using Time-Series Nighttime Light Images
Authors: Zou Yanhong , Peng Haiquan , Liu Geng , Yang Kuanda , Xie Yanhua , Weng Qihao
Published: September 2017

The urban clusters in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (MRYR) in China include the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration, the Wuhan metropolitan area, and the Poyang Lake urban agglomeration. While previous studies of urban expansion in China focused mainly on the coastal regions, this study aimed to investigate urban expansion patterns and factors in the MRYR, which are crucial for urban development in Central China. A neighborhood statistics analysis (NSA) method and a local-optimized threshold method were used to detect urban changes during 1992–2011 from the time-series Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light (NTL) images. The evolution of urban expansion intensity and landscape metrics were analyzed at multiple spatial scales, including the whole region, urban agglomeration, and city scales. Finally, the expanded STochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model was built to explore the factors that controlled NTL intensity. The results revealed that urban areas extracted from the NTL data were consistent with those extracted from the Landsat Thematic Mapper data, with an overall accuracy of 81.74% and a Kappa of 0.40. A relatively slow urbanization pace was observed from 1992 to 2002 in the MRYR region, which then accelerated in the period of 2002 to 2007 and then slowed down between 2007 and 2011. Additionally, urban expansion exhibited a radial pattern. The results further indicated that major factors controlling NTL intensity were gross domestic product, followed by total investment in fixed assets, tertiary industry, urban construction area, non-agricultural population, and industrial output in the city clusters. The study provides important insights for further studies on the urbanization processes in the MRYR region.
A Nonlinearity Mitigation Method for a Broadband RF Front-End in a Sensor Based on Best Delay Searching
Authors: Zhao Wen , Ma Hong , Zhang Hua , Jin Jiang , Dai Gang , Hu Lin
Published: September 2017

The cognitive radio wireless sensor network (CR-WSN) is experiencing more and more attention for its capacity to automatically extract broadband instantaneous radio environment information. Obtaining sufficient linearity and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) is a significant premise of guaranteeing sensing performance which, however, usually suffers from the nonlinear distortion coming from the broadband radio frequency (RF) front-end in the sensor node. Moreover, unlike other existing methods, the joint effect of non-constant group delay distortion and nonlinear distortion is discussed, and its corresponding solution is provided in this paper. After that, the nonlinearity mitigation architecture based on best delay searching is proposed. Finally, verification experiments, both on simulation signals and signals from real-world measurement, are conducted and discussed. The achieved results demonstrate that with best delay searching, nonlinear distortion can be alleviated significantly and, in this way, spectrum sensing performance is more reliable and accurate.
Food and Gastronomy for Sustainable Place Development: A Multidisciplinary Analysis of Different Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Rinaldi Chiara
Published: September 2017

Food and gastronomy (F&G) are increasingly recognized as potentially determinant elements for the sustainable development of places. A commonly held theory in many research fields is that F&G can contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of places while potentially representing elements that increase those places’ attractiveness and competitiveness. This literature review investigates three main research streams: agriculture and rural studies, place branding and place marketing and food tourism. The aim is to reduce the research fragmentation by offering a more holistic perspective on how F&G are understood in different research areas to identify common and transversal elements that might represent the core of F&G’s potential for place development. These areas have been analysed to identify common, recurrent and significative local F&G resources. Significance in this context indicates that the identified local F&G resources have emerged as meaningful at the local and global levels; that is, they are embedded in the place (spatially and culturally) and are able to identify and differentiate the place in global competition. The analysis reveals that all local F&G resources that support place distinctiveness and attractiveness should also address and strengthen the link between the place (territorial/geographical dimensions) and the people (cultural dimensions).
Outdoor Thermal Comfort in a Transitional Space of Canopy in Schools in the UK
Authors: Kwon Choul , Lee Kang
Published: September 2017

There has been a significant increase in opportunities to improve school environments in the UK. There has, however, been little study on the design of sheltered transitional spaces, despite growing architectural demand for this, examples of which can be easily found in most primary schools in the UK. Computer simulations (Rayman, Ecotect and Winair4) were performed to identify the influence of different parameters: that of having a canopy; the effect of the transmissivity of the canopy material (three transparencies 0%, 50% and 90% were considered); orientation (four orientations—north, east, south and west—were considered); and location (three cities: London, Manchester and Glasgow). The combined effects of canopy transparency and orientation were shown to be critical design considerations in affecting comfort conditions in outdoor spaces. It was found that outdoor comfort conditions in the transitional space can be enhanced by 41.5% in August by choosing a canopy of 0% transparency, compared with a canopy of 90% transparency in London. The fixed canopy with a higher transparency helped to increase outdoor thermal comfort in Glasgow, while one with a lower transparency showed better performance during summer in London. This research will help design environmentally sophisticated transitional spaces in schools.
Study on Applicability of Conceptual Hydrological Models for Flood Forecasting in Humid, Semi-Humid Semi-Arid and Arid Basins in China
Authors: Kan Guangyuan , He Xiaoyan , Ding Liuqian , Li Jiren , Liang Ke , Hong Yang
Published: September 2017

Flood simulation and forecasting in various types of watersheds is a hot issue in hydrology. Conceptual hydrological models have been widely applied to flood forecasting for decades. With the development of economy, modern China faces with severe flood disasters in all types of watersheds include humid, semi-humid semi-arid and arid watersheds. However, conceptual model-based flood forecasting in semi-humid semi-arid and arid regions is still challenging. To investigate the applicability of conceptual hydrological models for flood forecasting in the above mentioned regions, three typical conceptual models, include Xinanjiang (XAJ), mix runoff generation (MIX) and northern Shannxi (NS), are applied to 3 humid, 3 semi-humid semi-arid, and 3 arid watersheds. The rainfall-runoff data of the 9 watersheds are analyzed based on statistical analysis and information theory, and the model performances are compared and analyzed based on boxplots and scatter plots. It is observed the complexity of drier watershed data is higher than that of the wetter watersheds. This indicates the flood forecasting is harder in drier watersheds. Simulation results indicate all models perform satisfactorily in humid watersheds and only NS model is applicable in arid watersheds. Model with consideration of saturation excess runoff generation (XAJ and MIX) perform better than the infiltration excess-based NS model in semi-humid semi-arid watersheds. It is concluded more accurate mix runoff generation theory, more stable and efficient numerical solution of infiltration equation and rainfall data with higher spatial-temporal resolution are main obstacles for conceptual model-based flood simulation and forecasting.
Robust Adaptation Research in High Mountains: Integrating the Scientific, Social, and Ecological Dimensions of Glacio-Hydrological Change
Authors: McDowell Graham , Koppes Michele
Published: September 2017

Climate-related changes in glacierized watersheds are widely documented, stimulating adaptive responses among the 370 million people living in glacier-influenced watersheds as well as aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The situation denotes important interdependencies between science, society, and ecosystems, yet integrative approaches to the study of adaptation to such changes remain scarce in both the mountain- and non-mountain-focused adaptation scholarship. Using the example of glacio-hydrological change, it is argued here that this analytical limitation impedes the identification, development, and implementation of “successful” adaptations. In response, the paper introduces three guiding principles for robust adaptation research in glaciated mountain regions. Principle 1: Adaptation research should integrate detailed analyses of watershed-specific glaciological and hydro-meteorological conditions; glacio-hydrological changes are context-specific and therefore cannot be assumed to follow idealized trajectories of “peak water”. Principle 2: Adaptation research should consider the complex interplay between glacio-hydrological changes and socio-economic, cultural, and political conditions; responses to environmental changes are non-deterministic and therefore not deducible from hydrological changes alone. Principle 3: Adaptation research should be attentive to interdependencies, feedbacks, and tradeoffs between human and ecological responses to glacio-hydrological change; research that does not evaluate these socio-ecological dynamics may lead to maladaptive adaptation plans. These principles call attention to the linked scientific, social, and ecological dimensions of adaptation, and offer a point of departure for future climate change adaptation research in high mountains.
Full Scale Sludge Treatment in Reed Beds in Moderate Climate—A Case Study
Authors: Mennerich Artur , Niebuhr Lothar , Ezzo Hady
Published: September 2017

The wastewater treatment plant of Wathlingen, Germany, has a design capacity of 20,500 p.e. Since 2000, the sewage sludge has been treated in four reed beds with an area of 3000 m2 each. During this time, three of the four polders were emptied once and put into operation again, which has allowed for an evaluation of complete operation cycles from startup to sludge removal. This paper comprises data on polder construction and operating results as well as an economic evaluation of construction, operation, and sludge disposal costs. Results show that sludge DS mass may be reduced by at least 23% and at most 52%. Water content was reduced, but the DS concentration of the product excavated was not higher than around 20% DS. Operation experiences proved that the system is very user-friendly and requiring limited maintenance and control work. To make the best use of this technique, it is recommended a separate area for additional storage and dewatering is provided after the sludge from the polders is removed. This allows for the possibility for the operators to determine the appropriate time and conditions for final disposal.
Development of single‐copy nuclear intron markers for species‐level phylogenetics: Case study with Paullinieae (Sapindaceae)1
Authors: Chery Joyce G. , Sass Chodon , Specht Chelsea D.
Published: September 2017

Premise of the study:

We developed a bioinformatic pipeline that leverages a publicly available genome and published transcriptomes to design primers in conserved coding sequences flanking targeted introns of single‐copy nuclear loci. Paullinieae (Sapindaceae) is used to demonstrate the pipeline.

Methods and Results:

Transcriptome reads phylogenetically closer to the lineage of interest are aligned to the closest genome. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms are called, generating a “pseudoreference” closer to the lineage of interest. Several filters are applied to meet the criteria of single‐copy nuclear loci with introns of a desired size. Primers are designed in conserved coding sequences flanking introns. Using this pipeline, we developed nine single‐copy nuclear intron markers for Paullinieae.

Conclusions:

This pipeline is highly flexible and can be used for any group with available genomic and transcriptomic resources. This pipeline led to the development of nine variable markers for phylogenetic study without generating sequence data de novo.
Fungus‐specific SSR markers in the Antarctic lichens Usnea antarctica and U. aurantiacoatra (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)1
Authors: Lagostina Elisa , Dal Grande Francesco , Ott Sieglinde , Printzen Christian
Published: September 2017

Premise of the study:

Usnea antarctica and U. aurantiacoatra (Parmeliaceae) are common lichens in the maritime Antarctic. These species share the same habitats on King George Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) and are distinguishable based on reproductive strategies.

Methods and Results:

We developed 23 fungus‐specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that cross‐amplify between the two species. We used a low‐coverage genome‐skimming approach on one sample of each species to identify SSR repeats in the two species. Primers were designed for 3–4‐bp repeats, and only the loci common to both species were selected for further analyses. Seventy‐seven samples of the two species were selected to assess fungal specificity, genetic variability, and linkage of the markers. In addition, we tested cross‐amplification in other Usnea species.

Conclusions:

The 23 newly designed SSR markers are suitable for population genetic and phylogeographic studies of Usnea species.
Cochlear Implant Practice Patterns: The U.S. Trends with Pediatric Patients
Authors: Hemmingson Carly , Messersmith Jessica J.
Published: September 2017

Background:Many factors affect an individual’s outcomes with a cochlear implant (CI); however, quality of device programming and consistency of follow-up appointments have been shown to be crucial contributors. As audiologists’ CI caseloads increase, time constraints
on appointments also increase, thus fueling the need for efficient and effective programming strategies. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines describing what methods should be used during programming, nor are there standardized schedules that delineate what procedures should be
performed at specific appointment intervals. Without standardized programming guidelines, clinical practices may be variable and may not align with best practice research; thus, outcomes with a CI, particularly for pediatrics, may not be reflective of the actual potential available.Purpose:The
purpose of this study was to identify the clinical practice patterns used by U.S. audiologists when programming and providing follow-up care to children who use CIs. This study aimed to determine the following: common programming approaches, provision intervals for these procedures, common
validation assessments, typical follow-up care schedules, and source(s) of CI training. In addition, this study sought to evaluate if training and/or follow-up care differed between small and large CI centers.Research Design:A cross-sectional survey design was used.Study Sample:Target
population included practicing audiologists working with pediatric CI users throughout the United States. Participation was voluntary, thus random selection could not be used. A total of 167 participants opened and began the online survey and 113 successfully completed the survey instrument
(23.99% return rate).Data Collection and Analysis:Potential participants were identified using the “find a clinic” function on three CI manufacturers' websites. Potential participants were asked to complete an online survey seeking information about practices they employ
in their clinical setting. Survey responses were analyzed for trends.Results:Overall, a common follow-up schedule was determined, which included an average of 6.8 appointments within the first year. Minor differences in training and programming practices between small and large CI centers
emerged; however, no statistically significant results were noted. Results did reveal trends in the use of certain clinical practices. This was particularly evident in the limited use of objective measures.Conclusions:Overall, the findings support other recent studies that suggest the
development of CI guidelines that may standardize programming and follow-up practices of CI audiologists. This could prove valuable for the continual improvement of CI outcomes, particularly in the pediatric population.
Prospects for Genomic Selection in Cassava Breeding
Authors: Wolfe Marnin D. , Del Carpio Dunia Pino , Alabi Olumide , Ezenwaka Lydia C. , Ikeogu Ugochukwu N. , Kayondo Ismail S. , Lozano Roberto , Okeke Uche G. , Ozimati Alfred A. , Williams Esuma , Egesi Chiedozie , Kawuki Robert S. , Kulakow Peter , Rabbi Ismail Y. , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2017

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a clonally propagated staple food crop in the tropics. Genomic selection (GS) has been implemented at three breeding institutions in Africa to reduce cycle times. Initial studies provided promising estimates of predictive abilities. Here, we expand on previous analyses by assessing the accuracy of seven prediction models for seven traits in three prediction scenarios: cross‐validation within populations, cross‐population prediction and cross‐generation prediction. We also evaluated the impact of increasing the training population (TP) size by phenotyping progenies selected either at random or with a genetic algorithm. Cross‐validation results were mostly consistent across programs, with nonadditive models predicting of 10% better on average. Cross‐population accuracy was generally low (mean = 0.18) but prediction of cassava mosaic disease increased up to 57% in one Nigerian population when data from another related population were combined. Accuracy across generations was poorer than within‐generation accuracy, as expected, but accuracy for dry matter content and mosaic disease severity should be sufficient for rapid‐cycling GS. Selection of a prediction model made some difference across generations, but increasing TP size was more important. With a genetic algorithm, selection of one‐third of progeny could achieve an accuracy equivalent to phenotyping all progeny. We are in the early stages of GS for this crop but the results are promising for some traits. General guidelines that are emerging are that TPs need to continue to grow but phenotyping can be done on a cleverly selected subset of individuals, reducing the overall phenotyping burden.
How City’s Biggest Employers Shape Spatial Development of The Residential Areas – Evidence from Olsztyn, Poland
Authors: Źróbek-Różańska Alina , Źróbek Sabina
Published: September 2017

Efficient managing sustainable urban development requires constant observations of trends in the key areas. One of the important areas is undoubtedly directing development of residential areas within the city and its surroundings. Nowadays, increasing incomes and transport mobility of the city citizens enable choosing between living within the city’s borders and building houses in the suburbs. Latter option makes city less compact and generates urban sprawl. As many controversies still arise over sprawling cities, the opposite of the smart growth, the factors behind this process should be monitored. In this article, we focused on spatial dependencies between localization of working and living places, because an access to the workplace seems to be one of the key determinants of choosing the particular place of residence. Therefore we decided to verify the following hypothesis: localization of the biggest employers in the city shapes the development of residential areas in the suburbs, and the influence depends on: current migration trends, specifics of the employers and their activity on the real estate market. The verification was carried out in the city of Olsztyn (Poland), the capital of Warmia and Mazury Province, and included careful analysis of the three city's biggest employers.