bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel Complexes Immobilized in Modified Ionic Liquids Anchored in Structured Materials for Ethylene Oligomerization
Authors: Busatta Camila A. , Mignoni Marcelo L. , De Souza Roberto F. , Bernardo-Gusmão Katia
Published: May 2018

This work describes the study of ethylene oligomerization reactions catalyzed by nickel-β-diimine complexes immobilized on β-zeolite, [Si]-MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter 41) and [Si,Al]-MCM-41 modified with an ionic liquid. XRD and N2 adsorption and desorption analyses were used to characterize the modified supports—namely, IL-Zeoβ, IL-MCM-41 and IL-Al-MCM-41—and the data showed that material organization remained intact even after incorporation of ionic liquid. N2 adsorption and desorption analyses suggested that ionic liquid can be confined in pores of support materials. Catalytic properties of synthesized materials were tested under different conditions. The following parameters were varied: Al/Ni molar ratio, temperature, pressure and catalyst loading. The homogeneous catalysts were more active but less selective in ethylene oligomerization, relative to heterogeneous ones, which can be attributed to the effect of confinement suffered by catalyst within channels of the support materials. NiIL-Zeoβ complexes were active, with activities greater than 23 s−1 and selectivities higher than 80% for butenes, including more than 85% of 1-butene. On the other hand, the NiIL-MCM-41 system was less active than NiIL-Zeoβ complexes, with activities above 1 s−1 with 100% selectivity for butenes (96% in 1-butene). NiIL-Al-MCM-41 system was more active than NiIL-MCM-41 system and showed an activity of 2.3 s−1 with 90% selectivity in 1-butenes.
Deep Embedment (DE) FRP Shear Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Slabs under Loads Close to Supports
Authors: Xia Lipeng , Zheng Yu
Published: May 2018

Shear forces are the most common governing failure mechanism of reinforced concrete bridge deck slabs subjected to loads close to their supports. This paper reveals a comprehensive study of the behaviour of concrete slabs shear-strengthened with a deep embedment fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) technique. In the experimental investigation, a series of eight full scale concrete slabs were created and tested up to failure. Several structural variables were changed to assess the effectiveness of this shear strengthening technique. The behaviour of test slabs is discussed and the influence of this strategy was evaluated by comparing the test results. It was shown that brittle shear failures could be avoided by using this strengthening strategy. The ultimate capacity and deflection at the failure were both enhanced by using the deep embedment strengthening method. Additionally, a nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was proposed to develop further investigation. This NLFEA model gave excellent predictions for the structural behaviour of the test concrete slabs. Finally, a two-way theoretical model was proposed to predict the loading-carrying capacity of concrete slabs strengthened with deep embedment FRP bars. The ultimate strength predicted by this theoretical method showed good agreement with that from the test results.
Non-Linear Bending of Functionally Graded Thin Plates with Different Moduli in Tension and Compression and Its General Perturbation Solution
Authors: He Xiao-ting , Li Yang-hui , Liu Guang-hui , Yang Zhi-xin , Sun Jun-yi
Published: May 2018

In this study, a set of Föppl–von Kármán equations for a bimodular functionally graded thin plate subjected to a uniformly distributed load is established, and its general perturbation solution in axisymmetric case is also obtained under different boundary conditions. First, the equation of equilibrium of the plate is established on the existence of the neutral layer when considering different properties in tension and compression. During the derivation of the consistency equation, the tensile effect in the thin plate with bimodular effect is fully taken into account. The perturbation method is used to solve the set of governing equations under different edge constraints, in which the central deflection and the load of the plate are taken as a perturbation parameter, respectively. The results indicate that the two selections for perturbation parameters are valid and consistent, and the two solutions are convenient for engineering application. This study also shows that the bimodular effect will modify the relation of load versus central deflection of the plate to some extent, and under the same edge constraint, the capacities resisting deformation in different cases of moduli depend on the relative magnitudes among the tensile modulus, the neutral layer modulus, and the compressive modulus.
Analysis and Modelling of Shrinkage and Creep of Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Chen Pang , Zheng Wenzhong , Wang Ying , Chang Wei
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to examine the shrinkage and creep of reactive power concrete (RPC) with different steel fibre contents (0%, 1% and 2% by volume). A total of 37 RPC specimens were prepared and tested for compression strength, elastic modulus, shrinkage, and creep. In addition, different axial stress ratios (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) were used in the creep tests. Furthermore, the accuracy of the ACI 209-82 model, CEB-FIP 90 model, B3 model, and GL 2000 model for predicting the shrinkage and creep of RPC was evaluated and new numerical shrinkage and creep models were developed. The experimental results revealed that the compressive strength and elastic modulus increase with increasing steel fibre content. The shrinkage and creep decreased with increasing addition of steel fibre from 0% to 2%. A good linear relationship was found between the axial stress ratios and creep strain. All four existing models were unable to accurately predict the shrinkage and creep of RPC. A good agreement between the experimental results and proposed shrinkage and creep numerical models was observed. Therefore, it is suggested that the proposed shrinkage and creep models can be used to calculate the shrinkage and creep of RPC.
Design and Feasibility of a Safe Pill Bottle
Authors: Jovanov Emil , Talukder B.M.S. Bahar , Schwebel David C. , Evans W. Douglas
Published: May 2018

Ubiquitous intelligence of Internet of Things (IoT) objects and new sensors provide innovative solutions for a variety of health issues. Unintentional child poisoning represents an increasingly important health issue worldwide, partially because of an increase in the use of drugs and food supplements. Although child-resistant bottle caps have probably saved many lives, they are not foolproof and do not provide warnings for parents and caregivers when children try to access the bottles. In this paper we present a design, implementation, and feasibility analysis of an intelligent “safe pill bottle” that can identify when a child is trying to open a bottle and then generate an immediate warning to deter a child from opening the bottle and send alerts to parents/guardians. The bottle controller uses capacitive sensing to identify the class of user. We present the results of pilot testing with eight adults and eight children using neural networks (NN). With 474 bottle-opening events, our NN had 96.4% accuracy of predicting whether the user was a child or an adult. Preliminary results demonstrate that smart pill bottles may be an effective tool to prevent unintentional child poisoning.
A Review of Medication Adherence Monitoring Technologies
Authors: Aldeer Murtadha , Javanmard Mehdi , Martin Richard
Published: May 2018

Medication non-adherence is a prevalent, complex problem. Failure to follow medication schedules may lead to major health complications, including death. Proper medication adherence is thus required in order to gain the greatest possible drug benefit during a patient’s treatment. Interventions have been proven to improve medication adherence if deviations are detected. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of technology-based medication adherence approaches and pays particular attention to their technical monitoring aspects. The taxonomy space of this review spans multiple techniques including sensor systems, proximity sensing, vision systems, and combinations of these. As each technique has unique advantages and limitations, this work describes their trade-offs in accuracy, energy consumption, acceptability and user’s comfort, and user authentication.
Mixed Sr and Ba Tri-Stannides/Plumbides AII(Sn1−xPbx)3
Authors: Langenmaier Michael , Jehle Michael , Röhr Caroline
Published: May 2018

The continuous substitution of tin by lead (M IV ) allows for the exploration geometric criteria for the stability of the different stacking variants of alkaline-earth tri-tetrelides A II M 3 IV . A series of ternary Sr and Ba mixed tri-stannides/plumbides A II (Sn 1 − x Pb x ) 3 (A II = Sr, Ba) was synthesized from stoichiometric mixtures of the elements. Their structures were determined by means of single crystal X-ray data. All structures exhibit close packed ordered A M 3 layers containing M kagomé nets. Depending on the stacking sequence, the resulting M polyanion resembles the oxygen substructure of the hexagonal (face-sharing octahedra, h stacking, Ni 3 Sn-type, border compound BaSn 3 ) or the cubic (corner-sharing octahedra, c stacking, Cu 3 Au-type, border compound SrPb 3 ) perovskite. In the binary compound BaSn 3 (Ni 3 Sn-type) up to 28% of Sn can be substituted against Pb (hP8, P 6 3 / mmc, x = 0.28(4): a = 726.12(6), c = 556.51(6) pm, R1 = 0.0264). A further increased lead content of 47 to 66% causes the formation of the BaSn 2.57 Bi 0.43 -type structure with a ( hhhc ) 2 stacking [hP32, P 6 3 / mmc, x = 0.47(3): a = 726.80(3), c = 2235.78(14) pm, R1 = 0.0437]. The stability range of the BaPb 3 -type sequence ( hhc ) 3 starts at a lead proportion of 78% (hR36, R 3 ¯ m, a = 728.77(3), c = 2540.59(15) pm, R1= 0.0660) and reaches up to the pure plumbide BaPb 3 . A second new polymorph of BaPb 3 forms the Mg 3 In-type structure with a further increased amount of cubic sequences [ ( hhcc ) 3 ; hR48, a = 728.7(2), c = 3420.3(10) pm, R1 = 0.0669] and is thus isotypic with the border phase SrSn 3 of the respective strontium series. For the latter, a Pb content of 32% causes a small existence region of the PuAl 3 -type structure [hP24, P 6 3 / mmc, a = 696.97(6), c = 1675.5(2) pm, R1 = 0.1182] with a ( hcc ) 2 stacking. The series is terminated by the pure c stacking of SrPb 3 , the stability range of this structure type starts at 75% Pb (cP4, Pm 3 ¯ m; a = 495.46(9) pm, R1 = 0.0498). The stacking of the close packed layers is evidently determined by the ratio of the atomic radii of the contributing elements. The Sn/Pb distribution inside the polyanion (’coloring’) is likewise determined by size criteria. The electronic stability ranges, which are discussed on the basis of the results of FP-LAPW band structure calculations are compared with the Zintl concept and Wade’s/mno electron counting rules. Still, due to the presence of only partially occupied steep M-p bands the compounds are metals exhibiting pseudo band gaps close to the Fermi level. Thus, this structure family represents an instructive case for the transition from polar ionic/covalent towards (inter)metallic chemistry.
Big Data in Natural Disaster Management: A Review
Authors: Yu Manzhu , Yang Chaowei , Li Yun
Published: May 2018

Undoubtedly, the age of big data has opened new options for natural disaster management, primarily because of the varied possibilities it provides in visualizing, analyzing, and predicting natural disasters. From this perspective, big data has radically changed the ways through which human societies adopt natural disaster management strategies to reduce human suffering and economic losses. In a world that is now heavily dependent on information technology, the prime objective of computer experts and policy makers is to make the best of big data by sourcing information from varied formats and storing it in ways that it can be effectively used during different stages of natural disaster management. This paper aimed at making a systematic review of the literature in analyzing the role of big data in natural disaster management and highlighting the present status of the technology in providing meaningful and effective solutions in natural disaster management. The paper has presented the findings of several researchers on varied scientific and technological perspectives that have a bearing on the efficacy of big data in facilitating natural disaster management. In this context, this paper reviews the major big data sources, the associated achievements in different disaster management phases, and emerging technological topics associated with leveraging this new ecosystem of Big Data to monitor and detect natural hazards, mitigate their effects, assist in relief efforts, and contribute to the recovery and reconstruction processes.
Electron Microscopic Recording of the Power and Recovery Strokes of Individual Myosin Heads Coupled with ATP Hydrolysis: Facts and Implications
Authors: Sugi Haruo , Chaen Shigeru , Akimoto Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2018

The most straightforward way to get information on the performance of individual myosin heads producing muscle contraction may be to record their movement, coupled with ATP hydrolysis, electron-microscopically using the gas environmental chamber (EC). The EC enables us to visualize and record ATP-induced myosin head movement in hydrated skeletal muscle myosin filaments. When actin filaments are absent, myosin heads fluctuate around a definite neutral position, so that their time-averaged mean position remains unchanged. On application of ATP, myosin heads are found to move away from, but not towards, the bare region, indicating that myosin heads perform a recovery stroke (average amplitude, 6 nm). After exhaustion of ATP, myosin heads return to their neutral position. In the actin–myosin filament mixture, myosin heads form rigor actin myosin linkages, and on application of ATP, they perform a power stroke by stretching adjacent elastic structures because of a limited amount of applied ATP ≤ 10 µM. The average amplitude of the power stroke is 3.3 nm and 2.5 nm at the distal and the proximal regions of the myosin head catalytic domain (CAD), respectively. The power stroke amplitude increases appreciably at low ionic strength, which is known to enhance Ca2+-activated force in muscle. In both the power and recovery strokes, myosin heads return to their neutral position after exhaustion of ATP.
Evaluation of the Effect of Oral Pyridostigmine on the Ileus after Abdominal Surgery: A Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Maleknejad Abdulbaset , Khazaei Alireza , Bouya Salehoddin
Published: May 2018

Postoperative ileus is one of the most important and common complications after abdominal surgery. This single-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of oral pyridostigmine (60 mg) on the duration and frequency of response to the treatment of ileus after abdominal surgery on 40 patients in two 20-subject groups of oral pyridostigmine (interventional) and starch (control) in 2015. All 40 people completed the study process and entered the final analysis. In the oral Pyridostigmin group (60 mg) the mean response time for the disposal of gas and stool were 5.4 ± 4.7 h and 4.9 ± 3.4 h, respectively. Most of the participants 10 (50%) (Disposal of stool) responded to treatment 4 h after the administration of oral pyridostigmine. In the starch group, the mean response time for the disposal of gas and stool were 32.4 ± 9.9 h and 36.2 ± 10.3 h, respectively. The mean treatment response time in two groups showed a significant difference between both groups (p = 0.001). Regarding the frequency of response to treatment (disposal of gas or stool) in the 24-h period after the initiation of treatment in the oral pyridostigmine group, 95% (n = 19) of the subjects responded to the treatment in the first 24 h. However, in the starch group, only 50% (n = 10) responded to treatment in the first 24 h, the results showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.001). The results indicate that oral pyridostigmine can be used as a simple and effective treatment for gastrointestinal ileus.
Linkages between the Genesis and Resource Potential of Ferromanganese Deposits in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans
Authors: Menendez Amaya , James Rachael , Shulga Natalia , Connelly Doug , Roberts Steve
Published: May 2018

In addition to iron and manganese, deep sea ferromanganese deposits, including nodules and crusts, contain significant amounts of economically interesting metals, such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and rare Earth elements and yttrium (REY). Some of these metals are essential in the development of emerging and new-generation green technologies. However, the resource potential of these deposits is variable, and likely related to environmental conditions that prevail as they form. To better assess the environmental controls on the resource potential of ferromanganese deposits, we have undertaken a detailed study of the chemical composition of ferromanganese nodules and one crust sample from different oceanic regions. Textural and chemical characteristics of nodules from the North Atlantic and a crust from the South Pacific suggest that they acquire metals from a hydrogenous source. These deposits are potentially an economically important source of Co and the REY. On the other hand, nodules from the Pacific Ocean represent a marginal resource of these metals, due to their relatively fast growth rate caused by diagenetic precipitation. By contrast, they have relatively high concentrations of Ni and Cu. A nodule from the Arctic Ocean is characterised by the presence of significant quantities of detrital silicate material, which significantly reduces their metal resource.
Improvement of Trehalose Production by Immobilized Trehalose Synthase from Thermus thermophilus HB27
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Shizeng , Li Wenna , Li Ruimin , Chen Sheng , Ri Hyon Il , Kim Tae Mun , Kang Myong Su , Sun Lu , Sun Xinxiao , Yuan Qipeng
Published: May 2018

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide with a wide range of applications in the fields of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In this study, trehalose synthase derived from Thermus thermophilus HB27 (TtTreS) was immobilized on silicalite-1-based material for trehalose production. The activity and the stability of TtTreS against pH and temperature were significantly improved by immobilization. Enzyme immobilization also led to a lower concentration of byproduct glucose, which reduces byproduct inhibition of TtTreS. The immobilized TtTreS still retained 81% of its initial trehalose yield after 22 cycles of enzymatic reactions. The immobilized TtTreS exhibited high operational stability and remarkable reusability, indicating that it is promising for industrial applications.
Nutraceutical and Ethnopharmacological Properties of Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta
Authors: Maroyi Alfred
Published: May 2018

Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta (VI) is a nutraceutical with plant parts valued in several cultures for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, VI is used against gastro-intestinal disorders, malaria, pneumonia, cough, menstrual problems, parasitic worms, chest complaints, snake bites, infertility, fever, candidiasis and abdominal pains. This study aims to critically summarize the nutraceutical properties, phytochemistry and pharmacology of VI with a view to provide baseline data required for further investigations on this plant. Relevant information on the nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological properties of VI was collected from established scientiﬁc databases such as ScienceDirect, SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and SCOPUS. Additionally, books, book chapters and conference papers were also consulted to access other important information. Comparative analysis of the literature revealed that VI is an important neutraceutical plant in east and southern Africa, used as herbal medicine in 69% of the countries where the species is native. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence in VI of fatty acids, flavonoids, iridoid lactones and triterpenoids. Based on in vitro and animal studies, the species exhibited antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antifeedant and prostaglandin synthesis inhibitory activities. Pharmacological studies have provided supporting evidence for the therapeutic value of VI, however, detailed toxicological and clinical trials are required to assess efficacy of the species.
Traceless Solid-Phase Synthesis of [6,7,8 + 5,6,7]-Fused Molecular Frameworks
Authors: Giménez-Navarro Vanesa , Krchňák Viktor
Published: May 2018

We report two synthetic strategies for traceless solid-phase synthesis of molecular scaffolds comprising 6- to 8-membered rings fused with 5- to 7-membered rings. Traceless synthesis facilitated preparation of target molecules without any trace of polymer-supported linkers. The cyclization proceeded via acid-mediated tandem N-acylium ion formation followed by the nucleophilic addition of O- and C-nucleophiles. The presented synthetic strategy enabled, through the use of simple building blocks without any conformational preferences, the evaluation of the predisposition of different combinations of ring sizes to form fused ring molecular scaffolds. Compounds with any combination of [6,7 + 5,6,7] ring sizes were accessible with excellent crude purity. The 8-membered cyclic iminium was successfully fused only with the 5-membered cycle and larger fused ring systems were not formed, probably due to their instability.
Multicomponent Domino Synthesis, Anticancer Activity and Molecular Modeling Simulation of Complex Dispirooxindolopyrrolidines
Authors: Arumugam Natarajan , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Suresh Kumar Raju , Govindasami Periyasami , Al-thamili Dhaifallah M. , Krishnamoorthy Rajapandian , Periasamy Vaiyapuri Subbarayan , Alshatwi Ali A. , Mahalingam S. M. , Thangamani Shankar , Menéndez J. Carlos
Published: May 2018

A series of spirooxindolopyrrolidine fused N-styrylpiperidone heterocyclic hybrids has been synthesized in excellent yield via a domino multicomponent protocol that involves one-pot three component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and concomitant enamine reactions performed in an inexpensive ionic liquid, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([bmim]Br). Compounds thus synthesized were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against U-937 tumor cells. Interestingly; compounds 5i and 5m exhibited a better cytotoxicity than the anticancer drug bleomycin. In addition; the effect of the synthesized compounds on the nuclear morphology of U937 FaDu cells revealed that treatment with compounds 5a–m led to their apoptotic cell death.
Dehalogenases: From Improved Performance to Potential Microbial Dehalogenation Applications
Authors: Ang Thiau-Fu , Maiangwa Jonathan , Salleh Abu Bakar , Normi Yahaya M. , Leow Thean Chor
Published: May 2018

The variety of halogenated substances and their derivatives widely used as pesticides, herbicides and other industrial products is of great concern due to the hazardous nature of these compounds owing to their toxicity, and persistent environmental pollution. Therefore, from the viewpoint of environmental technology, the need for environmentally relevant enzymes involved in biodegradation of these pollutants has received a great boost. One result of this great deal of attention has been the identification of environmentally relevant bacteria that produce hydrolytic dehalogenases—key enzymes which are considered cost-effective and eco-friendly in the removal and detoxification of these pollutants. These group of enzymes catalyzing the cleavage of the carbon-halogen bond of organohalogen compounds have potential applications in the chemical industry and bioremediation. The dehalogenases make use of fundamentally different strategies with a common mechanism to cleave carbon-halogen bonds whereby, an active-site carboxylate group attacks the substrate C atom bound to the halogen atom to form an ester intermediate and a halide ion with subsequent hydrolysis of the intermediate. Structurally, these dehalogenases have been characterized and shown to use substitution mechanisms that proceed via a covalent aspartyl intermediate. More so, the widest dehalogenation spectrum of electron acceptors tested with bacterial strains which could dehalogenate recalcitrant organohalides has further proven the versatility of bacterial dehalogenators to be considered when determining the fate of halogenated organics at contaminated sites. In this review, the general features of most widely studied bacterial dehalogenases, their structural properties, basis of the degradation of organohalides and their derivatives and how they have been improved for various applications is discussed.
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Cardiac Troponin I for Point-of-Care Tests Based on Red Fluorescent Microspheres
Authors: Cai Yanxue , Kang Keren , Li Qianru , Wang Yu , He Xiaowei
Published: May 2018

A reliable lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on a facile one-step synthesis of single microspheres in combining with immunochromatography technique was developed to establish a new point-of-care test (POCT) for the rapid and early detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a kind of cardiac specific biomarker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The double layered microspheres with clear core-shell structures were produced using soap-free emulsion polymerization method with inexpensive compounds (styrene and acrylic acid). The synthetic process was simple, rapid and easy to control due to one-step synthesis without any complicated procedures. The microspheres are nanostructure with high surface area, which have numerous carboxyl groups on the out layer, resulting in high-efficiency coupling between the carrier and antibody via amide bond. Meanwhile, the red fluorescent dye, Nile-red (NR), was wrapped inside the microspheres to improve its stability, as well to reduce the background noise, because of its higher emission wavelength than interference from real plasma samples. The core-shell structures provided different functional areas to separate antibody and dyes, so the immunoassay has highly sensitive, wide working curves in the range of 0–40 ng/mL, low limits of detection (LOD) at 0.016 ng/mL, and limits of quantification (LOQ) at 0.087 ng/mL with coefficient of variations (CV) of 10%. This strategy suggested an outstanding platform for LFIA, with good reproducibility and stability to straightforwardly analyze the plasma samples without washing steps, thereby reducing the operating procedures for non-professionals and promoting detection efficiency. The whole detection process can be completed in less than 15 min. This novel immunoassay offers a reliable and favorable analytical result by detecting the real samples, indicating that it holds great potential as a new alternative for biomolecule detection in complex samples, for the early detection of cardiac specific biomarkers.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Docking Studies of Novel Bisquaternary Aldoxime Reactivators on Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibited by Paraoxon
Authors: Kuca Kamil , Jun Daniel , Junova Lucie , Musilek Kamil , Hrabinova Martina , Da Silva Jorge Alberto Valle , Ramalho Teodorico Castro , Valko Marian , Wu Qinghua , Nepovimova Eugenie , França Tanos Celmar Costa
Published: May 2018

Nerve agents and oxon forms of organophosphorus pesticides act as strong irreversible inhibitors of two cholinesterases in the human body: acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8), and are therefore highly toxic compounds. For the recovery of inhibited AChE, antidotes from the group of pyridinium or bispyridinium aldoxime reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime, HI-6) are used in combination with anticholinergics and anticonvulsives. Therapeutic efficacy of reactivators (called “oximes”) depends on their chemical structure and also the type of organophosphorus inhibitor. Three novel oximes (K131, K142, K153) with an oxime group in position four of the pyridinium ring were designed and then tested for their potency to reactivate human (Homo sapiens sapiens) AChE (HssACHE) and BChE (HssBChE) inhibited by the pesticide paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate). According to the obtained results, none of the prepared oximes were able to satisfactorily reactivate paraoxon-inhibited cholinesterases. On the contrary, extraordinary activity of obidoxime in the case of paraoxon-inhibited HssAChE reactivation was confirmed. Additional docking studies pointed to possible explanations for these results.
A Hollow-Structured Manganese Oxide Cathode for Stable Zn-MnO2 Batteries
Authors: Guo Xiaotong , Li Jianming , Jin Xu , Han Yehu , Lin Yue , Lei Zhanwu , Wang Shiyang , Qin Lianjie , Jiao Shuhong , Cao Ruiguo
Published: May 2018

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-manganese dioxide (Zn-MnO2) batteries are considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices for large scale-energy storage systems due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, only a few cathode materials have been demonstrated to achieve stable cycling for aqueous rechargeable Zn-MnO2 batteries. Here, we report a new material consisting of hollow MnO2 nanospheres, which can be used for aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries. The hollow MnO2 nanospheres can achieve high specific capacity up to ~405 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C. More importantly, the hollow structure of birnessite-type MnO2 enables long-term cycling stability for the aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries. The excellent performance of the hollow MnO2 nanospheres should be due to their unique structural properties that enable the easy intercalation of zinc ions.
Impact of Different Stakeholders of Bike-Sharing Industry on Users’ Intention of Civilized Use of Bike-Sharing
Authors: Jia Lin , Liu Xin , Liu Yaqian
Published: May 2018

It is important to put forward effective regulations since bike-sharing has both positive and negative impacts on sustainable development. This study distinguishes four stakeholders of the bike-sharing industry; these are bike-sharing companies, the public, the media, and government. A research model is proposed based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework to explore the impact of these four stakeholders on users’ intention of civilized use. The model was tested using 250 questionnaires collected from an online survey. The results demonstrate the importance of user-interface (UI) design, social influence, and new media in affecting users’ awareness of and attitude towards uncivilized behaviors, which in turn improve their intention of civilized use. The study also clarifies the moderation effect of firm and government controls on the relationship among different variables in the model.
The Development Perspectives of Sustainable Management Accounting in Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Zyznarska-Dworczak Beata
Published: May 2018

Central and Eastern European countries undergo many political, structural, social and economic changes, with growing public awareness of the need for corporate sustainability among them. These changes influence all business activities of companies; the management accounting system, however, is particularly susceptible to the effects of these changes. Management accounting research is usually carried out using a conventional, mainstream approach, followed by most scientific researchers analyzing management accounting. This paper aims to promote the perception of the changes and prospects of the development of management accounting in Central and Eastern European countries with in-depth consideration of corporate social responsibility, viewing the role of accounting in a wider social, ethical, environmental, cultural and historical context. Therefore, the aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of sustainable management accounting in the context of socio-economic transformations and developments in these countries, in the research perspectives of alternative management accounting. The paper relies on theoretical and methodological triangulation, using inductive and deductive reasoning as well as descriptive and comparative analysis. A bibliometric analysis, based on the scientific paper in Web of Science’ database relating management accounting research in Central and Eastern Europe countries in 1945–2017, reveals key trends in changes in the field of management accounting research, and allows us to anticipate the direction of future research in this region. The results of research in these areas determine the future growth, importance, and character of the sustainable management accounting practices of companies from Central and Eastern Europe. It offers findings which are potentially useful for both theory and practice.
AB Dor Moving Group Stars Resolved with the CHARA Array
Authors: Schaefer G. H. , White R. J. , Baines E. K. , Boyajian T. S. , Brummelaar T. A. ten , Farrington C. D. , Sturmann J. , Sturmann L. , Turner N. H.
Published: May 2018

We present interferometric measurements obtained with the CHARA Array of 13 adolescent-age stars in nearby moving groups. The motivation was to spatially resolve the largest stars and to search for binary companions. Nine stars have diameters smaller than the resolution limit and no evidence for companions within 0.5–50 mas and ΔH < 2.0 mag. The diameters of three stars were spatially resolved: GJ 159 (0.582 ± 0.016 mas) and GJ 393 (0.564 ± 0.021 mas) in the AB Dor moving group, and former member HD 89744 (0.556 ± 0.032 mas). Combining the angular diameters with their distances and bolometric fluxes, we measured radii and effective temperatures. The temperatures of GJ 159 (6286 ± 123 K) and GJ 393 (3515 ± 68 K) are consistent with spectroscopic measurements. Comparisons with evolutionary models show that HD 89744 has evolved off the main sequence. GJ 159 and GJ 393 lie within 1.5σ of the zero-age main sequence, complicating their age estimates because it is unclear whether the stars are contracting or expanding. GJ 159 has a mass of 1.2 ± 0.1 

with an age spanning 0.021–3.0 Gyr. Its debris disk and lithium abundance favor a young age. GJ 393 has a mass of 0.42 ± 0.03 

and a lower limit on its age 0.06 Gyr. This overlaps with the age of the moving group; however, an older age would be more consistent with its slow rotation, low activity, and luminosity, suggesting that GJ 393 is a kinematic interloper.
The First Continuous Optical Monitoring of the Transitional Millisecond Pulsar PSR J1023+0038 with Kepler
Authors: Papitto A. , Rea N. , Zelati F. Coti , Martino D. de , Scaringi S. , Campana S. , Wilhelmi E. de Ońa , Knigge C. , Serenelli A. , Stella L. , Torres D. F. , D’Avanzo P. , Israel G. L.
Published: May 2018

We report on the first continuous, 80-day optical monitoring of the transitional millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038 carried out in mid 2017 with Kepler in the K2 configuration, when an X-ray subluminous accretion disk was present in the binary. Flares lasting from minutes to 14 hr were observed for 15.6% of the time, which is a larger fraction than previously reported on the basis of X-ray and past optical observations, and more frequently when the companion was at superior conjunction of the orbit. A sinusoidal modulation at the binary orbital period was also present with an amplitude of ≃16%, which varied by a few percent over timescales of days, and with a maximum that took place 890 ± 85 s earlier than the superior conjunction of the donor. We interpret this phenomena in terms of reprocessing of the X-ray emission by an asymmetrically heated companion star surface and/or a non-axisymmetric outflow possibly launched close to the inner Lagrangian point. Furthermore, the non-flaring average emission varied by up to ≈40% over a timescale of days in the absence of correspondingly large variations of the irradiating X-ray flux. The latter suggests that the observed changes in the average optical luminosity might be due to variations of the geometry, size, and/or mass accretion rate in the outer regions of the accretion disk.
Mapa de fluxo de valor aplicado em uma microcervejaria
Authors: Royer Rogério , Porto Rosa Ariane Ferreira , Savedra Lucas Alves
Published: May 2018

O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de apresentar um assunto de grande importância para o engenheiro de produção, o Mapeamento do Fluxo de Valor (MFV), aplicado em uma micro cervejaria, que produz dois tipos de cerveja, como meio de diagnosticar e reduzir os desperdícios, com o desenvolvimento de melhorias continuas de processos. Após a revisão da literatura onde foram descritas as conceituações e definições do mapeamento de fluxo de valor e a metodologia utilizada, iniciou-se a coleta de dados. Primeiramente, identificou-se a família de produtos para criação do mapeamento da situação atual. Logo após sugeriu-se algumas técnicas da mentalidade enxuta com o intuito de eliminar desperdícios, fazendo o mapeamento de fluxo de valor desejado.  Na sequência é apresentada a empresa que foi objeto do mapeamento. Como resultado, o MFV apresenta-se como uma ferramenta essencial para a otimização de processos onde haja fluxo de massa e informação, tornando-se ponto de partida para a implementação de melhorias e utilização de ferramentas Lean.
Identificação e mensuração dos custos ocultos em uma empresa fabricante de turbinas automotivas
Authors: Cavali Mayke Zatta , Marchi Nilton De , Eckert Alex , Mecca Marlei Salete
Published: May 2018

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi verificar quais fatores e operações poderiam ser apontados e mensurados em uma análise dos Custos Ocultos. Para que o objetivo fosse alcançado, realizou-se um estudo de caso, descritivo e qualitativo, em uma empresa do setor metal mecânico fabricante de turbinas automotivas. Inicialmente, alguns dados referentes à produtividade das máquinas analisadas foram coletados, e posteriormente colocados em planilhas para conseguir quantificar os Custos Ocultos presentes nos processos analisados. Um referencial contemplando teorias sobre contabilidade de custos, gestão, gestão de custos e propriamente sobre os Custos Ocultos, deram base para os assuntos envolvidos no decorrer do trabalho. Com a realização da pesquisa conseguiu-se identificar diversos valores ocultos, que foram elencados e quantificados. Todas as análises feitas foram voltadas para o quanto a empresa deixou de faturar pelo fato de estarem ocorrendo falhas nos processos, e também os valores ocultos que acompanham o Custo dos Produtos Vendidos (CPV). Foram realizadas comparações entre os valores buscando a compreensão acerca do surgimento, do impacto gerado e do destino final dos Custos Ocultos. Dentre os principais achados da pesquisa, verificou-se que os valores que a empresa deixou de faturar nos doze meses estudados representaram um valor expressivo em relação ao faturamento total da empresa.
Verplaatsingstijden met het openbaar vervoer in Brussel: de bereikbaarheid van de activiteitenpolen
Authors: Lebrun Kevin
Published: May 2018

Via een benadering die gebaseerd is op een modelvorming voor de verplaatsingstijden in het Brussels Gewest, strekt dit artikel ertoe de bereikbaarheid met het openbaar vervoer van een selectie activiteitenpolen van het Gewest vanuit de verschillende wijken te bespreken. Daartoe werden verplaatsingstijden gemeten tijdens de ochtendspits op een werkdag, rekening houdend met het aanbod van alle vervoersoperatoren. De analyses wijzen op een grote heterogeniteit binnen het Gewest, die het gevolg is van een radiale en concentrische logica, en onder meer gelinkt is aan de vraag naar vervoer. Ook de huidige en potentiële grote bijdrage van de andere operatoren dan de MIVB komt daaruit naar voren. De analyses tonen ook aan dat bijna 30 % van de Brusselse bevolking thans woont in wijken die door hun ligging minder goede verbindingen met de activiteitenpolen hebben. Dat doet de vraag rijzen of de bereikbaarheid van die polen niet eenvormiger moet worden. Wat de doorslaggevende factoren voor de bereikbaarheid met het openbaar vervoer betreft, blijkt onder meer dat het autoverkeer nog steeds een grote invloed op de reistijden heeft en ze gemiddeld met 25 % verlengt, ondanks het beleid van de laatste jaren om het openbaar vervoer te beschermen tegen of te scheiden van het autoverkeer.
Early morphea simulating patch-stage mycosis fungoides in two cases
Authors: Ghasemi Basir Hamid R. , Alirezaei Pedram , Rezanejad Aliasghar , Daneshyar Sajjad
Published: May 2018

Morphea is a skin disorder characterized by thickening of dermis and subcutaneous tissues and loss of adnexal structures. In the early inflammatory stage of morphea, diagnostic histological findings are absent and this may lead to confusion with other inflammatory dermatoses such as mycosis fungoides (MF). We report two cases of early stage morphea mimicking patchstage of MF. Histopathologic examination of biopsies obtained early in the disease course revealed lymphocytic epidermotropism arranged in small pautrier-like collections as well as linear arrangements in dermal- epidermal junction. Additional biopsies were performed which revealed replacement of subcutaneous fat with closely packed thick collagen bundles under eccrine glands. This report points toward the fact that early stage morphea can simulate MF. Therefore additional evaluation is sometimes required for definite diagnosis.
Guide de consultation rapide sur les tests de conformité et l'optimisation de la performance des services de l'ICDG
Authors:   GéoConnexions
Published: May 2018

La dernière décennie a été marquée par l'émergence de programmes d'infrastructure de données spatiales qui ont donné naissance à ce que d'aucuns appellent le « GéoWeb ». S'il est vrai que les
systèmes d'information géographique (SIG) sont des technologies bien établies remontant aux années 60, l'accès aux données géographiques et leur utilisation sur Internet représentent une avancée relativement récente. Les progrès récents
accomplis par des entreprises comme Google, Microsoft et Yahoo dans la géomatique grand public ont contribué à une meilleure compréhension de l'utilisation possible des données géospatiales dans de nombreuses applications Web. De plus, les progrès accomplis dans
les technologies de développement Web (par exemple. AJAX - Asynchronous JavaScript and eXtensible Markup Language) permettent de disposer d'une plate-forme de développement d'applications Web hautement intégrées et performantes. L'accès transparent et fiable à ces
applications exige que les utilisateurs et les développeurs valident et optimisent les services Web utilisés dans le développement d'applications.
Investigación para la evaluación de la reputación de los medios de comunicación
Authors: Ortiz de Guinea Ayala Yolanda , Villafañe Gallego Justo , Caffarel-Serra Carmen
Published: May 2018

El artículo es un pre test realizado en Castellón en 2017 en el ámbito del proyecto I+D “La reputación de los medios de comunicación en España y en Europa” (CSO2017-87513-R). Metodología. A partir de los dos valores canónicos de la reputación –los periodísticos y los empresariales—y de 31 variables dependientes, se aplicó un cuestionario a 24 panelistas, altamente informados, del que se dedujeron los valores periodísticos o empresariales y que los stakeholders clave son aquellos de los que los medios dependen económicamente. Resultados y conclusiones. Del análisis de los datos se concluye que no se puede atribuir un perfil de reputación mediático homogéneo a los stakeholders; que los más importantes económicamente son los más valorados y, por último, que existen dos valores determinantes de la reputación mediática: la excelencia periodística y la viabilidad económica del medio.
Using CALIOP to constrain blowing snow emissions of sea salt aerosols over Arctic and Antarctic sea ice
Authors: Huang Jiayue , Jaeglé Lyatt , Shah Viral
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Sea salt aerosols (SSA) produced on sea ice surfaces by blowing snow events or lifting of frost flower crystals have been suggested as important sources of SSA during winter over polar regions. The magnitude and relative contribution of blowing snow and frost flower SSA sources, however, remain uncertain. In this study, we use 2007–2009 aerosol extinction coefficients from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) instrument onboard the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite and the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model to constrain sources of SSA over Arctic and Antarctic sea ice. CALIOP retrievals show elevated levels of aerosol extinctions (10–20 Mm−1) in the lower troposphere (0–2 km) over polar regions during cold months. The standard GEOS-Chem model underestimates the CALIOP aerosol extinctions by 50–70 %. Adding frost flower emissions of SSA fails to explain the CALIOP observations. With blowing snow SSA emissions, the model captures the overall spatial and seasonal variation of CALIOP aerosol extinctions over the polar regions, but overestimates springtime aerosol extinctions over Arctic sea ice and winter-spring extinctions over Antarctic sea ice. We reduce the surface snow salinity over multi-year sea ice and infer the monthly FYI snow salinity required to minimize the discrepancy between CALIOP extinctions and the GEOS-Chem simulation. The empirically-derived snow salinity shows a decreasing trend in between fall and spring. The optimized blowing snow model with inferred snow salinities generally agrees with CALIOP extinction observations to within 10 % over sea ice, but underestimates aerosol extinctions over the regions where frost flowers are expected to have a large influence. Frost flowers could thus contribute indirectly to SSA production by increasing the local surface snow salinity and, therefore, the SSA production from blowing snow. We carry out a case study of an Arctic blowing snow SSA feature predicted by GEOS-Chem and sampled by CALIOP. Using backtrajectories, we link this feature to a blowing snow event which occurred 2 days earlier over first-year sea ice and was also detected by CALIOP.
CCN activity of six pollenkitts and the influence of their surface activity
Authors: Prisle Nønne L. , Lin Jack J. , Purdue Sara K. , Lin Haisheng , Meredith J. Carson , Nenes Athanasios
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Pollenkitt is a viscous material that coats grains of pollen and plays important roles in pollen dispersion and plant reproduction. It may also be an important contributor to pollen water uptake and CCN activity. The chemical composition of pollenkitt varies between species, but has been found to comprise complex organic mixtures including oxygenated, lipid, and aliphatic functionalities. The mix of functionalities suggests that pollenkitt may display aqueous surface activity, which could significantly impact pollen interactions with atmospheric water. Here, we study the surface activity of pollenkitt from six different species and its impact on pollenkitt hygroscopicity. We measure cloud activation and concentration dependent surface tension of pollenkitt and its mixtures with ammonium sulfate salt. Experiments are compared to predictions from several thermodynamic models, taking aqueous surface tension reduction and surfactant surface partitioning into account in various ways. We find a clear reduction of surface tension by pollenkitt in aqueous solution and evidence for impact of both surface tension and surface partitioning mechanisms on cloud activation potential and hygroscopicity. In addition, we find indication of significant impact of complex non-ideal solution effects in systematic and consistent size dependency of pollenkitt hygroscopicity.