bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Grinding Preparation and Characterization of TiO2-Coated Wollastonite Composite Pigments
Authors: Chen Wanting , Liang Yu , Hou Xifeng , Zhang Jing , Ding Hao , Sun Sijia , Cao Hu
Published: April 2018

TiO2-coated wollastonite composite pigments were prepared by the mechano-chemical grinding of wollastonite and TiO2 powder together in a wet ultrafine stirred mill. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectra were used to investigate the microstructures and morphologies of the composite and the reaction mechanism. The results indicate that the TiO2-coated wollastonite composite pigments have similar properties to titanium dioxide pigment, showing much better properties than dry and wet mixing of wollastonite and TiO2. The hiding power of TiO2-coated wollastonite composite pigments (45% TiO2) is 17.97 g/m2, reaching 81.08% of titanium dioxide. A firm combination between wollastonite and TiO2 is obtained through a surface dehydroxylation reaction during the mechano-chemical method.
Astaxanthin Restrains Nitrative-Oxidative Peroxidation in Mitochondrial-Mimetic Liposomes: A Pre-Apoptosis Model
Authors: Mano Camila , Guaratini Thais , Cardozo Karina , Colepicolo Pio , Bechara Etelvino , Barros Marcelo
Published: April 2018

Astaxanthin (ASTA) is a ketocarotenoid found in many marine organisms and that affords many benefits to human health. ASTA is particularly effective against radical-mediated lipid peroxidation, and recent findings hypothesize a “mitochondrial-targeted” action of ASTA in cells. Therefore, we examined the protective effects of ASTA against lipid peroxidation in zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine liposomes (PCLs) and anionic phosphatidylcholine: phosphatidylglycerol liposomes (PCPGLs), at different pHs (6.2 to 8.0), which were challenged by oxidizing/nitrating conditions that mimic the regular and preapoptotic redox environment of active mitochondria. Pre-apoptotic conditions were created by oxidized/nitr(osyl)ated cytochrome c and resulted in the highest levels of lipoperoxidation in both PCL and PCPGLs (pH 7.4). ASTA was less protective at acidic conditions, especially in anionic PCPGLs. Our data demonstrated the ability of ASTA to hamper oxidative and nitrative events that lead to cytochrome c-peroxidase apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, although its efficiency changes with pH and lipid composition of membranes.
Production and Characterization of an Extracellular Acid Protease from Thermophilic Brevibacillus sp. OA30 Isolated from an Algerian Hot Spring
Authors: Gomri Mohamed , Rico-Díaz Agustín , Escuder-Rodríguez Juan-José , El Moulouk Khaldi Tedj , González-Siso María-Isabel , Kharroub Karima
Published: April 2018

Proteases have numerous biotechnological applications and the bioprospection for newly-thermostable proteases from the great biodiversity of thermophilic microorganisms inhabiting hot environments, such as geothermal sources, aims to discover more effective enzymes for processes at higher temperatures. We report in this paper the production and the characterization of a purified acid protease from strain OA30, a moderate thermophilic bacterium isolated from an Algerian hot spring. Phenotypic and genotypic study of strain OA30 was followed by the production of the extracellular protease in a physiologically-optimized medium. Strain OA30 showed multiple extracellular proteolytic enzymes and protease 32-F38 was purified by chromatographic methods and its biochemical characteristics were studied. Strain OA30 was affiliated with Brevibacillus thermoruber species. Protease 32-F38 had an estimated molecular weight of 64.6 kDa and was optimally active at 50 °C. It showed a great thermostability after 240 min and its optimum pH was 6.0. Protease 32-F38 was highly stable in the presence of different detergents and solvents and was inhibited by metalloprotease inhibitors. The results of this work suggest that protease 32-F38 might have interesting biotechnological applications.
Formation of Fe- and Mg-Rich Smectite under Hyperalkaline Conditions at Narra in Palawan, the Philippines
Authors: Shimbashi Misato , Sato Tsutomu , Yamakawa Minoru , Fujii Naoki , Otake Tsubasa
Published: April 2018

The formation of Fe- and Mg-rich smectite and zeolite under alkaline conditions, as secondary minerals after the alkaline alteration of bentonite in repositories for radioactive waste, is of major concern. It is crucial for safety assessments to know whether smectite is formed as a secondary mineral after the alkaline alteration of bentonite. In the present paper, Fe- and Mg-rich smectite, which interacted with the hyperalkaline groundwater at Narra in Palawan, Philippines, was used. Mineralogical and geochemical investigation was conducted to understand the formation process of the smectite and the factors determining the formation of secondary mineral species. The results suggest that a certain amount of smectite may be generated under hyperalkaline conditions, by alteration from amorphous or poorly crystalline components such as M-S-H and F-S-H. Therefore, the controlling factor determining whether smectite or zeolite will be generated as secondary minerals after alkaline alteration of bentonite could be whether nuclei of M-S-H and/or F-S-H are formed. Whether such formation takes place may be determined by the presence of dissolved Mg2+ and Fe2+ in the environment. The formation process of smectite under alkaline conditions, suggested by the results here, is analogous to the generally accepted model of smectite formation as it may have occurred on early Mars.
Characteristic and Geological Implications of Major Elements and Rare Earth Elements of Triassic Chang 7 Oil Shale in Tongchuan City, Southern Ordos Basin (China)
Authors: Li Delu , Li Rongxi , Xue Tao , Wang Baoping , Liu Futian , Zhao Bangsheng , Zhao Di
Published: April 2018

The study of the oil shale from Triassic Chang 7 oil layer in Ordos Basin is of great importance to oil and gas resources investigation. Based on systematic analyses of major elements and rare earth elements of twelve oil shale samples and grain size analyses of four sandstone samples from the Yishicun Profile in southern Ordos Basin, the elements characteristics and corresponding geological implications are discussed. The Al/Si and Si/(Si + Al + Fe) of oil shale samples are in small range, with the averages of 0.29 and 0.67, indicating that quartz is the main mineral and the oil shale deposits near terrigenous provenance. Rare earth elements of the oil shale illustrate the enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) and deficit of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The Chondrite- and North American shale composite (NASC)-normalized distributing patterns manifested that the oil shale have been derived from the same terrigenous source and controlled by a similar sedimentary environment. The vertical variation of major elements and REEs show that the heterogeneity of oil shale samples is relatively low. By grain size analysis, the interlayer sandstone is the typical turbidite. The Chemical index of alteration (CIA) and (Fe + Mn)/Ti of the oil shale samples ranges in 65.02–78.09 and 6.60–25.82, respectively, indicating that during oil shale sedimentation, the paloeclimate is warm and humid with moderate chemical weathering and that there are obviously hydrothermal fliud activities. The correlation between δCeN and δEuN, total rare earth elements (ΣREE) and (Dy/Sm)N, implying that the diagenesis of oil shale is relatively low with middle diagenetic stage A period. The Ceanom of oil shale samples ranges from −0.094 to −0.049, suggesting that the redox condition of oil shale sedimentation is dominated by strong reducing condition, and the (La/Yb)n is from 1.3 to 2.1, manifesting the whole sedimentary rate of oil shale is relatively low. By the comparison with REEs distribution characteristics from surrounding potential provenance, the main provenances of Chang 7 sedimentation in southern Ordos Basin are from Yinshan Mountain and Qinling-Dabie Mountain.
Luminescence Mechanism of Carbon Dots by Tailoring Functional Groups for Sensing Fe3+ Ions
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Liu Chang , Yuan Kang , Lu Zunming , Cheng Yahui , Li Lanlan , Zhang Xinghua , Jin Peng , Meng Fanbin , Liu Hui
Published: April 2018

In this paper, spherical carbon dots (CDs) with distinct compositions and surface states have been successfully synthesized by a facile microwave method. From the fluorescence spectra, several characteristic luminescence features have been observed: surface amino groups are dominant in the whole emission spectra centering at 445 nm, and the fingerprint emissions relevant to the impurity levels formed by some groups related to C and N elements, including C-C/C=C (intrinsic C), C-N (graphitic N), N-containing heterocycles (pyridine N) and C=O groups, are located around 305 nm, 355 nm, 410 nm, and 500 nm, respectively. Those fine luminescence features could be ascribed to the electron transition among various trapping states within the band structure caused by different chemical bonds in carbon cores, or functional groups attached to the CDs’ surfaces. According to the theoretical calculations and experimental results, a scheme of the band structure has been proposed to describe the positions of those trapping states within the band gap. Additionally, it has also been observed that the emission of CDs is sensitive to the concentration of Fe3+ ions with a linear relation in the range of Fe3+ concentration from 12.5 to 250 μM.
Non-Coding RNA as Novel Players in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia
Authors: Gibbons Andrew , Udawela Madhara , Dean Brian
Published: April 2018

Schizophrenia is associated with diverse changes in the brain’s transcriptome and proteome. Underlying these changes is the complex dysregulation of gene expression and protein production that varies both spatially across brain regions and temporally with the progression of the illness. The growing body of literature showing changes in non-coding RNA in individuals with schizophrenia offers new insights into the mechanisms causing this dysregulation. A large number of studies have reported that the expression of microRNA (miRNA) is altered in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. This evidence is complemented by findings that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA host gene sequences can confer an increased risk of developing the disorder. Additionally, recent evidence suggests the expression of other non-coding RNAs, such as small nucleolar RNA and long non-coding RNA, may also be affected in schizophrenia. Understanding how these changes in non-coding RNAs contribute to the development and progression of schizophrenia offers potential avenues for the better treatment and diagnosis of the disorder. This review will focus on the evidence supporting the involvement of non-coding RNA in schizophrenia and its therapeutic potential.
The Anti-Periodontitis Effects of Ethanol Extract Prepared Using Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101
Authors: Liu Te-Hua , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Pan Tzu-Ming
Published: April 2018

Poor oral health and related diseases, including caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer, are highly prevalent across the world, particularly in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the anti-periodontitis activity of fermented skim milk produced using the promising probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 (NTU101FM). An initial analysis found that an ethanol extract of NTU101FM displayed anti-oxidative activities. Further investigation of pathogen growth inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) revealed that the NTU101FM ethanol extract also had anti-periodontal pathogen activities. In addition, the NTU101FM ethanol extract significantly decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Finally, the NTU101FM ethanol extract was found to inhibit receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation by reducing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and the number of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. In summary, our study demonstrated that ethanol extract prepared from NTU101FM has potential use as an anti-periodontitis agent.
Combined Effect of Anticancer Agents and Cytochrome C Decorated Hybrid Nanoparticles for Liver Cancer Therapy
Authors: Al-Shakarchi Wejdan , Alsuraifi Ali , Abed Mohammed , Abdullah Marwan , Richardson Alan , Curtis Anthony , Hoskins Clare
Published: April 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma is an aggressive form of liver cancer that displays minimal symptoms until its late stages. Unfortunately, patient prognosis still remains poor with only 10% of patients surviving more than five years after diagnosis. Current chemotherapies alone are not offering efficient treatment, hence alternative therapeutic approaches are urgently required. In this work, we highlight the potential of combination of treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with existing chemotherapies in combination with pro-apoptotic factor cytochrome C. In order to allow cytochrome C to cross the cellular membrane and become internalized, it has been immobilised onto the surface of hybrid iron oxide-gold nanoparticles. This novel approach has been tested in vitro on HepG2, Huh-7D and SK-hep-1 cell lines in order to elucidate potential as a possible alternative therapy with greater efficacy. The data from our studies show consistently that combining treatment of clinically used anticancer agents (doxorubicin, paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, vinblastine and vincristine) significantly increases the levels of apoptosis within the cell lines, which leads to cellular death. Hence, this combined approach may hold promise for future treatment regimes.
Separation, Identification, and Antidiabetic Activity of Catechin Isolated from Arbutus unedo L. Plant Roots
Authors: Mrabti Hanae , Jaradat Nidal , Fichtali Ismail , Ouedrhiri Wessal , Jodeh Shehdeh , Ayesh Samar , Cherrah Yahia , Faouzi My
Published: April 2018

Phytopharmaceuticals play an essential role in medicine, since the need to investigate highly effective and safe drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus disease remains a significant challenge for modern medicine. Arbutus unedo L. root has various therapeutic properties, and has been used widely in the traditional medicine as an antidiabetic agent. The current study aimed to isolate the pharmacologically active compound from A. unedo roots using accelerated solvent extraction technology, to determine its chemical structure using different instrumental analytical methods, and also to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The roots of A. unedo were exhaustively extracted by high-pressure static extraction using the Zippertex® technology (Dionex-ASE, Paris, France), and the extract was mixed with XAD-16 resin to reach quantifiable amounts of active compounds which were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), 1H NMR (300 MHz), and 13C NMR. The antidiabetic activity of the isolated compound was evaluated using the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The active compound was isolated, and its structure was identified as catechin using instrumental analysis.The results revealed that the isolated compound has potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 87.55 ± 2.23 μg/mL greater than acarbose. This was used as a positive control, which has an IC50 value of 199.53 ± 1.12 μg/mL. According to the results achieved, the roots of A. unedo were considered the best source of catechin and the Zippertex® technology method of extraction is the best method for isolation of this therapeutic active compound. In addition, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity results confirmed the traditional use of A. unedo roots as an antidiabetic agent. Future clinical trials and investigations of antidiabetic and other pharmacological effects such as anticancer are required.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal That Nitrate Strongly Promotes Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism in Soybean Roots, but Tends to Repress It in Nodules
Authors: Ishikawa Shinji , Ono Yuki , Ohtake Norikuni , Sueyoshi Kuni , Tanabata Sayuri , Ohyama Takuji
Published: April 2018

Leguminous plants form root nodules with rhizobia that fix atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) for the nitrogen (N) nutrient. Combined nitrogen sources, particular nitrate, severely repress nodule growth and nitrogen fixation activity in soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). A microarray-based transcriptome analysis and the metabolome analysis were carried out for the roots and nodules of hydroponically grown soybean plants treated with 5 mM of nitrate for 24 h and compared with control without nitrate. Gene expression ratios of nitrate vs. the control were highly enhanced for those probesets related to nitrate transport and assimilation and carbon metabolism in the roots, but much less so in the nodules, except for the nitrate transport and asparagine synthetase. From the metabolome analysis, the concentration ratios of metabolites for the nitrate treatment vs. the control indicated that most of the amino acids, phosphorous-compounds and organic acids in roots were increased about twofold in the roots, whereas in the nodules most of the concentrations of the amino acids, P-compounds and organic acids were decreased while asparagine increased exceptionally. These results may support the hypothesis that nitrate primarily promotes nitrogen and carbon metabolism in the roots, but mainly represses this metabolism in the nodules.
Assessment of the High Resolution SAR Mode of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission for First Year Ice and Multiyear Ice Characterization
Authors: Dabboor Mohammed , Montpetit Benoit , Howell Stephen
Published: April 2018

Simulated compact polarimetry from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is evaluated for sea ice classification. Compared to previous studies that evaluated the potential of RCM for sea ice classification, this study focuses on the High Resolution (HR) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode of the RCM associated with a higher noise floor (Noise Equivalent Sigma Zero of −19 dB), which can prove challenging for sea ice monitoring. Twenty three Compact Polarimetric (CP) parameters were derived and analyzed for the discrimination between first year ice (FYI) and multiyear ice (MYI). The results of the RCM HR mode are compared with those previously obtained for other RCM SAR modes for possible CP consistency parameters in sea ice classification under different noise floors, spatial resolutions, and radar incidence angles. Finally, effective CP parameters were identified and used for the classification of FYI and MYI using the Random Forest (RF) classification algorithm. This study indicates that, despite the expected high noise floor of the RCM HR mode, CP SAR data from this mode are promising for the classification of FYI and MYI in dry ice winter conditions. The overall classification accuracies of CP SAR data over two test sites (96.13% and 96.84%) were found to be comparable to the accuracies obtained using Full Polarimetric (FP) SAR data (98.99% and 99.20%).
Feasibility of Estimating Cloudy-Sky Surface Longwave Net Radiation Using Satellite-Derived Surface Shortwave Net Radiation
Authors: Guo Yamin , Cheng Jie
Published: April 2018

Surface longwave net radiation (LWNR) is a vital component in the surface radiation budget. Major progress has been made in the estimations of clear-sky LWNR. However, the estimation of cloudy-sky LWNR remains a significant challenge. In this paper, a linear model (LM) and a multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) model were developed to estimate the cloudy-sky LWNR from a satellite-derived surface shortwave net radiation product. Spatially and temporally matched satellite data and ground-measured LWNR, which was collected at 24 sites from four networks, were used to build and validate the linear and MARS models. The effects of land cover, climate type, and surface elevation on the estimate of LWNR were also analyzed. The MARS model, incorporating the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and surface elevation (H) as the inputs, had the best performance. The determination coefficient, BIAS, and root mean square error (RMSE) were 0.51, 0.01 W/m2, and 26.10 W/m2, respectively. The developed model, when combined with freely distributed Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) products, showed promise for producing surface LWNR and all-sky surface net radiation.
Development of a Waterproof Crack-Based Stretchable Strain Sensor Based on PDMS Shielding
Authors: Hong Seong , Yang Seongjin , Cho Seong , Jeon Hyungkook , Lim Geunbae
Published: April 2018

This paper details the design of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-shielded waterproof crack-based stretchable strain sensor, in which the electrical characteristics and sensing performance are not influenced by changes in humidity. This results in a higher number of potential applications for the sensor. A previously developed omni-purpose stretchable strain (OPSS) sensor was used as the basis for this work, which utilizes a metal cracking structure and provides a wide sensing range and high sensitivity. Changes in the conductivity of the OPSS sensor, based on humidity conditions, were investigated along with the potential possibility of using the design as a humidity sensor. However, to prevent conductivity variation, which can decrease the reliability and sensing ability of the OPSS sensor, PDMS was utilized as a shielding layer over the OPSS sensor. The PDMS-shielded OPSS sensor showed approximately the same electrical characteristics as previous designs, including in a high humidity environment, while maintaining its strain sensing capabilities. The developed sensor shows promise for use under high humidity conditions and in underwater applications. Therefore, considering its unique features and reliable sensing performance, the developed PDMS-shielded waterproof OPSS sensor has potential utility in a wide range of applications, such as motion monitoring, medical robotics and wearable healthcare devices.
Optimized Multi-Spectral Filter Array Based Imaging of Natural Scenes
Authors: Li Yuqi , Majumder Aditi , Zhang Hao , Gopi M.
Published: April 2018

Multi-spectral imaging using a camera with more than three channels is an efficient method to acquire and reconstruct spectral data and is used extensively in tasks like object recognition, relighted rendering, and color constancy. Recently developed methods are used to only guide content-dependent filter selection where the set of spectral reflectances to be recovered are known a priori. We present the first content-independent spectral imaging pipeline that allows optimal selection of multiple channels. We also present algorithms for optimal placement of the channels in the color filter array yielding an efficient demosaicing order resulting in accurate spectral recovery of natural reflectance functions. These reflectance functions have the property that their power spectrum statistically exhibits a power-law behavior. Using this property, we propose power-law based error descriptors that are minimized to optimize the imaging pipeline. We extensively verify our models and optimizations using large sets of commercially available wide-band filters to demonstrate the greater accuracy and efficiency of our multi-spectral imaging pipeline over existing methods.
A Convex Constraint Variational Method for Restoring Blurred Images in the Presence of Alpha-Stable Noises
Authors: Yang Zhenzhen , Yang Zhen , Gui Guan
Published: April 2018

Blurred image restoration poses a great challenge under the non-Gaussian noise environments in various communication systems. In order to restore images from blur and alpha-stable noise while also preserving their edges, this paper proposes a variational method to restore the blurred images with alpha-stable noises based on the property of the meridian distribution and the total variation (TV). Since the variational model is non-convex, it cannot guarantee a global optimal solution. To overcome this drawback, we also incorporate an additional penalty term into the deblurring and denoising model and propose a strictly convex variational method. Due to the convexity of our model, the primal-dual algorithm is adopted to solve this convex variational problem. Our simulation results validate the proposed method.
Self-Alignment MEMS IMU Method Based on the Rotation Modulation Technique on a Swing Base
Authors: Xing Haifeng , Chen Zhiyong , Yang Haotian , Wang Chengbin , Lin Zhihui , Guo Meifeng
Published: April 2018

The micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) has been widely used in the field of inertial navigation due to its small size, low cost, and light weight, but aligning MEMS IMUs remains a challenge for researchers. MEMS IMUs have been conventionally aligned on a static base, requiring other sensors, such as magnetometers or satellites, to provide auxiliary information, which limits its application range to some extent. Therefore, improving the alignment accuracy of MEMS IMU as much as possible under swing conditions is of considerable value. This paper proposes an alignment method based on the rotation modulation technique (RMT), which is completely self-aligned, unlike the existing alignment techniques. The effect of the inertial sensor errors is mitigated by rotating the IMU. Then, inertial frame-based alignment using the rotation modulation technique (RMT-IFBA) achieved coarse alignment on the swing base. The strong tracking filter (STF) further improved the alignment accuracy. The performance of the proposed method was validated with a physical experiment, and the results of the alignment showed that the standard deviations of pitch, roll, and heading angle were 0.0140 ° , 0.0097 ° , and 0.91 ° , respectively, which verified the practicality and efficacy of the proposed method for the self-alignment of the MEMS IMU on a swing base.
Study on Interference Suppression Algorithms for Electronic Noses: A Review
Authors: Liang Zhifang , Tian Fengchun , Yang Simon , Zhang Ci , Sun Hao , Liu Tao
Published: April 2018

Electronic noses (e-nose) are composed of an appropriate pattern recognition system and a gas sensor array with a certain degree of specificity and broad spectrum characteristics. The gas sensors have their own shortcomings of being highly sensitive to interferences which has an impact on the detection of target gases. When there are interferences, the performance of the e-nose will deteriorate. Therefore, it is urgent to study interference suppression techniques for e-noses. This paper summarizes the sources of interferences and reviews the advances made in recent years in interference suppression for e-noses. According to the factors which cause interference, interferences can be classified into two types: interference caused by changes of operating conditions and interference caused by hardware failures. The existing suppression methods were summarized and analyzed from these two aspects. Since the interferences of e-noses are uncertain and unstable, it can be found that some nonlinear methods have good effects for interference suppression, such as methods based on transfer learning, adaptive methods, etc.
In Situ 3D Monitoring of Geometric Signatures in the Powder-Bed-Fusion Additive Manufacturing Process via Vision Sensing Methods
Authors: Li Zhongwei , Liu Xingjian , Wen Shifeng , He Piyao , Zhong Kai , Wei Qingsong , Shi Yusheng , Liu Sheng
Published: April 2018

Lack of monitoring of the in situ process signatures is one of the challenges that has been restricting the improvement of Powder-Bed-Fusion Additive Manufacturing (PBF AM). Among various process signatures, the monitoring of the geometric signatures is of high importance. This paper presents the use of vision sensing methods as a non-destructive in situ 3D measurement technique to monitor two main categories of geometric signatures: 3D surface topography and 3D contour data of the fusion area. To increase the efficiency and accuracy, an enhanced phase measuring profilometry (EPMP) is proposed to monitor the 3D surface topography of the powder bed and the fusion area reliably and rapidly. A slice model assisted contour detection method is developed to extract the contours of fusion area. The performance of the techniques is demonstrated with some selected measurements. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can reveal irregularities caused by various defects and inspect the contour accuracy and surface quality. It holds the potential to be a powerful in situ 3D monitoring tool for manufacturing process optimization, close-loop control, and data visualization.
Hadoop Oriented Smart Cities Architecture
Authors: Diaconita Vlad , Bologa Ana-Ramona , Bologa Razvan
Published: April 2018

A smart city implies a consistent use of technology for the benefit of the community. As the city develops over time, components and subsystems such as smart grids, smart water management, smart traffic and transportation systems, smart waste management systems, smart security systems, or e-governance are added. These components ingest and generate a multitude of structured, semi-structured or unstructured data that may be processed using a variety of algorithms in batches, micro batches or in real-time. The ICT architecture must be able to handle the increased storage and processing needs. When vertical scaling is no longer a viable solution, Hadoop can offer efficient linear horizontal scaling, solving storage, processing, and data analyses problems in many ways. This enables architects and developers to choose a stack according to their needs and skill-levels. In this paper, we propose a Hadoop-based architectural stack that can provide the ICT backbone for efficiently managing a smart city. On the one hand, Hadoop, together with Spark and the plethora of NoSQL databases and accompanying Apache projects, is a mature ecosystem. This is one of the reasons why it is an attractive option for a Smart City architecture. On the other hand, it is also very dynamic; things can change very quickly, and many new frameworks, products and options continue to emerge as others decline. To construct an optimized, modern architecture, we discuss and compare various products and engines based on a process that takes into consideration how the products perform and scale, as well as the reusability of the code, innovations, features, and support and interest in online communities.
Gender Disparities in Faculty Rank: Factors that Affect Advancement of Women Scientists at Academic Medical Centers
Authors: López Cristina , Margherio Cara , Abraham-Hilaire Latecia , Feghali-Bostwick Carol
Published: April 2018

While a significant portion of women within academic science are employed within medical schools, women faculty in these academic medical centers are disproportionately represented in lower faculty ranks. The medical school setting is a critical case for both understanding and advancing women in basic sciences. This study highlights the findings from focus groups conducted with women faculty across Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor ranks (n = 35) in which they discussed barriers and facilitators for advancement of women basic scientists at an academic medical center. Qualitative analysis demonstrated several emergent themes that affect women’s advancement, including gendered expectation norms (e.g., good citizenship, volunteerism), work-life balance, mentorship/sponsorship, adoption of a team science approach, tenure process milestones, soft money research infrastructure, institution specific policies (or lack thereof), and operating within an MD-biased culture. These findings are compared with the extant literature of women scientists in STEM institutions. Factors that emerged from these focus groups highlight the need for evidence-based interventions in the often overlooked STEM arena of academic medical centers.
Exercise on Transdisciplinarity: Lessons from a Field-Based Course on Rural Sustainability in an Aging Society
Authors: Kudo Shogo , Mursaleen Huma , Ness Barry , Nagao Masafumi
Published: April 2018

Sustainability science emerged as a new academic field to address complex sustainability challenges. To train sustainability experts, sustainability science programs and sustainability-focused courses are offered in higher education, especially at the graduate level. Given the diverse topics and the complex structures of sustainability challenges, what are the required knowledge and skills needed for sustainability experts? Although the earlier literature identified key features and competencies, empirical studies on how educational programs in sustainability science provide the necessary training are still scarce. This study addresses this gap by illustrating how a field-based course can contribute in developing core skills for fostering sustainability experts through a case study of field-based course called Global Field Exercise (GFE) in the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science-Global Leadership Initiative (GPSS-GLI) at The University of Tokyo. Literature review on the competencies in sustainability science suggests a three-way typology of descriptive-analytical skills, solution-oriented skills, and attitudinal skills. A group of students joined a GFE unit in Akita, Japan, and set “local food and place attachment” as the topic for their fieldwork. The participants conducted semi-structured interviews to three generational groups to illustrate the different perceptions of local food and places. The alternative mechanism of knowledge transmission across generations by local festivals and school events was found. The authors observed the implemented field-based course provided unique learning opportunities to acquire: (i) the ability to perform key competencies collectively instead of individually; (ii) an interdisciplinary-mindset to acknowledge multiple views to topics during group discussions among researchers; (iii) a transdisciplinary-mindset to communicate research outputs with local residents in a communicable way; (iv) the ability to be empathetic to people’s experiences when addressing normative dimensions of sustainability. Although different sets of competencies and approaches for fostering sustainability experts have been studied widely, the field-based approach plays an important role in developing transdisciplinary, interpersonal, and normative competences.
Crystal Structure of Botulinum Neurotoxin A2 in Complex with the Human Protein Receptor SV2C Reveals Plasticity in Receptor Binding
Authors: Gustafsson Robert , Zhang Sicai , Masuyer Geoffrey , Dong Min , Stenmark Pål
Published: April 2018

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are a family of highly dangerous bacterial toxins, with seven major serotypes (BoNT/A-G). Members of BoNTs, BoNT/A1 and BoNT/B1, have been utilized to treat an increasing number of medical conditions. The clinical trials are ongoing for BoNT/A2, another subtype of BoNT/A, which showed promising therapeutic properties. Both BoNT/A1 and BoNT/A2 utilize three isoforms of synaptic vesicle protein SV2 (SV2A, B, and C) as their protein receptors. We here present a high resolution (2.0 Å) co-crystal structure of the BoNT/A2 receptor-binding domain in complex with the human SV2C luminal domain. The structure is similar to previously reported BoNT/A-SV2C complexes, but a shift of the receptor-binding segment in BoNT/A2 rotates SV2C in two dimensions giving insight into the dynamic behavior of the interaction. Small differences in key residues at the binding interface may influence the binding to different SV2 isoforms, which may contribute to the differences between BoNT/A1 and BoNT/A2 observed in the clinic.
Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices, and Housing Quality to Prevent Diarrhea among Under-Five Children in Nigeria
Authors: Yaya Sanni , Hudani Alzahra , Udenigwe Ogochukwu , Shah Vaibhav , Ekholuenetale Michael , Bishwajit Ghose
Published: April 2018

Sub-Saharan Africa as a region accounts for the bulk of the global under-five mortality rate, to which diarrhea is major contributor. Millions of children die from diarrheal diseases each year and those who survive often do so facing suboptimal growth. Preventing the common pathways of transmission for diarrhea-causing pathogens, including improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are regarded as the most cost-effective measures for tackling this life-threatening disease. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the quality of living arrangement and access to WASH, and their impact on diarrheal outcomes among under-five children in Nigeria. Methods: Data were collected from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health survey (NDHS). Study participants included 28,596 mother-child pairs. Household construction material for wall, floor, and ceiling, access to electricity, and improved water and toilet, were included as the main explanatory variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariable regression methods. Results: The prevalence of diarrhea was 11.3% (95% CI = 10.2–12.6), with the rate being markedly higher in rural (67.3%) as compared to urban areas (32.7%). In the regression analysis, lacking access to improved toilet and water facilities were associated with 14% and 16% higher odds, respectively, of suffering from diarrhea as compared to those who had improved access. Conclusion: There is evidence of a weak, but statistically significant, relationship between the quality of living environment, including water and sanitation facilities, and diarrhea among under-five children in Nigeria. The study concludes that investing in living conditions and WASH may have potential benefits for child mortality prevention programs in the country.
Comparison of Algorithms for the Optimal Location of Control Valves for Leakage Reduction in WDNs
Authors: Creaco Enrico , Pezzinga Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

The paper presents the comparison of two different algorithms for the optimal location of control valves for leakage reduction in water distribution networks (WDNs). The former is based on the sequential addition (SA) of control valves. At the generic step Nval of SA, the search for the optimal combination of Nval valves is carried out, while containing the optimal combination of Nval − 1 valves found at the previous step. Therefore, only one new valve location is searched for at each step of SA, among all the remaining available locations. The latter algorithm consists of a multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA), in which valve locations are encoded inside individual genes. For the sake of consistency, the same embedded algorithm, based on iterated linear programming (LP), was used inside SA and GA, to search for the optimal valve settings at various time slots in the day. The results of applications to two WDNs show that SA and GA yield identical results for small values of Nval. When this number grows, the limitations of SA, related to its reduced exploration of the research space, emerge. In fact, for higher values of Nval, SA tends to produce less beneficial valve locations in terms of leakage abatement. However, the smaller computation time of SA may make this algorithm preferable in the case of large WDNs, for which the application of GA would be overly burdensome.
Estimation of the Source Apportionment of Phosphorus and Its Responses to Future Climate Changes Using Multi-Model Applications
Authors: Sha Jian , Wang Zhong-Liang , Lu Rui , Zhao Yue , Li Xue , Shang Yun-Tao
Published: April 2018

The eutrophication issue in the Yangtze Basin was considered, and the phosphorus loads from its tributary, the Modaoxi River, were estimated. The phosphorus flux and source apportionment of the Modaoxi River watershed were modeled and quantified, and their changes with respect to future projected climate scenarios were simulated with multiple model applications. The Regional Nutrient Management (ReNuMa) model based on Generalized Watershed Loading Functions (GWLF) was employed as a tool to model the hydrochemical processes of the watershed and thereby estimate the monthly streamflow and the phosphorus flux as well as its source apportionment. The Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG) was used to predict future daily weather data through the statistical downscaling of the general circulation model (GCM) outputs based on projected climate scenarios. The synthetic time series of daily precipitation and temperatures generated by LARS-WG were further used as input data for ReNuMa to estimate the responses of the watershed hydrochemical processes to future changed climate conditions. The results showed that both models could be successfully applied and that the future wetter and warmer climate trends would have generally positive impacts on the watershed phosphorus yields, with greater contributions coming from runoff. These results could provide valuable support for local water environmental management.
La construction de la dimension phonogrammique du français écrit
Authors: Montésinos-Gelet Isabelle
Published: April 2018

L’objet de cet article est de présenter un modèle descriptif de la dimension phonogrammique du français écrit. Ce modèle permet de situer les procédures de production d’écrit de l’enfant en fonction de 7 sous-principes psycholinguistiques liés à la dimension phonogrammique : le traitement de la quantité de graphies en lien avec le rythme de l’oral, l’extraction phonémique, la combinatoire, l’exhaustivité, la séquentialité, la conventionalité graphémique, la quasi-exclusivité.
Paradoxes de la représentation et de l'action : des conjonctions sans coordination
Authors: Rouquette Michel-Louis
Published: April 2018

Il est très difficile d'intégrer rationnellement une représentation sociale dans le calcul de l'action, pour des raisons qui tiennent à la fois à la nature des représentations et à celle de l'action. Le paradoxe central est le suivant : d'une part les représentations sociales guident l'action, mais l'action qui les confirme ; d'autre part, seule l'action qui les infirme est éventuellement celle qui les transforme.
Représentations professionnelles des pratiques de formation : les formateurs et leurs fonctions
Authors: Bouyssières Patrice
Published: April 2018

In the present diversity of institutions and of processes of professionalisation and in-house traning of adults in France, one still badly identifed figure appears : the trainer. The analysis of trainers’ professional representation, themselves in the process of being trained at the university, opens up a ternary typology of their practice and their training, teaching and accompanying functions. Training concerns the modes of putting into practice the knowledge of action ; teaching, the modes of explaining theoretical contents, and accompanying, the modes of implicating, developing of identity process of personal and groups being trained.
Comment résout-on les problèmes orthographiques liés aux homophones au primaire ?
Authors: Lefrançois Pascale
Published: April 2018

This article describes the strategies used by grade-2-to-5 children in order to solve orthographic problems due to homophones in French. The analysis of metagraphic comments shows that the production of correct spellings is most often associated with metalinguistic strategies, and that resorting to metalanguage is more frequent for some homophone groups than for others. Didactic conclusions suggest that metalinguistic strategies should be emphasized and that a new reflection on the use of metalanguage in French classes should be encouraged.
Formateurs de Midi-Pyrénées et formation de formateurs : pratiques, attentes et représentations professionnelles
Authors: Bouyssières Patrice , Mulin Thierry
Published: April 2018

A partir des premiers résultats d’une recherche sur la pensée professionnelle des formateurs, constitués sur la base d’une étude pour la Région de Midi-Pyrénées, cet article aborde la question des représentations élaborées par les formateurs à propos de leur propre formation. L’analyse des résultats confirme que les formateurs dans une situation professionnelle précaire ne souhaitent pas se former. Ce sont les formateurs aux emplois plus stables qui envisagent une formation. Cependant leurs attentes dans ce domaine ne sont pas homogènes. Elles prennent appui à la fois sur la nature de leurs pratiques et sur des éléments utopiques et idéologiques différents, repris du développement historique des mouvements de l’Education Populaire et Permanente ou des organismes de formation professionnelle.
Développement professionnel des responsables de formation, analyse d’un dispositif de formation
Authors: Charlier Evelyne , Dejean Karine
Published: April 2018

This article describe and analyse a training program for training managers in entreprise developed since few years at the Namur University (Belgium) with the University of Sherbrooke (Canada). The program aimes the professionnel development, especially the development of identity and professionnel competencies of participants.
La FOAD à la charnière des différentes conceptions des usages des TIC
Authors: Marquet Pascal
Published: April 2018

Comparative studies of the use of ICT in education and training have typically been based on three conceptions of ICT over the 30 past years. The first conception can be named technicalized, in the sense that, at the end of the 80’ s, it focuses on the added value of ICT, through studies that compare situations with versus without technical device. The conception that follows is then mediated. It comes from failures of the previous conception and corresponds to the emergence of the Internet, which enables the implementation of numerous ODL programmes. From the beginning of the 90’ s, one can see studies appearing, which compare the use of traditional media to the use of digital media. Methodological difficulties of this type of studies have produced a third paradigm that we call instrumented. Local evidences of pedagogical effects are left out, so as to address appropriation phenomenon issues of didactical objects via technical device, in situations that most of the time are collaborative. Due to its place within the recent history of microcomputers and of the development of their pedagogical use, ODL contributed to the arising of a new paradigm, for which we shows perspectives. Inspired from the human’s activity theory, this framework of analysis takes into account, at the same time, the level of mastery of 1) disciplinary objects, 2) teaching formalisms, and 3) platform functionalities. It also allows to investigate interferences between implicit pedagogical codes, didactical contents and necessary technical abilities, which are not always as compatible as designers and promoters of ODL believe it.
L'analyse de l'activité des enseignants dans le cadre d'un programme d'ergonomie-formation
Authors: Durand Marc , Veyrunes Philippe
Published: April 2018

Cet article présente le volet méthodologique d’un programme de recherche centré sur la formation et le travail, notamment enseignant, qui vise la production de connaissances et la conception de dispositifs d’aide et de formation. Il porte sur l’activité en contexte de travail, conçue comme un objet de recherche et d’intervention. La présentation fait se succéder, selon un ordre quasi chronologique, les points clés de la méthode, illustrés et commentés à partir des résultats d’une étude récente portant sur une séquence d''enseignement des mathématiques au primaire. La dernière partie propose une mise en perspective de cette démarche.