bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Hop-Enabled Energy-Efficient MAC Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Shazzad Khaja , Tepe Kemal , Abdel-Raheem Esam
Published: September 2015

In multi-hop underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs), packet collisions due to hidden and local nodes adversely affect throughput, energy efficiency and end-to-end delay. Existing medium access control (MAC) protocols try to solve the problem by utilizing a single-phase contention resolution mechanism, which causes a large number of control packet exchanges and energy overhead. In this paper, we introduce a MAC protocol that splits this single-phase contention resolution mechanism into two phases to provide efficient multi-hop networking. In the first phase, local nodes are eliminated from the contention, and in the later phase, the adverse effects of hidden nodes are mitigated. This two-phased contention resolution provides higher energy efficiency, better throughput and shorter end-to-end delay, and it also enables adaptability for different network architectures. A probabilistic model of the proposed protocol is also developed to analyse the performance. The proposed protocol has been evaluated through quantitative analysis and simulation. Results obtained through quantitative analysis and simulation reveal that the proposed protocol achieves significantly better energy efficiency, higher and more stable throughput and lower end-to-end delay compared to existing protocols, namely T-Lohi and slotted floor acquisition multiple access (S-FAMA).
The Absence of the Right to Culture of Minorities within Minorities in Israel: A Tale of a Cultural Dissent Case
Authors: Pinto Meital
Published: September 2015

The Israeli Plonit case concerns a Muslim woman who wished to be represented by a female arbitrator in a Shari’a Court. The Shari’a Court of Appeals denied her request and decided that Shari’a Law permits only men to serve as arbitrators. Plonit petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court, which accepted her petition and decided that the Shari’a Court of Appeals’ decision infringed her right to equality. While I support the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision, my paper sheds a light on a crucial matter that is absent in the decision; namely, the right to culture of Muslim women, who are a vulnerable members of a minority group in Israel, and therefore constitute a “minority within minority”. Analysing the case in terms of Plonit’s right to culture, in addition to her right to equality, has two advantages. First, it stresses the main issues at the heart of the legal debate, which are the minority culture’s norms and practices, and the right of the minority within the minority to influence and shape them as much as the majority within the minority. Second, when the minority within the minority’s claim is put in terms of the right to culture, and not only in terms of the right to equality, they are not necessarily perceived by other minority members as claims that try to enforce external norms on the minority culture.
Biocompatibility and Stability of Polysaccharide Polyelectrolyte Complexes Aimed at Respiratory Delivery
Authors: Rodrigues Susana , Cardoso Lurdes , Da Costa Ana , Grenha Ana
Published: September 2015

Chitosan (CS) and chondroitin sulfate (CHS) are natural polymers with demonstrated applicability in drug delivery, while nanoparticles are one of the most explored carriers for transmucosal delivery of biopharmaceuticals. In this work we have prepared CS/CHS nanoparticles and associated for the first time the therapeutic protein insulin. Fluorescein isothiocyanate bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was also used to enable comparison of behaviors regarding differences in molecular weight (5.7 kDa versus 67 kDa). Nanoparticles of approximately 200 nm and positive zeta potential around +20 mV were obtained. These parameters remained stable for up to 1 month at 4 °C. Proteins were associated with efficiencies of more than 50%. The release of FITC-BSA in PBS pH 7.4 was more sustained (50% in 24 h) than that of insulin (85% in 24 h). The biocompatibility of nanoparticles was tested in Calu-3 and A549 cells by means of three different assays. The metabolic assay MTT, the determination of lactate dehydrogenase release, and the quantification of the inflammatory response generated by cell exposure to nanoparticles have indicated an absence of overt toxicity. Overall, the results suggest good indications on the application of CS/CHS nanoparticles in respiratory transmucosal protein delivery, but the set of assays should be widened to clarify obtained results.
In Situ Anodization of WO3-Decorated TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Efficient Mercury Removal
Authors: Lee Wai , Lai Chin , Hamid Sharifah
Published: September 2015

WO3-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays were successfully synthesized using an in situ anodization method in ethylene glycol electrolyte with dissolved H2O2 and ammonium fluoride in amounts ranging from 0 to 0.5 wt %. Anodization was carried out at a voltage of 40 V for a duration of 60 min. By using the less stable tungsten as the cathode material instead of the conventionally used platinum electrode, tungsten will form dissolved ions (W6+) in the electrolyte which will then move toward the titanium foil and form a coherent deposit on the titanium foil. The fluoride ion content was controlled to determine the optimum chemical dissolution rate of TiO2 during anodization to produce a uniform nanotubular structure of TiO2 film. Nanotube arrays were then characterized using FESEM, EDAX, XRD, as well as Raman spectroscopy. Based on the FESEM images obtained, nanotube arrays with an average pore diameter of up to 65 nm and a length of 1.8 µm were produced. The tungsten element in the samples was confirmed by EDAX results which showed varying tungsten content from 0.22 to 2.30 at%. XRD and Raman results showed the anatase phase of TiO2 after calcination at 400 °C for 4 h in air atmosphere. The mercury removal efficiency of the nanotube arrays was investigated by photoirradiating samples dipped in mercury chloride solution with TUV (Tube ultraviolet) 96W UV-B Germicidal light. The nanotubes with the highest aspect ratio (15.9) and geometric surface area factor (92.0) exhibited the best mercury removal performance due to a larger active surface area, which enables more Hg2+ to adsorb onto the catalyst surface to undergo reduction to Hg0. The incorporation of WO3 species onto TiO2 nanotubes also improved the mercury removal performance due to improved charge separation and decreased charge carrier recombination because of the charge transfer from the conduction band of TiO2 to the conduction band of WO3.
Drop-Weight Impact Test on U-Shape Concrete Specimens with Statistical and Regression Analyses
Authors: Zhu Xue-Chao , Zhu Han , Li Hao-Ran
Published: September 2015

According to the principle and method of drop-weight impact test, the impact resistance of concrete was measured using self-designed U-shape specimens and a newly designed drop-weight impact test apparatus. A series of drop-weight impact tests were carried out with four different masses of drop hammers (0.875, 0.8, 0.675 and 0.5 kg). The test results show that the impact resistance results fail to follow a normal distribution. As expected, U-shaped specimens can predetermine the location of the cracks very well. It is also easy to record the cracks propagation during the test. The maximum of coefficient of variation in this study is 31.2%; it is lower than the values obtained from the American Concrete Institute (ACI) impact tests in the literature. By regression analysis, the linear relationship between the first-crack and ultimate failure impact resistance is good. It can suggested that a minimum number of specimens is required to reliably measure the properties of the material based on the observed levels of variation.
Micrometam C Protects against Oxidative Stress in Inflammation Models in Zebrafish and RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Tang Hao , Ge Hui , Chen Zhi-Bin , Luo Xiong-Ming , Su Feng-Juan , Liang Yan-Bing , Li Zhen-Yu , Wu Jing-Guo , Yang Qing , Zeng Li-Jin , Ma Zhong-Fu
Published: September 2015

Micrometam C is a core of novel marine compound isolated from the mangrove associates Micromelum falcatum. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of micrometam C in inflammation models in the transgenic zebrafish line Tg (corola: eGFP) and RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that micrometam C significantly suppressed the migration of immune cells in tail-cutting-induced inflammation in transgenic zebrafish and reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both zebrafish and macrophages. In addition, micrometam C also restored LPS-induced reduction of endogenous antioxidants, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The protective effects of micrometam C were in parallel to its inhibition of NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor-kappa-binding (NF-κB) activity. Thus, the present results demonstrate that micrometam C protects against LPS-induced inflammation possibly through its antioxidant property.
Effect of Nitrate, Ammonium and Urea on Growth and Pinnatoxin G Production of Vulcanodinium rugosum
Authors: Abadie Eric , Kaci Lamia , Berteaux Tom , Hess Philipp , Sechet Véronique , Masseret Estelle , Rolland Jean , Laabir Mohamed
Published: September 2015

Vulcanodinium rugosum, a recently described dinoflagellate species producing a potent neurotoxin (pinnatoxin G), has been identified in French Mediterranean lagoons and was responsible for recurrent episodes of shellfish toxicity detected by mouse bioassay. Until now, the biology and physiology of V. rugosum have not been fully investigated. We studied the growth characteristics and toxicity of a V. rugosum strain (IFR-VRU-01), isolated in the Ingril lagoon in June 2009 (North-Western French Mediterranean Sea). It was cultivated in Enriched Natural Sea Water (ENSW) with organic (urea) and inorganic (ammonium and nitrate) nitrogen, at a temperature of 25 °C and irradiance of 100 μmol/m2·s−1. Results showed that ammonium was assimilated by cells more rapidly than nitrate and urea. V. rugosum is thus an osmotrophic species using urea. Consequently, this nitrogen form could contribute to the growth of this dinoflagellate species in the natural environment. There was no significant difference (Anova, p = 0.856) between the growth rate of V. rugosum cultivated with ammonium (0.28 ± 0.11 day−1), urea (0.26 ± 0.08 day−1) and nitrate (0.24 ± 0.01 day−1). However, the production of chlorophyll a and pinnatoxin G was significantly lower with urea as a nitrogen source (Anova, p < 0.027), suggesting that nutritional conditions prevailing at the moment of the bloom could determine the cellular toxicity of V. rugosum and therefore the toxicity measured in contaminated mollusks. The relatively low growth rate (≤0.28 day−1) and the capacity of this species to continuously produce temporary cysts could explain why cell densities of this species in the water column are typically low (≤20,000 cells/L).
Vitamin A Transport Mechanism of the Multitransmembrane Cell-Surface Receptor STRA6
Authors: Kawaguchi Riki , Zhong Ming , Kassai Miki , Ter-Stepanian Mariam , Sun Hui
Published: September 2015

Vitamin A has biological functions as diverse as sensing light for vision, regulating stem cell differentiation, maintaining epithelial integrity, promoting immune competency, regulating learning and memory, and acting as a key developmental morphogen. Vitamin A derivatives have also been used in treating human diseases. If vitamin A is considered a drug that everyone needs to take to survive, evolution has come up with a natural drug delivery system that combines sustained release with precise and controlled delivery to the cells or tissues that depend on it. This “drug delivery system” is mediated by plasma retinol binding protein (RBP), the principle and specific vitamin A carrier protein in the blood, and STRA6, the cell-surface receptor for RBP that mediates cellular vitamin A uptake. The mechanism by which the RBP receptor absorbs vitamin A from the blood is distinct from other known cellular uptake mechanisms. This review summarizes recent progress in elucidating the fundamental molecular mechanism mediated by the RBP receptor and multiple newly discovered catalytic activities of this receptor, and compares this transport system with retinoid transport independent of RBP/STRA6. How to target this new type of transmembrane receptor using small molecules in treating diseases is also discussed.
Experimental and Numerical Studies on Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis of Ta5Si3 Intermetallics
Authors: Yeh Chun-Liang , Chou Chi-Chian , Hwang Po-Wen
Published: September 2015

Formation of Ta5Si3 by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) from elemental powder compacts of Ta:Si = 5:3 was experimentally and numerically studied. Experimental evidence showed that the increase of either sample density or preheating temperature led to the increase of combustion wave velocity and reaction temperature. The apparent activation energy, Ea ≈ 108 kJ/mol, was determined for the synthesis reaction. Based upon numerical simulation, the Arrhenius factor of the rate function, K0 = 2.5 × 107 s−1, was obtained for the 5Ta + 3Si combustion system. In addition, the influence of sample density on combustion wave kinetics was correlated with the effective thermal conductivity (keff) of the powder compact. By adopting 0.005 ≤ keff/kbulk ≤ 0.016 in the computation model, the calculated combustion velocity and temperature were in good agreement with experimental data of the samples with compaction densities between 35% and 45% theoretical maximum density (TMD).
Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of the Essential Oil from Etlingera yunnanensis against Two Stored Product Insects
Authors: Guo Shan-Shan , You Chun-Xue , Liang Jun-Yu , Zhang Wen-Juan , Geng Zhu-Feng , Wang Cheng-Fang , Du Shu-Shan , Lei Ning
Published: September 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Etlingera yunnanensis rhizomes and its contact and repellent activities against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Liposcelis bostrychophila (Badonnel) were investigated. The essential oil obtained from E. yunnanensis rhizomes with hydrodistillation was performed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main components of the essential oil were identified to be estragole (65.2%), β-caryophyllene (6.4%), 1,8-cineole (6.4%), limonene (5.2%), and α-pinene (2.4%). It was found that the essential oil of E. yunnanensis rhizomes possessed contact toxicity against T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila (LD50 = 23.33 μg/adult and LD50 = 47.38 μg/cm2, respectively). Estragole, 1,8-cineole, and limonene exhibited stronger contact toxicity (LD50 values of 20.41, 18.86, and 13.40 μg/adult, respectively) than β-caryophyllene (LD50 = 41.72 μg/adult) against T. castaneum adults. Estragole possessed stronger contact toxicity (LD50 = 30.22 µg/cm2) than β-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, and limonene (LD50 values of 74.11, 321.20, and 239.62 μg/adult, respectively) against L. bostrychophila adults. Repellency of the crude oil was also evaluated. The essential oil and constituents possessed strong repellent activity against T. castaneum adults. The four individual constituents showed weaker repellent activity than the essential oil against L. bostrychophila adults. The results indicated that the essential oil of E. yunnanensis rhizomes and the individual constituents had the potential to be developed as a natural insecticide and repellent for the control of T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila.
Functionalization of Cyclodextrins with N-Hydroxyphthalimide Moiety: A New Class of Supramolecular Pro-Oxidant Organocatalysts
Authors: Melone Lucio , Petroselli Manuel , Pastori Nadia , Punta Carlo
Published: September 2015

N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) is an organocatalyst for free-radical processes able to promote the aerobic oxidation of a wide range of organic substrates. In particular, NHPI can catalyze the hydroperoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This property could be of interest for biological applications. This work reports the synthesis of two β-cyclodextrin derivatives (CD5 and CD6) having a different degree of methylation and bearing a NHPI moiety. These compounds, having different solubility in water, have been successfully tested for the hydroperoxidation of methyl linoleate, chosen as the PUFA model molecule.
RNA Aptamers as Molecular Tools to Study the Functionality of the Hepatitis C Virus CRE Region
Authors: Fernández-Sanlés Alba , Berzal-Herranz Beatriz , González-Matamala Rodrigo , Ríos-Marco Pablo , Romero-López Cristina , Berzal-Herranz Alfredo
Published: September 2015

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains a (+) ssRNA genome with highly conserved structural, functional RNA domains, many of them with unknown roles for the consecution of the viral cycle. Such genomic domains are candidate therapeutic targets. This study reports the functional characterization of a set of aptamers targeting the cis-acting replication element (CRE) of the HCV genome, an essential partner for viral replication and also involved in the regulation of protein synthesis. Methods: Forty-four aptamers were tested for their ability to interfere with viral RNA synthesis in a subgenomic replicon system. Some of the most efficient inhibitors were further evaluated for their potential to affect the recruitment of the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B) and the viral translation in cell culture. Results: Four aptamers emerged as potent inhibitors of HCV replication by direct interaction with functional RNA domains of the CRE, yielding a decrease in the HCV RNA levels higher than 90%. Concomitantly, one of them also induced a significant increase in viral translation (>50%). The three remaining aptamers efficiently competed with the binding of the NS5B protein to the CRE. Conclusions: Present findings confirm the potential of the CRE as an anti-HCV target and support the use of aptamers as molecular tools for investigating the functionality of RNA domains in viral genomes.
Four-Wave Optical Parametric Amplification in a Raman-Active Gas
Authors: Kida Yuichiro , Imasaka Totaro
Published: September 2015

Four-wave optical parametric amplification (FWOPA) in a Raman-active medium is experimentally investigated by use of an air-filled hollow fiber. A femtosecond pump pulse shorter than the period of molecular motion excites the coherent molecular motion of the Raman-active molecules during the parametric amplification of a signal pulse. The excited coherent motion modulates the frequency of the signal pulse during the parametric amplification, and shifts it to lower frequencies. The magnitude of the frequency redshift depends on the pump intensity, resulting in intensity-dependent spectral characteristics that are different from those in the FWOPA induced in a noble-gas-filled hollow fiber.
Modifying Geometric-Optical Bidirectional Reflectance Model for Direct Inversion of Forest Canopy Leaf Area Index
Authors: Li Congrong , Song Jinling , Wang Jindi
Published: September 2015

Forest canopy leaf area index (LAI) inversion based on remote sensing data is an important method to obtain LAI. Currently, the most widely-used model to achieve forest canopy structure parameters is the Li-Strahler geometric-optical bidirectional reflectance model, by considering the effect of crown shape and mutual shadowing, which is referred to as the GOMS model. However, it is difficult to retrieve LAI through the GOMS model directly because LAI is not a fundamental parameter of the model. In this study, a gap probability model was used to obtain the relationship between the canopy structure parameter nR2 and LAI. Thus, LAI was introduced into the GOMS model as an independent variable by replacing nR2 The modified GOMS (MGOMS) model was validated by application to Dayekou in the Heihe River Basin of China. The LAI retrieved using the MGOMS model with optical multi-angle remote sensing data, high spatial resolution images and field-measured data was in good agreement with the field-measured LAI, with an R-square (R2) of 0.64, and an RMSE of 0.67. The results demonstrate that the MGOMS model obtained by replacing the canopy structure parameter nR2 of the GOMS model with LAI can be used to invert LAI directly and precisely.
Organic Matter Modeling at the Landscape Scale Based on Multitemporal Soil Pattern Analysis Using RapidEye Data
Authors: Blasch Gerald , Spengler Daniel , Itzerott Sibylle , Wessolek Gerd
Published: September 2015

This study proposes the development of a landscape-scale multitemporal soil pattern analysis (MSPA) method for organic matter (OM) estimation using RapidEye time series data analysis and GIS spatial data modeling, which is based on the methodology of Blasch et al. The results demonstrate (i) the potential of MSPA to predict OM for single fields and field composites with varying geomorphological, topographical, and pedological backgrounds and (ii) the method conversion of MSPA from the field scale to the multi-field landscape scale. For single fields, as well as for field composites, significant correlations between OM and the soil pattern detecting first standardized principal components were found. Thus, high-quality functional OM soil maps could be produced after excluding temporal effects by applying modified MSPA analysis steps. A regional OM prediction model was developed using four representative calibration test sites. The MSPA-method conversion was realized applying the transformation parameters of the soil-pattern detection algorithm used at the four calibration test sites and the developed regional prediction model to a multi-field, multitemporal, bare soil image mosaic of all agrarian fields of the Demmin study area in Northeast Germany. Results modeled at the landscape scale were validated at an independent test site with a resulting prediction error of 1.4 OM-% for the main OM value range of the Demmin study area.
On the Use of the ISBAS Acronym in InSAR Applications. Comment on Vajedian, S.; Motagh, M.; Nilfouroushan, F. StaMPS Improvement for Deformation Analysis in Mountainous Regions: Implications for the Damavand Volcano and Mosha Fault in Alborz. Remote Sens. 2015, 7, 8323–8347
Authors: Sowter Andrew , Cigna Francesca
Published: September 2015

Vajedian et al. [1] present an improved method for the derivation of deformation parameters using satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data. The method is a modification of the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) method as implemented in the StaMPS (Stanford Method for Persistent Scatterers) software. The modification includes many steps including the filtering of the differential interferograms, integration with GPS data and advanced phase unwrapping “to overcome a lot of short- and long-wavelength artifacts that are clearly visible in StaMPS results” (cf. [1], p. 8331). The authors refer to this new approach as the Improved SBAS, or ISBAS, method. [...]
Response to Sowter, A.; Cigna, F. On the Use of the ISBAS Acronym in InSAR Applications. Comment on Vajedian, S.; Motagh, M.; Nilfouroushan, F. StaMPS Improvement for Deformation Analysis in Mountainous Regions: Implications for the Damavand Volcano and Mosha Fault in Alborz. Remote Sens. 2015, 7, 8323–8347
Authors: Vajedian Sanaz , Motagh Mahdi , Nilfouroushan Faramarz
Published: September 2015

We greatly appreciate the thoughtful comments by Andrew Sowter and Francesca Cigna [1] on our paper [2]. Unfortunately, we overlooked the ISBAS acronym during the revision process of the article. Therefore, we would suggest to use the acronym of ESBAS (Enhanced Small BAseline Subset) for our method presented in Vajedian et al. [2]
A CSRR-Fed SIW Cavity-Backed Fractal Patch Antenna for Wireless Energy Harvesting and Communication
Authors: Cao Hailin , Jiang Fen , Liu Jiujiu , Cai Wenbin , Tang Mingchun , Tan Xiaoheng , Yang Shizhong
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a novel compact dual-band and dual-polarized complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)-fed substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity-backed fractal patch antenna for wireless energy harvesting and communication. The proposed antenna is composed of a Giuseppe Peano fractal radiation patch with a backed SIW cavity. To enhance the bandwidth and minimize the dimensions, the CSRR structure is designed to feed the Giuseppe Peano fractal patch orthogonally. A prototype of the proposed antenna is simulated, fabricated and measured. The proposed antenna exhibits good directionality and high cross-polarization level with especially compact size.
Development of a Small-Sized, Flexible, and Insertable Fiber-Optic Radiation Sensor for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoo Wook , Shin Sang , Lee Dong , Jang Kyoung , Cho Seunghyun , Lee Bongsoo
Published: September 2015

We fabricated a small-sized, flexible, and insertable fiber-optic radiation sensor (FORS) that is composed of a sensing probe, a plastic optical fiber (POF), a photomultiplier tube (PMT)-amplifier system, and a multichannel analyzer (MCA) to obtain the energy spectra of radioactive isotopes. As an inorganic scintillator for gamma-ray spectroscopy, a cerium-doped lutetium yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO:Ce) crystal was used and two solid-disc type radioactive isotopes with the same dimensions, cesium-137 (Cs-137) and cobalt-60 (Co-60), were used as gamma-ray emitters. We first determined the length of the LYSO:Ce crystal considering the absorption of charged particle energy and measured the gamma-ray energy spectra using the FORS. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed FORS can be used to discriminate species of radioactive isotopes by measuring their inherent energy spectra, even when gamma-ray emitters are mixed. The relationship between the measured photon counts of the FORS and the radioactivity of Cs-137 was subsequently obtained. The amount of scintillating light generated from the FORS increased by increasing the radioactivity of Cs-137. Finally, the performance of the fabricated FORS according to the length and diameter of the POF was also evaluated. Based on the results of this study, it is anticipated that a novel FORS can be developed to accurately measure the gamma-ray energy spectrum in inaccessible locations such as narrow areas and holes.
Heading Estimation for Indoor Pedestrian Navigation Using a Smartphone in the Pocket
Authors: Deng Zhi-An , Wang Guofeng , Hu Ying , Wu Di
Published: September 2015

Heading estimation is a central problem for indoor pedestrian navigation using the pervasively available smartphone. For smartphones placed in a pocket, one of the most popular device positions, the essential challenges in heading estimation are the changing device coordinate system and the severe indoor magnetic perturbations. To address these challenges, we propose a novel heading estimation approach based on a rotation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA). Firstly, through a related rotation matrix, we project the acceleration signals into a reference coordinate system (RCS), where a more accurate estimation of the horizontal plane of the acceleration signal is obtained. Then, we utilize PCA over the horizontal plane of acceleration signals for local walking direction extraction. Finally, in order to translate the local walking direction into the global one, we develop a calibration process without requiring noisy compass readings. Besides, a turn detection algorithm is proposed to improve the heading estimation accuracy. Experimental results show that our approach outperforms the traditional uDirect and PCA-based approaches in terms of accuracy and feasibility.
An Insertable Passive LC Pressure Sensor Based on an Alumina Ceramic for In Situ Pressure Sensing in High-Temperature Environments
Authors: Xiong Jijun , Li Chen , Jia Pinggang , Chen Xiaoyong , Zhang Wendong , Liu Jun , Xue Chenyang , Tan Qiulin
Published: September 2015

Pressure measurements in high-temperature applications, including compressors, turbines, and others, have become increasingly critical. This paper proposes an implantable passive LC pressure sensor based on an alumina ceramic material for in situ pressure sensing in high-temperature environments. The inductance and capacitance elements of the sensor were designed independently and separated by a thermally insulating material, which is conducive to reducing the influence of the temperature on the inductance element and improving the quality factor of the sensor. In addition, the sensor was fabricated using thick film integrated technology from high-temperature materials that ensure stable operation of the sensor in high-temperature environments. Experimental results showed that the sensor accurately monitored pressures from 0 bar to 2 bar at temperatures up to 800 °C. The sensitivity, linearity, repeatability error, and hysteretic error of the sensor were 0.225 MHz/bar, 95.3%, 5.5%, and 6.2%, respectively.
A Long Distance Phase-Sensitive Optical Time Domain Reflectometer with Simple Structure and High Locating Accuracy
Authors: Shi Yi , Feng Hao , Zeng Zhoumo
Published: September 2015

A phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR) can be used for pipeline security. However, the sensing distance (less than 20 km) of traditional Φ-OTDR is too short for the needs of typical oil and gas pipeline monitoring applications (30–50 km). A simple structure Φ-OTDR system utilizing long pulse, balanced amplified detector and heterodyne detection is proposed in this paper and the sensing range is thereby increased to 60 km. Through analyzing the sensing principle of Φ-OTDR, a novel locating strategy is proposed to maintain the locating accuracy at a few meters when a long pulse (5 µs) is used. The increased pulse width deteriorates the time series of each sensing point seriously. In order to eliminate the deterioration, a data processing technique combining wavelet and empirical mode decomposition is applied in this system. The experiment results show that the sensing distance can be increased to 60 km and the locating accuracy is maintained at 6.8 m.
Death, Entropy, Creativity and Perpetual Perishing: Some Thoughts from Whitehead and Stengers
Authors: Halewood Michael
Published: September 2015

In this paper, I argue that we need to rethink how we conceive of death as “inevitable”. There are two main strands to my analysis. First, I use the work of Stengers to trace the complex and, occasionally, contradictory ways in which the concept of entropy was developed within physics in the 19th and 20th century. I argue that this has led to a general but ill-conceived notion of the universe as wasting away, as dying. This is a form of inevitability which has infected our understanding of what constitutes the death of individual humans. I then turn to the contrast that Whitehead draws between creativity and “perpetual perishing”. I suggest that this contrast might help us to develop a wider, more coherent, approach to thinking about the status of death, and its supposed inevitability. In the final section, I reflect upon my father’s death in 2013 in light of some of the concepts and problems raised throughout the paper.
Desperately Seeking Sustainability: Urban Shrinkage, Land Consumption and Regional Planning in a Mediterranean Metropolitan Area
Authors: Salvati Luca , Ferrara Agostino , Tombolini Ilaria , Gemmiti Roberta , Colantoni Andrea , Perini Luigi
Published: September 2015

Land degradation has expanded in the Mediterranean region as a result of a variety of factors, including economic and population growth, land-use changes and climate variations. The level of land vulnerability to degradation and its growth over time are distributed heterogeneously over space, concentrating on landscapes exposed to high human pressure. The present study investigates the level of land vulnerability to degradation in a shrinking urban area (Rome, Italy) at four points in time (1960, 1990, 2000 and 2010) and it identifies relevant factors negatively impacting the quality of land and the level of landscape fragmentation. A multi-domain assessment of land vulnerability incorporating indicators of climate quality, soil quality, vegetation quality and land management quality was carried out based on the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) framework. The highest rate of growth in the level of land vulnerability was observed in low-density suburban areas. The peri-urban mosaic formed by coastal woodlands and traditional cropland preserved high-quality land with a stable degree of vulnerability over time. Evidence suggests that the agro-forest mosaic surrounding Mediterranean cities act as a “buffer zone” mitigating on-site and off-site land degradation. The conservation of relict natural landscapes is a crucial target for multi-scale policies combating land degradation in suburban dry regions.
Introduction to the Special Issue on the Economics of Climate Change Impacts on Developing Countries: Selected Studies on Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia
Authors: Akpalu Wisdom , Arndt Channing , Matshe Innocent
Published: September 2015

Within the last century, the global average temperature increased by about 1 °C and this rate of increase may accelerate over the course of the 21st century [1]. Although estimates of climate change are based on projections and probabilistic assessments, ample evidence exists that climate change impacts are likely to become more profound in this century, particularly if mitigation policies are absent or inadequate [1,2]. It has been argued that, relative to keeping the warming at 2 °C or lower, the global cost of continuing with “business as usual” may be 5 to 20 times higher [3,4]. [...]
Assessing Sustainability of Mixed Use Neighbourhoods through Residents’ Travel Behaviour and Perception: The Case of Nagpur, India
Authors: Bahadure Sarika , Kotharkar Rajashree
Published: September 2015

Mixed land-use development is the integration of different land-use functions like residential, commercial, recreational, and institutional in an urban sector or a neighbourhood. Integrating transport and land-use mix is one of the goals of planning policies around the world. Prior studies mention the benefits of mixed land-use development towards creating sustainable environment, but do not specify the proportion of the mix of compatible land uses. This study attempts to assess the sustainability of the neighbourhoods with mixed land-use in the context of the Nagpur city, India. Residents’ travel behaviour in twelve neighbourhoods is studied by means of indicators namely trip lengths, mode of travel, vehicle ownership, and travel expenses. To investigate the users’ insight, the study further examines residents’ perception with the help of parameters such as safety, satisfaction, pollution, and mix. The sustainability indices are computed for both residents’ travel behaviour and perception, for each neighbourhood. The study revealed that neighbourhoods with high and moderate land-use mix are sustainable with travel behaviour. Residents’ perception sustainability index indicates neighbourhoods with moderate land-use mix are more sustainable than those with high and low land-use mixed neighbourhoods. This study advocates stakeholders’ insight and the proportion of mix in land-use planning decisions.
The Water Footprint of the Wine Industry: Implementation of an Assessment Methodology and Application to a Case Study
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Scrucca Flavio , Asdrubali Francesco , Cotana Franco , Presciutti Andrea
Published: September 2015

An original methodology for the Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) of a Product for the wine-making industry sector is presented, with a particular focus on the evaluation procedure of the grey water. Results obtained with the proposed methodology are also presented for an Italian case study. The product was analyzed using a life-cycle approach, with the aim of studying the water volumes of each phase according to the newly-released ISO 14046 international standard. The functional unit chosen in this study is the common 0.75 liter wine bottle. An in-house software (V.I.V.A.) was implemented with the goal of accounting for all the contributions in a cradle-to-grave approach. At this stage, however, minor water volumes associated with some foreground and background processes are not assessed. The evaluation procedure was applied to a case study and green, blue, and grey water volumes were computed. Primary data were collected for a red wine produced by an Umbrian wine-making company. Results are in accordance with global average water footprint values from literature, showing a total WF of 632.2 L/bottle, with the major contribution (98.3%) given by green water, and minor contributions (1.2% and 0.5%) given by grey and blue water, respectively. A particular effort was dedicated to the definition of an improved methodology for the assessment of the virtual water volume required to dilute the load of pollutants on the environment below some reference level (Grey WF). The improved methodology was elaborated to assure the completeness of the water footprint assessment and to overcome some limitations of the reference approach. As a result, the overall WF can increase up to 3% in the most conservative hypotheses.
Mass Spectrometric Detection of Bacterial Protein Toxins and Their Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Kalb Suzanne , Boyer Anne , Barr John
Published: September 2015

Mass spectrometry has recently become a powerful technique for bacterial identification. Mass spectrometry approaches generally rely upon introduction of the bacteria into a matrix-assisted laser-desorption time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer with mass spectrometric recognition of proteins specific to that organism that form a reliable fingerprint. With some bacteria, such as Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum, the health threat posed by these organisms is not the organism itself, but rather the protein toxins produced by the organisms. One such example is botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), a potent neurotoxin produced by C. botulinum. There are seven known serotypes of BoNT, A–G, and many of the serotypes can be further differentiated into toxin variants, which are up to 99.9% identical in some cases. Mass spectrometric proteomic techniques have been established to differentiate the serotype or toxin variant of BoNT produced by varied strains of C. botulinum. Detection of potent biological toxins requires high analytical sensitivity and mass spectrometry based methods have been developed to determine the enzymatic activity of BoNT and the anthrax lethal toxins produced by B. anthracis. This enzymatic activity, unique for each toxin, is assessed with detection of the toxin-induced cleavage of strategically designed peptide substrates by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry offering unparalleled specificity. Furthermore, activity assays allow for the assessment of the biological activity of a toxin and its potential health risk. Such methods have become important diagnostics for botulism and anthrax. Here, we review mass spectrometry based methods for the enzymatic activity of BoNT and the anthrax lethal factor toxin.
Genetic Algorithm-Based Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Water Quality in Dongzhaigang
Authors: Wen Jiasheng , Li Feng , Zeng Xiangyun , Shen Kaixuan , He Haijun , Liang Yanyan , Gan Huayang , Zhang Jinwei , Long Xiaolin , Wei Yansha
Published: September 2015

The concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN; NO2−–N, NH3–N, and NO3−–N), PO43−–P, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5), oil, Si, and seven heavy metals (Hg, Cr, Cu, As, Zn, Pb, and Cd) in seawater from the Dongzhaigang National Mangrove Nature Reserve of China in 2013 were determined. Except for the concentrations of the COD, BOD5, Cr, Hg, Cu, As, and Cd, each index in seawater were found to be over the limits of I-Class seawater standards. The index of organic pollution showed that the pollution level in this study area reached level 6; eutrophication levels indicated that the nutritional level reached level 4. According to the water quality index model, the sea area was slightly polluted by heavy metals. In a genetic algorithm-based fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the results for organic pollutants, nutrients, and heavy metal pollution can be combined to evaluate the water quality as a whole. Results showed that the sea area in Dongzhaigang did not have a healthy water environment, but was seriously polluted by organic pollutants and nutrients.
L'écologie à l'épreuve du droit. Le droit à l'épreuve de l'écologie
Authors: Avrillier Raymond
Published: September 2015

L'élu écologiste, confronté au droit, se situe comme requérant, et décrit progressivement « l'usage » que lui-même, et la démocratie locale en général, peuvent faire de cette confrontation.

La matière « environnement » dans une grande ville se rapporte à des décisions d'aménagement engageant la collectivité dans de lourdes charges financières. Les dossiers d'environnement qui échoient à l'examen du juge intègrent les facteurs de temporalité, d'espace décisionnel, et une réflexion sur la pertinence de contre-expertises .

Les rapports des usagers à la juridiction administrative sont le reflet des rapports citoyens-autorités. L'instance judiciaire administrative reste accessible au citoyen, et la sensibilité des juges aux dossiers d'environnement a progressé. Cependant, la mise en œuvre de ce contre-pouvoir est de peu de poids face à la puissance des aménageurs, et à l'esprit de corps qui règne entre groupes privés, exécutifs et instances de contrôle.

L'inquiétude quant à une « république des juges » a le mérite de poser la question d'une démocratisation nécessaire des procédures de décision. L'inflation apparente du contentieux n'est-elle pas le pendant d'une fonte des processus de démocratie réelle ? Sont en cause ici les avatars de la décentralisation, du cumul des fonctions et des intérêts croisés. C'est la possibilité d'un rôle de prévention des juges qui est en question. En amont des décisions, la proposition est faite de mettre en oeuvre une méthode applicable au processus de décision résumée en IADECA : Information, Analyse, Débat, Exposé, Contrôle, Adaptation.

A titre d'anecdote symbolique, que dire du permis de construire, délivré sans débat et contesté, d'un parking souterrain de quatre niveaux en pleine nappe phréatique (faisant l'objet de recours au tribunal administratif), menaçant de faire s'enliser le bâtiment du tribunal lui-même, qui en est riverain ?
Juge administratif, juge judiciaire, concurrence ou complémentarité ?
Authors: Doumenq Michel
Published: September 2015

L'hétérogénéité du droit de l'environnement rend parfois difficile son appréhension et ne facilite pas toujours son application par les professionnels du droit, les représentants associatifs et, d'une manière générale, par les différents usagers. Cette impression se trouve confortée encore en raison de la nature mixte du contentieux, à la fois administratif et judiciaire, celui-là étant, en termes quantitatifs, largement dominant.

La présente intervention a donc pour objet de rappeler de manière rapide les différentes procédures applicables, tant judiciaires qu'administratives, et de voir comment elles s'articulent entre elles et se complètent compte tenu notamment des dispositions nouvelles du Code pénal entré en vigueur le 1er mars 1994.
Development of microsatellite loci for the endangered seagrass Zostera japonica (Zosteraceae)
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Zhou Yi , Xue Dongxiu , Liu Jin‐Xian
Published: September 2015

Premise of the study:

New microsatellite markers were developed for the Asian endangered seagrass Zostera japonica (Zosteraceae) to assess genetic diversity and population structure of this species. In China, Z. japonica populations have drastically decreased since the 1970s.

Methods and Results:

A total of 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in Z. japonica. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 11. The expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.772 and from 0 to 1.000, respectively.

Conclusions:

The new microsatellites will be useful in evaluating clonality and population structure of Z. japonica and aiding in conservation and management of the endangered seagrass in Asia.
Ruthenium indenylidene “1st generation” olefin metathesis catalysts containing triisopropyl phosphite
Authors: Guidone Stefano , Nahra Fady , Slawin Alexandra M Z , Cazin Catherine S J
Published: September 2015

The reaction of triisopropyl phosphite with phosphine-based indenylidene pre-catalysts affords “1st generation” cis-complexes. These have been used in olefin metathesis reactions. The cis-Ru species exhibit noticeable differences with the trans-Ru parent complexes in terms of structure, thermal stability and reactivity. Experimental data underline the importance of synergistic effects between phosphites and L-type ligands.
Patient-reported Outcomes across Categories of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Taxter Alysha J. , Wileyto E. Paul , Behrens Edward M. , Weiss Pamela F.
Published: September 2015

Objective.

Although there is increasing reliance on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) for disease management, there is little known about the differences in PRO across juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) categories. The purpose of our study was to assess PRO across JIA categories, including pain, quality of life, and physical function, and to determine clinical factors associated with differences in these measures across categories.

Methods.

This was a longitudinal cohort study of patients with JIA at a tertiary care pediatric rheumatology clinic. Subjects, PRO, and clinical variables were identified by querying the electronic medical record. Mixed-effects regression assessed pain, quality of life, and function.

Results.

Subjects with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and undifferentiated JIA had significantly more pain, poorer quality of life, and poorer physical function. The ERA and undifferentiated JIA categories, physician’s global disease activity assessment, female sex, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use were significantly associated with more pain, poorer quality of life, and poorer function. In models limited to ERA, female sex and tender enthesis count were significant predictors of decreased function.

Conclusion.

ERA and undifferentiated JIA categories had poorer PRO than other JIA categories. Further work is needed to address ways to improve PRO in children with JIA, with a special focus on children with ERA and undifferentiated JIA.
Student Confidence in the Management of Patient Care Transitions: Impact of a Care Transitions Course in an Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum
Authors: Goldberg Janet L. , Dallwig Amber L.
Published: September 2015

Background:

For nursing professionals to direct and influence the health care changes for implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, emerging graduate nurses must be prepared as leaders and advocates for smooth patient care transitions for patients and caregivers. This article reports on how an undergraduate nursing program and its clinical partner created a course to allow students to step back from direct patient care and explore diverse nursing roles, team collaboration, communication, and processes that aim to collectively promote safe and effective quality care.

Method:

Students completed online pre- and posttest surveys to rate their confidence levels with skills across seven measures.

Results:

Comparative analysis of the pre- and posttest surveys indicated a significant increase in students’ perception of their knowledge and skills across all areas.

Conclusion:

The instructional framework, using a care transitions model and clinical experiences, prepared students to work with health care teams and community partners for managing patient and family transitions in a variety of health care settings. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(9):479–484.]