bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B’more Healthy Corner Stores for Moms and Kids: Identifying Optimal Behavioral Economic Strategies to Increase WIC Redemptions in Small Urban Corner Stores
Authors: Wensel Caroline R. , Trude Angela C.B. , Poirier Lisa , Alghamdi Riyad , Trujillo Antonio , Anderson Steeves Elizabeth , Paige David , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: December 2018

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) redemption rates have been declining in many low-income urban settings, potentially related to aspects of the food environment. B’more Healthy Corner Stores for Moms and Kids was a feasibility trial in Baltimore City that aimed to test multiple behavioral economic (BE) strategies in 10 corner stores (intervention = eight stores, comparison = two stores), to evaluate their influence on the stocking and redemptions of WIC foods. Tested strategies included in-person storeowner training, point of purchase promotion, product placement, and grouping of products in a display. All four strategies were feasible and implemented with high reach, dose delivered, and fidelity. Additionally, text messaging was found to be an acceptable form of intervention reinforcement for storeowners. Analyses to assess change in stocking of WIC foods, total sales of WIC foods, and sales of WIC foods to WIC clients, revealed consistent positive changes after implementation of the store owner training strategy, while changes after the implementation of other strategies were mixed. Furthermore, WIC food sales to WIC clients significantly increased after the simultaneous implementation of two strategies, compared to one (p > 0.05). Results suggest that store owner training was the most influential strategy and that the implementation of more BE strategies does not necessarily lead to proportional increases in stocking and sales. Selected BE strategies appear to be an effective way of increasing stocking and sales of WIC foods in small urban food stores.
Comprehensive Lung Function Assessment Does not Allow to Infer Response to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with COPD
Authors: Augustin Ingrid M. L. , Wouters Emiel F. M. , Houben-Wilke Sarah , Gaffron Swetlana , Janssen Daisy J. A. , Franssen Frits M. E. , Spruit Martijn A.
Published: December 2018

The degree of lung function is frequently used as referral criterion for pulmonary rehabilitation. The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation was assessed in 518 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, after clustering based on a comprehensive pre-rehabilitation lung function assessment. Mean improvements in dyspnea, exercise performance, health status, mood status and problematic activities of daily life after pulmonary rehabilitation were mostly comparable between the seven clusters, despite significant differences in the degree of lung function. The current study demonstrates no significant relationship between the seven lung-function-based clusters and response to pulmonary rehabilitation. Therefore, baseline lung function cannot be used to identify those who will respond well to pulmonary rehabilitation, and moreover, cannot be used as a criterion for referral to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD.
Influence of Crystalline Admixtures on the Short-Term Behaviour of Mortars Exposed to Sulphuric Acid
Authors: García-Vera Victoria Eugenia , Tenza-Abril Antonio José , Saval José Miguel , Lanzón Marcos
Published: December 2018

Using durable materials is a sustainable solution for extending the lifetime of constructions. The use of crystalline admixtures makes cementitious materials more durable. They plug pores, capillary tracts and microcracks, blocking the entrance of water due to the formation of crystals that prevent the penetration of liquids. The literature has covered the performance of these admixtures on concrete, but studies on mortars are still scarce. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an aggressive environment (sulphuric acid solution—3 wt%) on mortars produced with different percentages of a crystalline admixture (1%, 1.5% and 2% by weight of cement content). Physical and mechanical properties were studied after immersing the mortars in a H2SO4 solution for 90 days. It was found that, after a 90-day sulphuric acid exposure, mortars with the crystalline admixture showed greater compressive strength than the control mortar, besides exhibiting lower mass loss. However, the crystalline admixture did not produce any significant effect on the capillary water absorption coefficient. In a nonaggressive environment, and in the short term, the crystalline admixture did not have a significant effect on the compressive strength, the capillary water absorption coefficient or the ultrasonic pulse velocity.
Direct Formation and Structural Characterization of Electride C12A7
Authors: Salasin J.R. , Schwerzler S.E.A. , Mukherjee R. , Keffer D.J. , Sickafus K.E. , Rawn C.J.
Published: December 2018

Ca12Al14O33 (C12A7 or Mayenite) is a material whose caged clathrate structure and occluded anionic species leads to significant functionality. The creation of occluded anionic vacancies leads to the injection of localized electrons at the center of the cage, converting the wide band gap insulator to a semi- or metallic conducting material. The conversion to the electride historically requires the synthesis of oxy-C12A7, consolidation, and then reduction to introduce anionic vacancies. This report develops and characterizes an electride formation procedure from three starting points: unconsolidated oxy-C12A7, heterogenous solid-state reactants (CaCO3 and Al2O3), and homogenous non-carbonaceous polymer assisted sol-gel reactants. Electride-C12A7 formation is observed in a vacuum furnace where the reactants are in direct contact with a carbon source. Process time and temperature-dependent structural characterization provides insight into the source of high temperature C12A7 stability, the mechanism of anionic vacancy formation, and the magnitude of ultimate conductivity that cannot be explained by current reduction theories. A new theory is presented where mixed O- and C-occupied cages lead to high temperature stability, oxidation of C species creates anionic vacancies, and an equilibrium between the reducing power of the electride-C12A7 and of the C species leads to the ultimate conductivity achieved by the process. This represents a shift in understanding of the carbonaceous reduction process and the first report of high purity electride-C12A7 formation from heterogenous solid-state reactants and homogenous non-carbonaceous polymer assisted sol-gel reactants.
Structure and Synthesis of Antifungal Disulfide β-Strand Proteins from Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Váradi Györgyi , Tóth Gábor K. , Batta Gyula
Published: December 2018

The discovery and understanding of the mode of action of new antimicrobial agents is extremely urgent, since fungal infections cause 1.5 million deaths annually. Antifungal peptides and proteins represent a significant group of compounds that are able to kill pathogenic fungi. Based on phylogenetic analyses the ascomycetous, cysteine-rich antifungal proteins can be divided into three different groups: Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein (PAF), Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2) and “bubble-proteins” (BP) produced, for example, by P. brevicompactum. They all dominantly have β-strand secondary structures that are stabilized by several disulfide bonds. The PAF group (AFP antifungal protein from Aspergillus giganteus, PAF and PAFB from P. chrysogenum, Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP)) is the best characterized with their common β-barrel tertiary structure. These proteins and variants can efficiently be obtained either from fungi production or by recombinant expression. However, chemical synthesis may be a complementary aid for preparing unusual modifications, e.g., the incorporation of non-coded amino acids, fluorophores, or even unnatural disulfide bonds. Synthetic variants up to ca. 6–7 kDa can also be put to good use for corroborating structure determination. A short overview of the structural peculiarities of antifungal β-strand disulfide bridged proteins will be given. Here, we describe the structural propensities of some known antifungal proteins from filamentous fungi which can also be prepared with modern synthetic chemistry methods.
Phytochemical Constituents and the Evaluation Biological Effect of Cinnamomum yabunikkei H.Ohba Leaf
Authors: Song Seung-Yub , Song Seung-Hui , Bae Min-Suk , Cho Seung-Sik
Published: December 2018

Cinnamomum yabunikkei H.Ohba leaf is known as a traditional medicinal material in Korea. However, no scientific identification of the components or efficacy of C.yabunikkei H.Ohba leaf has been reported. In the present study, we prepared various solvent extracts of C.yabunikkei H.Ohba leaf to understand its basic properties and evaluated the antioxidant, xanthine oxidase inhibitory, and elastase inhibitory activities of hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, ethanol, and water extracts for the first time. The antioxidant properties were evaluated based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and total phenolic contents. The hot water extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic contents, and the reducing power was the highest in the water extract. The hexane extract showed an excellent elastase inhibitory effect compared to control (phosphoramidone) and the highest xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. These results present basic information for the possible uses of the hot water and hexane extracts from C. yabunikkei leaf for the treatment of diseases caused by oxidative imbalance. In the present study, individual extracts exhibited different effects. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the applicability of C. yabunikkei will depend on the extraction method and nature of the extract. The hot water and hexane extracts could be used as antioxidants, and as anti-gout and anti-wrinkle materials respectively. Several biologically active substances present in hexane extract of C. yabunikkei have been analyzed by GCMS and demonstrated to possess antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the chemical profiling and biological effects of various C. yabunikkei leaf extracts, suggesting their potential use in food therapy, cosmetics or alternative medicine.
Comparative Analysis of Hydrophilic Ingredients in Toad Skin and Toad Venom Using the UHPLC-HR-MS/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS Methods Together with the Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of Indolealkylamines
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yuan Bo , Takagi Norio , Wang Hongjie , Zhou Yanyan , Si Nan , Yang Jian , Wei Xiaolu , Zhao Haiyu , Bian Baolin
Published: December 2018

Toad skin and toad venom, as two kinds of Chinese medicine, are prepared from Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor and Bufo melanostictus Schneider. However, they display distinct properties in traditional application, and the hydrophilic ingredients are the possible distinguishing chemicals between them. In this work, 36 and 22 hydrophilic components were characterized from toad skin and venom, respectively, by UHPLC-HR-MS/MS, including amino acids, nucleosides, polypeptides, and indolealkylamines (IAAs). Among them, 15 compounds were unambiguously confirmed by comparison with standards. The CID-MS/MS fragmentation behaviors of seven indolealkylamine references were investigated to ascertain three types of structures. Subsequently, 11 high abundance contents of hydrophilic ingredients were determined from 11 batches of toad skin and 4 batches of toad venom by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS. The quantitative results showed that the content of main IAAs in toad venom was much higher than in skin. In addition, the N-methyl serotonin (free IAA), bufothionine (combined IAA), and total IAAs sample were selected for anti-inflammatory evaluation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated zebrafish embryo models. The obvious anti-inflammatory activities of IAAs were observed, especially for the free IAAs. This study illustrated IAAs were the main distinct hydrophilic components that probably lead to the difference between toad skin and toad venom in traditional applications.
In Situ Gel of Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Improved Topical Ocular Delivery: Tear Kinetics and Ocular Disposition Studies
Authors: Tatke Akshaya , Dudhipala Narendar , Janga Karthik Yadav , Balguri Sai Prachetan , Avula Bharathi , Jablonski Monica M. , Majumdar Soumyajit
Published: December 2018

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA), an intermediate acting corticosteroid, is used in the treatment of posterior ocular diseases, such as inflammation, posterior uveitis, and diabetic macular edema. The objective of this investigation was to prepare TA-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TA-SLNs) and in situ gel (TA-SLN-IG) formulations for delivery into the deeper ocular tissues through the topical route. TA-SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization and ultrasonication method using glyceryl monostearate and Compritol® 888ATO as solid lipids and Tween®80 and Pluronic® F-68 as surfactants. TA-SLNs were optimized and converted to TA-SLN-IG by the inclusion of gellan gum and evaluated for their rheological properties. In vitro transcorneal permeability and in vivo ocular distribution of the TA-SLNs and TA-SLN-IG were studied using isolated rabbit corneas and New Zealand albino rabbits, respectively, and compared with TA suspension, used as control (TA-C). Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, assay, and entrapment efficiency of TA-SLNs were in the range of 200–350 nm, 0.3–0.45, −52.31 to −64.35 mV, 70–98%, and 97–99%, respectively. TA-SLN-IG with 0.3% gellan gum exhibited better rheological properties. The transcorneal permeability of TA-SLN and TA-SLN-IG was 10.2 and 9.3-folds higher compared to TA-C. TA-SLN-IG showed maximum tear concentration at 2 h, indicating an improved pre-corneal residence time, as well as higher concentrations in aqueous humor, vitreous humor and cornea at 6 h, suggesting sustained delivery of the drug into the anterior and posterior segment ocular tissues, when compared to TA-SLN and TA-C. The results, therefore, demonstrate that the lipid based nanoparticulate system combined with the in situ gelling agents can be a promising drug delivery platform for the deeper ocular tissues.
Effects of Coffee and Tea Consumption on Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kondo Yoshinobu , Goto Atsushi , Noma Hisashi , Iso Hiroyasu , Hayashi Kunihiko , Noda Mitsuhiko
Published: December 2018

Prospective cohort studies have described an association between coffee or tea consumption and the risk of developing diabetes. However, whether coffee or tea improves glucose metabolism remains uncertain. We investigated the effect of coffee and tea on glucose metabolism by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Electronic databases were searched for articles published up 19 February 2017. The primary endpoint was the mean difference in post-intervention fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels between the groups. Of 892 citations screened, 27 studies (1898 participants) were included in our meta-analysis. A network meta-analysis suggested that green tea, but not caffeinated/decaffeinated coffee or black tea, may reduce FBG levels, compared with placebo/water (−2.10 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI), −3.96 to −0.24 mg/dL; p = 0.03; moderate quality of evidence). In a subgroup analysis, the effect of green tea on FBG levels was statistically significant only in studies with a mean age of < 55-years-old or Asian-based studies. The oolong tea group also showed a significant decrease in FBG, but the quality of evidence was very low. In conclusion, green tea consumption might decrease FBG levels, especially in < 55-year-olds or Asian-based populations.
Slow Down: Behavioural and Physiological Effects of Reducing Eating Rate
Authors: Hawton Katherine , Ferriday Danielle , Rogers Peter , Toner Paula , Brooks Jonathan , Holly Jeffrey , Biernacka Kalina , Hamilton-Shield Julian , Hinton Elanor
Published: December 2018

Slowing eating rate appears to be an effective strategy for reducing food intake. This feasibility study investigated the effect of eating rate on post-meal responses using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), plasma gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, appetite ratings, memory for recent eating, and snack consumption. Twenty-one participants (mean age 23 years with healthy body mass index) were randomly assigned to consume a 600 kcal meal at either a “normal” or “slow” rate (6 vs. 24 min). Immediately afterwards, participants rated meal enjoyment and satisfaction. FMRI was performed 2-h post-meal during a memory task about the meal. Appetite, peptide YY, and ghrelin were measured at baseline and every 30 min for 3 h. Participants were given an ad-libitum snack three hours post-meal. Results were reported as effect sizes (Cohen’s d) due to the feasibility sample size. The normal rate group found the meal more enjoyable (effect size = 0.5) and satisfying (effect size = 0.6). Two hours post-meal, the slow rate group reported greater fullness (effect size = 0.7) and more accurate portion size memory (effect sizes = 0.4), with a linear relationship between time taken to make portion size decisions and the BOLD response in satiety and reward brain regions. Ghrelin suppression post-meal was greater in the slow rate group (effect size = 0.8). Three hours post-meal, the slow rate group consumed on average 25% less energy from snacks (effect size = 0.5). These data offer novel insights about mechanisms underlying how eating rate affects food intake and have implications for the design of effective weight-management interventions.
Molecular Mechanism of Xylogenesis in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) Shoots during Cold Storage
Authors: Li Changtao , Xuan Lingling , He Yuming , Wang Jie , Zhang Hui , Ying Yeqing , Wu Aimin , Bacic Antony , Zeng Wei , Song Lili
Published: December 2018

A bamboo shoot is the immature stem of the woody grass and a nutritious and popular vegetable in East Asia. However, it undergoes a rapid xylogenesis process right after harvest, even being stored in a cold chamber. To investigate the molecular regulation mechanisms of xylogenesis in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoots (MBSes) during cold storage, the measurement of cell wall polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and related enzyme activities (phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), peroxidase (POD), and xylan xylosyltransferase (XylT)) and transcriptomic analysis were performed during cold storage. It was noticed that cellulose and lignin contents increased, while hemicellulose content exhibited a downward trend. PAL, CAD, and POD activity presented an upward trend generally in MBS when stored at 4 °C for 16 days. XylT activity showed a descending trend during the stages of storage, but slightly increased during the 8th to 12th days after harvest at 4 °C. Transcriptomic analysis identified 72, 28, 44, and 31 functional unigenes encoding lignin, cellulose, xylan biosynthesis enzymes, and transcription factors (TFs), respectively. Many of these secondary cell wall (SCW)-related genes showed higher expression levels in the later period of cold storage. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the selected genes conformed to the expression pattern. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of MBS secondary wall biosynthesis at the molecular level during the cold storage process. The results give insight into the xylogenesis process of this economically important vegetable and shed light on solving this problem of the post-harvest industry.
Analysis of Precise Orbit Predictions for a HY-2A Satellite with Three Atmospheric Density Models Based on Dynamic Method
Authors: Kong Qiaoli , Gao Fan , Guo Jinyun , Han Litao , Zhang Linggang , Shen Yi
Published: December 2018

HY-2A (Haiyang 2A) is the first altimetry satellite in China, and it was designed to be in a repeated ground track orbit to achieve the mission targets. Maneuvers are necessary to keep the satellite on the designed orbit according to the dynamic precise orbital prediction. Atmospheric density models are essential for predicting the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, such as HY-2A. Nevertheless, it is a complex process to determine the optimal atmospheric density model for orbit prediction. In this paper, short-term and long-term orbit predictions based on the dynamic method using three different atmospheric density models are tested. Detailed comparisons and evaluation of the accuracy of the predicted results are performed. Furthermore, to assess the results for the ground tracking of the satellite, the interpolation method especially for a spherical surface is introduced. The results show that among the three models, the Jacchia 1971 model is in the closest agreement with Multi-Mission Ground Segment for Altimetry precise positioning and Orbitography (SSALTO) precise orbits. The root-mean-squares (RMSs) of radial orbit differences between the predicted and precise orbits are 0.016 m, 0.091 m, 0.176 m, 0.573 m, and 1.421 m for predicted 1-h, 12-h, 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day arcs, respectively.
An Assessment of European Information Technology Tools to Support Industrial Symbiosis
Authors: Maqbool Amtul Samie , Mendez Alva Francisco , Van Eetvelde Greet
Published: December 2018

Industrial symbiosis (IS) has proven to bring collective benefits to multiple stakeholders by minimising underutilised resources, sharing knowledge and improving business and technical processes. In Europe alone, over €130 million have been invested since 2006 in research projects that enable IS by developing a methodology, tool, software, platform or network that facilitates the uptake of IS by different economic actors. This paper discusses and assesses information technology (IT) developments for supporting IS in Europe, following the five-stage methodology of Grant et al. (2010). It provides guidance to the applicants and reviewers of publicly funded research projects by listing the developments and gaps in the newly developed IT tools for IS. Content analysis of publicly available information on 20 IS supporting IT tools reveals a strong focus on synergy identification but a lack of support for the implementation stage of IS. The paper indicates that a vast quantity of IT tools and knowledge is created during the IT tool development stage and newer IT tools now also include implicit information for identifying IS. It was found that successfully operational IT tools are either part of a national or local IS programme or owned by a private company. The paper ends with the recommendation that better mechanisms are needed to ensure that publicly funded IS-supporting IT tools successfully reach the market.
How does Perceived Destination Social Responsibility Impact Revisit Intentions: The Mediating Roles of Destination Preference and Relationship Quality
Authors: Su Lujun , Huang Yinghua
Published: December 2018

This study applied the relationship quality theory to examine how destination social responsibility (DSR) impacts revisit intentions through the mediation of destination preference and relationship quality (i.e., tourist satisfaction and identification). An integrated model was proposed and tested by using survey data from an urban tourism attraction in China. The findings indicate that DSR positively impacts destination preference and tourist satisfaction, but it does not have a significant influence on tourist-destination identification. Destination preference directly affects tourist satisfaction and tourist-destination identification, which in turn positively influences revisit intentions. This study offered theoretical and practical contributions to the research of destination social responsibility.
Solubility, Diffusion and Crop Uptake of Phosphorus in Three Different Struvites
Authors: Rech Ioná , Withers Paul J. A. , Jones Davey L. , Pavinato Paulo S.
Published: December 2018

Phosphate (P) fertilisers produced from waste recycling (e.g., struvite) are considered to be more sustainable than those conventionally produced from the processing of rock P (e.g., highly soluble triple superphosphate, TSP). In this study, we used 33P to monitor struvite dissolution and P diffusion into the soil in comparison to TSP. We evaluated three distinct chemical formulations of struvite, namely: (1) Crystal Green® (CG) produced in an industrial process from sewage sludge; (2) natural struvite (NS) precipitated in swine manure pipelines; and (3) laboratory precipitated struvite (PS) from chicken manure by a new process of P recovery. P diffusion was evaluated in soil columns over a 21-day period. This was complimented with a pot experiment in which wheat and soybean were cultivated in a Eutric Cambisol for 38 days in the presence of either struvite or TSP. P fertilisers were applied at a dose equivalent to 17.5 kg P ha−1 and fertiliser solubility determined by recovering soil solution. All three types of struvite tested showed reduced P solubility and mobility relative to TSP, but a comparison of the three struvites has shown that their P solubilities differed by a factor of two, with the greatest P release (up to 85% of total P) obtained from a struvite recovered from poultry manure and containing other useful nutrients (K, S and Ca). All struvites enhanced crop growth and P uptake of wheat and soybean relative to a nil P control, with up to 80% P recovery compared to TSP. These results further support the more widespread use of struvite as a sustainable source of P to plants despite its low water solubility.
Characterization and influence of hydroxyapatite nanopowders on living cells
Authors: Oberbek Przemyslaw , Bolek Tomasz , Chlanda Adrian , Hirano Seishiro , Kusnieruk Sylwia , Rogowska-Tylman Julia , Nechyporenko Ganna , Zinchenko Viktor , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Puzyn Tomasz
Published: December 2018

Nanomaterials, such as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles show a great promise for medical applications due to their unique properties at the nanoscale. However, there are concerns about the safety of using these materials in biological environments. Despite a great number of published studies of nanoobjects and their aggregates or agglomerates, the impact of their physicochemical properties (such as particle size, surface area, purity, details of structure and degree of agglomeration) on living cells is not yet fully understood. Significant differences in these properties, resulting from different manufacturing methods, are yet another problem to be taken into consideration. The aim of this work was to investigate the correlation between the properties of nanoscale hydroxyapatite from different synthesis methods and biological activity represented by the viability of four cell lines: A549, CHO, BEAS-2B and J774.1 to assess the influence of the nanoparticles on immune, reproductive and respiratory systems.
EUROPEAN POSTHUMAN BORDER IMAGE: PERFORMATIVITY, CREATIVITY AND BEYOND
Authors: Nikiforova Basia
Published: December 2018

To artists, border is not just a physical reality imposed on the landscape by political forces, but also a subject for imagination and creativity, representation and visualization. Presentation of migration, refugees and growing new ethnic and religious communities is important for visual arts. Our task is to discuss the correlativeness between the new form of city bordering and reterritorialization and their materialized visual image, to reflect the balance between claims of difference and sameness and the dynamics between dominant perceptions and refugees’ self-representations. Nowadays in the media, we deal with the Debordian spectacle which reduces reality to an endless fragmentation, while encouraging us to focus on appearances. Thomas Neil notes that the migrant has become the political figure of our time, and migrant phenomena invite us to rethink the fundamental political, cultural and art philosophy. It is important to reveal the interconnections between new discourses and art practices, reflecting on the local Lithuanian image of the migration process. Thus, the case study of the research represents an analysis of Sigita Maslauskaitė-Mažylienė (Lithuania) artworks and artistic practices as important discursive processes and cultural meanings.
PROGRESS IN URBAN GREENERY MITIGATION SCIENCE – ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND IMPACT ON CITIES
Authors: Santamouris Mat , Ban-Weiss George , Osmond Paul , Paolini Riccardo , Synnefa Afroditi , Cartalis Constantinos , Muscio Alberto , Zinzi Michele , Morakinyo Tobi Eniolu , Ng Edward , Tan Zheng , Takebayashi Hideki , Sailor David , Crank P. , Taha Haider , Pisello Anna Laura , Rossi Federico , Zhang Jiong , Kolokotsa Denia
Published: December 2018

Urban greenery is a natural solution to cool cities and provide comfort, clean air and significant social, health and economic benefits. This paper aims to present the latest progress on the field of greenery urban mitigation techniques including aspects related to the theoretical and experimental assessment of the greenery cooling potential, the impact on urban vegetation on energy, health and comfort and the acquired knowledge on the best integration of the various types of greenery in the urban frame. Also to present the recent knowledge on the impact of climate change on the cooling performance of urban vegetation and investigate and analyse possible technological solutions to face the impact of high ambient temperatures.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS OF HYDROGEN EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE AND EMISSIONS OF RENEWABLE DIESEL FUELED RCCI / VANDENILIO ĮTAKA ENERGINIAMS IR EMISIJOS RODIKLIAMS ALTERNATYVIU DYZELINU VEIKIANČIAME RCCI VARIKLYJE – EKSPERIMENTINIS TYRIMAS
Authors: Juknelevičius Romualdas
Published: December 2018

The article presents the study of hydrogen effects on performance, combustion and emissions characteristics of renewable diesel fueled single cylinder CI engine with common rail injection system in RCCI mode. The renewable diesel fuels as the HRF are the HVO and it blend with petrol diesel further named PRO Diesel, investigated in this study. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of the LRF – hydrogen addition to the HRF on combustion phases, engine performance, efficiency, and exhaust emissions. HES was changed within the range from 0 to 35%. Hydrogen injected through PFI during intake stroke to the combustion chamber, where it created homogeneous mixture with air. The HRF was directly injected into combustion chamber using electronic controlled unit. Tests were performed at both fixed and optimal injection timings at low, medium and nominal engine load. After analysis of the engine bench results, it was observed that lean hydrogen – HRF mixture does not support the ﬂame propagation and efficient combustion. While at the rich fuel mixture and with increasing hydrogen fraction, the combustion intensity concentrate at the beginning of the combustion process and shortened the ignition delay phase. Decrease of CO, CO2 and smoke opacity was observed with increase of hydrogen amounts to the engine. However, increase of the NO concentration in the engine exhaust gases was observed.
LENGVŲJŲ AUTOMOBILIŲ PASYVIŲ IR PUSIAU AKTYVIŲ PAKABŲ TYRIMAS / THE RESEARCH OF PASSENGER CAR PASSIVE AND SEMI-ACTIVE SUSPENSION
Authors: Surblys Vytenis , Sokolovskij Edgar
Published: December 2018

In this article passenger car suspensions are analyzed, depending on the type of shock absorber. Introduced typical suspension components and semi-active suspension control called “Skyhook”. An overview of the literature is provided also presented the research of passive and semi-active suspension. A quarter-car model simulation has been performed using Matlab/Simulink software package. In results are analyzed sprung and unsprung masses displacements and suspension deflection rates when vehicle are moving over speed lowering bump.

Santrauka

Šiame darbe analizuojamos lengvųjų automobilių pakabos priklausomai nuo amortizatoriaus tipo. Pateikiamos tipinės sudedamosios pakabos dalys ir pusiau aktyvios pakabos, veikiančios „Skyhook“ valdymo principu. Pateikiama literatūros apžvalga, taip pat atliekamas pasyvios ir pusiau aktyvios pakabos tyrimas. Atliekamas ketvirčio automobilio modeliavimas „Matlab/Simulink“ programiniu paketu. Analizuojami amortizuotos ir neamortizuotos masių poslinkiai ir pakabos eigos greičiai, modeliui judant per nelygumą su skirtingomis pakabomis.
KELIŲ TRANSPORTO SRAUTŲ MODELIO TYRIMAS, TAIKANT DISKRETINĮ TRANSPORTO SRAUTŲ METODĄ / ROAD TRAFFIC FLOW MODEL INVESTIGATION BY USING DISCRETE TRAFFIC FLOW METHOD
Authors: Danilevičius Algimantas , Bogdevičius Marijonas
Published: December 2018

The traffic flows are influenced by various factors. In order to determine the characteristics of traffic flows in response to changing conditions, comprehensive research that is based on the best possible methods for simulating different street situations is necessary. The article determines the influence on transport flows due to changed conditions at the end of the simulated street. It presents the dynamic of the main parameters of the traffic flow (velocity, flow and density) depending on the time of changing traffic signals and the changed traffic flow density at the last simulated street point. The results are based on a discrete, mathematical model of traffic flows. The conditions determined by theoretical investigations determine the negative changes in the dynamics of traffic flows on a simulated street.

Santrauka

Transporto priemonių srautams turi įtakos įvairūs veiksniai. Norint nustatyti transporto srautų savybes priklausomai nuo pakitusių sąlygų reikalingi išsamūs tyrimai, grindžiami kuo tikslesniais metodais imituojant įvairių situacijų gatvėse modelius. Straipsnyje nustatoma įtaka transporto srautams dėl pakitusių sąlygų modeliuojamos gatvės pabaigoje. Pateikiama transporto srautų pagrindinių parametrų (greičio, eismo intensyvumo ir koncentracijos) dinamika priklausomai nuo šviesoforų signalų perjungimo laiko ir pakitusios transporto srauto koncentracijos paskutiniame modeliuojamos gatvės taške. Rezultatams gauti taikomas diskretinis transporto srautų matematinis modelis. Teoriniais tyrimais nustatytos sąlygos, lemiančios neigiamus pokyčius transporto srautų dinamikai modeliuojamame kelyje.
GELEŽINKELIO KELIO GEOMETRINIŲ PARAMETRŲ DINAMIKOS TYRIMAS TAIKANT KELIO KOKYBĖS INDEKSĄ / RAILWAYS GEOMETRICAL PARAMETERS DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION BY TRACK QUALITY INDEX
Authors: Bubnelis Vytautas Motiejus , Slepakovas Benas , Černiauskaitė Laura , Sivilevičius Henrikas
Published: December 2018

Rail transport, in competition with other modes of transport, has to improve the quality of passenger and freight transport. In order to carry passengers and goods quickly, efficiently and safely, it is necessary take maintenance railways so that their geometric parameters do not exceed the tolerances. About real railway track condition, the data is obtained by track geometry recording car, measuring seven geometric parameters dispersion. This paper presents the methodology for determining and estimating the geometric parameters of the track geometry, which shows that the track quality index (TQI) is the sum of the variance of seven geometric parameters. Experimental research on the two-track A (8km) and B (11km) a three-year period (2015-2017) for all 12-month KKI, establish their quality dynamics (change over time). These data indicate that the quality of the analyzed sections A and B was good, but due to the increasing mass (in megatons) of transported loads, there is a tendency to deteriorate.

Santrauka

Geležinkelių transportas, konkuruodamas su kitomis transporto rūšimis, privalo gerinti keleivių ir krovinių vežimų kokybę. Norint greitai, efektyviai ir saugiai vežti keleivius ir krovinius, būtina taip prižiūrėti geležinkelių kelius, kad jų geometrinių parametrų nuokrypiai neviršytų leidžiamųjų nuokrypių. Apie tikrąją geležinkelių kelio būklę duomenys gaunami kelmačiu išmatavus septynių geometrinių parametrų sklaidą. Šiame darbe pateikta geležinkelio kelio geometrinių parametrų sklaidos nustatymo ir vertinimo metodika, kurioje įrodyta, kad kelio kokybės indeksas (KKI) yra septynių geometrinių parametrų dispersijų suma. Eksperimentiškai ištyrus dviejų geležinkelio kelių A (8 km) ir B (11 km) trijų metų laikotarpiu (nuo 2015 iki 2017 metų) visų 12 mėnesių KKI, nustatyta jų kokybės dinamika (kaita bėgant laikui). Šie duomenys rodo, kad ištyrinėtų A ir B ruožų kelio kokybė buvo gera, bet dėl didėjančios pervežtų krovinių suminės masės (megatonų skaičiaus) turi tendenciją blogėti.
STATINIO INFORMACINIO MODELIAVIMO TAIKYMO EFEKTYVUMO VERTINIMO KRITERIJAI IR ATVEJO ANALIZĖ / THE CRITERIA FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING APPLICATION EFFICIENCY AND CASE STUDY
Authors: Kiaulakis Arvydas , Vilutienė Tatjana , Migilinskas Darius
Published: December 2018

The article proposes a system of criteria for assessing the effectiveness of BIM projects. Proposed criteria are divided into two groups: quantitative (calculated using formulas) and qualitative (scores are calculated according to the proposed scales). The criteria system includes assessment of time and cost variations, organizational scale of BIM deployment, BIM competency granularity level, BIM capability level, BIM maturity level. The criteria are intended to evaluate the already implemented BIM projects. In the study, the criteria were adapted for the evaluation of real project results, the findings, limitations and difficulties of the project, and the benefits of the application of the BIM were analyzed. The application of the methodology allows to assess the level at which BIM technology applied to construction projects. The collection of such data may lead to a constant monitoring of the BIM developing in the country.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje siūloma kriterijų sistema BIM projektų efektyvumui vertinti. Pasiūlyti kriterijai suskirstyti į dvi grupes: kiekybiniai (apskaičiuojami taikant formules) ir kokybiniai (vertinami balais pagal pasiūlytas skales). Į kriterijų sistemą įtraukti laiko ir kaštų kitimo vertinimas, BIM taikymo mastas organizacijoje, BIM išsamumo lygis, BIM pajėgumo lygis, BIM brandos lygis. Kriterijai skirti jau įgyvendintam BIM projektui vertinti. Atlikto tyrimo metu kriterijai pritaikyti realaus projekto rezultatams vertinti, analizuoti projekto radiniai, apribojimai ir sunkumai bei BIM taikymo naudos. Metodikos taikymas leidžia įvertinti, kokiu lygiu BIM technologijos taikomos statybos projektuose. Kaupiant tokius duomenis gali būti vykdoma nuolatinė BIM vystymosi šalyje stebėsena.
EMPLOYING FAHP TO DE-CODIFY THE DETERMINANTS OF TRADE AGREEMENTS: A CASE OF THE EU-INDIA TRADE TALKS
Authors: Khorana Sangeeta , Cho Jaemin , Lee Jaeho , Disegna Marta
Published: December 2018

This paper employs an interdisciplinary approach that combines economics with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) approach to de-codify the anatomy of free trade agreements (FTA) determinants focusing, in particular, on the case of EU-India FTA. The novelty of this paper is the systematic empirical analysis of the FTA determinants using FAHP. More than a hundred businesses and trade practitioners were interviewed in the EU and India to understand the lack of momentum in FTA talks. Our findings indicate that economic and political criteria are predominant FTA determinants, with market access potential (economic) as important factors driving the EU-India FTA talks. Given that results suggest similar perceptions of both the EU and India interview-ees to FTA determinants it is likely that the EU and India could find common ground and resume the languishing FTA negotiations.
An Increased Rate of Large Flares at Intermediate Rotation Periods for Mid-to-late M Dwarfs
Authors: Mondrik Nicholas , Newton Elisabeth , Charbonneau David , Irwin Jonathan
Published: December 2018

We present an analysis of flares in mid-to-late M dwarfs in the MEarth photometric survey. We search 3,985,155 observations across 2226 stars, and detect 54 large (Δm ≥ 0.018) flares in total, distributed across 34 stars. We combine our flare measurements with recent activity and rotation period results from MEarth to show that there is an increase in flares per observation from low Rossby number (R

o
 < 0.04, rapid rotators) to intermediate Rossby number (0.04 < R

o
 < 0.44, intermediate rotators) at the 99.85% confidence level. We additionally find an increased flare rate from the high Rossby number population (R

o
 > 0.44, slow rotators) to the intermediate population at the 99.97% level. We posit that the rise in flare rate for intermediate R

o
could be due to changing magnetic field geometry on the surface of the star.
Precise Ages of Field Stars from White Dwarf Companions
Authors: Fouesneau Morgan , Rix Hans-Walter , von Hippel Ted , Hogg David. W. , Tian Haijun
Published: December 2018

Observational tests of stellar and Galactic chemical evolution call for the joint knowledge of a star’s physical parameters, detailed element abundances, and precise age. For cool main-sequence (MS) stars the abundances of many elements can be measured from spectroscopy, but ages are very hard to determine. The situation is different if the MS star has a white dwarf (WD) companion and a known distance, as the age of such a binary system can then be determined precisely from the photometric properties of the cooling WD. As a pilot study for obtaining precise age determinations of field MS stars, we identify nearly 100 candidates for such wide binary systems: a faint WD whose GPS1 proper motion matches that of a brighter MS star in Gaia/TGAS with a good parallax (σ

ϖ
/ϖ ≤ 0.05). We model the WD’s multi-band photometry with the BASE-9 code using this precise distance (assumed to be common for the pair) and infer ages for each binary system. The resulting age estimates are precise to ≤10% (≤20%) for 42 (67) MS–WD systems. Our analysis more than doubles the number of MS–WD systems with precise distances known to date, and it boosts the number of such systems with precise age determination by an order of magnitude. With the advent of the Gaia DR2 data, this approach will be applicable to a far larger sample, providing ages for many MS stars (that can yield detailed abundances for over 20 elements), especially in the age range of 2–8

, where there are only few known star clusters.
Follow-up Timing of Three GMRT Pulsars
Authors: Surnis Mayuresh. P. , Joshi Bhal Chandra , McLaughlin Maura A. , Krishnakumar M. A. , Manoharan P. K. , Naidu Arun
Published: December 2018

We report on the results of multi-frequency follow-up observations of three pulsars (PSRs J0026+6320, J2208+5500, and J2217+5733) discovered with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). These observations were carried out with the GMRT and the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT). We report improved timing solutions for all three pulsars. For PSR J2208+5500, we estimate the nulling fraction to be 53(3)%. The steep spectrum of this pulsar, its single component profile, and narrow pulse width suggest its single component to be a core component. If so, this significant cessation of emission in a core component is inconsistent with a geometric origin of nulls, such as those due to “empty” sightline traverses, and more likely due to intrinsic changes in the pulsar magnetosphere. We have measured scatter-broadening timescales at 325 and 610 MHz for PSRs J0026+6320 and J2217+5733. The implied scatter-broadening frequency scaling index of −2.9 for both pulsars is different from that expected assuming Kolmogorov turbulence in the interstellar medium. We also report spectral indices, obtained from imaging observations, for all three pulsars for the first time. The spectra for two of these pulsars indicate a possible spectral turnover between 100 and 300 MHz. Multi-frequency timing analyses carried out for these pulsars have enabled us to determine dispersion measures with accuracies of 0.01 pc cm−3. This demonstrates the usefulness of quasi-simultaneous multi-frequency multi-epoch timing observations with the GMRT and the ORT for studying variations in DM for millisecond pulsars.
Testing General Relativity with the Black Hole Shadow Size and Asymmetry of Sagittarius A*: Limitations from Interstellar Scattering
Authors: Zhu Ziyan , Johnson Michael D. , Narayan Ramesh
Published: December 2018

The Event Horizon Telescope, a global 230 GHz very-long-baseline interferometry array, achieves angular resolution of

, sufficient to resolve the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). This resolution may soon enable measurements of the black hole “shadow” size and asymmetry, predicted to be ≈50 and ≲3 μas, respectively. Measurements that depart from these values could indicate a violation of the “no-hair theorem.” However, refractive scattering by the turbulent ionized interstellar medium distorts the image of Sgr A*, affecting its apparent size and asymmetry. In this paper, we present a general analytic approach to quantify the expected image wander, distortion, and asymmetry from refractive scattering. If the turbulence in the scattering material of Sgr A* is close to Kolmogorov, we estimate the mean refractive image wander, distortion, and asymmetry to be 0.53, 0.72, and 0.52 μas at 230 GHz. However, alternative scattering models with flatter power spectra can yield larger values, up to 2.1, 6.3, and 5.0 μas, respectively. We demonstrate that these effects can be reduced by averaging images over multiple observations. For a small number of observations, the effects of scattering can be comparable to or greater than those from black hole spin, and they determine a fundamental limit for testing general relativity via images of Sgr A*.
Asymmetric Line Profiles in Dense Molecular Clumps Observed in MALT90: Evidence for Global Collapse
Authors: Jackson James M. , Whitaker J. Scott , Rathborne J. M. , Foster J. B. , Contreras Y. , Sanhueza Patricio , Stephens Ian W. , Longmore S. N. , Allingham David
Published: December 2018

Using molecular line data from the Millimetre Astronomy Legacy Team 90 GHz Survey, we have searched the optically thick HCO+ (1–0) line for the “blue asymmetry” spectroscopic signature of infall motion in a large sample of high-mass, dense molecular clumps observed to be at different evolutionary stages of star cluster formation according to their mid-infrared appearance. To quantify the degree of the line asymmetry, we measure the asymmetry parameter

, the fraction of the integrated intensity that lies to the blueshifted side of the systemic velocity determined from the optically thin tracer N2H+ (1–0). For a sample of 1093 sources, both the mean and median of A are positive (

and 0.065 ± 0.009, respectively) with high statistical significance, and a majority of sources (a fraction of 0.607 ± 0.015 of the sample) show positive values of A, indicating a preponderance of blue asymmetric profiles over red asymmetric profiles. Two other measures, the local slope of the line at the systemic velocity and the δv parameter of Mardones et al. (1997), also show an overall blue asymmetry for the sample, but with smaller statistical significance. This blue asymmetry indicates that these high-mass clumps are predominantly undergoing gravitational collapse. The blue asymmetry is larger (

) for the earliest evolutionary stages (quiescent, protostellar, and compact H ii region) than for the later H ii region (

) and photodissociation region (

) classifications.