bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOBBES: ENTRE EL IUSNATURALISMO Y EL IUSPOSITIVISMO
Authors: Marcone Julieta
Published: November 2017

En este trabajo revisaremos el pensamiento de Hobbes a luz de las dos grandes tradiciones jurídico-filosóficas de la Modernidad (el iusnaturalismo y el iuspositivismo) para mostrar que este autor no puede inscribirse estrictamente en ninguna de estas corrientes, pues si bien algunos elementos pueden llevarnos a considerarle un filósofo iusnaturalista, lo cierto es que otros aspectos nos orillan a reconocerlo precursor del iuspositivismo.  Pero esta dualidad, en lugar de constituir un dilema para los intérpretes que se empeñan en ubicar a este autor en uno u otro punto cardinal de la filosofía del derecho, debería considerarse una virtud del pensamiento hobbesiano, pues veremos que gracias a ella Hobbes desarrolla una concepción plural del orden social.
Offender Risk Assessment Practices Vary across Canada
Authors: Bourgon Guy , Mugford Rebecca , Hanson R. Karl , Coligado Marie
Published: November 2017

The dominant Canadian approach to offender rehabilitation, the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, requires assessing offenders' likelihood of recidivism and their criminogenic needs (i.e., risk/need assessments). The current study examines the risk/need assessments routinely used in Canadian corrections and compares their risk category labels. All Canadian jurisdictions used a risk/need tool for general recidivism, most used sex-crime-specific tools, and a few used tools specific to intimate partner violence. There was, however, considerable diversity in the names, number, and meaning of the risk category labels, which could result in different responses to the same individual based solely on the version of the risk tool used in any specific jurisdiction. Our results suggest that increased attention to the meaning of risk category labels could facilitate offenders receiving the most appropriate and fair correctional responses.
Anisotropic thermomechanical behavior of AA6082 aluminum alloy Al–Mg–Si–Mn
Authors: Debih Ali , Ouakdi El Hadj
Published: November 2017

Hot rolled aluminum alloy 6082 was subjected to tensile tests and coefficient of thermal expansion measurements. These tests were realized in order to investigate the effect of direction on its anisotropic behavior. Specimens for both tests were cut in three directions (long transverse, longitudinal rolling and short transverse) with respect to rolling direction. Results showed that the longitudinal rolling and long transverse directions had limited effect on thermomechanical properties as compared to the short transverse direction. It was found that the short transverse direction exhibited higher values of stress hardening capacity and thermal expansion coefficient, lower ductility and dilatation, than the longitudinal rolling and long transverse directions. Thermomechanical anisotropy was attributed to the microstructure and precipitation behavior. It was assessed by means of tensile tests, coefficient of thermal expansion measurements, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry techniques.
Photocatalytic properties of nano-structured carbon nitride: a comparison with bulk graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Li Xuefei , Sun Qianyu , Li Ming , Yang Jinghai , Chen Xi , Yang Yuzhe , Li Xiuyan , Hu Tingjing , Sui Yingrui , Wu Xingtong
Published: November 2017

We have synthesised two kinds of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) through a pyrolysis process involving urea and melamine. The obtained products were characterised by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The product derived from the urea shows a mesoporous honeycomb-like nanosheet structure (denoted by h-g-C3N4): compared with the bulk product obtained from melamine (denoted by b-g-C3N4), the h-g-C3N4 showed better adsorption and higher photo-activity for rhodamine B (RhB) reduction. The h-g-C3N4 also shows good reusability after cyclic adsorption–regeneration. The present results evinced an efficient design, an eco-friendly and convenient photocatalyst, and a tunable photo-reactivity for use in sustainable light-to-energy conversion.
Divine Punishment or Disease? Medieval and Early Modern Approaches to the 1518 Strasbourg Dancing Plague
Authors: Miller Lynneth J.
Published: November 2017

Using writings from observers of the 1518 Strasbourg dancing plague, this article explores the various understandings of dancing mania, disease, and divine judgment applied to the dancing plague's interpretation and treatment. It argues that the 1518 Strasbourg dancing plague reflects new currents of thought, but remains closely linked to medieval philosophies; it was an event trapped between medieval and modern ideologies and treated according to two very different systems of belief. Understanding the ways in which observers comprehended the dancing plague provides insight into the ways in which, during the early modern period, new perceptions of the relationship between humanity and the divine developed and older conceptions of the body and disease began to change, while at the same time, ideologies surrounding dance and its relationship to sinful behavior remained consistent.
Follow the Child, Follow the Books – Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to a Child-Centred History of Danish Children's Literature 1790–1850
Authors: Appel Charlotte , Christensen Nina
Published: November 2017

In this article we present the cross-disciplinary methodology of a project on Danish children's literature 1790–1850 that has the child as the point of departure. The project focuses on three contexts in which children and adults interact with books: the home, the school and the book market. Theoretical inspirations have been drawn from book history, children's literature studies and childhood studies, including the concept of agency. A major database maps Danish books aimed at children 1750–1850, making it possible to trace the popularity of titles through reprints and new editions and to follow specific actors (authors, illustrators, printers and so on). Ego-documents by children – for example, letters written by Ida Thiele (1830–1862) – are analysed as sources of information on children's own experiences with books, their use of different media and their interaction with peers, relatives and teachers in relation to reading and books. Finally, we demonstrate how significant changes in form, content and the materiality of books for children can be captured, when following specific books such as E. Munthe's books on history and geography around the communication circuit. The article concludes that a combination of different cross-disciplinary methodologies is essential in a history of children's literature with children at its centre.
Environmental Enrichment for Sucker and Weaner Pigs: The Effect of Enrichment Block Shape on the Behavioural Interaction by Pigs with the Blocks
Authors: Winfield Jade , Macnamara Greg , Macnamara Ben , Hall Evelyn , Ralph Cameron , O’Shea Cormac , Cronin Greg
Published: November 2017

This experiment tested the effect of enrichment-block shape on oro-nasal contact by young pigs, and possible habituation to the blocks. Nineteen litters (197 piglets) were randomly allocated to one of three block-shape treatments: Cube, Brick, or Wedge. Oro-nasal contact with blocks was infrequent before 25 days of age. Thereafter, contact steadily increased, suggesting enrichment blocks may not need to be provided until week 4 of lactation. Brick-shaped blocks attracted more oro-nasal contact than the cube and wedge shapes (p = 0.002). Oro-nasal contact was more frequent (p < 0.001) during the first 24 h after block introduction than when blocks were four days old. From 25 to 60 days of age, oro-nasal bouts were longer (p = 0.014) during the first 30 min of exposure to a fresh block, than for the remainder of the 24 h, or on day 4 after block replacement. Therefore, habituation to blocks may have occurred by 24 h after block introduction. Brick-shaped blocks may present a wider surface for oro-nasal contact, where multiple pigs could simultaneously interact with the block. We speculate that simultaneous interaction with brick-shaped blocks may be similar to a litter co-operatively massaging the sow’s udder prior to suckling bouts.
Thermal Buckling of Nanocomposite Stiffened Cylindrical Shells Reinforced by Functionally Graded Wavy Carbon Nanotubes with Temperature-Dependent Properties
Authors: Nejati Mohammad , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco , Hossein Yas Mohammad
Published: November 2017

We study the thermal buckling behavior of cylindrical shells reinforced with Functionally Graded (FG) wavy Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs), stiffened by stringers and rings, and subjected to a thermal loading. The equilibrium equations of the problem are built according to the Third-order Shear Deformation Theory (TSDT), whereas the stiffeners are modeled as Euler Bernoulli beams. Different types of FG distributions of wavy CNTs along the radial direction of the cylinder are herein considered, and temperature-dependent material properties are estimated via a micromechanical model, under the assumption of uniform distribution within the shell and through the thickness. A parametric investigation based on the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method aims at investigating the effects of the aspect ratio and waviness index of CNTs on the thermal buckling of FG nanocomposite stiffened cylinders, reinforced with wavy single-walled CNTs. Some numerical examples are here provided in order to verify the accuracy of the proposed formulation and to investigate the effects of several parameters—including the volume fraction, the distribution pattern of wavy CNTs, and the cylinder thickness—on the thermal buckling behavior of the stiffened cylinders made of CNT-reinforced composite (CNTRC) material.
Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece
Authors: Diapouli Evangelia , Kalogridis Athina-Cerise , Markantonaki Christina , Vratolis Stergios , Fetfatzis Prodromos , Colombi Cristina , Eleftheriadis Konstantinos
Published: November 2017

The objective of this work was to assess the yearly contribution of fossil fuel combustion (BCff) and wood burning (BCwb) to equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations, in Athens, Greece. Measurements were conducted at a suburban site from March 2013 to February 2014 and included absorption coefficients at seven wavelengths and PM2.5 chemical composition data for key biomass burning markers, i.e., levoglucosan, potassium (K) and elemental and organic carbon (EC, OC). A well-documented methodology of corrections for aethalometer attenuation coefficients was applied with a resulting annual dataset of derived absorption coefficients for the suburban Athens’ atmospheric aerosol. The Aethalometer model was applied for the source apportionment of eBC. An optimum Ångström exponent for fossil fuel (αff) was found, based on the combined use of the model with levoglucosan data. The measured eBC concentrations were equal to 2.4 ± 1.0 μg m−3 and 1.6 ± 0.6 μg m−3, during the cold and the warm period respectively. The contribution from wood burning was significantly higher during the cold period (21 ± 11%, versus 6 ± 7% in the warm period). BCff displayed a clear diurnal pattern with a morning peak between 8 and 10 a.m. (during morning rush hour) and a second peak during the evening and night hours, due to the shallowing of the mixing layer. Regression analysis between BCwb concentrations and biomass burning markers (levoglucosan, K and OC/EC ratio) supported the validity of the results.
LC–MS/MS and UPLC–UV Evaluation of Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins during Rabbiteye Blueberry Juice Processing
Authors: Stein-Chisholm Rebecca , Beaulieu John , Grimm Casey , Lloyd Steven
Published: November 2017

Blueberry juice processing includes multiple steps and each one affects the chemical composition of the berries, including thermal degradation of anthocyanins. Not-from-concentrate juice was made by heating and enzyme processing blueberries before pressing, followed by ultrafiltration and pasteurization. Using LC–MS/MS, major and minor anthocyanins were identified and semi-quantified at various steps through the process. Ten anthocyanins were identified, including 5 arabinoside and 5 pyrannoside anthocyanins. Three minor anthocyanins were also identified, which apparently have not been previously reported in rabbiteye blueberries. These were delphinidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-glucoside), cyanidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-glucoside), and petunidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-glucoside). Delphinidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-glucoside) significantly increased 50% after pressing. The five known anthocyanidins—cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and petunidin—were also quantitated using UPLC–UV. Raw berries and press cake contained the highest anthocyanidin contents and contribute to the value and interest of press cake for use in other food and non-food products. Losses of 75.7% after pressing and 12% after pasteurization were determined for anthocyanidins during not-from-concentrate juice processing.
Interior Melting of the C3B16 and C2B14− Clusters Between 1000 K and 2000 K
Authors: Yang Li-Ming , Ganz Eric
Published: November 2017

For bulk three-dimensional materials, it is common for the surface to melt at a slightly lower temperature than the bulk. This is known as surface melting, and is typically due to the fact that there are fewer bonds to surface atoms. However, for small clusters, this picture can change. In recent years, there have been investigations of the B19 and B19− clusters, which show striking diffusive behavior as they are heated to 1000 K. We wondered what the effect of substituting a few carbon atoms would be on the properties of these small clusters. To this end, we carried out extensive structural searches and molecular dynamics simulations to study the properties of C3B16 and C2B14− at elevated temperatures. The ground state structures and lowest energy isomers for these clusters were determined and calculated. The lowest energy structures are two-dimensional with vacancies inside. The C atoms are located in the outer ring in the ground state. At 1400 K, the outer rim containing the carbon atoms has fixed bonding, while the interior atoms are able to diffuse freely. Therefore, both of these clusters display interior melting at 1400 K. This interior melting is explained by the larger bond strength of the rim atoms. Molecular dynamics simulations at 3000 K showed complete melting and we observed a wide variety of configurations in both clusters.
Whitening Agents from Reseda luteola L. and Their Chemical Characterization Using Combination of CPC, UPLC-HRMS and NMR
Authors: Burger Pauline , Monchot André , Bagarri Olivier , Chiffolleau Philippe , Azoulay Stéphane , Fernandez Xavier , Michel Thomas
Published: November 2017

Skin whitening agents occupy an important part of the dermo-cosmetic market nowadays. They are used to treat various skin pigmentation disorders, or simply to obtain a lighter skin tone. The use of traditional skin bleachers (e.g., hydroquinone, corticoids) is now strictly regulated due to their side effects. When considering this and the growing consumers’ interest for more natural ingredients, plant extracts can be seen as safe and natural alternatives. In this perspective, in vitro bioassays were undertaken to assess cosmetic potential of Reseda luteola, and particularly its promising whitening activities. A bioguided purification procedure employing centrifugal partition chromatography, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) and NMR was developed to isolate and identify the whitening agents (i.e., luteolin and apigenin) from aerial parts of R. luteola. UPLC-HRMS also enabled the characterization of acetylated luteolin- and apigenin-O-glycosides, which occurrence is reported for the first time in R. luteola.
New Biological Activities of Lythrum salicaria L.: Effects on Keratinocytes, Reconstructed Epidermis and Reconstructed Skins, Applications in Dermo-Cosmetic Sciences
Authors: Jouravel Glorianne , Guénin Samuel , Bernard François-Xavier , Elfakir Claire , Bernard Philippe , Himbert Franck
Published: November 2017

The perennial and widespread herb Lythrum salicaria L., also called purple loosestrife, is a plant that is traditionally used in European medicine. Purple loosestrife is known for its ability to treat internal disorders, such as gastrointestinal issues or hemorrhages. Our objective was to take another look on this natural source of ellagitannins in terms of biological activities. Exploration of the phytochemical content of an extract of aerial parts of Lythrum salicaria L. was completed before initiating research on its biological effects towards keratinocytes, reconstructed epidermis, and skins. The potential of the natural compounds were evaluated by topical treatment of reconstructed tissues. The extract and one of its major compounds were able to act as pro-differentiating and protecting agents towards skin cells by stimulating the expressions of markers taking part in the structure of epidermis and dermis. Also, the extract showed beneficial effects on the global morphology of the skin. Thus, Lythrum salicaria L. constitutes a new natural source for the development of active ingredients for the dermo-cosmetic field.
Relation between the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score and Muscle Strength in Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Izawa Kazuhiro , Kasahara Yusuke , Hiraki Koji , Hirano Yasuyuki , Watanabe Satoshi
Published: November 2017

Background: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measure. DASH can be assessed by self-reported upper extremity disability and symptoms. We aimed to examine the relationship between the physiological outcome of muscle strength and the DASH score after cardiac surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 50 consecutive cardiac patients that were undergoing cardiac surgery. Physiological outcomes of handgrip strength and knee extensor muscle strength and the DASH score were measured at one month after cardiac surgery and were assessed. Results were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: The final analysis comprised 43 patients (men: 32, women: 11; age: 62.1 ± 9.1 years; body mass index: 22.1 ± 4.7 kg/m2; left ventricular ejection fraction: 53.5 ± 13.7%). Respective handgrip strength, knee extensor muscle strength, and DASH score were 27.4 ± 8.3 kgf, 1.6 ± 0.4 Nm/kg, and 13.3 ± 12.3, respectively. The DASH score correlated negatively with handgrip strength (r = −0.38, p = 0.01) and with knee extensor muscle strength (r = −0.32, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Physiological outcomes of both handgrip strength and knee extensor muscle strength correlated negatively with the DASH score. The DASH score appears to be a valuable tool with which to assess cardiac patients with poor physiological outcomes, particularly handgrip strength as a measure of upper extremity function, which is probably easier to follow over time than lower extremity function after patients complete cardiac rehabilitation.
The Contribution of New Areas to the Total Hirsutism Scores in Basrah Hirsute Women
Authors: Hussein Rudha Naser , Hamdi Khalil Ismail Al , Mansour Abbas Ali
Published: November 2017

Background: Hirsutism is the presence of excessive growth of terminal hair in a female in the male-like pattern. It is the most common indicator of hyperandrogenism. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of new androgens sensitive skin area to total body hirsutism score. Methods: This was cross-sectional study. Most of the patients in this study group (n = 300) were women of reproductive age group (20–39 years) with a mean age of 26.6 ± 7.1 years. They were recruited in Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center (FDEMC) during the period from August 2016 to the end of August 2017. All complained from hirsutism and were assessed by using modified Ferriman-Gallwey (m-FG) score system by a single examiner. Each patient underwent detailed clinical assessment in addition to transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasonography of the pelvis with endocrinological investigations. Results: Comparison of the mean score at different body areas revealed that new androgens sensitive skin areas (sideburn, lower jaw/neck, buttocks/perineum) were comparable to others area of original m-FG score system or higher than at least three area used in the score. The sideburn area was observed to have the highest score among the new androgens sensitive skin areas. Conclusion: Evaluating the terminal hair growth in the new three androgen-sensitive skin areas (sideburn, lower jaw/neck, and buttocks/perineum) were clinically useful in assessing hirsutism score with high impact on total score.
Remote Laboratories as a Means to Widen Participation in STEM Education
Authors: Grout Ian
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a discussion is presented into how remote laboratories can be utilized in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in order to provide and promote access to laboratory experiments via the Internet. This provision can be considered from a range of viewpoints in how to use Internet-based technologies to allow remote access to physical laboratory experiments whilst taking into account the needs and wishes of the individual. In recent years, countries around the world have placed an increased emphasis on promoting access to education for traditionally underrepresented groups and also to improve the quality of STEM education. Despite this, gaining access to laboratory facilities and experiments for many people can still be a problem. Remote laboratories can, however, be designed, developed, and deployed to support access to STEM education by providing remote access to facilities that would not otherwise be accessible to an individual. Recently, a range of solutions have been developed and successfully deployed which can be used to both provide access to and improve the quality of an educational offering. This paper will consider how the remote laboratory can be developed and used. It can also be considered as an assistive technology which could be used to provide access to individuals with specific needs, such as disability. The paper will consider what a remote laboratory is and how it can be developed with accessibility in mind.
Some Nonlocal Operators in the First Heisenberg Group
Authors: Ferrari Fausto
Published: November 2017

In this paper we construct some nonlocal operators in the Heisenberg group. Specifically, starting from the Grünwald-Letnikov derivative and Marchaud derivative in the Euclidean setting, we revisit those definitions with respect to the one of the fractional Laplace operator. Then, we define some nonlocal operators in the non-commutative structure of the first Heisenberg group adapting the approach applied in the Euclidean case to the new framework.
The Giant Flares of the Microquasar Cygnus X-3: X-Rays States and Jets
Authors: Trushkin Sergei , McCollough Michael , Nizhelskij Nikolaj , Tsybulev Peter
Published: November 2017

We report on two giant radio flares of the X-ray binary microquasar Cyg X-3, consisting of a Wolf–Rayet star and probably a black hole. The first flare occurred on 13 September 2016, 2000 days after a previous giant flare in February 2011, as the RATAN-600 radio telescope daily monitoring showed. After 200 days on 1 April 2017, we detected a second giant flare. Both flares are characterized by the increase of the fluxes by almost 2000-times (from 5–10 to 17,000 mJy at 4–11 GHz) during 2–7 days, indicating relativistic bulk motions from the central region of the accretion disk around a black hole. The flaring light curves and spectral evolution of the synchrotron radiation indicate the formation of two relativistic collimated jets from the binaries. Both flares occurred when the source went from hypersoft X-ray states to soft ones, i.e. hard fluxes (Swift/BAT 15–50 keV data) dropped to zero, the soft X-ray fluxes (MAXI 2–10 keV data) staying high, and then later, the binary came back to a hard state. Both similar giant flares indicated the unchanged mechanism of the jets’ formation in Cyg X-3, probably in conditions of strong stellar wind and powerful accretion onto a black hole.
The Mimetic Born-Infeld Gravity: The Primordial Cosmos and Spherically Symmetric Solutions
Authors: Chen Che-Yu , Bouhmadi-López Mariam , Chen Pisin
Published: November 2017

The Eddington-inspired-Born-Infeld (EiBI) model is reformulated within the mimetic approach. In the presence of a mimetic field, the model contains non-trivial vacuum solutions. We study a realistic primordial vacuum universe and we prove the existence of regular solutions. Besides, the linear instabilities in the EiBI model are found to be avoidable for some bouncing solutions. For a vacuum, static and spherically symmetric geometry, a new branch of solutions in which the black hole singularity that is replaced with a lightlike singularity is found.
The Geography of the Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality in Spain: Should We Focus on Industrial Pollutants Prevention?
Authors: Martínez-Solanas Èrica , Vergara-Duarte Montse , Ortega Cerdà Miquel , Martín-Sánchez Juan , Buxó Maria , Rodríguez-Farré Eduard , Benach Joan , Pérez Glòria
Published: November 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a high worldwide prevalence but little is known about its aetiology and risk factors. Recent research suggests environmental factors might increase AD risk. We aim to describe the association between AD mortality and the presence of highly polluting industry in small areas in Spain between 1999 and 2010. We calculated AD age-adjusted Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR), stratified by sex, grouped by industrial pollution density, compared for each small area of Spain. In the small areas with the highest mortality, the SMR among women was at least 25% greater than the national average (18% in men). The distribution of AD mortality was generally similar to that of high industrial pollution (higher mortality in the north, the Mediterranean coast and in some southern areas). The risk of AD mortality among women was 140% higher (123% among men) in areas with the highest industrial density in comparison to areas without polluting industries. This study has identified a geographical pattern of small areas with higher AD mortality risk and an ecological positive association with the density of highly polluting industry. Further research is needed on the potential impact of this type of industry pollution on AD aetiology and mortality.
Indigenous Values and Health Systems Stewardship in Circumpolar Countries
Authors: Chatwood Susan , Paulette Francois , Baker G. , Eriksen Astrid , Hansen Ketil , Eriksen Heidi , Hiratsuka Vanessa , Lavoie Josée , Lou Wendy , Mauro Ian , Orbinski James , Pambrun Nathalie , Retallack Hanna , Brown Adalsteinn
Published: November 2017

Circumpolar regions, and the nations within which they reside, have recently gained international attention because of shared and pressing public policy issues such as climate change, resource development, endangered wildlife and sovereignty disputes. In a call for national and circumpolar action on shared areas of concern, the Arctic states health ministers recently met and signed a declaration that identified shared priorities for international cooperation. Among the areas for collaboration raised, the declaration highlighted the importance of enhancing intercultural understanding, promoting culturally appropriate health care delivery and strengthening circumpolar collaboration in culturally appropriate health care delivery. This paper responds to the opportunity for further study to fully understand indigenous values and contexts, and presents these as they may apply to a framework that will support international comparisons and systems improvements within circumpolar regions. We explored the value base of indigenous peoples and provide considerations on how these values might interface with national values, health systems values and value bases between indigenous nations particularly in the context of health system policy-making that is inevitably shared between indigenous communities and jurisdictional or federal governments. Through a mixed methods nominal consensus process, nine values were identified and described: humanity, cultural responsiveness, teaching, nourishment, community voice, kinship, respect, holism and empowerment.
An Overview of GIS-Based Modeling and Assessment of Mining-Induced Hazards: Soil, Water, and Forest
Authors: Suh Jangwon , Kim Sung-Min , Yi Huiuk , Choi Yosoon
Published: November 2017

In this study, current geographic information system (GIS)-based methods and their application for the modeling and assessment of mining-induced hazards were reviewed. Various types of mining-induced hazard, including soil contamination, soil erosion, water pollution, and deforestation were considered in the discussion of the strength and role of GIS as a viable problem-solving tool in relation to mining-induced hazards. The various types of mining-induced hazard were classified into two or three subtopics according to the steps involved in the reclamation procedure, or elements of the hazard of interest. Because GIS is appropriated for the handling of geospatial data in relation to mining-induced hazards, the application and feasibility of exploiting GIS-based modeling and assessment of mining-induced hazards within the mining industry could be expanded further.
Face Classification Using Color Information
Authors: Sajjanhar Atul , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: November 2017

Color models are widely used in image recognition because they represent significant information. On the other hand, texture analysis techniques have been extensively used for facial feature extraction. In this paper; we extract discriminative features related to facial attributes by utilizing different color models and texture analysis techniques. Specifically, we propose novel methods for texture analysis to improve classification performance of race and gender. The proposed methods for texture analysis are based on Local Binary Pattern and its derivatives. These texture analysis methods are evaluated for six color models (hue, saturation and intensity value (HSV); L*a*b*; RGB; YCbCr; YIQ; YUV) to investigate the effect of each color model. Further, we configure two combinations of color channels to represent color information suitable for gender and race classification of face images. We perform experiments on publicly available face databases. Experimental results show that the proposed approaches are effective for the classification of gender and race.
The Emperor of Strong AI Has No Clothes: Limits to Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Braga Adriana , Logan Robert
Published: November 2017

Making use of the techniques of media ecology we argue that the premise of the technological Singularity based on the notion computers will one day be smarter that their human creators is false. We also analyze the comments of other critics of the Singularity, as well supporters of this notion. The notion of intelligence that advocates of the technological singularity promote does not take into account the full dimension of human intelligence. They treat artificial intelligence as a figure without a ground. Human intelligence as we will show is not based solely on logical operations and computation, but also includes a long list of other characteristics that are unique to humans, which is the ground that supporters of the Singularity ignore. The list includes curiosity, imagination, intuition, emotions, passion, desires, pleasure, aesthetics, joy, purpose, objectives, goals, telos, values, morality, experience, wisdom, judgment, and even humor.
Construction of a Planar Tetrapalladium Cluster by the Reaction of Palladium(0) Bis(isocyanide) with Cyclic Tetrasilane
Authors: Sunada Yusuke , Taniyama Nobuhiro , Shimamoto Kento , Kyushin Soichiro , Nagashima Hideo
Published: November 2017

The planar tetrapalladium cluster Pd4{Si(iPr)2}3(CNtBu)4 (4) was synthesised in 86% isolated yield by the reaction of palladium(0) bis(isocyanide) Pd(CNtBu)2 with octaisopropylcyclotetrasilane (3). In the course of this reaction, the palladium atoms are clustered via insertion into the Si–Si bonds of 3, followed by extrusion of one SiiPr2 moiety and reorganisation to afford 4 with a 54-electron configuration. The CNtBu ligand in 4 was found to be easily replaced by N-heterocyclic carbene (iPr2IMMe) to afford the more coordinatively unsaturated cluster Pd4{Si(iPr)2}3(iPr2IMMe)3 (5) having the planar Pd4Si3 core. On the other hand, the replacement of CNtBu with a sterically compact ligand trimethylolpropane phosphite {P(OCH2)3CEt} led to a planar tripalladium cluster Pd3{Si(iPr)2}3{P(OCH2)3CEt}3 (6) and Pd{P(OCH2)3CEt}4 in 1:1 molar ratio as products.
The Impact of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene on Trauma and Spatial Processing
Authors: Miller Jessica , McDougall Siné , Thomas Sarah , Wiener Jan
Published: November 2017

The influence of genes and the environment on the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continues to motivate neuropsychological research, with one consistent focus being the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene, given its impact on the integrity of the hippocampal memory system. Research into human navigation also considers the BDNF gene in relation to hippocampal dependent spatial processing. This speculative paper brings together trauma and spatial processing for the first time and presents exploratory research into their interactions with BDNF. We propose that quantifying the impact of BDNF on trauma and spatial processing is critical and may well explain individual differences in clinical trauma treatment outcomes and in navigation performance. Research has already shown that the BDNF gene influences PTSD severity and prevalence as well as navigation behaviour. However, more data are required to demonstrate the precise hippocampal dependent processing mechanisms behind these influences in different populations and environmental conditions. This paper provides insight from recent studies and calls for further research into the relationship between allocentric processing, trauma processing and BDNF. We argue that research into these neural mechanisms could transform PTSD clinical practice and professional support for individuals in trauma-exposing occupations such as emergency response, law enforcement and the military.
Effect of Overnight Fasted Exercise on Weight Loss and Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hackett Daniel , Hagstrom Amanda
Published: November 2017

It remains unclear whether training in fasted compared to fed states leads to greater weight loss and whether this practice results in beneficial or detrimental changes in body composition. We conducted a systematic review to examine the effect of overnight-fasted versus fed exercise on weight loss and body composition. Seven electronic databases were searched using terms related to fasting and exercise. Inclusion criteria were: randomised and non-randomised comparative studies; published in English; included healthy adults; compared exercise following an overnight fast to exercise in a fed state; used a standardized pre-exercise meal for the fed condition; and measured body mass and/or body composition. A total of five studies were included involving 96 participants. Intra-group analysis for the effect of fasted and fed aerobic exercise revealed trivial to small effect sizes on body mass. The inter-group effect for the interventions on body mass was trivial. Intra-group effects were small for % body fat and trivial for lean mass in females, with trivial effects also found for the inter-groups analyses. Whilst this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this topic, caution is warranted when interpreting the findings due to the limited number of studies and hence insufficient data.
Regime Changes in Global Sea Surface Salinity Trend
Authors: Aretxabaleta Alfredo , Smith Keston , Kalra Tarandeep
Published: November 2017

Recent studies have shown significant sea surface salinity (SSS) changes at scales ranging from regional to global. In this study, we estimate global salinity means and trends using historical (1950–2014) SSS data from the UK Met Office Hadley Centre objectively analyzed monthly fields and recent data from the SMOS satellite (2010–2014). We separate the different components (regimes) of the global surface salinity by fitting a Gaussian Mixture Model to the data and using expectation–maximization to distinguish the means and trends of the data. The procedure uses a non-subjective method (Bayesian information criterion) to extract the optimal number of means and trends. The results show the presence of three separate regimes: Regime A (1950–1990) is characterized by small trend magnitudes; Regime B (1990–2009) exhibited enhanced trends; and Regime C (2009–2014) with significantly larger trend magnitudes. The salinity differences between regime means were around 0.01. The trend acceleration could be related to an enhanced global hydrological cycle or to a change in the sampling methodology. Understanding past SSS changes can provide insight into future climate evolution by complementing the knowledge acquired in recent decades from long-term temperature record analyses.
Indian English Evolution and Focusing Visible Through Power Laws
Authors: Chand Vineeta , Kapper Devin , Mondal Sumona , Sur Shantanu , Parshad Rana
Published: November 2017

New dialect emergence and focusing in language contact settings is difficult to capture and date in terms of global structural dialect stabilization. This paper explores whether diachronic power law frequency distributions can provide evidence of dialect evolution and new dialect focusing, by considering the quantitative frequency characteristics of three diachronic Indian English (IE) corpora (1970s–2008). The results demonstrate that IE consistently follows power law frequency distributions and the corpora are each best fit by Mandelbrot’s Law. Diachronic changes in the constants are interpreted as evidence of lexical and syntactic collocational focusing within the process of new dialect formation. Evidence of new dialect focusing is also visible through apparent time comparison of spoken and written data. Age and gender-separated sub-corpora of the most recent corpus show minimal deviation, providing apparent time evidence for emerging IE dialect stability. From these findings, we extend the interpretation of diachronic changes in the β coefficient—as indicative of changes in the degree of synthetic/analytic structure—so that β is also sensitive to grammaticalization and changes in collocational patterns.
Positron Annihilation and Complementary Studies of Copper Sandblasted with Alumina Particles at Different Pressures
Authors: Horodek Paweł , Siemek Krzysztof , Dryzek Jerzy , Wróbel Mirosław
Published: November 2017

Positron annihilation spectroscopy and complementary methods were used to detect changes induced by sandblasting of alumina particles at different pressures varying from 1 to 6 bar in pure well-annealed copper. The positron lifetime measurements revealed existence of dislocations and vacancy clusters in the adjoined surface layer. The presence of retained alumina particles in the copper at the depth below 50 µm was found in the SEM pictures and also in the annihilation line shape parameter profiles measured in the etching experiment. The profiles show us that the total depth of damaged zones induced by sandblasting of alumina particles ranges from 140 µm up to ca. 800 µm and it depends on the applied pressure. The work-hardening of the adjoined surface layer was found in the microhardness measurements at the cross-section of the sandblasted samples.
The Effect of a Two-Stage Heat-Treatment on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of a Maraging Steel
Authors: Simm Thomas Hadfield , Sun Lin , Galvin Deri Rhys , Hill Paul , Rawson Martin , Birosca Soran , Gilbert Elliot Paul , Bhadeshia Harshad , Perkins Karen
Published: November 2017

Maraging steels gain many of their beneficial properties from heat treatments which induce the precipitation of intermetallic compounds. We consider here a two-stage heat-treatment, first involving austenitisation, followed by quenching to produce martensite and then an ageing treatment at a lower temperature to precipitation harden the martensite of a maraging steel. It is shown that with a suitable choice of the initial austenitisation temperature, the steel can be heat treated to produce enhanced toughness, strength and creep resistance. A combination of small angle neutron scattering, scanning electron microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction, and atom probe tomography were used to relate the microstructural changes to mechanical properties. It is shown that such a combination of characterisation methods is necessary to quantify this complex alloy, and relate these microstructural changes to mechanical properties. It is concluded that a higher austenitisation temperature leads to a greater volume fraction of smaller Laves phase precipitates formed during ageing, which increase the strength and creep resistance but reduces toughness.
Short-Chain Alkanethiol Coating for Small-Size Gold Nanoparticles Supporting Protein Stability
Authors: Cantarutti Cristina , Bertoncin Paolo , Corazza Alessandra , Giorgetti Sofia , Mangione P. , Bellotti Vittorio , Fogolari Federico , Esposito Gennaro
Published: November 2017

The application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is emerging in many fields, raising the need for a systematic investigation on their safety. In particular, for biomedical purposes, a relevant issue are certainly AuNP interactions with biomolecules, among which proteins are the most abundant ones. Elucidating the effects of those interactions on protein structure and on nanoparticle stability is a major task towards understanding their mechanisms at a molecular level. We investigated the interaction of the 3-mercaptopropionic acid coating of AuNPs (MPA-AuNPs) with β2-microglobulin (β2m), which is a paradigmatic amyloidogenic protein. To this aim, we prepared and characterized MPA-AuNPs with an average diameter of 3.6 nm and we employed NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy to probe protein structure perturbations. We found that β2m interacts with MPA-AuNPs through a highly localized patch maintaining its overall native structure with minor conformational changes. The interaction causes the reversible precipitation of clusters that can be easily re-dispersed through brief sonication.
Collagen-Nanoparticles Composites for Wound Healing and Infection Control
Authors: Grigore Mădălina , Grumezescu Alexandru , Holban Alina , Mogoşanu George , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: November 2017

Nowadays, the world is facing a serious crisis represented by the rapid emergence of resistant bacteria, which jeopardizes the efficacy of antibiotics. This crisis has been attributed to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, as well as the cessation of new drug production by the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, bacterial strains with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes have appeared, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This review aims to provide an updated summary of the current approach to the treatment of infections due to resistant microorganisms, with a focus on the application of the antimicrobial effects of inorganic nanoparticles in combination with collagen to promote wound healing. In addition, the paper describes the current approaches in the field of functionalized collagen hydrogels capable of wound healing and inhibiting microbial biofilm production.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride Impregnated Silane Composite Coating for Corrosion Resistance of Magnesium Alloys for Temporary Bioimplant Applications
Authors: Al-Saadi Saad , Banerjee Parama Chakraborty , Anisur M.R. , Raman R.K. Singh
Published: November 2017

Magnesium and its alloys are attractive potential materials for construction of biodegradable temporary implant devices. However, their rapid degradation in human body fluid before the desired service life is reached necessitate the application of suitable coatings. To this end, WZ21 magnesium alloy surface was modified by hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)-impregnated silane coating. The coating was chemically characterised by Raman spectroscopy. Potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the coated alloy in Hanks’ solution showed a five-fold improvement in the corrosion resistance of the alloy due to the composite coating. Post-corrosion analyses corroborated the electrochemical data and provided a mechanistic insight of the improvement provided by the composite coating.
Effect of Weld Current on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Resistance Spot-Welded TWIP Steel Sheet
Authors: Tutar Mumin , Aydin Hakan , Bayram Ali
Published: November 2017

In this study the effect of the weld current on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a resistance spot-welded twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel sheet was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–electron back-scattered diffraction (SEM–EBSD), microhardness measurements, a tensile shear test and fractography. Higher weld currents promoted the formation of a macro expulsion cavity in the fusion zone. Additionally, higher weld currents led to a higher indentation depth, a wider heat-affected zone (HAZ), coarser grain structure and thicker annealing twins in the HAZ, and a relatively equiaxed dendritic structure in the centre of the fusion zone. The hardness values in the weld zone were lower than that of the base metal. The lowest hardness values were observed in the HAZ. No strong relationship was observed between the hardness values in the weld zone and the weld current. A higher joint strength, tensile deformation and failure energy absorption capacity were obtained with a weld current of 12 kA, a welding time of 300 ms and an electrode force of 3 kN. A complex fracture surface with both brittle and limited ductile manner was observed in the joints, while the base metal exhibited a ductile fracture. Joints with a higher tensile shear load (TSL) commonly exhibited more brittle fracture characteristics.
A Review: Effect of Friction Stir Welding on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Li Yajie , Qin Fengming , Liu Cuirong , Wu Zhisheng
Published: November 2017

Friction stir welding (FSW) is well recognized as a very practical technology for joining magnesium alloys. Although, a large amount of progress have been made on the FSW of magnesium alloys, it should be emphasized that many challenges still remain in joining magnesium using FSW. In this article, we briefly review the background of friction stir welding of magnesium alloys, and then focus on the effects of the friction stir welding on the macrostructure, microstructure evolution, texture distribution, and the mechanical properties of the welding joints. The macro-defects in welds and their relationship to the welding parameters such as welding speed, rotation speed, and axial force were also discussed. The review concluded with some suggested methods improvement and future challenges related to FSW of magnesium alloys. The purpose of the present review paper is to fully understand the relationships between the microstructure and the properties, and then establish a global, state-of-the-art FSW of magnesium alloys.