bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Password-Hashing Status
Authors: Hatzivasilis George
Published: June 2017

Computers are used in our everyday activities, with high volumes of users accessing provided services. One-factor authentication consisting of a username and a password is the common choice to authenticate users in the web. However, the poor password management practices are exploited by attackers that disclose the users’ credentials, harming both users and vendors. In most of these occasions the user data were stored in clear or were just processed by a cryptographic hash function. Password-hashing techniques are applied to fortify this user-related information. The standardized primitive is currently the PBKDF2 while other widely-used schemes include Bcrypt and Scrypt. The evolution of parallel computing enables several attacks in password-hash cracking. The international cryptographic community conducted the Password Hashing Competition (PHC) to identify new efficient and more secure password-hashing schemes, suitable for widespread adoption. PHC advanced our knowledge of password-hashing. Further analysis efforts revealed security weaknesses and novel schemes were designed afterwards. This paper provides a review of password-hashing schemes until the first quarter of 2017 and a relevant performance evaluation analysis on a common setting in terms of code size, memory consumption, and execution time.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Amidate and Carboxylate Dimers of Ruthenium
Authors: Delgado-Martínez Patricia , Freire Carlos , González-Prieto Rodrigo , Jiménez-Aparicio Reyes , Priego José , Torres M.
Published: June 2017

Solvothermal and microwave-assisted methods have been used to prepare several amidate and carboxylate complexes of the type [Ru2X(µ-NHOCC6H3-3,5-(OMe)2)4]n [X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3)] and [Ru2X(µ-O2CC6H3-3,5-(OMe)2)4]n [X = Cl (4), Br (5), I (6)]. Complexes 4–6 have also been obtained by conventional synthesis which is ineffective to prepare the amidate compounds. However, single crystals of complexes 1–5 were obtained using the solvothermal method. The single crystal X-ray structure determination of compounds 1–5 have been carried out. All complexes display a paddlewheel-type structure with the metal atoms connected by four bridging amidate or carboxylate ligands. Chloride, bromide, or iodide anions connect the dimetallic units, producing one-dimensional zigzag chains. The magnetic properties of all compounds were studied. The magnetic moment at room temperature are in accordance with an electronic configuration with three unpaired electrons σ2π4δ2(π*δ*)3 per dimer unit. The fit of the magnetic data suggests the existence, in these complexes, of a weak antiferromagnetic intermolecular interaction between the diruthenium units mediated by the halide ligand and an appreciable zero-field splitting in the diruthenium moieties.
Increased Wind Energy Yield and Grid Utilisation with Continuous Feed-In Management
Authors: Jauch Clemens , Gloe Arne , Hippel Sebastian , Thiesen Henning
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a study to assess how wind turbines could increase their energy yield when their grid connection point is not strong enough for the rated power. It is state of the art that in such situations grid operators impose feed-in management on the affected wind turbines, i.e., the maximum power is limited. For this study a 5 MW wind turbine is introduced in a small grid that has only limited power transfer capabilities to the upstream power system. Simulations of one particular day are conducted with the electric load, the temperature, and the wind speed as measured on that day. This simulation is conducted twice: once with the 5 MW wind turbine controlled with conventional feed-in management, and a second time when its power is controlled flexibly, i.e., with continuous feed-in management. The results of these two simulations are compared in terms of grid performance, and in terms of mechanical stress on the 5 MW wind turbine. Finally, the conclusion can be drawn that continuous feed-in management is clearly superior to conventional feed-in management. It exhibits much better performance in the grid in terms of energy yield and also in terms of constancy of voltage and temperature of grid equipment. Although it causes somewhat more frequent stress for the wind turbine, the maximum stress level is not increased.
Analysis of Microbial Diversity and Greenhouse Gas Production of Decaying Pine Logs
Authors: Pastorelli Roberta , Agnelli Alessandro , De Meo Isabella , Graziani Anna , Paletto Alessandro , Lagomarsino Alessandra
Published: June 2017

In Sustainable Forest Management, decaying wood plays an important role in forest biodiversity, carbon balance and nutrient cycling. The management of this important component of forest ecosystems is limited by the fact that little is known about relationships between substrate quality and community structure of wood-inhabiting microorganisms. During decomposition, carbon stored in deadwood is lost either in the atmosphere or in the soil, but to our knowledge, limited information on the quantities of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted is available. In the present research we investigated the correlation between the decay of logs, the decomposer microorganisms and their activities, in terms of GHG production and enzymes, in a black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold ssp. nigra) degraded forest. The decomposition of deadwood was visually assessed using a five-class system, and for each decay class four wood samples were collected. CO2, CH4 and N2O potential production from each decay class was measured in closed systems by means of gas chromatography. Enzyme activities related to carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus cycling were measured fluorometrically. The composition of decomposer microbial communities (fungi, bacteria and actinobacteria) was assessed by using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprinting. CO2 production and enzyme activities were significantly higher in the last decay classes of deadwood. The molecular approach highlighted differences in microbial community structure both at species and abundance levels, depending on the rate of decay.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SAY09 Increases Cadmium Resistance in Plants by Activation of Auxin-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Zhu Lin , Ma Zhongyou , Wang Jianfei
Published: June 2017

Without physical contact with plants, certain plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to regulate nutrient acquisition and induce systemic immunity in plants. However, whether the PGPR-emitted VOCs can induce cadmium (Cd) tolerance of plants and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we probed the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain SAY09)-emitted VOCs on the growth of Arabidopsis plants under Cd stress. SAY09 exposure alleviates Cd toxicity in plants with increased auxin biosynthesis. RNA-Seq analyses revealed that SAY09 exposure provoked iron (Fe) uptake- and cell wall-associated pathways in the Cd-treated plants. However, SAY09 exposure failed to increase Cd resistance of plants after treatment with 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) or 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (c-PTIO). Under Cd stress, SAY09 exposure markedly promoted Fe absorption in plants with the increased hemicellulose 1 (HC1) content and Cd deposition in root cell wall, whereas these effects were almost abrogated by treatment with NPA or c-PTIO. Moreover, exogenous NPA remarkably repressed the accumulation of nitric oxide (NO) in the SAY09-exposed roots under Cd stress. Taken together, the findings indicated that NO acted as downstream signals of SAY09-induced auxin to regulate Fe acquisition and augment Cd fixation in roots, thereby ameliorating Cd toxicity.
Contrasting Eutrophication Risks and Countermeasures in Different Water Bodies: Assessments to Support Targeted Watershed Management
Authors: Li Tong , Chu Chunli , Zhang Yinan , Ju Meiting , Wang Yuqiu
Published: June 2017

Eutrophication is a major problem in China. To combat this issue, the country needs to establish water quality targets, monitoring systems, and intelligent watershed management. This study explores a new watershed management method. Water quality is first assessed using a single factor index method. Then, changes in total nitrogen/total phosphorus (TN/TP) are analyzed to determine the limiting factor. Next, the study compares the eutrophication status of two water function districts, using a comprehensive nutritional state index method and geographic information system (GIS) visualization. Finally, nutrient sources are qualitatively analyzed. Two functional water areas in Tianjin, China were selected and analyzed: Qilihai National Wetland Nature Reserve and Yuqiao Reservoir. The reservoir is a drinking water source. Results indicate that total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) pollution are the main factors driving eutrophication in the Qilihai Wetland and Yuqiao Reservoir. Phosphorus was the limiting factor in the Yuqiao Reservoir; nitrogen was the limiting factor in the Qilihai Wetland. Pollution in Qilihai Wetland is more serious than in Yuqiao Reservoir. The study found that external sources are the main source of pollution. These two functional water areas are vital for Tianjin; as such, the study proposes targeted management measures.
HLA-G 3′UTR Polymorphisms Predict Drug-Induced G3-4 Toxicity Related to Folinic Acid/5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) Chemotherapy in Non-Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Garziera Marica , Virdone Saverio , De Mattia Elena , Scarabel Lucia , Cecchin Erika , Polesel Jerry , D’Andrea Mario , Pella Nicoletta , Buonadonna Angela , Favaretto Adolfo , Toffoli Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

Polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes might not completely explain inter-individual differences in toxicity profiles of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) that receive folinic acid/5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4). Recent data indicate that the immune system could contribute to FOLFOX4 outcomes. In light of the immune inhibitory nature of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, we aimed to identify novel genomic markers of grades 3 and 4 (G3-4) toxicity related to FOLFOX4 therapy in patients with CRC. We retrospectively analyzed data for 144 patients with stages II-III CRC to identify HLA-G 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) polymorphisms and related haplotypes and evaluate their impact on the risk of developing G3-4 toxicities (i.e., neutropenia, hematological/non-hematological toxicity, neurotoxicity) with logistic regression. The rs1610696-G/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk of G3-4 neutropenia (OR = 3.76, p = 0.015) and neurotoxicity (OR = 8.78, p = 0.016); rs371194629-Ins/Ins was associated with increased risk of neurotoxicity (OR = 5.49, p = 0.027). HLA-G 3′UTR-2, which contains rs1610696-G/G and rs371194629-Ins/Ins polymorphisms, was associated with increased risk of G3-4 neutropenia (OR = 3.92, p = 0.017) and neurotoxicity (OR = 11.29, p = 0.009). A bootstrap analysis confirmed the predictive value of rs1610696 and rs371194629, but the UTR-2 haplotype was validated only for neurotoxicity. This exploratory study identified new HLA-G 3′UTR polymorphisms/haplotypes as potential predictive markers of G3-4 toxicities in CRC.
Long-Lived Epidermal Cancer-Initiating Cells
Authors: Youssef Marina , Cuddihy Andrew , Darido Charbel
Published: June 2017

Non-melanomatous skin cancers (NMSCs), which include basal and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC respectively), represent a significant burden on the population, as well as an economic load to the health care system; yet treatments of these preventable cancers remain ineffective. Studies estimate that there has been a 2-fold increase in the incidence of NMSCs between the 1960s and 1980s. The increase in cases of NMSCs, as well as the lack of effective treatments, makes the need for novel therapeutic approaches all the more necessary. To rationally develop more targeted treatments for NMSCs, a better understanding of the cell of origin, in addition to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that govern the development of these cancers, is urgently required. Research over the past few years has provided data supporting both a “bottom up” and “top down” mechanism of tumourigenesis. The “bottom up” concept involves a cancer stem cell originating in the basal compartment of the skin, which ordinarily houses the progenitor cells that contribute towards wound healing and normal cell turnover of overlying epidermal skin layers. The “top down” concept involves a more differentiated cell undergoing genetic modifications leading to dedifferentiation, giving rise to cancer initiating cells (CICs). This review explores both concepts, to paint a picture of the skin SCC cell of origin, the underlying biology, and also how this knowledge might be exploited to develop novel therapies.
Mechanistic Insight into Long Noncoding RNAs and the Placenta
Authors: McAninch Dale , Roberts Claire , Bianco-Miotto Tina
Published: June 2017

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are classified as RNAs greater than 200 nucleotides in length that do not produce a protein product. lncRNAs are expressed with cellular and temporal specificity and have been shown to play a role in many cellular events, including the regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional modifications and epigenetic modifications. Since lncRNAs were first discovered, there has been increasing evidence that they play important roles in the development and function of most organs, including the placenta. The placenta is an essential transient organ that facilitates communication and nutrient exchange between the mother and foetus. The placenta is of foetal origin and begins to form shortly after the embryo implants into the uterine wall. The placenta relies heavily on the successful differentiation and function of trophoblast cells, including invasion as well as the formation of the maternal/foetal interface. Here, we review the current literature surrounding the involvement of lncRNAs in the development and function of trophoblasts and the human placenta.
Profiling the Extended Cleavage Specificity of the House Dust Mite Protease Allergens Der p 1, Der p 3 and Der p 6 for the Prediction of New Cell Surface Protein Substrates
Authors: Jacquet Alain , Campisi Vincenzo , Szpakowska Martyna , Dumez Marie-Eve , Galleni Moreno , Chevigné Andy
Published: June 2017

House dust mite (HDM) protease allergens, through cleavages of critical surface proteins, drastically influence the initiation of the Th2 type immune responses. However, few human protein substrates for HDM proteases have been identified so far, mainly by applying time-consuming target-specific individual studies. Therefore, the identification of substrate repertoires for HDM proteases would represent an unprecedented key step toward a better understanding of the mechanism of HDM allergic response. In this study, phage display screenings using totally or partially randomized nonameric peptide substrate libraries were performed to characterize the extended substrate specificities (P5–P4′) of the HDM proteases Der p 1, Der p 3 and Der p 6. The bioinformatics interface PoPS (Prediction of Protease Specificity) was then applied to define the proteolytic specificity profile of each protease and to predict new protein substrates within the human cell surface proteome, with a special focus on immune receptors. Specificity profiling showed that the nature of residues in P1 but also downstream the cleavage sites (P′ positions) are important for effective cleavages by all three HDM proteases. Strikingly, Der p 1 and Der p 3 display partially overlapping specificities. Analysis with PoPS interface predicted 50 new targets for the HDM proteases, including 21 cell surface receptors whose extracellular domains are potentially cleaved by Der p 1, Der p 3 and/or Der p 6. Twelve protein substrate candidates were confirmed by phage ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). This extensive study of the natural protein substrate specificities of the HDM protease allergens unveils new cell surface target receptors for a better understanding on the role of these proteases in the HDM allergic response and paves the way for the design of specific protease inhibitors for future anti-allergic treatments.
Experimental Investigations on the Pull-Out Behavior of Tire Strips Reinforced Sands
Authors: Li Li-Hua , Chen Yan-Jun , Ferreira Pedro , Liu Yong , Xiao Heng-Lin
Published: June 2017

Waste tires have excellent mechanical performance and have been used as reinforcing material in geotechnical engineering; however, their interface properties are poorly understood. To further our knowledge, this paper examines the pull-out characteristics of waste tire strips in a compacted sand, together with uniaxial and biaxial geogrids also tested under the same conditions. The analysis of the results shows that the interlocking effect and pull-out resistance between the tire strip and the sand is very strong and significantly higher than that of the geogrids. In the early stages of the pull-out test, the resistance is mainly provided by the front portion of the embedded tire strips, as the pull-out test continues, more and more of the areas towards the end of the tire strips are mobilized, showing a progressive failure mechanism. The deformations are proportional to the frictional resistance between the tire-sand interface, and increase as the normal stresses increase. Tire strips of different wear intensities were tested and presented different pull-out resistances; however, the pull-out resistance mobilization patterns were generally similar. The pull-out resistance values obtained show that rubber reinforcement can provide much higher pull-out forces than the geogrid reinforcements tested here, showing that waste tires are an excellent alternative as a reinforcing system, regardless of the environmental advantages.
Influence of Equal Channel Angular Pressing Passes on the Microstructures and Tensile Properties of Mg-8Sn-6Zn-2Al Alloy
Authors: Cheng Weili , Tian Liang , Ma Shichao , Bai Yang , Wang Hongxia
Published: June 2017

An I-phase containing Mg-8Sn-6Zn-2Al (wt %; TZA862) alloy was fabricated and subjected to different number of passes of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) processing at 300 °C. The results showed that the alloys exhibited a bimodal microstructure, which consisted of fine dynamically recrystallized (DRX) grains and coarse non-DRX grains. When increasing the number of ECAP passes from 2 to 6, the fraction of DRX grains and the dispersed second phase particles subsequently increase. However, the fraction and particles then decrease once the number of ECAP passes increases to 8. After 6 ECAP passes, remarkable grain refinement was achieved and increasing the number of passes to 8 cannot further refine the microstructure. Furthermore, the alloys having undergone ECAP exhibited a strong ED-tilted texture, the intensity of which increased with an increase in the number of ECAP passes. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS; 338 MPa) and elongation (El.; 14.2%) of the alloy processed with 6 ECAP passes were considerably higher compared to those of the other materials that had undergone ECAP. These significant enhancements were attributed to extensive grain boundary strengthening, precipitation strengthening and a higher work-hardening capacity.
Improving the Flame Retardant Efficiency of Layer by Layer Coatings Containing Deoxyribonucleic Acid by Post-Diffusion of Hydrotalcite Nanoparticles
Authors: Carosio Federico , Alongi Jenny , Paravidino Chiara , Frache Alberto
Published: June 2017

This work deals with the use of hydrotalcite nanoparticle post-diffusion in layer by layer (LbL) coatings with the aim of improving their flame retardant action on cotton. The selected LbL components, which encompass polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride and deoxyribonucleic acid, aim at the deposition of an intumescent coating. Infrared spectra pointed out a super-linear growth of the investigated assembly, indicating the ability to deposit thick coatings while maintaining a relatively low deposition number. A post-diffusion process, performed by exposing the LbL-treated fabrics to two different concentrations of hydrotalcite water suspensions (0.1 or 1 wt %), was carried out to improve the fireproofing efficiency of these coatings. Coatings treated with the lowest concentration suspension partially swelled as a consequence of their structural rearrangements while the use of the highest concentration led to nanoparticle aggregates. Horizontal flame spread tests were used for assessing the achieved flame retardant properties. The post-diffusion performed at the lowest hydrotalcite concentration lowers the minimum number of Bi-Layers required for obtaining cotton self-extinguishment while samples treated with the highest concentration showed detrimental effects on the performances of treated fabrics. This behavior is ascribed to the effects of hydrotalcite particles on the intumescence of LbL coatings, as evidenced by the morphological analyses of post-combustion residues.
NutriNet: A Deep Learning Food and Drink Image Recognition System for Dietary Assessment
Authors: Mezgec Simon , Koroušić Seljak Barbara
Published: June 2017

Automatic food image recognition systems are alleviating the process of food-intake estimation and dietary assessment. However, due to the nature of food images, their recognition is a particularly challenging task, which is why traditional approaches in the field have achieved a low classification accuracy. Deep neural networks have outperformed such solutions, and we present a novel approach to the problem of food and drink image detection and recognition that uses a newly-defined deep convolutional neural network architecture, called NutriNet. This architecture was tuned on a recognition dataset containing 225,953 512 × 512 pixel images of 520 different food and drink items from a broad spectrum of food groups, on which we achieved a classification accuracy of 86.72%, along with an accuracy of 94.47% on a detection dataset containing 130,517 images. We also performed a real-world test on a dataset of self-acquired images, combined with images from Parkinson’s disease patients, all taken using a smartphone camera, achieving a top-five accuracy of 55%, which is an encouraging result for real-world images. Additionally, we tested NutriNet on the University of Milano-Bicocca 2016 (UNIMIB2016) food image dataset, on which we improved upon the provided baseline recognition result. An online training component was implemented to continually fine-tune the food and drink recognition model on new images. The model is being used in practice as part of a mobile app for the dietary assessment of Parkinson’s disease patients.
Gut Microbiota as a Target for Preventive and Therapeutic Intervention against Food Allergy
Authors: Aitoro Rosita , Paparo Lorella , Amoroso Antonio , Di Costanzo Margherita , Cosenza Linda , Granata Viviana , Di Scala Carmen , Nocerino Rita , Trinchese Giovanna , Montella Mariangela , Ercolini Danilo , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: June 2017

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in immune system development and function. Modification in the gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis) early in life is a critical factor affecting the development of food allergy. Many environmental factors including caesarean delivery, lack of breast milk, drugs, antiseptic agents, and a low-fiber/high-fat diet can induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, and have been associated with the occurrence of food allergy. New technologies and experimental tools have provided information regarding the importance of select bacteria on immune tolerance mechanisms. Short-chain fatty acids are crucial metabolic products of gut microbiota responsible for many protective effects against food allergy. These compounds are involved in epigenetic regulation of the immune system. These evidences provide a foundation for developing innovative strategies to prevent and treat food allergy. Here, we present an overview on the potential role of gut microbiota as the target of intervention against food allergy.
The Association between the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Cognitive Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aridi Yasmine , Walker Jacqueline , Wright Olivia
Published: June 2017

The ageing population is accompanied by increased rates of cognitive decline and dementia. Not only does cognitive decline have a profound impact on an individual’s health and quality of life, but also on that of their caregivers. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been known to aid in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. It has been recently linked to better cognitive function in the elderly population. The purpose of this review was to compile evidence based data that examined the effect of adherence to the MD on cognitive function and the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was conducted using four databases and resulted in 31 articles of interest. Cross-sectional studies and cohort studies in the non-Mediterranean region showed mixed results. However, cohort studies in the Mediterranean region and randomized controlled trials showed more cohesive outcomes of the beneficial effect of the MD on cognitive function. Although more standardized and in-depth studies are needed to strengthen the existing body of evidence, results from this review indicate that the Mediterranean diet could play a major role in cognitive health and risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Geometric Potential Assessment for ZY3-02 Triple Linear Array Imagery
Authors: Xu Kai , Jiang Yonghua , Zhang Guo , Zhang Qingjun , Wang Xia
Published: June 2017

ZiYuan3-02 (ZY3-02) is the first remote sensing satellite for the development of China’s civil space infrastructure (CCSI) and the second satellite in the ZiYuan3 series; it was launched successfully on 30 May 2016, aboard the CZ-4B rocket at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC) in China. Core payloads of ZY3-02 include a triple linear array camera (TLC) and a multi-spectral camera, and this equipment will be used to acquire space geographic information with high-resolution and stereoscopic observations. Geometric quality is a key factor that affects the performance and potential of satellite imagery. For the purpose of evaluating comprehensively the geometric potential of ZY3-02, this paper introduces the method used for geometric calibration of the TLC onboard the satellite and a model for sensor corrected (SC) products that serve as basic products delivered to users. Evaluation work was conducted by making a full assessment of the geometric performance. Furthermore, images of six regions and corresponding reference data were collected to implement the geometric calibration technique and evaluate the resulting geometric accuracy. Experimental results showed that the direct location performance and internal accuracy of SC products increased remarkably after calibration, and the planimetric and vertical accuracies with relatively few ground control points (GCPs) were demonstrated to be better than 2.5 m and 2 m, respectively. Additionally, the derived digital surface model (DSM) accuracy was better than 3 m (RMSE) for flat terrain and 5 m (RMSE) for mountainous terrain. However, given that several variations such as changes in the thermal environment can alter the camera’s installation angle, geometric performance will vary with the geographical location and imaging time changes. Generally, ZY3-02 can be used for 1:50,000 stereo mapping and can produce (and update) larger-scale basic geographic information products.
Comparing Sentinel-2A and Landsat 7 and 8 Using Surface Reflectance over Australia
Authors: Flood Neil
Published: June 2017

The new Sentinel-2 Multi Spectral Imager instrument has a set of bands with very similar spectral windows to the main bands of the Landsat Thematic Mapper family of instruments. While these should, in principle, give broadly comparable measurements, any differences are a function not only of the differences in the sensor responses, but also of the spectral characteristics of the target pixels. In order to test for and quantify differences between these sensors, a large set of coincident imagery was assembled for the Australian landscape. Comparisons were carried out in terms of surface reflectance, and also in terms of biophysical quantities estimated from the reflectances. Small but consistent differences were found, and suitable adjustment equations fitted to enable transformation of Sentinel-2A reflectance values to more closely match Landsat-7 or Landsat-8 values. This is useful if trying to take models and thresholds fitted from Landsat and use them with Sentinel-2. The fitted adjustment equations were also compared against those fitted globally for NASA’s Harmonized Landsat-8 Sentinel-2 product, and found to be substantially different, raising the possibility that such adjustments need to be fitted on a regional basis.
Developing the Remote Sensing-Gash Analytical Model for Estimating Vegetation Rainfall Interception at Very High Resolution: A Case Study in the Heihe River Basin
Authors: Cui Yaokui , Zhao Peng , Yan Binyan , Xie Hongjie , Yu Pengtao , Wan Wei , Fan Wenjie , Hong Yang
Published: June 2017

Accurately quantifying the vegetation rainfall interception at a high resolution is critical for rainfall-runoff modeling and flood forecasting, and is also essential for understanding its further impact on local, regional, and even global water cycle dynamics. In this study, the Remote Sensing-based Gash model (RS-Gash model) is developed based on a modified Gash model for interception loss estimation using remote sensing observations at the regional scale, and has been applied and validated in the upper reach of the Heihe River Basin of China for different types of vegetation. To eliminate the scale error and the effect of mixed pixels, the RS-Gash model is applied at a fine scale of 30 m with the high resolution vegetation area index retrieved by using the unified model of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF-U) for the vegetation canopy. Field validation shows that the RMSE and R2 of the interception ratio are 3.7% and 0.9, respectively, indicating the model’s strong stability and reliability at fine scale. The temporal variation of vegetation rainfall interception and its relationship with precipitation are further investigated. In summary, the RS-Gash model has demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability in estimating vegetation rainfall interception. When compared to the coarse resolution results, the application of this model at 30-m fine resolution is necessary to resolve the scaling issues as shown in this study.
Analysis of Public Datasets for Wearable Fall Detection Systems
Authors: Casilari Eduardo , Santoyo-Ramón José-Antonio , Cano-García José-Manuel
Published: June 2017

Due to the boom of wireless handheld devices such as smartwatches and smartphones, wearable Fall Detection Systems (FDSs) have become a major focus of attention among the research community during the last years. The effectiveness of a wearable FDS must be contrasted against a wide variety of measurements obtained from inertial sensors during the occurrence of falls and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In this regard, the access to public databases constitutes the basis for an open and systematic assessment of fall detection techniques. This paper reviews and appraises twelve existing available data repositories containing measurements of ADLs and emulated falls envisaged for the evaluation of fall detection algorithms in wearable FDSs. The analysis of the found datasets is performed in a comprehensive way, taking into account the multiple factors involved in the definition of the testbeds deployed for the generation of the mobility samples. The study of the traces brings to light the lack of a common experimental benchmarking procedure and, consequently, the large heterogeneity of the datasets from a number of perspectives (length and number of samples, typology of the emulated falls and ADLs, characteristics of the test subjects, features and positions of the sensors, etc.). Concerning this, the statistical analysis of the samples reveals the impact of the sensor range on the reliability of the traces. In addition, the study evidences the importance of the selection of the ADLs and the need of categorizing the ADLs depending on the intensity of the movements in order to evaluate the capability of a certain detection algorithm to discriminate falls from ADLs.
Comparative Analysis of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Sustainable Environment in Smart Cities
Authors: Balasubramaniam Anandkumar , Paul Anand , Hong Won-Hwa , Seo HyunCheol , Kim Jeong
Published: June 2017

In recent works on the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), “intelligent” and “sustainable” have been the buzzwords in the context of transportation. Maintaining sustainability in IoV is always a challenge. Sustainability in IoV can be achieved not only by the use of pollution-free vehicular systems, but also by maintenance of road traffic safety or prevention of accidents or collisions. With the aim of establishing an effective sustainable transportation planning system, this study performs a short analysis of existing sustainable transportation methods in the IoV. This study also analyzes various characteristics of sustainability and the advantages and disadvantages of existing transportation systems. Toward the end, this study provides a clear suggestion for effective sustainable transportation planning aimed at the maintenance of an eco-friendly environment and road traffic safety, which, in turn, would lead to a sustainable transportation system.
Risk Assessment of Drought, Based on IDM-VFS in the Nanpan River Basin, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Chen Junfei , Deng Menghua , Xia Lu , Wang Huimin
Published: June 2017

A new model for risk assessment of agricultural drought based on information diffusion method and variable fuzzy sets (IDM-VFS) was proposed. In addition, an integrated index system of agricultural drought risk was established. In the proposed model, IDM was employed to calculate the agricultural drought risk level classification standards, and then the VFS was adopted to assess the dangerousness, sensitivity, vulnerability, and comprehensive risk of agricultural droughts. In the present study, Nanpan River Basin was employed to assess the agricultural drought risk with the proposed model. The results showed that KaiYuan, ShiZong, QiuBei, and ZhanYi have higher dangerousness, due to water shortage. GuangNan have higher sensitivity and vulnerability because of lower drought resistance level and higher crop planting proportion. The comprehensive agricultural drought risk shows apparent regional characteristics: the central, western and northwestern counties have lower risk than the eastern counties. Moreover, most areas of the Nanpan River Basin are of moderate agricultural drought risk grade. The results are consistent with the actual situation of Nanpan River Basin and verify the model’s effectiveness. The study can provide a scientific reference in drought risk management for local governmental agencies.
Impact of Climate Variability on Flowering Phenology and Its Implications for the Schedule of Blossom Festivals
Authors: Wang Lu , Ning Zhizhong , Wang Huanjiong , Ge Quansheng
Published: June 2017

Many tourism destinations characterized by spring blossom festivals (e.g., cherry blossom festival) became increasingly popular around the world. Usually, spring blossom festivals should be planned within the flowering period of specific ornamental plants. In the context of climate and phenological change, whether the administrators of tourism destinations had perceived and responded to the flowering phenological variability is still unknown. Using the data of climate, blossom festival dates (BFD) of three tourist attractions, and first flowering dates (FFD) of specific species in Beijing, China, we analyzed the flowering phenological response to temperature and the impact of FFDs on BFDs from 1989 to 2016. It was shown that the flowering time of ornamental plants varied significantly among years in response to temperature variability. The administrators of Beijing Botanical Garden and Yuyuantan Park determined peach BFD and cherry BFD based on their experience rather than FFD of corresponding plants. Therefore, the mismatch between BFD and FFD occurred frequently at these two locations. However, the administrator of Jingshan Park scheduled the peony BFD following the variance of FFD of tree peony. These results revealed the various perceptions of climate change impacts for stakeholders of blossom festivals.
Young Farmers’ Perceptions about Forest Management for Ecotourism as an Alternative for Development, in Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Mayett-Moreno Yésica , Villarraga-Flórez Liz , Rodríguez-Piñeros Sandra
Published: June 2017

The incorporation of young farmers’ perceptions about ecotourism is important for decision-making. This was an exploratory and descriptive research project aimed at understanding young farmers’ views of a community-based ecotourism (CBE) project. Q methodology was used on a population of young adult farmers, of a small community in the state of Puebla. Three factors reflected their views: There was a group of people who wish to stay in Mexico to pursue the ecotourism project, but lack capabilities. A second group included young farmers who perceive ecotourism as a conservation project, but want to migrate to the United States. The third group was composed of people who envision ecotourism as a source of income for the community’s women. The analysis elicited an important inquiry in relation to environmental inter-generation: what kind of development are future generations pursuing?
ENSO Influence on Rainy Season Precipitation over the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Cao Qing , Hao Zhenchun , Yuan Feifei , Su Zhenkuan , Berndtsson Ronny
Published: June 2017

The paper explores the impact of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on rainy season precipitation properties over the Yangtze River Basin. The multi-scale moving t-test was used to determine the onset and withdrawal of the rainy season. Results showed the following: (1) Onset and withdrawal of the averaged rainy season over the Yangtze River Basin showed a similar distribution and both progressed northwards and westwards. There is a trend for delayed onset of rainy season precipitation over the Yangtze River Basin. A similar trend in the withdrawal of rainy season precipitation was not found. (2) The decaying Central and Eastern Pacific Warming are indicative of wet signals in the Yangtze River Basin, with precipitation anomalies up to 25% above normal. The decaying Eastern Pacific Cooling and developing Eastern Pacific Warming are indicative of dry signals over the Yangtze River Basin, with 5–20% lower than average precipitation (3) ENSO Modoki in the developing phase is more important than the developing ENSO when it comes to present wetter or drier signals. Conversely, the decaying ENSO shows more prominent wet or dry signals than the decaying ENSO Modoki.
Dependence of Sediment Suspension Viscosity on Solid Concentration: A Simple General Equation
Authors: Zhu Zhongfan , Wang Hongrui , Peng Dingzhi
Published: June 2017

In this study, a simple and new parametric equation is proposed that describes the relative viscosity of a suspension as a function of suspended solid concentration, covering a range from very dilute to highly concentrated states, based on Costa (2005). The proposed viscosity law depends mainly on the solid volumetric concentration and maximum packing fraction at which a regime transition occurs. Furthermore, the viscosity of dilute as well as a highly-concentrated kaolinite suspension (in excess of 40% and lower than 50%) was measured in a coaxial cylinder rheometer. The proposed formula shows a capability of fitting the measured bulk viscosity into the hyper-concentrated regime in the experiment. Finally, the proposed equation could also be found to show a good fitting relationship with published experimental results on partially crystallised Li2Si2O5 melt and partially melted granite with solid contents from 75% to 95%.
Current Practice in Total-Body Irradiation: Results of a Canada-Wide Survey
Authors: Studinski Ryan C. N. , Fraser D. J. , Samant R. S. , MacPherson M. S.
Published: June 2017

Background: Total-body irradiation (TBI) is used to condition patients before bone marrow transplant. A variety of tbi treatment strategies have been described and implemented, but no consensus on best practice has been reached. We report on the results of a survey created to assess the current state of tbi delivery in Canada. Results: A 19-question survey was distributed to 49 radiation oncology programs in Canada. Responses were received from 20 centres, including 12 centres that perform tbi. A variety of tbi dose prescriptions was reported, although 12 Gy in 6 fractions was used in 11 of the 12 centres performing TBI. Half of the centres also reported using a dose prescription unique to their facility. Most centres use an extended-distance parallel-opposed-pair technique, with the patient standing or lying on a stretcher against a wall. Others translate the patient under the beam, sweep the beam over the patient, or use a more complicated multi-field technique. All but 1 centre indicated that they attenuate the lung dose; only 3 centres indicated attenuating the dose for other organs at risk. The survey also highlighted the considerable resources used for tbi, including extra staff, prolonged planning and treatment times, and use of locally developed hardware or software. Conclusions: At transplant centres, tbi is commonly used, but there is no commonly accepted approach to planning and treatment delivery. The important discrepancies in practice between centres in Canada creates an opportunity to prompt more discussion and collaboration between centres, improving consistency and uniformity of practice.
Efficacy of Metronomic Vinorelbine in Elderly Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Poor Performance Status
Authors: Bilir Cemil , Durak S. , Kızılkaya B. , Hacıbekiroglu I. , Nayır E. , Engin H.
Published: June 2017

Background: Metronomic chemotherapy—administration of low-dose chemotherapy—allows for a prolonged treatment duration and minimizes toxicity for unfit patients diagnosed with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Oral metronomic vinorelbine at 30 mg thrice weekly was given to 35 chemotherapy-naïve patients who were elderly and vulnerable to toxicity and who had been diagnosed with advanced NSCLC. Results: Median age in this male-predominant cohort (29:6) was 76 years (range: 65–86 years). Histology was squamous cell carcinoma in 21 patients and adenocarcinoma in 14. There were no complete responses and 9 partial responses, for an overall response rate of 26%. Stable disease was seen in 15 patients (43%), and 11 patients (31%) had progressive disease. The 1-year survival rate was 34%, and the 2-year survival rate was 8%. The survival analysis showed a median progression-free survival duration of 4 months (range: 2–15 months) and an overall survival duration of 7 months (range: 3–24 months). Conclusions: Metronomic vinorelbine had an acceptable efficacy and safety profile in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities who had been diagnosed with advanced NSCLC. Metronomic vinorelbine could be a treatment option for elderly patients with poor performance status who are unfit for platinum-based chemotherapy and intravenous single-agent chemotherapy, and who are not candidates for combination modalities.
Rehabilitation and Exercise Oncology Program: Translating Research into a Model of Care
Authors: Dalzell Mary-Ann , Smirnow N. , Sateren W. , Sintharaphone A. , Ibrahim M. , Mastroianni L. , Zambrano L. D. Vales , O’Brien S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The Rehabilitation and Exercise Oncology model of care (ActivOnco) was established to optimize cancer survivorship through exercise prescription and active lifestyle promotion, providing a transition of care from hospital to community. Patients having any cancer diagnosis, stage of disease, and treatment were eligible for evaluation and exercise prescription upon deterioration of performance status. The team of professionals included hospital-based physiotherapists proactively screening for rehabilitation needs, loss of functional independence, and exercise eligibility, plus exercise specialists in a community-based Wellness Centre to provide follow-up or direct access for post-treatment or non-complex patients. Methods: From January 2011 to December 2015, the hospital team assessed 1635 patients representing all major cancer sites, and the Wellness Centre team evaluated and prescribed exercise for 1066 participants. Primary interventions provided were education about fatigue management, physical activity promotion, exercise prescription, fracture risk reduction, referral to specialized follow-up services (for example, occupational therapy, lymphedema clinic), and coordination for mobility aids and paratransit services. Results and Conclusions: Implementation of the ActivOnco model of care showed that exercise alone is not a panacea for all functional deterioration associated with the cancer trajectory and its treatment. However, screening to identify rehabilitation needs combined with exercise prescription can effectively improve the quality of survivorship in cancer patients. Program developments are limited by the cost of human resources, lack of hospital-based physical resources, and lack of public funding, all of which significantly limit the scope and development of appropriate services.
Patterns of Failure in Anaplastic and Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Vulpe H. , Kwan J. Y. Y. , McNiven A. , Brierley J. D. , Tsang R. , Chan B. , Goldstein D. P. , Le L. W. , Hope A. , Giuliani Meredith
Published: June 2017

Background: The radiotherapy (RT) volumes in anaplastic (ATC) and differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) are controversial. Methods: We retrospectively examined the patterns of failure after postoperative intensity-modulated RT for ATC and DTC. Computed tomography images were rigidly registered with the original RT plans. Recurrences were considered in-field if more than 95% of the recurrence volume received 95% of the prescribed dose, out-of-field if less than 20% received 95% of the dose, and marginal otherwise. Results: Of 30 DTC patients, 4 developed regional recurrence: 1 being in-field (level III), and 3 being out-of-field (all level II). Of 5 ATC patients, all 5 recurred at 7 sites: 2 recurrences being local, and 5 being regional [2 marginal (intramuscular to the digastric and sternocleidomastoid), 3 out-of-field (retropharyngeal, soft tissues near the manubrium, and lateral to the sternocleidomastoid)]. Conclusions: In DTC, locoregional recurrence is unusual after RT. Out-of-field DTC recurrences infrequently occurred in level II. Enlarged treatment volumes to level II must be balanced against a potentially greater risk of toxicity.