bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure of Copolymers of Norbornene Based on Assignments of 13C NMR Spectra: Evolution of a Methodology
Authors: Boggioni Laura , Losio Simona , Tritto Incoronata
Published: June 2018

An overview of the methodologies to elucidate the microstructure of copolymers of ethylene and cyclic olefins through 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis is given. 13C NMR spectra of these copolymers are quite complex because of the presence of stereogenic carbons in the monomer unit and of the fact that chemical shifts of these copolymers do not obey straightforward additive rules. We illustrate how it is possible to assign 13C NMR spectra of cyclic olefin-based copolymers by selecting the proper tools, which include synthesis of copolymers with different comonomer content and by catalysts with different symmetries, the use of one- or two-dimensional NMR techniques. The consideration of conformational characteristics of copolymer chain, as well as the exploitation of all the peak areas of the spectra by accounting for the stoichoimetric requirements of the copolymer chain and the best fitting of a set of linear equation was obtained. The examples presented include the assignments of the complex spectra of poly(ethylene-co-norbornene (E-co-N), poly(propylene-co-norbornene (P-co-N) copolymers, poly(ethylene-co-4-Me-cyclohexane)s, poly(ethylene-co-1-Me-cyclopentane)s, and poly(E-ter-N-ter-1,4-hexadiene) and the elucidation of their microstructures.
Effects of Sulfuric Acid on the Curing Behavior and Bonding Performance of Tannin–Sucrose Adhesive
Authors: Zhao Zhongyuan , Miao Yanfeng , Yang Ziqian , Wang Hua , Sang Ruijuan , Fu Yanchun , Huang Caoxing , Wu Zhihui , Zhang Min , Sun Shijing , Umemura Kenji , Yong Qiang
Published: June 2018

The development of biomaterials-based adhesives is one of the main research directions for the wood-based material industry. In previous research, tannin and sucrose were used as adhesive to manufacture particleboard. However, the reaction conditions need to be optimized. In this study, sulfuric acid was added to the tannin–sucrose adhesive as a catalyst to improve the curing process. Thermal analysis, insoluble mass proportion, FT-IR, and solid state 13C NMR were used to investigate the effects of sulfuric acid on the curing behavior of tannin and sucrose. Thermal analysis showed weight loss and endotherm temperature reduced from 205 and 215 to 136 and 138 °C, respectively, by adding sulfuric acid. In case of the adhesive with pH = 1.0, the insoluble mass proportion achieved 81% at 160 °C, which was higher than the reference at 220 °C. FT-IR analysis of the uncured adhesives showed that adding sulfuric acid leads to hydrolysis of sucrose; then, glucose and fructose converted to 5-hydroxymehthylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid. Dimethylene ether bridges were observed by FT-IR analysis of the cured adhesives. The results of solid state 13C NMR spectrum indicated that 5-HMF participated in the curing process and formed methylene bridges with the C8 position of the resorcinol A-rings of tannin, whereas dimethylene ether bridges were detected as a major chemical chain of the polymer. Lab particleboards were produced using 20 wt % resin content at 180 °C and 10 min press time; the tannin–sucrose adhesive modified with sulfuric acid to pH = 1.0 exhibited better performance than the unmodified tannin–sucrose adhesive; the properties of the boards fulfilled the requirement of Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) A5908 type 15.
Crystal Orientation of Poly(l-Lactic Acid) Induced by Magnetic Alignment of a Nucleating Agent
Authors: Kusumi Ryosuke , Teranishi Sachi , Kimura Fumiko , Wada Masahisa , Kimura Tsunehisa , Horikawa Yoshiki , Kawai Takahiko
Published: June 2018

The orientation of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) crystals was controlled through crystal growth from a magnetically oriented nucleating agent, phenylphosphonic acid zinc (PPAZn). The one-dimensional magnetically oriented microcrystal array of PPAZn microcrystals revealed the relationship between the magnetization and crystallographic axes in the PPAZn crystal. The PPAZn microcrystals were homogeneously dispersed in PLLA via melt mixing, which decreased the molecular weight of the PLLA component due to degradation. The PPAZn microcrystals in the molten PLLA were uniaxially aligned under an 8-T static or rotating magnetic field. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering patterns of the PPAZn/PLLA composite films crystallized under each magnetic field showed that the PLLA lamellae grew from the surface of the PPAZn microcrystals, which were uniaxially oriented along the easy- or hard-magnetization axis, with the c-axis of PLLA parallel to the bc-plane of PPAZn. It was also suggested that the greater nucleating effect of PPAZn on PLLA was derived not from geometrical matching, but from factors such as favorable interactions and/or the plate-like shape of the microcrystal.
Used Sources of Spiritual Growth for Spanish University Students
Authors: Muñoz-García Antonio , Villena-Martínez Mᵃ Dolores
Published: June 2018

Although some research has suggested means of promoting spiritual development in higher education, no systematic studies or literature reviews have been conducted to know what sources are most used for the spiritual growth of university students. This aspect was studied in a sample of 309 Spanish university students (Mean age = 21.40, range 18–25). The used sources were (in descending order) as follows: the practice of a virtuous behavior, cognitive-reflexive, nature-based, cultural, and religious sources. Women showed a higher use of cognitive-reflective and virtuous behavior-based sources. Age was related only and negatively to the use of religious sources. These results are consistent with previous studies indicating a greater religiosity in women and a lesser importance of religion in contemporary society and, particularly, in the life of young adults. However, taken as a whole, they indicate the importance of sociological and cultural aspects, in particular of the movement from traditional religiosity to religious indifference and dissatisfaction with institutional religion and/or toward spiritual movements linked to humanistic religions and spiritualities of life. It also points out the need to use a variety of strategies to foster the spiritual development of students.
A Least-Squares Monte Carlo Framework in Proxy Modeling of Life Insurance Companies
Authors: Krah Anne-Sophie , Nikolić Zoran , Korn Ralf
Published: June 2018

The Solvency II directive asks insurance companies to derive their solvency capital requirement from the full loss distribution over the coming year. While this is in general computationally infeasible in the life insurance business, an application of the Least-Squares Monte Carlo (LSMC) method offers a possibility to overcome this computational challenge. We outline in detail the challenges a life insurer faces, the theoretical basis of the LSMC method and the necessary steps on the way to a reliable proxy modeling in the life insurance business. Further, we illustrate the advantages of the LSMC approach via presenting (slightly disguised) real-world applications.
Ground-Based Differential Interferometric Radar Monitoring of Unstable Mountain Blocks in a Coastal Environment
Authors: Gundersen Rune , Norland Richard , Rolstad Denby Cecilie
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we present the results of eight years of continuous monitoring with a ground-based, interferometric, real-aperture radar of two unstable mountain blocks at Tafjord on the western coast of Norway. A real-time, interferometric, ground-based radar has the capability to provide high accuracy range measurements by using the phase of the transmitted signal, thus achieving sub-millimeter accuracy when a sufficient signal-to-noise level is present. The main challenge with long term monitoring is the variations in radio refractivity caused by changes in the atmosphere. The range variations caused by refractive changes in the atmosphere are corrected using meteorological data. We use triangular corner reflectors as references to improve the signal-to-clutter ratio and improve the accuracy of the measurements. We have also shown that by using differential interferometry, a significant part of the variation caused by radio refractivity variations is removed. The overall reduction in path length variation when using differential interferometry varies from 27 to 164 times depending on the radar-to-reflector path length. The measurements reveal cyclic seasonal variations, which are coherent with air temperature. The results show that radar measurements are as accurate as data from in situ instruments like extensometers and crack meters, making it possible to monitor inaccessible areas. The total measured displacement is between 1.2 mm and 4.7 mm for the two monitored mountain blocks.
Proprioceptive Sensors’ Fault Tolerant Control Strategy for an Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Boukhari Mohamed , Chaibet Ahmed , Boukhnifer Moussa , Glaser Sébastien
Published: June 2018

In this contribution, a fault-tolerant control strategy for the longitudinal dynamics of an autonomous vehicle is presented. The aim is to be able to detect potential failures of the vehicle’s speed sensor and then to keep the vehicle in a safe state. For this purpose, the separation principle, composed of a static output feedback controller and fault estimation observers, is designed. Indeed, two observer techniques were proposed: the proportional and integral observer and the descriptor observer. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is validated by means of the experimental demonstrator of the VEDECOM (Véhicle Décarboné et Communinicant) Institut.
Coastline Detection with Gaofen-3 SAR Images Using an Improved FCM Method
Authors: An Meng , Sun Qian , Hu Jun , Tang Yuqi , Zhu Ziwei
Published: June 2018

The coastline detection is one of the main applications of the Gaofen-3 satellite in the ocean field. However, the capability of Gaofen-3 SAR image in coastline detection has not yet been validated. In this paper, two Gaofen-3 SAR images, acquired in 2016, were used to extract the coastlines of the regions of Bohai and Taihu in China, respectively. The classical Fuzzy C-means (FCM) method was used in the coastline detection, but had been improved by combining the Wavelet decomposition algorithm to better suppress the inherent speckle noises of SAR image. Coastline detection results obtained from two Sentinel-1 SAR images acquired on the same regions were compared with those of the Gaofen-3 images. By using the manually delineated coastlines as the standards in the qualitative evaluations, improvements of about 12.0%, 8.3%, 23.8%, and 9.4% can be achieved by the improved FCM method with respect to the indicators of mean, RMSE, PGSD, and P90%, respectively; demonstrating that the Gaofen-3 data is superior to the Sentinel-1 data in the detection of coastline.
Human Part Segmentation in Depth Images with Annotated Part Positions
Authors: Hynes Andrew , Czarnuch Stephen
Published: June 2018

We present a method of segmenting human parts in depth images, when provided the image positions of the body parts. The goal is to facilitate per-pixel labelling of large datasets of human images, which are used for training and testing algorithms for pose estimation and automatic segmentation. A common technique in image segmentation is to represent an image as a two-dimensional grid graph, with one node for each pixel and edges between neighbouring pixels. We introduce a graph with distinct layers of nodes to model occlusion of the body by the arms. Once the graph is constructed, the annotated part positions are used as seeds for a standard interactive segmentation algorithm. Our method is evaluated on two public datasets containing depth images of humans from a frontal view. It produces a mean per-class accuracy of 93.55% on the first dataset, compared to 87.91% (random forest and graph cuts) and 90.31% (random forest and Markov random field). It also achieves a per-class accuracy of 90.60% on the second dataset. Future work can experiment with various methods for creating the graph layers to accurately model occlusion.
An Extension to Deng’s Entropy in the Open World Assumption with an Application in Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Tang Yongchuan , Zhou Deyun , Chan Felix T. S.
Published: June 2018

Quantification of uncertain degree in the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (DST) framework with belief entropy is still an open issue, even a blank field for the open world assumption. Currently, the existed uncertainty measures in the DST framework are limited to the closed world where the frame of discernment (FOD) is assumed to be complete. To address this issue, this paper focuses on extending a belief entropy to the open world by considering the uncertain information represented as the FOD and the nonzero mass function of the empty set simultaneously. An extension to Deng’s entropy in the open world assumption (EDEOW) is proposed as a generalization of the Deng’s entropy and it can be degenerated to the Deng entropy in the closed world wherever necessary. In order to test the reasonability and effectiveness of the extended belief entropy, an EDEOW-based information fusion approach is proposed and applied to sensor data fusion under uncertainty circumstance. The experimental results verify the usefulness and applicability of the extended measure as well as the modified sensor data fusion method. In addition, a few open issues still exist in the current work: the necessary properties for a belief entropy in the open world assumption, whether there exists a belief entropy that satisfies all the existed properties, and what is the most proper fusion frame for sensor data fusion under uncertainty.
Energy-Aware RFID Anti-Collision Protocol
Authors: Arjona Laura , Landaluce Simon Hugo , Perallos Ruiz Asier
Published: June 2018

The growing interest in mobile devices is transforming wireless identification technologies. Mobile and battery-powered Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, such as hand readers and smart phones, are are becoming increasingly attractive. These RFID readers require energy-efficient anti-collision protocols to minimize the tag collisions and to expand the reader’s battery life. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in RFID sensor networks with a growing number of RFID sensor tags. Thus, RFID application developers must be mindful of tag anti-collision protocols. Energy-efficient protocols involve a low reader energy consumption per tag. This work presents a thorough study of the reader energy consumption per tag and analyzes the main factor that affects this metric: the frame size update strategy. Using the conclusion of this analysis, the anti-collision protocol Energy-Aware Slotted Aloha (EASA) is presented to decrease the energy consumption per tag. The frame size update strategy of EASA is configured to minimize the energy consumption per tag. As a result, EASA presents an energy-aware frame. The performance of the proposed protocol is evaluated and compared with several state of the art Aloha-based anti-collision protocols based on the current RFID standard. Simulation results show that EASA, with an average of 15 mJ consumed per tag identified, achieves a 6% average improvement in the energy consumption per tag in relation to the strategies of the comparison.
A Comparison of Aerobic Fitness Testing on a Swim Bench and Treadmill in a Recreational Surfing Cohort: A Pilot Study
Authors: Khundaqji Hamzeh , Samain Enad , Climstein Mike , Schram Ben , Hing Wayne , Furness James
Published: June 2018

The intermittent manner of surfing accentuates the importance of both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Currently, the optimal method of assessing surfing-specific aerobic fitness is using a swim bench (SWB) ergometer; however, their limited availability presents a barrier to surfers wanting to know their maximal aerobic power (VO2peak). As a result, the aims of this pilot study were to determine the VO2peak of recreational surfers using a new commercial SWB ergometer and to propose and examine the feasibility of a regression model to predict SWB ergometer VO2peak values. A total of nine recreational surfers were assessed where body measurements were conducted followed by maximal aerobic capacity testing (swim bench and treadmill) to profile the cohort. Findings demonstrated that VO2peak values were significantly greater (p < 0.001) on the treadmill compared to the SWB ergometer (M = 66.01 ± 8.23 vs. 37.41 ± 8.73 mL/kg/min). Peak heart rate was also significantly greater on the treadmill compared to the SWB ergometer. Multiple regression analysis was used to produce a model which predicted SWB VO2peak values with an R2 value of 0.863 and an adjusted R2 value of 0.726. The physiological profiling of the recreational cohort coupled with a surfer’s predicted SWB VO2peak value will allow for identification of surfing-specific aerobic fitness levels and evidence-based training recommendations.
Bayesian Approach for Estimating the Probability of Cartel Penalization under the Leniency Program
Authors: Park Jihyun , Lee Juhyun , Ahn Suneung
Published: June 2018

Cartels cause tremendous damage to the market economy and disadvantage consumers by creating higher prices and lower-quality goods; moreover, they are difficult to detect. We need to prevent them through scientific analysis, which includes the determination of an indicator to explain antitrust enforcement. In particular, the probability of cartel penalization is a useful indicator for evaluating competition enforcement. This study estimates the probability of cartel penalization using a Bayesian approach. In the empirical study, the probability of cartel penalization is estimated by a Bayesian approach from the cartel data of the Department of Justice in the United States between 1970 and 2009. The probability of cartel penalization is seen as sensitive to changes in competition law, and the results have implications for market efficiency and the antitrust authority’s efforts against cartel formation and demise. The result of policy simulation shows the effectiveness of the leniency program. Antitrust enforcement is evaluated from the estimation results, and can therefore be improved.
Key Features of Electric Vehicle Diffusion and Its Impact on the Korean Power Market
Authors: Shim Dongnyok , Kim Seung Wan , Altmann Jörn , Yoon Yong Tae , Kim Jin Gyo
Published: June 2018

The market share of electric vehicles is growing and the interest in these vehicles is rapidly increasing in industrialized countries. In the light of these circumstances, this study provides an integrated policy-making package, which includes key features for electric vehicle diffusion and its impact on the Korean power market. This research is based on a quantitative analysis with the following steps: (1) it analyzes drivers’ preferences for electric or traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with respect to key automobile attributes and these key attributes indicate what policy makers should focus on; (2) it forecasts the achievable level of market share of electric vehicles in relation to improvements in their key attributes; and (3) it evaluates the impact of electric vehicle diffusion on the Korean power market based on an achievable level of market share with different charging demand profiles. Our results reveal the market share of electric vehicles can increase to around 40% of the total market share if the key features of electric vehicles reach a similar level to those of traditional vehicles. In this estimation, an increase in the power market’s system generation costs will reach around 10% of the cost in the baseline scenario, which differs slightly depending on charging demand profiles.
Spatio-Temporal Features of Urban Heat Island and Its Relationship with Land Use/Cover in Mountainous City: A Case Study in Chongqing
Authors: Liu Chunxia , Li Yuechen
Published: June 2018

The urban heat island (UHI) becomes more and more serious with the acceleration of urbanization. Many researchers have shown interest in studying the UHI by using remote sensing data, but these studies rarely examine the mountainous cities. Studies on UHI in mountainous cities often used empirical parameters to estimate the land surface temperature (LST), and lacked satellite-ground synchronous experiments to test the accuracy. This paper revised the parameters in the mono-window algorithm used to retrieve the LST according to the characteristics of mountainous cities. This study examined the spatial and temporal patterns of the UHI intensity in Chongqing, a typical mountainous city, and its relationship with land cover from 2007 to 2016 based on the Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 TIRS data and the improved method. The accuracy of the LST derivation increased by about 1 °C compared to the traditional method. The high LST areas increased and extended from the downtown to suburban area each year, but the rate of change decreased. The UHI is dramatically impacted by the rivers. There is a good relationship between the urban sprawl and the UHI. The LST was reduced by about 1 °C within a 300 m distance from large urban fringe green spaces. The urban landscape parks had a strong effect relieving the UHI at a 100 m distance. The LST was reduced by about 0.5 °C. This study greatly improves the accuracy of LST derivation, and provides reliable parameters for the UHI researched in mountainous cities.
Environmental Activation of Inner Space Components in Sustainable Interior Design
Authors: Celadyn Magdalena
Published: June 2018

Implementation of environmental responsibility issues into the interior design methodology considers many aspects of the design process, but analyzes them separately. These include building materials’ and products’ specifications based on the assessment of their parameters impact on the users of indoor environments, or resource management within an ecological efficiency context. This concept paper concentrates on the analysis of an environmental activation of inner space components, identified by the author as the holistic and systemic design model, which is to empower the foundation of a contemporary sustainable interior design model. The proposed design scheme is supposed to assure the environmental effectiveness of interiors and their structure, as well as complementing functional components. The contributions of interiors completed in accordance with this concept can refer to the enhancement of the performance of building mechanical systems and the improvement in the indoor environment quality parameters. They can be achieved with the appropriate environmental activation-oriented structural, technical, and material solutions, applied to the selected inner space components. The theoretical scheme presented should become the basis for further investigations and studies to establish the comprehensive methodology design framework assuring the integrative role of interior design in the creation of a sustainable near environment.
Measures and Steps for More Efficient Use of Buildings
Authors: Höjer Mattias , Mjörnell Kristina
Published: June 2018

As urbanization continues and more people move into cities and urban areas, pressure on available land for new constructions will continue to increase. This situation constitutes an incentive to review the need for interior space and uses of existing buildings. A great deal can be gained from using existing buildings more efficiently instead of constructing new ones: Reduced resource usage during construction (investments, natural resources, and energy), operation, and maintenance; more activity per square meter of buildings creates a greater basis for public transport and other services; more intensive use of buildings creates a more vibrant city without building on virgin land. The aim of this paper is to initiate a discussion regarding how digitalization can affect the demand and supply of interior space in existing buildings and elaborate on how policy can support more resource-efficient uses of space. New activity-based resource measurements intended for use in buildings are proposed, and several principles that have the potential to decrease environmental impact through more efficient usage of space are outlined. Based on these ideas for encouraging the flexible use of building spaces that are facilitated by digitalization and the new measurement approaches, a four-step principle for construction is proposed: The first step is to reduce the demand for space, the second is to intensify usage of existing space, the third is to reconstruct and adapt existing buildings to current needs, and the fourth is to construct new buildings. Urging political, municipal, construction, and real-estate decision makers to contemplate this principle, particularly in view of the new conditions that digitalization entails, will lead to more sustainable construction and, in the long term, a sustainable built environment.
Does Property Rights Integrity Improve Tenure Security? Evidence from China’s Forest Reform
Authors: Zhou Yuepeng , Ma Xianlei , Ji Dengyan , Heerink Nico , Shi Xiaoping , Liu Hongbin
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of land property rights integrity, subdivided into use rights, mortgage rights, and transfer rights, on household perceptions of long-term tenure security in China. To this end, we establish a theoretical framework that links China’s collective forest tenure reforms undertaken since 2003 to property rights integrity and two sources of tenure (in)security based on property rights theory: forestland reallocation and expropriation. Probit models are applied in the empirical analysis to household data collected in Jiangxi province in 2011 and 2013. The results indicate that household perceptions of tenure insecurity resulting from forestland reallocation expectations are affected by transfer rights, whereas household perceptions of insecurity resulting from forestland expropriation expectations are not affected by forestland rights. We thus suggest that it is crucial for policymakers to identify the sources of local property rights insecurity before they take steps to strengthen land tenure security. This paper contributes to the available literature on the relationship between property rights integrity and tenure security by identifying different sources of tenure insecurity, emphasizing the effect of property rights integrity on long-term tenure security, and taking into account the potential endogeneity problem.
A Variable Control Chart under the Truncated Life Test for a Weibull Distribution
Authors: Khan Nasrullah , Aslam Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Zahir , Jun Chi-Hyuck
Published: June 2018

In this manuscript, a variable control chart under the time truncated life test for the Weibull distribution is presented. The procedure of the proposed control chart is given and its run length properties are derived for the shifted process. The control limit is determined by considering the target in-control average run length (ARL). The tables for ARLs are presented for industrial use according to various shift parameters and shape parameters in the Weibull distribution. A simulation study is given for demonstrating the performance of the proposed control chart.
Outer Membrane Protein A Conservation among Orientia tsutsugamushi Isolates Suggests Its Potential as a Protective Antigen and Diagnostic Target
Authors: Evans Sean M. , Adcox Haley E. , VieBrock Lauren , Green Ryan S. , Luce-Fedrow Alison , Chattopadhyay Suschsmita , Jiang Ju , Marconi Richard T. , Paris Daniel , Richards Allen L. , Carlyon Jason A.
Published: June 2018

Scrub typhus threatens one billion people in the Asia-Pacific area and cases have emerged outside this region. It is caused by infection with any of the multitude of strains of the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. A vaccine that affords heterologous protection and a commercially-available molecular diagnostic assay are lacking. Herein, we determined that the nucleotide and translated amino acid sequences of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) are highly conserved among 51 O. tsutsugamushi isolates. Molecular modeling revealed the predicted tertiary structure of O. tsutsugamushi OmpA to be very similar to that of the phylogenetically-related pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, including the location of a helix that contains residues functionally essential for A. phagocytophilum infection. PCR primers were developed that amplified ompA DNA from all O. tsutsugamushi strains, but not from negative control bacteria. Using these primers in quantitative PCR enabled sensitive detection and quantitation of O. tsutsugamushi ompA DNA from organs and blood of mice that had been experimentally infected with the Karp or Gilliam strains. The high degree of OmpA conservation among O. tsutsugamushi strains evidences its potential to serve as a molecular diagnostic target and justifies its consideration as a candidate for developing a broadly-protective scrub typhus vaccine.
Contextual Effects in Face Lightness Perception Are Not Expertise-Dependent
Authors: Chang Dorita H. F. , Cheang Yin Yan , So May
Published: June 2018

Lightness judgments of face stimuli are context-dependent (i.e., judgments of face lightness are influenced by race classification). Here, we tested whether contextual effects in face lightness perception are modulated by expertise, exploiting well-known other race effects in face perception. We used a lightness-matching paradigm where Chinese and White observers were asked to adjust the lightness of a variable face to match that of a standard face. The context (i.e., race category) of the two faces could be the same or different. Our data indicated that both groups had the smallest matching errors in same-context trials, for which errors did not vary across different racial categories. For cross-context trials, observers made the largest (negative) errors when the reference face was Black, as compared to Chinese and White references, for which matching errors were no different from zero or trended positively. Critically, this pattern was similar for both groups. We suggest that contextual influences in lightness perception are unlikely to be guided by classical mechanisms that drive face perception. We instead speculate that such influences manifest in terms of an interaction between race assumptions (e.g., expected surface reflectance patterns) and traditional mechanisms for reflectance computations.
H3PO4-Activated Cattail Carbon Production and Application in Chromium Removal from Aqueous Solution: Process Optimization and Removal Mechanism
Authors: Shu Yan , Tang Chunfang , Hu Xinjiang , Jiang Luhua , Hu Xi , Zhao Yunlin
Published: June 2018

In this study, Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize the process for H3PO4-activated Typha angustifolia activated carbon (TAC) production and Cr removal by TAC; the removal mechanisms were discussed based on TAC characterization, and the regeneration evaluation was also conducted. The optimum preparation conditions were activated time of 1.5 h, temperature of 469.02 °C, and incubation ratio of 4, resulting in an experimental carbon yield of 38.23% and Cr removal of 90.01%. The optimum adsorption parameters were found to be 0.02 g/50 mL TAC, 80 mg/L Cr(VI), and 2.21 pH with the observed Cr adsorption capacity of 59.54 mg/g. The removal mechanisms involved coulombic attraction, ionic exchange, surface complexation, and reduction. The process of Cr(VI) adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature, and the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models were more appropriate for the removal process. After five adsorption/desorption cycles, the Cr adsorption capacity on TAC reduced by only 24.37%. The results showed that BBD could successfully optimize TAC production and Cr removal, and TAC could be developed as a promising, eco-friendly, and effective adsorbent for Cr pollution control.
A Stakeholder Oriented Modelling Framework for the Early Detection of Shortage in Water Supply Systems
Authors: Romano Emanuele , Guyennon Nicolas , Duro Andrea , Giordano Raffaele , Petrangeli Anna Bruna , Portoghese Ivan , Salerno Franco
Published: June 2018

Management of water supply systems under shortage conditions due to drought requires computational tools able to relate the past precipitation regime over different time scales to future water resources availability. This work proposes a modelling framework to address the occurrence of shortage for water supply systems whose resource is constituted by natural or artificial reservoirs. The proposed methodology aims at identifying “management triggers” for possible mitigation measures. Emphasis is given on the use of standardized indices to promote information sharing. The implemented tool is structured into five modules: “hydrological” module; “scenarios” module; “reservoir” module; a module for the evaluation of “indices of shortage”; and a “support to early-warning” module. The whole procedure has been applied to three Italian reservoirs. For each water body, a case specific shortage early-warning system, based on standardized precipitation indices has been identified, allowing the implementation of efficient local mitigation measures.
Calculating the Economic Level of Friction in Pressurized Water Systems
Authors: Cabrera Enrique , Gómez Elena , Cabrera Enrique , Soriano Javier
Published: June 2018

In this paper, an algebraic expression is presented to determine the optimum hydraulic gradient (J0) in a pressurized water system. J0 represents the economic level of friction losses (ELF), which is dependent on the network’s behavior as well as other parameters, including energy and the pipe costs. As these have prices changed over time, so has the value of J0. The network-related parameter was obtained from the total costs function and the sum of the operational and capital expenditures. Because these costs exhibited an opposite trend from J, a minimum total cost exists, specifically, J0. The algebraic expression, which was derived from the mathematical model of the network, was first calculated for the network’s steady state flow and was later generalized for application to a dynamic one. For a network operating in a given context, J0 was fairly stable in terms of dynamic flow variations, providing valuable information. The first piece of information was the ELF itself, which indicated the energy efficiency of the system from the perspective of friction loss. The second indicated which pipes required renewal from a similar perspective. Thirdly, it provided a simple criterion to calculate the diameter of new pipes. Finally, as J0 can be easily updated, when predictions are performed at the network’s designed time fail (e.g., growing urban trends, demand evolution, etc.), decisions can also be updated.
La noblesse et la Ligue : historiographie et pistes de recherche
Authors: Boltanski Ariane , Bourquin Laurent
Published: June 2018

Longtemps, la noblesse n’a pas été étudiée en tant que telle par les historiens de la Ligue. Mais depuis les années 1980, les études se sont multipliées, à tel point que le paysage historiographique sur ce thème est devenu très riche. Cet article propose d’en faire le bilan et d’offrir des perspectives de recherche selon trois axes : les facteurs de l’engagement (ou de la neutralité), les modalités de la révolte, et enfin l’impact des guerres sur le groupe.
Espacio, rebelión y religión en la Monarquía Hispánica del siglo XVI
Authors: Díaz Serrano Ana , Ruiz Ibáñez José Javier
Published: June 2018

Los procesos de afirmación confesional desarrollados en la Monarquía Hispánica en el siglo XVI tuvieron como consecuencia, entre otras, el estallido de una serie de rebeliones de naturaleza campesina centradas en las zonas montañosas. Este artículo compara el desarrollo de las mismas, tanto las que se dieron en la Península Ibérica (e Valencia y Granada) como las que se dieron en América (en Nueva Galicia o Perú). A través de este análisis se puede comprender los mecanismos de afirmación territorial, y de proyección jurídica y política de la dicha Monarquía. De igual forma, se muestra cómo interpretar en su contexto social y cultural cada uno de estos fenómenos, permite comprender mejor una Monarquía fundada en el conflicto confesional.
Religion et politique en Lorraine au tournant des XVIe et XVIIe siècles
Authors: Vignal Souleyreau Marie-Catherine
Published: June 2018

Oscillant entre les influences germanique et française, la Lorraine du début de l’époque moderne, indépendante et souveraine, s’impose comme axe de catholicité et base de reconquête pour la Contre-réforme. Le duc Antoine le Bon se fait le champion de la croisade et adopte une ligne de conduite que ses successeurs observent scrupuleusement. Malgré la suzeraineté française sur une partie du duché de Bar, et l’occupation des Trois-Évêchés par les officiers du Roi très chrétien à partir de 1552, l’intransigeance politique des ducs de Lorraine à l’égard des protestants a des répercussions à la fois politiques, morales, et théologiques, au premier rang desquelles le maintien des duchés dans une obédience catholique stricte, proche de la Papauté, et le développement de la controverse post-tridentine. La pastorale, mais aussi les dévotions, évoluent. La réforme des réguliers est plus tardive et plus progressive que celle du clergé séculier, mais l’évolution générale reflète l’adéquation, en Lorraine, entre Réforme catholique et désir de réaction aux progrès du protestantisme. Un système de philosophie politique voit le jour autour de quelques grandes lignes directrices : toute dissidence, hérétique ou schismatique, est à proscrire ; l’Empire est supérieur à la nation car il est le cadre privilégié de l’unité ; la maison de Lorraine est investie d’une mission providentielle, le maintien de la foi ; le duc de Lorraine demeure par excellence la main armée de l’Église qui combat l’infidèle, quel qu’il soit. Action politique et réforme religieuse se rejoignent pour ne former plus qu’une seule ligne de conduite. D’où les heurts avec le roi de France qui, en vertu des libertés gallicanes, entend pourvoir aux bénéfices ecclésiastiques évêchois, et qui, dans la sphère politique, s’engage dans la lutte contre les Habsbourg. Les circonstances de l’avènement du duc Charles IV déclenchent non seulement la méfiance de Richelieu, mais aussi de longues contestations relatives à l’exercice de la souveraineté en Lorraine, avivées par le mariage secret du duc d’Orléans avec la princesse Marguerite de Lorraine. Les querelles bénéficiales et ecclésiastiques s’enveniment d’une querelle successorale d’autant plus grave que le roi de France n’a pas d’enfant. Politique étrangère et politique intérieure se rejoignent aux limites orientales du royaume. Le conflit connaît une étape essentielle lors de la signature du traité de Vic, prémices d’une difficile tentative de conquête de la Lorraine par la France.
Le noble centaure. Une approche sociale et symbolique des harnachements équestres de la Renaissance française
Authors: Meiss-Even Marjorie
Published: June 2018

Selles de velours, caparaçons brodés, harnais cloutés d'or émaillé, mors d'orfèvrerie... Dans la France du XVIe siècle, bien des chevaux portèrent sur eux la fortune de leurs cavaliers. Les nobles de la Renaissance ne reculaient en effet devant rien pour rehausser la beauté naturelle de leurs montures achetées à grands frais en Italie, en Espagne ou en Afrique du Nord. Les harnachements étaient alors le support d'un déploiement des formes ornementales à la mode, comme en attestent les représentations iconographiques (cf. certains des dessins de Primatice ou de Nicolo dell'Abate) ainsi que les étriers, plaques de selles et bossettes conservés notamment au Musée national de la Renaissance et au Musée de l'Armée. Si le répertoire ornemental de ces objets renvoie bien sûr aux courants esthétiques du temps, il a aussi contribué à projeter les cavaliers dans un univers symbolique renouvelé. L'omniprésence des motifs inspirés par la culture humaniste a rattaché la noblesse cavalière au registre de l'héroïsme antique, sur un mode semblable à celui des armures de parade ornées de figures mythologiques qui servirent de «seconde peau symbolique » aux gentilshommes de l'ère moderne (cf. Amedeo Quondam, Cavallo e cavaliere, 2003). Les harnachements des chevaux connaissaient en outre le même envahissement emblématique que les plafonds des châteaux et les parterres des jardins. Dans le cas des chevaux, chiffres et emblèmes venaient redoubler la marque appliquée au fer rouge sur la croupe de l'animal. Ils participaient ainsi à la projection emblématique de la noblesse, dans une double perspective d'affirmation lignagère et individuelle. L'article s''attache ainsi à étudier un type d'objets peu évoqué dans la littérature relative aux arts décoratifs au regard de son importance dans une culture nobiliaire éminemment équestre. Il insiste en outre sur la nécessité de penser les objets dans leur rapport au corps de celui qui les manipule et, en l'occurrence, au corps de l'animal qu''ils revêtent.
La veste volée… (Tahiti mai 1769)
Authors: Dorbe-Lacarde Véronique
Published: June 2018

Alors qu’il passe la nuit chez des chefs tahitiens, le 28 mai 1769, durant le 1er voyage de Cook, on dérobe sa veste à Joseph Banks. Il s’agit, d’abord et avant tout, de comprendre ce que représente ce vêtement tant pour les Européens que pour les Polynésiens. Réfléchir sur la manière dont le larcin est considéré contradictoirement chez les uns et les autres permet de saisir ce qui fait exactement la valeur de la veste Banks.
« Coup de chapeau » et sociabilité dans la première moitié de l’époque moderne
Authors: Gaumy Tiphaine
Published: June 2018

Le chapeau peut servir de fil conducteur pour une analyse des relations sociales dans la première moitié de l’époque moderne : la gestuelle autour du salut est l’objet progressif et tardif des manuels de civilité ; Dieu et le roi sont les principaux bénéficiaires de ce phénomène qui tend cependant à se démocratiser ; il connaît, dans le contexte des guerres de Religion et des conflits sociaux qui traversent la France à cette époque, résistances et modulations selon les ambitions des individus dans une société fortement hiérarchisée et sensible à son honneur.
Cosmology with Gravitational Wave/Fast Radio Burst Associations
Authors: Wei Jun-Jie , Wu Xue-Feng , Gao He
Published: June 2018

Recently, some theoretical models predicted that a small fraction of fast radio bursts (FRBs) could be associated with gravitational waves (GWs). In this Letter, we discuss the possibility of using GW/FRB association systems, if they are commonly detected in the future, as a complementary cosmic probe. We propose that upgraded standard sirens can be constructed from the joint measurements of luminosity distances D

L
derived from GWs and dispersion measures DMIGM derived from FRBs (i.e., the combination D

L
· DMIGM). Moreover, unlike the traditional standard-siren approach (i.e., the D

L
method) and the DMIGM method that rely on the optimization of the Hubble constant H
0, this D

L
 · DMIGM method has the advantage of being independent of H
0. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we prove that the D

L
 · DMIGM method is more effective for constraining cosmological parameters than D

L
or DMIGM separately, and that it enables us to achieve accurate multimessenger cosmology from approximately 100 GW/FRB systems. Additionally, even if GW/FRB associations do not exist, the methodology developed here can still be applied to those GWs and FRBs that occur at the same redshifts.
Anatomic Variations of Pancreaticobiliary Union
Authors: Sherifi Fadil , Bexheti Sadi , Gashi Zaim , Bajraktari Ismet , Shatri Jeton , Lahu Ali
Published: June 2018

AIM: This study was designated to evaluate the frequency of anatomic variations of the pancreaticobiliary union.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our research was observational, comparative and analytical. The investigation was conducted from January 2016-May 2017. This study included 63 patients from Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology – Prishtina, assessed pancreaticobiliary union with Magnetic Resonance cholangiopancreatography.RESULTS: Union of the common bile duct and the major pancreas was biliary-pancreatic type The angle between common bile duct and the major pancreas duct had different sizes average 35.6°. We did not distinguish significant statistical significance in the size of the pancreaticobiliary angle. In men, the union angle was from the average 36.9°, while in females was average 34.3°. No correlation between the age and size of the angle between common bile duct and the major pancreas duct.CONCLUSIONS: The union of the common bile duct and the major pancreas duct was in most cases B-P Type. The common channel and angle between common bile duct and the major pancreas duct were normal in most cases.
Increased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis associated with routine administration of Infloran™ in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Escribano E. , Zozaya C. , Madero R. , Sánchez L. , van Goudoever J. , Rodríguez J.M. , de Pipaon M. Sáenz
Published: June 2018

We aimed to evaluate the isolation of strains contained in the Infloran™ probiotic preparation in blood cultures and its efficacy in reducing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in extremely preterm infants. Routine use of probiotics was implemented in 2008. Infants born at <28 weeks gestational age were prospectively followed and compared with historical controls (HC) born between 2005 and 2008. Data on sepsis due to any of the two probiotic strains contained in Infloran and rates of LOS and NEC were analysed. A total of 516 infants were included. During the probiotic period (PC), none of the strains included in the administered probiotic product were isolated from blood cultures. Probiotic administration was associated with an increase in NEC stage II or higher (HC 10/170 [5.9%]; PC 46/346 [13.3%]; P=0.010). Surgical NEC was 12.1% in PC (42/346) versus 5.9% (10/170) in HC (P=0.029). Adjusting for confounders (sex, gestational age, antenatal steroids and human milk) did not change those trends (P=0.019). Overall, clinical LOS and the incidence of staphylococcal sepsis were lower in PC (172/342, 50.3, and 37%, respectively) compared with HC (102/169, 60.3 and 50.9%, respectively) (P=0.038 and P=0.003, respectively). No episodes of sepsis attributable to the probiotic product were recorded. The period of probiotic administration was associated with an increased incidence of NEC after adjusting for neonatal factors, but also with a reduction in the LOS rate.
The impact of the insect regulatory system on the insect marketing system
Authors: Lähteenmäki-Uutela A. , Hénault-Ethier L. , Marimuthu S.B. , Talibov S. , Allen R.N. , Nemane V. , Vandenberg G.W. , Józefiak D.
Published: June 2018

Taking the macromarketing approach to insect food and feed, we study how the global insect marketing system is impacted by the global insect regulatory system. As an illustration, we study how the regulations of the European Union, USA, Canada and Australia impact marketing strategies of individual companies, and how company-level behaviour combines into the dynamics of the whole insect marketing system. The output of the global insect marketing system is the global assortment of insect products. The regulatory system has its topics, content, and tools with differences between countries. Topics are the elements of the insect business that regulators care about. Content determines what insect products can be launched. Tools are the regulatory instruments and sanctions. Regulatory differences between countries are an important determinant in the geography of launch patterns and in the resulting global assortment of insect products available.