bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REY and Trace Element Chemistry of Fluorite from Post-Variscan Hydrothermal Veins in Paleozoic Units of the North German Basin
Authors: Nadoll Patrick , Rehm Meike , Duschl Florian , Klemd Reiner , Kraemer Dennis , Sośnicka Marta
Published: July 2018

Hydrothermal fluorites from Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and volcanic units in the North German Basin (NGB) have been investigated to create a petrographic and geochemical inventory—with particular focus on strategic elements such as rare earth elements (REE)—and to uncover possible links between the post-Variscan hydrothermal mineralization in the NGB and bordering areas such as the Harz Mountains and Flechtingen Calvörde Block (FCB). Fluorites from ten localities underwent a detailed petrographic examination, including SEM-BSE/CL imagery, and were compositionally analysed using LA-ICP-MS. Overall, REY concentrations are comparatively low in fluorite from all investigated areas—the median sum of REY ranges from 0.3 to 176 ppm. EuropiumCN anomalies are slightly negative or absent, indicating that either the formation fluid experienced temperatures above 250 °C or that fluid-rock interactions and REE enrichment was likely controlled by the source rock (i.e., volcanic) composition and complexation processes. Fluorites from the Altmark-Brandenburg Basin (ABB) and the Lower Saxony Basin (LSB) display distinctly different REYCN signatures, suggesting that fluid compositions and genetic processes such as fluid-rock interaction differed significantly between the two areas. Complex growth zones and REYCN signatures in fluorite from the ABB and the FCB reflect geochemical variability due to adsorption processes and intrinsic crystallographic controls and imply that they are genetically related. Two petrographically and geochemically distinct generations are observed: Fluorite I—light SEM shades, relatively enriched in LREE; Fluorite II—darker SEM shades, comparatively depleted LREE, slightly higher HREE concentrations. These fluorite generations represent zoned (or cyclical) growth within a single progressive hydrothermal event and do not reflect a secondary remobilization process. We demonstrate that increasing Tb/La ratios and decreasing La/Ho ratios can be the result of continuous zoned growth during a single mineralizing event, with significant compositional variations on a micron-scale. This has implications for the interpretation of such trends and hence the inferred genetic evolution of fluorite that displays such geochemical patterns. The complex micro-scale intergrowth of these generations stresses the need for detailed petrographic investigations when geochemical data are collected and interpreted for mineral exploration.
Measurement and Modeling Air Quality Impacts of Dust Emissions from Unpaved Roads in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
Authors: Díaz-Nigenda Emmanuel , Tatarko John , Morales-Iglesias Horacio , Hernández Méndez Zuleyma , Vázquez Morales Williams , Alatorre-Ibargüengoitia Miguel Angel
Published: July 2018

Dust emissions from unpaved roads are one of the main pollutants affecting air quality around the world. As part of initial air quality studies in Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ), Chiapas, Mexico, urban aeolian emission events from unpaved roads and simple meteorological inputs were measured in February 2014 at two different sites located within the city to characterize emissions for representative road conditions and to produce Industrial Source Complex (ISC3) model inputs. Emissions of particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM10) were determined for eight wind erosion events. PM10 concentrations were measured downwind from sites using a Minivol sampler during February and March 2014. Three high PM10 concentration scenarios, associated with unstable conditions generated by cold fronts (CF) were selected to simulate dust plume dispersion to identify impacted areas. Results show that unpaved roads represent a potential source of dust that affect air quality of urban regions; in this study generating emissions ≥ 1.92 × 10−3 g·m−2·s−1 when winds ≥6 m·s−1 were present. Air pollution events that exceed the Mexico national standard for 24-h average PM10 concentration (≥75 µg·m−3) were observed, impacting different areas in the city, representing a risk to human health. This demonstrates the influence of CF over southern Mexico, generating high PM10 concentrations in urban regions.
Alternative Risk Assessment for Dangerous Chemicals in South Korea Regulation: Comparing Three Modeling Programs
Authors: Lee Hyo Eun , Sohn Jong-Ryeul , Byeon Sang-Hoon , Yoon Seok J. , Moon Kyong Whan
Published: July 2018

Unlike other countries, the Korean chemical industry does not clearly distinguish between industrial sites and residential areas. The 2012 Gumi Hydrogen Fluoride Accident revealed that chemical accidents could cause damage to nearby residents. Accordingly, the Chemicals Control Act was enacted in 2015, which requested industrial sites using chemicals to perform a risk assessment for all chemical facilities and to distribute the results to the local residents and governments. Industrial businesses had the responsibility of warning the local residents. In this study, two programs (Areal Location of Hazardous Atmospheres (ALOHA), Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool (PHAST)) were compared with Korea Off-site Risk Assessment Supporting Tool (KORA), which is the current representative risk assessment program used in Korea Chemicals Control Act. The five chemical substances (nitric acid, hydrogen chloride, ammonia, sulfuric acid, and formaldehyde) most commonly involved in chemical accidents were selected. The range of influence of ERPG-2 (Emergency Response Planning Guideline) on chemical accidents was modeled and the results compared. ALOHA was found to be the most suitable program for the determination of toxicity for nitrate acid and ammonia, KORA for hydrogen chloride and sulfuric acid, and PHAST for formaldehyde. To maximize the safety of many local residents and to prepare for chemical accidents, risk assessments should be conducted using a variety of risk assessment programs, and the worst-case damage radius should be determined.
Are the Poor Digitally Left Behind? Indications of Urban Divides Based on Remote Sensing and Twitter Data
Authors: Taubenböck Hannes , Staab Jeroen , Zhu Xiao Xiang , Geiß Christian , Dech Stefan , Wurm Michael
Published: July 2018

Every city is—quoting Plato—divided into two, one city of the poor, the other of the rich. In this study we test whether the economic urban divide is reflected in the digital sphere of cities. Because, especially in dynamically growing cities, ready-to-use comprehensive data sets on the urban poor, as well as on the digital divide, are not existent, we use proxies: we spatially delimit the urban poor using settlement characteristics derived from remote sensing data. The digital divide is targeted by geolocated Twitter data. Based on a sample of eight cities across the globe, we spatially test whether areas of the urban poor are more likely to be digital cold spots. Over the course of time, we analyze whether temporal signatures in poor urban areas differ from formal environments. We find that the economic divide influences digital participation in public life. Less residents of morphological slums are found to be digitally oriented (“are digitally left behind”) as compared to residents of formal settlements. However, among the few twitter users in morphological slums, we find their temporal behavior similar to the twitter users in formal settlements. In general, we conclude this discussion, this study exemplifies that the combination of both heterogeneous data sets allows for extending the capabilities of individual disciplines for research towards urban poverty.
Enteric Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis from the Perspective of Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Duszka Kalina , Wahli Walter
Published: July 2018

Nuclear receptors (NRs) play a key role in regulating virtually all body functions, thus maintaining a healthy operating body with all its complex systems. Recently, gut microbiota emerged as major factor contributing to the health of the whole organism. Enteric bacteria have multiple ways to influence their host and several of them involve communication with the brain. Mounting evidence of cooperation between gut flora and NRs is already available. However, the full potential of the microbiota interconnection with NRs remains to be uncovered. Herewith, we present the current state of knowledge on the multifaceted roles of NRs in the enteric microbiota–gut–brain axis.
Overexpression of Lilium formosanum MADS-box (LFMADS) Causing Floral Defects While Promoting Flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana, Whereas Only Affecting Floral Transition Time in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Liao Wan-Yu , Lin Lee-Fong , Lin Ming-Der , Hsieh Sheng-Che , Li Althea Yi-Shan , Tsay Yueh-Shiah , Chou Ming-Lun
Published: July 2018

The Formosa lily (Lilium formosanum) is one of the most common horticultural species in Taiwan. To explore gene regulation involved in this species, we used transcriptome analysis to generate PH-FB (mixed floral buds) and PH-LF (mature leaves) datasets. Combination of the PH-FB and PH-LF constructed a de novo assembly of the ALL dataset, including 18,041 contigs and 23,807 unigenes by Nr, GO, COG, and KEGG databases. The differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed 9937 genes were upregulated while 10,383 genes were downregulated in the developing floral buds compared to mature leaves. Seven putative genes (LFMADS1 to 7) encoding floral organ identity proteins were selected for further analysis. LFMADS1-6 genes were specifically expressed in the floral organ, while LFMADS7 in the floral buds and mature leaves. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LFMADS1-3 is classified into B-class, LFMADS4 into C-class, LFMADS5 into D-class, and LFMADS6-7 into E-class, respectively. LFMADS-GFP fusion proteins appeared to localize in the nucleus, supporting their roles as transcription factors (TFs). Overexpression of the LFMADS2, LFMADS4, and LFMADS6 genes in Arabidopsis resulted in early flowering and floral defect, however, only early flowering in transgenic tobacco was observed. Highly expressed floral integrator genes, including AtFT, AtLFY, and AtFUL in transgenic Arabidopsis and NtFUL and NtSOC1 in transgenic tobacco, resulted in early flowering phenotype through qRT-PCR analysis. Yeast two-hybrid analysis suggested that LFMADSs may form higher order complexes with the B-, C-, D, and/or E-class proteins to determine the floral organ identity. Furthermore, E-class LFMADS proteins may function as a glue to mediate and strengthen the protein-protein interactions. Therefore, our de novo datasets would provide information for investigating other differentially expressed candidate transcripts. In addition, functional conservation of LFMADSs appears to be vital in floral transition and floral organ identity.
Safety and Lack of Negative Effects of Wearable Augmented-Reality Social Communication Aid for Children and Adults with Autism
Authors: Sahin Ned T. , Keshav Neha U. , Salisbury Joseph P. , Vahabzadeh Arshya
Published: July 2018

There is a growing interest in the use of augmented reality (AR) to assist children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, little investigation has been conducted into the safety of AR devices, such as smartglasses. The objective of this report was to assess the safety and potential negative effects of the Empowered Brain system, a novel AR smartglasses-based social communication aid for people with ASD. The version of the Empowered Brain in this report utilized Google Glass (Google, Mountain View, CA, USA) as its hardware platform. A sequential series of 18 children and adults, aged 4.4 to 21.5 years (mean 12.2 years), with clinically diagnosed ASD of varying severity used the system. Users and caregivers were interviewed about the perceived negative effects and design concerns. Most users were able to wear and use the Empowered Brain (n = 16/18, 89%), with most of them reporting no negative effects (n = 14/16, 87.5%). Caregivers observed no negative effects in users (n = 16/16, 100%). Most users (77.8%) and caregivers (88.9%) had no design concerns. This report found no major negative effects in using an AR smartglasses-based social communication aid across a wide age and severity range of people with ASD. Further research is needed to explore longer-term effects of using AR smartglasses in this population.
Multi-Vdd Design for Content Addressable Memories (CAM): A Power-Delay Optimization Analysis
Authors: Joshi Siddhartha , Li Dawei , Ogrenci-Memik Seda , Deptuch Grzegorz , Hoff James , Jindariani Sergo , Liu Tiehui , Olsen Jamieson , Tran Nhan
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we characterize the interplay between power consumption and performance of a matchline-based Content Addressable Memory and then propose the use of a multi-Vdd design to save power and increase post-fabrication tunability. Exploration of the power consumption behavior of a CAM chip shows the drastically different behavior among the components and suggests the use of different and independent power supplies. The complete design, simulation and testing of a multi-Vdd CAM chip along with an exploration of the multi-Vdd design space are presented. Our analysis has been applied to simulated models on two different technology nodes (130 nm and 45 nm), followed by experiments on a 246-kb test chip fabricated in 130 nm Global Foundries Low Power CMOS technology. The proposed design, operating at an optimal operating point in a triple-Vdd configuration, increases the power-delay operation range by 2.4 times and consumes 25.3% less dynamic power when compared to a conventional single-Vdd design operating over the same voltage range with equivalent noise margin. Our multi-Vdd design also helps save 51.3% standby power. Measurement results from the test chip combined with the simulation analysis at the two nodes validate our thesis.
An Overview of the Impacts of Land Use Land Cover Changes (1980–2014) on Urban Water Security of Kolkata
Authors: Mukherjee Subham , Bebermeier Wiebke , Schütt Brigitta
Published: July 2018

Urban Water Security is essential in urban planning to manage cities’ water infrastructures and strengthen their water stress resilience and adaptive capacities. Decision making, governance and socio-economic factors play important roles in achieving Urban Water Security. Kolkata is a growing megacity in a developing country, which is facing rising pressures on water-environmental provisions due to the rapid population growth and urbanization and resultant governance and infrastructural issues. This review focusses on Kolkata, which is facing critical water issues, as a case study. The study presents an overview of the urban water (in)security and its dimensions in Kolkata city, such as water consumption and distribution in the city along with the changing land use-land cover of the city area, based on the results obtained from the satellite data-based land use-land cover classification, available literature, and documents from public institutions.
2-{[(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazinylidene}-4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5-yl Acetic Acid
Authors: Karanth Sangeetha , Narayana Badiadka , Kodandoor Sharath , Sarojini Balladka
Published: July 2018

Thia-Michael addition of 2-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1) with maleic anhydride results in the formation of the title compound 2-{[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazinylidene}-4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5-yl acetic acid 2. The precursor 1 is synthesized by the reaction of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and thiosemicarbazide in the presence of glacial acetic acid as the catalyst. The structure of the title compound is determined by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. In order to determine the molecular interactions with the bacterial enzyme, the title compound is further docked into the active site of the MurB protein of Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID: 1HSK). The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of the title compound is carried out in order to appraise its antimicrobial efficacy by determination of zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory concentration. The compound is also evaluated for its antioxidant property by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay.
Study on the Degradation of Optical Silicone Exposed to Harsh Environments
Authors: Yazdan Mehr Maryam , Van Driel Willem , De Buyl Francois , Zhang Kouchi
Published: July 2018

Degradation mechanisms of silicone plates under harsh environment conditions are studied in this investigation. Environmental degradation of silicone free form, used as secondary optics in Light Emitting Diode LED lighting lamps and luminaires or any other applications requiring high quality optics being used, has negative implications for the optical performance. Degradation of silicone plates in harsh environment conditions was studied in salt bath and swimming water environments, using different light radiation and temperatures. Samples were exposed to harsh environment conditions for up to 4 months. Optical and chemical characteristics of exposed plates were studied using an Fourier transform infrared- attenuated total reflection FTIR-ATR spectrometer, an integrated sphere, and a Lambda 950 Ultraviolet-Visible UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Results show that 100 °C salt bath exposure had the most severe degrading effect on the optical characteristic of silicone plates. Increasing exposure time in the salt bath at that high temperature is associated with a significant deterioration of both optical (i.e., light transmission and relative radiant power value) and mechanical properties of silicone samples. On the contrary, silicone plates showed a great degree of stability against light exposure (UV at 360 nm and blue light at 450 nm).
Characterization of Polypropylene Modified by Blending Elastomer and Nano-Silica
Authors: Chi Xiaohong , Cheng Lu , Liu Wenfeng , Zhang Xiaohong , Li Shengtao
Published: July 2018

Polypropylene (PP) contains promising application prospects in thermoplastic cables for high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission because of its outstanding thermal and dielectric properties. However, the problem of poor toughness and space charge has restricted the application of pure PP in HVDC cables. In this paper, polyolefin elastomer (POE) and nano-silica were blended thoroughly and added into a PP mixture by a melting method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the dispersion of POE and nanoparticles. Thermal properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. The elastomeric properties of composites were improved as the dispersed POE could transfer and homogenize external mechanical forces. DC breakdown results showed that the fail strength of composite with 10 phr POE and 1 phr nano-silica was obviously enhanced. The pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) results showed that the injection and accumulation of space charge was increased by the introduction of POE, while it was restrained by the collective effect caused by nano-silica filling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrograms showed that secondary ordered structures existed in the composites of PP, POE, and nano-silica, and that the ordered structure around the nanoparticles contributed to the enhancement of breakdown strength. The mechanical and dielectric properties were modified synergistically, which made the modified PP a propitious insulation material for HVDC cables.
Behavior Characteristics of Argon Bubbles on Inner Surface of Upper Tundish Nozzle during Argon Blowing Process
Authors: Li Yang , Cheng Changgui , Yang Minglei , Dong Zhixuan , Xue Zhengliang
Published: July 2018

During continuous casting of aluminum-killed steel, clogging of tundish nozzle frequently occurs, which seriously disrupts the normal casting sequences and deteriorates strand quality. Generally, argon blowing technology in the form of a stable and continuous argon film on the inner surface of the upper nozzle is employed to prevent the upper nozzle from clogging in the production. To explore the formation mechanism and influence factors of this argon film, a water model of the upper nozzle with blowing argon with a similarity ratio of 1:1 was built. The results show that the number of bubble chains increases gradually with increasing argon flow rate and casting speed, and the argon gas curtain appears at the bottom half of the upper nozzle. For a given argon flow rate, the velocity of argon gas bubbles increased gradually with increasing casting speed, and decreased gradually with increasing distance from the upper nozzle top. For a given casting speed, the average velocity of argon gas bubbles was largest at a distance from the upper nozzle top of 6 mm with argon flow rate of 150 L/h. The results could provide theoretical and technical basis for the optimization of blowing argon parameters in order to prevent the clogging of upper nozzle and improve strand quality.
Control and Design of the Steel Continuous Casting Process Based on Advanced Numerical Models
Authors: Miłkowska-Piszczek Katarzyna , Falkus Jan
Published: July 2018

The process of continuous casting of steel is a complex technological task, including issues related to heat transfer, the steel solidification process, liquid metal flow and phase transitions in the solid state. This involves considerable difficulty in creating the optimal process control system, which would include the influence of all the physico-chemical phenomena which may occur. In parallel, there is an intensive development of new mathematical models and an increase in computer performance, therefore complex numerical simulations requiring substantial computing time can be conducted. This paper presents a review of currently applied numerical methods allowing the phenomena accompanying the process of continuous casting of steel to be accurately represented. Special attention was paid to the selection of appropriate methods to solve the technological problem selected. The possibilities of applying selected numerical models were analysed in order to modify and improve the existing process or to design a new one linked to the implementation of new steel grades in the current production. The description of the method of defining the boundary conditions, initial conditions and material parameters as vital components ensuring that numerical calculations based upon them in the finite element method, which is that most frequently applied, are correct is an important element of the paper. The possibility of reliably defining the values of boundary parameters on the basis of information on the intensity of cooling in individual zones of the continuous casting machine was analysed.
Prediction Model of Iron Ore Pellet Ambient Strength and Sensitivity Analysis on the Influence Factors
Authors: Gao Qiangjian , Zhang Yingyi , Jiang Xin , Zheng Haiyan , Shen Fengman
Published: July 2018

The Ambient Compressive Strength (CS) of pellets, influenced by several factors, is regarded as a criterion to assess pellets during metallurgical processes. A prediction model based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was proposed in order to provide a reliable and economic control strategy for CS in pellet production and to forecast and control pellet CS. The dimensionality of 19 influence factors of CS was considered and reduced by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA variables were then used as the input variables for the Back Propagation (BP) neural network, which was upgraded by Genetic Algorithm (GA), with CS as the output variable. After training and testing with production data, the PCA-GA-BP neural network was established. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis of input variables was calculated to obtain a detailed influence on pellet CS. It has been found that prediction accuracy of the PCA-GA-BP network mentioned here is 96.4%, indicating that the ANN network is effective to predict CS in the pelletizing process.
Formation of SUS304/Aluminum Alloys Using Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Hao Zhizhuang , Ao Sansan , Cai Yangchuan , Zhang Wei , Luo Zhen
Published: July 2018

In this study, wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) was used to form SUS304/aluminum alloys. The buildup wall was well shaped using a pulse current consisting of a base current of 150 A and peak current of 200 A and a 0.2 m/min travel speed. Metallographic observation revealed that the original grains were columnar grains and transformed into equiaxed grains in the top area. The increased content of alloying elements in the fused layer improved the hardness of the buildup wall. The buildup wall formed using pulsed current exhibited improved anti-electrochemical corrosion performance when compared with that formed using constant current. The tensile strength of the alloy decreased but its elongation increased compared with those of Fe-Al alloys. The tensile fracture along the fusing direction was plastic fracture. However, the tensile fracture perpendicular to the fusing direction consisted of a combination of plastic and brittle fracture.
Preparation and Characterization of Resveratrol Loaded Pectin/Alginate Blend Gastro-Resistant Microparticles
Authors: Gartziandia Oihane , Lasa Arrate , Pedraz Jose Luis , Miranda Jonatan , Portillo Maria Puy , Igartua Manoli , Hernández Rosa Maria
Published: July 2018

Background: The use of resveratrol as a dietary supplement is limited because it is easily oxidized and, after oral ingestion, it is metabolized into enterocytes and hepatocytes. Thus, new formulations are needed in order to improve its oral bioavailability. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a gastro-resistant formulation of resveratrol for oral administration as a dietary supplement. Method: Resveratrol was encapsulated in Eudragit-coated pectin-alginate microparticles. Results: The microparticle size was about 1450 µm, with an encapsulation efficiency of 41.72% ± 1.92%. The dissolution assay conducted, as specified in the European Pharmacopoeia for delayed-release dosage forms, revealed that our microparticles were gastro-resistant, because the resveratrol percentage released from microparticles in acid medium was less than 10%. In addition, the high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method developed for resveratrol content quantification in the microparticles was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q2 (R1) guidelines. Finally, the biological activity of resveratrol was investigated in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes, concluding that the encapsulation process does not affect the activity of resveratrol. Conclusion: In summary, the gastro-resistant microparticles developed could represent a suitable method of including resveratrol in dietary supplements and in functional foods used in obesity therapy.
Exploiting the Chalcone Scaffold to Develop Multifunctional Agents for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rampa Angela , Bartolini Manuela , Pruccoli Letizia , Naldi Marina , Iriepa Isabel , Moraleda Ignacio , Belluti Federica , Gobbi Silvia , Tarozzi Andrea , Bisi Alessandra
Published: July 2018

Alzheimer’s disease still represents an untreated multifaceted pathology, and drugs able to stop or reverse its progression are urgently needed. In this paper, a series of naturally inspired chalcone-based derivatives was designed as structural simplification of our previously reported benzofuran lead compound, aiming at targeting both acetyl (AChE)- and butyryl (BuChE) cholinesterases that, despite having been studied for years, still deserve considerable attention. In addition, the new compounds could also modulate different pathways involved in disease progression, due to the peculiar trans-α,β-unsaturated ketone in the chalcone framework. All molecules presented in this study were evaluated for cholinesterase inhibition on the human enzymes and for antioxidant and neuroprotective activities on a SH-SY5Y cell line. The results proved that almost all the new compounds were low micromolar inhibitors, showing different selectivity depending on the appended substituent; some of them were also effective antioxidant and neuroprotective agents. In particular, compound 4, endowed with dual AChE/BuChE inhibitory activity, was able to decrease ROS formation and increase GSH levels, resulting in enhanced antioxidant endogenous defense. Moreover, this compound also proved to counteract the neurotoxicity elicited by Aβ1–42 oligomers, showing a promising neuroprotective potential.
Reconfigurable THz Plasmonic Antenna Based on Few-Layer Graphene with High Radiation Efficiency
Authors: Hosseininejad Seyed Ehsan , Neshat Mohammad , Faraji-Dana Reza , Lemme Max , Haring Bolívar Peter , Cabellos-Aparicio Albert , Alarcón Eduard , Abadal Sergi
Published: July 2018

Graphene plasmonic antennas possess two significant features that render them appealing for short-range wireless communications, notably, inherent tunability and miniaturization due to the unique frequency dispersion of graphene and its support for surface plasmon waves in the terahertz band. In this letter, dipole-like antennas using few-layer graphene are proposed to achieve a better trade-off between miniaturization and radiation efficiency than current monolayer graphene antennas. The characteristics of few-layer graphene antennas are evaluated and then compared with those of antennas based on monolayer graphene and graphene stacks, which could also provide such improvements. To this end, first, the propagation properties of one-dimensional and two-dimensional plasmonic waveguides based on the aforementioned graphene structures are obtained by transfer matrix theory and finite-element simulation, respectively. Second, the antennas are investigated as three-dimensional structures using a full-wave solver. Results show that the highest radiation efficiency among the compared designs is achieved with the few-layer graphene, while the highest miniaturization is obtained with the even mode of the graphene stack antenna.
Distinguishable Plasmonic Nanoparticle and Gap Mode Properties in a Silver Nanoparticle on a Gold Film System Using Three-Dimensional FDTD Simulations
Authors: Devaraj Vasanthan , Lee Jong-Min , Oh Jin-Woo
Published: July 2018

We present a computational study of the near-field enhancement properties from a plasmonic nanomaterial based on a silver nanoparticle on a gold film. Our simulation studies show a clear distinguishability between nanoparticle mode and gap mode as a function of dielectric layer thickness. The observed nanoparticle mode is independent of dielectric layer thickness, and hence its related plasmonic properties can be investigated clearly by having a minimum of ~10-nm-thick dielectric layer on a metallic film. In case of the gap mode, the presence of minimal dielectric layer thickness is crucial (~≤4 nm), as deterioration starts rapidly thereafter. The proposed simple tunable gap-based particle on film design might open interesting studies in the field of plasmonics, extreme light confinement, sensing, and source enhancement of an emitter.
Dietary Flavonoids, Copper Intake, and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults
Authors: Qu Rongge , Jia Yubing , Liu Junyi , Jin Shanshan , Han Tianshu , Na Lixin
Published: July 2018

The effects of flavonoids and copper (Cu) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been investigated separately, but no information exists about the joint associations between flavonoids and Cu on the risk of MetS in population studies. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 9108 people aged 20–75 years from the Harbin Cohort Study on Diet, Nutrition, and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (HDNNCDS) were included. Flavonoid intakes were calculated based on the flavonoid database created in our laboratory. Cu and other nutrient intakes were estimated using the Chinese Food Composition Table. Among all study subjects, a total of 2635 subjects (28.9%) met the diagnostic criteria for inclusion in the MetS group. Total flavonoids (fourth vs. first quartile, odds ratio (OR): 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.90, Ptrend = 0.002) and Cu (OR 0.81, 90% CI: 0.70–0.94, Ptrend = 0.020) were inversely associated with the risk of MetS after adjusting for potential confounders. Higher flavonoid intake was more strongly associated with a lower risk of MetS with high levels of Cu intake (Pinteraction = 0.008). Dose–response effects showed an L-shaped curve between the total intake of five flavonoids and the risk of MetS. These results suggest that higher flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of MetS, especially under high levels of Cu intake.
Recyclable Choline Nicotinate and Ferulate Aqueous Solutions as Efficient Lignin Solvents
Authors: Xu Airong , Chen Lin , Xu Xingmin , Xiao Zhihong , Liu Rukuan , Gao Ruixue , Yuan Mengzhen , Zhang Luwei
Published: July 2018

Four novel choline carboxylate aqueous solution systems were developed by mixing H2O with choline nicotinate [Ch][Na], choline ferulate [Ch][Fa], choline vanillate [Ch][Va] and choline syringate [Ch][Sa]. The solubility of lignin in the four solvents was determined at 25 °C. The influence of the molar ratio of H2O to [Ch][Na] ([Ch][Fa], [Ch][Va] and [Ch][Sa]) and the anionic structure on lignin solubility were systematically investigated. It was found that, the anionic structure and H2O content significantly affected lignin dissolution. Interestingly, H2O/[Ch][Na] and H2O/[Ch][Fa] solvents show efficient capacity for lignin dissolution even at room temperatures. The dissolution of lignin in H2O/[Ch][Na] and H2O/[Ch][Fa] solvents is mainly ascribed to the interaction of lignin with the alkyl chain in the anion and cation dissociated from [Ch][Na]([Ch][Fa]) by H2O. In addition, the recycling of the lignin solvent was examined, and the structure and thermostability of the lignin regenerated from the solvent were also estimated.
Effects of Jet Path on Electrospun Polystyrene Fibers
Authors: Zheng Yuansheng , Meng Na , Xin Binjie
Published: July 2018

In this study we investigated the effects of jet path on the morphology and mat size of synthetic polystyrene (PS) fibers during the electrospinning process. In addition, the mechanism of the fiber mats, which were prepared by varying the solution concentration, was evaluated. The straight jet length, envelope cone and whipping frequency of each electrospun jet were studied using images captured by a high-speed photography camera. The results showed that higher solution concentrations led to longer straight jet lengths, smaller envelope cones and lower whipping frequencies. The diameter and surface morphology of the PS fibers were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that fibers spun with higher solution concentrations exhibited larger diameters and diameter distributions because of their jet path features. Furthermore, the electrospun jets with higher concentrations increased elongation and produced smaller fiber mats and higher breaking forces as a result of their different jet paths, which was a consequence of varying the solution concentration.
Comparison between Two Solid-Liquid Extraction Methods for the Recovery of Steviol Glycosides from Dried Stevia Leaves Applying a Numerical Approach
Authors: Gallo Monica , Formato Andrea , Formato Gaetano , Naviglio Daniele
Published: July 2018

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family. The leaves contain a mixture of steviol glycosides with extraordinary sweetening properties, among which the most important are stevioside and rebaudioside A. These components have a high sweetening power, which is about 300 times that of sucrose, and a negligible calorie content. However, their extraction and purification are not easy. In this paper, the extraction technique under cyclic pressure, known as rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE), was compared using a Naviglio extractor (NE) with conventional maceration. The aim was to identify an efficient and economically viable method for obtaining high amounts of steviol glycosides in a short time. Furthermore, a numerical model was set up for the solid-liquid extraction process of value-added compounds from natural sources. Several parameters must be evaluated in relation to the characteristics of the parts of the plant subjected to extraction. Therefore, since diffusion and osmosis are highly dependent on temperature, it is necessary to control the temperature of the extraction system. On the other hand, the final aim of this work was to provide a scientific and quantitative basis for RSLDE. Therefore, the results obtained from stevia extracts using the corresponding mathematical model allowed hypothesizing the application of this model to the extraction processes of other vegetable matrices.
Information Technology Governance on Audit Technology Performance among Malaysian Public Sector Auditors
Authors: Veerankutty Farida , Ramayah Thurasamy , Ali Noor Azman
Published: July 2018

The concept of Industry 4.0 has considerably altered the way organisations operate and has impacted every aspect of life. Furthermore, the fast-growing trend of information technology (IT) transformation in organisations and huge IT investment by Malaysian government have triggered the significance of IT risk and its related controls. Besides, technology-enabled auditing and IT-oriented audit procedures have become crucial when performing audit tasks in an electronic environment. Although many initiatives are being implemented to improve technology usage, audit technology use among auditors is still low and auditors are not attaining sufficient progress in the use of technology. This implies the current strategies and policies may not effectively support technology implementation. In the same vein, the under-utilisation of technologies was reported due to inadequate governance. Thus, this study intends to investigate the impact of IT governance on audit technology performance. IT governance is a mechanism to stimulate anticipated behavior in the use of technology among the employees of an organisation. Surveys using closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to approximately 309 Malaysia public sector auditors. The results show that IT governance mechanisms such as IT strategy and management support significantly influence the audit technology performance. IT governance does play a significant role in assuring the successful utilisation of audit technology.
Political Marketing Strategies to Foster the Sustainability of Private Transnational Organisations: The Case of the IASB
Authors: Masiello Barbara , Moscariello Nicola , Fera Pietro
Published: July 2018

By analysing the case of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), this paper aims at assessing the role that political marketing strategies might play to increase the sustainability of private transnational organisations. This paper proposes an integrated conceptual model that draws together political branding theory and political relationship marketing. The proposed model shows how political marketing strategies may help a global standard setter, as well as other private transnational organisations, in achieving higher legitimacy and sustainability in the long-term. By relying upon such a model, an explanatory case study of the IASB is then conducted, providing anecdotal evidence about the IASB’s current political marketing behaviour. By adopting an interdisciplinary interpretative lens, this paper contributes to literature in addressing a theme almost neglected—namely, the role of political marketing strategies in increasing legitimacy and sustainability of transnational organisations, such as global standard setters—notwithstanding the emerging effort made in this direction by private global organisations operating in complex environments, including the IASB. Implications for political marketing theory are also discussed. As to the practical implications, this paper suggests the political marketing strategies and tools that private transnational organisations should adopt to foster their sustainability in the long-term.
Substructure Hybrid Simulation Boundary Technique Based on Beam/Column Inflection Points
Authors: Chen Zaixian , Yan Xueyuan , Wang Hao , Zhu Xingji , Spencer Billie F.
Published: July 2018

Compatibility among substructures is an issue for hybrid simulation. Traditionally, the structure model is regarded as the idealized shear model. The equilibrium and compatibility of the axial and rotational direction at the substructure boundary are neglected. To improve the traditional boundary technique, this paper presents a novel substructure hybrid simulation boundary technique based on beam/column inflection points, which can effectively avoid the complex operation for realizing the bending moment at the boundary by using the features of the inflection point where the bending moment need not be simulated in the physical substructure. An axial displacement prediction technique and the equivalent force control method are used to realize the proposed method. The numerical simulation test scheme for the different boundary techniques was designed to consider three factors: (i) the different structural layers; (ii) the line stiffness ratio of the beam to column; and (iii) the peak acceleration. The simulation results for a variety of numerical tests show that the proposed technique shows better performance than the traditional technique, demonstrating its potential in improving HS test accuracy. Finally, the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed boundary technique is verified experimentally through the substructure hybrid simulation tests of a six-story steel frame model.
Relationships among Environmental Attitudes, Risk Perceptions, and Coping Behavior: A Case Study of Four Environmentally Sensitive Townships in Yunlin County, Taiwan
Authors: Lee Yung-Jaan
Published: July 2018

Climate change issues have attracted much attention in recent years. To date, the related research has focused mostly on the national and regional impacts of climate change. Taiwan, an island state, has relatively high vulnerability to the consequences of climate change, and its western coastal areas are particularly vulnerable. Yunlin County, with 13 townships that are all prone to flooding, will be highly affected by climate change. In this study, the 13 townships are grouped into four categories of synthesized vulnerability and ecological footprint (EF): “low synthesized vulnerability/low EF” (Linnei), “high synthesized vulnerability/low EF” (Sihu), “low synthesized vulnerability/high EF” (Mailiao), and “high synthesized vulnerability/high EF” (Huwei). Ecological footprint was used to measure the human demand for resources and ecological services, as well as a way to understand the relationships among human living habits, consumption patterns, and natural capital consumption. Then, the relationships among attitudes to climate change, risk perceptions, and coping behavioral intentions in these four categories were examined using structural equation models (SEM). A stratified random sampling method was used to collect 582 valid questionnaires. In addition to descriptive statistical analyses, the results of the SEMs for the four sensitivity categories indicate that different townships exhibit different causal relationships among attitudes to climate change, risk perceptions, and behavioral intentions. These findings can support appropriate strategies for governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for ensuring that areas of various sensitivities can cope. However, more vulnerable townships exhibit no significant positive relationship between attitudes to and knowledge of climate change, place attachment, and their adaptation behavioral intentions in the face of disaster risk perceptions. Therefore, in areas with high vulnerability, special attention should be paid to making the residents improve their adaptive behavioral intentions in the face of disaster risk perceptions.
The Sustainable Characteristic of Bio-Bi-Phase Flow of Peristaltic Transport of MHD Jeffrey Fluid in the Human Body
Authors: Zeeshan Ahmed , Ijaz Nouman , Abbas Tehseen , Ellahi Rahmat
Published: July 2018

This study deals with the peristaltic transport of non-Newtonian Jeffrey fluid with uniformly distributed identical rigid particles in a rectangular duct. The effects of a magnetohydrodynamics bio-bi-phase flow are taken into account. The governing equations for mass and momentum are simplified using the fact that wavelength is much greater than the amplitude and small Reynolds number. A closed-form solution for velocity is obtained by means of the eigenfunction expansion method whereby pressure rise is numerically calculated. The results are graphically presented to observe the effects of different physical parameters and the suitability of the method. The results for hydrodynamic, Newtonian fluid, and single-phase problems can be respectively obtained by taking the Hartmann number (M = 0), relaxation time (λ1=0), and volume fraction (C = 0) as special cases of this problem.
Measuring Social Vulnerability to Flood Disasters in China
Authors: Zhang Ming , Xiang Wenbo , Chen Meilan , Mao Zisen
Published: July 2018

To proactively prevent losses from flood disasters and subsequent potential human conflicts, it is critical to measure the social vulnerability of a country or a region to flood. In this article, we first propose a list of potential indicators for measuring this social vulnerability. These indicators’ significances are then tested based on their correlation coefficients with a vulnerability index obtained using nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis. In the final measurement system, there are nine indicators: the proportion of the primary industry, infrastructure development level, income gap between urban and rural residents, the proportion of population over 60 years old, the proportion of children under 14 years old, the number of people receiving minimum income assistance, and the number of disasters per year. We then conduct principal component analysis to evaluate the social vulnerability level. Our results show that the social vulnerability level is mostly impacted by the economic principal component and the demographic and social security principal component. Moreover, our results also confirm that the social vulnerability level to flood in China declined overall from 2003 to 2015.
Safety of an Oncolytic Myxoma Virus in Dogs with Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: MacNeill Amy L. , Weishaar Kristen M. , Séguin Bernard , Powers Barbara E.
Published: July 2018

Many oncolytic viruses that are efficacious in murine cancer models are ineffective in humans. The outcomes of oncolytic virus treatment in dogs with spontaneous tumors may better predict human cancer response and improve treatment options for dogs with cancer. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety of treatment with myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene (MYXVΔserp2) and determine its immunogenicity in dogs. To achieve these objectives, dogs with spontaneous soft tissue sarcomas were treated with MYXVΔserp2 intratumorally (n = 5) or post-operatively (n = 5). In dogs treated intratumorally, clinical scores were recorded and tumor biopsies and swabs (from the mouth and virus injection site) were analyzed for viral DNA at multiple time-points. In all dogs, blood, urine, and feces were frequently collected to evaluate organ function, virus distribution, and immune response. No detrimental effects of MYXVΔserp2 treatment were observed in any canine cancer patients. No clinically significant changes in complete blood profiles, serum chemistry analyses, or urinalyses were measured. Viral DNA was isolated from one tumor swab, but viral dissemination was not observed. Anti-MYXV antibodies were occasionally detected. These findings provide needed safety information to advance clinical trials using MYXVΔserp2 to treat patients with cancer.