bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Observation of High-Order Charge–Current Configurations in Plasmonic Meta-Atoms: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Gerislioglu Burak , Ahmadivand Arash
Published: April 2019

Living in a world of resonances, there have been significant progresses in the field of excitation of pronounced and multifunctional moments across a wide range of optical frequencies. Among all acknowledged resonances, the toroidal multipoles have received copious interest in recent years due to possessing inherent signatures in nature. As a fundamental member, toroidal dipole is a strongly localized electromagnetic excitation based on charge–current configurations, which can be squeezed into an extremely small spot. Although there have been extensive studies on the behavior and properties of toroidal dipoles in order to develop all-optical devices based on this technology, so far, all analyses are restricted to the first (1st) order toroidal dipoles. In this work, using a practical technique, we successfully observed exquisite multi-loop super-toroidal (MLST) spectral features in a planar multipixel metallodielectric meta-atom. Employing the theory behind the excitation of multi-loop currents, we numerically and theoretically demonstrated that a traditional toroidal dipole can be transformed into a super-toroidal moment by varying the dielectric permittivity of the capacitive gaps between proximal pixels. This understanding introduces a new approach for the excitation of complex multi-loop toroidal moments in plasmonic metamaterials with high sensitivity, applicable for various nanophotonics applications from sensing to filtering.
Effect of Solution Composition Variables on Electrospun Alginate Nanofibers: Response Surface Analysis
Authors: Mirtič Janja , Balažic Helena , Zupančič Špela , Kristl Julijana
Published: April 2019

Alginate is a promising biocompatible and biodegradable polymer for production of nanofibers for drug delivery and tissue engineering. However, alginate is difficult to electrospin due to its polyelectrolyte nature. The aim was to improve the ‘electrospinability’ of alginate with addition of exceptionally high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a co-polymer. The compositions of the polymer-blend solutions for electrospinning were varied for PEO molecular weight, total (alginate plus PEO) polymer concentration, and PEO proportion in the dry alginate–PEO polymer mix used. These were tested for rheology (viscosity, complex viscosity, storage and loss moduli) and conductivity, and the electrospun nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. One-parameter-at-a-time approach and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the polymer-blend solution composition to obtain defined nanofibers. Both approaches revealed that the major influence on nanofiber formation and diameter were total polymer concentration and PEO proportion. These polymer-blend solutions of appropriate conductivity and viscosity enabled fine-tuning of nanofiber diameter. PEO molecular weight of 2–4 million Da greatly improved the electrospinnability of alginate, producing nanofibers with >85% alginate. This study shows that RSM can be used to design nanofibers with optimal alginate and co-polymer contents to provide efficient scaffold material for regenerative medicine.
Dye-Doped Electrically Smart Windows Based on Polymer-Stabilized Liquid Crystal
Authors: Sun Haitao , Xie Zuoping , Ju Chun , Hu Xiaowen , Yuan Dong , Zhao Wei , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu
Published: April 2019

Here we report the fabrication of dye-doped polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLC)-based smart windows. The effect of dye doping on PSLC contrast was investigated. Non-dichroic dye tints the PSLC sample in both off- and on-state, which is not beneficial for increasing its off/on contrast. The sample doped with dichroic dye shows a slight color in the off-state and strong color in the on-state, resulting in an enhanced contrast, which attributed to orientation dependent absorption of dichroic dyes. Furthermore, we blended non-dichroic dye and dichroic dye who have complementary absorption together into PSLC mixture. The sample is almost colorless in the off-state due to the subtractive process, while colored in the on-state. The contrast is further enhanced. The results show that the proposed multi-dye-doped PSLC device has high visual contrast and fast response time, making it attractive for applications in light management and architectural aesthetics.
Improving Thermal Stability of Polyurethane through the Addition of Hyperbranched Polysiloxane
Authors: Liu Shang-Hao , Shen Ming-Yuan , Kuan Chen-Feng , Kuan Hsu-Chiang , Ke Cing-Yu , Chiang Chin-Lung
Published: April 2019

Polydimethylsiloxane with hydroxy groups was functionalized to form functionalized polydimethylsiloxane, which subsequently underwent an addition reaction with isophorone diisocyanate to form the prepolymer. Next, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) reacted with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS) to produce bridged polysilsesquioxanes, and sol-gel technology was employed to form hyperbranched polysiloxane nanoparticles with hydroxy groups, APTS-GPTS, which was used as the additive. The hyperbranched polysiloxane and the prepolymer containing NCO functional groups then underwent an addition reaction to produce the hybrid materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterize the structure of the polyurethane hybrid. Regarding thermal stability, after the hyperbranched polysiloxane nanoparticles was introduced, the integral procedural decomposition temperature increased from 348 °C for polyurethane matrix to 859 °C for the hybrid material. The results reveal that the thermal stability of the hybrid material substantially increased by approximately 247%.
Synthesis and Characterization of Syndiotactic Polystyrene-Polyethylene Block Copolymer
Authors: Lamparelli David Hermann , Speranza Vito , Camurati Isabella , Buonerba Antonio , Oliva Leone
Published: April 2019

The direct synthesis of syndiotactic polystyrene-block-polyethylene copolymer (sPS-b-PE) with a diblock structure has been achieved. The synthetic strategy consists of the sequential stereocontrolled polymerization of styrene and ethylene in the presence of a single catalytic system: cyclopentadienyltitanium(IV) trichloride activated by modified methylaluminoxane (CpTiCl3/MMAO). The reaction conditions suitable for affording the partially living polymerization of these monomers were identified, and the resulting copolymer, purified from contaminant homopolymers, was fully characterized. Gel permeation chromatography coupled with two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy COSY, HSQC, and DOSY confirmed the block nature of the obtained polymer, whose thermal behaviour and thin film morphology were also investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, powder wide angle x-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy.
Study on Surface Properties of Aramid Fiber Modified in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide by Glycidyl-POSS
Authors: Li Yang , Luo Zhu , Yang Le , Li Xiaolong , Xiang Kun
Published: April 2019

The outstanding diffusivity and permeability of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) are extremely beneficial for grafting reaction. In this work, aramid fibers (AF) are modified in scCO2 by glycidyl-polyhedral oliomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (2E4MZ) on the basis of cleaning with acetone. The surface morphology and chemical structure of the modified AF were measured and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric (TG), and Atomic force microscope (AFM). The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was measured by a micro-bond pull-out test, then the modified AF/EP composites were prepared and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was characterized. Research has shown that some of the glycidyl-POSS molecular chains permeated into the surface of the fiber and grafted onto the surface of the AF after modification, and the other glycidyl-POSS self-assembled on the surface of the fiber. XPS indicated the introduction of C–O and –COO–, which confirmed the existence of chemical reactions between AF and glycidyl-POSS. AFM and SEM images revealed that 2E4MZ, not only promoted the grafting reaction of glycidyl-POSS, but also intensified the self-assembly of glycidyl-POSS, both of which increased the roughness of the fiber. A monofilament tensile test and micro-bond pull-out test showed that there was a negative effect on the tensile strength after scCO2 processing. The tensile strength of modified AF, with glycidyl-POSS, increased the highest strength of 25.7 cN dtex−1, which was 8% higher than that of pristine AF. The improvement of ILS roughness and the polar chemical groups produced in grafting reaction. These results indicated that AF, treated in scCO2, with glycidyl-POSS, which is a suitable way of fiber modification, can significantly improve the surface adhesion of AF reinforced composites.
Amphiphilic Peptides for Efficient siRNA Delivery
Authors: Mozaffari Saghar , Bousoik Emira , Amirrad Farideh , Lamboy Robert , Coyle Melissa , Hall Ryley , Alasmari Abdulaziz , Mahdipoor Parvin , Parang Keykavous , Montazeri Aliabadi Hamidreza
Published: April 2019

A number of amphiphilic cyclic peptides—[FR]4, [WR]5, and [WK]5—containing hydrophobic and positively-charged amino acids were synthesized by Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide methods and evaluated for their efficiency in intracellular delivery of siRNA to triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, in the presence and absence of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). Among the peptides, [WR]5, which contains alternate tryptophan (W) and arginine (R) residues, was found to be the most efficient in the delivery of siRNA by improving the delivery by more than 3-fold when compared to other synthesized cyclic peptides that were not efficient. The data also showed that co-formulation of [WR]5 with lipid DOPE significantly enhanced the efficiency of siRNA delivery by up to ~2-fold compared to peptide alone. Based on the data indicating the efficiency of [WR]5 in siRNA delivery, peptides containing arginine residues on the ring and tryptophan residues on the side chain, [R6K]W6 and [R5K]W5, were also evaluated, and demonstrated improved delivery of siRNA. The presence of DOPE again enhanced the siRNA delivery in most cases. [WR]5, [R5K]W5, and [R6K]W6 did not show any significant toxicity in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and AU565 WT cells at N/P ratios of 20:1 or less, in the presence and absence of DOPE. Silencing of kinesin spindle protein (KSP) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 cells in the presence of the peptides. The addition of DOPE significantly enhanced the silencing efficiency for all selected peptides. In conclusion, peptides containing tryptophan and arginine residues were found to enhance siRNA delivery and to generate silencing of targeted proteins in the presence of DOPE.
Polyvinylnorbornene Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Dujardin Wouter , Van Goethem Cédric , Steele Julian A. , Roeffaers Maarten , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Koeckelberghs Guy
Published: April 2019

Polynorbornenes are already used in a wide range of applications. They are also considered materials for polymer gas separation membranes because of their favorable thermal and chemical resistance, rigid backbone and varied chemistry. In this study, the use of 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNB), a new monomer in the field of gas separations, is investigated by synthesizing two series of polymers via a vinyl-addition polymerization. The first series investigates the influence of the VNB content on gas separation in a series of homo and copolymers with norbornene. The second series explores the influence of the crosslinking of polyvinylnorbornene (pVNB) on gas separation. The results indicate that while crosslinking had little effect, the gas separation performance could be fine-tuned by controlling the VNB content. As such, this work demonstrates an interesting way to significantly extend the fine-tuning possibilities of polynorbornenes for gas separations.
Statistical Properties of Lasso-Shape Polymers and Their Implications for Complex Lasso Proteins Function
Authors: Dabrowski-Tumanski Pawel , Gren Bartosz , Sulkowska Joanna I.
Published: April 2019

The shape and properties of closed loops depend on various topological factors. One of them is loop-threading, which is present in complex lasso proteins. In this work, we analyze the probability of loop-threading by the tail and its influence on the shape of the loop measured by the radius of gyration, distention, asphericity, and prolateness. In particular, we show that the probability of a trivial lasso for phantom polymer is non-zero even for an infinite structure, as well as that the threading flattens the loop by restricting its motion in one dimension. These results are further used to show that there are fewer non-trivial protein lassos than expected and select potentially functional complex lasso proteins.
Luminescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks and Quantum Dots with Strong Optical Response to Quinoxaline-2-Carboxylicacid
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Dianwei , Liu Huilin
Published: April 2019

Three-dimensional molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) based on quantum dots-grafted covalent organic frameworks (QDs-grafted COFs) are reported in this study. The compound 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol-P-phenylenediamine was used as COF material to react with the amino-modified CdSe/ZnS QDs by Schiff-base reactions. The amino-derived QDs reacted with quinoxaline-2-carboxylicacid (QCA) via a non-covalent interaction. The system combines the advantages of MIPs, COFs, and QDs for highly sensitive and selective QCA detection. The MIPs based on QDs-grafted COFs showed good chemical selectivity and thermal stability, as well as consistency in QCA optosensing. Under optimal conditions, the detection limit for QCA in meat and feed samples was 0.85 μmol L−1, over a linear concentration range of 1–50 μmol L−1. The current findings suggest a potential application of MIPs based on QDs-grafted COFs for the detection of trace levels of hazardous chemicals for food safety and environmental control.
Safety Culture among Private and Professional Drivers in Norway and Greece: Examining the Influence of National Road Safety Culture
Authors: Nævestad Tor-Olav , Laiou Alexandra , Phillips Ross O. , Bjørnskau Torkel , Yannis George
Published: April 2019

While Norway had the lowest road mortality rate in Europe in 2017, Greece had one of the worst road safety records of all EU-27 countries. The present study investigates road safety culture (RSC) as an explanation for this discrepancy by: (1) Comparing the road safety behaviours among professional and private drivers in Norway and Greece, (2) Examining factors influencing road safety behaviours, focusing especially on national road safety culture, and (3) Examining the influence of road safety behaviours and other factors (e.g., demographic and work-related variables) on accident involvement. This is done by comparing survey answers of private car (N = 796) and professional drivers (heavy goods vehicles and buses) in Norway and Greece (N = 416). Results from qualitative interviews (N = 61) are also presented. We study safety behaviours hypothesized to vary according to nationality (e.g., aggressive violations), and behaviours hypothesized to vary according to the professional versus private driver dimension (e.g., seat belt use). A central objective is to examine whether the former safety behaviours are more similar among private and professional drivers within countries than among professional and private drivers across national samples, indicating common national road safety cultures among private and professional drivers in the respective countries. The results indicate that aggressive violations are more similar among private and professional drivers within the national samples, than across the national samples, while seat belt use seems to vary according to the professional versus private dimension. The results also indicate a relationship between aggressive violations and accident involvement, although other variables were more strongly correlated. Moreover, drivers’ safety behaviours were influenced by the behaviours that these groups ascribed to other drivers in their countries, indicating the existence of different national road safety cultures. The Greek RSC was characterized by more aggression and violations than the Norwegian RSC, which seemed to be characterized by a higher level of compliance and politeness. The different RSCs may perhaps shed light on the different accident records in the two countries.
Ground-based Measurements of Atmospheric Trace Gases in Beijing during the Olympic Games
Authors: Cheng Jie
Published: April 2019

A portable Fourier Transform Spectrometer (B3M-IR) is built and used to measure atmospheric trace gases in the city of Beijing during Olympic Games in 2008. A short description of the instrument is first provided in this paper. A detailed spectral analysis is then presented. The total columns of ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are retrieved from the ground-based solar absorption spectra recorded by the B3M-IR during the Olympic Games. Lacking validation data, only the retrieved total column of O3 is compared with that retrieved by MAX-DOAS, which is deployed at the same station. The mean difference between the two methods of measurement is 6.5%, demonstrating the performance and reliability of B3M-IR.
An Evaluation Index System of China’s Development Level of Ecological Civilization
Authors: Wang Xiaotian , Chen Xingpeng
Published: April 2019

Ecological civilization, a word with distinctively Chinese characteristics, will be the key strategy to address a series of problems in China’s economic transformation in the future. This study elaborated the concept and connotation of an ecological civilization from both narrow and broad perspectives, and established an evaluation index system with 26 specific indicators. These indicators were based on concepts to evaluate the development level of ecological civilization in mainland China and its 31 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), autonomous regions, and municipalities from 2004 to 2016. The results reveal that China has achieved a transition in the development level of ecological civilization from low to intermediate as a whole, however, even rapid economic growth at the expense of the ecological environment cannot enable China to get rid of the fact that its social and economic development is lagging behind developed countries and regions. China and its various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities should gradually reduce their own deficiencies in the process of ecological civilization construction, under the premise of maintaining their own advantages, so as to achieve sustainable development and accelerate the construction of an ecological civilization.
Double-Edged Effects of Socially Responsible Human Resource Management on Employee Task Performance and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Mediating by Role Ambiguity and Moderating by Prosocial Motivation
Authors: Shao Danping , Zhou Erhua , Gao Peiran , Long Lirong , Xiong Jie
Published: April 2019

Previous literature has explored the positive effects of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) on employees, leaving potential dark sides largely ignored. By integrating situational-strength theory and motivation literature, this study investigates the double-edged effects of SRHRM on employee performance. Based on a sample of 314 employee–supervisor dyads from three companies, we found that SRHRM could increase employees’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) while decreasing their task performance through role-ambiguity mediation. Interestingly, prosocial motivation serves as a significant moderator in strengthening the positive relationship between SRHRM and OCB and the negative association between SRHRM and task performance. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of how managers should conduct SRHRM practices among employees.
Accelerating Cities in an Unsustainable Landscape: Urban Expansion and Cropland Occupation in China, 1990–2030
Authors: Cui Yaoping , Liu Jiyuan , Xu Xinliang , Dong Jinwei , Li Nan , Fu Yiming , Lu Siqi , Xia Haoming , Si Bo , Xiao Xiangming
Published: April 2019

It is crucial to assess the effects of urban expansion on croplands to allow sustainable urbanization and cropland supply. However, owing to the complexity of land conversion and various land policies in China, it is difficult to quantify the cropland dynamics and implications of urban expansion throughout the whole accelerated stage of urbanization. This study was based on land use data from 1990 to 2015 and urban expansion data from 2000 to 2030, analyzing urban expansion and predicting its impact on croplands. We found that urban area would continue to increase and croplands would contribute more than 70% of the urban expansion area. The urban area in China will likely reach 71.6–87.0 thousand km2 or more by 2030. Although the overall area of croplands may remain at a similar magnitude in future decades, our findings imply that croplands will tend to shift northward, resulting in some potential challenges owing to resource limitations in northern regions. Our study provides a new perspective in terms of assessing future cropland dynamics and the effects of urban expansion and highlights the significance of ensuring a realistic land policy in the future.
Exploring the Effectiveness of an Energy Efficiency Behaviour Change Project on Well-Being Outcomes for Indigenous Households in Australia
Authors: Perényi Áron , Bedggood Rowan E. , Meyer Denny , Bedggood Phillip , Farquharson Karen , Johansson Clare , Milgate Gina
Published: April 2019

The Koorie Energy Efficiency Project (KEEP) was a Victoria-based, Australian social marketing initiative designed to provide support to Indigenous households so they could better manage their energy bills by reducing or controlling their energy use. The program was delivered by trained, Indigenous project employees who visited Indigenous households in metropolitan and regional parts of the state. During the home visit, they provided an energy efficiency audit, as well as specific energy efficiency tips and advocacy support. Minor draft-proofing products were also supplied to each household. As part of this project, dwelling and householder information was gathered during each home visit, as well as measures of energy efficiency knowledge, behaviours, and well-being of the main householder before and after a home visit. The results indicate that home visits to support the energy efficiency of indigenous households are effective in terms of encouraging new energy efficiency knowledge, behaviours, and broader elements of well-being. Furthermore, the home visit was found to be effective across all home types, but was significantly more effective in reducing energy related stress and discomfort in traditional houses and traditional apartments. These households were also often small and densely occupied. This suggests that when social marketing programs use methods that are culturally suitable and respectful, such as those used in KEEP, they become a powerful tool to help drive social change in Indigenous communities. The authors conclude that such programs in future will be hindered in their effectiveness unless property owners, such as those of social housing, do not urgently address the maintenance of their properties and ensure they provide fit living conditions for the tenants.
Territorial Resilience: Toward a Proactive Meaning for Spatial Planning
Authors: Brunetta Grazia , Ceravolo Rosario , Barbieri Carlo Alberto , Borghini Alberto , de Carlo Francesca , Mela Alfredo , Beltramo Silvia , Longhi Andrea , De Lucia Giulia , Ferraris Stefano , Pezzoli Alessandro , Quagliolo Carlotta , Salata Stefano , Voghera Angioletta
Published: April 2019

The international debate on resilience has grown around the ability of a community to prepare for and adapt to natural disasters, with a growing interest in holistically understanding complex systems. Although the concept of resilience has been investigated from different perspectives, the lack of understanding of its conceptual comprehensive aspects presents strong limitations for spatial planning and for the adoption of policies and programs for its measurement and achievement. In this paper, we refer to “territorial resilience” as an emerging concept capable of aiding the decision-making process of identifying vulnerabilities and improving the transformation of socio-ecological and technological systems (SETSs). Here, we explore the epistemology of resilience, reviewing the origins and the evolution of this term, providing evidence on how this conceptual umbrella is used by different disciplines to tackle problem-solving that arises from disaster management and command-control practices to augment the robustness. Assuming the SETSs paradigm, the seismic and structural engineering, social sciences and history, urban planning and climatology perspectives intersects providing different analytical levels of resilience, including vulnerability and patrimony from a community and cultural perspective. We conclude that territorial resilience surpasses the analytical barriers between different disciplines, providing a useful concept related to complex problem-solving phenomena for land use planning, opening a new research question: how can territorial resilience be measured, acknowledging different units and levels of analysis aiding decision-making in spatial plans and projects? In attempting to understand a resilient system, quantitative and qualitative measurements are crucial to supporting planning decisions.
Hi-sAFe: A 3D Agroforestry Model for Integrating Dynamic Tree–Crop Interactions
Authors: Dupraz Christian , Wolz Kevin , Lecomte Isabelle , Talbot Grégoire , Vincent Grégoire , Mulia Rachmat , Bussière François , Ozier-Lafontaine Harry , Andrianarisoa Sitraka , Jackson Nick , Lawson Gerry , Dones Nicolas , Sinoquet Hervé , Lusiana Betha , Harja Degi , Domenicano Susy , Reyes Francesco , Gosme Marie , Van Noordwijk Meine
Published: April 2019

Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees with crops and/or livestock, can lead to multiple economic and ecological benefits compared to trees and crops/livestock grown separately. Field experimentation has been the primary approach to understanding the tree–crop interactions inherent in agroforestry. However, the number of field experiments has been limited by slow tree maturation and difficulty in obtaining consistent funding. Models have the potential to overcome these hurdles and rapidly advance understanding of agroforestry systems. Hi-sAFe is a mechanistic, biophysical model designed to explore the interactions within agroforestry systems that mix trees with crops. The model couples the pre-existing STICS crop model to a new tree model that includes several plasticity mechanisms responsive to tree–tree and tree–crop competition for light, water, and nitrogen. Monoculture crop and tree systems can also be simulated, enabling calculation of the land equivalent ratio. The model’s 3D and spatially explicit form is key for accurately representing many competition and facilitation processes. Hi-sAFe is a novel tool for exploring agroforestry designs (e.g., tree spacing, crop type, tree row orientation), management strategies (e.g., thinning, branch pruning, root pruning, fertilization, irrigation), and responses to environmental variation (e.g., latitude, climate change, soil depth, soil structure and fertility, fluctuating water table). By improving our understanding of the complex interactions within agroforestry systems, Hi-sAFe can ultimately facilitate adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use practice.
To Be or Not to Be? Big Data Business Investment Decision-Making in the Supply Chain
Authors: Xu Lei , Gao Runpeng , Xie Yu , Du Peng
Published: April 2019

The development of Big Data technology initiates an emerging research question of whether and how to invest in Big Data business for supply chain members to establish sustainable competitive edge. The aim of our study was to assess investment in Big Data business and its sustainable effects on supply chain coordination. We considered a two-stage supply chain with one supplier and one retailer who may or may not invest in Big Data business. Five decision-making modes were proposed based on the investment portfolios. The impacts of Big Data business on the profit of the supply chain and its members were analyzed and it was confirmed that a coordination scheme could achieve supply chain coordination. The results indicated that when the Big Data cost met a certain threshold, the profit of the supply chain and its members would increase whether supply chain members choose to invest in Big Data business individually or jointly. A reasonable cost allocation of Big Data business between supply chain members was provided when both members invest in Big Data. In addition, after the members invested jointly, a revenue-sharing contract could be applied to perfectly coordinate the supply chain.
Defining Sustainability Core Competencies in Business and Management Studies Based on Multinational Stakeholders’ Perceptions
Authors: Eizaguirre Almudena , García-Feijoo María , Laka Jon Paul
Published: April 2019

One of the concerns in our time is the need to integrate economic, social and environmental aspects, which is known as sustainable development. The role of higher education is essential for providing future professionals with the necessary profiles to respond to the sustainability challenges in increasingly complex and global contexts. That is why numerous authors have sought to define key competencies, skills and learning outcomes for sustainability. However, there is still no agreement on what these key competencies for sustainability in higher education really are. For that reason, the objective of this paper is to determine which are the sustainability core competencies, considering three different geographical regions (Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia), and the perspective of four different stakeholders (graduates, employers, students and academics). The framework of the research is the development of the so-called Tuning projects, which aim to design comparable and compatible higher education degrees in different regions of the world, based on student-centered and competency-based learning. Using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the results of this study reveal the existence of a factor intimately related to sustainability, which includes competencies such as commitment to the preservation of the environment, social responsibility or respect for diversity and multiculturality, among others.
A Comparative Study of Cross-Border and Domestic Acquisition Performances in the South Korean M&A Market: Testing the Two Competing Theories of Culture
Authors: Lee Sung-Jun , Kim Soojin , Kim Joongwha
Published: April 2019

To gain a sustainable competitive advantage through cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As), acquiring firms need to correctly anticipate the consequences of national cultural differences. By comparing the cultural antecedents as well as the performances of domestic M&As (DMA) and cross-border M&As (CMA) in the Korean M&A market from 1999 to 2007, this study aims to gauge whether CMAs can be a viable option for a sustainable growth strategy. This paper tests two conflicting hypotheses (H) regarding the effects of cultural differences. From the perspective of the essentialist (“classic”) concept of culture, DMAs will outperform CMAs (H1) because culture clashes may take place less often in DMAs than in CMAs. However, from the perspective of the social constructivist concept of culture, the post-merger performance will be dependent upon the stability and legitimacy of the intergroup status relations between the acquiring and acquired firms regardless of whether it is DMA or CMA (H2). This study also scrutinizes the moderating effects of the level of integration on these two hypothesized relationships (H3 and H4). The results of this paper demonstrate that the social constructivist concept of culture overall provides a better theoretical explanation.
Evaluation of Vegetation Restoration along an Expressway in a Cold, Arid, and Desertified Area of China
Authors: Jia Chunfeng , Sun Bao-ping , Yu Xinxiao , Yang Xiaohui
Published: April 2019

Vegetation restoration plays a significant role in the restoration of expressways in the arid zone of China, but we still do not know which soil and vegetation types are most effective. We investigated soil particle size (SPZ), volume weight of the soil (VWS), soil water content (SWC), total porosity of soil (TP), soil organic matter (SOM), water erosion (WrE), and wind erosion (WdE) of eight sites (S1–S8) and evaluated them using the gray correlation method (GCM). Based on our results, the average SWC of the treatments ranged from 9.6% to 18.8%, following the order S4 > S5 > S8 > S6 > S3 > S7 > S1 > S2. The average SPZ of soils in S1, S2, S4, S5, S6, and S8 was larger, ranging from 0.23 to 0.68 mm, while that of soils in S3 and S7 was smaller, ranging from 0.01 to 0.09 mm. The TP in different treatment areas ranged from 50% to 60%, which is not conducive to soil and water conservation. The SOM levels varied widely among the different soils and were always below the threshold levels established by the second National Soil Census, rendering the soils not suitable for plant growth. The WrE (36–80 t/ha) was greater than the WdE (7–24 t/ha). In general, to achieve high soil and water conservation outcomes in this area, S1 and S7 offered the best protection benefits in terms of soil and water conservation.
Covering-Based Spherical Fuzzy Rough Set Model Hybrid with TOPSIS for Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Zeng Shouzhen , Hussain Azmat , Mahmood Tahir , Irfan Ali Muhammad , Ashraf Shahzaib , Munir Muhammad
Published: April 2019

In real life, human opinion cannot be limited to yes or no situations as shown in an ordinary fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets but it may be yes, abstain, no, and refusal as treated in Picture fuzzy sets or in Spherical fuzzy (SF) sets. In this article, we developed a comprehensive model to tackle decision-making problems, where strong points of view are in the favour; neutral; and against some projects, entities, or plans. Therefore, a new approach of covering-based spherical fuzzy rough set (CSFRS) models by means of spherical fuzzy β -neighborhoods (SF β -neighborhoods) is adopted to hybrid spherical fuzzy sets with notions of covering the rough set. Then, by using the principle of TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) to present the spherical fuzzy, the TOPSIS approach is presented through CSFRS models by means of SF β -neighborhoods. Via the SF-TOPSIS methodology, a multi-attribute decision-making problem is developed in an SF environment. This model has stronger capabilities than intuitionistic fuzzy sets and picture fuzzy sets to manage the vague and uncertainty. Finally, the proposed method is demonstrated through an example of how the proposed method helps us in decision-making problems.
The Development of a Fuzzy Logic System in a Stochastic Environment with Normal Distribution Variables for Cash Flow Deficit Detection in Corporate Loan Policy
Authors: Boloș Marcel-Ioan , Bradea Ioana-Alexandra , Delcea Camelia
Published: April 2019

This paper develops a Mamdani fuzzy logic system (FLS) that has stochastic fuzzy input variables designed to identify cash-flow deficits in bank lending policies. These deficits do not cover the available cash-flow (CFA) resulting from the company’s operating activity. Thus, due to these deficits, solutions must be identified to avoid companies’ financial difficulties. The novelty of this paper lies in its using stochastic fuzzy variables, or those categories of variables that are defined by fuzzy sets, characterized by normally distributed density functions specific to random variables, and characterized by fuzzy membership functions. The variation intervals of the stochastic fuzzy variables allow identification of the probabilistic risk situations to which the company is exposed during the crediting period using the Mamdani-type fuzzy logic system. The mechanism of implementing the fuzzy logic system is based on two stages. The first is based on the determination of the cash-flow requirements resulting from loan reimbursement and interest rates. This stage has the role of determining the need for financial resources to cover the liabilities. The second stage is based on the identification of the stochastic fuzzy variables which have a role in influencing the cash flow deficits and the probability values estimation of these variables taking into account probability calculations. Based on these probabilistic values, using the Mamdani fuzzy logic system, estimations are computed for the available cash-flow (the output variable). The estimated values for CFA are then used to detect probability risk situations in which the company will not have enough resources to cover its liabilities to financial creditors. All the FLS calculations refer to future time periods. Testing and simulating the fuzzy controller confirms its functionality.
Influenza Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase: Yin–Yang Proteins Coevolving to Thwart Immunity
Authors: Kosik Ivan , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: April 2019

Influenza A virions possess two surface glycoproteins—the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA)—which exert opposite functions. HA attaches virions to cells by binding to terminal sialic acid residues on glycoproteins/glycolipids to initiate the infectious cycle, while NA cleaves terminal sialic acids, releasing virions to complete the infectious cycle. Antibodies specific for HA or NA can protect experimental animals from IAV pathogenesis and drive antigenic variation in their target epitopes that impairs vaccine effectiveness in humans. Here, we review progress in understanding HA/NA co-evolution as each acquires epistatic mutations to restore viral fitness to mutants selected in the other protein by host innate or adaptive immune pressure. We also discuss recent exciting findings that antibodies to HA can function in vivo by blocking NA enzyme activity to prevent nascent virion release and enhance Fc receptor-based activation of innate immune cells.
Description of a Natural Infection with Decapod Iridescent Virus 1 in Farmed Giant Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Qiu Liang , Chen Xing , Zhao Ruo-Heng , Li Chen , Gao Wen , Zhang Qing-Li , Huang Jie
Published: April 2019

Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a valuable freshwater prawn in Asian aquaculture. In recent years, a new symptom that was generally called “white head” has caused high mortality in M. rosenbergii farms in China. Samples of M. rosenbergii, M. nipponense, Procambarus clarkii, M. superbum, Penaeus vannamei, and Cladocera from a farm suffering from white head in Jiangsu Province were collected and analyzed in this study. Pathogen detection showed that all samples were positive for Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1). Histopathological examination revealed dark eosinophilic inclusions and pyknosis in hematopoietic tissue, hepatopancreas, and gills of M. rosenbergii and M. nipponense. Blue signals of in situ digoxigenin-labeled loop-mediated isothermal amplification appeared in hematopoietic tissue, hemocytes, hepatopancreatic sinus, and antennal gland. Transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections showed a large number of DIV1 particles with a mean diameter about 157.9 nm. The virogenic stromata and budding virions were observed in hematopoietic cells. Quantitative detection with TaqMan probe based real-time PCR of different tissues in naturally infected M. rosenbergii showed that hematopoietic tissue contained the highest DIV1 load with a relative abundance of 25.4 ± 16.9%. Hepatopancreas and muscle contained the lowest DIV1 loads with relative abundances of 2.44 ± 1.24% and 2.44 ± 2.16%, respectively. The above results verified that DIV1 is the pathogen causing white head in M. rosenbergii. M. nipponense and Pr. clarkii are also species susceptible to DIV1.
Discovery and Characterization of Novel Bat Coronavirus Lineages from Kazakhstan
Authors: Mendenhall Ian H. , Kerimbayev Aslan A. , Strochkov Vitaliy M. , Sultankulova Kulyaisan T. , Kopeyev Syrym K. , Su Yvonne C.F. , Smith Gavin J.D. , Orynbayev Mukhit B.
Published: April 2019

Coronaviruses are positive-stranded RNA viruses that infect a variety of hosts, resulting in a range of symptoms from gastrointestinal illness to respiratory distress. Bats are reservoirs for a high diversity of coronaviruses, and focused surveillance detected several strains genetically similar to MERS-coronavirus, SARS-coronavirus, and the human coronaviruses 229E and NL63. The bat fauna of central Asia, which link China to eastern Europe, are relatively less studied than other regions of the world. Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country; however, little is understood about the prevalence and diversity of bat-borne viruses. In this study, bat guano was collected from bat caves in three different sites of southern Kazakhstan that tested positive for coronaviruses. Our phylogenetic reconstruction indicates these are novel bat coronaviruses that belong to the genus Alphacoronavirus. In addition, two distinct lineages of Kazakhstan bat coronaviruses were detected. Both lineages are closely related to bat coronaviruses from China, France, Spain, and South Africa, suggesting that co-circulation of coronaviruses is common in multiple bat species with overlapping geographical distributions. Our study highlights the need for collaborative efforts in understudied countries to increase integrated surveillance capabilities toward better monitoring and detection of infectious diseases.
The Control of Groundwater Flow Systems and Geochemical Processes on Groundwater Chemistry: A Case Study in Wushenzhao Basin, NW China
Authors: Lyu Min , Pang Zhonghe , Yin Lihe , Zhang Jun , Huang Tianming , Yang Shuo , Li Zhenbin , Wang Xiaoyong , Gulbostan Tursun
Published: April 2019

The lowest reaches of a large-scale basin could be the discharge areas of local, intermediate and regional groundwater flow systems with significantly distinct travel distances and travel times. This study aims to delineate the groundwater chemical characteristics and the mechanism controlling the chemical evolution in the lowest reaches of the Wushenzhao Cretaceous basin, NW China. A total of 38 groundwater samples were collected and were chemically classified into five distinct water types by means of a Piper Plot. According to the hydrogeological setting and groundwater age, the spatial distribution of these water types is found to be associated with hierarchically nested groundwater flow systems (local and regional system): Types 1, 2, 3 and 4 belong to the local groundwater flow system, while type 5 belongs to the regional flow system. Graphical plots, stable isotopes and geochemical modeling techniques were used to interpret the observed compositions. The results show the dominance of carbonate and gypsum dissolution in type 1 waters; ion exchange in types 2, 3 and 4; and evaporite dissolution in type 5. In addition, human activities in the form of extensive irrigation also affect the chemical compositions of type 1 water. These findings are important for the sustainable management of groundwater resources in the study area.
Performance of Conservation Techniques for Semiarid Environments: Field Observations with Caatinga, Mulch, and Cactus Forage Palma
Authors: Lopes Iug , Montenegro Abelardo A. A. , de Lima João L. M. P.
Published: April 2019

Understanding small-scale hydrologic processes and the impact of soil conservation techniques are crucial in reducing runoff and sediment losses in semi-arid regions. This study was conducted in the Alto Ipanema River Basin, in Pernambuco State (Brazil). Soil and water dynamics were intensely monitored in twelve experimental plots with different coverage conditions (plot with bare soil—Bare; plot with natural vegetation—Natur; plot with mulch—Mulch; plot with Cactus Palma—Palma). By far, bare soil conditions produced higher runoff and soil losses. Mulch cover was close to natural vegetation cover, but still presented higher runoff and sediment losses. Palma, which is a very popular spineless cactus for animal feed in the Brazilian semi-arid region, presented an intermediate hydrologic impact in controlling runoff, enhancing soil moisture, and also reducing soil losses. Experiments were conducted in one hydrologic year (2016/2017) at three different sites. They were intensely monitored and had the same number of plots. This enabled us to carry out a robust performance assessment of the two soil conservation practices adopted (Mulch and Palma), compared to natural vegetation cover and bare soil conditions. Such low-cost alternatives could be easily adopted by local farms in the region, and, hence, improve soil reclamation and regional resiliency in a water-scarce environment.
Understanding the Costs of Inaction–An Assessment of Pluvial Flood Damages in Two European Cities
Authors: Nicklin Harry , Leicher Anne Margot , Dieperink Carel , Van Leeuwen Kees
Published: April 2019

Today, over 50% of the global population lives near water. Due to population growth, ongoing economic development, and extreme weather events, urban areas are growing more susceptible to flood risks, and the costs of inaction of failing to manage flood risks are high. Research into the benefits of pluvial flood-risk management is needed to spread awareness and motivate investments in pluvial flood-risk reduction. So far, such research is lacking. This research therefore assesses pluvial flood damage from a single 60 mm/1-h rainfall event in the cities of Rotterdam and Leicester using 3Di flood modelling and the flood damage estimation tool (waterschadeschatter; WSS). The results demonstrate that potential pluvial flood damages exceed €10 million in each city. From this research, inhabitants and authorities of Leicester and Rotterdam can learn that preparing for upcoming pluvial floods can save millions of euros resulting from future damages. The application of these tools also makes clear that data availability is a highly relevant bottleneck to the pluvial flood damage assessment process. By addressing data shortages, flood damage estimates can be strengthened, which improves decision support and enhances the chance actions are taken in reducing pluvial flood risks.
Improving Water Use Efficiency of Spring Maize by Adopting Limited Supplemental Irrigation Following Sufficient Pre-Sowing Irrigation in Northwest China
Authors: Zhou Shiwei , Hu Xiaotao , Zhou Zhenjiang , Wang Wen’e , Ran Hui
Published: April 2019

In order to improve the water use efficiency (WUE) of spring maize in northwest China, the irrigation strategy of adopting limited supplemental irrigation following a high quota pre-sowing irrigation was evaluated under field conditions in 2016 and 2018. There were three treatments (W1, W2 and W3) differing in designed wetting depth (Dh) where soil water was replenished. Dh in W1, W2 and W3 were 0–40, 0–50 and 0–60 cm, respectively. The limited supplemental irrigation was adopted to improve soil water content (SWC) within Dh to field capacity (θFC) when SWC within 0–40 cm layer decreased to 60%θFC following a high rate of pre-sowing irrigation. Results showed that the smaller Dh was beneficial for improving root length density and enhance the utilization of water in subsoil. In both seasons, different Dh led to similar grain yields, which were comparable to the typical regional yield (14.3 t ha−1). The highest WUE (2.79 kg m−3) was achieved in W1 and was 13% more than the typical regional level of 2.46 kg m−3, implying it was adequate for achieving high yield and WUE to maintain SWC in 0–40 cm above 60% θFC with not replenishing soil water in 40–100 cm during the growth season after pre-sowing irrigation.