bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Cavitation Design of the Symmetric Leading-Edge Shape of Mixed-Flow Pump Impeller Blades
Authors: Zhu Di , Tao Ran , Xiao Ruofu
Published: January 2019

Mixed-flow pumps compromise large flow rate and high head in fluid transferring. Long-axis mixed-flow pumps with radial–axial “spacing” guide vanes are usually installed deeply under water and suffer strong cavitation due to strong environmental pressure drops. In this case, a strategy combining the Diffusion-Angle Integral Design method, the Genetic Algorithm, and the Computational Fluid Dynamics method was used for optimizing the mixed-flow pump impeller. The Diffusion-Angle Integral Design method was used to parameterize the leading-edge geometry. The Genetic Algorithm was used to search for the optimal sample. The Computational Fluid Dynamics method was used for predicting the cavitation performance and head–efficiency performance of all the samples. The optimization designs quickly converged and got an optimal sample. This had an increased value for the minimum pressure coefficient, especially under off-design conditions. The sudden pressure drop around the leading-edge was weakened. The cavitation performance within the 0.5–1.2 Qd flow rate range, especially within the 0.62–0.78 Qd and 1.08–1.20 Qd ranges, was improved. The head and hydraulic efficiency was numerically checked without obvious change. This provided a good reference for optimizing the cavitation or other performances of bladed pumps.
Effect of Compound Probiotics and Mycotoxin Degradation Enzymes on Alleviating Cytotoxicity of Swine Jejunal Epithelial Cells Induced by Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Chang Juan , Wang Ping , Liu Chaoqi , Yin Qingqiang , Song Andong , Gao Tianzeng , Dang Xiaowei , Lu Fushan
Published: January 2019

Zearalenone (ZEA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are two main kinds of mycotoxins widely existing in grain and animal feed that cause a lot of economic loss and health problems for animals and humans. In order to alleviate the cytotoxic effects of AFB1 and ZEA on swine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), the combination of a cell-free supernatant of compound probiotics (CFSCP) with mycotoxin degradation enzymes (MDEs) from Aspergillus oryzae was tested. The results demonstrated that coexistence of AFB1 and ZEA had synergetic toxic effects on cell viability. The cell viability was decreased with mycotoxin concentrations increasing, but increased with incubation time extension. The necrotic cell rates were increased when 40 µg/L AFB1 and/or 500 µg/L ZEA were added, but the addition of CFSCP + MDE suppressed the necrotic effects of AFB1 + ZEA. The viable cell rates were decreased when AFB1 and/or ZEA were added: However, the addition of CFSCP + MDE recovered them. The relative mRNA abundances of Bcl-2, occludin, and ZO-1 genes were significantly upregulated, while Bax, caspase-3, GLUT2, ASCT2, PepT1, and IL6 genes were significantly downregulated by CFSCP + MDE addition, compared to the groups containing 40 µg/L AFB1 and 500 µg/L ZEA. This research provided an effective strategy in alleviating mycotoxin cytotoxicity and keeping normal intestinal cell structure and animal health.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Induced by the Bufadienolides 1α,2α-Epoxyscillirosidine and Lanceotoxin B on Rat Myocardial and Mouse Neuroblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Henn Danielle , Venter Annette , Botha Christo
Published: January 2019

Consumption of bufadienolide-containing plants are responsible for many livestock mortalities annually. Bufadienolides are divided into two groups; non-cumulative bufadienolides and cumulative bufadienolides. Cumulative bufadienolides are referred to as neurotoxic, as the chronic intoxication with this type of bufadienolide results in a paretic/paralytic syndrome known as ‘krimpsiekte’. The in vitro cytotoxicity of a non-cumulative bufadienolide, 1α,2α-epoxyscillirosidine, and a cumulative bufadienolide, lanceotoxin B, were compared using the MTT ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction) assay after exposing rat myocardial (H9c2) and mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cell lines. The effect of these two bufadienolides on cell ultrastructure was also investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). H9c2 cells exhibited greater cytotoxicity when exposed to 1α,2α-epoxyscillirosidine, compared to lanceotoxin B. In contrast, Neuro-2a cells were more susceptible to lanceotoxin B. The EC50 (half maximal effective concentration) of lanceotoxin B exposure of Neuro-2a cells for 24–72 h ranged from 4.4–5.5 µM compared to EC50s of 35.7–37.6 µM for 1α,2α-epoxyscillirosidine exposure of Neuro-2a cells over the same period. 1α,2α-Epoxyscillirosidine induced extensive vacuolization in both cell types, with swollen RER (rough endoplasmic reticulum) and perinuclear spaces. Lanceotoxin B caused swelling of the mitochondria and sequestration of cytoplasmic material within autophagic vesicles. These results corroborate the notion that cumulative bufadienolides are neurotoxic.
Toxic Indole Diterpenes from Endophyte-Infected Perennial Ryegrass Lolium perenne L.: Isolation and Stability
Authors: Reddy Priyanka , Deseo Myrna A. , Ezernieks Vilnis , Guthridge Kathryn , Spangenberg German , Rochfort Simone
Published: January 2019

The most potent of the indole diterpenes, lolitrem B, is found in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) infected with the endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii (also termed LpTG-1). Ingestion causes a neurological syndrome in grazing livestock called ryegrass staggers disease. To enable the rapid development of new forage varieties, the toxicity of lolitrem B and its biosynthetic intermediates needs to be established. However, most of these indole diterpenes are not commercially available; thus, isolation of these compounds is paramount. A concentrated endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass seed extract was subjected to silica flash chromatography followed by preparative HPLC and purification by crystallization resulting in lolitrem B and the intermediate compounds lolitrem E, paspaline and terpendole B. The four-step isolation and purification method resulted in a 25% yield of lolitrem B. After isolation, lolitrem B readily degraded to its biosynthetic intermediate, lolitriol. We also found that lolitrem B can readily degrade depending on the solvent and storage conditions. The facile method which takes into consideration the associated instability of lolitrem B, led to the purification of indole diterpenes in quantities sufficient for use as analytical standards for identification in pastures, and/or for toxicity testing in pasture development programs.
Four Loop Scalar ϕ4 Theory Using the Functional Renormalization Group
Authors: Carrington Margaret , Phillips Christopher
Published: January 2019

We work with a symmetric scalar theory with quartic coupling in 4-dimensions. Using a 2PI effective theory and working at 4 loop order, we renormalize with a renormalization group method. All divergences are absorbed by one bare coupling constant and one bare mass which are introduced at the level of the Lagrangian. The method is much simpler than counterterm renormalization, and can be generalized to higher order nPI effective theories.
Medium-sized Cities in Spain and Their Urban Areas within National Network
Authors: Escudero Gómez Luis Alfonso , García González Juan Antonio , Martínez Navarro José María
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, medium-sized cities have been compact urban centres, which have also emerged as satellite nuclei within metropolitan areas of larger cities. However, urban dispersion models have led to growth in population and the increasing urbanisation of large cities’ peripheral areas. This article will analyse medium-sized cities in Spain, as well as their urban areas within the national urban network. Medium-sized cities will be defined herein, and their urban areas of influence will also be established. The increase and growth in area and population of the so-called medium-sized cities draws a new map of urban relationships. Empirical analysis will resort to a nuclear, demographic source, the population of urban areas. Source data will be analysed both statistically and cartographically. Finally, a spatial analysis of Spain’s urban network will be presented as the main method used to obtain results, with a characterisation of Spain’s urban system and the role of cities in such system being displayed. There is a trend which aims at re-balancing the permanent configuration of the country’s urban network. The article concludes with a typology of medium-sized cities regarding their relative position in the territory. This research contributes to the current scientific debate on the dynamics of urbanisation in the environment of medium-sized cities.
Pathogen Risk Analysis for Wild Amphibian Populations Following the First Report of a Ranavirus Outbreak in Farmed American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) from Northern Mexico
Authors: Saucedo Bernardo , Serrano José M. , Jacinto-Maldonado Mónica , Leuven Rob S. E. W. , Rocha García Abraham A. , Méndez Bernal Adriana , Gröne Andrea , Van Beurden Steven J. , Escobedo-Bonilla César M.
Published: January 2019

Ranaviruses are the second deadliest pathogens for amphibian populations throughout the world. Despite their wide distribution in America, these viruses have never been reported in Mexico, the country with the fifth highest amphibian diversity in the world. This paper is the first to address an outbreak of ranavirus in captive American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) from Sinaloa, Mexico. The farm experienced high mortality in an undetermined number of juveniles and sub-adult bullfrogs. Affected animals displayed clinical signs and gross lesions such as lethargy, edema, skin ulcers, and hemorrhages consistent with ranavirus infection. The main microscopic lesions included mild renal tubular necrosis and moderate congestion in several organs. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed scant infected hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells. Phylogenetic analysis of five partial ranavirus genes showed that the causative agent clustered within the Frog virus 3 clade. Risk assessment with the Pandora+ protocol demonstrated a high risk for the pathogen to affect amphibians from neighboring regions (overall Pandora risk score: 0.619). Given the risk of American bullfrogs escaping and spreading the disease to wild amphibians, efforts should focus on implementing effective containment strategies and surveillance programs for ranavirus at facilities undertaking intensive farming of amphibians.
Should Pneumococcal Serotype 3 Be Included in Serotype-Specific Immunoassays?
Authors: Linley Ezra , Bell Abigail , Gritzfeld Jenna F. , Borrow Ray
Published: January 2019

Since the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, a number of studies have demonstrated the limited efficacy of the pneumococcal serotype 3 component of this vaccine. Evidence from seven countries (Denmark, France, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, UK, US) shows limited or no effectiveness of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against serotype 3 invasive pneumococcal disease and carriage. The serotype 3 capsule has some unique characteristics that may serve to explain this lack of efficacy—capsular polysaccharide is abundantly expressed, leading to a greater thickness of capsule, and free capsular polysaccharide may be released during growth. The serotype 3 component of the Luminex multiplex assay demonstrates inferior inter-laboratory reproducibility than other components and results may not be reliable. This communication outlines this evidence and discusses whether it is necessary to include serotype 3 in the assay in the future.
A Regional Application of Bayesian Modeling for Coastal Erosion and Sand Nourishment Management
Authors: Giardino Alessio , Diamantidou Eleni , Pearson Stuart , Santinelli Giorgio , Den Heijer Kees
Published: January 2019

This paper presents an application of the Bayesian belief network for coastal erosion management at the regional scale. A “Bayesian ERosion Management Network” (BERM-N) is developed and trained based on yearly cross-shore profile data available along the Holland coast. Profiles collected for over 50 years and at 604 locations were combined with information on different sand nourishment types (i.e., beach, dune, and shoreface) and volumes implemented during the analyzed time period. The network was used to assess the effectiveness of nourishments in mitigating coastal erosion. The effectiveness of nourishments was verified using two coastal state indicators, namely the momentary coastline position and the dune foot position. The network shows how the current nourishment policy is effective in mitigating the past erosive trends. While the effect of beach nourishment was immediately visible after implementation, the effect of shoreface nourishment reached its maximum only 5–10 years after implementation of the nourishments. The network can also be used as a predictive tool to estimate the required nourishment volume in order to achieve a predefined coastal erosion management objective. The network is interactive and flexible and can be trained with any data type derived from measurements as well as numerical models.
Inactivation and Loss of Infectivity of Enterovirus 70 by Solar Irradiation
Authors: Jumat Muhammad Raihan , Hong Pei-Ying
Published: January 2019

Enterovirus 70 (EV70) is an emerging viral pathogen that remains viable in final treated effluent. Solar irradiation is, therefore, explored as a low-cost natural disinfection strategy to mitigate potential concerns. EV70 was exposed to simulated sunlight for 24 h at a fluence rate of 28.67 J/cm2/h in three different water matrices, namely, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), treated wastewater effluent, and chlorinated effluent. In the presence of sunlight, EV70 decreased in infectivity by 1.7 log, 1.0 log, and 1.3 log in PBS, effluent, and chlorinated effluent, respectively. Irradiated EV70 was further introduced to host cell lines and was unable to infect the cell lines. In contrast, EV70 in dark microcosms replicated to titers 13.5, 3.3, and 4.2 times the initial inoculum. The reduction in EV70 infectivity was accompanied by a reduction in viral binding capacity to Vero cells. In addition, genome sequencing analysis revealed five nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions in irradiated viruses after 10 days of infection in Vero cells, resulting in amino acid substitutions: Lys14Glu in the VP4 protein, Ala201Val in VP2, Gly71Ser in VP3, Glu50Gln in VP1, and Ile47Leu in 3Cpro. Overall, solar irradiation resulted in EV70 inactivation and an inhibition of viral activity in all parameters studied.
Water Quality and Microbial Community Changes in an Urban River after Micro-Nano Bubble Technology in Situ Treatment
Authors: Wu Yifei , Lin Hui , Yin Weizhao , Shao Sicheng , Lv Sihao , Hu Yongyou
Published: January 2019

Currently, black-odor river has received great attention in China. In this study, the micro-nano bubble technology (MBT) was used to mitigate the water pollution rapidly and continuously by increasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in water. During treatment, the concentration of DO increased from 0.60 mg/L to over 5.00 mg/L, and the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) also changed from a negative value to over 100.00 mV after only five days aeration. High throughput pyrosequencing technology was employed to identify the microbial community structure. At genus level, the dominant bacteria were anaerobic and nutrient-loving microbes (e.g., Arcobacter sp., Azonexus sp., and Citrobacter sp.) before, and the relative abundances of aerobic and functional microbes (e.g., Perlucidibaca sp., Pseudarcicella sp., Rhodoluna sp., and Sediminibacterium sp.) were increased after treatment. Meanwhile, the water quality was significantly improved with about 50% removal ratios of chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N). Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) results showed that microbial community structure shaped by COD, DO, NH4+-N, and TP, CCA1 and CCA2 explained 41.94% and 24.56% of total variances, respectively. Overall, the MBT could improve the water quality of urban black-odor river by raising the DO and activate the aerobic microbes.
Rapid and Effective Isolation of Dissolved Organic Matter Using Solid-Phase Extraction Cartridges Packed with Amberlite XAD 8/4 Resins
Authors: Rho Hojung , Chon Kangmin , Park Jongkwan , Cho Jaeweon
Published: January 2019

Using the conventional XAD 8/4 method with general columns to isolate dissolved organic matter (DOM) is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study presents a rapid and effective method using solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges packed with XAD 8/4 resins for isolating various DOMs. The relative fraction (percentage hydrophobic, transphilic, and hydrophilic) of the various DOMs processed by both methods showed similar values. Moreover, changes in the molecular weight distribution of effluent from XAD 8/4 resins processed by both methods showed the same ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence absorbance pattern s. The biopolymer compositions of eluates from XAD 8/4 resins also showed no significant difference between the two methods. However, higher carbon recovery of the isolation method using SPE cartridges was found (with columns: 88.9%; with SPE: 95.9%). In addition, the proposed method using SPE cartridges packed with XAD 8/4 resins is much faster than that using general columns (with columns: 1468 min; with SPE: 485 min). The proposed isolation method is highly efficient and accurate; it is an excellent candidate method for isolating various DOMs.
Meteorological Drought Monitoring in Northeastern China Using Multiple Indices
Authors: Li Fengping , Li Hongyan , Lu Wenxi , Zhang Guangxin , Kim Joo-Cheol
Published: January 2019

Drought monitoring is one of the significant issues of water resources assessment. Multiple drought indices (DIs), including Percent of Normal (PN), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), statistical Z-Score, and Effective Drought Index (EDI) at 18 different timesteps were employed to evaluate the drought condition in Wuyuer River Basin (WRB), Northeast China. Daily precipitation data of 50 years (1960–2010) from three meteorological stations were used in this study. We found DIs with intermediate time steps (7 to 18 months) to have the highest predictive values for identifying droughts. And DIs exhibited a better similarity in the 12-month timestep. Among all the DIs, EDI exhibited the best correlation with other DIs for various timesteps. When further comparing with historical droughts, Z-Score, SPI, and EDI were found more sensitive to multi-monthly cumulative precipitation changes (r2 > 0.55) with respect to monthly precipitation changes (r2 ≤ 0.10), while EDI was more preferable when only monthly precipitation data were available. These results indicated that various indices for different timesteps should be investigated in drought monitoring in WRB, especially the intermediate timesteps should be considered.
A Shear Reynolds Number-Based Classification Method of the Nonuniform Bed Load Transport
Authors: Török Gergely T. , Józsa János , Baranya Sándor
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to introduce a novel method which can separate sand- or gravel-dominated bed load transport in rivers with mixed-size bed material. When dealing with large rivers with complex hydrodynamics and morphodynamics, the bed load transport modes can indicate strong variation even locally, which requires a suitable approach to estimate the locally unique behavior of the sediment transport. However, the literature offers only few studies regarding this issue, and they are concerned with uniform bed load. In order to partly fill this gap, we suggest here a decision criteria which utilizes the shear Reynolds number. The method was verified with data from field and laboratory measurements, both performed at nonuniform bed material compositions. The comparative assessment of the results show that the shear Reynolds number-based method operates more reliably than the Shields–Parker diagram and it is expected to predict the sand or gravel transport domination with a <5% uncertainty. The results contribute to the improvement of numerical sediment transport modeling as well as to the field implementation of bed load transport measurements.
Mobilities in the Asia Pacific Region: Constellations and Diversity
Authors: Bui Huong T. , Wilkins Hugh C. , Saito Hiroaki
Published: January 2019

Adapting mobilities theory in the context of the Asia Pacific region, this study provides empirical evidence that demonstrates the travel–migration relationship is mediated by intercultural adaptation and moderated by the degree of travel freedom. Mobility, however is not equal
among the various nationalities in the region. The likelihood of travel–migration conversion is stronger among advanced East Asian economies such as Japan and South Korea, where citizen are entitled to higher degree of freedom to travel. Citizens from Southeast Asia and China, however,
are subject to certain level of travel restriction and overseas travel experience is less likely to predict their propensity for migration. Researchers triangulated and integrated findings across different methods to develop and validate measurement scales before testing hypotheses particularized
for the context of the current study.
The Impact of National Institutional Quality on International Tourism Inflows: a Cross-country Evidence
Authors: Kim Young-Rae , Saha Shrabani , Vertinsky Ilan , Park Chansoo
Published: January 2019

This article explores the effects of the overall quality of national governance institutions of a country, along with the quality of some of its key characteristics, on international tourism inflows and the revenues a country derives from them. This article argues that increases in
institutional quality reduce transaction costs and risks faced by both suppliers of international tourist services and tourists. We hypothesize that countries with "higher quality" of governance institutions are likely to attract more international tourists and derive more revenues from them.
Our hypothesis is tested using panel data drawn from 108 countries between 1996 and 2011. The results strongly support the hypothesis. This study found that regulatory quality and the rule of law are the governance characteristics that have the most impact on international tourism flows. Improvement
of institutional quality has more impact on tourism in high income countries than in emerging economies. The results are robust to different estimation methods, different measures of international tourism and institutional quality.
Chinese Travelers' Group Decision-making
Authors: Song Hanqun , Wang Ying , Sparks Beverley A.
Published: January 2019

This study investigates Chinese travelers' group decision-making. Small groups were recruited to participate in a simulated travel decision-making task where each group selected either an international destination or a domestic destination for the group vacation. This study examines
travelers' group decision-making from the content (i.e., topics) and the process (i.e., verbal and nonverbal interaction process) perspectives. Analysis of the content of group discussions reveals 12 key topics. Participants' verbal behaviors are analyzed following Bales' Interaction Process
Analysis, and nonverbal behaviors are examined based on seven nonverbal displays. This study provides insights into understanding group travel decision-making among Chinese travelers.
GLOBAL STRONG SOLUTIONS OF THE DENSITY-DEPENDENT INCOMPRESSIBLE MHD SYSTEM WITH ZERO RESISTIVITY IN A BOUNDED DOMAIN
Authors: Fan Jishan , Samet Bessem , Zhou Yong
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we first establish a regularity criterion for the strong solutions to the density-dependent incompressible MHD system with zero resistivity in a bounded domain. Then we use it and the bootstrap argument to prove the global well-posedness provided that the initial data u0 and b0 satisfy that (d-2)||∇u0 || L2+||b0||w1,p are sufficiently small with . We do not assume the positivity of initial density, it may vanish in an open subset (vacuum) of Ω.
Frailty as a Predictor of Falls in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Women
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , Gustafson Deborah R , Plankey Michael W , Tien Phyllis C , Weber Kathleen M , Yin Michael T
Published: January 2019

Background

Frailty and falls occur commonly and prematurely in HIV-infected populations. Whether frailty in middle-age predicts future falls among HIV-infected women is unknown.

Methods

We evaluated associations of frailty with single and recurrent falls 10 years later among 729 HIV-infected and 326 uninfected women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) with frailty measured in 2005 and self-reported falls in 2014–2016. Frailty was defined as ≥3 of 5 Fried Frailty Index components: slow gait, reduced grip strength, exhaustion, unintentional weight loss and low physical activity. Stepwise logistic regression models determined odds of single (versus 0) or recurrent falls (≥2 versus 0) during the 2-year period; separate models evaluated frailty components.

Results

HIV-infected women were older (median 42 versus 39 years; P<0.0001) and more often frail (14% versus 9%; P=0.04) than uninfected women. Over 2 years, 40% of HIV-infected versus 39% of uninfected women reported a fall (single fall in 15% HIV+ versus 18% HIV-women; recurrent falls in 25% HIV+ versus 20% HIV-women [overall P=0.20]). In multivariate models, frailty independently predicted recurrent falls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.84, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.97; P=0.01), but not a single fall. Among frailty components, unintentional weight loss independently predicted single fall (aOR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.17; P=0.005); unintentional weight loss (aOR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.32, 3.86; P=0.003) and exhaustion (aOR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.50; P=0.02) independently predicted recurrent falls.

Conclusions

Early frailty measurement among middle-aged women with or at-risk for HIV may be a useful tool to assess future fall risk.
Richness and taxonomic distinctness of cave invertebrates from the northeastern state of Goiás, central Brazil: a vulnerable and singular area
Authors: Bichuette Maria Elina , Simões Luiza Bertelli , Zepon Tamires , von Schimonsky Diego Monteiro , Gallão Jonas Eduardo
Published: January 2019

The karst area of the northeastern state of Goiás comprises two main municipalities: São Domingos and Posse. São Domingos is inside the limits of a Full Protection Conservation Unit known as Parque Estadual de Terra Ronca (PETeR), where a high number of caves occurs, some of them surpassing 10 km in length. Despite their protection by law, uncontrolled tourism has been threatening the integrity of the unique and fragile cave systems of São Domingos. On the other hand, the caves of Posse are much less visited, with its subterranean fauna poorly unknown and are strongly threatened by the urban areas and mining activities in the vicinity. We conducted six systematic surveys of invertebrates in 12 caves, seven of which are located in São Domingos and five in Posse, between 2010 and 2012. Immediately outside the caves, we sampled several microhabitats for comparison. We estimated richness, abundance, and taxonomic distinctness of the communities. We recorded 1,941 individuals of 344 morphospecies. Caves from São Domingos showed a higher species richness and were more taxonomic distinct than caves from Posse. Most morphospecies were considered troglophiles (188). We also found one trogloxene and one troglobite, as well as nine troglomorphic taxa that possibly are troglobitic as well. Both regions have markedly singular caves regarding its subterranean fauna, with high values of taxonomic distinctness. However, the richer caves were not necessarily the most taxonomic distinct. Conservation measures are especially necessary in the region of Posse, where caves are not legally protected and are within an area of significant urbanization. Cave entrances of Posse are near deforested vicinities, in some cases with domestic wastes and cement plants nearby.
Discovery of a new species of the genus Stygepactophanes from a groundwater-fed spring in southern France (Crustacea, Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae)
Authors: Galassi Diana M.P. , Fiers Frank , Dole-Olivier Marie-Josè , Fiasca Barbara
Published: January 2019

A new species of the genusStygepactophanesMoeschler & Rouch, 1984 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae) is established to accommodate a small canthocamptid population collected from a spring system in the “Parc du Mercantour”, Var catchment, southern France. The population analysed in the present study is defined by a set of morphological characters of the female, namely a very large maxilliped, a rudimentary mandibular palp, P1 with 3-segmented exopod and 2-segmented endopod, a falcate terminal claw of the P1 endopod, dorsal seta of caudal rami inserted on the inner margin, and anal operculum not overreaching the insertion of the caudal rami, thus supporting its assignment into the genusStygepactophanes. The new speciesStygepactophanesoccitanusshows marked differences with the nominotypical species of the genus that was originally described by monotypy with the speciesStygepactophanesjurassicusMoeschler & Rouch, 1984. The main diagnostic traits ofS.jurassicusare the absence of the P5 and a falcate outer terminal claw of P1 endopod.Stygepactophanesjurassicusalso shows a reduced armature of the antennal exopod, bearing one seta, 1-segmented P2–P4 endopods, a reduced armature of P2–P4 exopodal segments 3 (3,4,4 armature elements, respectively), P6 bearing only one long seta, a rounded short and smooth anal operculum. Conversely the female ofS.occitanusGalassi & Fiers,sp. n.has a well-developed P5, with rudimentary intercoxal sclerite, together with a falcate outer terminal claw of P1 endopod, antennal exopod bearing two elements, P4 endopod 1-segmented versus 2-segmented in P2–P3, P2–P4 exopodal segment 3 with five armature elements, P6 with three setae of different lengths, rounded anal operculum, bearing 3–4 strong spinules.

According to our present knowledge,S.occitanusGalassi & Fiers,sp. n.is assigned to the genusStygepactophanesas the most conservative solution, waiting for the male to be discovered. The genusStygepactophanesrepresents a distinct lineage within the harpacticoid family Canthocamptidae that colonised southern European groundwater, the genus being known only from the saturated karst in Switzerland and a fissured saturated aquifer in southern France. Both species of the genus are stygobites and narrow endemics, the nominotypical species being known from the type locality Source de la Doux in Délemont (Switzerland), andS.occitanusGalassi & Fiers,sp. n.described herein from a spring system of the Var catchment (France).
Leadership: A Key Strategy in Staff Nurse Retention
Authors: Kleinman Carol S
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Nursing administrators are challenged to recruit and retain staff nurses in the midst of increasing job vacancies and staff nurse turnover rates averaging 21 %. The prevailing issues related to staff nurse recruitment and retention in the current healthcare environment are briefly reviewed as introductory content. The article outlines the case from nursing administration literature that effective leadership styles of nurse managers and nurse administrators enhance staff nurse retention. As nurse administrators continue to struggle with staff nurse recruitment and retention, evidenced-based strategies are discussed that address leader preparation and organizational leadership structure including advanced education, leadership training, and shared leadership models.
The Effects of Computer-Based Training on Immediate and Residual Learning of Nursing Facility Staff
Authors: Harrington Susan S , Walker Bonnie L
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Nursing facility administrators must find new and innovative ways to meet the training needs of their staff. In this article, researchers discuss the effectiveness of computer-based training compared with the traditional instructor-led format. The computer-based and instructor-led versions of a fire safety training program were presented to staff of nine nursing facilities. Participants (N = 1,294) were randomly assigned to the computer-based or instructor-led groups. Both groups significantly increased their scores from pretest to posttest. The computer-based group significantly outperformed the instructor-led group on the knowledge subtest at posttest. Participants reported that they enjoyed the computer-based training and had no difficulty using the computers. The researchers concluded that computer-based training can be an effective and efficient alternative training technique.
Improving Global Health With Smartphone Technology
Authors: Nimkar Swateja , Gilles Erin Elysia
Published: January 2019

The widespread use of smartphones makes them a popular platform for healthcare applications. This article reveals the global trends and overarching goals of mHealth initiatives that seek to enhance healthcare quality, increase access to health services, and improve global health communication. Three main themes emerged from this study: a) the impact of mHealth on international public health, b) overcoming mhealth barriers, and c) emerging mHealth technologies. The costs of developing mHealth apps and handling related data security concerns are the key barriers which need to be addressed to successfully implement global mHealth campaigns. Future directions of mHealth research are discussed, including the integration of new technologies, development of innovative healthcare systems, and overall improvement of global healthcare.
Exploring the Risk Factors of Interactive E-Health Interventions for Digital Addiction
Authors: Alrobai Amen , McAlaney John , Phalp Keith , Ali Raian
Published: January 2019

Digital Addiction refers to a problematic usage of digital devices characterised by being excessive, compulsive, impulsive and hasty. It is often associated with negative life experience such as anxiety and depression. To combat Digital Addiction, interactive e-health intervention applications started to appear to aid users adjust their usage style. The present study aims to understand the risks related to such e-health interventions. The authors conducted an empirical research to investigate such risks from users' perspectives through a diary study. Fourteen participants were recruited and asked to install popular “digital diet” applications and use them for two weeks and record their significant moments. The authors then interviewed the participants to discuss their experience. Self-governed interactive e-health intervention for digital addiction could lead to adverse side effects such as lower self-esteem, misconception of the healthy usage and creating an alternative addictive experience. Thus, there is a need for theory-based development and rigorous testing for such e-health solutions.
Serious Games as Positive Technologies
Authors: Argenton Luca , Pallavicini Federica , Mantovani Fabrizia
Published: January 2019

Serious games are growing rapidly both as an industry and a field of academic research. They have been able to shape new opportunities for individual and collective learning and training, showing a discrete effectiveness. Further, serious games have been capable of supporting health and well-being. That is why they can be considered as positive technologies. Positive Technology is an emergent field whose goal is to investigate how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be used to empower the quality of personal experience The aim of the present chapter is to discuss the role of serious games as positive technology, analyzing how they can influence both individual and interpersonal experiences by fostering positive emotions, promoting engagement, as well as enhancing social integration and connectedness.
Recognizing Driving Behavior and Road Anomaly Using Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Ali Aya Hamdy , Atia Ayman , Mostafa Mostafa-Sami M.
Published: January 2019

Road traffic accidents are caused 1.25 million deaths per year worldwide. To improve road safety and reducing road accidents, a recognition method for driving events is introduced in this paper. The proposed method detected and classified both driving behaviors and road anomalies patterns based on smartphone sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope). k-Nearest Neighbor and Dynamic Time Warping algorithms were utilized for method evaluation. Experiments were conducted to evaluate k-nearest neighbor and dynamic time warping algorithms accuracy for road anomalies and driving behaviors detection, moreover, driving behaviors classification. Evaluation results showed that k-nearest neighbor algorithm detected road anomalies and driving behaviors with total accuracy 98.67%. Dynamic time warping algorithm classified (normal and abnormal) driving behaviors with total accuracy 96.75%.
After Auction's Complete
Authors: Chen Lei , Lu Min , Tu Yanbin
Published: January 2019

This case study aims to investigate buyers' post-purchase behavior on feedback ratings. From the data collected from eBay, the statistical analysis shows that the average time length that buyers post their feedback after auctions completion is 15.5 days. New sellers and experienced sellers have different chances to receive feedback. New sellers are more likely to receive negative feedback over positive feedback. The distribution of the feedback types (negative, neutral and positive) does not match that of their associated monetary volumes. This case study also demonstrates that inexperienced eBay buyers are more likely to post negative feedback ratings than experienced ones. New and used products attract different ratings in the three feedback types. With word cloud and word frequency analysis, the authors identify common issues associated with each of the three types of feedback. The paper also discusses the managerial implications and recommendations based on these findings.
Mobile Devices and Advertising
Authors: Dias Patricia , Teixeira-Botelho Inês
Published: January 2019

This chapter discusses ways of rethinking and reconfiguring advertising models and tools, in order to explore all the potential of mobile devices. The chapter presents a literature review on perceptions and opportunities related to mobile devices and advertising, focusing themes such as branded content, branded apps, advergames, second screening and m-commerce. It also presents results from an exploratory qualitative study conducted in Portugal on perceptions about mobile devices and advertising, based on 4 focus groups with users of mobile devices aged between 18 and 35 years old. The empirical results show that users have negative perceptions and attitudes towards traditional advertising models, such as banners, pop-ups and pre-videos on YouTube. On the contrary, they use some branded apps and value both engagement and community building and providing useful services and information. Thus, opportunities, possibilities, preferences and dislikes were discussed.
Perceived Impacts as User Experience Components in Mobile News Making With Smartphones
Authors: Väätäjä Heli
Published: January 2019

This chapter discusses users' perceptions of system impacts as one of the user experience components. Findings from twelve case studies on mobile news making with smartphones are summarized, focusing on the perceived impacts of system use and system characteristics that can contribute to user's perception of system quality. The findings indicate that the perceived impacts of system, i.e., the benefits and costs, for the mobile user, activity, outcome (news and news content), and journalism are important for understanding user experience and therefore the overall evaluative judgments of the system.
Risk Factors Discriminating Online Metropolitan Women Shoppers
Authors: Rajini G. , Krithika M.
Published: January 2019

Online shopping has been really male - oriented as the product categories were limited to software, computers, music and computer accessories. As the product category expanded to clothing, food, home care and toys, women started to adopt online shopping. Nowadays there is a massive surge in online shopping particularly among metropolitan women, as they tend to purchase both necessary and discretionary products. According to the report by Associate Chamber of Trade and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), over 80% of the online shopping is done by metropolitan women shoppers.The present study investigates the prominent perceived risks of employed women in online shopping through a consumer survey and by applying multiple discriminant analysis .The results of the empirical analysis demonstrated that perceived physical risk and product risk were found vital in discriminating the respondents as intermediate or experts in online shopping .Whereas perceived psychological risk, quality risk, Information Security Risk, Time Risk, Delivery Risk, Social Risk, Source Risk and financial risk perception during online purchase adoption contributes comparatively lesser for discrimination. The findings elucidate how marketers can formulate and implement risk-reducing strategies during online purchasing.
The Effect of Privacy Concerns on the Purchasing Behavior Among Malaysian Smartphone Users
Authors: Belkhamza Zakariya , Niasin Mohd Adzwin Faris , Idris Sidah
Published: January 2019

The rise of e-commerce and m-commerce has brought the intention to the privacy concerns among mobile buyers, and studies showed that it is an important factor that affect attitude and intention to buy products or services through smartphones. The objective of this paper is to investigate the issue of privacy concerns on the attitude and purchasing intention among Malaysian smartphone users. This was performed by investigating the relationships between privacy concerns and attitude towards purchase, as well as between the privacy concerns and the intention to purchase using smartphone apps. The paper provides significant insights on the issue of privacy concerns in the usage of smartphones which can help developers such as Google and Apple to improve their apps stores to provide better protection for users' privacy and security in Malaysia.
Volunteered Surveillance
Authors: Sarıgöllü Subhi Can , Aksakal Erdem , Koca Mine Galip , Akten Ece , Aslanbay Yonca
Published: January 2019

As the front end of the digitized commercial world, corporations, marketers, and advertisers are under the spotlight for taking advantage of some part of the big data provided by consumers via their digital presence and digital advertising. Now, collectors and users of that data have escalated the level of their asymmetric power with scope and depth of the instant and historical data on consumers. Since consumers have lost the ownership (control) over their own data, their reaction ranges from complete opposition to voluntary submission. This chapter investigates psychological and societal reasons for this variety in consumer behavior and proposes that a contractual solution could promote a beneficial end to all parties through transparency and mutual power.
Psychological and Behavioral Examinations of Online Terrorism
Authors: Prentice Sheryl , Taylor Paul J.
Published: January 2019

It has long been recognised that terrorists make use of the internet as one of many means through which to further their cause. This use of the internet has fuelled a large number of studies seeking to understand terrorists' use of online environments. This chapter provides an overview of current understandings of online terrorist behavior, coupled with an outline of the qualitative and quantitative approaches that can and have been adopted to research this phenomenon. The chapter closes with a discussion of the contentious issue of ethics in online terrorism research. The aim of the chapter is to equip readers with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct their own research into terrorists' online behavior, taking best ethical practices into consideration when doing so.
Cyber Espionage and Illegitimate Information Retrieval
Authors: Heickerö Roland
Published: January 2019

One of the most serious threats to a modern country's trade, industry and long-term economic development is cyber espionage and insiders. The activities are directed against high-technological industries and companies with advanced basic research. The defence and telecoms sectors are of particular interest, just as biotechnics, medical and material technology. Behind this kind of espionage there may be individual states and security services as well as competing companies. One trend is that criminal players are getting involved both as thieves and fences of information. Computerisation and the development of the Internet drastically increase the possibility of procuring sensitive information through illegal means. This can be done in different ways. In the paper the convergence between industrial- and cyber espionage are discussed. A number of examples are provided of different kinds of espionage as well as some of the methods that is used to collect information over the Internet – such as signals intelligence, monitoring of traffic, penetration and overtaking of computers with the aid of trojans. Examples are given on succesful cybertheft operations such as the operation Buckshot Yankee and the Chinese Ghostnet. The paper ends with a discussion on how to improve information security in organisations in order to reduce the risks for illegitimate information drainage.
Formulating the Building Blocks for National Cyberpower
Authors: Jansen van Vuuren JC , Leenen Louise , Plint Graeme , Zaaiman Jannie , Phahlamohlaka Jackie
Published: January 2019

Cyber threats pose a growing risk to national security for all nations; cyberpower is consequently becoming an increasingly prominent driver in the attainment of national security for any state. This paper investigates the national cyberpower environment by analysing the elements of cyberspace as part of national security. David Jablonsky (1997) distinguishes between natural and social determinants of power in his discussion of national power. Also, Jablonsky refers to Ray Cline's formula (Cline, 1993) to determine a rough estimate of “perceived” national power by focusing primarily on a state's capacity to wage war. In this paper, the formula for Perceived Power (PP) will be adapted for use in cyberspace to create a similar formula for Perceived Cyberpower (PCP) that focuses primarily on a state's capacity for cyberwarfare. Military cyberpower is one of the critical elements of cyberpower. The paper also discusses how to operationalise military cyberpower.
Critical Raw Materials and UK Defence Acquisition
Authors: Powell-Turner Julieanna , Antill Peter D.
Published: January 2019

This chapter examines the factors which could affect future critical raw material availability for UK defence, focusing on the availability of rare earth elements (REE). These include tighter regulatory policy and its enforcement, export policies, promoting greater efficiency in resource use, efforts to mitigate resource depletion and more efficient resource extraction while reducing its associated environmental impact. There is also the effect these factors might have on global supply chains, the impact on material insecurity and how this may exacerbate the issue of their use in UK defence acquisition. While this chapter looks at the issues and vulnerabilities surrounding the availability of REE, underlying this is the increasing vulnerability of military supply chains in an increasingly globalised world.