bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Justification: Newspaper Representations of Environmental Conflict between Fishers and the Oil Industry in Mexico
Authors: Quist Liina-Maija , Rinne Pia
Published: June 2017

Media representations of environmental conflicts between companies and communities play an important role in influencing ideas about the rightful exploitation of natural resources. This article examines local newspapers’ representations of fishers’ claims over resource access in a conflict between fishers and the oil industry in Tabasco, Mexico. Our analysis is based on articles from two newspapers dating from 2003–2004 and 2007–2012, and ethnographic data from 2011–2012. Drawing on Boltanski and Thévenot's theory of jus-tification, discussions on patrimonial collectivities, and studies of media and social movements, we suggest that Tabascan newspapers reshape fishers’ claims over resource access by portraying fisheries and oil as patrimony. Being an ambivalent vocabulary for the defence of space and locality within a con-flict over natural-resource enclosure, the newspaper narratives of patrimony both invoke subaltern concerns and reconstrue state authority and local hierarchies. Furthermore, the newspaper narratives are interconnected with fisher leaders’ narratives, in particular, while misrepresenting different fisher groups’ arguments, and thereby contribute to political division among the fishers as a whole.
Ableism and Disablism in the UK Environmental Movement
Authors: Fenney Deborah
Published: June 2017

This article considers disabled people's involvement with the UK environmental movement. It draws on findings from qualitative research with disabled people in the UK exploring experiences of access to sustainable lifestyles. A number of experiences of disablism (the manifestation of oppression against disabled people) and ableism (assumptions and valorisations of non-disabled normality) were described. Similar issues were also identified in relevant documentary sources and from research into disabled people's experiences in the context of other movements such as the wider anti-capitalist movement. These findings suggest that ableism may be a significant feature of the UK environmental movement. If this is the case, there are important implications for the wider success of this movement's aims in terms of achieving environmental protection, as well as for the ongoing exclusion experienced by disabled people with regard to pro-environmental activities.
‘Programmes of Real Cultural Significance’: BBC2, the Sciences and the Arts in the Mid-1960s
Authors: Boon Tim
Published: June 2017

The advent of BBC2 provides an ideal focus for the study of the place of science in culture. Existing historical work on the televisual representation of science and technology looks only at science programming. This article proposes that such an approach misses what the medium supplies to the account of its subject. As a corrective, this article compares the treatment of science with that of other intellectual and cultural subjects, taking the case of the four monthly programmes that occupied the channel's initial Saturday evening 8.45–9.30 slot, treating: science (Horizon), social science (The Human Side), literature (Writers' World) and music (Workshop). Considering questions of televisual technique and grammar, it uncovers a common genealogy for all but the social science programme in the style and conventions of the arts magazine, Monitor. This suggests that the comparative study of television programmes can help the historian address the difficult terrain of ‘high’ culture as it was negotiated in the fluid circumstances of the 1960s.
Numerical Calculation of the Performance of a Thermoacoustic System with Engine and Cooler Stacks in a Looped Tube
Authors: Farikhah Irna , Ueda Yuki
Published: June 2017

The performance of a thermoacoustic system that is composed of a looped tube, an engine stack, a cooler stack, and four heat exchangers, is numerically investigated. Each stack has narrow flow channels, is sandwiched by two heat exchangers, and is located in the looped tube. In order to provide a design guide, the performance of the system is numerically calculated by changing the following three parameters: the radius of the flow channels in the engine stack, the radius of the flow channels in the cooler stack, and the relative position of the cooler stack. It was found that when the three parameters are optimized, the efficiency of the engine stack reaches 75% of Carnot’s efficiency and the coefficient of the performance (COP) of the cooler stack is 53% of Carnot’s COP, whereas 33% of the acoustic power generated by the engine stack is utilized in the cooler stack.
Effect of Si3N4 Addition on Oxidation Resistance of ZrB2-SiC Composites
Authors: Mallik Manab , Ray Kalyan , Mitra Rahul
Published: June 2017

The oxidation behavior of ZrB2-20 vol % SiC and ZrB2-20 vol % SiC-5 vol % Si3N4 composites prepared by hot-pressing and subjected to isothermal exposure at 1200 or 1300 °C for durations of 24 or 100 h in air, as well as cyclic exposure at 1300 °C for 24 h, have been investigated. The oxidation resistance of the ZrB2-20 vol % SiC composite has been found to improve by around 20%–25% with addition of 5 vol % Si3N4 during isothermal or cyclic exposures at 1200 or 1300 °C. This improvement in oxidation resistance has been attributed to the formation of higher amounts of SiO2 and Si2N2O, as well as a greater amount of continuity in the oxide scale, because these phases assist in closing the pores and lower the severity of cracking by exhibiting self-healing type behavior. For both the composites, the mass changes are found to be higher during cyclic exposure at 1300 °C by about 2 times compared to that under isothermal conditions.
Entropy Characterization of Random Network Models
Authors: Zufiria Pedro , Barriales-Valbuena Iker
Published: June 2017

This paper elaborates on the Random Network Model (RNM) as a mathematical framework for modelling and analyzing the generation of complex networks. Such framework allows the analysis of the relationship between several network characterizing features (link density, clustering coefficient, degree distribution, connectivity, etc.) and entropy-based complexity measures, providing new insight on the generation and characterization of random networks. Some theoretical and computational results illustrate the utility of the proposed framework.
Impact Analysis of Demand Response Intensity and Energy Storage Size on Operation of Networked Microgrids
Authors: Hussain Akhtar , Bui Van-Hai , Kim Hak-Man
Published: June 2017

Integration of demand response (DR) programs and battery energy storage system (BESS) in microgrids are beneficial for both microgrid owners and consumers. The intensity of DR programs and BESS size can alter the operation of microgrids. Meanwhile, the optimal size for BESS units is linked with the uncertainties associated with renewable energy sources and load variations. Similarly, the participation of enrolled customers in DR programs is also uncertain and, among various other factors, uncertainty in market prices is a major cause. Therefore, in this paper, the impact of DR program intensity and BESS size on the operation of networked microgrids is analyzed while considering the prevailing uncertainties. The uncertainties associated with forecast load values, output of renewable generators, and market price are realized via the robust optimization method. Robust optimization has the capability to provide immunity against the worst-case scenario, provided the uncertainties lie within the specified bounds. The worst-case scenario of the prevailing uncertainties is considered for evaluating the feasibility of the proposed method. The two representative categories of DR programs, i.e., price-based and incentive-based DR programs are considered. The impact of change in DR intensity and BESS size on operation cost of the microgrid network, external power trading, internal power transfer, load profile of the network, and state-of-charge (SOC) of battery energy storage system (BESS) units is analyzed. Simulation results are analyzed to determine the integration of favorable DR program and/or BESS units for different microgrid networks with diverse objectives.
Combined Heat and Power Dispatch Considering Heat Storage of Both Buildings and Pipelines in District Heating System for Wind Power Integration
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Haixia , Lv Quan , Li Weidong
Published: June 2017

The strong coupling between electric power and heat supply highly restricts the electric power generation range of combined heat and power (CHP) units during heating seasons. This makes the system operational flexibility very low, which leads to heavy wind power curtailment, especially in the region with a high percentage of CHP units and abundant wind power energy such as northeastern China. The heat storage capacity of pipelines and buildings of the district heating system (DHS), which already exist in the urban infrastructures, can be exploited to realize the power and heat decoupling without any additional investment. We formulate a combined heat and power dispatch model considering both the pipelines’ dynamic thermal performance (PDTP) and the buildings’ thermal inertia (BTI), abbreviated as the CPB-CHPD model, emphasizing the coordinating operation between the electric power and district heating systems to break the strong coupling without impacting end users’ heat supply quality. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CPB-CHPD model has much better synergic benefits than the model considering only PDTP or BTI on wind power integration and total operation cost savings.
Characterizing Forest Succession Stages for Wildlife Habitat Assessment Using Multispectral Airborne Imagery
Authors: Zhang Wen , Hu Baoxin , Woods Murray , Brown Glen
Published: June 2017

In this study, we demonstrate the potential of using high spatial resolution airborne imagery to characterize the structural development stages of forest canopies. Four forest succession stages were adopted: stand initiation, young multistory, understory reinitiation, and old growth. Remote sensing metrics describing the spatial patterns of forest structures were derived and a Random Forest learning algorithm was used to classify forest succession stages. These metrics included texture variables from Gray Level Co-occurrence Measures (GLCM), range and sill from the semi-variogram, and the fraction of shadow and its spatial distribution. Among all the derived variables, shadow fractions and the GLCM variables of contrast, mean, and dissimilarity were the most important for characterizing the forest succession stages (classification accuracy of 89%). In addition, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) derived forest structural index (predicted Lorey’s height) was employed to validate the classification result. The classification using imagery spatial variables was shown to be consistent with the LiDAR derived variable (R2 = 0.68 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 2.39). This study demonstrates that high spatial resolution imagery was able to characterize forest succession stages with promising accuracy and may be considered an alternative to LiDAR data for this kind of application. Also, the results of stand development stages build a framework for future wildlife habitat mapping.
Cycles in Team Tennis and Other Paired-Element Contests
Authors: Sanders Shane , Ehrlich Justin , Boudreau James
Published: June 2017

Team Tennis competitions produce aggregate scores for teams, and thus team rankings, based on head-to-head matchups of individual team members. Similar scoring rules can be used to rank any two groups that must be compared on the basis of paired elements. We explore such rules in terms of their strategic and social choice characteristics, with particular emphasis on the role of cycles. We first show that cycles play an important role in promoting competitive balance, and show that cycles allow for a maximum range of competitive balance within a league of competing teams. We also illustrate the impact that strategic behavior can have on the unpredictability of competition outcomes, and show for a general class of team tennis scoring rules that a rule is strategy-proof if and only if it is acyclic (dictatorial) and manipulable otherwise. Given the benefits of cycles and their relationship with manipulability, a league valuing competitive balance may invite such social choice violations when choosing a scoring rule.
In Silico Prediction for Intestinal Absorption and Brain Penetration of Chemical Pesticides in Humans
Authors: Chedik Lisa , Mias-Lucquin Dominique , Bruyere Arnaud , Fardel Olivier
Published: June 2017

Intestinal absorption and brain permeation constitute key parameters of toxicokinetics for pesticides, conditioning their toxicity, including neurotoxicity. However, they remain poorly characterized in humans. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate human intestine and brain permeation for a large set of pesticides (n = 338) belonging to various chemical classes, using an in silico graphical BOILED-Egg/SwissADME online method based on lipophilicity and polarity that was initially developed for drugs. A high percentage of the pesticides (81.4%) was predicted to exhibit high intestinal absorption, with a high accuracy (96%), whereas a lower, but substantial, percentage (38.5%) displayed brain permeation. Among the pesticide classes, organochlorines (n = 30) constitute the class with the lowest percentage of intestine-permeant members (40%), whereas that of the organophosphorus compounds (n = 99) has the lowest percentage of brain-permeant chemicals (9%). The predictions of the permeations for the pesticides were additionally shown to be significantly associated with various molecular descriptors well-known to discriminate between permeant and non-permeant drugs. Overall, our in silico data suggest that human exposure to pesticides through the oral way is likely to result in an intake of these dietary contaminants for most of them and brain permeation for some of them, thus supporting the idea that they have toxic effects on human health, including neurotoxic effects.
Sustainable Use of Pesticide Applications in Citrus: A Support Tool for Volume Rate Adjustment
Authors: Garcerá Cruz , Fonte Alberto , Moltó Enrique , Chueca Patricia
Published: June 2017

Rational application of pesticides by properly adjusting the amount of product to the actual needs and specific conditions for application is a key factor for sustainable plant protection. However, current plant protection product (PPP) labels registered for citrus in EU are usually expressed as concentration (%; rate/hl) and/or as the maximum dose of product per unit of ground surface, without taking into account those conditions. In this work, the fundamentals of a support tool, called CitrusVol, developed to recommend mix volume rates in PPP applications in citrus orchards using airblast sprayers, are presented. This tool takes into consideration crop characteristics (geometry, leaf area density), pests, and product and application efficiency, and it is based on scientific data obtained previously regarding the minimum deposit required to achieve maximum efficacy, efficiency of airblast sprayers in citrus orchards, and characterization of the crop. The use of this tool in several commercial orchards allowed a reduction of the volume rate and the PPPs used in comparison with the commonly used by farmers of between 11% and 74%, with an average of 31%, without affecting the efficacy. CitrusVol is freely available on a website and in an app for smartphones.
ArtinM Mediates Murine T Cell Activation and Induces Cell Death in Jurkat Human Leukemic T Cells
Authors: Da Silva Thiago , Oliveira-Brito Patrícia , Gonçalves Thiago , Vendruscolo Patrícia , Roque-Barreira Maria
Published: June 2017

The recognition of cell surface glycans by lectins may be critical for the innate and adaptive immune responses. ArtinM, a d-mannose-binding lectin from Artocarpus heterophyllus, activates antigen-presenting cells by recognizing TLR2 N-glycans and induces Th1 immunity. We recently demonstrated that ArtinM stimulated CD4+ T cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we further studied the effects of ArtinM on adaptive immune cells. We showed that ArtinM activates murine CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, augmenting their positivity for CD25, CD69, and CD95 and showed higher interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ production. The CD4+ T cells exhibited increased T-bet expression in response to ArtinM, and IL-2 production by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells depended on the recognition of CD3εγ-chain glycans by ArtinM. The ArtinM effect on aberrantly-glycosylated neoplastic lymphocytes was studied in Jurkat T cells, in which ArtinM induced IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-1β production, but decreased cell viability and growth. A higher frequency of AnnexinV- and propidium iodide-stained cells demonstrated the induction of Jurkat T cells apoptosis by ArtinM, and this apoptotic response was reduced by caspases and protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The ArtinM effects on murine T cells corroborated with the immunomodulatory property of lectin, whereas the promotion of Jurkat T cells apoptosis may reflect a potential applicability of ArtinM in novel strategies for treating lymphocytic leukemia.
Data-Aided and Non-Data-Aided SNR Estimators for CPM Signals in Ka-Band Satellite Communications
Authors: Xue Rui , Cao Yang , Wang Tong
Published: June 2017

Adaptive coded and modulation (ACM) is an effective measure to resist rain attenuation in Ka-band satellite communications. The accuracy of the estimator for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is one of the main factors that affect ACM performance. This paper establishes the channel model of satellite communication in Ka-band and derives and analyzes data-aided (DA) maximum likelihood (ML) and method-of-moments estimators for SNR of continuous phase modulation (CPM) in Ka-band fading channel. Simulations and analysis indicate that the normalized mean square error (NMSE) of the DA ML estimator is closer to the Cramer-Rao bounds (CRB) at low SNR, but the performance worsens with the SNR increases from medium to high values. The M2M4 estimator performs poorly at low SNR and best at medium SNR. When the SNR is low, the performance of the DA ML estimator is better than the M2M4 estimator; however, the two estimators have similar performance when SNR is high. The performances of the two estimators will become increasingly better the greater the lengths of the observation signals become. However, the influence of the signal length will become increasingly smaller as the SNR becomes larger.
4,2’:6’,4”- and 3,2’:6’,3”-Terpyridines: The Conflict between Well-Defined Vectorial Properties and Serendipity in the Assembly of 1D-, 2D- and 3D-Architectures
Authors: Klein Y. Maximilian , Prescimone Alessandro , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: June 2017

A comparative investigation of the coordination assemblies formed between Co(NCS)2 and two monotopic 4,2’:6’,4’’-terpyridine (4,2’:6’,4”-tpy) ligands or two related ditopic ligands is reported. Crystals were grown by layering MeOH solutions of Co(NCS)2 over a CHCl3 or 1,2-C6H4Cl2 solution of the respective ligand at room temperature. With 4’-(2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)-4,2’:6’,4”-terpyridine (6), the 1D-coordination polymer {[Co2(NCS)4(MeOH)4(6)2]∙2MeOH∙8H2O}n assembles with 6 coordinating only through the outer N-donors of the 4,2’:6’,4”-tpy unit; coordination by the MeOH solvent blocks two cobalt coordination sites preventing propagation in a higher-dimensional network. A combination of Co(NCS)2 and 1-(4,2‘:6’,4”-terpyridin-4’-yl)ferrocene (7) leads to {[Co(NCS)2(7)2]∙4CHCl3}n which contains a (4,4) net; the 2D-sheets associate through π-stacking interactions between ferrocenyl and pyridyl units. A 3D-framework is achieved through use of the ditopic ligand 1,4-bis(npropoxy)-2,5-bis(4,2’:6’,4”-terpyridin-4’-yl)benzene (8) which acts as a 4-connecting node in {[Co(NCS)2(8)2].2C6H4Cl2}n; the combination of metal and ligand planar 4-connecting nodes results in a {65.8} cds net. For a comparison with the coordinating abilities of the previously reported 1,4-bis(noctoxy)-2,5-bis(4,2’:6’,4”-terpyridin-4’-yl)benzene (3), a more flexible analogue 9 was prepared. {[Co(NCS)2(9)]∙2CHCl3}n contains a (4,4) net defined by both metal and ligand planar 4-connecting nodes. The noctoxy tails of 9 protrude from each side of the (4,4) net and thread through adjacent sheets; the arene-attached noctoxy chains associate through a combination of van der Waals and C–H...π interactions.
Perna canaliculus and the Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Saltzman Emma , Thomsen Michael , Hall Sean , Vitetta Luis
Published: June 2017

Natural medicines are often an attractive option for patients diagnosed with chronic conditions. Three main classes of bioactives that have been reported from marine mussel extracts include proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Commercially, the most relevant species of marine mollusks belong to two genera, Perna and Mytilus. Specifically, the Perna canaliculus species has been repeatedly demonstrated to harbor anti-inflammatory compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) that can ameliorate pro-inflammatory conditions, or proteins that can promote thrombin inhibitory activity. Recent clinical studies have posited that extracts from green-lipped mussels may lead to prebiotic activity in the intestinal microbiome that in turn has been reported to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Prebiotics have been reported to favorably interact with the intestinal microbiome through the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut, suppressing exogenous and endogenous intestinal infections and promoting homeostasis by balancing local pro- and anti-inflammatory actions. Bioactive compounds from Perna canaliculus are functional foods and, in this regard, may positively interact with the intestinal microbiome and provide novel therapeutic solutions for intra-intestinal and extra-intestinal inflammatory conditions.
New Heterofunctional Supports Based on Glutaraldehyde-Activation: A Tool for Enzyme Immobilization at Neutral pH
Authors: Melo Ricardo Rodrigues de , Alnoch Robson Carlos , Vilela Adriana Ferreira Lopes , Souza Emanuel Maltempi de , Krieger Nadia , Ruller Roberto , Sato Hélia Harumi , Mateo Cesar
Published: June 2017

Immobilization is an exciting alternative to improve the stability of enzymatic processes. However, part of the applied covalent strategies for immobilization uses specific conditions, generally alkaline pH, where some enzymes are not stable. Here, a new generation of heterofunctional supports with application at neutral pH conditions was proposed. New supports were developed with different bifunctional groups (i.e., hydrophobic or carboxylic/metal) capable of adsorbing biocatalysts at different regions (hydrophobic or histidine richest place), together with a glutaraldehyde group that promotes an irreversible immobilization at neutral conditions. To verify these supports, a multi-protein model system (E. coli extract) and four enzymes (Candida rugosa lipase, metagenomic lipase, β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase) were used. The immobilization mechanism was tested and indicated that moderate ionic strength should be applied to avoid possible unspecific adsorption. The use of different supports allowed the immobilization of most of the proteins contained in a crude protein extract. In addition, different supports yielded catalysts of the tested enzymes with different catalytic properties. At neutral pH, the new supports were able to adsorb and covalently immobilize the four enzymes tested with different recovered activity values. Notably, the use of these supports proved to be an efficient alternative tool for enzyme immobilization at neutral pH.
Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Formation Between Anionic and Cationic Poly(amino acids) and Their Potential Applications in pH-Dependent Drug Delivery
Authors: Folchman-Wagner Zoë , Zaro Jennica , Shen Wei-Chiang
Published: June 2017

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are self-assembling nano-sized constructs that offer several advantages over traditional nanoparticle carriers including controllable size, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and lack of toxicity, making them particularly appealing as tools for drug delivery. Here, we discuss potential application of PECs for drug delivery to the slightly acidic tumor microenvironment, a pH in the range of 6.5–7.0. Poly(l-glutamic acid) (En), poly(l-lysine) (Kn), and a copolymer composed of histidine-glutamic acid repeats ((HE)n) were studied for their ability to form PECs, which were analyzed for size, polydispersity, and pH sensitivity. PECs showed concentration dependent size variation at residue lengths of E51/K55 and E135/K127, however, no complexes were observed when E22 or K21 were used, even in combination with the longer chains. (HE)20/K55 PECs could encapsulate daunomycin, were stable from pH 7.4–6.5, and dissociated completely between pH 6.5–6.0. Conversely, the E51-dauno/K55 PEC dissociated between pH 4.0 and 3.0. These values for pH-dependent particle dissociation are consistent with the pKa’s of the ionizable groups in each formulation and indicate that the specific pH-sensitivity of (HE)20-dauno/K55 PECs is mediated by incorporation of histidine. This response within a pH range that is physiologically relevant to the acidic tumors suggests a potential application of these PECs in pH-dependent drug delivery.
Metal Atom Effect on the Photophysical Properties of Mg(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pd(II) Tetraphenylporphyrin Complexes Proposed as Possible Drugs in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Simone Bruna Clara De , Mazzone Gloria , Russo Nino , Sicilia Emilia , Toscano Marirosa
Published: June 2017

The effects of Mg, Zn, Cd, and Pd dications on the photophysical properties of the tetraphenylporphyrin ligand have been explored, considering the corresponding complexes and by using the density functional theory and its time-dependent extension. Results show that absorption wavelengths do not change significantly when the metal ion changes contrary to what happens to the singlet–triplet energy gaps (ΔES−T) and the spin-orbit matrix elements ΨSnHsoΨTm. The most probable intersystem spin crossing (ISC) pathways for the population of the lowest triplet states have been explored. Our findings can contribute to rationalize the available experimental data and promote the potential therapeutic use of these compounds as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Citrus Pectin-Derived Carbon Microspheres with Superior Adsorption Ability for Methylene Blue
Authors: Zhang Wenlin , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: June 2017

In this study, citrus pectin-derived, green, and tunable carbon microspheres with superior adsorption capacity and high adsorption rate, as well as good reusability toward methylene blue adsorption, were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method without any hazardous chemicals. The materials hold great potential for the treatment of methylene blue wastewater.
Tissue Engineering Bionanocomposites Based on Poly(propylene fumarate)
Authors: Diez-Pascual Ana
Published: June 2017

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a linear and unsaturated copolyester based on fumaric acid that has been widely investigated for tissue engineering applications in recent years due to its tailorable mechanical performance, adjustable biodegradability and exceptional biocompatibility. In order to improve its mechanical properties and spread its range of practical applications, novel approaches need to be developed such as the incorporation of fillers or polymer blending. Thus, PPF-based bionanocomposites reinforced with different amounts of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONR), graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GONP), polyethylene glycol-functionalized graphene oxide (PEG-GO), polyethylene glycol-grafted boron nitride nanotubes (PEG-g-BNNTs) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were synthesized via sonication and thermal curing, and their morphology, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, thermal, rheological, mechanical and antibacterial properties were investigated. An increase in the level of hydrophilicity, biodegradation rate, stiffness and strength was found upon increasing nanofiller loading. The nanocomposites retained enough rigidity and strength under physiological conditions to provide effective support for bone tissue formation, showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and did not induce toxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. These novel biomaterials demonstrate great potential to be used for bone tissue engineering applications.
Temperature Measurement and Numerical Prediction in Machining Inconel 718
Authors: Díaz-Álvarez José , Tapetado Alberto , Vázquez Carmen , Miguélez Henar
Published: June 2017

Thermal issues are critical when machining Ni-based superalloy components designed for high temperature applications. The low thermal conductivity and extreme strain hardening of this family of materials results in elevated temperatures around the cutting area. This elevated temperature could lead to machining-induced damage such as phase changes and residual stresses, resulting in reduced service life of the component. Measurement of temperature during machining is crucial in order to control the cutting process, avoiding workpiece damage. On the other hand, the development of predictive tools based on numerical models helps in the definition of machining processes and the obtainment of difficult to measure parameters such as the penetration of the heated layer. However, the validation of numerical models strongly depends on the accurate measurement of physical parameters such as temperature, ensuring the calibration of the model. This paper focuses on the measurement and prediction of temperature during the machining of Ni-based superalloys. The temperature sensor was based on a fiber-optic two-color pyrometer developed for localized temperature measurements in turning of Inconel 718. The sensor is capable of measuring temperature in the range of 250 to 1200 °C. Temperature evolution is recorded in a lathe at different feed rates and cutting speeds. Measurements were used to calibrate a simplified numerical model for prediction of temperature fields during turning.
Dimension-Reduced Analog—Digital Mixed Measurement Method of Inductive Proximity Sensor
Authors: Guo Yi-Xin , Shao Zhi-Biao , Tao Hui-Bin , Xu Kai-Liang , Li Ting
Published: June 2017

Inductive proximity sensors (IPSs) present a unique no-contact advantage. They are widely preferred for displacement measurement in various industrial fields (e.g., aviation and aerospace), and they are improved continuously. When the inductance and resistance components of the IPS sensing core are separated, the influence of temperature drift on measurement can be eliminated. The complexity of online computation of component separation can be reduced using a two-dimensional look-up table method. However, this method exhibits disadvantages, such as large capacity of the look-up table, dependency on precision measurement of sensing core parameter, and nonlinear distribution of measurement resolution. This study aims to overcome these disadvantages by examining the nonlinear relationship between the response of the sensing core and the ambient temperature, and proposes a dimension-reduced measurement method. The proposed method extracts the characteristics of the response curves at two temperatures and calculates the characteristics of the response curves at any temperature using a linear approximation. The look-up table capacity is less than 0.37% of the two-dimensional look-up table capacity (condensed) under the same condition; dimension reduction enables the construction of a complete look-up table directly by calibration procedures and avoids precise measurement on sensing core parameters; the calibration procedures establish uniform mapping of the distribution of measurement resolution. The experiment shows that, when the measurement ranges are 0–6, 0–5, and 0–4 mm, the maximum measurement errors are 0.140, 0.065, and 0.040 mm, respectively, under temperature ranging from 20 ∘ C to 110 ∘ C. This study extends the measurement range from 0–5 mm to 0–7 mm and improves the measurement accuracy over 0.1 mm (50% at 5 mm) compared with the two-dimensional look-up table method. Therefore, the proposed method not only inherits the advantages of the original method but also achieves the above-mentioned expected capacity improvements effectively.
An Automatic Car Counting System Using OverFeat Framework
Authors: Biswas Debojit , Su Hongbo , Wang Chengyi , Blankenship Jason , Stevanovic Aleksandar
Published: June 2017

Automatic car counting is an important component in the automated traffic system. Car counting is very important to understand the traffic load and optimize the traffic signals. In this paper, we implemented the Gaussian Background Subtraction Method and OverFeat Framework to count cars. OverFeat Framework is a combination of Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and one machine learning classifier (like Support Vector Machines (SVM) or Logistic Regression). With this study, we showed another possible application area for the OverFeat Framework. The advantages and shortcomings of the Background Subtraction Method and OverFeat Framework were analyzed using six individual traffic videos with different perspectives, such as camera angles, weather conditions and time of the day. In addition, we compared the two algorithms above with manual counting and a commercial software called Placemeter. The OverFeat Framework showed significant potential in the field of car counting with the average accuracy of 96.55% in our experiment.
Relationship among Concentrations of Indoor Air Contaminants, Their Sources, and Different Mitigation Strategies on Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Widder Sarah , Haselbach Liv
Published: June 2017

To ensure that indoor air quality mitigation approaches, such as ventilation, are providing the desired indoor air quality, it is necessary to better understand the varied sources of indoor air contaminants and how different mitigation approaches will affect those sources. This article describes a generalized model that describes the efficacy of different indoor air quality improvement strategies as a function of the primary source(s) of indoor air contaminants of concern. The model is then used as a framework to compare the impact of two different ventilation approaches (a continuous exhaust ventilation strategy compared to a runtime ventilation strategy) on two indoor air compounds (CO2 and formaldehyde) based on primary data gathered in 10 homes in Gainesville, FL. The findings from the Gainesville data suggest that the two approaches provided similar efficacy for reducing CO2 concentrations, but the continuous exhaust system was not as effective at decreasing interior concentrations of formaldehyde, as compared to the runtime ventilation strategy. The simplified, generalized model could be used as a framework to analyze and compare existing detailed modeling and experimental results to bring about a greater understanding of the relative efficacy and tradeoffs of different IAQ mitigation strategies in homes, as well as inform guidance or standards addressing indoor air quality in residential buildings and serve as a decision-making tool for building industry professionals responsible for specifying ventilation systems in homes.
Vulnerability of Ukrainian Forests to Climate Change
Authors: Shvidenko Anatoly , Buksha Igor , Krakovska Svitlana , Lakyda Petro
Published: June 2017

Ukraine is a country of the Mid-Latitude ecotone—a transition zone between forest zone and forestless dry lands. Availability of water defines distribution of the country’s forests and decreases their productivity towards the south. Climate change generates a particular threat for Ukrainian forests and stability of agroforestry landscapes. This paper considers the impacts of expected climate change on vulnerability of Ukrainian forests using ensembles of global and regional climatic models (RCM) based on Scenarios B1, A2, A1B of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, and a “dry and warm” scenario A1B+T−P (increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation). The spatially explicit assessment was provided by RCM for the WMO standard period (1961–1990), “recent” (1991–2010) and three future periods: 2011–2030, 2031–2050 and 2081–2100. Forest-climate model by Vorobjov and model of amplitude of flora’s tolerance to climate change by Didukh, as well as a number of specialized climatic indicators, were used in the assessment. Different approaches lead to rather consistent conclusions. Water stress is the major limitation factor of distribution and resilience of flatland Ukrainian forests. Within Scenario A1B, the area with unsuitable growth conditions for major forest forming species will substantially increase by end of the century occupying major part of Ukraine. Scenario A1B+T−P projects even a more dramatic decline of the country’s forests. It is expected that the boundary of conditions that are favorable for forests will shift to north and northwest, and forests of the xeric belt will be the most vulnerable. Consistent policies of adaptation and mitigation might reduce climate-induced risks for Ukrainian forests.
Fate of Trace Organic Compounds in Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Adsorbers for Drinking Water Treatment
Authors: Sperlich Alexander , Harder Mareike , Zietzschmann Frederik , Gnirss Regina
Published: June 2017

Granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorbers for drinking water treatment were operated for approx. 14 months and the breakthrough of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and trace organic chemicals (TOrCs) was monitored. Effluent concentration profiles of gabapentin and valsartan acid increase already at throughputs of <10,000 BV. The corresponding breakthrough curves flatten out without reaching the influent concentration level. This strongly indicates biological degradation of these substances in the GAC adsorbers under aerobic conditions, contributing to a more efficient use of GAC. The observed biodegradation in pilot GAC adsorbers also confirms recent reports of biodegradation of gabapentin and valsartan acid during managed aquifer recharge. Oxypurinol is comparatively well adsorbed and no breakthrough was observed during the experimental period. Adsorption capacity and breakthrough characteristics of oxypurinol appear very similar to carbamazepine. Breakthrough of GAC adsorbers operated with drinking water was compared to those of groundwater-fed adsorbers. The results show, that it is generally advisable to use previously aerated influents for GAC fixed-bed adsorbers because this can substantially improve biological removal of otherwise poorly adsorbable compounds and ensure full GAC accessibility for adsorbates by avoiding the undesirable formation of inorganic precipitates on adsorption sites.
A SOFIA FORCAST Grism Study of the Mineralogy of Dust in the Winds of Proto-planetary Nebulae: RV Tauri Stars and SRd Variables
Authors: Arneson R. A. , Gehrz R. D. , Woodward C. E. , Helton L. A. , Shenoy D. , Evans A. , Keller L. D. , Hinkle K. H. , Jura M. , Lebzelter T. , Lisse C. M. , Rushton M. T. , Mizrachi J.
Published: June 2017

We present a SOFIA FORCAST grism spectroscopic survey to examine the mineralogy of the circumstellar dust in a sample of post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) yellow supergiants that are believed to be the precursors of planetary nebulae. Our mineralogical model of each star indicates the presence of both carbon-rich and oxygen-rich dust species—contrary to simple dredge-up models—with a majority of the dust in the form of amorphous carbon and graphite. The oxygen-rich dust is primarily in the form of amorphous silicates. The spectra do not exhibit any prominent crystalline silicate emission features. For most of the systems, our analysis suggests that the grains are relatively large and have undergone significant processing, supporting the hypothesis that the dust is confined to a Keplerian disk and that we are viewing the heavily processed, central regions of the disk from a nearly face-on orientation. These results help to determine the physical properties of the post-AGB circumstellar environment and to constrain models of post-AGB mass loss and planetary nebula formation.
Solar Overshoot Region and Small-scale Dynamo with Realistic Energy Flux
Authors: Hotta H.
Published: June 2017

We carry out high-resolution calculations of the solar overshoot region with unprecedentedly realistic parameters, especially the small energy flux compared with

, where ρ and c
s are density and speed of sound. Our main purpose is to investigate the behavior of the overshoot and the small-scale dynamo with parameters as close as possible to those of the Sun. Our calculations show that the bottom part of the convection zone (CZ) becomes subadiabatic, which efficiently suppresses downflows. As a result, we see a steep transition from the CZ to the radiative zone, whose width is estimated to be 0.4% of the local pressure scale height. This result is consistent with a semianalytic convection/overshoot model. We also find that the small-scale dynamo becomes efficient with a smaller energy flux. The sudden suppression of the downflows around the base of the CZ increases the efficiency of the small-scale dynamo.
In-silico based identification and functional analyses of miRNAs and their targets in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Gul Zareen , Barozai Muhammad Younas Khan , Din Muhammad
Published: June 2017

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important leguminous plant and a good diet due to presence of carbohydrate and high protein contents. Currently, only few cowpea microRNAs (miRNAs) are reported. This study is intended to identify and functionally analyze new miRNAs and their targets in cowpea. An in-silico based homology search approach was applied and a total of 46 new miRNAs belonging to 45 families were identified and functionally annotated from the cowpea expressed sequence tags (ESTs). All these potential miRNAs are reported here for the first time in cowpea. The 46 new miRNAs were also observed with stable hairpin structures with minimum free energy, ranging from −10 to −132 kcal mol−1 with an average of −40 kcal mol−1. The length of new cowpea miRNAs are ranged from 18 to 26 nt with an average of 21 nt. The cowpea miRNA-vun-mir4414, is found as pre-miRNA cluster for the first time in cowpea. Furthermore, a set of 138 protein targets were also identified for these newly identified 46 cowpea miRNAs. These targets have significant role in various biological processes, like metabolism, transcription regulation as transcription factor, cell transport, signal transduction, growth & development and structural proteins. These findings are the significant basis to utilize and manage this important leguminous plant-cowpea for better nutritional properties and tolerance for biotic and abiotic stresses.
Mise en forme et objet du savoir géographique dans une compilation du XVIe siècle : les Navigationi et viaggi de Giovanni Battista Ramusio
Authors: Lejosne Fiona
Published: June 2017

La publication du recueil des Navigationi et viaggi en trois volumes à Venise entre 1550 et 1559 est considérée comme un événement fondateur dans l’histoire de la géographie moderne. Le compilateur Ramusio cherche à y décrire l’œkoumène par les textes – dont des récits de voyage, des lettres et des relations officielles. Cet article interroge les intentions et les enjeux d’un tel projet à travers une analyse de la forme compilatoire et de la représentation du savoir géographique par les textes. L’étude des choix de mise en forme et des objectifs fixés au recueil des Navigationi et viaggi fait état de la conviction d’une complémentarité fondamentale entre les différents savoirs, et entre les différentes modalités de représentations des savoirs
Le monde comme écriture divine et comme expérience religieuse : le Weltbuch (1534) de Sebastian Franck
Authors: Chassagnette Axelle
Published: June 2017

Cet article propose une étude du Weltbuch (Livre du monde) de Sebastian Franck, publié en 1534. Auteur prolifique, Franck met ses œuvres, très nombreuses, au service de sa pensée spiritualiste. Bien que proche de la Réforme, il réfute tout corpus doctrinal constitué et toute église instituée, insistant sur le cheminement intérieur qui doit conduire l’homme à Dieu. Le Weltbuch, cosmographie essentiellement descriptive, relève de cette même approche. En évoquant la diversité des expériences à travers l’espace du monde et en mettant tout particulièrement en lumière la variété des croyances et des religions, Frank donne à voir le cheminement spirituel de l’humanité, perpétuellement recommencé
Une approche sociocritique de la télécollaboration : étude du rapport au numérique des participants
Authors: Muller Catherine
Published: June 2017

Cet article propose une analyse sociocritique d'un projet de télécollaboration dans le but de mieux comprendre les enjeux qui ont émergé. Une telle démarche se focalise sur le rapport au numérique, aborde ses usages réels, y compris hors cadre scolaire, et prend en compte le contexte social. Cela conduit à mettre en évidence des tensions ou des contradictions et à dépasser les idées reçues associées aux technologies. Le dispositif que nous étudions est celui d'un tutorat entre des étudiants en didactique des langues à Paris et des apprenants de français à Hong Kong. Les participants ont été amenés à communiquer via un réseau social et à contribuer à un blogue. Afin de mieux appréhender certaines réticences apparues concernant la communication médiatisée par ordinateur et l'utilisation de ces deux outils, nous procédons à une analyse des discours produits par les étudiants-tuteurs à propos du projet. Le rapport au numérique se manifeste par un positionnement fort envers les technologies. Les représentations que certains associent à l'informatique sont telles qu'ils envisagent difficilement le lien social avec Internet. En raison de l'attention qu'ils portent à leur identité numérique, plusieurs étudiants ont, en effet, exprimé une gêne liée au caractère public et à la dimension personnelle des échanges.
Patents
Authors: Ghial Rita
Published: June 2017

In this chapter, we review the legal effects of patent rights and specifically address the legal aspects of the patent system. The production and dissemination of new knowledge is fraught with market failures because knowledge is a public good. Patents provide a second-best solution to the resulting appropriability problem. We review the main benefits, types and costs of the patent system, focusing on the role that patents play in providing incentives for innovation, in promoting the dissemination of knowledge, and in helping technology transfer and commercialization of new technology. From a more normative perspective, we address the questions of what the features of an optimal patent system are and whether the patent system is socially desirable. We examine the problem of the optimal length and scope of patent protection, both for the case of a single innovation and for the richer case of cumulative innovations. Finally, we review the recent changes in patent regime and it is based on the view that stronger patents would boost innovation and the issues related to how the patent system influences the market structure and research and development investments.
Compulsory Licensing of Patents in India
Authors: Vig Shinu , Bagga Teena
Published: June 2017

Compulsory licensing is defined generally as the granting of a license by a government to use a patent without the patent-holder's permission. As applied to international intellectual property rights, it allows governments to grant licenses for patent use in situations where the patent-holder is either not using the patent within the country or is not using it adequately. Most of the drugs for which compulsory licenses have been granted in India are used for treatment of life-threatening diseases. The pharmaceutical companies however object on the ground of violation of their patent rights. This chapter discusses the provisions for compulsory licensing in TRIPs and the India patent system.