bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the Elemental to Organic Carbon Ratio in Biomass Burning Aerosol Using AERONET Retrievals
Authors: Konovalov Igor , Lvova Daria , Beekmann Matthias
Published: July 2017

The balance between the cooling and warming effects of aerosol originating from open biomass burning (BB) critically depends on the ratio of its major absorbing and scattering components, such as elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC), but available direct measurements of this ratio in remote regions are limited and rather uncertain. Here, we propose a method to estimate the EC/OC mass ratio in BB aerosol using continuous observations of aerosol optical properties by the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and apply it to the data from two AERONET sites situated in Siberia. Our method exploits a robust experimental finding (that was reported recently based on laboratory analysis of aerosol from the combustion of wildland fuels) that the single scattering albedo of BB aerosol particles depends linearly on the EC/(EC + OC) mass ratio. We estimated that the mean value of the EC/OC ratio in BB aerosol observed in summer 2012 was 0.036 (±0.009), which is less than the corresponding value (0.061) predicted in our simulations with a chemistry transport model using the emission factors from the Global Fire Emissions Database 4 (GFED4) fire emission inventory. Based on results of our analysis, we propose a parameterization that allows constraining the EC/OC ratio in BB aerosol with available satellite observations of the absorption and extinction aerosol optical depths.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Virtual Reality Device
Authors: Andrae Anders S. G.
Published: July 2017

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the strongest trends for future communication systems. Considering the amounts of VR devices expected to be produced in the coming years, it is relevant to estimate their potential environmental impacts under certain conditions. For the first time, screening life cycle assessment (LCA) single score results are presented for a contemporary VR headset. The weighted results are dependent much on the source of the gold and the electric power used in production. Theoretically, using recycled gold for the VR subparts would be very beneficial seen from an environmental damage cost standpoint. Using low environmental impact electric power in the final assembly of the VR headset, in the final assembly of integrated circuits, and in the preceding wafer processing would also be worthwhile. Distribution of the final product is more pronounced than for other consumer electronics.
Embryogenesis Explained. By Natalie K. Gordon and Richard Gordon. World Scientific: Hackensack, NJ, USA, 2016; 784 pp.; SGD 281; ISBN: 978-981-4350-48-8
Authors: Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: July 2017

In Fall, 2016 a new book on embryo development at the molecular and cellular level of comprehension was released by World Scientific Publishing, “Embryogenesis Explained”.[...]
Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins in Stored Maize Grains Consumed by Infants and Young Children in Nigeria
Authors: Adetunji Modupeade C. , Atanda Olusegun O. , Ezekiel Chibundu N.
Published: July 2017

Maize is a major complimentary food for infants (0–4years) and young children (5–12years) in Nigeria. In this study, we assessed the risk of exposure of infants and young children (IYC) to some major mycotoxins in stored maize grains from five agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. The probable daily intake approach was employed to determine exposure to five mycotoxins while the margin of exposure (MOE) and population at risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma approaches were used to characterize the risk of consuming aflatoxin contaminated maize. Infants and young children in the Derived Savannah zone are more exposed to aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and zearalenone while those in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone are mainly exposed to deoxynivalenol and fumonisins. The mean national MOE for infants and children were 0.12 and 0.3 respectively while the risk of developing primary liver cancer was estimated at 152.7 and 61.1 cancer/year/100,000 population of infants and children, respectively. Infants and young children consuming mycotoxin contaminated maize in Nigeria are therefore vulnerable to the adverse health effects. Mycotoxin contamination of maize is still a challenge in Nigeria; mitigation efforts should target the value chain and stricter tolerable limits should be enforced.
Simple, Near-Optimal Quantum Protocols for Die-Rolling
Authors: Sikora Jamie
Published: July 2017

Die-rolling is the cryptographic task where two mistrustful, remote parties wish to generate a random D-sided die-roll over a communication channel. Optimal quantum protocols for this task have been given by Aharon and Silman (New Journal of Physics, 2010) but are based on optimal weak coin-flipping protocols that are currently very complicated and not very well understood. In this paper, we first present very simple classical protocols for die-rolling that have decent (and sometimes optimal) security, which is in stark contrast to coin-flipping, bit-commitment, oblivious transfer, and many other two-party cryptographic primitives. We also present quantum protocols based on the idea of integer-commitment, a generalization of bit-commitment, where one wishes to commit to an integer. We analyze these protocols using semidefinite programming and finally give protocols that are very close to Kitaev’s lower bound for any D ≥ 3 . Lastly, we briefly discuss an application of this work to the quantum state discrimination problem.
Dual Inhibition of AChE and BChE with the C-5 Substituted Derivative of Meldrum’s Acid: Synthesis, Structure Elucidation, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Mehfooz Haroon , Saeed Aamer , Sharma Anamika , Albericio Fernando , Larik Fayaz , Jabeen Farukh , Channar Pervaiz , Flörke Ulrich
Published: July 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) lies in the category of those diseases which are still posing challenges to medicinal chemists, and the search for super-effective drugs for the treatment of AD is a work in progress. The inhibition of cholinesterase is considered a viable strategy to enhance the level of acetylcholine in the brain. The C-5 substituted derivative of Meldrum’s acid was synthesized and screened against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme inhibition activity. The simple and unique structure of synthesized derivative 3 was found to be good for the dual inhibition of both enzymes (AChE and BChE). 2,2-Dimethyl-5-(([2-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]amino)methylidene)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (3) showed significant inhibition against AChE, with an IC50 value of 1.13 ± 0.03 µ M (Standard Neostigmine 22.2 ± 3.2 µM), and moderate inhibition against BChE, with an IC50 value of 2.12 ± 1.22 µM (Standard Neostigmine 49.6 ± 6.11 µM). The structural insights reveal that compound 3 possesses intriguing reactive groups, which can potentially evoke the non-covalent interactions and possibly assist by binding in the active site of the target protein. Docking simulations revealed that the compound 3 showed binding inside the active site gorges of both AChE and BChE. An excellent agreement was obtained, as the best docked poses showed important binding features mostly based on interactions due to oxygen atoms and the aromatic moieties of the compound. The docking computations coupled with the experimental findings ascertained that the compound 3 can serve as a scaffold for the dual inhibitors of the human acetylcholine esterases.
Predation on Early Recruitment in Mediterranean Forests after Prescribed Fires
Authors: Sagra Javier , Moya Daniel , Plaza-Álvarez Pedro , Lucas-Borja Manuel , Alfaro-Sánchez Raquel , De Las Heras Jorge , Ferrandis Pablo
Published: July 2017

Wildfires play a significant role in many different elements of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. In recent years, prescribed fires have started being used more often as a fuel reduction tool, and also as silvicultural treatment to help the regeneration and health improvement of stands. Apart from the fact that fire may alter microsite conditions, very little is known about the impact of prescribed burning on natural regeneration or plant species renewal in Mediterranean pine forests. Likewise, knowledge about the influence of seedling predators on post-fire regeneration is still scarce. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of seedling predation on recruitment in earlier stages after prescribed burnings in three pine stands in Central Spain: a pure stand of Pinus nigra; a mixed stand of Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinaster and a mixed stand P. nigra with P. pinaster. In situ we superficially sowed seeds from two different species. In the sowing experiment, we tested two different seed provenances (drier and more humid spanish regions) for each species. In all, 60 plots (30 burned, 30 unburned) per site, with 10 seeding units per plot and more than 20,000 seeds, were used in the whole study. Seedling predation was evaluated by replicating the seeding units inside and outside a wire cage as protection for rodents and birds. Our results showed that prescribed fires alter initial seedling predation intensity: predation was significantly higher in the seedlings grown in the plots affected by prescribed fire. The individuals sown before the fire passed showed slightly more predation than those sown after fire passage. Provenances did not appear as an important predation drive. Understanding the role of the predation associated with these treatments can help improve Mediterranean pine forest management.
β-Selinene-Rich Essential Oils from the Parts of Callicarpa macrophylla and Their Antioxidant and Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Chandra Mahesh , Prakash Om , Kumar Ravendra , Bachheti Rakesh , Bhushan Brij , Kumar Mahesh , Pant Anil
Published: July 2017

Background: Callicarpa macrophylla (Varbenaceae) is a medicinal shrub and is traditionally used in India, China, and South Asia. Methods: The plant material was collected from lower Himalayan region of Uttarakhand in India. The essential oils from three different aerial parts were analyzed by GC-MS. Antioxidant activity, phenolic assay, and various pharmacological activities were determined by using existing methods which are generally practiced widely. Results: Over 51, 53, and 40 compounds were identified in C. macrophylla leaves essential oil (CMLEO), C. macrophylla pre mature seeds and fruits essential oil (CMEO-I) and C.macrophylla mature seeds and fruits essential oil (CMEO-II), respectively. These oils differ in relative contents of major compounds viz; β-selinene (37.51% in CMLEO, 44.66% in CMEO-I and 57.01% in CMEO-II), phyllocladene (9.76% in CMLEO, 5.80% in CMEO-I and 12.38% in CMEO-II), caryophelline oxide (7.34% in CMLEO, 8.74% in CMEO-I and 5.0% in CMEO-II), 9E-epi-caryophelline (6.23% in CMLEO, 1.27% in CMEO-I and 3.43% in CMEO-II), longipinocarvone (4.96% in CMLEO, 1.17% in CMEO-I and 2.0% in CMEO-II), and 1,8-cineole (2.23% in CMLEO, 3.10% in CMEO-I and 1.62% in CMEO-II). The oils exhibited good in vitro antioxidant activity. The maximum activity was found in CMEO-II with IC50 values 7.37 ± 0.11, 11.49 ± 0.87, 14.59 ± 0.18, 15.66 ± 0.03, and 17.49 ± 0.13 µl/mL. The essential oils showed qualitative and quantitative diversity in the makeup of essential oils constituents. The oils were found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activity on swiss albino mice compared to the standard drugs, viz; ibuprofen, paracetamol and indomethacin. Conclusion: It is inferred from the study that the plant parts can be used scientifically in traditional systems as folk herbal medicine. Furthermore, we have generated a database for future reference and judicious exploitation of these oils from their natural setting.
Development of the Electric Equivalent Model for the Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Small Adherent Cells
Authors: Chan Florence , Yang Runhuai , Lai King
Published: July 2017

A novel approach utilizing current feedback for the cytoplasmic microinjection of biological cells is proposed. In order to realize the cytoplasmic microinjection on small adherent cells (diameter < 30 μm and thickness < 10 μm), an electrical model is built and analyzed according to the electrochemical properties of target cells. In this study, we have verified the effectiveness of the current measurement for monitoring the injection process and the study of ion channel activities for verifying the cell viability of the cells after the microinjection.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of New Triazole and Nitro-Triazole Derivatives as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Sadeghpour Hossein , Khabnadideh Soghra , Zomorodian Kamiar , Pakshir Keyvan , Hoseinpour Khadijeh , Javid Nabiollah , Faghih-Mirzaei Ehsan , Rezaei Zahra
Published: July 2017

In this study two series of fluconazole derivatives bearing nitrotriazole (series A) or piperazine ethanol (series B) side chain were designed and synthesized and then docked in the active site of lanosterol 14α-demethylase enzyme (1EA1) using the Autodock 4.2 program (The scripps research institute, La Jolla, CA, USA). The structures of synthesized compound were confirmed by various methods including elemental and spectral (NMR, CHN, and Mass) analyses. Then antifungal activities of the synthesized compound were tested against several natural and clinical strains of fungi using a broth microdilution assay against several standard and clinical fungi. Nitrotriazole derivatives showed excellent and desirable antifungal activity against most of the tested fungi. Among the synthesized compounds, 5a–d and 5g, possessing nitrotriazole moiety, showed maximum antifungal activity, in particular against several fluconazole-resistant fungi.
A Rapid and Efficient Route to Preparation of Isocyanate Microcapsules
Authors: Ma Yangbao , Jiang Yang , Tan Haiyan , Zhang Yanhua , Gu Jiyou
Published: July 2017

In this paper, polyaryl polymethylene isocyanates (PAPI) were used as an innovative alternative material to prepare isocyanate microcapsules. PAPI could be used as core materials, which would react with small molecules containing active hydrogen (1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-diaminoethane etc.). The reaction products of PAPI and active hydrogen would form a shell by interfacial polymerization reaction in an oil-in-water emulsion. Smooth spherical microcapsules of 70 ~ 180 μm in diameter were produced by controlling agitation rate (600 ~ 1200 rpm). High yields (~80%) of a free-flowing powder of PAPI/polyurethane and polyurea capsules were produced with a high isocyanate groups (–NCO) content of 23 wt % as determined by titration analysis. Structural analysis and quality assessments of each batch of microcapsules were performed by using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Preliminary results indicated the microcapsules were stable with only about 20% loss of –NCO detected after one month storage under ambient conditions. This work showed the great potential of novel microencapsulation technique in development of protection of –NCO and in aspects of micro- and nano-structure construction materials.
High Resolution Orthomosaics of African Coral Reefs: A Tool for Wide-Scale Benthic Monitoring
Authors: Palma Marco , Rivas Casado Monica , Pantaleo Ubaldo , Cerrano Carlo
Published: July 2017

Coral reefs play a key role in coastal protection and habitat provision. They are also well known for their recreational value. Attempts to protect these ecosystems have not successfully stopped large-scale degradation. Significant efforts have been made by government and research organizations to ensure that coral reefs are monitored systematically to gain a deeper understanding of the causes, the effects and the extent of threats affecting coral reefs. However, further research is needed to fully understand the importance that sampling design has on coral reef characterization and assessment. This study examines the effect that sampling design has on the estimation of seascape metrics when coupling semi-autonomous underwater vehicles, structure-from-motion photogrammetry techniques and high resolution (0.4 cm) underwater imagery. For this purpose, we use FRAGSTATS v4 to estimate key seascape metrics that enable quantification of the area, density, edge, shape, contagion, interspersion and diversity of sessile organisms for a range of sampling scales (0.5 m × 0.5 m, 2 m × 2 m, 5 m × 5 m, 7 m × 7 m), quadrat densities (from 1–100 quadrats) and sampling strategies (nested vs. random) within a 1655 m2 case study area in Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (Mozambique). Results show that the benthic community is rather disaggregated within a rocky matrix; the embedded patches frequently have a small size and a regular shape; and the population is highly represented by soft corals. The genus Acropora is the more frequent and shows bigger colonies in the group of hard corals. Each of the seascape metrics has specific requirements of the sampling scale and quadrat density for robust estimation. Overall, the majority of the metrics were accurately identified by sampling scales equal to or coarser than 5 m × 5 m and quadrat densities equal to or larger than 30. The study indicates that special attention needs to be dedicated to the design of coral reef monitoring programmes, with decisions being based on the seascape metrics and statistics being determined. The results presented here are representative of the eastern South Africa coral reefs and are expected to be transferable to coral reefs with similar characteristics. The work presented here is limited to one study site and further research is required to confirm the findings.
Dry Season Evapotranspiration Dynamics over Human-Impacted Landscapes in the Southern Amazon Using the Landsat-Based METRIC Model
Authors: Khand Kul , Numata Izaya , Kjaersgaard Jeppe , Vourlitis George
Published: July 2017

Although seasonal and temporal variations in evapotranspiration (ET) in Amazonia have been studied based upon flux-tower data and coarse resolution satellite-based models, ET dynamics over human-impacted landscapes are highly uncertain in this region. In this study, we estimate ET rates from critical land cover types over highly fragmented landscapes in the southern Amazon and characterize the ET dynamics during the dry season using the METRIC (Mapping Evapotranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration) model. METRIC, a Landsat-based ET model, that generates spatially continuous ET estimates at a 30 m spatial resolution widely used for agricultural applications, was adapted to the southern Amazon by using the NDVI indexed reference ET fraction (ETrF) approach. Compared to flux tower-based ET rates, this approach showed an improved performance on the forest ET estimation over the standard METRIC approach, with R2 = 0.73 from R2 = 0.70 and RMSE reduced from 0.77 mm/day to 0.35 mm/day. We used this approach integrated into the METRIC procedure to estimate ET rates from primary, regenerated, and degraded forests and pasture in Acre, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso, all located in the southern Amazon, during the dry season in 2009. The lowest ET rates occurred in Mato Grosso, the driest region. Acre and Rondônia, both located in the southwestern Amazon, had similar ET rates for all land cover types. Dry season ET rates between primary forest and regenerated forest were similar (p > 0.05) in all sites, ranging between 2.5 and 3.4 mm/day for both forest cover types in the three sites. ET rates from degraded forest in Mato Grosso were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the other forest cover types, with a value of 2.03 mm/day on average. Pasture showed the lowest ET rates during the dry season at all study sites, with the dry season average ET varying from 1.7 mm/day in Mato Grosso to 2.8 mm/day in Acre.
Learning-Based Sub-Pixel Change Detection Using Coarse Resolution Satellite Imagery
Authors: Xu Yong , Lin Lin , Meng Deyu
Published: July 2017

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data are effective and efficient for monitoring urban dynamics such as urban cover change and thermal anomalies, but the spatial resolution provided by MODIS data is 500 m (for most of its shorter spectral bands), which results in difficulty in detecting subtle spatial variations within a coarse pixel—especially for a fast-growing city. Given that the historical land use/cover products and satellite data at finer resolution are valuable to reflect the urban dynamics with more spatial details, finer spatial resolution images, as well as land cover products at previous times, are exploited in this study to improve the change detection capability of coarse resolution satellite data. The proposed approach involves two main steps. First, pairs of coarse and finer resolution satellite data at previous times are learned and then applied to generate synthetic satellite data with finer spatial resolution from coarse resolution satellite data. Second, a land cover map was produced at a finer spatial resolution and adjusted with the obtained synthetic satellite data and prior land cover maps. The approach was tested for generating finer resolution synthetic Landsat images using MODIS data from the Guangzhou study area. The finer resolution Landsat-like data were then applied to detect land cover changes with more spatial details. Test results show that the change detection accuracy using the proposed approach with the synthetic Landsat data is much better than the results using the original MODIS data or conventional spatial and temporal fusion-based approaches. The proposed approach is beneficial for detecting subtle urban land cover changes with more spatial details when multitemporal coarse satellite data are available.
Improved Model for Depth Bias Correction in Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry Systems
Authors: Zhao Jianhu , Zhao Xinglei , Zhang Hongmei , Zhou Fengnian
Published: July 2017

Airborne LiDAR bathymetry (ALB) is efficient and cost effective in obtaining shallow water topography, but often produces a low-accuracy sounding solution due to the effects of ALB measurements and ocean hydrological parameters. In bathymetry estimates, peak shifting of the green bottom return caused by pulse stretching induces depth bias, which is the largest error source in ALB depth measurements. The traditional depth bias model is often applied to reduce the depth bias, but it is insufficient when used with various ALB system parameters and ocean environments. Therefore, an accurate model that considers all of the influencing factors must be established. In this study, an improved depth bias model is developed through stepwise regression in consideration of the water depth, laser beam scanning angle, sensor height, and suspended sediment concentration. The proposed improved model and a traditional one are used in an experiment. The results show that the systematic deviation of depth bias corrected by the traditional and improved models is reduced significantly. Standard deviations of 0.086 and 0.055 m are obtained with the traditional and improved models, respectively. The accuracy of the ALB-derived depth corrected by the improved model is better than that corrected by the traditional model.
Pedestrian Detection Based on Adaptive Selection of Visible Light or Far-Infrared Light Camera Image by Fuzzy Inference System and Convolutional Neural Network-Based Verification
Authors: Kang Jin Kyu , Hong Hyung Gil , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: July 2017

A number of studies have been conducted to enhance the pedestrian detection accuracy of intelligent surveillance systems. However, detecting pedestrians under outdoor conditions is a challenging problem due to the varying lighting, shadows, and occlusions. In recent times, a growing number of studies have been performed on visible light camera-based pedestrian detection systems using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in order to make the pedestrian detection process more resilient to such conditions. However, visible light cameras still cannot detect pedestrians during nighttime, and are easily affected by shadows and lighting. There are many studies on CNN-based pedestrian detection through the use of far-infrared (FIR) light cameras (i.e., thermal cameras) to address such difficulties. However, when the solar radiation increases and the background temperature reaches the same level as the body temperature, it remains difficult for the FIR light camera to detect pedestrians due to the insignificant difference between the pedestrian and non-pedestrian features within the images. Researchers have been trying to solve this issue by inputting both the visible light and the FIR camera images into the CNN as the input. This, however, takes a longer time to process, and makes the system structure more complex as the CNN needs to process both camera images. This research adaptively selects a more appropriate candidate between two pedestrian images from visible light and FIR cameras based on a fuzzy inference system (FIS), and the selected candidate is verified with a CNN. Three types of databases were tested, taking into account various environmental factors using visible light and FIR cameras. The results showed that the proposed method performs better than the previously reported methods.
Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Regeneration in a Natural Disaster Vulnerability Context: A Case Study of Chongqing, China
Authors: Xiang Pengcheng , Wang Yiming , Deng Qing
Published: July 2017

Currently, economic development has become a dominant factor in the promotion of urban regeneration in China. This means that decision makers often overlook the impacts on the natural environment when planning urban regeneration within a region. To properly face such challenges and others that may arise, a strategy relying on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can enhance the physical and ecological environment of a city, while ensuring greater resilience to natural disasters, and the use of fewer resources. NBS also improves the social well-being of citizens by creating more inclusive and engaged communities. This paper reviews the literature concerning urban regeneration and natural disaster vulnerability to discuss the complex mechanisms of the interactions between natural disaster and urban regeneration. Then, the evaluation model of natural disaster vulnerability in urban area is constructed, and data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is used to assess the vulnerability of natural disasters in various regions of Chongqing. Finally, under the background of NBS, this paper puts forward the way of urban regeneration, and provides an important direction for urban regeneration to realize the sustainable development of cities.
Quantitative Assessment of Vulnerability to Climate Change in Rural Municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Žurovec Ognjen , Čadro Sabrija , Sitaula Bishal
Published: July 2017

The rural population in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), which constitutes more than half of the total population, experienced serious incidences of extreme weather events in the past two decades. This part of the population is vulnerable to climate change due to significant dependence on agriculture as a climate-sensitive livelihood option. However, the source of their vulnerability is due not only to the extent and magnitude of these extreme climate events, but also to the internal status within the vulnerable systems before the occurrence of such events. In order to explore the different dimensions of vulnerability, we used a set of 20 indicators to quantitatively assess the vulnerability of the rural population to climate change at the local level in BH. Two summarizing and two weighting methods were applied to assess vulnerability—Equal weights (EW) and principal component analysis (PCA). Based on the results obtained, we concluded that the current socio-economic conditions and the increased environmental pressure as a result of the present human-environment interactions are the main determinants of vulnerability in most vulnerable municipalities, rather than the degree to which these municipalities are exposed to significant climatic variations. Most vulnerable municipalities are located across the north, with a gradual decrease in vulnerability towards the central, north, and east of the country. Vulnerability increases again from here towards the south of the country. The number of municipalities classified as the highest and highly vulnerable increased when the second summarizing method and weighted indicators were used. However, the general geographic distribution of vulnerability did not change substantially compared to the first method. The approaches used in this study provide some valuable results at the local level, and are presented in a way that is practical for decision-making processes and may serve as a base for further research when designing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, especially in the regions with similar climatic and socio-economic conditions.
Testing the Correlations between Corporate Giving, Performance and Company Value
Authors: Hategan Camelia-Daniela , Curea-Pitorac Ruxandra-Ioana
Published: July 2017

The paper seeks to identify the relationship between the charitable contributions, performance, and market value of Romanian listed companies. To achieve the objective, a panel data analysis was conducted on a group of companies listed at Bucharest Stock Exchange in the period 2011 to 2016, which registered profit for the entire period. The empirical analysis points out, using a logistic regression, which financial and non-financial indicators contribute to the decisions of the companies to make the charitable contributions. It also tests the impact of those indicators and corporate giving activities like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities on company value, represented by Tobin’s Q Ratio and on company performance, expressed by Return on Equity (ROE). The results show that there is a positive correlation between the charitable contributions, performance, and market value of the Romanian listed companies.
Dynamic Fumonisin B2 Production by Aspergillus niger Intented Used in Food Industry in China
Authors: Han Xiaomin , Jiang Hongru , Xu Jin , Zhang Jing , Li Fengqin
Published: July 2017

There are a total of 30 strains including 27 strains of Aspergillus niger intended used in Chinese food industry, two strains used as control and one strain isolated from corn for fumonisin (FB) production on 3 media. It was found that FB2 production by A. niger was function-dependent and highly related to culture media, as well as incubation time. All strains studied were unable to produce FB1 and FB3. Almost all strains were found to produce FB2 on corn, rice and wheat bran. Based on their intended use in the food industry, the higher level of FB2 producers were strains used for saccharifying enzyme (n = 13) production, followed by organic acid (n = 6), tannase (n = 7) and β-galactosidase (n = 1) production, with the FB2 mean level of 3553–10,270 μg/kg, 1059–12,036 μg/kg, 3–7 μg/kg and 2–4 μg/kg on corn, 5455–9241 μg/kg, 559–2190 μg/kg, 4–9 μg/kg and 6–10 μg/kg on rice, 5959–7709 μg/kg, 9491–17,339 μg/kg, 8–14 μg/kg and 120–222 μg/kg on wheat bran, respectively. Comparatively, strains of Fusarium verticillioide were capable of producing fumonins simultaneously with broader spectrum including FB1, FB2 and FB3, but at a much lower level. In conclusion, it is necessary to evaluate FB2 production by A. niger before intended use in the food processing industry.
Telomerase Induction in HPV Infection and Oncogenesis
Authors: Katzenellenbogen Rachel
Published: July 2017

Telomerase extends the repetitive DNA at the ends of linear chromosomes, and it is normally active in stem cells. When expressed in somatic diploid cells, it can lead to cellular immortalization. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with and high-risk for cancer activate telomerase through the catalytic subunit of telomerase, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The expression of hTERT is affected by both high-risk HPVs, E6 and E7. Seminal studies over the last two decades have identified the transcriptional, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional roles high-risk E6 and E7 have in telomerase induction. This review will summarize these findings during infection and highlight the importance of telomerase activation as an oncogenic pathway in HPV-associated cancer development and progression.
A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF USING COMPOSITE REINFORCEMENT IN TRANSPORT AND POWER INDUSTRY STRUCTURES
Authors: Vanagas Egidijus , Kliukas Romualdas , Lukoševičienė Ona , Maruschak Pavlo , Patapavičius Andrius , Juozapaitis Algirdas
Published: July 2017

About 92% of Lithuanian bridges are made of reinforced concrete. Therefore, the problem of increasing the
reliability and service life of their structures is most important for ensuring effective operation of transport buildings.
The main factor causing transport building structures’ failure is associated with high water permeability and low resistance
to attack by corrosive media of concrete used in construction. Ports, bridges, tunnels, viaducts make a group of
transport structures strongly attacked by the aggressive media, e.g. cold air, water, ice, salts, etc. Though the members of
these structures (e.g. columns, beams) are usually designed for 50 years of service, they often require a major overhaul
or strengthening, when less than the half of this period has passed. Most of the damaged structures are the destroyed
protective concrete layer and the corroded steel reinforcement. The corrosion of steel reinforcement is the main problem,
causing the decrease of strength in the structures’ and their brittle failure. Now, composite reinforcement is the
alternative material used for reinforcing in the considered structures. Its mechanical properties, including the tensile
strength and resistance to the attack of aggressive media, are similar to or even better than those of commonly used
steel reinforcement. The experimental data on using composite reinforcement in the compression members or in the
compressed zones of flexural members of the structures are lacking. Therefore, most of design codes do not mention
or even do not recommend using composite reinforcement in these cases. The paper presents the analysis of the possibilities
of using composite reinforcement in transport and power industry structures.
A Unique View of AGN-driven Molecular Outflows: The Discovery of a Massive Galaxy Counterpart to a Z = 2.4 High-metallicity Damped Lyα Absorber
Authors: Rudie Gwen C. , Newman Andrew B. , Murphy Michael T.
Published: July 2017

We report the discovery of a massive

log
(
M

/

M

⊙

)
=

10.74

−
0.16

+
0.18

galaxy at the same redshift as a carbon-monoxide-bearing sub-damped Lyα absorber (sub-DLA) seen in the spectrum of QSO J1439+1117. The galaxy, J1439B, is located 4.″7 from the QSO sightline, a projected distance of 38 physical kpc at z = 2.4189, and exhibits broad optical emission lines (

σ

[
O

III
]

=
303
±
12

km

s

−
1

) with ratios characteristic of excitation by an active galactic nucleus (AGN). The galaxy has a factor of ∼9 lower star formation than is typical of star-forming galaxies of the same mass and redshift. The nearby sub-DLA is highly enriched, suggesting its galactic counterpart must be massive if it follows the

z
∼
2

mass–metallicity relationship. Metallic absorption within the circumgalactic medium of the sub-DLA and J1439B is spread over a velocity range

Δ
v
>
1000

km

s

−
1

, suggesting an energetic origin. We explore the possibility that a different galaxy could be responsible for the rare absorber, and conclude that it is unlikely based on imaging, integral-field spectroscopy, and high-z massive galaxy pair statistics. We argue that the gas seen in absorption against the QSO was likely ejected from the galaxy J1439B and therefore provides a unique observational probe of AGN feedback in the distant universe.
Universal Dark Halo Scaling Relation for the Dwarf Spheroidal Satellites
Authors: Hayashi Kohei , Ishiyama Tomoaki , Ogiya Go , Chiba Masashi , Inoue Shigeki , Mori Masao
Published: July 2017

Motivated by a recently found interesting property of the dark halo surface density within a radius,

r

max

, giving the maximum circular velocity,

V

max

, we investigate it for dark halos of the Milky Way’s and Andromeda’s dwarf satellites based on cosmological simulations. We select and analyze the simulated subhalos associated with Milky-Way-sized dark halos and find that the values of their surface densities,

Σ

V

max

, are in good agreement with those for the observed dwarf spheroidal satellites even without employing any fitting procedures. Moreover, all subhalos on the small scales of dwarf satellites are expected to obey the universal relation, irrespective of differences in their orbital evolutions, host halo properties, and observed redshifts. Therefore, we find that the universal scaling relation for dark halos on dwarf galaxy mass scales surely exists and provides us with important clues for understanding fundamental properties of dark halos. We also investigate orbital and dynamical evolutions of subhalos to understand the origin of this universal dark halo relation and find that most subhalos evolve generally along the

r

max

∝

V

max

sequence, even though these subhalos have undergone different histories of mass assembly and tidal stripping. This sequence, therefore, should be the key feature for understanding the nature of the universality of

Σ

V

max

.
Can Dust Injected by SNe Explain the NIR–MIR Excess in Young Massive Stellar Clusters?
Authors: Martínez-González Sergio , Wünsch Richard , Palouš Jan
Published: July 2017

We present a physically motivated model involving the different processes affecting supernova dust grains as they are incorporated into the thermalized medium within young massive star clusters. The model is used to explain the near- to mid-infrared (NIR–MIR) excess found in such clusters and usually modeled as a blackbody with temperature

∼
(
400
–
1000
)

K. In our approach, dust grains are efficiently produced in the clumpy ejecta of core-collapse supernovae, shattered into small pieces (

≲
0.05

μm) as they are incorporated into the hot and dense ISM, heated via frequent collisions with electrons and the absorption of energetic photons. Grains with small sizes can more easily acquire the high temperatures (∼1000 K) required to produce an NIR–MIR excess with respect to the emission of foreground PAHs and starlight. However, the extreme conditions inside young massive clusters make it difficult for these small grains to have a persistent manifestation at NIR–MIR wavelengths as they are destroyed by efficient thermal sputtering. Nevertheless, the chances for a persistent manifestation are increased by taking into account that small grains become increasingly transparent to their impinging ions as their sizes decrease. For an individual SN event, we find that the NIR–MIR excess lasts longer if the time required to incorporate all the grains into the thermalized medium is also longer, and, in some cases, comparable to the characteristic interval between supernova explosions. Our models can successfully explain the near-infrared excesses found in the star clusters observed in M33 assuming a low heating efficiency and mass loading. In this scenario, the presence of the NIR–MIR excess is an indication of efficient dust production in SNe and its subsequent destruction.
Magnetic Flux Rope Shredding By a Hyperbolic Flux Tube: The Detrimental Effects of Magnetic Topology on Solar Eruptions
Authors: Chintzoglou Georgios , Vourlidas Angelos , Savcheva Antonia , Tassev Svetlin , Beltran Samuel Tun , Stenborg Guillermo
Published: July 2017

We present the analysis of an unusual failed eruption captured in high cadence and in many wavelengths during the observing campaign in support of the Very high Angular resolution Ultraviolet Telescope (VAULT2.0) sounding rocket launch. The refurbished VAULT2.0 is a Lyα (λ 1216 Å) spectroheliograph launched on 2014 September 30. The campaign targeted active region NOAA AR 12172 and was closely coordinated with the Hinode and IRIS missions and several ground-based observatories (NSO/IBIS, SOLIS, and BBSO). A filament eruption accompanied by a low-level flaring event (at the GOES C-class level) occurred around the VAULT2.0 launch. No coronal mass ejection was observed. The eruption and its source region, however, were recorded by the campaign instruments in many atmospheric heights ranging from the photosphere to the corona in high cadence and spatial resolution. This is a rare occasion that enabled us to perform a comprehensive investigation on a failed eruption. We find that a rising Magnetic Flux Rope (MFR)-like structure was destroyed during its interaction with the ambient magnetic field, creating downflows of cool plasma and diffuse hot coronal structures reminiscent of “cusps.” We employ magnetofrictional simulations to show that the magnetic topology of the ambient field is responsible for the destruction of the MFR. Our unique observations suggest that the magnetic topology of the corona is a key ingredient for a successful eruption.
The H i-to-H2 Transition in a Turbulent Medium
Authors: Bialy Shmuel , Burkhart Blakesley , Sternberg Amiel
Published: July 2017

We study the effect of density fluctuations induced by turbulence on the H i/H2 structure in photodissociation regions (PDRs) both analytically and numerically. We perform magnetohydrodynamic numerical simulations for both subsonic and supersonic turbulent gas and chemical H i/H2 balance calculations. We derive atomic-to-molecular density profiles and the H i column density probability density function (PDF) assuming chemical equilibrium. We find that, while the H i/H2 density profiles are strongly perturbed in turbulent gas, the mean H i column density is well approximated by the uniform-density analytic formula of Sternberg et al. The PDF width depends on (a) the radiation intensity–to–mean density ratio, (b) the sonic Mach number, and (c) the turbulence decorrelation scale, or driving scale. We derive an analytic model for the H i PDF and demonstrate how our model, combined with 21 cm observations, can be used to constrain the Mach number and driving scale of turbulent gas. As an example, we apply our model to observations of H i in the Perseus molecular cloud. We show that a narrow observed H i PDF may imply small-scale decorrelation, pointing to the potential importance of subcloud-scale turbulence driving.
A Teoria da Complexidade de Edgar Morin e o Ensino de Ciência e Tecnologia
Authors: Salles Virginia Ostroski , Matos Eloiza Aparecida Silva Ávila de
Published: July 2017

Este estudo apresenta um panorama da Teoria da Complexidade no contexto do ensino da ciência e tecnologia, visando contribuir nas reflexões teóricas acerca do tema. A opção metodológica é de caráter aplicado e descritivo, por promover justamente a discussão teórico-reflexiva em questão. Neste caminho, haverá uma discussão inicial que pretende situar a Teoria da Complexidade, pautada no pensamento de Edgar Morin, epistemólogo, expoente na estruturação deste campo de conhecimento há aproximadamente quatro décadas. Como continuidade da discussão proposta, será abordada a relação do ensino de ciência e tecnologia e sua complexidade. Fundamentalmente neste estudo, a busca da aproximação entre a perspectiva da complexidade e o campo da ciência e tecnologia serve para ampliar as questões que desafiam os rumos do conhecimento científico e tecnológico das décadas iniciais do século XXI, repletas de possibilidades e, ao mesmo tempo, com dilemas éticos e sociais que precisam ser superados para democratizar e socializar tais conhecimentos.
Grafos e máquinas de estados finitos: uma experiência interdisciplinar com estudantes da educação profissional
Authors: Sá Lauro Chagas e , Sá Fabrício Bortolini de , Silva Sandra Aparecida Fraga da
Published: July 2017

Apresentamos um recorte de pesquisa de mestrado que investigou aprendizagens discentes durante construção e utilização de uma maquete eletrônica para ensino da Teoria de Grafos. Identificamos aprendizagens dos alunos-pesquisadores da educação profissional no movimento da pesquisa-ação que oportunizou a criação do recurso. Partimos das perguntas: como se deu a interação ciência e tecnologia no projeto de feira de matemática? Que conteúdos foram mobilizados durante o movimento da pesquisa-ação? Como isso aconteceu? Buscando respostas, analisamos conversas de Whatsapp e respostas a um formulário e a um questionário, nossos instrumentos para produção de dados. Ao final, destacamos a relação entre o grafo, elemento matemático, e sua utilização para produção da maquete eletrônica, por meio da utilização de máquinas de estados finitos. Assim, ao retomarmos os conteúdos matemáticos e do núcleo profissional, acreditamos ter desenvolvido um trabalho interdisciplinar, reconstituindo a totalidade do conhecimento pela relação entre distintos conceitos abordados.
Formação inicial e continuada de professores de línguas. Dimensões e ações na pesquisa e na prática
Authors: Tanaca Jozelia Jane Corrente
Published: July 2017

Esta resenha apresenta a obra Formação Inicial e Continuada de Professores de Linguas: dimensões e ações na pesquisa e na prática organizada por João Telles para tratar de projetos de formação, na área de línguas estrangeiras, sob múltiplas abordagens e pontos de vista. A obra reúne autores nacionais que desenvolvem práticas de formação inicial e continuada e convidam o leitor, professor, pesquisador e linguista aplicado a refletir sobre sua própria concepção de formação de professores e como ela implica em sua maneira de aprender e ensinar.
Memória e linguagem: uma abordagem sociocognitiva
Authors: Freitas Nathália Luiz de
Published: July 2017

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo discutir as relações entre linguagem e memória a partir de uma ótica sociocognitiva que concebe tais instâncias como sendo de caráter biopsicossocial. Para tanto, foram apresentadas e discutidas algumas concepções referentes à Neurociência Cognitiva e à Teoria da Integração Conceptual. Buscou-se mostrar a interdependência entre essas esferas mentais, indicando que, na linguagem, os efeitos de sentido produzidos estão diretamente relacionados a mobilizações mnêmicas, em todos os seus tipos. De igual modo, a construção de memórias, especificamente as declarativas, está ligada à faculdade de linguagem, que as estruturam bem como auxiliam em sua consolidação e evocação.
O tratamento dado ao vocabulário nos métodos de ensino: levantamento e análise de atividades
Authors: Fernandes Yamamoto Monica Jessica Aparecida , Ota Junko
Published: July 2017

Esse artigo trata de questões relacionadas à aquisição de vocabulário em L2, com ênfase nas atividades realizadas em sala de aula para promover o desenvolvimento da competência lexical dos aprendizes. Descrevemos quatro métodos de ensino, destacando as atividades voltadas para o aprendizado de vocabulário. Em seguida, analisamos essas atividades quanto à sua colaboração para a construção de um repertório rico de vocabulário.
Integrated and Collaborative Care: Quality Improvement in Action
Authors: Newman Mark W.
Published: July 2017

The popularity of Integrated and Collaborative Care (ICC) treatment models in behavioral health has paralleled the growth of the Quality Improvement (QI) movement in the American health care system. QI entails continuous and organized efforts to improve the performance of a system. These concepts are closely related, and in many ways ICC can be seen as a specific application of QI principles. In addition, these concepts are synergistic in that ICC programs can be implemented with QI tools, and such programs also create numerous opportunities for further QI efforts. The broader adoption of QI will help drive innovation in psychiatric care delivery.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2017;47(7):374–377.]