bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning on Infant Food and Nutrient Intakes: The BLISS Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Williams Erickson Liz , Taylor Rachael W. , Haszard Jillian J. , Fleming Elizabeth A. , Daniels Lisa , Morison Brittany J. , Leong Claudia , Fangupo Louise J. , Wheeler Benjamin J. , Taylor Barry J. , Te Morenga Lisa , McLean Rachael M. , Heath Anne-Louise M.
Published: June 2018

Despite growing international interest in Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), we know almost nothing about food and nutrient intake in infants following baby-led approaches to infant feeding. The aim of this paper was to determine the impact of modified BLW (i.e., Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS; BLISS) on food and nutrient intake at 7–24 months of age. Two hundred and six women recruited in late pregnancy were randomized to Control (n = 101) or BLISS (n = 105) groups. All participants received standard well-child care. BLISS participants also received lactation consultant support to six months, and educational sessions about BLISS (5.5, 7, and 9 months). Three-day weighed diet records were collected for the infants (7, 12, and 24 months). Compared to the Control group, BLISS infants consumed more sodium (percent difference, 95% CI: 35%, 19% to 54%) and fat (6%, 1% to 11%) at 7 months, and less saturated fat (−7%, −14% to −0.4%) at 12 months. No differences were apparent at 24 months of age but the majority of infants from both groups had excessive intakes of sodium (68% of children) and added sugars (75% of children). Overall, BLISS appears to result in a diet that is as nutritionally adequate as traditional spoon-feeding, and may address some concerns about the nutritional adequacy of unmodified BLW. However, BLISS and Control infants both had high intakes of sodium and added sugars by 24 months that are concerning.
A Comparative Study on Carbohydrate Estimation: GoCARB vs. Dietitians
Authors: Vasiloglou Maria F. , Mougiakakou Stavroula , Aubry Emilie , Bokelmann Anika , Fricker Rita , Gomes Filomena , Guntermann Cathrin , Meyer Alexa , Studerus Diana , Stanga Zeno
Published: June 2018

GoCARB is a computer vision-based smartphone system designed for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes to estimate plated meals’ carbohydrate (CHO) content. We aimed to compare the accuracy of GoCARB in estimating CHO with the estimations of six experienced dietitians. GoCARB was used to estimate the CHO content of 54 Central European plated meals, with each of them containing three different weighed food items. Ground truth was calculated using the USDA food composition database. Dietitians were asked to visually estimate the CHO content based on meal photographs. GoCARB and dietitians achieved comparable accuracies. The mean absolute error of the dietitians was 14.9 (SD 10.12) g of CHO versus 14.8 (SD 9.73) g of CHO for the GoCARB (p = 0.93). No differences were found between the estimations of dietitians and GoCARB, regardless the meal size. The larger the size of the meal, the greater were the estimation errors made by both. Moreover, the higher the CHO content of a food category was, the more challenging its accurate estimation. GoCARB had difficulty in estimating rice, pasta, potatoes, and mashed potatoes, while dietitians had problems with pasta, chips, rice, and polenta. GoCARB may offer diabetic patients the option of an easy, accurate, and almost real-time estimation of the CHO content of plated meals, and thus enhance diabetes self-management.
Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Immune Response in a Murine Model of Peanut Allergy
Authors: Trinchese Giovanna , Paparo Lorella , Aitoro Rosita , Fierro Carmela , Varchetta Michela , Nocerino Rita , Mollica Maria Pina , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: June 2018

Background: Evidence suggests a relevant role for liver and mitochondrial dysfunction in allergic disease. However, the role of hepatic mitochondrial function in food allergy is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction in a murine model of peanut allergy. Methods: Three-week-old C3H/HeOuJ mice were sensitized by the oral route with peanut-extract (PNT). We investigated: 1. the occurrence of effective sensitization to PNT by analysing acute allergic skin response, anaphylactic symptoms score, body temperature, serum mucosal mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) and anti-PNT immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels; 2. hepatic involvement by analysing interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNA expression; 3. hepatic mitochondrial oxidation rates and efficiency by polarography, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) yield, aconitase and superoxide dysmutase activities by spectrophotometry. Results: Sensitization to PNT was demonstrated by acute allergic skin response, anaphylactic symptoms score, body temperature decrease, serum mMCP-1 and anti-peanut IgE levels. Liver involvement was demonstrated by a significant increase of hepatic Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) mRNA expression. Mitochondrial dysfunction was demonstrated by lower state 3 respiration rate in the presence of succinate, decreased fatty acid oxidation in the presence of palmitoyl-carnitine, increased yield of ROS proven by the inactivation of aconitase enzyme and higher H2O2 mitochondrial release. Conclusions: We provide evidence of hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction in a murine model of peanut allergy. These data could open the way to the identification of new mitochondrial targets for innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies against food allergy.
Validation of Dietary Vitamin D Intake from Two Food Frequency Questionnaires, Using Food Records and the Biomarker 25-Hydroxyvitamin D among Pregnant Women
Authors: Bärebring Linnea , Amberntsson Anna , Winkvist Anna , Augustin Hanna
Published: June 2018

Our objective was to validate vitamin D intake from a short vitamin D questionnaire (VDQ) and a longer online food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) against a food record and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) as a biomarker of vitamin D status, among pregnant women in Sweden. The number of women included was 1125 with VDQ, FFQ and 25OHD, and of those, 64 also completed the food record. Median vitamin D intakes were 3.9 µg by VDQ (p < 0.001), and 5.3 µg by FFQ (p = 0.89), compared to 5.0 µg by food record. Correlations between vitamin D intake from food record and VDQ (rho = 0.51, p < 0.001) or FFQ (rho = 0.49, p < 0.001) were similar. The VDQ and FFQ also had a similar ability to rank the individuals according to vitamin D intake. However, only vitamin D intake from the VDQ was significantly associated with vitamin D status as assessed by 25OHD. The validation coefficient for the VDQ was 0.68 and 0.75 for the FFQ. In conclusion, assessing dietary vitamin D intake is challenging, regardless of the dietary assessment method. The VDQ, that includes only four food items, is a valid, simple and useful tool in assessing vitamin D intake of pregnant women in Sweden, while imposing a minimal burden on women and researchers.
Early Life Vitamin C Deficiency Does Not Alter Morphology of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons or Markers of Synaptic Plasticity in a Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Hansen Stine N. , Jørgensen Jane M. Bjørn , Nyengaard Jens R. , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Tveden-Nyborg Pernille
Published: June 2018

Approximately 15% of the Western world population, including pregnant women and their children, is characterized as vitamin C (vitC) deficient. In guinea pigs, early life vitC deficiency causes spatial memory deficits, decreased hippocampal volume and neuron numbers, in otherwise clinically healthy animals. We hypothesized that vitC deficiency leads to decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and synaptic plasticity markers in selected brain areas (frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum) and cause morphological changes in cornu ammonis 1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus either through a direct effect or indirectly by increased oxidative stress. Fifty-seven female guinea pigs were allocated to three groups receiving either 1390, 100 or 0–50 mg vitC/kg feed for 11 weeks. Dietary vitC levels were reflected in the plasma, cortical and adrenal gland levels, however, redox imbalance was only present in the adrenal glands allowing for the investigation of a direct influence of vitC deficiency on the chosen parameters in the brain. Synaptic plasticity markers were not affected in the investigated brain areas and no differences in isolated pyramidal neuron morphology was recorded. Based on our findings, it appears that vitC deficiency may primarily elicit impaired neuronal function through increased levels of oxidative stress.
A Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometric Assay for the Quantification of Fabry Disease Biomarker Globotriaosylceramide (GB3) in Fabry Model Mouse
Authors: Shin Seok-Ho , Park Min-Ho , Byeon Jin-Ju , Lee Byeong ill , Park Yuri , Ko Ah-ra , Seong Mi-ran , Lee Soyeon , Kim Mi Ra , Seo Jinwook , Jung Myung Eun , Jin Dong-Kyu , Shin Young G.
Published: June 2018

Fabry disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the lack of α-Gal A gene activity. Globotriaosylceramide (GB3, ceramide trihexoside) is a novel endogenous biomarker which predicts the incidence of Fabry disease. At the early stage efficacy/biomarker study, a rapid method to determine this biomarker in plasma and in all relevant tissues related to this disease simultaneously is required. However, the limited sample volume, as well as the various levels of GB3 in different matrices makes the GB3 quantitation very challenging. Hereby we developed a rapid method to identify GB3 in mouse plasma and various tissues. Preliminary stability tests were also performed in three different conditions: short-term, freeze-thaw, long-term. The calibration curve was well fitted over the concentration range of 0.042–10 μg/mL for GB3 in plasma and 0.082–20 μg/g for GB3 in various tissues. This method was successfully applied for the comparison of GB3 levels in Fabry model mice (B6;129-Glatm1Kul/J), which has not been performed previously to the best of our knowledge.
Water Absorption and Distribution in a Pultruded Unidirectional Carbon/Glass Hybrid Rod under Hydraulic Pressure and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Li Chenggao , Xian Guijun , Li Hui
Published: June 2018

A pultruded unidirectional carbon/glass reinforced epoxy hybrid FRP rod with 19 mm of diameter was developed for a sucker rod and lifting oil wells. The rod possesses a 12-mm diameter carbon fiber core and a 3.5-mm thick outer shell. The rod was exposed to high-temperature immersion in water under hydraulic pressure. To understand the long-term service performance of the rod, immersions in water at 20 °C, 40 °C, or 60 °C under 20 MPa of pressure for 1 year were conducted on the water uptake and distribution in the rod. The water uptake data were fitted by Fickian diffusion law, and the diffusion coefficient and the maximum water uptake were derived. Water distribution in the rod as a function of the immersion time, temperature, and hydraulic pressure was analyzed theoretically. This study revealed the accelerating effects of the elevated temperatures and the hydraulic pressure on the water diffusion in the hybrid rod.
Microflow Mechanism of Oil Displacement by Viscoelastic Hydrophobically Associating Water-Soluble Polymers in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Zhong Huiying , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Weidong , Yin Hongjun , Lu Jun , Guo Daizong
Published: June 2018

Polymer flooding plays an important role in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), particularly in China, where partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) and hydrophobically associating water-soluble polymers (HAWP) are used in onshore and offshore reservoirs, respectively. Many researchers have highlighted the elasticity of HPAM, which can be used to improve the sweep efficiency, i.e., the ratio of the area swept by an injected fluid to the oil area. On the other hand, fewer studies exist on the elasticity of HAWP. In this study, we investigate the flow of HAWP and Xanthan solutions with identical viscosities in core experiments in terms of elasticity; results reveal that the HAWP can produce shear thickening in the core. The constitutive equation for the HAWP can be obtained using the simulation results matched with the experimental data. On the basis of these experiments, we established a two-phase flow model of a polymer and oil, including the continuity, momentum, constitutive, and phase equations. The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method was used to track the interface between the two phases. A complex pore model was established based on the glass-etched model used in the experiment. We used the OpenFOAM platform to solve the mathematical model. The saturation, pressure, and stress tensor distributions were obtained. The results show that the displacement efficiency increased as the elasticity of the polymer increased; accordingly, the elasticity can enlarge the sweep area and decrease the residual oil saturation. As the elasticity increases, the stresses (the first normal stress, second normal stress, and shear stress) increase. Finally, the results obtained in this study can be used as a guideline in polymer design, screening, and optimization in the polymer flooding oilfields.
Hexapods with Plane-Symmetric Self-Motions
Authors: Nawratil Georg
Published: June 2018

A hexapod is a parallel manipulator where the platform is linked with the base by six legs, which are anchored via spherical joints. In general, such a mechanical device is rigid for fixed leg lengths, but, under particular conditions, it can perform a so-called self-motion. In this paper, we determine all hexapods possessing self-motions of a special type. The motions under consideration are so-called plane-symmetric ones, which are the straight forward spatial counterpart of planar/spherical symmetric rollings. The full classification of hexapods with plane-symmetric self-motions is achieved by formulating the problem in terms of algebraic geometry by means of Study parameters. It turns out that besides the planar/spherical symmetric rollings with circular paths and two trivial cases (butterfly self-motion and two-dimensional spherical self-motion), only one further solution exists, which is the so-called Duporcq hexapod. This manipulator, which is studied in detail in the last part of the paper, may be of interest for the design of deployable structures due to its kinematotropic behavior and total flat branching singularities.
Estimating Net Photosynthesis of Biological Soil Crusts in the Atacama Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Lehnert Lukas W. , Jung Patrick , Obermeier Wolfgang A. , Büdel Burkhard , Bendix Jörg
Published: June 2018

Biological soil crusts (BSC) encompassing green algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, bryophytes, heterotrophic bacteria and microfungi are keystone species in arid environments because of their role in nitrogen- and carbon-fixation, weathering and soil stabilization, all depending on the photosynthesis of the BSC. Despite their importance, little is known about the BSCs of the Atacama Desert, although especially crustose chlorolichens account for a large proportion of biomass in the arid coastal zone, where photosynthesis is mainly limited due to low water availability. Here, we present the first hyperspectral reflectance data for the most wide-spread BSC species of the southern Atacama Desert. Combining laboratory and field measurements, we establish transfer functions that allow us to estimate net photosynthesis rates for the most common BSC species. We found that spectral differences among species are high, and differences between the background soil and the BSC at inactive stages are low. Additionally, we found that the water absorption feature at 1420 nm is a more robust indicator for photosynthetic activity than the chlorophyll absorption bands. Therefore, we conclude that common vegetation indices must be taken with care to analyze the photosynthesis of BSC with multispectral data.
Irrigation History Estimation Using Multitemporal Landsat Satellite Images: Application to an Intensive Groundwater Irrigated Agricultural Watershed in India
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Hubert-Moy Laurance , Buvaneshwari Sriramulu , Sekhar Muddu , Ruiz Laurent , Bandyopadhyay Soumya , Corgne Samuel
Published: June 2018

Groundwater has rapidly evolved as a primary source for irrigation in Indian agriculture. Over-exploitation of the groundwater substantially depletes the natural water table and has negative impacts on the water resource availability. The overarching goal of the proposed research is to identify the historical evolution of irrigated cropland for the post-monsoon (rabi) and summer cropping seasons in the Berambadi watershed (Area = 89 km2) of Kabini River basin, southern India. Approximately five-year interval irrigated area maps were generated using 30 m spatial resolution Landsat satellite images for the period from 1990 to 2016. The potential of Support Vector Machine (SVM) was assessed to discriminate irrigated and non-irrigated croplands. Three indices, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), were derived from multi-temporal Landsat satellite images. Spatially distributed intensive ground observations were collected for training and validation of the SVM models. The irrigated and non-irrigated croplands were estimated with high classification accuracy (kappa coefficient greater than 0.9). At the watershed scale, this approach allowed highlighting the contrasted evolution of multiple-cropping (two successive crops in rabi and summer seasons that often imply dual irrigation) with a steady increase in the upstream and a recent decrease in the downstream of the watershed. Moreover, the multiple-cropping was found to be much more frequent in the valleys. These intensive practices were found to have significant impacts on the water resources, with a drastic decline in the water table level (more than 50 m). It also impacted the ecosystem: Groundwater level decline was more pronounced in the valleys and the rivers are no more fed by the base flow.
Deformation Response of Seismogenic Faults to the Wenchuan MS 8.0 Earthquake: A Case Study for the Southern Segment of the Longmenshan Fault Zone
Authors: Wu Yanqiang , Jiang Zaisen , Liang Hongbao , Pang Yajin , Zhu Shuang , Chang Liu , Chen Changyun , Li Jingwei
Published: June 2018

The spatiotemporal deformation response of a seismogenic fault to a large earthquake is of great significance to understanding the nucleation and occurrence of the next strong earthquake. The Longmeshan fault, where the 2008 Wenchuan MS 8.0 earthquake and 2013 Lushan MS 7.0 earthquake occurred, provides an opportunity for us to study this important issue. Based on the GPS observations, we exploit the deformation response of the Southern Segment of the Longmenshan Fault (SSLMF) to the Wenchuan earthquake. The results are as follows: (1) during the co-seismic and post-seismic processes of the Wenchuan earthquake, the deformation is dominated by a continuous pattern in the SSLMF, which is different from the rupture pattern in the middle-northern segment of the Longmenshan Fault (LMF). Quantitatively, the compressive strain present between 2008 and 2013 was equal to the strain accumulation of 69 years during the interseismic period in the SSLMF. If the statistics scope is restricted to the eastern region of the Anxian-Guanxian Fault (AGF), which covers the Lushan source area (Abbr.: Eastern Region), the value is about 25 years; (2) After the Wenchuan earthquake, the strain accumulation pattern changes significantly. First, the deformation adjustment (especially the shear deformation) in the region that crosses the Maoxian-Wenchuan Fault (MWF) and Beichuan-Yingxiu Fault (BYF) (Abbr.: Western Region) is significantly greater than that in the Eastern Region. Furthermore, the crustal shortening is significant in the Eastern Region with minor adjustments in shear deformation. Second, the azimuth angles of the principal compressive strain rate in both regions show significant adjustments, which change fast in the first year of the observation period and then turn into the stable state. In general, the deformation responses of the SSLMF reveal that the Wenchuan earthquake promotes the occurrence of the Lushan earthquake. Their differences in the spatiotemporal domain can be attributed to the influence of afterslip, viscous relaxation of the lithosphere, mechanical parameters and block movement.
InSAR-Based Mapping to Support Decision-Making after an Earthquake
Authors: Béjar-Pizarro Marta , Álvarez Gómez José A. , Staller Alejandra , Luna Marco P. , Pérez-López Raúl , Monserrat Oriol , Chunga Kervin , Lima Aracely , Galve Jorge Pedro , Martínez Díaz José J. , Mateos Rosa María , Herrera Gerardo
Published: June 2018

It has long been recognized that earthquakes change the stress in the upper crust around the fault rupture and can influence the behaviour of neighbouring faults and volcanoes. Rapid estimates of these stress changes can provide the authorities managing the post-disaster situation with valuable data to identify and monitor potential threads and to update the estimates of seismic and volcanic hazard in a region. Here we propose a methodology to evaluate the potential influence of an earthquake on nearby faults and volcanoes and create easy-to-understand maps for decision-making support after large earthquakes. We apply this methodology to the Mw 7.8, 2016 Ecuador earthquake. Using Sentinel-1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and continuous GPS data, we measure the coseismic ground deformation and estimate the distribution of slip over the fault rupture. We also build an alternative source model using the Global Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) solution. Then we use these models to evaluate changes of static stress on the surrounding faults and volcanoes and produce maps of potentially activated faults and volcanoes. We found, in general, good agreement between our maps and the seismic and volcanic events that occurred after the Pedernales earthquake. We discuss the potential and limitations of the methodology.
Issues in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Data Collection of Complex Forest Environments
Authors: Fraser Benjamin T. , Congalton Russell G.
Published: June 2018

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) offer users the ability to capture large amounts of imagery at unprecedented spatial resolutions due to their flexible designs, low costs, automated workflows, and minimal technical knowledge barriers. Their rapid extension into new disciplines promotes the necessity to question and understand the implications of data capture and processing parameter decisions on the respective output completeness. This research provides a culmination of quantitative insight using an eBee Plus, fixed-wing UAS for collecting robust data on complex forest environments. These analyses differentiate from measures of accuracy, which were derived from positional comparison to other data sources, to instead guide applications of comprehensive coverage. Our results demonstrated the impacts of flying height on Structure from Motion (SfM) processing completeness, discrepancies in outputs based on software package choice, and the effects caused by processing parameter settings. For flying heights of 50 m, 100 m, and 120 m above the forest canopy, key quality indicators within the software demonstrated the superior performance of the 100-m flying height. These indicators included, among others, image alignment success, the average number of tie points per image, and planimetric model ground sampling distance. We also compared the output results of two leading SfM software packages: Agisoft PhotoScan and Pix4D Mapper Pro. Agisoft PhotoScan maintained an 11.8% greater image alignment success and a 9.91% finer planimetric model resolution. Lastly, we compared the “high” and “medium” resolution processing workflows in Agisoft PhotoScan. The high-resolution processing setting achieved a 371% increase in point cloud density, with a 3.1% coarser planimetric model resolution, over a considerably longer processing time. As UAS continue to expand their sphere of influence and develop technologically, best-use practices based on aerial photogrammetry principles must remain apparent to achieve optimal results.
Acoustic–Seismic Mixed Feature Extraction Based on Wavelet Transform for Vehicle Classification in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Heng , Pan Zhongming , Zhang Wenna
Published: June 2018

An acoustic–seismic mixed feature extraction method based on the wavelet coefficient energy ratio (WCER) of the target signal is proposed in this study for classifying vehicle targets in wireless sensor networks. The signal was decomposed into a set of wavelet coefficients using the à trous algorithm, which is a concise method used to implement the wavelet transform of a discrete signal sequence. After the wavelet coefficients of the target acoustic and seismic signals were obtained, the energy ratio of each layer coefficient was calculated as the feature vector of the target signals. Subsequently, the acoustic and seismic features were merged into an acoustic–seismic mixed feature to improve the target classification accuracy after the acoustic and seismic WCER features of the target signal were simplified using the hierarchical clustering method. We selected the support vector machine method for classification and utilized the data acquired from a real-world experiment to validate the proposed method. The calculated results show that the WCER feature extraction method can effectively extract the target features from target signals. Feature simplification can reduce the time consumption of feature extraction and classification, with no effect on the target classification accuracy. The use of acoustic–seismic mixed features effectively improved target classification accuracy by approximately 12% compared with either acoustic signal or seismic signal alone.
Prevalence and Correlates of Hopelessness among Turkish Elderly People Living with Family or in Nursing Homes
Authors: Şahin Ertuğrul , Topkaya Nursel , Gençoğlu Cem , Ersanlı Ercümend
Published: June 2018

The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of hopelessness among Turkish elderly people. A convenience sample of 100 elderly people (51 women, 49 men) living in a city in the central Black Sea region of Turkey completed the Beck Hopelessness Scale and a data collection instrument to identify their socio-demographic information. The data was analyzed using Chi-Square, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The study results revealed that 81% of the elderly, or approximately eight out of 10 elderly people, experience hopelessness, ranging from mild to severe levels, and that severe hopelessness is more prevalent among elderly people living in nursing homes. No gender differences were found in terms of the severity of hopelessness among the elderly. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis also showed that hopelessness scores were positively associated with living in a nursing home, being widowed/a widower, and having a low monthly income. Considering the fact that hopelessness levels are correlated with suicidal thoughts, depression, and adverse health conditions, the mental health professionals who aim to increase the well-being of the elderly should conduct screening studies to determine hopelessness levels among this population. Mental health support is also recommended to increase hope among elderly Turkish people, specifically those living in nursing homes and those who are widowed/widowers and low-income individuals.
Social Capital and Stock Market Participation via Technologies: The Role of Households’ Risk Attitude and Cognitive Ability
Authors: Cheng Ya-Fang , Mutuc Eugene Burgos , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Lu Kun-Hwa , Lin Chien-Ho
Published: June 2018

This article reviews the relation between social capital and stock market participation via new technology. Its purpose is to acquire a thorough understanding of the structural, relational, and cognitive aspects of social capital’s influences and to recommend further empirical research ideas to the existing body of knowledge on household finance. It discusses the consideration of modern and highly technological platforms such as the internet stock market exchange platforms and applications. The stock market participation puzzle remains unsolved despite the progress in explaining the economic rationality behind investors decision making through behavioral finance. Furthermore, the researchers develop four propositions which can expound the existing relationship between social capital dimensions such as the structural, relational, and cognitive aspects and stock market participation of households. Doing so, we discuss the roles of risk attitude and the influence of cognitive ability such as financial awareness, financial literacy, and IQ (intelligence quotient) to enhance the existing body of knowledge. Practically, this article adds valuable ideas in solving the issue of limited participation not just in the stock market but in other financial markets through reflecting on the sociological and (green) technological concepts. Lastly, the implications for sustainable financial markets are elaborated.
Zonation and Directional Dynamics of Mangrove Forests Derived from Time-Series Satellite Imagery in Mai Po, Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Mingfeng , Zhang Hongsheng , Lin Guanghui , Lin Hui , Tang Danling
Published: June 2018

Mangrove deforestation is occurring globally at a rapid rate, and is causing serious ecological and economic losses on all scales. Monitoring mangrove changes is the first important step for mangrove management and conservation. Zonation of mangrove species (ZMS) is the predictable and discrete ordering of mangrove species caused by a unique, intertidal environment. Mapping the ZMS is critical to understanding the mangrove community at a species level. In this paper, the Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) was proposed as a method to evaluate mangrove species from a new dimension of directional changes. Three dominant mangrove species, Kandelia obovata (KO), Avicennia marina (AM), and Acanthus ilicifolius (AI), in Mai Po, Hong Kong were analyzed using SDEs based on the time series Système Pour l’Observation de la Terre (SPOT) and Gaofen-1 (GF-1) satellite images. The SDE results demonstrated that in the past 25 years: (1) The overall spatial extent of the mangroves in Mai Po expanded significantly, approximately from 150 to 350 Ha, and show a zonation pattern with a clear sequence of species perpendicular to the shoreline; (2) KO was the dominant species in most years, showing the strongest directional characteristic; (3) All three species zones have moved toward the north and west, as observed by the SDE centers. The SDE was proved to be a useful tool for understanding the temporal and spatial changes of mangrove zonation.
Server Operation and Virtualization to Save Energy and Cost in Future Sustainable Computing
Authors: Huh Jun-Ho
Published: June 2018

Since the introduction of the LTE (Long Term Evolution) service, we have lived in a time of expanding amounts of data. The amount of data produced has increased every year with the increase of smart phone distribution in particular. Telecommunication service providers have to struggle to secure sufficient network capacity in order to maintain quick access to necessary data by consumers. Nonetheless, maintaining the maximum capacity and bandwidth at all times requires considerable cost and excessive equipment. Therefore, to solve such a problem, telecommunication service providers need to maintain an appropriate level of network capacity and to provide sustainable service to customers through a quick network development in case of shortage. So far, telecommunication service providers have bought and used the network equipment directly produced by network equipment manufacturers such as Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, and Samsung. Since the equipment is specialized for networking, which satisfied consumers with their excellent performances, they are very costly because they are developed with advanced technologies. Moreover, it takes much time due to the purchase process wherein the telecommunication service providers place an order and the manufacturer produces and delivers. Accordingly, there are cases that require signaling and two-way data traffic as well as capacity because of the diversity of IoT devices. For these purposes, the need for NFV (Network Function Virtualization) is raised. Equipment virtualization is performed so that it is operated on an x86-based compatible server instead of working on the network equipment manufacturer’s dedicated hardware. By operating in some compatible servers, it can reduce the wastage of hardware and cope with the change thanks to quick hardware development. This study proposed an efficient system of reducing cost in network server operation using such NFV technology and found that the cost was reduced by 24% compared to existing network equipment. The technique proposed in this study is expected to be a foundation technology for future sustainability computing.
Nonoscillatory Solutions to Second-Order Neutral Difference Equations
Authors: Migda Małgorzata , Migda Janusz
Published: June 2018

We study asymptotic behavior of nonoscillatory solutions to second-order neutral difference equation of the form: Δ ( r n Δ ( x n + p n x n − τ ) ) = a n f ( n , x n ) + b n . The obtained results are based on the discrete Bihari type lemma and a Stolz type lemma.
Purification and Characterization of a Novel Insecticidal Toxin, μ-sparatoxin-Hv2, from the Venom of the Spider Heteropoda venatoria
Authors: Xiao Zhen , Zhang Yunxiao , Zeng Jiao , Liang Songping , Tang Cheng , Liu Zhonghua
Published: June 2018

The venom of the spider Heteropoda venatoria produced lethal effect to cockroaches as reported in our previous study, and could be a resource for naturally-occurring insecticides. The present study characterized a novel cockroach voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) antagonist, μ-sparatoxin-Hv2 (μ-SPRTX-Hv2 for short), from this venom. μ-SPRTX-Hv2 is composed of 37 amino acids and contains six conserved cysteines. We synthesized the toxin by using the chemical synthesis method. The toxin was lethal to cockroaches when intraperitoneally injected, with a LD50 value of 2.8 nmol/g of body weight. Electrophysiological data showed that the toxin potently blocked NaVs in cockroach dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons, with an IC50 of 833.7 ± 132.2 nM, but it hardly affected the DUM voltage-gated potassium channels (KVs) and the DUM high-voltage-activated calcium channels (HVA CaVs). The toxin also did not affect NaVs, HVA CaVs, and Kvs in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, as well as NaV subtypes NaV1.3–1.5, NaV1.7, and NaV1.8. No envenomation symptoms were observed when μ-SPRTX-Hv2 was intraperitoneally injected into mouse at the dose of 7.0 μg/g. In summary, μ-SPRTX-Hv2 is a novel insecticidal toxin from H. venatoria venom. It might exhibit its effect by blocking the insect NaVs and is a candidate for developing bioinsecticide.
The 1987–1989 Phytoplankton Bloom in Kaneohe Bay
Authors: Laws Edward , Taguchi Satoru
Published: June 2018

A remarkable bloom of phytoplankton occurred in the southeast sector (SE) of Kaneohe Bay from 1987 through 1989. During the bloom, concentrations of chlorophyll a at the former site of the Kaneohe municipal wastewater treatment plant outfall averaged a little more than 2 mg m–3 for a period of 40 months. The increase of chl a was accompanied by a roughly twofold increase in the percentage of chl a accounted for by cells retained on a 35-micron filter, a drawdown of silicate concentrations from roughly 10 μM to 3–4 μM, an increase of nitrate concentrations from roughly 0.5 to more than 3 μM, and an increase of phosphate concentrations from roughly 0.2 to 0.5 μM. Extraordinarily heavy rains on 31 December 1987 led to flooding and land runoff that briefly raised chl a concentrations in the bay to as high as 17 mg m–3, but the bloom in question developed more than one year before the 1987 New Year’s Eve flood. It was not caused by unusually heavy rainfall: the average rainfall during 1987–1989 was only 10% above the long-term average. Instead, the bloom appears to have been caused by a leak in the sanitary sewer line that was previously used to discharge secondary treated sewage into Kaneohe Bay. Ultimately, leaks in the sanitary sewer lines maintained by the City and County of Honolulu led to legal action and a consent decree that required upgrading and the renovation of the wastewater collection system.
Hazard Assessment under Multivariate Distributional Change-Points: Guidelines and a Flood Case Study
Authors: Salvadori Gianfausto , Durante Fabrizio , De Michele Carlo , Bernardi Mauro
Published: June 2018

One of the ultimate goals of hydrological studies is to assess whether or not the dynamics of the variables of interest are changing. For this purpose, specific statistics are usually adopted: e.g., overall indices, averages, variances, correlations, root-mean-square differences, monthly/annual averages, seasonal patterns, maximum and minimum values, quantiles, trends, etc. In this work, a distributional multivariate approach to the problem is outlined, also accounting for the fact that the variables of interest are often dependent. Here, the Copula Theory, the Failure Probabilities, and suitable non-parametric statistical Change-Point tests are used in order to provide an assessment of the hazard. A hydrological case study is utilized to illustrate the issue and the methodology (viz., assessment of a dam spillway), considering the bivariate dynamics of annual maximum flood peak and volume observed at the Ceppo Morelli dam (located in the Piedmont region, Northern Italy) over a 50-year period. In particular, several problems—often present in hydrological analyses—are debated: namely, (i) the uncertainties due to the presence of heavy tailed random variables, and (ii) the hydrological meaning/interpretation of the results of statistical tests. Furthermore, the suitability of the procedures proposed to fulfill the goals of the study (viz., detecting and interpreting non-stationarity) is discussed. Overall, the main recommendation is that statistical (multivariate) investigations may represent a necessary step, though they may not be sufficient to assess hydrological (environmental) hazards.
Desempenho térmico de paredes de alvenaria protegidas com revestimento de compósitos de resíduos agrícolas
Authors: Rosa Fábio Severo da , Scherer Minéia Johann
Published: June 2018

O artigo teve por objetivo avaliar a utilização de resíduos agrícolas em compósitos, com fins de isolamento térmico para uso em sistemas de vedações verticais em edificações, identificando o atendimento às normas pertinentes para a região sul do Brasil. A pesquisa teve como ponto de partida a análise dos resultados obtidos em pesquisas onde foram avaliados o desempenho térmico de resíduos agrícolas, tendo como foco o aproveitamento da casca de arroz e do sabugo de milho. Foi simulada uma parede de alvenaria em blocos vazados de concreto simples e de cerâmica, rebocada em ambas as faces com argamassa comum, considerando-se também o uso de uma camada de compósito sob a argamassa em uma das faces da parede. Os diferentes sistemas foram avaliados e comparados por meio dos valores de transmitância térmica e fator de ganho de calor solar. Os resultados obtidos comprovam a melhoria do desempenho das paredes com o uso dos compósitos considerados.
Géopolitique de la cyber-conflictualité
Authors: Nocetti Julien
Published: June 2018

Les cyberattaques tendent à se multiplier et à devenir plus complexes. Les auteurs, comme les victimes, peuvent être des États ou des acteurs privés. Le champ de la cyber-conflictualité est particulièrement difficile à appréhender du fait de la multiplicité des acteurs impliqués, de la difficulté à attribuer précisément les attaques et de l’émergence de nouvelles formes de guerre de l’information. Les tentatives de régulation internationale du cyberespace ont abouti à des résultats modestes.
Cyber : les enjeux pour la défense et la sécurité des Français
Authors: Gautier Louis
Published: June 2018

En janvier 2018, la France s’est dotée de sa première Revue stratégique de cyberdéfense . Ce document analyse les menaces existant dans le cyberespace, tout en constatant les défaillances de la gouvernance mondiale de l’internet. Il clarifie les principes d’organisation de la cyberdéfense française et présente l’État comme le garant de la cybersécurité de la Nation. Il plaide pour le rétablissement de la souveraineté numérique de la France et améliore les dispositifs de coopération public-privé.
L’Inde peut-elle devenir une grande puissance ?
Authors: Blarel Nicolas
Published: June 2018

L’Inde de Modi ambitionne le statut de puissance globale, mais elle ne l’a pas encore gagné. La multiplication des défis proches, avec le Pakistan ou la Chine, contraint Delhi à mobiliser ses forces pour tenter de stabiliser son environnement. Sur le plan interne, les instabilités à base ethnique, ou sécessionnistes, se traduisent souvent par des attaques terroristes, et limitent la marge de manoeuvre extérieure du gouvernement, comme les pesanteurs de la bureaucratie des Affaires étrangères.
L’Inde de Modi : un « développement pour tous »
Authors: Saint-Mézard Isabelle
Published: June 2018

Le BJP de Narendra Modi dispose depuis 2014 d’une majorité inédite. Son gouvernement a nettement valorisé le marché indien à l’échelle internationale. Mais le regain d’investissements étrangers ne s’est pas vraiment traduit en taux de croissance ou en création d’emplois. Et la large base électorale du BJP pourrait souffrir du soutien du gouvernement aux extrémistes hindous, et d’un développement de la violence intercommunautaire, largement antimusulmane, qui divisent le corps social.
America First au pouvoir
Authors: Haddad Benjamin
Published: June 2018

Avec Mike Pompeo et John Bolton, le président Trump entend prendre directement la main sur les options de politique étrangère, même s’il n’est pas aisé de replacer une doctrine Trump dans la continuité des écoles diplomatiques américaines. L’arrivée de Pompeo et Bolton est aussi la mise sur la table de cartes utiles dans une stratégie de tension permanente, sur l’Iran, la Syrie ou la Corée du Nord. L’appel aux normes et aux valeurs reste vain face à une stratégie privilégiant les intérêts.
Europe centrale : l’Initiative des Trois mers
Authors: Richard Dorota
Published: June 2018

Lancée en 2016, l’Initiative des Trois mers réunit 12 pays d’Europe centrale, membres de l’UE, pour renforcer la coopération économique dans l’espace entre la Baltique, l’Adriatique et la mer Noire, selon un axe Nord-Sud. Le sommet de l’Initiative à Varsovie a été marqué par la présence du président des États-Unis. Donald Trump y a exprimé son appui, en abordant les questions de coopération dans deux domaines stratégiques : l’énergie et la défense. Depuis, l’Initiative a gagné en visibilité.
Piraterie et insurrections dans le golfe de Guinée
Authors: Koungou Léon
Published: June 2018

Le golfe de Guinée est une voie de navigation importante et recèle des richesses – notamment pétrolières – qui suscitent convoitises et tensions. Les États de la région, soutenus par la communauté internationale, tentent de se mobiliser face à la piraterie. Une autre source d’instabilité menace la région : les mouvements insurrectionnels et sécessionnistes, en particulier dans le delta du Niger et dans l’Ambazonie, c’est-à-dire la partie anglophone du Cameroun.
Les États-Unis et l’Arctique : de l’hibernation à l’engagement
Authors: Calmels Christelle
Published: June 2018

Jusqu’à très récemment, les États-Unis n’ont accordé que peu d’attention à l’Arctique. Avec le réchauffement climatique et l’ouverture croissante de la région au reste du monde, on observe cependant un changement d’attitude du pays à son égard. La multiplication des documents stratégiques, à compter de la fin des années 2000, ainsi que le réinvestissement diplomatique du Conseil de l’Arctique, témoignent alors de l’intérêt accru des États-Unis pour une région en pleine mutation.
Chine : l’énergie, un enjeu stratégique
Authors: Gueldry Michel
Published: June 2018

Les besoins énergétiques de la Chine sont très importants et vont continuer à augmenter. Du développement économique et de la réduction de la pauvreté dépend la stabilité du Parti communiste. Pékin est déjà le premier importateur de pétrole et de gaz et le premier producteur et consommateur de charbon. Le facteur énergétique joue un rôle central dans les décisions stratégiques des dirigeants chinois qui font preuve d’un « internationalisme utilitariste fortement teinté de Realpolitik ».
Entre dogme et principe : la laïcité mise en acte
Authors: Guélamine Faïza
Published: June 2018

Depuis quelques années, les travailleurs sociaux sont exposés à la manifestation de faits religieux. Dans ce contexte, les intervenants se mobilisent autour du principe de laïcité. Selon la traduction qui en est faite, la mise en acte de ce principe aboutit à des orientations distinctes dans les positionnements professionnels et l’accompagnement socio-éducatif proposé aux personnes accompagnées. Considérée comme un dogme occultant tout débat, comme une norme « qui s’impose à tous », ou comme un cadre de travail ouvrant sur des perspectives d’intervention, la laïcité fait l’objet d’usages différenciés. Ainsi, si les organisations du secteur cherchent de plus en plus souvent à expliciter le sens de ce principe, les travailleurs sociaux confrontés aux faits religieux, quant à eux, réagissent en fonction du rapport qu’ils entretiennent avec les questions religieuses et la manière dont elles sont abordées en France. Dans cette perspective, élucider ce que recouvre l’application du principe de laïcité peut contribuer à conforter, à nuancer ou à mettre à mal un ensemble de conceptions rattachées à ce principe.
Le musée, c’est la laïcité en acte
Authors: Déotte Jean-Louis
Published: June 2018

Les attaques diffusées sur Internet par « l’État islamique » contre les œuvres muséales, contre le patrimoine anté-islamique, contre le tourisme, rappellent que les liens entre la foi et les télécommunications sont indissociables. Elles apportent la preuve que le musée n’est pas un médium de communication mais un appareil qui a changé la nature des œuvres, qui auparavant étaient de destination, cultuelle et communautaire, pour devenir des suspens, livrés à l’exposition. Le musée creuse une sorte d’espace vide au cœur du symbolique et du théologico-politique : là où le pouvoir était incarné, le surgissement de l’esthétique artistique livre la société à une indétermination fondamentale. Cette indifférence quant aux destinations cultuelles ouvre l’espace de la laïcité politique et rend possible un art qui est par essence anarchique, acosmique.
Le concept de forme symbolique dans l’iconologie d’E. Panofsky
Authors: Rieber Audrey
Published: June 2018

En étudiant l’art comme forme symbolique, Cassirer veut élucider la spécificité de l’activité de l’esprit propre à ce domaine. En qualifiant la perspective - c'est-à-dire un facteur du style - de forme symbolique, Panofsky déplace le concept et s’éloigne du philosophe. Il privilégie la question de la signification et met à l’écart la question de la création. L’approche phénoménologique de l’art est remplacée par une enquête historique. A quoi s’ajoute que, par décision de méthode, l’iconologue met à l’écart la question de la beauté, centrale chez Cassirer. L’idée kantienne d’un partage universel du beau, idée reprise par Cassirer, est en outre étrangère à Panofsky. Mais si en dépit de ces écarts, Panofsky reprend l’expression de forme symbolique, c’est parce qu’il partage avec le philosophe l’idée que l’œuvre est le produit et l’expression d’un cosmos culturel et parce que ce concept permet de penser la spécificité et les conditions d’une iconologie.