bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Thermal Radiation on Magnetohydrodynamic Unsteady Thin Film Flow of Sisko Fluid over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Khan Abdul Samad , Nie Yufeng , Shah Zahir
Published: June 2019

The current article discussed the heat transfer and thermal radioactive of the thin liquid flow of Sisko fluid on unsteady stretching sheet with constant magnetic field (MHD). Here the thin liquid fluid flow is assumed in two dimensions. The governing time-dependent equations of Sisko fluid are modeled and reduced to Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by use of Similarity transformation with unsteadiness non-dimensionless parameter S t . To solve the model problem, we used analytical and numerical techniques. The convergence of the problem has been shown numerically and graphically using Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The obtained numerical result shows that the HAM estimates of the structures is closed with this result. The Comparison of these two methods (HAM and numerical) has been shown graphically and numerically. The impact of the thermal radiation R d and unsteadiness parameter S t over thin liquid flow is discovered analytically. Moreover, to know the physical representation of the embedded parameters, like β , magnetic parameter M, stretching parameter ξ , and Sisko fluid parameters ε have been plotted graphically and discussed.
Interaction of Seasonal Sun-Angle and Savanna Phenology Observed and Modelled using MODIS
Authors: Ma Xuanlong , Huete Alfredo , Tran Ngoc Nguyen
Published: June 2019

Remote sensing of phenology usually works at the regional and global scales, which imposes considerable variations in the solar zenith angle (SZA) across space and time. Variations in SZA alters the shape and profile of the surface reflectance and vegetation index (VI) time series, but this effect on remote-sensing-derived vegetation phenology has not been adequately evaluated. The objective of this study is to understand the behaviour of VIs response to SZA, and to further improve the interpretation of satellite observed vegetation dynamics, across space and time. In this study, the sensitivity of two widely used VIs—the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI)—to SZA was investigated at four northern Australian savanna sites, over a latitudinal distance of 9.8° (~1100 km). Complete time series of surface reflectances, as acquired with different SZA configurations, were simulated using Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) parameters provided by MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The sun-angle dependency of the four phenological transition dates were assessed. Results showed that while NDVI was very sensitive to SZA, such sensitivity was nearly absent for EVI. A negative correlation was also observed between NDVI sensitivity to SZA and vegetation cover, with sensitivity declining to the same level as EVI when vegetation cover was high. Different sun-angle configurations resulted in considerable variations in the shape and magnitude of the phenological profiles. The sensitivity of VIs to SZA was generally greater during the dry season (with only active trees present) than in the wet season (with both active trees and grasses), thus, the sun-angle effect on VIs was phenophase-dependent. The sun-angle effect on NDVI time series resulted in considerable differences in the phenological metrics across different sun-angle configurations. Across four sites, the sun-angle effect caused 15.5 days, 21.6 days, and 20.5 days differences in the start, peak, and the end of the growing season derived from NDVI time series, with seasonally varying SZA at local solar noon, as compared to those metrics derived from NDVI time series with fixed SZA. In comparison, those differences in the start, peak, and end of the growing season for EVI were significantly smaller, with only 4.8 days, 4.9 days, and 3 days, respectively. Our results suggest the potential importance of considering the seasonal SZA effect on VI time series prior to the retrieval of phenological metrics.
Towards a Unified and Coherent Land Surface Temperature Earth System Data Record from Geostationary Satellites
Authors: Pinker Rachel T. , Ma Yingtao , Chen Wen , Hulley Glynn , Borbas Eva , Islam Tanvir , Hain Chris , Cawse-Nicholson Kerry , Hook Simon , Basara Jeff
Published: June 2019

Our objective is to develop a framework for deriving long term, consistent Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) from Geostationary (GEO) satellites that is able to account for satellite sensor updates. Specifically, we use the Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) model driven with Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) information and Combined ASTER and MODIS Emissivity over Land (CAMEL) products. We discuss the results from our comparison of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite East (GOES-E) with the MODIS Land Surface Temperature and Emissivity (MOD11) products, as well as several independent sources of ground observations, for daytime and nighttime independently. Based on a six-year record at instantaneous time scale (2004–2009), most LST estimates are within one std from the mean observed value and the bias is under 1% of the mean. It was also shown that at several ground sites, the diurnal cycle of LST, as averaged over six years, is consistent with a similar record generated from satellite observations. Since the evaluation of the GOES-E LST estimates occurred at every hour, day and night, the data are well suited to address outstanding issues related to the temporal variability of LST, specifically, the diurnal cycle and the amplitude of the diurnal cycle, which are not well represented in LST retrievals form Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Registration Algorithm Based on Line-Intersection-Line for Satellite Remote Sensing Images of Urban Areas
Authors: Liu Siying , Jiang Jie
Published: June 2019

Image registration is an important step in remote sensing image processing, especially for images of urban areas, which are often used for urban planning, environmental assessment, and change detection. Urban areas have many artificial objects whose contours and edges provide abundant line features. However, the locations of line endpoints are greatly affected by large background variations. Considering that line intersections remain relatively stable and have high positioning accuracy even with large background variations, this paper proposes a high-accuracy remote sensing image registration algorithm that is based on the line-intersection-line (LIL) structure, with two line segments and their intersection. A double-rectangular local descriptor and a spatial relationship-based outlier removal strategy are designed on the basis of the LIL structure. First, the LILs are extracted based on multi-scale line segments. Second, LIL local descriptors are built with pixel gradients in the LIL neighborhood to realize initial matching. Third, the spatial relations between initial matches are described with the LIL structure and simple affine properties. Finally, the graph-based LIL outlier removal strategy is conducted and incorrect matches are eliminated step by step. The proposed algorithm is tested on simulated and real images and compared with state-of-the-art methods. The experiments prove that the proposed algorithm can achieve sub-pixel registration accuracy, high precision, and robust performance even with significant background variations.
Adaptive Data Acquisition with Energy Efficiency and Critical-Sensing Guarantee for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rao Yuan , Zhao Gang , Wang Wen , Zhang Jingyao , Jiang Zhaohui , Wang Ruchuan
Published: June 2019

Due to the limited energy budget, great efforts have been made to improve energy efficiency for wireless sensor networks. The advantage of compressed sensing is that it saves energy because of its sparse sampling; however, it suffers inherent shortcomings in relation to timely data acquisition. In contrast, prediction-based approaches are able to offer timely data acquisition, but the overhead of frequent model synchronization and data sampling weakens the gain in the data reduction. The integration of compressed sensing and prediction-based approaches is one promising data acquisition scheme for the suppression of data transmission, as well as timely collection of critical data, but it is challenging to adaptively and effectively conduct appropriate switching between the two aforementioned data gathering modes. Taking into account the characteristics of data gathering modes and monitored data, this research focuses on several key issues, such as integration framework, adaptive deviation tolerance, and adaptive switching mechanism of data gathering modes. In particular, the adaptive deviation tolerance is proposed for improving the flexibility of data acquisition scheme. The adaptive switching mechanism aims at overcoming the drawbacks in the traditional method that fails to effectively react to the phenomena change unless the sampling frequency is sufficiently high. Through experiments, it is demonstrated that the proposed scheme has good flexibility and scalability, and is capable of simultaneously achieving good energy efficiency and high-quality sensing of critical events.
A Multi-Sensor System for Silkworm Cocoon Gender Classification via Image Processing and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Joseph Raj Alex Noel , Sundaram Rahul , Mahesh Vijayalakshmi G.V. , Zhuang Zhemin , Simeone Alessandro
Published: June 2019

Sericulture is traditionally a labor-intensive rural-based industry. In modern contexts, the development of process automation faces new challenges related to quality and efficiency. During the silkworm farming life cycle, a common issue is represented by the gender classification of the cocoons. Improper cocoon separation negatively affects quantity and quality of the yield resulting in disruptive bottlenecks for the productivity. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes a multi sensor system for silkworm cocoons gender classification and separation. Utilizing a load sensor and a digital camera, the system acquires weight and digital images from individual silkworm cocoons. An image processing procedure is then applied to extract significant shape-related features from each image instance, which, combined with the weight data, are provided as inputs to train a Support Vector Machine-based pattern classifier for gender classification. Subsequently, an air blower mechanism and a conveyor system sort the cocoons into their respective bins. The developed system was trained and tested on two different types of silkworm cocoons breeds, respectively CSR2 and Pure Mysore. The system performances are finally discussed in terms of accuracy, robustness and computation time.
A Sensor-Driven Analysis of Distributed Direction Finding Systems Based on UAV Swarms
Authors: Chen Zhong , Yeh Shihyuan , Chamberland Jean-Francois , Huff Gregory H.
Published: June 2019

This paper reports on the research of factors that impact the accuracy and efficiency of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based radio frequency (RF) and microwave data collection system. The swarming UAVs (agents) can be utilized to create micro-UAV swarm-based (MUSB) aperiodic antenna arrays that reduce angle ambiguity and improve convergence in sub-space direction-of-arrival (DOA) techniques. A mathematical data model is addressed in this paper to demonstrate fundamental properties of MUSB antenna arrays and study the performance of the data collection system framework. The Cramer–Rao bound (CRB) associated with two-dimensional (2D) DOAs of sources in the presence of sensor gain and phase coefficient is derived. The single-source case is studied in detail. The vector-space of emitters is exploited and the iterative-MUSIC (multiple signal classification) algorithm is created to estimate 2D DOAs of emitters. Numerical examples and practical measurements are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed MUSB data collection system framework using iterative-MUSIC algorithm and benchmark theoretical expectations.
Parenting Practices and Adjustment Profiles among Latino Youth in Rural Areas of the United States
Authors: Gonzales-Backen Melinda
Published: June 2019

On average, Latino adolescents in the United States (U.S.) are at an elevated risk for developing internalizing symptoms, externalizing behaviors, and engaging in binge drinking. Latino youth in rural U.S. contexts may be particularly at risk. Parent–adolescent relationships may be associated with each of these indicators of maladjustment, as well as the co-occurrence of these issues. In the current study, adjustment profiles based on internalizing symptoms, externalizing behaviors, and binge drinking among 198 Latino adolescents (Mage = 15.90, SD = 1.47) living in rural areas of the United States were examined. Further, the association of adjustment profiles with parental behavioral involvement, parental monitoring, and familial ethnic socialization was tested. Four adjustment profiles emerged from a cluster analysis (i.e., low risk, internalizing risk, externalizing risk, co-occurring risk). Results indicated that adolescents in the co-occurring risk profile reported the lowest levels of parental monitoring compared to the other three profiles, lower familial ethnic socialization compared to the low risk and internalizing risk profiles, and lower parental behavioral involvement compared to the internalizing risk profile. The findings have implications for family-based, culturally informed interventions to encourage positive adjustment among Latino adolescents in rural areas of the United States.
Open for Green Innovation: From the Perspective of Green Process and Green Consumer Innovation
Authors: Yang Ji Yeon , Roh Taewoo
Published: June 2019

This study is about open innovation, which suggests that companies should aim to cooperate with other companies or organizations for green innovation. While previous research has focused on the mechanism through which the company achieves green innovation, mainly from the supplier perspective, we have taken a more demand-driven approach to product innovation by introducing the green process and consumer perspectives. Also, this study not only considers collaboration with other companies whose interests are complicated in terms of open innovation but also cooperation with other organizations whose interests are unsophisticated. We examined the relationship between open innovation and green innovation by using the structural equation method and 2496 manufacturing companies in South Korea, and further confirmed the robustness by using OLS (ordinary least square) regression. As a result of the empirical analysis, all four hypotheses were supported, and the effect of collaboration with organizations was stronger than with firms. Based on these results, this study suggests that if managers prioritize green performance, they should consider co-prosperity with other companies and organizations. In addition, this study found that green innovation, which can contribute to the environment while consumers use products with green innovation, is also becoming central. Compared with previous studies, we expect that our alternative approaches to open and green innovation will contribute to corporate sustainability in the future.
Manufacturing Pre-Decisions: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Reviews in Brazil and Portugal
Authors: Rocha Caroline Fan , Ramos Tomás B. , Fonseca Alberto
Published: June 2019

The review of environmental impact statements (EIS), despite its relevance to impact assessment effectiveness, has received scarce scholarly attention. Few studies have gone beyond the realm of regulatory evaluations to understand the managerial meanders of the review process. This study evaluated the responsibilities, procedures, information inputs, and scope of EIS reviews within two environmental authorities: APA (Portuguese Environment Agency), in Portugal, and SEMAD (State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development), in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Based on a qualitative multiple-case study methodology informed by participant observation, unstructured interviews, and content analysis of 12 EIS review reports, the study provided what is arguably one of the most detailed characterizations of EIS review to date. While following similar institutional arrangements and broad procedural steps, the EIS review has important differences in APA and SEMAD. Overall, the Portuguese agency was found to have a more structured, participative, interdisciplinary, detailed, and grounded review, thus meeting some of the good practices often cited in the literature. The EIS review reports prepared by APA reviewers were also found to provide a profoundly more complete and transparent account of the review process. The details of the review process revealed in the article can affect perceptions around the legitimacy and reliability of reviewers’ recommendations.
A Grey Box Modeling Method for Fast Predicting Buoyancy-Driven Natural Ventilation Rates through Multi-Opening Atriums
Authors: Xue Peng , Ai Zhengtao , Cui Dongjin , Wang Wei
Published: June 2019

The utilization of buoyancy-driven natural ventilation in atrium buildings during transitional seasons helps create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment by bringing fresh air indoors. Among other factors, the air flow rate is a key parameter determining the ventilation performance of an atrium. In this study, a grey box modeling method is proposed and a prediction model is built for calculating the buoyancy-driven ventilation rate using three openings. This model developed from Bruce’s neutral height-based formulation and conservation laws is supported with a theoretical structure and determined with 7 independent variables and 4 integrated parameters. The integrated parameters could be estimated from a set of simulated data and in the results, the error of the semi-empirical predictive equation derived from CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulated data is controlled within 10%, which indicates that a reliable predictive equation could be established with a rather small dataset. This modeling method has been validated with CFD simulated data, and it can be applied extensively to similar buildings for designing an expected ventilation rate. The simplicity of this grey box modeling should save the evaluation time for new cases and help designers to estimate the ventilation performance and choose building optimal opening designs.
Exploring Carry Trade and Exchange Rate toward Sustainable Financial Resources: An application of the Artificial Intelligence UKF Method
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wu Kuo-Jui , Tseng Ming-Lang
Published: June 2019

This paper constructs a heterogeneous agent model for the foreign exchange market that is based on the law of supply and demand and includes carry trade, central bank intervention, and macroeconomic fundamentals. With the artificial intelligence method of the unscented Kalman filter, this paper investigates carry traders’ expectation formation and risk aversion and the impact of their activities on the movement of the Chinese yuan exchange rate and on the efficiency of central bank intervention. The findings demonstrate that carry traders’ activities are partially responsible for fluctuations in the Chinese yuan exchange rate; carry traders behave with obvious risk aversion; their activities tend to weaken the ability of the central bank to intervene in China’s foreign exchange market; and the volatility of the Chinese yuan exchange rate and the weight of carry traders are negatively related. Based on these empirical results, specific suggestions for exploring sustainable financial resources are provided.
Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Seasonal Calendars in the Context of Climate Change: A Case Study from China
Authors: Yang Huizhao , Ranjitkar Sailesh , Zhai Deli , Zhong Micai , Goldberg Stefanie Daniela , Salim Muhammad Asad , Wang Zhenghong , Jiang Yi , Xu Jianchu
Published: June 2019

A seasonal calendar, based on traditional knowledge of ecological indicators, seasonal variations and associated activities, can provide a baseline for understanding the practices of indigenous along with climatic variation. This paper investigates the ethno-ecological knowledge of indigenous people in Taxkorgan regarding the use of ecological cues to conduct seasonal activities that harmonize with climatic variations. Meteorological data from the nearest station was used to understand climatic variations and develop indices. The results revealed that indigenous elders still adopt traditional methods to decide the time of various annual activities observing and using seasonal cues, such as the height and color of grass, the arriving of migratory birds and phenological observations. Moreover, same or diverse indicators were used at settlements located in different elevations. The analysis revealed that the region was recently getting warmer and wetter compared to previous decades, and local perceptions were matched with climatic recordings. Local inhabitants already practiced earlier plantation of crops (e.g., wheat) in recent years. Climatic indices calculated revealed and validated recent weather condition can support earlier plantation of crops. Hence, the strong forecasting system using meteorological evidence to support existing local knowledge on ecological indicators and adjust seasonal calendars can improve indigenous people’s abilities to cope with climate risks. Furthermore, this can support in developing adaptation schemes that respond to community needs. The approaches and findings can be used to facilitate the management of these natural resource based on the adaptive framework and to create data that can be tested in subsequent studies.
Circular Innovation Framework: Verifying Conceptual to Practical Decisions in Sustainability-Oriented Product-Service System Cases
Authors: Guzzo Daniel , Trevisan Adriana Hofmann , Echeveste Marcia , Costa Janaina Mascarenhas Hornos
Published: June 2019

Product–service systems (PSSs) have significant sustainability potential. However, limited knowledge is available on the choices to develop circular PSS solutions. The goal of this paper is to provide a circular innovation framework containing circular strategies to facilitate the decision-making in PSS circular innovation. A systematic literature review in combination with content analysis underpinned this research. The strategies were investigated in 45 PSS cases from the literature. A coding system was designed and employed to identify and organize the circular strategies and practices. The statistics techniques employed were frequency and co-occurrence analysis, which aimed to describe the synergies among strategies. The framework proposed contains twenty-one circular strategies. The practical perspective comprises the seventy-seven practices used for the operationalization of strategies. The framework can assist organizations in making strategic to tactical decisions when developing circular PSS solutions. The paper provides a panorama of the strategy applications among the PSS types. Finally, the research approach can be employed to continuously develop an understanding of the application of circular strategies in PSS and other fields.
Quantitative Assessment of Soil Erosion Based on CSLE and the 2010 National Soil Erosion Survey at Regional Scale in Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Chen Guokun , Zhang Zengxiang , Guo Qiankun , Wang Xiao , Wen Qingke
Published: June 2019

Regional soil loss assessment is the critical method of incorporating soil erosion into decision-making associated with land resources management and soil conservation planning. However, data availability has limited its application for mountainous areas. To obtain a clear understanding of soil erosion in Yunnan, a pixel-based estimation was employed to quantify soil erosion rate and the benefits of soil conservation measures based on Chinese Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) and data collected in the national soil erosion survey. Results showed that 38.77% of the land was being eroded at an erosion rate higher than the soil loss tolerance, the average soil erosion rate was found to be 12.46 t∙ha−1∙yr−1, resulting in a total soil loss of 0.47 Gt annually. Higher erosion rates mostly occurred in the downstream areas of the major rivers as compared to upstream areas, especially for the southwest agricultural regions. Rain-fed cropland suffered the most severe soil erosion, with a mean erosion rate of 47.69 t∙ha−1∙yr−1 and an erosion ratio of 64.24%. Lands with a permanent cover (forest, shrub, and grassland) were mostly characterized by erosion rates an order of magnitude lower than those from rain-fed cropland, except for erosion from sparse woods, which was noticeable and should not be underestimated. Soil loss from arable land, woodland and grassland accounted for 52.24%, 35.65% and 11.71% of the total soil loss, respectively. We also found significant regional differences in erosion rates and a close relationship between erosion and soil conservation measures adopted. The CSLE estimates did not compare well with qualitative estimates from the National Soil Erosion Database of China (NSED-C) and only 47.77% of the territory fell within the same erosion intensity for the two approaches. However, the CSLE estimates were consistent with the results from a national survey and local assessments under experimental plots. By advocating of soil conservation measures and converting slope cropland into grass/forest and terraced field, policy interventions during 2006–2010 have reduced soil erosion on rain-fed cropland by 20% in soil erosion rate and 32% in total soil loss compared to the local assessments. The quantitative CSLE method provides a reliable estimation, due to the consideration of erosion control measures and is potentially transferable to other mountainous areas as a robust approach for rapid assessment of sheet and rill erosion.
Beta Exponentiated Modified Weibull Distribution: Properties and Application
Authors: Shahzad Mirza Naveed , Ullah Ehsan , Hussanan Abid
Published: June 2019

One of the most prominent statistical distributions is the Weibull distribution. The recent modifications in this distribution have enhanced its application but only in specific fields. To introduce a more generalized Weibull distribution, in this work beta exponentiated modified Weibull distribution is established. This distribution consolidate the exponential, skewed and symmetric shapes into one density. The proposed distribution also contains nineteen lifetime distributions as a special case, which shows the flexibility of the distribution. The statistical properties of the proposed model are derived and discussed, including reliability analysis and order statistics. The hazard function of the proposed distribution can have a unimodal, decreasing, bathtub, upside-down bathtub, and increasing shape that make it effective in reliability analysis. The parameters of the proposed model are evaluated by maximum likelihood and least squares estimation methods. The significance of the beta exponentiated modified Weibull distribution for modeling is illustrated by the study of real data. The numerical study indicates that the new proposed distribution gives better results than other comparable distributions.
Slant Curves and Contact Magnetic Curves in Sasakian Lorentzian 3-Manifolds
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun
Published: June 2019

In this article, we define Lorentzian cross product in a three-dimensional almost contact Lorentzian manifold. Using a Lorentzian cross product, we prove that the ratio of κ and τ − 1 is constant along a Frenet slant curve in a Sasakian Lorentzian three-manifold. Moreover, we prove that γ is a slant curve if and only if M is Sasakian for a contact magnetic curve γ in contact Lorentzian three-manifold M. As an example, we find contact magnetic curves in Lorentzian Heisenberg three-space.
A Perspective on Terahertz Next-Generation Wireless Communications
Authors: O’Hara John F. , Ekin Sabit , Choi Wooyeol , Song Ickhyun
Published: June 2019

In the past year, fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology has seen dramatic growth, spurred on by the continuing demand for faster data communications with lower latency. At the same time, many researchers argue that 5G will be inadequate in a short time, given the explosive growth of machine connectivity, such as the Internet-of-Things (IoT). This has prompted many to question what comes after 5G. The obvious answer is sixth-generation (6G), however, the substance of 6G is still very much undefined, leaving much to the imagination in terms of real-world implementation. What is clear, however, is that the next generation will likely involve the use of terahertz frequency (0.1–10 THz) electromagnetic waves. Here, we review recent research in terahertz wireless communications and technology, focusing on three broad topic classes: the terahertz channel, terahertz devices, and space-based terahertz system considerations. In all of these, we describe the nature of the research, the specific challenges involved, and current research findings. We conclude by providing a brief perspective on the path forward.
Micro-CT Evaluation of Defects in Ti-6Al-4V Parts Fabricated by Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gong Haijun , Nadimpalli Venkata Karthik , Rafi Khalid , Starr Thomas , Stucker Brent
Published: June 2019

In this study, micro-computed tomography (CT) is utilized to detect defects of Ti-6Al-4V specimens fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM), which are two popular metal additive manufacturing methods. SLM and EBM specimens were fabricated with random defects at a specific porosity. The capability of micro-CT to evaluate inclusion defects in the SLM and EBM specimens is discussed. The porosity of EBM specimens was analyzed through image processing of CT single slices. An empirical method is also proposed to estimate the porosity of reconstructed models of the CT scan.
Inhibition of Kv2.1 Potassium Channels by MiDCA1, A Pre-Synaptically Active PLA2-Type Toxin from Micrurus dumerilii carinicauda Coral Snake Venom
Authors: Schütter Niklas , Barreto Yuri Correia , Vardanyan Vitya , Hornig Sönke , Hyslop Stephen , Marangoni Sérgio , Rodrigues-Simioni Léa , Pongs Olaf , Dal Belo Cháriston André
Published: June 2019

MiDCA1, a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) neurotoxin isolated from Micrurus dumerilii carinicauda coral snake venom, inhibited a major component of voltage-activated potassium (Kv) currents (41 ± 3% inhibition with 1 μM toxin) in mouse cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In addition, the selective Kv2.1 channel blocker guangxitoxin (GxTx-1E) and MiDCA1 competitively inhibited the outward potassium current in DRG neurons. MiDCA1 (1 µM) reversibly inhibited the Kv2.1 current by 55 ± 8.9% in a Xenopus oocyte heterologous system. The toxin showed selectivity for Kv2.1 channels over all the other Kv channels tested in this study. We propose that Kv2.1 channel blockade by MiDCA1 underlies the toxin’s action on acetylcholine release at mammalian neuromuscular junctions.
In Vitro Replication of Human Norovirus
Authors: Bhar Sutonuka , Jones Melissa K.
Published: June 2019

Human norovirus (HuNoV) infection is a major cause of gastroenteritis all over the world. Despite this, these non-enveloped RNA viruses are poorly characterized due to the lack of robust and widely available HuNoV culture systems. The two published systems (B cell line and stem cell-derived enteroids) support replication of HuNoVs but the levels of replication are not sufficient for the generation of highly purified virus stocks or the development of culture-based quantification assays. Therefore, improvement of HuNoV in vitro replication is still needed. Murine norovirus and other caliciviruses have provided insights into norovirus replication that paved the way for the development of the current HuNoV culture systems and may also aid in the improvement of these systems. This review will highlight ways in which previous research guided and impacted the development of HuNoV culture systems and discuss ways in which more recent discoveries might be utilized to improve the quality of the HuNoV in vitro replication.
Birch Bog on Anthropogenically Transformed Raised Bogs. A Case Study from Pomerania (Poland)
Authors: Sotek Zofia , Stasińska Małgorzata , Malinowski Ryszard , Gamrat Renata , Gałczyńska Małgorzata
Published: June 2019

Birch bog is formed on the margins of or within raised bogs, on secondary habitats. The study aim was to understand the vegetation and mycological diversity of birch bog on the background of habitat conditions on raised bogs subject to anthropogenic changes, including 15 areas located on seven bogs. Two of the analyzed areas were located on a peat bog not subject to human impact. Phytosociological and mycosociological relevés were taken and substrate analyses were carried out (pH, humidity, N-NH4, N-NO2, N-NO3 and P-PO4). Based on habitat predictors, two area groups were distinguished, differing primarily in humidity. More humid habitats were present on the margins of bogs, and were characterized by lower acidity and higher N-NH4 and P-PO4 abundance. Despite the fact they were enriched by runoffs from the neighboring arable fields, this was not always reflected in the plant and fungi species richness. Quercus robur appeared on less humid habitats, which may be a symptom of unfavorable changes toward habitat drying. In the majority of cases, changes in the habitat independent of the birch patches located and the human impact type are not yet reflected in the vegetation. However, they may be indicated by the fungal diversity, highest in former peat extraction pits, and lowest in pristine peat.
Dynamics and Distribution of Soil Salinity under Long-Term Mulched Drip Irrigation in an Arid Area of Northwestern China
Authors: Guan Zilong , Jia Zhifeng , Zhao Zhiqiang , You Qiying
Published: June 2019

Mulched drip irrigation has been widely used in agricultural planting in arid and semi-arid regions. The dynamics and distribution of soil salinity under mulched drip irrigation greatly affect crop growth and yield. However, there are still different views on the distribution and dynamics of soil salinity under long-term mulched drip irrigation due to complex factors (climate, groundwater, irrigation, and soil). Therefore, the soil salinity of newly reclaimed salt wasteland was monitored for 9 years (2008–2016), and the effects of soil water on soil salinity distribution under mulched drip irrigation have also been explored. The results indicated that the soil salinity decreased sharply in 3–4 years of implementation of mulched drip irrigation, and then began to fluctuate to different degrees and showed slight re-accumulation. During the growth period, soil salinity was relatively high at pre-sowing, and after a period of decline soil salinity tends to increase in the late harvest period. The vertical distribution of soil texture had a significant effect on the distribution of soil salinity. Salt accumulated near the soil layer transiting from coarse soil to fine soil. After a single irrigation, the soil water content in the 30–70 cm layer under the cotton plant undergoes a ‘high–low–high’ change pattern, and the soil salt firstly moved to the deep layer (below 70 cm), and then showed upward migration tendency with the weakening of irrigation water infiltration. The results may contribute to the scientific extension of mulched drip irrigation and the farmland management under long-term mulched drip irrigation.
Comparative Analysis of Splash Erosion Devices for Rainfall Simulation Experiments: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Fernández-Raga María , Campo Julián , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Keesstra Saskia D.
Published: June 2019

For the study of soil erosion it is important to set up the experiments well. In the experimental design one of the key factors is the choice of the measurement device. This is especially important when one part of the erosion process needs to be isolated, such as for splash erosion. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to list the general characteristics of the commonly used splash erosion devices and to discuss the performance, to be able to relate them, and make suggestions regarding their use. The devices we selected for this comparative comparison were: the splash cup, funnel, Morgan tray, Tübingen cup, tower, and the gutter. The devices were tested under the same conditions (rainfall characteristics, slope, and soil type) to assess their hydrological response under different intensities of simulated rainfall. All devices were installed on a sloping plot (10°) with sandy soil, and were exposed to 10 min. of simulated rain with intensities ranging from 60 to 172 mm/h to measure the splashed sediment, and to describe problems and differences among them. The results showed that the Tübingen cup was the best performing device to measure kinetic energy of the rain, but, because of its design, it is not possible to measure the detached splashed sediment under natural (field) conditions. On the other hand, the funnel device showed a significant relation with rain intensity because it loses little sediment to washing. In addition, the device is easy to use and cheap. Therefore, this device is highly recommended to estimated splash erosion. to the good performance measuring the actual splash erosion, because it loses little sediment by washing. The device is also cheap and easy to install and manage.
Assessing patient satisfaction with a microsuction service in general practice: a comparative study
Authors: Hasson Ruairi , McDermott Eoin , Hanley Karena , Carroll Camilla , Collins Claire
Published: June 2019

Background

In the UK, about 2.3 million people each year require intervention for wax impaction, while otitis externa accounts for just over 1% of general practice consultations. Aural microsuction of debris from the ear canal is a commonly performed procedure within the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) outpatient clinic. This article examines the patient acceptability of an aural microsuction service delivered in general practice.

Aim

To determine patient satisfaction following the introduction of a new microsuction service in general practice compared with a hospital-delivered service.

Design & setting

This is a prospective comparative study in two rural general practices in Ireland and the emergency department (ED) of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH), Dublin.

Method

A 3-month period of data collection on usual care of 56 patients in general practice was followed by a 3-month period of GP-intervention data collection on 67 patients. Comparative data were collected on 37 patients who attended the RVEEH for the same intervention procedure. Patients completed a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-18).

Results

Both general practice groups scored significantly higher in all seven aspects of medical care than the RVEEH cohort. Patients in the GP-intervention group scored significantly higher in terms of satisfaction with procedure technique compared with the usual care GP group.

Conclusion

The provision of microsuction as a service in general practice confers as much or more patient satisfaction as the provision of the service in a hospital setting.
Revisión Taxonómica de las Especies de Chusquea (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) en Chile
Authors: Guerreiro Carolina , Vega Andrea S.
Published: June 2019

Chusquea Kunth (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) is the most diverse genus of woody bamboos in the world. In southern South America, several species of Chusquea are the dominant components of the understory and all of them are endemic to the region. The taxonomic position of some of those species has raised much controversy. In this work, a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Chusquea species native to Chile is presented, including synonyms, descriptions, iconography, geographic distribution, habitat, phenology, common names, and a key for the identification of the 13 taxa considered here (12 species and one form) based on vegetative and reproductive morphological characters. Chusquea andina Phil. and C. gigantea Demoly are included for the first time in a taxonomic treatment, establishing their differences with related entities and, thus, resolving the C. culeou E. Desv. species complex. Also, a complete illustration of C. fernandeziana Phil. is presented for the first time.
DETERMINASI PEMBIAYAAN MUSYARAKAH
Authors: Oktaviyori Regi , Praptiningsih Praptiningsih
Published: June 2019

This study aims to examine the determination of musyarakah financing in Bank Syariah Mandiri (BSM) period March 2008-December 2011. The data is obtainedbased on bank finance reporting that at publication. It is gained sample amount of 44 months. The analysis technique used here is multiple linier regression and hypothesis test using t-statistic and F-statistic with level of significance 5%. The result of this research is Third Parties Fund (DPK) and return gives significantly on musyarakah financing. The return on asset is not significant to musyarakah financing. By simultaneous, musyarakah financing give significant influence on the level of Third Parties Fund, return and return on asset.
PENGARUH EARNINGS PER SHARE, NET PROFIT MARGIN, DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM
Authors: Septiawan Taufan , Hernawati Erna
Published: June 2019

This study was conducted to examine the effect of Earnings Per Share, Net Profit Margin, Debt to Equity Ratio toward Stock Price on manufacturing companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange during the years 2009-2012. The population consists of 36 companies and are used as a sample of 17  ompanies. Sampling technique using purposive sampling method. Data were tested by using multiple regression analysis and hypothesis test with 5% level of confidence. The research results that the variables Earnings Per Share (EPS) and Net Profit Margin (NPM) gives significantly positive effect on Stock Price. The other variables Debt to Equity Ratio is not significantly to Stock Price. We suggest for investors in Indonesia Stock Exchange that paying attention other factors that regards Stock Price because with those information they can make the best decision for their investments
DETERMINASI RASIO KEUANGAN TERHADAP RETURN SAHAM
Authors: Syaiful Dian Yunita
Published: June 2019

Return or the return on investment is a prime destination for investors in investing at a company. Stock investment will provide a benefit or return by the way, is the first to sell the stock until the price is strong, often referred to as capital gains or waiting dividend, which is part of the company profits are distributed to shareholders. The company's financial statements can be used as a basis for investors to take a decision to invest in shares in a particular company by taking into account financial ratios of the company. This study aims to determine the effect and significance of the test ratio Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Equity (ROE), and Price Earning Ratio (PER) to return stock in LQ-45. period in this study is from the year 2009 until 2013. model of analysis used is multiple linear regression. The results showed partially significant effect on stock returns is the Current Ratio (CR), Return on Equity (ROE), and Price Earning Ratio (PER) where ROE is the dominant variable significant positive effect on stock returns. Simultaneously Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Equity (ROE), and Price Earning Ratio (PER) has an effect on stock returns by 59%, while 41% are influenced by other factors not examined in the study this.
STRUKTURASI KONFLIK PENYESUAIAN TEMUAN AUDIT MELALUI PENELITIAN HUBUNGAN ANTARA AUDITOR DENGAN KLIEN
Authors: Abigail Jane , Meiden Carmel
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning of structuration adjustment audit findings conflict, to examine the terms of the roles and relationships between the auditor and management of their clients in the process of audit completion. Structuration theory states that the perpetrator and interrelated structure, no structure without actors, as there is no action without structure. The object of this research is a public accounting firm and the client where researchers work, as the number of informants in this study is five people. This study uses a phenomenological approach, because this research is directly related to the symptoms that occur in the sphere of organized human interaction. The method used in this research is qualitative. The results of the study reflect that the relationship between the auditor and the client has two principal types, namely proactive and reactive. Clients tend to perform reactive action during conflicts in the adjustment of the audit findings, so that there will be formal andinformal actions in these interactions that will influence the outcome of the audit.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, LEVERAGE DAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP LAMA WAKTU LAPORAN AUDIT
Authors: Putri Syifa Tamara , Samin Samin
Published: June 2019

This study aims to test and provide empirical the effect of profitability, leverage and firm size of the audit report lag. The population in this study is a sub company property and real estate sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2012-2014. Sample of 34 companies was selected by purposive sampling method. The data used in this study as much as 102 samples. This study uses several stage of calculation, using outlier test that is by converting the data into a standardized score or so-called z-score. After going through the process of outlier samples were chosen in this study to 93 samples. Analysis of the data using multiple linear regression with a significance level of 5% and determine the hypothesis used t test and f test. The results test showing that profitability, leverage and firm size are simultaneous positive and significant effect on audit report lag. The results test this study indicate that profitability has significance on audit report lag are partial. Meanwhile leverage and firm size has no significance on audit report lag
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, KEBIJAKAN HUTANG DAN DIVIDEND PAYOUT RATIO (DPR) TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN
Authors: Oktavia Oky , Desmintari Desmintari
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to examine the effect of Profability, Policy Liabilities and Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR) of Company Value basic industry and chemical companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2011 to 2014. The population in this study a number of 63 companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange. Data obtained from financial statements 2011 to 2014 that has been published. Obtained a total sample of 11 companies. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression and hypothesis testing with constant 5%. The results showed that significantly effect profitability, policy liabilities does not have a significant effect and dividend payout ratio (DPR) does not have a significant effect. The coefficient of determination R square indicates 0.326 or 32.6% of explaining that the variable is explained by the variable company value and profitability, policy liability and dividend payout ratio (DPR) the remaining 67.4% is explained by other variables.
PROFITABILITAS, RISIKO KEUANGAN DAN NILAI PERUSAHAAN, DAN PRAKTIK PERATAAN LABA
Authors: Lutfitasari Feby , Lutfillah Novrida Qudsi
Published: June 2019

The research purpose is to test the partial and simultaneous effect of the variabel of profitability, financial risk, and firm value to the income smoothing practices. This research is done by quantitative approach upon the companies registered in BEI for 2013-2015 periods. The results showed that there was no significant influence partially and simultaneously variableprofitability, financial risk and corporate value to the practice of income smoothing.