bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biometric Authentication Using the PPG: A Long-Term Feasibility Study
Authors: Sancho Jorge , Alesanco Álvaro , García José
Published: May 2018

The photoplethysmogram (PPG) is a biomedical signal that can be used to estimate volumetric blood flow changes in the peripheral circulation. During the past few years, several works have been published in order to assess the potential for PPGs to be used in biometric authentication systems, but results are inconclusive. In this paper we perform an analysis of the feasibility of using the PPG as a realistic biometric alternative in the long term. Several feature extractors (based on the time domain and the Karhunen–Loève transform) and matching metrics (Manhattan and Euclidean distances) have been tested using four different PPG databases (PRRB, MIMIC-II, Berry, and Nonin). We show that the false match rate (FMR) and false non-match rate (FNMR) values remain constant in different time instances for a selected threshold, which is essential for using the PPG for biometric authentication purposes. On the other hand, obtained equal error rate (EER) values for signals recorded during the same session range from 1.0% for high-quality signals recorded in controlled conditions to 8% for those recorded in conditions closer to real-world scenarios. Moreover, in certain scenarios, EER values rise up to 23.2% for signals recorded over different days, signaling that performance degradation could take place with time.
A Hybrid TDMA/CSMA-Based Wireless Sensor and Data Transmission Network for ORS Intra-Microsatellite Applications
Authors: Wang Long , Liu Yong , Yin Zengshan
Published: May 2018

To achieve launch-on-demand for Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) missions, in this article, an intra-satellite wireless network (ISWN) is presented. It provides a wireless and modularized scheme for intra-spacecraft sensing and data buses. By removing the wired data bus, the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) based wireless modular architecture will reduce both the volume and weight of the satellite platform, thus achieving rapid design and cost savings in development and launching. Based on the on-orbit data demand analysis, a hybrid time division multiple access/carrier sense multiple access (TDMA/CSMA) protocol is proposed. It includes an improved clear channel assessment (CCA) mechanism and a traffic adaptive slot allocation method. To analyze the access process, a Markov model is constructed. Then a detailed calculation is given in which the unsaturated cases are considered. Through simulations, the proposed protocol is proved to commendably satisfy the demands and performs better than existing schemes. It helps to build a full-wireless satellite instead of the current wired ones, and will contribute to provide dynamic space capabilities for ORS missions.
Development and Performance Evaluation of Image-Based Robotic Waxing System for Detailing Automobiles
Authors: Lin Chi-Ying , Hsu Bing-Cheng
Published: May 2018

Waxing is an important aspect of automobile detailing, aimed at protecting the finish of the car and preventing rust. At present, this delicate work is conducted manually due to the need for iterative adjustments to achieve acceptable quality. This paper presents a robotic waxing system in which surface images are used to evaluate the quality of the finish. An RGB-D camera is used to build a point cloud that details the sheet metal components to enable path planning for a robot manipulator. The robot is equipped with a multi-axis force sensor to measure and control the forces involved in the application and buffing of wax. Images of sheet metal components that were waxed by experienced car detailers were analyzed using image processing algorithms. A Gaussian distribution function and its parameterized values were obtained from the images for use as a performance criterion in evaluating the quality of surfaces prepared by the robotic waxing system. Waxing force and dwell time were optimized using a mathematical model based on the image-based criterion used to measure waxing performance. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed robotic waxing system and image-based performance evaluation scheme.
Momilactones A and B: Optimization of Yields from Isolation and Purification
Authors: Ngoc Minh Truong , Xuan Tran , Ahmad Ateeque , Abdelghany Elzaawely Abdelnaser , Teschke Rolf , Van Truong
Published: May 2018

Momilactones A and B (MA and MB, respectively) are phytoalexins and plant growth inhibitors available in rice husks. However, to date, the isolation and purification of the two compounds have been complicated, laborious, and less effective. The present study was conducted to establish a protocol to simplify and optimize quantities of MA and MB by combinations of ethyl acetate (EtOAc), distilled water, methanol (MeOH), temperature, and pressure for extractions. At a temperature of 100 °C, combined with EtOAc and MeOH 100%, MA and MB were enriched in greater quantities than non-treated rice husks, of which MB was much augmented than MA. The EtOAc extract obtained from samples dried at 100 °C for 1 h, then placed in MeOH 100% for 1 week, provided maximum yields of MA [58.76 µg/g dry weight (DW)] and MB (104.43 µg/g DW). The use of pressure effectively enhanced yields of MA (17.90–26.26 µg/g DW) and MB (40.78–71.0 µg/g DW). The actual purified amounts of MA and MB increased by 5 and 15 folds, respectively. The use of either sole distilled water or MeOH ≤ 50% at any temperature did not successfully isolate both MA and MB. The yield optimization aids to easier and more productive purification of the two compounds, and thus extends researches on biological activities of MA and MB, including pharmaceutical and medicinal properties.
The Influence of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Enzyme Activities on Soil Quality of Saline-Alkali Agroecosystems in Western Jilin Province, China
Authors: Zhao Qing , Tang Jie , Li Zhaoyang , Yang Wei , Duan Yucong
Published: May 2018

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a critical role in carbon cycling and soil quality of agroecosystems. Understanding the factors influencing SOC and the main indicators for soil quality can help in better soil management and sustainable agriculture. In this study, we selected three upland fields (U1, U2 and U3) and three paddy fields (P1, P2 and P3) of saline-alkali agroecosystems to study the impacts of soil physico-chemical properties (soil pH, exchangeable sodium percentage, electrical conductivity and bulk density) and enzyme activities (soil amylase, invertase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase) on SOC dynamics. The soil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) had profoundly negative effect on SOC. Soil amylase and invertase activities were significantly positively correlated with SOC in both upland and paddy fields. Catalase promoted the accumulation of paddy SOC and polyphenol oxidase led to the acceleration of decomposition of upland SOC. Additionally, we combined SOC contents, soil physico-chemical properties and soil enzyme activities together to obtain the main indicators of soil quality. The results suggested that, in upland sites, the main factors affecting the soil quality were soil pH, ESP and SOC. As for paddy sites, the main indicators of soil quality were soil pH, amylase and invertase. By comparing the soil quality indicators between upland and paddy fields, it was observed that the inhibiting effect of ESP on paddy soil quality was not as significant as on upland soil quality due to the irrigation practice of rice planting, which could reduce the degree of soil alkalization. Therefore, paddy development has been widely used to improve the saline-alkali land in western Jilin Province of China.
Cross-European Perspective in Social Work Education: A Good Blended Learning Model of Practice
Authors: Andrioni Felicia
Published: May 2018

European social work education needs to be linked to global demands and contemporary social transformations. It must also be elaborated in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development in higher education and the specific needs of students. This article describes a model of good practice in social work education in a European project that used modern learning models tailored to the changing needs of students from six European country partners in the project. The research methodology used qualitative methods, namely the case study, which in turn combined the use of two research methods: the analysis of the project documents and the observation of the formal and informal aspects of the operation and organization of the project. The results of the survey show that learning modalities based on combining different forms of traditional and modern online learning, such as media learning, Internet connection and virtual lectures, lead to new ways of involvement and active participation in the learning process. To conclude, in the social work field, for the first time at the European level, this project brought added value to cross-border education, proving its innovating character. Through this project, pedagogical solutions were created and adapted to the changing needs of students.
How to Encourage Recycling Behaviour? The Case of WasteApp: A Gamified Mobile Application
Authors: Lidia Aguiar-Castillo , Julio Rufo-Torres , Petra De Saa-Pérez , Rafael Perez-Jimenez
Published: May 2018

Gamification lies in using elements explicitly designed for games in non-playful environments to achieve the player’s commitment and to encourage the development of specific behaviors. These tools can also be used as persuasion when it is intended to influence users’ behavior. The boundary would be in what we can call “gamipulation”—the use of game-design elements that impel the user towards undesired behaviors. Gamification has been identified as a promising strategy for achieving sustainable practice among citizens. Through an H2020 EU project, an application has been developed to attain these goals within the framework of some tourist cities. This study attempts to evaluate the intention to use this gamified-application based on premises such as expected benefits, expected threats, technical knowledge, and personal features. A theoretical model has been validated through a survey of 79 experts in some pilot cities before the use of the application. The results showed that only the expected social benefits and the perceived risks have a direct and significant influence on the intention to adopt the sustainability application based on gamification. Moreover, there is a moderating effect of perceived risk on the relation between expected functional benefits and the intention of using WasteApp. It is noteworthy that, although the perceived risks make the user recognize the functionality of the application with less intensity, these perceived risks do not make the user stop using WasteApp. Therefore, it is important to point out the implications derived from the study for the design of sustainability applications based on gamification, such as the need to give visibility of the user in the networks, to expose useful and difficult to obtain information from other sources, and to develop low-level game-design elements.
Willingness to Pay for Substituting Coal with Natural Gas-Based Combined Heat and Power in South Korea: A View from Air Pollutants Emissions Mitigation
Authors: Kim Ga-Eun , Lee Hye-Jeong , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: May 2018

As of 2017, coal-fired generation is responsible for about half of electricity generation in South Korea. This causes a serious problem of emitting air pollutants such as particulate matters, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides. Thus, the South Korean government is seeking to substitute a part of coal-fired generation with natural gas (NG)-based combined heat and power (CHP) generation for the purpose of mitigating air pollutants emissions. This article tries to assess the public willingness to pay (WTP) for the substitution adopting contingent valuation (CV). The data on the additional WTP for consuming 1 kWh of electricity produced from NG-based CHP generation over coal-fired generation were gathered from a CV survey of 1000 interviewees. The mean additional WTP estimate for the substitution is obtained as KRW 28.08 (USD 0.025) per kWh of electricity use. This is equivalent to 25.9% of the average price of electricity, KRW 108.50 (USD 0.098) per kWh in 2017. It is obvious that the South Korean public has a significant WTP for substituting coal with NG in electricity generation to mitigate air pollutants emissions. The government needs to gradually push for the substitution.
Generic Features of Thermodynamics of Horizons in Regular Spherical Space-Times of the Kerr-Schild Class
Authors: Dymnikova Irina
Published: May 2018

We present a systematic review of thermodynamics of horizons in regular spherically symmetric spacetimes of the Kerr-Schild class, d s 2 = g ( r ) d t 2 − g − 1 ( r ) d r 2 − r 2 d Ω 2 , both asymptotically flat and with a positive background cosmological constant λ . Regular solutions of this class have obligatory de Sitter center. A source term in the Einstein equations satisfies T t t = T r r and represents an anisotropic vacuum dark fluid ( p r = − ρ ), defined by the algebraic structure of its stress-energy tensor, which describes a time-evolving and spatially inhomogeneous, distributed or clustering, vacuum dark energy intrinsically related to space-time symmetry. In the case of two vacuum scales it connects smoothly two de Sitter vacua, 8 π G T ν μ = Λ δ ν μ as r → 0 , 8 π G T ν μ = λ δ ν μ as r → ∞ with λ < Λ . In the range of the mass parameter M c r 1 ≤ M ≤ M c r 2 it describes a regular cosmological black hole directly related to a vacuum dark energy. Space-time has at most three horizons: a cosmological horizon r c , a black hole horizon r b < r c , and an internal horizon r a < r b , which is the cosmological horizon for an observer in the internal R-region asymptotically de Sitter as r → 0 . Asymptotically flat regular black holes ( λ = 0 ) can have at most two horizons, r b and r a . We present the basic generic features of thermodynamics of horizons revealed with using the Padmanabhan approach relevant for a multi-horizon space-time with a non-zero pressure. Quantum evaporation of a regular black hole involves a phase transition in which the specific heat capacity is broken and changes sign while a temperature achieves its maximal value, and leaves behind the thermodynamically stable double-horizon ( r a = r b ) remnant with zero temperature and positive specific heat. The mass of objects with the de Sitter center is generically related to vacuum dark energy and to breaking of space-time symmetry. In the cosmological context space-time symmetry provides a mechanism for relaxing cosmological constant to a certain non-zero value. We discuss also observational applications of the presented results.
Physical Hybrid Neural Network Model to Forecast Typhoon Floods
Authors: Jhong You-Da , Chen Chang-Shian , Lin Hsin-Ping , Chen Shien-Tsung
Published: May 2018

This study proposed a hybrid neural network model that combines a self-organizing map (SOM) and back-propagation neural networks (BPNNs) to model the rainfall-runoff process in a physically interpretable manner and to accurately forecast typhoon floods. The SOM and a two-stage clustering scheme were applied to group hydrologic data into four clusters, each of which represented a meaningful hydrologic component of the rainfall-runoff process. BPNNs were constructed for each cluster to achieve high forecasting capability. The physical hybrid neural network model was used to forecast typhoon flood discharges in Wu River in Taiwan by using two types of rainfall data. The clustering results demonstrated that the rainfall-runoff process was favorably described by the sequence of derived clusters. The flood forecasting results indicated that the proposed hybrid neural network model has good forecasting capability, and the performance of the models using the two types of rainfall data is similar. In addition, the derived lagged inputs are hydrologically meaningful, and the number and activation function of the hidden nodes can be rationally interpreted. This study also developed a traditional, single BPNN model trained using the whole calibration data for comparison with the hybrid neural network model. The proposed physical hybrid neural network model outperformed the traditional neural network model in forecasting the peak discharges and low flows.
Rolling Stability Control Based on Electronic Stability Program for In-wheel-motor Electric Vehicle
Authors: Kawashima Kiyotaka , Uchida Toshiyuki , Hori Yoichi
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a novel robust rolling stability control (RSC) based on electronic stability program (ESP) for electric vehicle (EV) is proposed. Since EVs are driven by electric motors, they have the following four remarkable advantages: (1) motor torque generation is quick and accurate; (2) motor torque can be estimated precisely; (3) a motor can be attached to each wheel; and (4) motor can output negative torque as a brake actuator. These advantages enable high performance three dimensional vehicle motion control with a distributed in-wheel-motor system. RSC is designed using two-degree-of-freedom control (2-DOF), which achieves tracking capability to reference value and disturbance suppression. Generally, RSC and YSC are incompatible. Therefore, ESP, which is composed of estimation system(S1) and integrated vehicle motion control system(S2) is proposed. A distribution ratio of RSC and YSC is defined based on rollover index (RI) which is calculated in S1 from rolling state information. The effectiveness of proposed methods are shown by simulation and experimental results.
New technologies demonstrated at Formula Electric and Hybrid Italy 2008
Authors: Brusaglino Giampiero , Buja Giuseppe , Carello Massimiliana , Carlucci Antonio , Onder Christopher , Razzetti Monica
Published: May 2018

From 1 to 3 October 2008 the Formula Electric and Hybrid Italy took place in the Safety Testing Center of Fiat Group Automobiles in Orbassano (TO), Italy. This fourth edition of Formula EHI, an international competitive demonstration of research outcomes from university student teams, has brought to the attention of the public and of the industry new technologies and innovative applications in the area of the systems addressing the ecological mobility. Teams from five European countries were the protagonists of the event. Several projects, components, systems and concept have been presented, related to advanced technologies for battery electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. New technology hybrid, fuel cell and electric vehicles took part to the dynamic test on track for the evaluation of energy efficiency performance and dynamic behaviour. The 2008 event was a further step of the editions of Formula TECH held in the previous years and offered a benchmarking overview of the progress of the technology in the field of electrically propelled vehicles.
Analysis of the key factors affecting the energy efficiency of batteries in electric vehicle
Authors: Lu Rengui , Yang Aochi , Xue Yufeng , Xu Lichao , Zhu Chunbo
Published: May 2018

The energy efficiency for electric vehicle battery is affected by many factors. Through the definition of energy efficiency we find the relationship between energy efficiency, voltage efficiency and coulomb efficiency. The factors such as current, internal resistance, SOC and temperature which affect coulomb efficiency and voltage efficiency, will affect energy efficiency as well. An equation is given to show how internal resistance and current influence the energy efficiency. The relationship between these factors and energy efficiency was analyzed through theory and experimental data. This will show ways to increase battery energy efficiency and improve the battery performance.
A Two-wheel Driven Power Train for Improved Safety and Efficiency in Electric Motorbikes
Authors: Baumann Matthias , Buchholz Michael , Dietmayer Klaus
Published: May 2018

In this contribution, additional degrees of freedom resulting from an additional motor in the front wheel (all-wheel driven motorbike) are used within newly developed methods for enhancing safety and energy efficiency. All algorithms have been developed with respect to realtime capability on a ECU. The basis of the investigations is a test vehicle based on a commercially available electric moped, whose power train was modified for the research purposes with the support of industry partners.
Vehicle Management and Travel Data Analysis of E-Bus Adopted in JR Kesennuma Line
Authors: Yamamoto Akihiro , Fukuda Masatoshi , Utsumi Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

When putting electric buses into practice in mass transit systems, the vehicle state management becomes a vital factor in the realization of a stable commercial operation. Aiming at achieving a sound bus operation, we installed a vehicle monitoring system on our own conversion E-Bus and realized remote vehicle control and driving data logging. In this manuscript, we are presenting a track record of the E-Bus and the vehicle monitoring system introduced in the JR (Japan Railway) Kesennuma Line which was severely hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 and later temporarily restored as the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit).
AUDIT COMMITTEE ATTRIBUTES AND AUDIT QUALITY: A BENCHMARK ANALYSIS
Authors: Asiriuwa Osariemen , Aronmwan Edosa Joshua , Uwuigbe Uwalomwa , Uwuigbe Olubukola Ranti
Published: May 2018

This study examined audit committee attributes and audit quality with emphasis on the specific requirements of the 2011 SEC code. The study applied the deductive approach via the expost facto research design and the Binary probit regression model in analyzing the various hypotheses put forward in study. Data used for the study were gathered for 150 firm-year observations from the annual reports of quoted companies on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Findings from the study revealed that audit committee size, frequency of meetings, number of expertise and overall effectiveness all have a positive relationship with audit quality. However, only size and overall effectiveness was significant in their relationship. The study recommends that since the significant positive nature of audit committee effectiveness show that four attributes jointly account for effectiveness, firms are encouraged to establish audit committees that have all these attributes. Furthermore, the requirement of having a 6-member audit committee is sound and empirically proven to aid audit quality. Therefore, firms yet to subscribe to these should hasten up, while sanctions should be made for firms that do not.
NARATYVUMAS VISUOMENINIO MAITINIMO ĮSTAIGŲ INTERJERUOSE LIETUVOJE 1959–1990 M. / NARRATIVITY IN LITHUANIAN EATERY INTERIORS OF 1959–1990
Authors: JAŠINSKAITĖ Karolina
Published: May 2018

Interior narrativity is a little explored topic. Narrative in interior architecture is a certain form of conceptualism. One of the forms of narrative content manifests itself with the idea as a reflection of a broader sociopolitical and sociocultural field, which reveals itself through the narrative-specific structure. This particular tendency of narrativity is noticeable in Lithuanian eatery interiors of 1959–1990. In discussing one of the most complex and multi-layered historical periods in Lithuania, the aspect of narrativity gives an opportunity to deepen the knowledge about this phenomenon and to review the influence of the sociopolitical field of the period on the architectural expression of interiors. The aim of this article is to reveal how the narrative is developed and conveyed and in what ways narrativity is typical to Lithuanian eatery interiors of 1959–1990. Therefore, the concept of narrativity is defined, the peculiarities of the interiors of the period and the factors determining their narrativity are highlighted, the main types of expression of narrativity in Lithuanian eatery interiors of 1959–1990 are formed and their variation is discussed.
A General Method for Assessing the Origin of Interstellar Small Bodies: The Case of 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua)
Authors: Zuluaga Jorge I. , Sánchez-Hernández Oscar , Sucerquia Mario , Ferrín Ignacio
Published: May 2018

With the advent of more and deeper sky surveys, the discovery of interstellar small objects entering into the solar system has been finally possible. In 2017 October 19, using observations of the Pan-STARRS survey, a fast moving object, now officially named 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua), was discovered in a heliocentric unbound trajectory, suggesting an interstellar origin. Assessing the provenance of interstellar small objects is key for understanding their distribution, spatial density, and the processes responsible for their ejection from planetary systems. However, their peculiar trajectories place a limit on the number of observations available to determine a precise orbit. As a result, when its position is propagated ∼105–106 years backward in time, small errors in orbital elements become large uncertainties in position in the interstellar space. In this paper we present a general method for assigning probabilities to nearby stars of being the parent system of an observed interstellar object. We describe the method in detail and apply it for assessing the origin of ‘Oumuamua. A preliminary list of potential progenitors and their corresponding probabilities is provided. In the future, when further information about the object and/or the nearby stars be refined, the probabilities computed with our method can be updated. We provide all the data and codes we developed for this purpose in the form of an open source C/C++/Python package, iWander, which is publicly available at http://github.com/seap-udea/iWander.
Speckle Interferometry at SOAR in 2016 and 2017
Authors: Tokovinin Andrei , Mason Brian D. , Hartkopf William I. , Mendez Rene A. , Horch Elliott P.
Published: May 2018

The results of speckle interferometric observations at the 4.1 m Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope in 2016 and 2017 are given, totaling 2483 measurements of 1570 resolved pairs and 609 non-resolutions. We describe briefly recent changes in the instrument and observing method and quantify the accuracy of the pixel scale and position angle calibration. Comments are given on 44 pairs resolved here for the first time. The orbital motion of the newly resolved subsystem BU 83 Aa,Ab roughly agrees with its 36-year astrometric orbit proposed by J. Dommanget. Most Tycho binaries examined here turned out to be spurious.
The Swift/BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey. IX. The Clustering Environments of an Unbiased Sample of Local AGNs
Authors: Powell M. C. , Cappelluti N. , Urry C. M. , Koss M. , Finoguenov A. , Ricci C. , Trakhtenbrot B. , Allevato V. , Ajello M. , Oh K. , Schawinski K. , Secrest N.
Published: May 2018

We characterize the environments of local accreting supermassive black holes by measuring the clustering of AGNs in the Swift/BAT Spectroscopic Survey (BASS). With 548 AGN in the redshift range 0.01 < z < 0.1 over the full sky from the DR1 catalog, BASS provides the largest, least biased sample of local AGNs to date due to its hard X-ray selection (14–195 keV) and rich multiwavelength/ancillary data. By measuring the projected cross-correlation function between the AGN and 2MASS galaxies, and interpreting it via halo occupation distribution and subhalo-based models, we constrain the occupation statistics of the full sample, as well as in bins of absorbing column density and black hole mass. We find that AGNs tend to reside in galaxy group environments, in agreement with previous studies of AGNs throughout a large range of luminosity and redshift, and that on average they occupy their dark matter halos similar to inactive galaxies of comparable stellar mass. We also find evidence that obscured AGNs tend to reside in denser environments than unobscured AGNs, even when samples were matched in luminosity, redshift, stellar mass, and Eddington ratio. We show that this can be explained either by significantly different halo occupation distributions or statistically different host halo assembly histories. Lastly, we see that massive black holes are slightly more likely to reside in central galaxies than black holes of smaller mass.
Eta Carinae’s Declining Outflow Seen in the UV, 2002–2015*
Authors: Davidson Kris , Ishibashi Kazunori , Martin John C. , Humphreys Roberta M.
Published: May 2018

Existing Hubble Space Telescope UV data offer many previously neglected clues to η Car’s behavior since 2000. Here we examine a subset of observations with diverse results. (1) The star’s rapid change of state is confirmed by major changes in UV absorption lines, circumstellar extinction, and other features. (2) N iii] λ1750 is one of the two most luminous emission features in η Car’s observable spectrum, comparable to Hα. This and other semi-forbidden lines are useful because they have no P Cyg absorption. (3) N iii] multiplet ratios provide the first direct diagnostic of gas densities in η Car’s outflow. They strongly suggest that high-excitation lines originate in condensations within the colliding-wind shocked region. The parameters imply that published models have not adequately represented the essential small size scales. (4) In 2002–2004, a very large amount of N iii] emission had anomalous Doppler velocities from +400 to +1200 km s−1. This is a mystery; we conjecture that it may have resulted from a burst of mass ejection in the 2003.5 periastron event. Various other effects are also difficult to explain and merit further investigation.
A Light-curve Analysis of Gamma-Ray Nova V959 Mon: Distance and White Dwarf Mass
Authors: Hachisu Izumi , Kato Mariko
Published: May 2018

V959 Mon is a nova detected in gamma-rays. It was discovered optically about 50 days after the gamma-ray detection owing to its proximity to the Sun. The nova’s speed class is unknown because of the lack of the earlier half of its optical light curve and a short supersoft X-ray phase due to eclipse by the disk rim. Using the universal decline law and time-stretching method, we analyzed the data on V959 Mon and obtained nova parameters. We estimated the distance modulus in the V band to be (m − M)
V
 = 13.15 ± 0.3 for the reddening of E(B − V) = 0.38 ± 0.01 by directly comparing it with novae of a similar type—LV Vul, V1668 Cyg, IV Cep, and V1065 Cen. The distance to V959 Mon is 2.5 ± 0.5 kpc. If we assume that the early phase of the light curve of V959 Mon is the same as that of time-stretched light curves of LV Vul, our model fitting of the light curve suggests that the white dwarf (WD) mass is 0.9–1.15 M
⊙, which is consistent with a neon nova identification. At the time of gamma-ray detection the photosphere of the nova envelope extends to 5–8 R
⊙ (about two or three times the binary separation) and the wind mass-loss rate is

yr−1. The period of hard X-ray emission is consistent with the time of appearance of the companion star from the nova envelope. The short supersoft X-ray turnoff time is consistent with the epoch when the WD photosphere shrank to behind the rising disk rim, which occurred 500 days before nuclear burning turned off.
Food Safety Knowledge and Practices of Male Adolescents in West of Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Amin , Nourmoradi Heshmatollah , Abedzadeh Zavareh Mohammad Sadegh , Jalilian Mohsen , Mansourian Morteza , Mazloomi Sajad , Mokhtari Neda , Mokhtari Fariba
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Every year many people around the world become infected with food-borne infections. Insufficient knowledge and skills related to food safety and hygiene are among the factors affecting the incidence of food-borne diseases, especially in adolescents.AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices associated with food safety and hygiene in Ilam city male adolescents.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and eighty of male adolescents aged 13 to 19 were selected randomly and entered the cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire From December 2016 to February 2017. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data in SPSS software (version 19.0).RESULTS: The findings of the study showed a positive and significant relationship between knowledge and practices related to food safety and hygiene (r = 0.122; p = 0.018). Also, the findings showed that food safety knowledge and practice of adolescents were significantly affected by the level of their education, parental education level, parental employment status and household economic conditions, (p < 0.005). Also, the results showed that the participants generally obtained 57.74% of the knowledge score and 57.63% of practices score. The subjects had the most knowledge about food supply and storage (60%), and the highest practice was related to personal and environmental hygiene, (61.73%).CONCLUSION: The inadequacy of knowledge and performance of adolescents about food safety and hygiene shows the need for implementation of health education interventions in this area.
Fetal Biometric Charts and Reference Equations for Pregnant Women Living in Port Said and Ismailia Governorates in Egypt
Authors: Hegab Moustafa , Midan Mahmoud Farouk , Taha Tamer , Bibars Mamdouh , El Wakeel Khaled Helmi , Amer Hesham , Azmy Osama
Published: May 2018

AIM: To construct new fetal biometric charts and equations for some fetal biometric parameters for women between 12th and 41st  weeks living in Ismailia and Port Said Governorates in Egypt.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 656 Egyptian women (from Ismailia and Port Said governorates) with an uncomplicated pregnancy, and all were sure of their dates. The selected group was between the 12th and 41st weeks of gestation, recruited from the district general hospital in Ismailia and Port Said to measure ultrasonographically biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL), then for each measurement separate regression models were fitted to estimate both the mean and the Standard deviation at each gestational age.RESULTS: New Egyptian charts were reported for BPD, HC, AC, and FL. Reference equations for the dating of pregnancy were presented. The mean of the previous measurements at 12th and 41st weeks were as follows: (23.37, 98.72), (83.05, 336.12), (67.85, 332.57) and (12.50, 74.92) respectively.CONCLUSION: New fetal biometric charts and regression equations for pregnant women living in Port Said & Ismailia governorates in Egypt.
Evaluation of the Directly Observed Treatment’s Acceptance by Tuberculosis Patients in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Ilievska-Poposka Biljana , Zakoska Maja , Mitreski Vladimir
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: Directly observed therapy (DOT) is a specific strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization in 1994 to improve adherence by requiring health workers, community volunteers or family members to observe and record tuberculosis (TB) patients for taking each dose. The implementation of DOT strategy in the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) in Macedonia was introduced in 2006 and was realised by 6 nurses engaged through the Project of Global Fund against HIV/AID and TB.AIM: This study aimed to evaluate how these visits conducted by the DOT nurses engaged through the GF were accepted by TB patients and to evaluate the impact on the treatment outcomes.PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study 105 TB patients who started treatment in 2016 and who were supposed to be visited by DOT nurses at their homes were included. All of these patients filled out a questionnaire compiled of 6 questions related to their opinion about the efficacy and usefulness of the visits managed by the nurses when they would come for check-ups at the Institute for Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis. The assessment of the efficacy of the work of DOT nurses was performed by analysis of the answers received by TB patients. The data were analysed with the method of description and was statistically prepared in the program SPSS for Windows, 17.0.RESULTS: The results from the analyses showed that the number of visited patients were not satisfied, because 29.52%% were never visited by a DOT nurse at their homes. A lot of patients (61.91%) were not willing to take medicines under the observed control by nurses. Those TB patients who were visited by DOT nurses thought that this type of visit is useful for them: they were satisfied by the attitude of the nurses during the visits, and they received enough explanations regarding TB.CONCLUSION: We can conclude that the DOT visits to TB patients are useful, contribute patients to complete the therapeutic regime without interruption, take care for every individual patient effectively, and protect the rest of society by preventing the development and spread of TB, including drug-resistant strains.
Contribution to the floristic knowledge of the Maddalena Mountains (Basilicata and Campania, southern Italy)
Authors: Rosati Leonardo , Romano Vito Antonio , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Bernardo Liliana , Bouvet Daniela , Cancellieri Laura , Caruso Giuseppe , Conti Fabio , Faraoni Francesco , Banfi Enrico , Galasso Gabriele , Lattanzi Edda , Lavezzo Paolo , Peccenini Simonetta , Perrino Enrico Vito , Salerno Giovanni , Sciandra Adriano , Soldano Adriano , Stinca Adriano , Totta Chiara , Fascetti Simonetta
Published: May 2018

The inventory of the taxa collected during the annual field trip of the working group for Floristics Systematics and Evolution of the Italian Botanical Society is reported. It was held in 2013 along the Maddalena Mountains a mountain ridge of the southern Apennines located between the Basilicata and Campania administrative regions (southern Italy) considered as being poorly characterized in terms of vascular flora. A total of 701 units belonging to 74 plant families were recorded including two varieties and four hybrids.Thirty-five taxa resulted endemic to Italy and only 11 alien species were detected while 36 taxa are new or confirmed for the regional floras of Basilicata and/or Campania. In particular 12 taxa are new for Basilicata while four are confirmed. Regarding Campania 14 taxa resulted new for the regional flora and five were confirmed.
Was Charles Darwin right in his explanation of the ‘abominable mystery’?
Authors: Sgorbati Sergio , D'Antraccoli Marco , Citterio Sandra , Gentili Rodolfo , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: May 2018

The site and time of origin of angiosperms are still debated. The co-occurrence of many of the early branching lineages of flowering plants in a region somewhere between Australia and the SW Pacific islands suggests a possible Gondwanan origin of angiosperms. The recent recognition of Zealandia, a 94% submerged continent in the east of Australia, could explain the discrepancy between molecular clocks and fossil records about the age of angiosperms, supporting the old Darwinian hypothesis of a “lost continent” to explain the “abominable mystery” regarding the origin and rapid radiation of flowering plants.
The Poem as Score and the Genealogy of Sonopoetic Notation
Authors: McCaffery Steve , Lang Abigail
Published: May 2018

Partant du « poème comme partition » tel qu’il a été préconisé par Charles Olson dans « Projective Verse » (1950), cet entretien propose une généalogie du poème sonore au vingtième siècle qui inclut des systèmes de notation conçus sur des principes organiques et mimologiques.
An unusual presentation of pulmonary lymphoma: When diffuse ground glass opacities can mean anything
Authors: Stainer Anna , Faverio Paola , Bono Francesca , Pesci Alberto
Published: May 2018

Primary lung lymphoma (PLL) is a rare type of lymphoma confined to the lung at the time of diagnosis. Pulmonary diffuse large B cells lymphoma (P-DLBCL) is the second most common type of PLL and it usually appears radiologically as solitary or multiple nodules or areas of consolidation. We present the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian male who developed severe acute respiratory failure and diffuse ground glass opacities (GGO) on chest computerized tomography. Diffuse GGO may be the radiological expression of very different diseases, ranging from infectious processes to interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and neoplastic diseases. In our case, pneumonia and de novo ILD were initially considered given the symptoms and past medical history. However, bronchoscopy with trans-bronchial biopsies demonstrated the presence of P-DLBCL, despite an unusual radiological presentation and negative cytological analyses on bronchoalveolar lavage. In conclusion, P-DLBCL should be considered among the many differential diagnoses of diffuse GGO.
Fulminant Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
Authors: Zavala S , Arias M , Legua P
Published: May 2018

We present a case of a previously healthy 37-year-old male who developed fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and hypovolaemia. Within 5.5 h he presented with tachycardia, tachypnoea, became hypotensive and displayed a diffuse erythematous rash. In the following hours he developed persistent hypotension, acute respiratory distress syndrome, liver failure, kidney failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. A diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome was made, but despite antibiotic therapy, immunoglobulin administration, and supportive measures, the patient died 50 h after presentation. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated from blood cultures.
Molecular insights on aging and aqueous phase processing from ambient biomass burning emissions-influenced Po Valley fog and aerosol
Authors: Brege Matthew , Paglione Marco , Gilardoni Stefania , Decesari Stefano , Facchini Maria Cristina , Mazzoleni Lynn R.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric organic matter is a complex mixture of thousands of individual organic compounds originating from a combination of primary emissions and secondary processes. To study the influence of regional biomass burning emissions and secondary processes, ambient samples of fog and aerosol were collected in the Po Valley (Italy) during the 2013 Supersito field campaign. After the extent of fresh vs. aged biomass burning influence was estimated from proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and high resolution time of flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-TOF-AMS) observations, two samples of fog water and two samples of PM1 aerosol were selected for ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) analysis. Over 4300 distinct molecular formulas were assigned to electrospray ionization FT-ICR MS anions and were sorted into four elemental groups (CHO, CHNO, CHOS and CHNOS) and 64 subclasses. Molecular weight distributions indicated that the water-soluble organic matter was largely non-polymeric without clearly repeating units, although some evidence of dimerization was observed for C10 compounds and especially for C8–9 CHNO species in the aged aerosol. The selected samples had an atypically large frequency of molecular formulas containing nitrogen and sulfur (not evident in the NMR composition) attributed to multifunctional organonitrates and organosulfates. While higher numbers of organonitrates were observed in aerosol (dry or deliquesced particles), higher numbers of organosulfates were mostly found in fog water and so chemical reactions promoted by liquid water must be postulated for their formation. Consistent with the observation of an enhanced aromatic proton signature in the 1H-NMR analysis, the average molecular formula double bond equivalents and carbon numbers were higher in the fresh biomass burning influenced samples, whereas the average O : C and H : C values from FT-ICR MS were higher in the samples with an aged influence (O : C > 0.6 and H : C > 1.2). The aged fog had a large set of unique highly oxygenated CHO fragments in HR-TOF-AMS mass spectra, which reflects an enrichment of carboxylic acids and other compounds carrying acyl groups as highlighted by the NMR analysis. Fog compositions were more SOA-like than aerosols as indicated by the observed similarity between the aged aerosol and fresh fog, implying that fog nuclei must be somewhat aged. Overall, functionalization with nitrate and sulfate moieties in addition to aqueous oxidation trigger an increase in the molecular complexity in this environment, which is apparent in the FT-ICR MS results. This study demonstrates the significance of the aqueous phase to transform the molecular chemistry of atmospheric organic matter and contribute to secondary organic aerosol.
Assessment of Sun photometer Langley calibration at the
high-elevation sites Mauna Loa and Izaña
Authors: Toledano Carlos , González Ramiro , Fuertes David , Cuevas Emilio , Eck Thomas F. , Kazadzis Stelios , Kouremeti Natalia , Gröbner Julian , Goloub Philippe , Blarel Luc , Román Roberto , Barreto África , Holben Brent N. , Cachorro Victoria E.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to analyze the suitability of the high-mountain stations Mauna Loa and Izaña for Langley plot calibration of Sun photometers. Thus the aerosol optical depth (AOD) characteristics and seasonality, as well as the cloudiness, have been investigated in order to provide a robust estimation of the calibration accuracy, as well as the number of days that are suitable for Langley calibrations. The data used for the investigations belong to AERONET and GAW-PFR networks, which maintain reference Sun photometers at these stations with long measurement records: 22 years at Mauna Loa and 15 years at Izaña. In terms of clear sky and stable aerosol conditions, Mauna Loa (3397 m a.s.l.) exhibits on average of 377 Langleys (243 morning and 134 afternoon) per year suitable for Langley plot calibration, whereas Izaña (2373 m a.s.l.) shows 343 Langleys (187 morning and 155 afternoon) per year. The background AOD (500 nm wavelength) values, on days that are favorable for Langley calibrations, are in the range 0.01–0.02 throughout the year, with well-defined seasonality that exhibits a spring maximum at both stations plus a slight summer increase at Izaña. The statistical analysis of the long-term determination of extraterrestrial signals yields to a calibration uncertainty of ~ 0.2–0.5 %, being this uncertainty smaller in the near infrared and larger in the ultraviolet wavelengths. This is due to atmospheric variability that cannot be reduced based only on quality criteria of individual Langely plots.
Distributions and sources of gaseous and particulate low molecular weight monocarboxylic acids in a deciduous broadleaf forest from northern Japan
Authors: Mochizuki Tomoki , Kawamura Kimitaka , Miyazaki Yuzo , Boreddy Suresh K. R.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. To better understand the distributions of low molecular weight (LMW) monocarboxylic acids (monoacids) and their sources in the forest, we conducted simultaneous collection of gaseous and particulate samples at a deciduous broadleaf forest site in northern Japan. LMW normal (C1–C10), branched chain (iC4–iC6), hydroxyl (lactic and glycolic) and aromatic (benzoic) monoacids were detected in the gas and particle phases. The dominant LMW monoacids in gas phase were formic (mean: 953 ng m−3) and acetic (528 ng m−3) acids. In particle phase, we found that isopentanoic (159 ng m−3) and acetic (104 ng m−3) acids are dominant species together with lactic acid. Concentrations of LMW monoacids did not correlate with SO42− that was used as an anthropogenic tracer, indicating that LMW monoacids are derived from the local sources within the forest ecosystem. Concentrations of C1–C6 monoacids in gas phase showed positive correlations (r2 = 0.21–0.91) with isobutyric acid (iC4), which is produced by soil microorganisms. These monoacids are closely linked to the microbial process in soils. Isopentanoic acid in particle phase showed a positive correlation with lactic acid (r2 = 0.98), which is produced by soil microbes. The observed high abundances of isopentanoic acid are involved with soil microbial activity. We found that acetic acid in particle phase positively correlated with nonanoic acid (C9) (r2 = 0.63), suggesting that formation of acetic and nonanoic acids are associated with the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. We found that forest floor with soil microbes contributes to the emissions of gaseous and particulate LMW monoacids. Our results suggest that forest ecosystem is an important source of organic gases and aerosols in the atmosphere.