bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New K-Nearest Neighbors Classifier for Big Data Based on Efficient Data Pruning
Authors: Saadatfar Hamid , Khosravi Samiyeh , Joloudari Javad Hassannataj , Mosavi Amir , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: February 2020

The K-nearest neighbors (KNN) machine learning algorithm is a well-known non-parametric classification method. However, like other traditional data mining methods, applying it on big data comes with computational challenges. Indeed, KNN determines the class of a new sample based on the class of its nearest neighbors; however, identifying the neighbors in a large amount of data imposes a large computational cost so that it is no longer applicable by a single computing machine. One of the proposed techniques to make classification methods applicable on large datasets is pruning. LC-KNN is an improved KNN method which first clusters the data into some smaller partitions using the K-means clustering method; and then applies the KNN for each new sample on the partition which its center is the nearest one. However, because the clusters have different shapes and densities, selection of the appropriate cluster is a challenge. In this paper, an approach has been proposed to improve the pruning phase of the LC-KNN method by taking into account these factors. The proposed approach helps to choose a more appropriate cluster of data for looking for the neighbors, thus, increasing the classification accuracy. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated on different real datasets. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its higher classification accuracy and lower time cost in comparison to other recent relevant methods.
Existence of Bounded Solutions to a Modified Version of the Bagley–Torvik Equation
Authors: Cao Labora Daniel , Tenreiro Machado José António
Published: February 2020

This manuscript reanalyses the Bagley–Torvik equation (BTE). The Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equation (FDE), formulated by R. L. Bagley and P. J. Torvik in 1984, models the vertical motion of a thin plate immersed in a Newtonian fluid, which is held by a spring. From this model, we can derive an FDE for the particular case of lacking the spring. Here, we find conditions for the source term ensuring that the solutions to the equation of the motion are bounded, which has a clear physical meaning.
A Note on Minimal Hypersurfaces of an Odd Dimensional Sphere
Authors: Deshmukh Sharief , Al-Dayel Ibrahim
Published: February 2020

We obtain the Wang-type integral inequalities for compact minimal hypersurfaces in the unit sphere S 2 n + 1 with Sasakian structure and use these inequalities to find two characterizations of minimal Clifford hypersurfaces in the unit sphere S 2 n + 1 .
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Reactivation in the Mammary Gland Induces a Proinflammatory Cytokine Shift in Breast Milk
Authors: Rabe Tabea , Lazar Katrin , Cambronero Christoffer , Goelz Rangmar , Hamprecht Klaus
Published: February 2020

A locally restricted human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation in the mammary gland commonly occurs in nearly every IgG-seropositive breastfeeding mother. This unique phenomenon can therefore be used to study the reactivation process in an immunocompetent healthy host. Breast milk contains a variety of immunoactive compounds, including immune cells, antibodies, growth factors, and cytokines supporting the newborn’s immature immune system. To characterize the impact of HCMV reactivation on breast milk cytokines, we analyzed longitudinal breast milk samples of four IgG-seropositive and three IgG-seronegative mothers of preterm infants using Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology (Olink Proteomics, Uppsala, Sweden). Cytokine profiling revealed elevated cytokine levels in IgG-seropositive mothers’ milk whey. Reactivating mothers showed higher levels of CC-chemokines (MCP-2, CCL19, and CCL20) and CXC-chemokines (IL-8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11), such as the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17C, glycoprotein CD5, and TNFSF14. HCMV reactivation seems to influence the cytokine profile in human breast milk. This work could open the door for further studies analyzing distinct relations of the cytokine network as well as phenotypical and functional T cell properties in background of HCMV DNA dynamics in early lactation.
A Rotational Slurry Bioreactor Accelerates Biodegradation of A-Fuel in Oil-Contaminated Soil Even under Low Temperature Conditions
Authors: Miyoshi Yuna , Okada Jo , Urata Tomotaka , Shintani Masaki , Kimbara Kazuhide
Published: February 2020

An effective bioaugmentation system for oil-contaminated soil under low-temperature conditions was developed with a rotational slurry bioreactor. Mixtures of two Rhodococcus oil-degraders, strain A and C, which are officially permitted to be used in bioaugmentation in Japan, were inoculated and A-fuel oil was added to a final concentration of 2500 and 5000 mg/kg-slurry. Decomposition tests were carried out for the inoculated samples and non-inoculated samples by rotating at 15 °C, the annual average temperature of Japan. The residue of A-fuel oil and the number of bacteria were measured every two days. After 6 days of treatment, more than 95% of the oil was removed in the inoculated samples, which was more than three times faster than a previous degradation experiment without rotation. A semi-continuous treatment was performed by removing 90% of the treated slurry, then adding the same amount of contaminated slurry into the system without additional degraders. Ninety-four percent of A-fuel oil was successfully degraded after 6 days by this repeated treatment. This could drastically reduce the cost of preparing the degraders. Strikingly, semi-continuous treatment showed oil removal in the non-inoculated samples, indicating that the rotational slurry conditions could efficiently promote biodegradation by indigenous degraders. Our rotational slurry bioreactor accelerated the removal of oil contamination without adding further degraders provides an efficient and cost-effective method of removal of A-fuel oil using a semi-continuous system, which can be used in practical applications in areas with a cooler climate.
Construction of a Tetracycline Degrading Bacterial Consortium and Its Application Evaluation in Laboratory-Scale Soil Remediation
Authors: Wu Xueling , Gu Yichao , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhou Xiangyu , Zhou Han , Amanze Charles , Shen Li , Zeng Weimin
Published: February 2020

As an environmental pollutant, tetracycline (TC) can persist in the soil for years and damage the ecosystem. So far, many methods have been developed to handle the TC contamination. Microbial remediation, which involves the use of microbes to biodegrade the pollutant, is considered cost-efficient and more suitable for practical application in soil. This study isolated several strains from TC-contaminated soil and constructed a TC-degrading bacterial consortium containing Raoultella sp. XY-1 and Pandoraea sp. XY-2, which exhibited better growth and improved TC degradation efficiency compared with single strain (81.72% TC was biodegraded within 12 days in Lysogeny broth (LB) medium). Subsequently, lab-scale soil remediation was conducted to evaluate its effectiveness in different soils and the environmental effects it brought. Results indicated that the most efficient TC degradation was recorded at 30 °C and in soil sample Y which had relatively low initial TC concentration (around 35 mg/kg): TC concentration decreased by 43.72% within 65 days. Soil properties were affected, for instance, at 30 °C, the pH value of soil sample Y increased to near neutral, and soil moisture content (SMC) of both soils declined. Analysis of bacterial communities at the phylum level showed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi were the four dominant phyla, and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria significantly increased in both soils after bioremediation. Further analysis of bacterial communities at the genus level revealed that Raoultella sp. XY-1 successfully proliferated in soil, while Pandoraea sp. XY-2 was undetectable. Moreover, bacteria associated with nitrogen cycling, biodegradation of organic pollutants, soil biochemical reactions, and plant growth were affected, causing the decline in soil bacterial diversity. Variations in the relative abundance of tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs) and mobile gene elements (MGEs) were investigated, the results obtained indicated that tetD, tetG, tetX, intI1, tnpA-04, and tnpA-05 had higher relative abundance in original soils, and the relative abundance of most TRGs and MGEs declined after the microbial remediation. Network analysis indicated that tnpA may dominate the transfer of TRGs, and Massilia, Alkanibacter, Rhizomicrobium, Xanthomonadales, Acidobacteriaceae, and Xanthomonadaceae were possible hosts of TRGs or MGEs. This study comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness and the ecological effects of the TC-degrading bacterial consortium in soil environment.
The interaction between Carbohydrates and the Antimicrobial Peptide P-113Tri is Involved in the Killing of Candida albicans
Authors: Lin Guan-Yu , Chang Chuan-Fa , Lan Chung-Yu
Published: February 2020

The emergence of drug resistance to Candida albicans is problematic in the clinical setting. Therefore, developing new antifungal drugs is in high demand. Our previous work indicated that the antimicrobial peptide P-113Tri exhibited higher antifungal activity against planktonic cells, biofilm cells, and clinical isolates of Candida species compared to its parental peptide P-113. In this study, we further investigated the difference between these two peptides in their mechanisms against C. albicans. Microscopic examination showed that P-113 rapidly gained access to C. albicans cells. However, most of the P-113Tri remained on the cell surface. Moreover, using a range of cell wall-defective mutants and competition assays, the results indicated that phosphomannan and N-linked mannan in the cell wall are important for peptide binding to C. albicans cells. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous phosphosugars reduced the efficacy of the peptide, suggesting that negatively charged phosphosugars also contributed to the peptide binding to the cell wall polysaccharides. Finally, using a glycan array, P-113Tri, but not P-113, can bind to other glycans commonly present on other microbial and mammalian cells. Together, these results suggest that P-113 and P-113Tri have fundamental differences in their interaction with C. albicans and candidacidal activities.
Preliminary Survey of Alternaria Toxins Reduction during Fermentation of Whole Wheat Dough
Authors: Janić Hajnal Elizabet , Pezo Lato , Orčić Dejan , Šarić Ljubiša , Plavšić Dragana , Kos Jovana , Mastilović Jasna
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the fate of the most common Alternaria toxins found in wheat—tenuazonic acid (TeA), alternariol (AOH), and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) during sourdough processing. For this purpose, spiked whole wheat flour, 3% sourdough starter, 0.5% of baker’s yeast, and 105% of water calculated on flour weight as a base were used as raw materials. Spiked whole wheat dough was fermented for 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h at 25 °C, and at each point the fermented dough samples were taken, frozen, lyophilized, grounded, and stored until further analysis. To study the effect of sourdough processing on TeA, AOH and AME content, the validated method of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for these mycotoxins was used. Mathematical models of Alternaria toxins reduction were developed in the form of Four Parameter Logistic Regression function. The maximum reduction of TeA, AOH, and AME levels was archived at 48 h of dough fermentation at 25 °C compared with dough after kneading (0 h). Under these conditions, a reduction of the toxin levels of 60.3 %, 41.5%, and 24.1% was observed for TeA, AOH, and AME, respectively.
vtRNA2-1/nc886 Produces a Small RNA That Contributes to Its Tumor Suppression Action through the microRNA Pathway in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fort Rafael Sebastián , Garat Beatriz , Sotelo-Silveira José Roberto , Duhagon María Ana
Published: February 2020

vtRNA2-1 is a vault RNA initially classified as microRNA precursor hsa-mir-886 and recently proposed as “nc886”, a new type of non-coding RNA involved in cancer progression acting as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene in different tissues. We have shown that vtRNA2-1/nc886 is epigenetically repressed in neoplastic cells, increasing cell proliferation and invasion in prostate tissue. Here we investigate the ability of vtRNA2-1/nc886 to produce small-RNAs and their biological effect in prostate cells. The interrogation of public small-RNA transcriptomes of prostate and other tissues uncovered two small RNAs, snc886-3p and snc886-5p, derived from vtRNA2-1/nc886 (previously hsa-miR-886-3p and hsa-miR-886-5p). Re-analysis of PAR-CLIP and knockout of microRNA biogenesis enzymes data showed that these small RNAs are products of DICER, independent of DROSHA, and associate with Argonaute proteins, satisfying microRNA attributes. In addition, the overexpression of snc886-3p provokes the downregulation of mRNAs bearing sequences complementary to its “seed” in their 3′-UTRs. Microarray and in vitro functional assays in DU145, LNCaP and PC3 cell lines revealed that snc886-3p reduced cell cycle progression and increases apoptosis, like its precursor vtRNA2-1/nc886. Finally, we found a list of direct candidate targets genes of snc886-3p upregulated and associated with disease condition and progression in PRAD-TCGA data. Overall, our findings suggest that vtRNA2-1/nc886 and its processed product snc886-3p are synthesized in prostate cells, exerting a tumor suppressor action.
Automated Diagnosis of Canine Gastrointestinal Parasites Using Image Analysis
Authors: Inácio Sandra Valéria , Ferreira Gomes Jancarlo , Xavier Falcão Alexandre , Nagase Suzuki Celso Tetsuo , Bertequini Nagata Walter , Nery Loiola Saulo Hudson , Martins dos Santos Bianca , Soares Felipe Augusto , Rosa Stefani Laryssa , Baptista Carolina Beatriz , Borges Alves Graziella , Saraiva Bresciani Katia Denise
Published: February 2020

Because canine intestinal parasites are considered cosmopolitan, they carry significant zoonotic potential to public health. These etiological agents are routinely diagnosed using microscopic examination commonly used because of its low cost, simple execution, and direct evidence. However, there are reports in the literature on the poor performance of this test due to low to moderate sensitivity resulting from frequent errors, procedures and interpretation. Therefore, to improve the diagnostic efficiency of microscopic examination in veterinary medicine, we developed and evaluated a unique new protocol. This system was tested in a study involving four genera of highly prevalent canine intestinal parasites in an endemic region in São Paulo state, Brazil. Fecal samples from 104 animals were collected for this research. The new protocol had a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) number of positive cases on image data, including parasites and impurities, and was elaborate to test them with the TF-GII/Dog technique, with a moderate agreement and Kappa index of 0.7636. We concluded that the new Prototic Coproparasitological Test for Dogs (PC-Test Dog) allowed a better visualization of the parasitic structures and showed a favorable result for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in dogs.
Preliminary Investigation of Pharmacist-Delivered, Direct-to-Provider Interventions to Reduce Co-Prescribing of Opioids and Benzodiazepines among a Medicare Population
Authors: Bingham Jennifer M. , Taylor Ann M. , Boesen Kevin P. , Axon David R.
Published: February 2020

Co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines can lead to overdoses and mortality. This retrospective study analyzed prescription claims data collected in 2016. A national medication therapy management (MTM) program conducted prescriber-based outreach interventions for patients with concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions. The pharmacist’s direct-to-prescriber intervention was conducted following a targeted medication review. The pharmacist initiated interventions with the prescriber via facsimile to recommend discontinuation of concurrent use of these drugs. This study included 57,748 subjects who were predominantly female (67.83%) and aged ≥ 65 years (66.90%). Prescribers were most commonly located in the southern United States (46.88%). The top prescribed opioid medications were hydrocodone-acetaminophen (33.60%), tramadol (17.50%), and oxycodone-acetaminophen (15.66%). The top benzodiazepines prescribed concurrently with opioids were alprazolam (35.11%), clonazepam (21.16%), and lorazepam (20.09%). Based on the pharmacists’ recommendations, 37,990 (65.79%) resulted in a medication discontinuation (benzodiazepines 40.23%; opioids 59.77%) by the provider. There were significant differences in the proportion of opioids discontinued by subject age (p < 0.001) and prescriber geographical region (p = 0.0148). The top medications discontinued by the prescriber were hydrocodone-acetaminophen (18.86%), alprazolam (14.19%), and tramadol HCl (13.51%). This study provides initial evidence for pharmacist-supported, direct-to-prescriber programs as an effective medication safety strategy.
A Novel LiDAR Data Classification Algorithm Combined CapsNet with ResNet
Authors: Wang Aili , Wang Minhui , Wu Haibin , Jiang Kaiyuan , Iwahori Yuji
Published: February 2020

LiDAR data contain feature information such as the height and shape of the ground target and play an important role for land classification. The effect of convolutional neural network (CNN) for feature extraction on LiDAR data is very significant, however CNN cannot resolve the spatial relationship of features adequately. The capsule network (CapsNet) can identify the spatial variations of features and is widely used in supervised learning. In this article, the CapsNet is combined with the residual network (ResNet) to design a deep network-ResCapNet for improving the accuracy of LiDAR classification. The capsule network represents the features by vectors, which can account for the direction of the features and the relative position between the features. Therefore, more detailed feature information can be extracted. ResNet protects the integrity of information by passing input information to the output directly, which can solve the problem of network degradation caused by information loss in the traditional CNN propagation process to a certain extent. Two different LiDAR data sets and several classic machine learning algorithms are used for comparative experiments. The experimental results show that ResCapNet proposed in this article `improve the performance of LiDAR classification.
Robust Traffic Light and Arrow Detection Using Digital Map with Spatial Prior Information for Automated Driving
Authors: Yoneda Keisuke , Kuramoto Akisuke , Suganuma Naoki , Asaka Toru , Aldibaja Mohammad , Yanase Ryo
Published: February 2020

Traffic light recognition is an indispensable elemental technology for automated driving in urban areas. In this study, we propose an algorithm that recognizes traffic lights and arrow lights by image processing using the digital map and precise vehicle pose which is estimated by a localization module. The use of a digital map allows the determination of a region-of-interest in an image to reduce the computational cost and false detection. In addition, this study develops an algorithm to recognize arrow lights using relative positions of traffic lights, and the arrow light is used as prior spatial information. This allows for the recognition of distant arrow lights that are difficult for humans to see clearly. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the recognition performance of the proposed method and to verify if it matches the performance required for automated driving. Quantitative evaluations indicate that the proposed method achieved 91.8% and 56.7% of the average f-value for traffic lights and arrow lights, respectively. It was confirmed that the arrow-light detection could recognize small arrow objects even if their size was smaller than 10 pixels. The verification experiments indicate that the performance of the proposed method meets the necessary requirements for smooth acceleration or deceleration at intersections in automated driving.
Multifunctional Ultrahigh Sensitive Microwave Planar Sensor to Monitor Mechanical Motion: Rotation, Displacement, and Stretch
Authors: Abdolrazzaghi Mohammad , Daneshmand Mojgan
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a novel planar multifunctional sensor that is used to monitor physical variations in the environment regarding distance, angle, and stretch. A double split-ring resonator is designed at 5.2 GHz as the core operating sensor. Another identical resonator is placed on top of the first one. The stacked configuration is theoretically analyzed using an electric circuit model with a detailed parameter extraction discussion. This design is first employed as a displacement sensor, and a compelling high sensitivity of 500 MHz/mm is observed for a wide dynamic range of 0-5 mm. Then, in another configuration, the stacked design is used as a rotation sensor that results in a high sensitivity of 4.5 MHz/ ° for the full range of 0-180 ° . In addition, the stacked resonator is utilized as a strain detector, and a 0–30% stretch is emulated with a linear sensitivity of 12 MHz/%. Measurements are well in congruence with simulated results, which proves the accurate functionality of the sensor in tracking mechanical deformations, all in a single compact contraption.
Simultaneous Determination of Pesticides and Veterinary Pharmaceuticals in Environmental Water Samples by UHPLC–Quadrupole-Orbitrap HRMS Combined with On-Line Solid-Phase Extraction
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jeoung , Kim Chansik , Ryu Hong-Duck , Chung Eu Gene , Shin Dongseok , Lee Jae Kwan
Published: February 2020

Pesticides and veterinary pharmaceuticals are used for effective crop production and prevention of livestock diseases; these chemicals are released into the environment via various pathways. Although the chemicals are typically present in trace amounts post-release, they could disturb aquatic ecosystems and public health through resistance development toward drugs or diseases, e.g., reproductive disorders. Thus, the residues of pesticides and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the environment must be managed and monitored. To that end, we developed a simultaneous analysis method for 41 target chemicals in environmental water samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)–quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) coupled with an on-line solid-phase extraction system. Calibration curves for determining linearity were constructed for 10–750 ng∙L−1, and the coefficient of determination for each chemical exceeded 0.99. The method’s detection and quantitation limits were 0.32–1.72 ng∙L−1 and 1.02–5.47 ng∙L−1, respectively. The on-line solid-phase extraction system exhibited excellent method reproducibility and reduced experimental error. As the proposed method is applicable to the monitoring of pesticides and veterinary pharmaceuticals in surface water and groundwater samples acquired near agricultural areas, it allows for the management of chemicals released into the environment.
Epidemiology of Acute Injuries in Surfing: Type, Location, Mechanism, Severity, and Incidence: A Systematic Review
Authors: McArthur Katherine , Jorgensen Darcy , Climstein Mike , Furness James
Published: February 2020

Prospective and retrospective studies have examined traumatic injuries within competitive and recreational surfers worldwide using online surveys and health care facility (HCF; e.g., hospital, emergency department, medical record) data. However, few studies have provided a synthesis of all available literature. The purpose of this study was to obtain, critique and synthesise all literature specific to acute surfing injuries, and evaluate differences in injury type, mechanism and location between HCF and survey data. A systematic literature review design was used to identify relevant articles from three major databases. Peer-reviewed epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal surfing injuries were included. A modified AXIS tool was used for critical appraisal, and objective data was extracted and synthesized by lead researchers. Overall frequencies for injury location, type and mechanism were calculated from raw injury data. A total of 19 cross-sectional articles of fair to good quality (Modified AXIS 54.2–83.3%) were included in this study; 17 were National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) level III-2 (retrospective) and two were level II (prospective). Articles examined competitive, recreational and combined populations. Injury data from Australia, Brazil, UK, USA, Portugal, Japan, Norway, and worldwide were represented. Skin (46.0%; HCF 50.1%, survey 43.8%) and being struck by own surfboard (38.6%; HCF 73.4%, survey 36.7%) were the most common injury type and mechanism. Head, face and neck injuries were most common in HCF (43.1%) versus lower limb injuries (36.4%) in survey data. Incidence proportion was highest in aerialists (0.48). Incidence rate (number of injuries per 1000 h) ranged from 0.74 in Australian surfers (Melbourne) to 6.6 in international contest surfers from medical record data. This review highlights the prevalence of skin, board-related, head, face and neck, and lower limb surfing injuries across available literature. Proposed use of protective equipment and foam-based surfboards in dangerous or crowded surf locations may reduce injury risk.
Application of Reliability Analysis for Risk Ranking in a Levee Reconstruction Project
Authors: Kovačević Meho Saša , Librić Lovorka , Ivoš Gordana , Cerić Anita
Published: February 2020

Levees are embankments designed for passive flood protection. In order to reduce the potential of climate-induced flooding risks, it is necessary to reconstruct or upgrade the existing levees. Flood risk management aims to reduce the probability of floods and their potential adverse effects on the population, economy, and environment. This paper presents the novel application of reliability analysis for risk ranking in the Otok Virje-Brezje levee reconstruction project in the Republic of Croatia. To identify, verify and analyse key risks, a group of 35 experts, who were directly involved in the levee reconstruction project or have extensive experience in similar projects, was selected. An Analytic network process (ANP) was used for group multi criteria decision-making. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to risk analysis were combined. Different experts from the various organisations may have diverse interests and goals. The geometric mean method was chosen to reach group consensus. The resources that will be allocated to the risk responses are proportional to the risk exposures. To analyse the reliability of the group consensus-reaching method a determination of the risk ranking probability matrix is proposed by using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Different decision-making approaches are proposed for cases in which consensus is not reached with satisfactory reliability.
Territorial Energy Decentralisation and Ecosystem Services in Italy: Limits and Potential
Authors: De Pascali Paolo , Santangelo Saverio , Perrone Francesca , Bagaini Annamaria
Published: February 2020

This article focuses on the complex relationships between energy processes and ecosystem services. It highlights the conflicts between them due to the anthropocentric value that characterizes their interrelationship. The article reports the initial results of ongoing research on energy decentralization processes in Italy, examining the Italian districts heating performance, concerning ecosystem provisioning and regulating services. The analysis is based on a sample of more than 150 Italian district-heating systems. Contrary to studies that positively evaluate processes of energy decentralization, the results of the research show some critical factors and impacts. An efficiency gap between districts heating and traditional energy systems emerged. The data processed show a critical situation in the development of local networks, highlighting that the decentralized energy model is not deeply rooted in the local area and is poorly characterized by shared governance, which instead would benefit from the integration of ecosystem services. The significant presence of large energy groups and the considerable use of fossil sources in Italy reduces the effectiveness of the decentralization of energy systems. The article presents some conclusive considerations, which outline some general guidelines for proceeding towards a more correct relationship with ecosystem services and greater integration with the territories.
The Political Economy of Sustainability
Authors: Sabau Gabriela
Published: February 2020

Sustainability is a “contested” concept introduced at the beginning of the 18th century in German forestry circles concerned about sustainable harvests and rebranded in 1987 as “sustainable development” by the Brundtland Report, which defined it as harmonious economic, social, and ecological development that enhances both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations. However, after more than three decades of sustainable development, humanity is on an unsustainable path featuring rampant ecosystem damage, rising social inequality, and harmful cultural homogenization. This paper is a book review of Fred P. Gale’s Political Economy of Sustainability, a book published in 2018 by Edward Elgar Publishers. The book advances the innovative idea that the current lack of progress in implementation of the sustainable development goals is due to the narrow understanding by individuals, firms, states, and political parties of the values underlying sustainability. The book thus starts a much-needed conversation about economic values, a conversation ousted from the neo-classical economics discipline in the late 19th century by the marginalist thinkers who wanted to make it a positive science. The book identifies four elemental economic values—exchange value, labor value, use value, and function value—and argues that basing our socio-economic and political development on only one type of value with the exclusion of the others has led to the current dangerously unsustainable path humankind is on. Achieving sustainability value requires a balanced integration of all four types of values in all deliberations about socio-economic activities. How can this be accomplished? The author proposes a pragmatic solution in the form of a “tetravaluation” process, a dialogue involving multiple value holders able to reflexively negotiate and compromise until the pluralistic sustainability value is discovered and accepted by all the parties. The book challenges the unsustainable functioning of existing economic, political, and cultural institutions and invites a rethinking of their governance, which should deliberately embrace the pluralistic value of sustainability. The tetravaluation process has the potential to generate sustainable choices and inform better policy decisions able to protect at the same time the proponents of exchange value (consumers), the promoters of labor value (workers, producers), the beneficiaries of use value (communities), and the holder of functional values (the environment).
Wildlife and Bait Density Monitoring to Describe the Effectiveness of a Rabies Vaccination Program in Foxes
Authors: Tizzani Paolo , Fanelli Angela , Potzsch Carsten , Henning Joerg , Šašić Srdjan , Viviani Paolo , Hrapović Mevlida
Published: February 2020

Fox rabies has been eliminated from vast areas of West and Central Europe, but cases still occur in the Balkans. Oral vaccination is an effective method for reducing the incidence of the disease in wildlife, but it requires monitoring if bait density is adequate for the density of the wildlife reservoir. We developed a methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of aerial vaccination campaigns conducted in Montenegro during autumn 2011 and spring 2012. The effectiveness of the vaccination campaign was assessed by (i) estimating the density of baits, (ii) estimating the distribution of the red fox, (iii) identifying critical areas of insufficient bait density by combining both variables. Although the two vaccination campaigns resulted in 45% and 47% of the country’s total area not reaching recommended density of 20 baits/km2, the consecutive delivery of both campaigns reduced these “gaps” to 6%. By combining bait and reservoir density data, we were able to show that bait density was lower than fox density in only 5% of Montenegro’s territory. The methodology described can be used for real-time evaluation of aerial vaccine delivery campaigns, to identify areas with insufficient bait densities.
O Diagnóstico de Delirium
Authors: Neves Afonso Carlos
Published: February 2020

O quadro de delirium, ou confusão mental aguda, relativamente comum, principalmente entre pacientes geriátricos. No entanto, trata-se de comprometimento pouco estudado e controverso entre os autores. Com o DSM-IIIR passou a ser possível urna uniformidade na avaliação desses quadros. Paraavaliaçãoquantitativado delirium pode ser Uhl o uso do mini exame do estado mental".
Epilepsias e Gravidez
Authors: Campos C. J. , Kairalla I. C. , Lima J. G. C.
Published: February 2020

No presente trabalho são abordados os diversos fatores discutidos pela literatura mundial no que diz respeito à evolução da gravidez em pacientes epilépticas, tais coma hormonais,metabólicosepsicologicos, bem como a influência das complicações gray idicas sobre a f reqüència das crises, o controle das epilepsias neste período e os eleitos das drogas anti-epilépticas na mãe e no desenvolvimentofisico e psiquico do f eta.
Sustainability Strategy and Service Quality Innovativeness of Manufacturing Firms in Ogun State
Authors: Eniola Sule Olatunji , Chima Onuoha Benedict
Published: February 2020

The essence of this study is to examine the relationship between sustainability strategy and service quality innovativeness of manufacturing firms in Ogun State.Four objectives, research questions and hypotheses were postulated in order to find to get close to the unknown of the study.  Two hundred and sixty-six senior personnel and distributors formed the sample size from thirty-eight (38) manufacturing firms.  A self-designed instrument was used for the collection of primary data andPearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was the statistical tool used in analysing the primary data.  From the findings of the study it was revealed that there is relationship between sustainability strategy and service quality innovativeness in manufacturing firms in Ogun State.  Based on the findings, it was recommended thatmanufacturing firms should keep to the strategic rules of being not easy to imitate, heterogeneity, unique and rare, etc., to enjoy the full benefit of sustainability strategy in the industry.  Again, serious caution should be exercise in adopting more than one sustainability strategies at the same time.
China’s Hard-line Approach and Ethnic Unrest in Xinjiang: A Theoretical Understanding
Authors: Rahman Sadia , Rahman Sadia
Published: February 2020

Ethnic conflicts issue has perturbed China for quite a long period, hence China is not a one-Unified nation, PRC is very clear that Xinjiang was and is part of China just like its other disputed territorial claims and it does not recognize the Uyghurs as the indigenous people of Xinjiang calling them settlers. In this paper, I have studied the PRC’s official history of Xinjiang and the historians’ history who are specialized in Xinjiang and the Silk Road history to understand the two different narratives that are fundamentally different and incompatible from each other. The framework used is the typology of qualitative studies as this is helpful to assess the situation theoretically and categorize accordingly. Beijing is very harsh towards the Uyghurs and has detained over one- million of the Uyghurs for ‘re-education’ to show its legitimacy and they are considered a threat to the state’s existence, post 9/11 China has been using this global Islamophobia wave justifying that all steps taken by the state are to combat radicalization. This paper is not about the Uyghurs trace being found connected to external non-state actors, whereas the study takes a dig in securitization discourse discussing that, the Uyghurs does not have a structured way of attacks like terrorists, its more of showing dissatisfaction against the authorities because neither they have the autonomy nor have any rights to exercise. The Chinese policies are countering them back in terms of attacks because the Uyghurs are relatively deprived and they are in a constant source of competition with the Han Chinese.
Differences in the Reading Performance of Texas Grade 4 Students as a Function of Their Economic Status: A Multiyear, Statewide Analysis
Authors: Harris LaTracy , Slate John R. , Moore George , Lunenburg Frederick C
Published: February 2020

In this study, the degree to which differences were present in the reading performance of Grade 4 Texas students as a function of their economic status (i.e., Not Poor, Moderately Poor, and Very Poor) was analyzed.  Data obtained from the Texas Education Agency Public Education Information Management System for all Grade 4 students in Texas who took the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness Reading exam, were analyzed for the 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015 school years. In all three years examined, statistically significant differences were established in not only overall reading performance, but also in all three Reading Reporting categories. A clear stair-step effect was present. The higher the degree of poverty, the lower student STAAR Reading test scores were. Finally, the higher the degree of poverty, the lower the percentages of students who met the passing standard on the STAAR Reading exam. Future research and implications for policy and practice are suggested.
Elazığ’da Üretilen Balların Bazı Toksik Ağır Metal Düzeyleri
Authors: AYGÜN Osman
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışmada, Elazığ’da üretilen ballarda bazı toksik ağır metal düzeylerinin belirlenmesi amaçlandı. Bunun için Elazığ’daki çeşitli marketlerden ve şarküterilerden toplanan 30 adet doğal süzme bal örneğinde alüminyum (Al), arsenik (As), kadmiyum (Cd) ve kurşun (Pb) düzeyleri analiz edildi. Bal örneklerinin metal içerikleri, mikrodalga ünitesinde yakma işlemi sonrasında ICP-MS cihazı ile belirlendi. Örneklerde bulunan Al, As, Cd ve Pb miktarları sırasıyla 435,9 µg/kg, 4,8 µg/kg, 337,9 µg/kg ve 409,9 µg/kg olarak tespit edildi. Analiz edilen bal örneklerinde miktar bakımından en çok bulunan toksik ağır metallerin Al, Pb, Cd ve As şeklinde sıralandığı görüldü. Sonuç olarak, bal örneklerindeki Al ve As düzeylerinin insan sağlığı açısından risk oluşturmayacak derecede düşük olduğu, buna karşılık Cd ve Pb düzeylerinin tüketici sağlığı açısından potansiyel bir risk oluşturabileceği kanaatine varıldı.
Çevresel Atıklarla Modifiye Edilmiş Sathi Kaplamaların Performansının Agrega-Bitüm İlişkisi Bağlamında Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AKALIN Kadir Berkhan , KARACASU Murat
Published: February 2020

: Karayolu üstyapı kaplamaları genel olarak Bitümlü Sıcak Karışım (BSK) veya sathi kaplama şeklinde üretilmektedir. Bu çalışmada düşük maliyeti sebebiyle kullanım alanı fazla olan sathi kaplamaların agrega-bitüm ilişkisi incelenmiştir. Yapılan çalışmalarda, agrega, bitüm ve karışım deney sonuçları birlikte değerlendirilmiştir. Agrega olarak kireçtaşı ve bazalt cinsi agregalar kullanılmıştır. Bitüm olarak; 50/70 ve 70/100 penetrasyonlu bitümler, katkı olarak ise; % 10 atık lastik ve %1 Polivinil Klorür (PVC) kullanılmıştır. Üretilen bütün bu farklı tipteki numuneler için sathi kaplamaların performansının ölçülmesinde kullanılan Soyulma ve Yapışma (Vialit) mukavemeti deneyleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Deneysel çalışmalardan elde edilen sonuçlara göre, 50/70 bitüm kireçtaşı agregalarla daha iyi yapışma sağlarken, 70/100 bitüm bazalt agregalarda daha güçlü yapışma sağlamaktadır. Atık lastik ve PVC talaşları agrega ve bitüm arasındaki adezyonu artırmaktadır. Ayrıca atıklar kireçtaşı agregalarda daha iyi performans göstermektedir. Özellikle bazalt türü agregalarda düşük olan adezyonu, kullanılan atık lastik ve PVC talaşları artırmaktadır. 70/100 penetrasyonlu bitümde, bitümün kıvamından dolayı katkı olarak kullanılan atıkların homojen dağılmaları kolaylaşmakta ve bu sayede adezyon kuvvetindeki artış daha iyi gözlenebilmektedir. Soyulma mukavemeti kapsamında, atık lastik ile modifiye edilmiş olan bitüm ve kireçtaşı en iyi performansı sağlamıştır.
Atık Polietilen Tereftalat (PET) ile Modifiye Edilmiş Saf Bitümün Fiziksel, Morfolojik ve Isıl Özellikleri
Authors: GEÇKİL Tacettin , ÖNAL Yunus , İNCE Ceren Beyza
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışmada, atık PET ile modifiye edilmiş bir bitümün fiziksel, morfolojik ve ısıl özelliklerindeki değişimler incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, bitüm ile PET arasında iyi bir etkileşim sağlamak amacıyla Trietanolamin (TEO) kimyasal katkısı kullanılmıştır. Bu amaçla, B 70/100 penetrasyon sınıfına sahip bitüme ilk olarak bitümün ağırlıkça %2,5 TEO ilave edilmiştir. Daha sonra, bitüm+TEO karışımına bitümün ağırlıkça %2, 4, 6, 8 ve 10 oranlarında PET ilave edilerek modifiye bitümler elde edilmiştir. Saf ve modifiye bitümlerin özellikleri, penetrasyon, yumuşama noktası, düktilite, kütle kaybı, Taramalı elektron mikroskobu (SEM) ve X-ışını kırınımı (XRD) deneyleri ile belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, bitümlerin penetrasyon indeksi (PI) değerleri de belirlenmiştir. Test sonuçlarına göre; katkı miktarının artışı ile modifiye bitümlerin, saf bağlayıcıya göre penetrasyon ve düktilite değerlerinde belirli bir yüzdeye kadar (%6 PET) düzenli bir azalma, daha sonra artış; yumuşama noktası değerlerinde ise bu yüzdeye kadar artış, daha sonra azalma meydana gelmiştir. SEM görüntüleri ve XRD grafikleri, PET ile bitümün kimyasal bir bağ oluşturarak iyi bir etkileşim içerisine girdiğini ve karışımın homojen tek fazlı bir yapı gibi davrandığını göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak, %6 PET oranında bitüm kıvamının daha sert hale geldiği ve sınıfının değiştiği (B 50/70), tekerlek izi direnci bakımından bu oranın uygun olduğu, ancak PI bakımından %4 PET oranının daha uygun olduğu görülmüştür.
Dış Ortam Sıcaklıkları ve Güneş Işınımı Şiddeti Dikkate Alınarak Adana İli İçin Optimum Yalıtım Kalınlığı Tespiti
Authors: ÖZEL Meral
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’nin en sıcak şehirlerinden biri olan Adana ili için ısıtma ve soğutma yükleri esas alınarak bina dış duvarlarının optimum yalıtım kalınlığı belirlenmiştir. İlk olarak Adana ilinin dış ortam sıcaklıkları ve güneş ışınımı şiddeti dikkate alınarak ısıtma ve soğutma derece-gün değerleri hesaplanmıştır. Daha sonra ise binanın 10 yıllık ömrü üzerinden enerji tüketim maliyetini içine alan bir maliyet analizine göre optimum yalıtım kalınlıkları iki farklı yalıtım malzemesi için belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, sadece dış ortam sıcaklığı göz önünde bulundurulduğunda ısıtma ve soğutma derece gün değerlerinin sırasıyla 838 oC.gün ve 315 oC.gün olarak elde edildiği, güneş ışınımının da dikkate alınması durumunda bu değerlerin 753 oC.gün ve 410 oC.gün olarak elde edildiği görülmüştür. Ayrıca, güneş ışınımının etkisiyle optimum yalıtım kalınlıklarının EPS ve XPS yalıtım malzemeleri için sırasıyla 8.0 ve 4.8 cm olarak elde edildiği görülmüştür.
Dört Rotorlu İnsansız Hava Aracının Kayan Kipli Denetleyici ve Geri Adımlamalı Denetleyici ile Yönelim ve Yükseklik Denetimi
Authors: BOZKURT Ebubekir , DANDIL Beşir , ATA Fikret
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışmada dört rotorlu insansız hava aracının(quadrotor) dinamik denklemleri yardımı ile Matlab/Simulink ortamında benzetim modeli oluşturularak, hava aracının yönelim ve yükseklik denetimleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Quadrotorlar yapısal olarak dört rotordan oluşan doğrusal olmayan dinamik yapısı ve her bir rotoru harekete geçiren motorların hız denetiminin gerekliliğinden dolayı denetimi zor sistemlerdir. Doğrusal olmayan bir matematiksel modele sahip olan quadrotorun yükseklik ve yönelim değişkenlerinin denetimi için, doğrusal olmayan yapıya sahip Kayan Kipli Denetleyici ve Geri Adımlamalı Denetleyici tasarlanmıştır. Tasarlanan Kayan Kipli Denetleyici ve Geri Adımlamalı Denetleyici benzetim modeli üzerinde test edilmiştir. Benzetim çalışmalarından elde edilen denetim sonuçları quadrotorun doğrusal olmayan sistem yapısına sahip olmasına rağmen her iki denetim yöntemi için denetim başarımı elde edildiğini göstermiştir. Ancak Kayan Kipli Denetleyici ile yapılan denetimden elde edilen denetim başarımı yerleşme zamanının, Geri Adımlamalı Denetleyici ile yapılan denetimden elde edilen denetim başarımı yerleşme zamanına göre daha kısa sürede elde edildiği görülmüştür.
De los genes al museo:
Authors: Moscardi Bruno , Oliva Camila
Published: February 2020

La zooarqueología, entendida como el estudio de las relaciones que los animales han tenido con las poblaciones humanas del pasado y de la multiplicidad de roles que estos han cumplido en los sistemas culturales humanos, es una disciplina que ha experimentado un gran desarrollo nacional e internacional en las últimas décadas. La utilización de los métodos de cuantificación taxonómica y anatómica, y de nuevas metodologías y técnicas como los análisis isotópicos y moleculares, han brindado perspectivas novedosas para la investigación zooarqueológica. Sin embargo, la información que estos métodos y técnicas producen, y la zooarqueología en general, frecuentemente no se encuentran adecuadamente representadas en las instituciones museísticas. Éstas, median el vínculo entre la sociedad y su pasado a través de la construcción de una narrativa institucional que acompaña a las colecciones arqueológicas en exhibición. Aquí relevamos diversos museos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires y consideramos que la exhibición del registro zooarqueológico suele estar subordinada a otras colecciones arqueológicas (i.e. cerámica, instrumental lítico), recibiendo un lugar periférico dentro del discurso institucional. Por esto, se exploró la diversa información que los restos zooarqueológicos pueden ofrecer y se generaron propuestas para su divulgación, enfatizando la importancia de su protección y conservación patrimonial.
Ahşap Malzemelerin FRP ile Güçlendirilmesinin Sürdürülebilirlik Açısından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: KILINÇARSLAN Şemsettin , ŞİMŞEK TÜRKER Yasemin
Published: February 2020

Sürdürülebilir
yapı malzemeleri, yaşam döngüleri boyunca minimum düzeyde enerji harcayan,
hammaddelerinin elde edilmesi, işlenmesi, kullanımı, bakım-onarımı ve atık
oluşumları sırasında çevreye ve insan sağlığına zarar vermeyen malzemelerdir. Ahşap
malzeme en yaygın kullanılan yapı malzemeleri arasındadır. Ancak mevcut kaynakların
sürdürülebilirliğinin sağlanması için malzemenin servis ömrü boyunca korunması
gerekmektedir. Uzun yıllardır ahşap malzeme yapıların inşasında
kullanılmaktadır. Ülkemizde tarihi ahşap yapılar zaman içerisinde onarım ve
güçlendirmeye ihtiyaç duymaktadır. Geleneksel onarım yöntemleri, ahşap
malzemeye zamanla böcek arız olmasına, mantarlaşmaya ve çürüklüğe sebep
olmaktadır. Ayrıca bütün zarar görmüş elemanların sökülmesi özellikle maliyet
ve işçilik açısından önemli problemler ortaya çıkarabilmektedir. Bu nedenle,
yapıda kullanılan ahşap elemanların tamamının değiştirilmesi yerine zarar
görmüş elemanların onarılması sürdürülebilirlik açısından daha uygundur.
Yapılan bölgesel değişiklik ile birlikte kavela, çivi, blonlama tekniği gibi
yeni birleşimler oluşmaktadır. Fiber takviyeli polimerler ile güçlendirme ile
zamandan tasarruf sağlanmakla birlikte görsellik açısından da önemli avantajlar
sunmaktadır. Bu nedenle fiber takviyeli polimerlerin kullanımı daha
sürdürülebilir ve yenilenebilir bir yapı oluşturmaya katkı sağlayacaktır.