bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tightly-Coupled Integration of Multi-GNSS Single-Frequency RTK and MEMS-IMU for Enhanced Positioning Performance
Authors: Li Tuan , Zhang Hongping , Niu Xiaoji , Gao Zhouzheng
Published: October 2017

Dual-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) Real-time Kinematics (RTK) has been proven in the past few years to be a reliable and efficient technique to obtain high accuracy positioning. However, there are still challenges for GPS single-frequency RTK, such as low reliability and ambiguity resolution (AR) success rate, especially in kinematic environments. Recently, multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (multi-GNSS) has been applied to enhance the RTK performance in terms of availability and reliability of AR. In order to further enhance the multi-GNSS single-frequency RTK performance in terms of reliability, continuity and accuracy, a low-cost micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) is adopted in this contribution. We tightly integrate the single-frequency GPS/BeiDou/GLONASS and MEMS-IMU through the extended Kalman filter (EKF), which directly fuses the ambiguity-fixed double-differenced (DD) carrier phase observables and IMU data. A field vehicular test was carried out to evaluate the impacts of the multi-GNSS and IMU on the AR and positioning performance in different system configurations. Test results indicate that the empirical success rate of single-epoch AR for the tightly-coupled single-frequency multi-GNSS RTK/INS integration is over 99% even at an elevation cut-off angle of 40°, and the corresponding position time series is much more stable in comparison with the GPS solution. Besides, GNSS outage simulations show that continuous positioning with certain accuracy is possible due to the INS bridging capability when GNSS positioning is not available.
Inverse Source Data-Processing Strategies for Radio-Frequency Localization in Indoor Environments
Authors: Gennarelli Gianluca , Al Khatib Obada , Soldovieri Francesco
Published: October 2017

Indoor positioning of mobile devices plays a key role in many aspects of our daily life. These include real-time people tracking and monitoring, activity recognition, emergency detection, navigation, and numerous location based services. Despite many wireless technologies and data-processing algorithms have been developed in recent years, indoor positioning is still a problem subject of intensive research. This paper deals with the active radio-frequency (RF) source localization in indoor scenarios. The localization task is carried out at the physical layer thanks to receiving sensor arrays which are deployed on the border of the surveillance region to record the signal emitted by the source. The localization problem is formulated as an imaging one by taking advantage of the inverse source approach. Different measurement configurations and data-processing/fusion strategies are examined to investigate their effectiveness in terms of localization accuracy under both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) conditions. Numerical results based on full-wave synthetic data are reported to support the analysis.
Fast Detection of Striped Stem-Borer (Chilo suppressalis Walker) Infested Rice Seedling Based on Visible/Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging System
Authors: Fan Yangyang , Wang Tao , Qiu Zhengjun , Peng Jiyu , Zhang Chu , He Yong
Published: October 2017

Striped stem-borer (SSB) infestation is one of the most serious sources of damage to rice growth. A rapid and non-destructive method of early SSB detection is essential for rice-growth protection. In this study, hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometrics was used to detect early SSB infestation in rice and identify the degree of infestation (DI). Visible/near-infrared hyperspectral images (in the spectral range of 380 nm to 1030 nm) were taken of the healthy rice plants and infested rice plants by SSB for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. A total of 17 characteristic wavelengths were selected from the spectral data extracted from the hyperspectral images by the successive projection algorithm (SPA). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the hyperspectral images, and 16 textural features based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) were extracted from the first two principal component (PC) images. A back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was used to establish infestation degree evaluation models based on full spectra, characteristic wavelengths, textural features and features fusion, respectively. BPNN models based on a fusion of characteristic wavelengths and textural features achieved the best performance, with classification accuracy of calibration and prediction sets over 95%. The accuracy of each infestation degree was satisfactory, and the accuracy of rice samples infested for 2 days was slightly low. In all, this study indicated the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging techniques to detect early SSB infestation and identify degrees of infestation.
Determination of the Three Main Components of the Grapevine Moth Pest Pheromone in Grape-Related Samples by Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Alcudia-León María , Sánchez-Parra Mónica , Lucena Rafael , Cárdenas Soledad
Published: October 2017

The grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) is the most significant pest of viticulture. This article reports the development of an analytical method that allows the instrumental determination of the three main pheromone components of the pest ((E,Z)-7,9-dodecadien-1-yl acetate, (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadien-1-ol and (Z)-9-dodecen-1-yl acetate) in grape-related samples (must, table grape and wine grape). The combination of headspace, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry provides limits of detection in the range of 60–420 ng/Kg and precision, expressed as a relative standard deviation, better than 8.5%. This analytical approach is rapid and simple and opens a door to the study of the pest incidence on the final products.
An Analysis of Revenue and Expenses for Providers of Intellectual Disability Supports and Services
Authors: Spreat Scott
Published: October 2017

The 990 tax forms submitted by Pennsylvania intellectual disability providers were analyzed in an effort to quantify the fiscal health of the providers in this business segment. Tax forms from 2012, 2013, and 2014 from 85 agencies were studied. In each of the tax years and overall across the three periods, roughly one-third of the provider agencies had expenses that exceeded revenue. Despite this negative finding, net assets continued to increase.
Novel Technological and Management Options for Accelerating Transformational Changes in Rice and Livestock Systems
Authors: Chirinda Ngonidzashe , Arenas Laura , Loaiza Sandra , Trujillo Catalina , Katto Maria , Chaparro Paula , Nuñez Jonathan , Arango Jacobo , Martinez-Baron Deissy , Loboguerrero Ana , Becerra Lopez-Lavalle Luis , Avila Ivan , Guzmán Myriam , Peters Michael , Twyman Jennifer , García María , Serna Laura , Escobar Daniel , Arora Diksha , Tapasco Jeimar , Mazabel Lady , Correa Fernando , Ishitani Manabu , Da Silva Mayesse , Graterol Eduardo , Jaramillo Santiago , Pinto Adriana , Zuluaga Andres , Lozano Nelson , Byrnes Ryan , LaHue Gabriel , Alvarez Carolina , Rao Idupulapati , Barahona Rolando
Published: October 2017

Agricultural producers grapple with low farm yields and declining ecosystem services within their landscapes. In several instances, agricultural production systems may be considered largely unsustainable in socioeconomic and ecological (resource conservation and use and impact on nature) terms. Novel technological and management options that can serve as vehicles to promote the provision of multiple benefits, including the improvement of smallholder livelihoods, are needed. We call for a paradigm shift to allow designing and implementing agricultural systems that are not only efficient (serving as a means to promote development based on the concept of creating more goods and services while using fewer resources and creating less waste) but can also be considered synergistic (symbiotic relationship between socio-ecological systems) by simultaneously contributing to major objectives of economic, ecological, and social (equity) improvement of agro-ecosystems. These transformations require strategic approaches that are supported by participatory system-level research, experimentation, and innovation. Using data from several studies, we here provide evidence for technological and management options that could be optimized, promoted, and adopted to enable agricultural systems to be efficient, effective, and, indeed, sustainable. Specifically, we present results from a study conducted in Colombia, which demonstrated that, in rice systems, improved water management practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) reduce methane emissions (~70%). We also show how women can play a key role in AWD adoption. For livestock systems, we present in vitro evidence showing that the use of alternative feed options such as cassava leaves contributes to livestock feed supplementation and could represent a cost-effective approach for reducing enteric methane emissions (22% to 55%). We argue that to design and benefit from sustainable agricultural systems, there is a need for better targeting of interventions that are co-designed, co-evaluated, and co-promoted, with farmers as allies of transformational change (as done in the climate-smart villages), not as recipients of external knowledge. Moreover, for inclusive sustainability that harnesses existing knowledge and influences decision-making processes across scales, there is a need for constant, efficient, effective, and real trans-disciplinary communication and collaboration.
Energy Savings from Optimised In-Field Route Planning for Agricultural Machinery
Authors: Rodias Efthymios , Berruto Remigio , Busato Patrizia , Bochtis Dionysis , Sørensen Claus , Zhou Kun
Published: October 2017

Various types of sensors technologies, such as machine vision and global positioning system (GPS) have been implemented in navigation of agricultural vehicles. Automated navigation systems have proved the potential for the execution of optimised route plans for field area coverage. This paper presents an assessment of the reduction of the energy requirements derived from the implementation of optimised field area coverage planning. The assessment regards the analysis of the energy requirements and the comparison between the non-optimised and optimised plans for field area coverage in the whole sequence of operations required in two different cropping systems: Miscanthus and Switchgrass production. An algorithmic approach for the simulation of the executed field operations by following both non-optimised and optimised field-work patterns was developed. As a result, the corresponding time requirements were estimated as the basis of the subsequent energy cost analysis. Based on the results, the optimised routes reduce the fuel energy consumption up to 8%, the embodied energy consumption up to 7%, and the total energy consumption from 3% up to 8%.
Analyzing the Effect of Corporate Environmental Performance on Corporate Financial Performance in Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Manrique Sergio , Martí-Ballester Carmen-Pilar
Published: October 2017

The relationship between corporate environmental performance and corporate financial performance has been extensively studied in developed countries, and has received less attention in developing countries. For this reason, the main objective of this paper is to examine the effect of corporate environmental performance on corporate financial performance during a global financial crisis, depending on the economic development level of the country where a firm is located. To this end, we obtain data for a sample of 2982 large firms from 2008 to 2015. We apply Petersen’s approach to these data, adjusting the standard errors for clustering by both firm and year. The results obtained show that the adoption of environmental practices significantly and positively affects the corporate financial performance in developed and developing countries. However, this effect is stronger for firms located in developing countries than those located in developed countries.
Exploring the Coupling and Decoupling Relationships between Urbanization Quality and Water Resources Constraint Intensity: Spatiotemporal Analysis for Northwest China
Authors: Bao Chao , Zou Jianjun
Published: October 2017

China is faced with great challenges for its low urbanization quality and high water stress. Moreover, the relationship between urbanization quality and water resources is still ambiguous. Therefore, we firstly constructed an urbanization quality index (UQI) and a water resources constraint intensity index (WRCI) by a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method with multi-objectives and multi-hierarchies. Secondly, based on the concept and method of “coupling” and “decoupling”, we provided a method to explore the coordinated and uncoordinated relationships between UQI and WRCI from a spatiotemporal perspective. Finally, we used the statistical data of 51 prefecture level regions in Northwest China from the period 2000–2014 to analyze the spatiotemporal variation of the coupling and decoupling relationships between UQI and WRCI. Results show that, the UQI and WRCI in the whole Northwest China both belonged to low level, and that they had achieved strong decoupling during 2000–2014. However, the coupling and decoupling relationships between UQI and WRCI in Northwest China had great spatial disparity. From the HL-type regions (regions with high UQI & low WRCI) and strong decoupling type regions, we can find key development areas of Northwest China, where the relationships between UQI and WRCI were optimal and coordinated. From the LH-type regions (regions with low UQI & high WRCI) and strong negative decoupling type regions, we can find key problem areas, where the relationships between UQI and WRCI were the worst and uncoordinated. Our study developed an effective method for evaluating the sustainable development level of urbanization constrained by water resources in Northwest China and similar regions, which is significant for the New-Type Urbanization research in China.
Exploring R&D Influences on Financial Performance for Business Sustainability Considering Dual Profitability Objectives
Authors: Shen Kao-Yi , Yan Min-Ren , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: October 2017

The importance of research and development (R&D) for business sustainability have gained increasing interests, especially in the high-tech sector. However, the efforts of R&D might cause complex and mixed impacts on the financial results considering the associated expenses. Thus, this study aims to examine how R&D efforts may influence business to improve its financial performance considering the dual objectives: the gross and the net profitability. This research integrates a rough-set-based soft computing technique and multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to explore this complex and yet valuable issue. A group of public listed companies from Taiwan, all in the semiconductor sector, is analyzed as a case study. More than 30 variables are considered, and the adopted soft computing technique retrieves 14 core attributes—for the dual profitability objectives—to form the evaluation model. The importance of R&D for pursuing superior financial prospects is confirmed, and the empirical case demonstrates how to guide an individual company to plan for improvements to achieve its long-term sustainability by this hybrid approach.
Levels of Governance in Policy Innovation Cycles in Community Education: The Cases of Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Education
Authors: Kolleck Nina , Jörgens Helge , Well Mareike
Published: October 2017

While there is little doubt that social networks are essential for processes of implementing social innovations in community education such as Climate Change Education (CCE) or Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), scholars have neglected to analyze these processes in the multilevel governance system using Social Network Analysis. In this article, we contribute to closing this research gap by exploring the implementation of CCE and ESD in education at the regional and global levels. We compare the way CCE is negotiated and implemented within and through the global conferences of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the way the UN Decade of ESD is put into practice through networks in five different German municipalities. We argue that the role of social networks is particularly strong in policy areas like CCE and ESD, which are best characterized as multi-level and multi-actor governance. Based on data derived from standardized surveys and from Twitter we analyze the complex interactions of public and private actors at different levels of governance in the two selected policy areas. We find, amongst others, that the implementation of CCE and ESD in community education depends in part on actors that had not been assumed to be influential at the outset. Furthermore, our analyses suggest the different levels of governance are not well integrated throughout the phases of the policy innovation cycle.
A Comparative Study of Some Soft Rough Sets
Authors: Liu Yaya , Martínez Luis , Qin Keyun
Published: October 2017

Through the combination of different types of sets such as fuzzy sets, soft sets and rough sets, abundant hybrid models have been presented in order to take advantage of each other and handle uncertainties. A comparative study of relationships and interconnections of some existing hybrid models has been carried out. Some foundational properties of modified soft rough sets (MSR sets) are analyzed. It is pointed out that MSR approximation operators are some kinds of Pawlak approximation operators, whereas approximation operators of Z-soft rough fuzzy sets are equivalent to approximation operators of rough fuzzy sets. The relationships among F-soft rough fuzzy sets, M-soft rough fuzzy sets and Z-soft rough fuzzy sets are surveyed. A new model called soft rough soft sets has been provided as the generalization of F-soft rough sets, and its application in group decision-making has been studied. Various soft rough sets models show great potential as a tool to solve decision-making problems, and a depth study of the connections among these models contributes to the flexible application of soft rough sets based decision-making approaches.
Valuation Fuzzy Soft Sets: A Flexible Fuzzy Soft Set Based Decision Making Procedure for the Valuation of Assets
Authors: Alcantud José , Rambaud Salvador , Torrecillas María
Published: October 2017

Zadeh’s fuzzy set theory for imprecise or vague data has been followed by other successful models, inclusive of Molodtsov’s soft set theory and hybrid models like fuzzy soft sets. Their success has been backed up by applications to many branches like engineering, medicine, or finance. In continuation of this effort, the purpose of this paper is to put forward a versatile methodology for the valuation of goods, particularly the assessment of real state properties. In order to reach this target, we develop the concept of (partial) valuation fuzzy soft set and introduce the novel problem of data filling in partial valuation fuzzy soft sets. The use of fuzzy soft sets allows us to quantify the qualitative attributes involved in an assessment context. As a result, we illustrate the effectiveness and validity of our valuation methodology with a real case study that uses data from the Spanish real estate market. The main contribution of this paper is the implementation of a novel methodology, which allows us to assess a large variety of assets where data are heterogeneous. Our technique permits to avoid the appraiser’s subjectivity (exhibited by practitioners in housing valuation) and the well-known disadvantages of some alternative methods (such as linear multiple regression).
The Use of Plant-Derived Ribosome Inactivating Proteins in Immunotoxin Development: Past, Present and Future Generations
Authors: Rust Aleksander , Partridge Lynda , Davletov Bazbek , Hautbergue Guillaume
Published: October 2017

Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) form a class of toxins that was identified over a century ago. They continue to fascinate scientists and the public due to their very high activity and long-term stability which might find useful applications in the therapeutic killing of unwanted cells but can also be used in acts of terror. We will focus our review on the canonical plant-derived RIPs which display ribosomal RNA N-glycosidase activity and irreversibly inhibit protein synthesis by cleaving the 28S ribosomal RNA of the large 60S subunit of eukaryotic ribosomes. We will place particular emphasis on therapeutic applications and the generation of immunotoxins by coupling antibodies to RIPs in an attempt to target specific cells. Several generations of immunotoxins have been developed and we will review their optimisation as well as their use and limitations in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Finally, we endeavour to provide a perspective on potential future developments for the therapeutic use of immunotoxins.
The Aromatic Head Group of Spider Toxin Polyamines Influences Toxicity to Cancer Cells
Authors: Wilson David , Boyle Glen , McIntyre Lachlan , Nolan Matthew , Parsons Peter , Smith Jennifer , Tribolet Leon , Loukas Alex , Liddell Michael , Rash Lachlan , Daly Norelle
Published: October 2017

Spider venoms constitute incredibly diverse libraries of compounds, many of which are involved in prey capture and defence. Polyamines are often prevalent in the venom and target ionotropic glutamate receptors. Here we show that a novel spider polyamine, PA366, containing a hydroxyphenyl-based structure is present in the venom of several species of tarantula, and has selective toxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. By contrast, a polyamine from an Australian funnel-web spider venom, which contains an identical polyamine tail to PA366 but an indole-based head-group, is only cytotoxic at high concentrations. Our results suggest that the ring structure plays a role in the cytotoxicity and that modification to the polyamine head group might lead to more potent and selective compounds with potential as novel cancer treatments.
Single Chain Antibody Fragment against Venom from the Snake Daboia russelii formosensis
Authors: Lee Chi-Hsin , Lee Yu-Ching , Lee Yueh-Lun , Leu Sy-Jye , Lin Liang-Tzung , Chen Chi-Ching , Chiang Jen-Ron , Mwale Pharaoh , Tsai Bor-Yu , Hung Ching-Sheng , Yang Yi-Yuan
Published: October 2017

Russell’s vipers containing hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom commonly cause snake envenomation. Horse-derived antivenom is a specific antidote, but its production is expensive and has side effects. Developing a cost-effective and more tolerable therapeutic strategy is favorable. In this study, using glutaraldehyde-attenuated Daboia russelii formosensis (DRF) venom proteins to immunize chickens, polyclonal yolk-immunoglobulin (IgY) antibodies were generated and showed a specific binding affinity. Phage display technology was used to generate two antibody libraries of single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) containing 3.4 × 107 and 5.5 × 107 transformants, respectively. Phage-based ELISA indicated that specific clones were enriched after bio-panning. The nucleotide sequences of scFv-expressing clones were analyzed and classified into six groups in the short linker and four groups in the long linker. These scFv antibodies specifically bound to DRF proteins, but not other venom proteins. Mass spectrometric data suggested that these scFv antibodies may recognize phospholipase A2 RV-4 or RV-7. In vivo studies showed that anti-DRF IgY exhibited complete protective effects and mixed scFv antibodies increased the survival rate and time of mice challenged with a lethal dose of DRF proteins. These antibodies can be potentially applied in a rapid diagnostic method or for treatment in the future.
Differential Effect of Newly Isolated Phages Belonging to PB1-Like, phiKZ-Like and LUZ24-Like Viruses against Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa under Varying Growth Conditions
Authors: Latz Simone , Krüttgen Alex , Häfner Helga , Buhl Eva , Ritter Klaus , Horz Hans-Peter
Published: October 2017

In this study, we characterize three phages (SL1 SL2, and SL4), isolated from hospital sewage with lytic activity against clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA). The host spectrum ranged from 41% to 54%, with all three phages together covering 79% of all tested clinical isolates. Genome analysis revealed that SL1 (65,849 bp, 91 open reading frames ORFs) belongs to PB1-like viruses, SL2 (279,696 bp, 354 ORFs) to phiKZ-like viruses and SL4 (44,194 bp, 65 ORFs) to LUZ24-like viruses. Planktonic cells of four of five selected MDR-PA strains were suppressed by at least one phage with multiplicities of infection (MOIs) ranging from 1 to 10−6 for 16 h without apparent regrowth of bacterial populations. While SL2 was most potent in suppressing planktonic cultures the strongest anti-biofilm activity was observed with SL4. Phages were able to rescue bacteria-infected wax moth larvae (Galleria melonella) for 24 h, whereby highest survival rates (90%) were observed with SL1. Except for the biofilm experiments, the effect of a cocktail with all three phages was comparable to the action of the best phage alone; hence, there are no synergistic but also no antagonistic effects among phages. The use of a cocktail with these phages is therefore expedient for increasing host range and minimizing the development of phage resistance.
Virus Infection and Death Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Xingchen , Jiang Wenbo , Liu Zhongshun , Liu Shuai , Liang Xiaozhen
Published: October 2017

Virus infection can trigger extrinsic apoptosis. Cell-surface death receptors of the tumor necrosis factor family mediate this process. They either assist persistent viral infection or elicit the elimination of infected cells by the host. Death receptor-mediated apoptosis plays an important role in viral pathogenesis and the host antiviral response. Many viruses have acquired the capability to subvert death receptor-mediated apoptosis and evade the host immune response, mainly by virally encoded gene products that suppress death receptor-mediated apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current information on virus infection and death receptor-mediated apoptosis, particularly focusing on the viral proteins that modulate death receptor-mediated apoptosis.
Assessment of Water Quality Improvements Using the Hydrodynamic Simulation Approach in Regulated Cascade Reservoirs: A Case Study of Drinking Water Sources of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Hua Ruixiang , Zhang Yongyong
Published: October 2017

Water quality safety is of critical importance in environmental improvement, particularly with respect to drinking water resources worldwide. As the main drinking water sources in Shenzhen, China, the cascade reservoirs comprising the Shiyan, Tiegang, and Xili Reservoirs are highly regulated and have experienced water quality deterioration in recent years. In this study, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality model was established using the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) for the cascade reservoirs. The relationships between water quality and improvement measures were quantified and the main pollution sources for individual reservoirs were identified. Results showed that the hydrodynamic and water quality model well captured the spatial and temporal variations of water level, the permanganate concentration index (CODMn), and total nitrogen (TN), with high resolution in the cascade reservoirs. The correlation coefficients between simulations and observations were close to 1.00 for water levels, and over 0.50 for CODMn and TN concentrations. The most effective methods for water quality improvement were the reduction of the runoff load for TN and transferred water load for CODMn in the Shiyan Reservoir, reduction of the transferred water load in the Tiegang Reservoir, and an increase in transfer water volume, especially in the flood season, in the Xili Reservoir. Internal pollution sources also played an important role in water pollution, and thus sedimentation should be cleaned up regularly. This study is expected to provide scientific support for drinking water source protection and promote the application of hydrodynamic model in water quality management.
Arsenic Transformation in Swine Wastewater with Low-Arsenic Content during Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Zhai Weiwei , Qin Tianyue , Guo Ting , Khan Muhammad Imran , Tang Xianjin , Xu Jianming
Published: October 2017

In this study, the raw wastewater (RW), and effluents from the acidogenic phase (AP) and methanogenic phase (MP) in a swine wastewater treatment plant were collected to investigate the occurrence and transformation of arsenic (As), as well as the abundance of As metabolism genes during the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The results showed that total concentrations of As generally decreased by 33–71% after AD. Further analysis showed that the As species of the dissolved fractions were present mainly as dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), with arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) as the minor species. Moreover, real-time PCR (qPCR) results showed that As metabolism genes (arsC, arsenate reduction gene; aioA, arsenite oxidation gene and arsM, arsenite methylation gene) were highly abundant, with arsM being predominant among the metabolism genes. This study provides reliable evidence on As biotransformation in swine wastewater treatment process, suggesting that AD could be a valuable treatment to mitigate the risk of As in wastewater.
Effects of Plant Growth Form and Water Substrates on the Decomposition of Submerged Litter: Evidence of Constructed Wetland Plants in a Greenhouse Experiment
Authors: Ping Yunmei , Pan Xu , Cui Lijuan , Li Wei , Lei Yinru , Zhou Jian , Wei Jiaming
Published: October 2017

Wetland plants are important components in constructed wetlands (CWs), and one of their most important functions in CWs is to purify the water. However, wetland plant litter can also increase eutrophication of water via decomposition and nutrient release, and few studies have focused on the interspecific variation in the decomposition rate and nutrient release of multiple plant species in CWs. Here a greenhouse litter-bag experiment was conducted to quantify the decomposition rates and nutrient release of 7 dominant macrophytes (2 floating plants and 5 emergent plants) in three types of water substrate. The results showed that plant litter species and growth forms significantly affected the litter mass losses. The nutrient release was significantly different among plant litter species, but not between floating and emergent plants. Litter traits, such as litter lignin, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) can well predict the decomposition rates of submerged litter. These results indicated that submerging litter in water did not change the relationships between litter traits and litter decomposition rates, and leaching might play a more important role in the decomposition of submerged litter in CWs than that in other terrestrial ecosystems. These findings can provide suggestions for managers about the maintenance of constructed wetlands.
SMES INNOVATION CAPABILITIES AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE: AN ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION VIEW
Authors: RIBAU Cláudia P. , MOREIRA António C. , RAPOSO Mário
Published: October 2017

Although there are several studies analysing how innovation capabilities influence export performance, this study aims to present the impact of a set of internal innovation capabilities on export performance of small and medium-sized firms (smes), with the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation contingent upon the proactive or reactive behaviour of the firms to external stimuli. The study involves the analysis of 147 questionnaire‐based survey of managers from plastic manufacturing smes operating in Portugal that were subjected to a Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results show that proactive firms to external stimuli are not only better at innovating but also their entrepreneurial orientation capabilities underpin a better performance in international markets when compared with firms that react to external stimuli. This study has implications for smes aiming at increasing their export performance and innovativeness. For practitioners the findings of this study should enable smes owner/managers to better understand the possible impacts of innovation capabilities and entrepreneurial orientation on export performance, and thus lead to more effective smes management.
DEVELOPING ECO-INNOVATION IN BUSINESS PRACTICE IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: HRONCOVÁ VICIANOVÁ Jana , JAĎUĎOVÁ Jana , ROLÍKOVÁ Silvia
Published: October 2017

The paper presents the analyses and evaluates the current state of implementation of eco-innovation in the most energy-intensive sectors in Slovakia and also compares the eco-innovation performance of EU countries. Furthermore, it identifies the economic and environmental benefits from which businesses can profit following the introduction of this type of eco-innovation; it confirms the relationship between investments in environmental technologies and increasing sales of ecological products and services and identifies opportunities for development of eco-innovations in Slovakia. The industrial sectors in Slovakia have the potential to utilise eco-innovation throughout the structure of their economic activities, to develop new technologies and knowledge as well as in creating and developing partnerships, networks and mutual cooperation for the development of eco-innovation on the proviso that appropriate supporting eco-innovation policies and stimulus measures are in place. An analysis of the current state of eco-innovations in the selected enterprises was carried out on the basis of original empirical research which is based on a questionnaire survey on enterprises in the Slovak Republic.
Virilité ou masculinité ? L’usage des concepts et leur portée théorique dans les analyses scientifiques des mondes masculins
Authors: Rivoal Haude
Published: October 2017

L’étude critique des masculinités est un nouveau domaine de recherche au sein des études de genre. Développé et théorisé par la sociologue australienne Raewyn Connell, il renouvelle les cadres théoriques autour de l’étude des hommes. En dénonçant la masculinité normative d’une figure virile, les masculinity studies ont permis d’introduire l’idée d’une pluralité d’incarnation du masculin en dehors d’une référence systématique à la virilité. Cet article propose un bilan critique autour de la confusion des concepts de « virilité » et de « masculinité » pour proposer l’idée que celle-ci influence non seulement les représentations et les pratiques sociales, mais également les recherches universitaires. Il démontre que la perméabilité des deux termes essentialise la masculinité et entretient implicitement l’idée d’une hiérarchie entre les genres. L’article propose ainsi de penser les masculinités au pluriel et la virilité en dehors d’un genre précis afin d’enrichir les analyses sociologiques encore émergentes (en France) autour des hommes et du masculin.
Démocratie et travail
Authors: Verlhac Martine
Published: October 2017

Le travail semble avoir été expulsé des règles du jeu démocratique et de la politique. Il serait réduit à un objet économique ou social dans la mesure où le social ne relèverait pas du politique et où l’on a dissocié l’exigence d’une juste répartition des richesses de l’exigence du sens politique du travail, comme si le travail demeurait marqué d’une certaine indignité. Or, il se peut que cette relégation qu’on aurait cru réservée au côté de la domination n’ait pu être dépassée par les mouvements historiquement liés à la gauche, soit que le marxisme n’ait jamais clarifié en quoi le travail était émancipateur, soit parce que la gauche au long du xx e siècle et depuis a suspendu la promotion et la libération du travail à la transformation radicale des moyens de production. Ainsi, non seulement la discussion sur l’organisation du travail ne fait-elle pas partie du débat démocratique, mais encore les droits politiques accordés aux citoyens ont-ils été refusés aux travailleurs en tant que tels. Nous sommes demeurés en deçà des promesses de la Déclaration de Philadelphie qui posait le droit des travailleurs à poursuivre en même temps leurs progrès matériels et spirituels en donnant la mesure de leurs talents au travers du travail. Le sort actuel du travail nous indiquera le sens des efforts à poursuivre pour que progresse la démocratie.
El mundillo del libro en la capital de Nueva España. Cajones, puestos y venta callejera (siglo XVIII)
Authors: Moreno Gamboa Olivia
Published: October 2017

La finalidad de este trabajo es mostrar la relevancia de las pequeñas librerías en el comercio librero de la ciudad de México. Fuentes inéditas de primera mano permiten apuntar la proliferación de estos modestos negocios en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII y, asimismo, destacar la existencia de un nutrido grupo de vendedores ambulantes de impresos. Ambos fenómenos se sitúan en un momento de expansión del comercio atlántico del libro y de la producción tipográfica novohispana. También se muestra la estrecha relación que existía entre el estatus de las librerías y su localización urbana, de suerte que los cajones de libros de la Plaza Mayor y los puestos semi-callejeros situados en sus alrededores, se distinguieron por comercializar ediciones «populares», menudencias y volúmenes de segunda mano.
Uma bicoca na costa da África: a política espanhola para o tráfico de escravos, o Reglamento de Comercio Libre e as fronteiras ibéricas na América do Sul (1776-1778)
Authors: Aladrén Gabriel
Published: October 2017

El Tratado de San Ildefonso, suscrito por España y Portugal en 1777, establecía la demarcación de límites entre los imperios ibéricos en el Nuevo Mundo. Algunas de sus cláusulas también determinaban la cesión a España de las islas portuguesas de Fernando Poo y Annobón, situadas en el Golfo de Guinea. Carlos III y su secretario de estado, Floridablanca, deseaban obtener un territorio en la costa de África con el fin de nacionalizar la trata de esclavos en el imperio español. Este artículo examina los intereses y las condiciones que suscitaron el acuerdo para traspaso de la soberanía de las islas africanas y analiza las razones que impidieron a España consolidar su participación en el comercio negrero. Se argumenta que para comprender la política española con respecto a la trata de esclavos en las décadas de 1770 y 1780 es necesario examinarla a la luz del proceso de elaboración del «Reglamento de Comercio Libre» y de los conflictos territoriales hispano-portugueses en la América del Sur.

[pt] O Tratado de Santo Ildefonso, firmado entre Espanha e Portugal em 1777, previa a demarcação de limites entre os impérios ibéricos no Novo Mundo. Algumas de suas cláusulas também determinavam que Portugal cedesse à Espanha as ilhas de Fernando Pó e Ano Bom, no Golfo da Guiné. Carlos III e Floridablanca, seu secretário de estado, desejavam obter um território na costa africana para permitir a atuação direta de comerciantes espanhóis no tráfico transatlântico de escravos. Este artigo examina os interesses e as condições que suscitaram o acordo para transferência da soberania das ilhas africanas e analisa os motivos que impediram a Espanha de firmar sua presença no comércio negreiro. Argumenta que para compreender a política espanhola para o tráfico de escravos nas décadas de 1770 e 1780 é preciso examiná-la à luz do processo de elaboração do «Reglamento de Comercio Libre» e dos conflitos territoriais hispano-portugueses na América do Sul.
Introduzione. Periferie finanziarie angioine : un sistema integrato ?
Authors: Morelli Serena
Published: October 2017

Nell’introduzione vengono illustrati i temi e gli obiettivi del convegno. Partendo dalla complessa definizione di periferie angioine, si mostrerà il valore euristico del termine, che si presta a molteplici impieghi nella vasta compagine politico-istituzionale che tra XIII e XV secolo entrò nell’orbita di influenza della famiglia. Si porranno pertanto le ragioni storiografiche della proposta del tema del convegno, che verrà affrontato con molteplici approcci e che si sviluppa in una triplice direzione :– la relazione tra centro e periferia all’interno delle singole aree sotto il profilo della crescita e della strutturazione degli apparati ; – le forme della pratica amministrativa e la dimensione prosopografica degli uffici minori addetti alla gestione e al drenaggio delle risorse ; – l’ eventuale relazione che venne instaurata tra XIII e XV secolo, sotto il profilo delle politiche economiche e finanziarie, all’interno di un insieme di stati strutturati in forme differenti e legati tra loro dall’espansionismo multiforme di una famiglia che alla metà del Trecento riuscì ad estendere la propria influenza su un’ampia estensione territoriale.
Le fonctionnement financier de la chancellerie d’Anjou-Provence d’après le Journal de Jean le Fèvre (1381-1388)
Authors: Matz Jean-Michel
Published: October 2017

Jean Le Fèvre, docteur en droit canon, abbé bénédictin de Saint-Vaast d’Arras puis évêque de Chartres, a été chancelier de Louis Ier d’Anjou (à partir de 1381) puis de sa veuve Marie de Blois jusqu’à sa mort en 1390. Au cours de ces années, il a tenu un journal très minutieux qui est à la fois un récapitulatif des actes administratifs promulgués au quotidien par le chancelier et un carnet personnel de son action politique et diplomatique au service des princes angevins. Ce journal permet d’étudier plusieurs aspects qui concernent le fonctionnement financier de la chancellerie d’Anjou-Provence durant les années 1380. Le premier concerne les revenus que le chancelier tire de son office, 2 000 francs par an, versés de manière extrêmement aléatoire. Le deuxième se rapporte à l’émolument du sceau, soit le rapport financier de l’activité de la chancellerie ; le Journal de Le Fèvre reste malheureusement lacunaire sur cette question en dehors de quelques centaines de mentions concentrées sur la fin de la période. Enfin, la source permet d’envisager le lien entre le coût financier du scellement des actes, leur nature et leurs destinataires pour montrer la très grande plasticité des usages de la chancellerie d’Anjou-Provence.
L’organisation financière de la Hongrie angevine : institutions et personnes
Authors: Weisz Boglàrka
Published: October 2017

Dans la Hongrie des Anjou, deux niveaux de l'administration financière sont à distinguer : le niveau inférieur représenté par le système des chambres et celui de la direction générale, assurée par le magister tavarnocorum regalium et le trésorier (thesaurarius). L'administration des finances fut, au temps des rois angevins, plusieurs fois réorganisée, notamment dans les années 1320, 1350 et finalement dans les années 1370. Tandis que les deux premières réorganisations ne concernèrent que le niveau inférieur, la dernière toucha déjà tous les deux. Les chambres existantes au début de notre époque se spécialisèrent, au cours du XIVe siècle, selon les devoirs à assumer, ainsi furent créés les chambres de monnayage, celles chargées de lever le « gain de la chambre », la chambre de sel de Transylvanie, ainsi que l’office de comes urburarum regalium qui surveillait les mines de métaux précieux. C'est également à l'époque angevine que fut établi l’office de trésorierqui reprit, à la fin de la période, plusieurs tâches du magister tavarnicorum regalium, liées à l'administration financière. Parallèlement se modifia aussi le champ de compétence du magister tavarnicorum regalium, en charge désormais, en premier lieu, de la surveillance des villes, tant sur le plan économique que judiciaire.
La cedola per la riscossione dell’adohamentum (adoa) nelle provincie del regno nel 1378 (ex Archivio di Stato di Napoli, Registro angioino 373, cc. 65r-102v)
Authors: Kiesewetter Andreas
Published: October 2017

Fra i manoscritti dell’erudito Eustachio Rogadeo (1855-1920), conservati nella Biblioteca comunale di Bitonto, è custodita una trascrizione del distrutto Registro angioino 373, fol. 65-102. Nell’inventario di questi registri, curato da Raffaele Batti e Biagio Cantera alla fine dell’Ottocento, questo quaderno fu brevemente segnalato come cedula taxationis per la riscossione della sovvenzione generale senza alcuna datazione cronologica. Infatti, si tratta di un frammento per la riscossione dell’adohamentum (adoa) nelle province del Regno, databile nei primi mesi del 1378 con aggiunte di età durrazzesca. Questo frammento di un registro angioino è l’unica testimonianza di un registro superstite per gli anni 1352–1381 del lungo regno di Giovanna I (1343–1381), visto che tutti i registri di questa sovrana, tranne quelli per gli anni 1343–1352, furono già distrutti con ogni probabilità all’inizio del Cinquecento. Di questo quaderno fu finora soltanto pubblicato un piccolo pezzo riguardante la Terra d’Otranto da parte di Primaldo Coco nel 1915, inoltre pieno di numerose omissioni e letture erronee dei nomi propri. L’importanza di questa fonte sta nel fatto che riferisce almeno per le province di Terra di Bari, Terra d’Otranto, Val di Crati e Calabria un elenco dettagliato dei feudatari di questi giustizierati che ci permette di disegnare una precisa mappa feudale di queste parti del Regno alla fine del regno di Giovanna I. Inoltre questo frammento di registro sottolinea la crescente importanza dell’adohamentum in un epoca, quando l’obbligo feudale passava sempre di più in seconda linea a favore delle truppe mercenarie. Finalmente si discute ancora problemi di una futura edizione o analisi dettagliata di questa fonte in base all’esempio della Terra d’Otranto e della Terra di Bari.
Il diplomatico dell’Archivio Ruffo di Scilla nell’Archivio di Stato di Napoli
Authors: Belli Carolina
Published: October 2017

Che le fonti per la storia medievale dell’Italia meridionale da ripercorrere ex novo dopo le distruzioni di San Paolo Belsito siano relativamente abbastanza scarse è cosa più che nota a tutti gli studiosi ; diventa quindi di particolare interesse oggi più che mai la scoperta, l’acquisizione e la conoscenza di archivi e di documenti che possano permettere una nuova luce su aspetti e questioni della storia di quei secoli, ancora aperte. Di grande interesse è quindi la notizia di ciò che di nuovo, in virtù di recenti versamenti e riordinamenti, è pervenuto negli archivi napoletani ad arricchire il patrimonio archivistico e soprattutto gli studi medievalistici. In particolare ci si riferisce ad un rilevantissimo gruppo di pergamene, circa 1300, entrate in possesso dell’amministrazione archivistica negli anni ’80 del secolo scorso. L’importanza di esse deriva dal ruolo di primo piano avuto dalla famiglia nella storia feudale del Regno e in particolare dalla ricchezza delle tipologie documentarie offerte che illustrano con estrema dovizia la natura dei rapporti interfamiliari, e dei rapporti con la corona e con le popolazioni locali in una provincia del Regno ancora molto lontana nel basso medioevo dall’essere pienamente inserita nello stato angioino ed aragonese.