bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bile salt hydrolase and antimicrobial activities of three bile resistant probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from Cameroonian artisanal fermented milk
Authors: Ulrich Landry Bemmo Kamdem , Pierre-Marie Kaktcham , Chancel Hector Momo Kenfack , Edith Marius Foko Kouam , FRANCOIS ZAMBOU NGOUFACK , Rui Yan Wang , Taicheng ZHU , LI YIN
Published: December 2017

Probiotics are well known for their efficacy as dietary adjuncts providing benefits to consumers. However, the selection of probiotics before incorporation into diet requires the scrutiny of a well-defined set of criteria. Hence, three Lactobacillus plantarum strains (GGU, GLA51 and GLP56, having KU949009, KU949010 and KU949011 respectively as GenBank accession numbers) previously isolated from Cameroonian traditional fermented milk have been used in this study for the evaluation of their Bile salt hydrolase and antimicrobial activities. Bile tolerance test was carried out by monitoring the bacterial growth at different Oxgall bile concentration (0.3%, 0.5% and 1%). The bile salt hydrolase activity was measured by determining the amount of amino acid liberated from conjugated bile salts by lactobacilli strains. Also, three bshgenes (bsh1 gene specific to Lactobacillus plantarum species, bshA and bshB genes specific to Lactobacillus acidophilus species) involved in the bile salt hydrolase activity were screened. The antimicrobial activity of the strains was evaluated using the agar-spot test. The three Lactobacillus plantarum strains showed survival percentages higher than 90% in the presence of 0.3% of Oxgall bile, and the delays of growth ranged from 0 to 10 min. Their bile salt hydrolase activity ranged from 15.62 ± 3.00 to 23.91 ± 5.82 U/mg towards Oxgall and from 10.47 ± 2.76 to 24.57 ± 6.31 U/mg towards Taurodeoxycholate. Only Lactobacillus plantarum GLA51 was found to harbor thebsh1 gene. Its sequence was deposited in the Genbank under the accession number MF098542. The analysis of thisbsh1 gene sequence from L. plantarum GLA51 indicated that it contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 838 nucleotides encoding a 278 amino acids protein. The three Lactobacilli strains showed inhibitory activity against the pathogenic or spoilage bacteria tested, except for Shigella flexneri. These results suggest that the three Lactobacillus plantarum strain show potential for probiotic applications.Keywords: Bile salt hydrolase activity, antimicrobial activity, Lactobacillus plantarum, bile tolerance
Blending Words Found In Social Media
Authors: Giyatmi Giyatmi , Wijayava Ratih , Arumi Sihindun
Published: December 2017

There are many new words from the social media such as Netizen, Trentop, and Delcon. Those words include in blending. Blending is one of word formations combining two clipped words to form a brand new word. The researchers are interested in analyzing blend words used in the social media such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Blackberry Messenger. This research aims at (1) finding blend words used in the social media (2) describing kinds of blend words used in social media (3) describing the process of blend word formation used in the social media. This research uses some theories dealing with definition of blending and kinds of blending. This research belongs to descriptive qualitative research. Data of the research are English blend words used in social media. Data sources of this research are websites consisting of some English words used in social media and some social media users as the informant. Techniques of data collecting in this research are observation and simak catat. Observation is by observing some websites consisting of some English words used in social media. Simak catat is done by taking some notes on the data and encoding in symbols such as No/Blend words/Kinds of Blending. The researchers use source triangulation to check the data from the researchers with the informant and theory triangulation to determine kinds of blending and blend word formation in social media. There are115 data of blend words. Those data consists of 65 data of Instagram, 47 data of Twitter, 1 datum of Facebook, and 2 data of Blackberry Messenger. There are 2 types of blending used in social media;108 data of blending with clipping and 7 data of blending with overlapping. There are 10 ways of blend word formation found in this research.
Electrostatic estimation of intercalant jump-diffusion barriers using finite-size ion models
Authors: Zimmermann Nils , Hannah Daniel C. , Rong Ziqin , Liu Miao , Ceder Gerbrand , Haranczyk Maciej , Persson Kristin A.
Published: December 2017

We report on a scheme for estimating intercalant jump-diffusion barriers that are typically obtained from demanding density functional theory-nudged elastic band calculations. The key idea is to relax a chain of states in the field of the electrostatic potential that is averaged over a spherical volume using different finite-size ion models. For magnesium migrating in typical intercalation materials such as transition-metal oxides, we find that the optimal model is a relatively large shell. This data-driven result parallels typical assumptions made in models based on Onsager’s reaction field theory to quantitatively estimating electrostatic solvent effects. Because of its efficiency, our potential of electrostatics-finite ion size (PfEFIS) barrier estimation scheme will enable rapid identification of materials with good ionic mobility.
Robust operation of mesoporous antireflective coatings under variable ambient conditions
Authors: Reid Barry , Chen Yinong , Schmidt-Hansberg Benjamin , Guldin Stefan
Published: December 2017

Antireflective coatings (ARCs) are important components in optical applications due to their ability to reduce reflection and maximize transmission of light across interfaces. Generating mesoporous films with adequate film thickness and refractive index is a common method to achieve amplitude and phase matching in low-cost single- layer interference-based ARCs. For high surface energy materials, pores on the 2 - 50 nm, i.e. the sub-wavelength scale, are subject to capillary condensation, and pore filling by surrounding gas phase water molecules at size-characteristic humidity values hampers their functioning. In this work, we examine the effect of relative humidity on mesoporous ARCs and present a simple method for the preparation of ARCs with robust operation under variable conditions. The materials route is based on the generation of well-defined porous aluminosilicate networks by block copolymer co- assembly with poly(isobutylene)block-poly(ethylene oxide) and post-synthesis grafting of trichloro(octyl)silane molecules to the pore walls. The functionalized films exhibited a maximum transmittance value of 99.8% with an average transmittance of 99.1% in the visible wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm. Crucially, the AR performance was maintained at high humidity values with an average transmittance decrease of only 0.2% and maximum values maintained at 99.7 %, which compared to maximum and average losses of 3.6% and 2.7 %, respectively, for non-functionalized reference samples. The ARCs were shown to withstand at least 50 humidity cycles, indicating long-term stability against fluctuating environmental conditions.
Battery Available Capacity Meter Built into an AC/DC Telecom Power Supply System
Authors: Godlewski Paweł , Kobus Ryszard , Kliś Paweł
Published: December 2017

The article describes the results of testing a Benning AC/DC power supply, with integrated NIT TBA-ST meter. Such integration enables accurate and energy-efficient measurements of available capacity of individual 48-voltage VRLA/AGM batteries with remote management possibilities. The full compliance with the requirements for telecommunication power systems, the great functionality, upgrade ability, immunity to user errors and the high accuracy of capacity and voltage measurement of battery monoblocks of proposed solution are presented.
Quality Aspects in Digital Broadcasting and Webcasting Systems: Bitrate versus Loudness
Authors: Gilski Przemysław , Gajewski Sławomir , Stefański Jacek
Published: December 2017

In this paper the quality aspects of bitrate and loudness in digital broadcasting and webcasting systems are examined. The authors discuss a survey concerning user preferences related with processing and managing audio content. The coding efficiency of a popular audio format is analyzed in the context of storing media. An objective study on a representative group of signal samples, as well as a subjective study of the perceived quality of real-time broadcasted and webcasted radio programs are performed.
Modeling of Quality of Experience in No-Reference Model
Authors: Nawała Jakub , Janowski Lucjan , Leszczuk Mikołaj
Published: December 2017

The key objective of no-reference (NR) visual metrics is to predict the end-user experience concerning remotely delivered video content. Rapidly increasing demand for easily accessible, high quality video material makes it crucial for service providers to test the user experience without the need for comparison with reference material. Nevertheless, the QoE measurement is not enough. The information about the source or error is very important as well. Therefore, the described system is based on calculating numerous different NR indicators, which are combined to provide the overall quality score. In this paper, more quality indicators than are used in the QoE calculation are described, since some of them detect specific errors. Such specific errors are dificult to include in a global QoE model but are important from the operation point of view.
METODA UJI MODEL SEKSIONAL DEK SEBAGAI DASAR ANALISIS AEROELASTIK JEMBATAN BENTANG PANJANG
Authors: Febriyanti Eka
Published: December 2017

ARTICLES
Interrater Reliability of the Observable Movement Quality Scale for Children
Authors: Dekkers Lieke M.A. , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W.G. , Jonker Marianne , de Swart Bert J.M. , Janssen Anjo J.W.M.
Published: December 2017

Purpose: The authors investigated the interrater reliability, the standard deviation of the random measurement error, and the limits of agreement (LoA) of the Observable Movement Quality (OMQ) scale in children. Movement quality is important in the recognition of motor problems, and the OMQ scale, a questionnaire used by paediatric physical therapists, has been developed for use with an age-specific motor test to observe movement quality and score relative to what is expected for a child's age. Method: Paediatric physical therapists (n=28; 2 men, 26 women) observed video-recorded assessments of age-related motor tests in children (n=9) aged 6 months to 6 years and filled in the OMQ scale (possible score range 15–75 points). For our analyses, we used linear mixed models without fixed effects. Results: The interrater reliability was moderate (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC2,1]: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.88); neither work setting nor work experience exerted any influence on it. The standard deviation of the random measurement error was 5.7, and the LoA was 31.5. Item agreement was good (proportion of observed agreement [Po] total 0.82–0.99). Conclusion: The OMQ scale showed moderate interrater reliability when being used by therapists who were unfamiliar with the questionnaire and who had received only 2 hours of training. Feedback from the participants suggested a need for more comprehensive training in using the OMQ scale in clinical practice.
Long-Term Resolution of Severe Ankle Contractures Using Botulinum Toxin, Serial Casting, Splinting, and Motor Retraining
Authors: Leung Joan , Stroud Katarina
Published: December 2017

Purpose: Serial casting for ankle contractures is traditionally performed in prone, a position that patients may not easily tolerate. Also, although serial casting is effective in correcting contracture, its effect dissipates quickly. This case report describes a procedure for performing casting for ankle contractures in a supine or sitting position. It also describes a process that enables the effect of serial casting to be maintained long term. Client Description: The client was an adult who had suffered traumatic brain injury and severe bilateral ankle contractures. Intervention: He received botulinum toxin and serial casting for his bilateral ankle contractures, one ankle at 8 months and the other at 13 months after the injury. He then underwent a programme of splinting and motor training. Measures and Outcome: The client gained more than 40° dorsiflexion for both ankles after receiving botulinum toxin injections and serial casting. The improvement in ankle range enabled him to progress to walking practice. Ankle splinting was gradually reduced. On discharge at 25 months post-injury, the ankle joint range was maintained. Implications: The use of botulinum toxin and serial casting, followed by an intensive programme of splinting and motor training, may be an option to consider for effective long-term resolution of severe contractures after acquired brain injury.
Patient Education Provided by Physiotherapists for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Results of a Scoping Review
Authors: King Judy , Tessier Sarah , Charette Marie-Josée , Gaudet Danica
Published: December 2017

Purpose: Physiotherapists have been acknowledged as playing a vital role in the care of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and this care includes providing patient education (PE). Yet very little is known about the issues critical to providing this PE. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and map out the current knowledge about the content, processes, and overall effectiveness of the PE provided by physiotherapists for people living with COPD. Method: Using the guidelines developed by Arksey and O'Malley in 2005 and by Levac in 2010, key databases were searched. A total of 447 articles were identified and screened for the following inclusion criteria: adults living with COPD, published in English or French between 1995 and 2015, and describing the PE provided by physiotherapists. Fourteen studies matched these criteria. Results: In the majority of studies, both physiotherapists and nurses provided PE to patients. Common PE topics included energy conservation, exacerbations, and breathlessness. None of the studies included measures for evaluating the effectiveness of the PE. Conclusions: Even though physiotherapists routinely provide PE to people living with COPD, this PE varies substantially. The heterogeneity of the studies and lack of measures of effectiveness prevented them from providing any evidence-based recommendations for physiotherapists.
Clinical Instructors' Perspectives on the Clinical Education of Internationally Educated Physical Therapists: Diversity's Impact on the Experience
Authors: Tambosso Laura , Manning Christine , Ong Tuen Mun , Zacharchuk Rebecca , James Jessica , Switzer-McIntyre Sharon , Matmari Lakshmi , Quesnel Martine
Published: December 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand the nature and extent of clinical instructors' (CIs') involvement in the clinical education of internationally educated physical therapists (IEPTs) while exploring CIs' perceptions of the similarities among and differences between IEPTs and Canadian-trained students. Method: In this qualitative descriptive study, 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted with CIs who were involved in a bridging programme for IEPTs. Data were coded using NVivo version 10, and common themes emerged through qualitative thematic analysis. Results: The majority of CIs perceived IEPTs' backgrounds to be diverse as a result of their varied previous clinical experience, physiotherapy scope of practice, and life stressors. Their diverse backgrounds contributed to the similarities and differences found in their skills, their personal motivation, and the education process, leading to successes and challenges in the clinical environment. Conclusions: Differences between IEPTs and Canadian-trained students stem from IEPTs' diverse backgrounds. Recognizing this diversity while demonstrating cultural competence will promote a successful clinical experience for both IEPT learners and CIs, which will ultimately facilitate the integration of IEPTs into the Canadian health care system.
How Do People Cycle in Amsterdam, Netherlands?: Estimating Cyclists’ Route Choice Determinants with GPS Data from an Urban Area
Authors: Ton Danique , Cats Oded , Duives Dorine , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, the bicycle is seen as a sustainable and healthy substitute for the car in urban environments. The Netherlands is the leading country in bicycle use, especially in urban environments. Yet route choice models featuring inner-city travel that includes cyclists are lacking. This study estimated a cyclists’ route choice model for the inner city of Amsterdam, Netherlands, on the basis of 3,045 trips collected with GPS data. The main contribution of this study was the construction of the choice set with an empirical approach, which used only the observed trips in the data set to compose the choice alternatives. The findings suggested that cyclists were insensitive to separate cycle paths in Amsterdam, a city characterized by a dense cycle path network in which cycling was the most prominent mode of travel. In addition, cyclists were found to minimize travel distance and the number of intersections per kilometer. The impact of distance on route choice increased during the morning peak when schedule constraints were more prevalent. Furthermore, overlapping routes were more likely to be chosen by cyclists, everything else being the same.
Mind the Gap: Assessing the Impacts of Bicycle Accessibility and Mobility on Mode Share in Washington, D.C.
Authors: Pérez Benito O. , Buck Darren , Ma Yiwei , Robey Taylor , Lucas Kimberly
Published: December 2017

The District of Columbia is enjoying rapid growth in cycling, evident through trends in census mode share data and in the presence of more cyclists out on the street. The District Department of Transportation (DOT) has spent significant resources in the past two decades to improve active transportation planning, outreach, and infrastructure delivery. These efforts have led to the District’s recognition as a cycling-friendly city. Now the District DOT is taking stock of what has been done to improve cycling thus far and to determine what to do next. The District DOT is starting to ask what is driving the growth in the cycling mode share. How can the District understand, nurture, and expand on that growth in the cycling mode share? This study explored underlying relationships in which the District’s cycling mode share was present. The analysis dug deeply by doing ( a) a statistical analysis to identify key factors that influenced cycling and ( b) a spatial analysis that defined trends in accessibility to cycling facilities and the mobility of the cycling network. Findings from this research will help inform District DOT planners on what policy, operational, outreach, and capital investment levers to consider as they continue to promote cycling in the District going forward.
Current Efforts to Make Bikeshare More Equitable: Survey of System Owners and Operators
Authors: Howland Steven , McNeil Nathan , Broach Joseph , Rankins Kenneth , MacArthur John , Dill Jennifer
Published: December 2017

The number of public bikeshare systems has been increasing rapidly across the United States over the past 5 to 10 years. To date, most academic research around bikeshare systems in the United States has focused on the logistics of planning and operationalizing successful systems. Investigations of system users and effects on the local community are less common, and studies that are focused on efforts to engage underserved communities in bikeshare systems are rarer still. This paper relies on a survey of representatives from 56 U.S. bikeshare systems to better understand and document current approaches toward serving low-income and minority populations. The survey asked about equity policies and metrics, the degree to which equity considerations affect a variety of system practices, what the existing barriers to utilizing bikeshare are for target populations, and what challenges the bikeshare system entity faces in addressing those barriers. Results indicate that nearly one in four bikeshare systems has written policies around equity; nearly half of bikeshare systems with more than 500 bikes have such policies. However, many more systems consider equity in various aspects of their systems. Equity considerations affected station siting, fee structure and payment systems, and promotion and marketing in a majority of systems (68%, 72%, and 57%, respectively), and operations and data collection and analysis, though to a lesser extent (42% each). Bikeshare systems reported cost, access, and outreach as the largest barriers to equity, in addition to overall funding and staff levels.
De la compétition à la coopétition
Authors: Elmoukhliss Mehdi , Renard Damien , Zhao Zhenzhen , Balagué Christine
Published: December 2017

Cette étude porte sur une nouvelle pratique de crowdsourcing d’idées qui consiste à recourir simultanément à la coopération et à la compétition (la « coopétition ») pour mobiliser la foule. Les auteurs présentent cette nouvelle approche et explorent, en mobilisant la théorie de l’interdépendance sociale, dans quelle mesure le principe de coopétition est appliqué dans ce contexte. À l’aide d’une étude empirique, ils montrent que les plateformes présentent pour l’essentiel des formes atténuées ou marquées de coopétition. Ils discutent les implications pratiques et théoriques de ces résultats.
Face à la tyrannie des étoiles : révoltons-nous !
Authors: Rouquet Aurélien
Published: December 2017

Au fil des années, un indicateur s’est imposé pour évaluer la recherche en sciences de gestion : le comptage d’articles « étoilés » publiés dans des revues classées au sein de listes (CNRS, Fnege, etc.). Utilisant la forme du pamphlet, cet article1 montre les effets néfastes de ce système des « étoiles » sur le plan institutionnel (mise sous contrôle des académiques), scientifique (standardisation de l’écriture), individuel (démontage de l’enseignant-chercheur en kit), et organisationnel (création d’ego-academicus). Face à un système détruisant le sens de la recherche, l’article lance un appel à la révolte.
Classements, capitalisme académique et affects des chercheurs en gestion
Authors: Letiche Hugo , Lightfoot Geoff , Lilley Simon
Published: December 2017

Cet article traite de performativité. En premier lieu, de la performativité des notations des articles et des classements des universités dans le cas du Royaume-Uni, de la littérature de protestation et d’accusation qu’ils ont engendrée. En deuxième lieu, sont examinées les conditions sociales ou politiques qui ont produit ces classements et notations, notamment le « capitalisme académique » et la prolétarisation pensés par Bernard Stiegler. Mais, en fin de compte, les auteurs montrent que les classements et les notations ont surtout un impact sur les affects des chercheurs. Classements et notations sont des textes performatifs : ils créent une mentalité, un sentiment d’identité, voire un environnement de vie.
Reclaiming the streets
Authors: Maskovsky Jeff
Published: December 2017

This article focuses on the emergence of a new pattern of black urban
insurgency emerging in major US metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia. I locate
this pattern in the context of a new securitization regime that I call “antisocial
security.” This regime works by establishing a decentered system of high-tech
forms of surveillance and monitory techniques. I highlight the dialectic between
the extension of antisocial security apparatuses and techniques into new political
and social domains on the one hand and the adoption of these same techniques
by those contesting racialized exclusions from urban public space on the other. I
end the article with a discussion of how we might adapt the commons concept to
consider the centrality of race and racism to this new securitization regime.
Soft skills, hard rocks
Authors: Bell Lindsay A.
Published: December 2017

In 2007, Canada was the third-largest producer of diamonds in the world.
Marketed as ethical alternatives to ”blood diamonds,” Canadian gemstones are
said to go beyond basic “conflict-free” designations by providing northern Indigenous
peoples with high-wage work and training. This article makes two connected
points. First, it describes how the ethics of diamond mining are connected to the
uneasy management of people groomed to do extractive work. Second, following
the development and delivery of job training programs for Indigenous people over
the course of the financial crisis of 2008–2009, this article reveals how mandatory
“soft skills” courses attempt to adjust would-be worker speech to meet corporate
norms in ways that were essential in maintaining the ethical sign value of subarctic
stones.
Fascism as a style of life
Authors: Cammelli Maddalena Gretel
Published: December 2017

In the European context, where the rise of right-wing movements and
parties indicates the emergence of an integral Europe, Italy represents a country
where the fascist past grants these political formations significant identitarian security.
Drawing on ethnographic research conducted with a contemporary neofascist
movement called CasaPound active in Italy, this article proposes to take
seriously the activists’ definition of themselves as “third-millennium fascists.” This
article examines the network that CasaPound has built around its movement to analyze
the presence fascist political culture currently maintains. Following militants’
interpretations of fascist ideology and practice, which oscillates between violence
and death on one side and emotions and community on the other, third-millennium
fascism appears to be a style of life deeply rooted in violent acts and death.
The racial fix
Authors: Mumm Jesse
Published: December 2017

In Chicago, real estate value is fixed by race through the process of gentrification. I present findings from an ethnography of the black, Mexican, and Puerto Rican neighborhoods of the greater West Side. Gentrification here is a “racial fix”: a consensus-building process to inflate value in a speculative market reliant on the historical legacies of racism. The white flight era devalued neighborhoods now facing speculation and hyperinflation as increased global investment, debt culture, and debt financing fuel the growth machine. The discourses of residents, randomized survey results, and a built environment scan show that property value corresponds more to white residence than material improvement. White people cultivate the currency of whiteness through gentrification to build social status, capital, and the city of their dreams.
A hybrid multiscale model for investigating tumor angiogenesis and its response to cell-based therapy
Authors: Hendrata Melisa , Sudiono Janti
Published: December 2017

Angiogenesis, a formation of blood vessels from an existing vasculature, plays a key role in tumor growth and its progression into cancer. The lining of blood vessels consists of endothelial cells (ECs) which proliferate and migrate, allowing the capillaries to sprout towards the tumor to deliver the needed oxygen. Various treatments aiming to suppress or even inhibit angiogenesis have been explored. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been undergoing development in cell-based therapy for cancer due to their ability to migrate towards the capillaries and induce the apoptosis of the ECs, causing capillary degeneration. However, further investigations in this direction are needed as it is usually difficult to preclinically assess the efficacy of such therapy. We develop a hybrid multiscale model that integrates molecular, cellular, tissue and extracellular components of tumor system to investigate angiogenesis and tumor growth under MSC-mediated therapy. Our simulations produce angiogenesis and vascular tumor growth profiles as observed in the experiments. Furthermore, the simulations show that the effectiveness of MSCs in inducing EC apoptosis is density dependent and its full effect is reached within several days after MSCs application. Quantitative agreements with experimental data indicate the predictive potential of our model for evaluating the efficacy of cell-based therapies targeting angiogenesis.
Storage Stability of Bimodal Emulsions vs. Monomodal Emulsions
Authors: Querol Nuria , Barreneche Camila , Cabeza Luisa F.
Published: December 2017

Storage stability is a very important parameter that has to be considered in the formulation of asphalt emulsions. When monomodal emulsions are formulated, Stokes’ law is fulfilled, therefore the higher the viscosity the less sedimentation, or the lower average droplet size the less sedimentation. But when bimodal emulsions are formulated, this rule does not apply. In this paper, two types of different emulsions are formulated: monomodal emulsions and bimodal emulsions. Bimodal emulsions are a combination of one large bitumen size and a small one. For this study, hard penetration bitumens were used, B35/50 and B15/25, because they are the most difficult bitumen to emulsify and, consequently, the worst sedimentation values are expected. Once the emulsions are manufactured, they are diluted to a bitumen rate concentration of 60% and 70%. Results show that bimodal emulsions, although having lower viscosity than their monomodal counterparts, have higher storage stability.
Structural Health Monitoring of a Road Tunnel Intersecting a Large and Active Landslide
Authors: Bossi Giulia , Schenato Luca , Marcato Gianluca
Published: December 2017

Dealing with engineering structures that are not easily replaceable requires frequent assessment of the damage state of the construction in order to estimate its durability and reliability. The procedures that allow damage to be detected and identified are broadly defined as Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). In this work, a SHM network has been deployed in a road tunnel that intersects a massive landslide, whose movements are causing the formation of cracks along the tunnel lining. The monitoring system measures in real time the displacements across major cracks and the rotation of the tunnel segments; data are gathered and made easily accessible through a web-based platform. The mechanisms by which the tunnel deforms under the landslide-induced stress have been defined through the analysis of three years of monitoring data. The factors triggering an increase in deformation rates and causing damage to the structure have also been investigated. This evidence will support the design of mitigation works to extend the life-span of the tunnel.
Elaboration and Characterization of Apple Nectars Supplemented with Araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata Mac Vaugh—Myrtaceae)
Authors: Baldini Tatiana , Neri-Numa Iramaia , Do Sacramento Celio , Schmiele Marcio , Bolini Helena , Pastore Glaucia , Bicas Juliano
Published: December 2017

Fruits and vegetables are known as sources of nutritionally important phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, and Brazilian biodiversity may be hiding many underexplored fruits with potential health benefits. In this study, we formulated a fruit-based beverage by supplementing known amounts of freeze-dried araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata) (FD) to a commercial apple nectar in order to evaluate the impact in terms of nutritional (level of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity) and sensory parameters. The best acceptance was evidenced for the apple nectar supplemented with 1 g/L of FD, while no statistically significant changes were obtained for non-supplemented apple nectar and apple nectar supplemented with 5 or 10 g/L FD. Lower acceptances for apple nectars supplemented with 15, 20 or 30 g/L FD were suggested to be caused by an increase in acidity. In general, total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TEAC and ORAC) increased with the supplementation level, although not always a statistically significant difference was observed. When compared to control (non-supplemented), the apple nectar supplemented with 10 g/L FD presented a significant increase in total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (except for ORAC assay), and therefore this level of supplementation was considered ideal, considering both nutritional and sensory properties.
Insights on the Role of Copper Addition in the Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of Binary Zr-Cu Metallic Glass Coatings
Authors: Tang Junlei , Zhu Qiuhong , Wang Yingying , Apreutesei Mihai , Wang Hu , Steyer Philippe , Chamas Mohamad , Billard Alain
Published: December 2017

The effect of copper addition on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of binary Zr100–xCux (x = 30, 50, 80, 90 at.%) glassy coatings was investigated by means of electrochemical measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nano-indentation techniques. The corrosion resistance in 0.01 M deaerated H2SO4 solution and the mechanical properties of the Zr-Cu glassy coatings depend considerably upon the copper content in the glassy matrix. The top surfaces of the Zr-Cu coatings with lower Cu content were covered by a compact protective ZrO2 passive film. The competition between the oxidation of Zr atoms (ZrO2 film formation) and the oxidation–dissolution of Cu atoms assumed the most important role in the electrochemical behavior of the Zr-Cu glassy coatings. The generation of ZrO2 on the surface benefited the formation of passive film; and the corrosion resistance of the metallic glass coatings depended on the coverage degree of ZrO2 passive film. The evolution of free volume affected both the mechanical and corrosion behaviors of the Zr-Cu glassy coatings.
Improving the Performance Attributes of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Hot Climates through Key-Off Battery Cooling
Authors: Shojaei Sina , McGordon Andrew , Robinson Simon , Marco James
Published: December 2017

Ambient conditions can have a significant impact on the average and maximum temperature of the battery of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Given the sensitivity of the ageing mechanisms of typical battery cells to temperature, a significant variability in battery lifetime has been reported with geographical location. In addition, high battery temperature and the associated cooling requirements can cause poor passenger thermal comfort, while extreme battery temperatures can negatively impact the power output of the battery, limiting the available electric traction torque. Avoiding such issues requires enabling battery cooling even when the vehicle is parked and not plugged in (key-off), but the associated extra energy requirements make applying key-off cooling a non-trivial decision. In this paper, a representative plug-in parallel hybrid electric vehicle model is used to simulate a typical 24-h duty cycle to quantify the impact of hot ambient conditions on three performance attributes of the vehicle: the battery lifetime, passenger thermal comfort and fuel economy. Key-off cooling is defined as an optimal control problem in view of the duty cycle of the vehicle. The problem is then solved using the dynamic programming method. Controlling key-off cooling through this method leads to significant improvements in the battery lifetime, while benefiting the fuel economy and thermal comfort attributes. To further improve the battery lifetime, partial charging of the battery is considered. An algorithm is developed that determines the optimum combination of key-off cooling and the level of battery charge. Simulation results confirm the benefits of the proposed method.
The General Regression Neural Network Based on the Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm and the Data Inconsistency Rate for Transmission Line Icing Prediction
Authors: Niu Dongxiao , Wang Haichao , Chen Hanyu , Liang Yi
Published: December 2017

Accurate and stable prediction of icing thickness on transmission lines is of great significance for ensuring the safe operation of the power grid. In order to improve the accuracy and stability of icing prediction, an innovative prediction model based on the generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) is proposed. Firstly, a feature selection method based on the data inconsistency rate (IR) is adopted to select the optimal feature, which aims to reduce redundant input vectors. Then, the fruit FOA is utilized for optimization of smoothing factor for the GRNN. Lastly, the icing forecasting method FOA-IR-GRNN is established. Two cases in different locations and different months are selected to validate the proposed model. The results indicate that the new hybrid FOA-IR-GRNN model presents better accuracy, robustness, and generality in icing forecasting.
On the Use of Hedonic Price Indices to Understand Ecosystem Service Provision from Urban Green Space in Five Latin American Megacities
Authors: Loret de Mola Ursula , Ladd Brenton , Duarte Sandra , Borchard Nils , Anaya La Rosa Ruy , Zutta Brian
Published: December 2017

Latin American (LA) megacities are facing enormous challenges to provide welfare to millions of people who live in them. High rates of urbanization and limited administrative capacity of LA cities to plan and control urban growth have led to a critical deficit of urban green space, and therefore, to sub-optimal outcomes in terms of urban sustainability. This study seeks to assess the possibility of using real estate prices to provide an estimate of the monetary value of the ecosystem services provided by urban green space across five Latin American megacities: Bogota, Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City and Santiago de Chile. Using Google Earth images to quantify urban green space and multiple regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of urban green space, crime rates, business density and population density on real estate prices across the five mentioned megacities. In addition, for a subset of the data (Lima and Buenos Aires) we analyzed the effects of landscape ecology variables (green space patch size, connectivity, etc.) on real estate prices to provide a first insight into how the ecological attributes of urban green space can determine the level of ecosystem service provision in different urban contexts in Latin America. The results show a strong positive relationship between the presence of urban green space and real estate prices. Green space explains 52% of the variability in real estate prices across the five studied megacities. Population density, business density and crime had only minor impacts on real estate prices. Our analysis of the landscape ecology variables in Lima and Buenos Aires also show that the relationship between green space and price is context-specific, which indicates that further research is needed to better understand when and where ecological attributes of green space affect real estate prices so that managers of urban green space in LA cities can optimize ecological configuration to maximize ecosystem service provision from often limited green spaces.
Genetic Structure and Population Demographic History of a Widespread Mangrove Plant Xylocarpus granatum J. Koenig across the Indo-West Pacific Region
Authors: Tomizawa Yuki , Tsuda Yoshiaki , Saleh Mohd , Wee Alison , Takayama Koji , Yamamoto Takashi , Yllano Orlex , Salmo III Severino , Sungkaew Sarawood , Adjie Bayu , Ardli Erwin , Suleiman Monica , Tung Nguyen , Soe Khin , Kandasamy Kathiresan , Asakawa Takeshi , Watano Yasuyuki , Baba Shigeyuki , Kajita Tadashi
Published: December 2017

Xylocarpus granatum J. Koenig is one of the most widespread core component species of mangrove forests in the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) region, and as such is suitable for examining how genetic structure is generated across spatiotemporal scales. We evaluated the genetic structure of this species using maternally inherited chloroplast (cp) and bi-parentally inherited nuclear DNA markers, with samples collected across the species range. Both cp and nuclear DNA showed generally similar patterns, revealing three genetic groups in the Indian Ocean, South China Sea (with Palau), and Oceania, respectively. The genetic diversity of the Oceania group was significantly lower, and the level of population differentiation within the Oceania group was significantly higher, than in the South China Sea group. These results revealed that in addition to the Malay Peninsula—a common land barrier for mangroves—there is a genetic barrier in an oceanic region of the West Pacific that prevents gene flow among populations. Moreover, demographic inference suggested that these patterns were generated in relation to sea level changes during the last glacial period and the emergence of Sahul Shelf which lied northwest of Australia. We propose that the three genetic groups should be considered independent conservation units, and that the Oceania group has a higher conservation priority.
Fire-Driven Decline of Endemic Allosyncarpia Monsoon Rainforests in Northern Australia
Authors: Freeman Jeremy , Edwards Andrew , Russell-Smith Jeremy
Published: December 2017

Although contemporary fire regimes in fire-prone Australian savannas are recognised as having major impacts on an array of biodiversity and environmental values, a number of studies have observed significant monsoon rainforest expansion in recent decades. Here we assess the status of a locally extensive endemic monsoon rainforest type, dominated by Allosyncarpia ternata (Myrtaceae), restricted to sandstone terrain including in the World Heritage property, Kakadu National Park. We undertook assessments of: (1) geographic correlates of Allosyncarpia forest distribution; (2) change in canopy cover at 40 representative forest patches at topographically exposed sites with reference to a 60-year aerial photo and fine-scale image archive, and fire mapping data; and (3) structural characteristics associated with sites exhibiting stable, contracting, and increasing canopy cover. Mean canopy cover at sampled forest patches declined by 9.5% over the study period. Most canopy loss occurred at the most fire-susceptible patches. Assessment of structural characteristics at sampled sites illustrated that canopy expansion represented vegetative recovery rather than expansion de novo. The study (1) confirms the vulnerability of exposed margins of this forest type to fire incursions; (2) illustrates the magnitude of, and describes solutions for addressing, the regional conservation management challenge; and (3) serves as a reminder that, in savanna environments, severe fire regimes can substantially outweigh the woody growth-enhancing effects of other regional (e.g., increased rainfall) and global-scale (e.g., atmospheric CO2 fertilisation) drivers.
Use of Autochthonous Yeasts and Bacteria in Order to Control Brettanomyces bruxellensis in Wine
Authors: Berbegal Carmen , Garofalo Carmela , Russo Pasquale , Pati Sandra , Capozzi Vittorio , Spano Giuseppe
Published: December 2017

Biocontrol strategies for the limitation of undesired microbial developments in foods and beverages represent a keystone toward the goal of more sustainable food systems. Brettanomyces bruxellensis is a wine spoilage microorganism that produces several compounds that are detrimental for the organoleptic quality of the wine, including some classes of volatile phenols. To control the proliferation of this yeast, sulfur dioxide is commonly employed, but the efficiency of this compound depends on the B. bruxellensis strain; and it is subject to wine composition and may induce the entrance in a viable, but nonculturable state of yeasts. Moreover, it can also elicit allergic reactions in humans. In recent years, biological alternatives to sulfur dioxide such as the use of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria starter cultures as biocontrol agents are being investigated. The controlled inoculation of starter cultures allows secure, fast and complete alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, limiting the residual nutrients that B. bruxellensis utilizes to survive and grow in wine. The current study is focused on the assessment of the effect of autochthonous yeasts and bacterial strains from the Apulia Region on the development of B. bruxellensis in wine, in terms of both growth and volatile phenols’ production. The investigation evidences the positive role of indigenous mixed cultures in the control of this spoilage yeast, either co-inoculating different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae/non-Saccharomyces or co-inoculating S. cerevisiae/Oenococcus oeni. Our findings expand the existing knowledge of the application of protechnological microbial diversity and of non-Saccharomyces as a biocontrol agent in oenology. We report a further demonstration of the interest in selecting indigenous strains as a strategic tool for winemakers interested in the improvement of regional wines.
Extruded Monofilament and Multifilament Thermoplastic Stitching Yarns
Authors: McGarrigle Cormac , Rodgers Ian , McIlhagger Alistair , Harkin-Jones Eileen , Major Ian , Devine Declan , Archer Edward
Published: December 2017

Carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites offer significant improvement in overall material strength to weight, when compared with metals traditionally used in engineering. As a result, they are replacing metals where overall weight is a significant consideration, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. However, due to their laminate structure, delamination is a prime concern. Through-thickness stitching has been shown to be a relatively simple method of improving resistance to delamination. In this paper, monofilament and multifilament fibres of a similar overall diameter were characterised and their properties compared for their suitability as stitching yarns. Dissimilar to other published works which rely on commercially available materials, such as polyparaphenylene terephthalamide, criteria were produced on the required properties and two potentially promising polymers were selected for extrusion. It was found that although the multifilament fibres had a greater ultimate tensile strength, they began to yield at a lower force than their monofilament equivalent.
Comparative Analysis of Cotton Small RNAs and Their Target Genes in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Yin Zujun , Han Xiulan , Li Yan , Wang Junjuan , Wang Delong , Wang Shuai , Fu Xiaoqiong , Ye Wuwei
Published: December 2017

Small RNAs play an important role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. Depending on the method of salt application, whether sudden or gradual, plants may experience either salt shock or salt stress, respectively. In this study, small RNA expression in response to salt shock and long-term salt stress in parallel experiments was described. Cotton small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced under normal conditions, as well as sudden and gradual salt application. A total of 225 cotton microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified and of these 24 were novel miRNAs. There were 88 and 75 miRNAs with differential expression under the salt shock and long-term salt stress, respectively. Thirty one transcripts were found to be targets of 20 miRNA families. Eight targets showed a negative correlation in expression with their corresponding miRNAs. We also identified two TAS3s with two near-identical 21-nt trans-acting small interfering RNA (tasiRNA)-Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) that coaligned with the phases D7(+) and D8(+) in three Gossypium species. The miR390/tasiRNA-ARFs/ARF4 pathway was identified and showed altered expression under salt stress. The identification of these small RNAs as well as elucidating their functional significance broadens our understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation in response to salt stress.