bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulating Activity of Aronia melanocarpa Polyphenols
Authors: Ho Giang , Bräunlich Marie , Austarheim Ingvild , Wangensteen Helle , Malterud Karl , Slimestad Rune , Barsett Hilde
Published: June 2014

The immunomodulating effects of isolated proanthocyanidin-rich fractions, procyanidins C1, B5 and B2 and anthocyanins of Aronia melanocarpa were investigated. In this work, the complement-modulating activities, the inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and effects on cell viability of these polyphenols were studied. Several of the proanthocyanidin-rich fractions, the procyanidins C1, B5 and B2 and the cyanidin aglycone possessed strong complement-fixing activities. Cyanidin 3-glucoside possessed stronger activity than the other anthocyanins. Procyanidins C1, B5 and B2 and proanthocyanidin-rich fractions having an average degree of polymerization (PD) of 7 and 34 showed inhibitory activities on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. All, except for the fraction containing proanthocyanidins with PD 34, showed inhibitory effects without affecting cell viability. This study suggests that polyphenolic compounds of A. melanocarpa may have beneficial effects as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory agents.
Exceptional Use of Sex Pheromones by Parasitoids of the Genus Cotesia: Males Are Strongly Attracted to Virgin Females, but Are No Longer Attracted to or Even Repelled by Mated Females
Authors: Xu Hao , Veyrat Nathalie , Degen Thomas , Turlings Ted
Published: June 2014

Sex pheromones have rarely been studied in parasitoids, and it remains largely unknown how male and female parasitoids locate each other. We investigated possible attraction (and repellency) between the sexes of two braconid wasps belonging to the same genus, the gregarious parasitoid, Cotesia glomerata (L.), and the solitary parasitoid, Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson). Males of both species were strongly attracted to conspecific virgin females. Interestingly, in C. glomerata, the males were repelled by mated females, as well as by males of their own species. This repellency of mated females was only evident hours after mating, implying a change in pheromone composition. Males of C. marginiventris were also no longer attracted, but not repelled, by mated females. Females of both species showed no attraction to the odors of conspecific individuals, male or female, and C. glomerata females even appeared to be repelled by mated males. Moreover, the pheromones were found to be highly specific, as males were not attracted by females of the other species. Males of Cotesia glomerata even avoided the pheromones of female Cotesia marginiventris, indicating the recognition of non-conspecific pheromones. We discuss these unique responses in the context of optimal mate finding strategies in parasitoids.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mobile Devices and Weight Loss with an Intervention Content Analysis
Authors: Lyzwinski Lynnette
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Overweight and obesity constitute leading global public health challenges. Tackling overweight and obesity by influencing human behaviour is a complex task, requiring novel emerging health psychology interventions. The aims of this review will be to determine whether mobile devices induce weight loss and improvements in diet and physical activity levels when compared with standard controls without a weight loss intervention or controls allocated to non-mobile device weight loss interventions. Methods: A systematic review on mobile devices and weight loss was conducted. The inclusion criteria were all randomized controlled trials with baseline and post-intervention weight measures in adult subjects >18 years of age without pre-specified co-morbidities. Mobile device specifications included modern, portable devices in the form of smartphones, PDAs, iPods, and Mp3 players. Cohen’s d for standardized differences in mean weight loss was calculated. A random effects meta-analysis was generated using Comprehensive meta-analysis software. Theories and intervention content were coded and analysed. Results: A total of 17 studies were identified, of which 12 were primary trials and 5 were secondary analyses. The meta-analysis generated a medium significant effect size of 0.430 (95% CI 0.252–0.609) (p-value ≤ 0.01), favouring mobile interventions. Throughout the systematic review, mobile devices were found to induce weight loss relative to baseline weight. When comparing them with standard no intervention controls as well as controls receiving non-mobile weight loss interventions, results favoured mobile devices for weight loss. Reductions in Body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage body fat were also found in the review. Improvements in the determinants of weight loss in the form of improved dietary intake and physical activity levels were also found. Theory appears to largely inform intervention design, with the most common theories being Social Cognitive Theory, Elaboration Likelihood Theory, Control Theory, and Goal Theory. The use of behavioural change techniques was widespread across the studies, with a minimum of five per intervention. Conclusion: Mobile devices appear to induce positive changes in the behavioural determinants of weight and subsequently are associated with weight loss. Mobile device interventions are heavily informed by theory and behaviour change techniques. The use of theory appears to effectively enhance levels of constructs targeted by interventions.
The Fall and Rise Again of Plantations in Tropical Asia: History Repeated?
Authors: Byerlee Derek
Published: June 2014

The type of agrarian structure employed to produce tropical commodities affects many dimensions of land use, such as ownership inequality, overlapping land rights and conflicts, and land use changes. I conduct a literature review of historical changes in agrarian structures of commodities grown on the upland frontier of mainland Southeast and South Asia, using a case study approach, of tea, rubber, oil palm and cassava. Although the production of all these commodities was initiated in the colonial period on large plantations, over the course of the 20th century, most transited to smallholder systems. Two groups of factors are posited to explain this evolution. First, economic fundamentals related to processing methods and pioneering costs and risks sometimes favored large-scale plantations. Second, policy biases and development paradigms often strongly favored plantations and discriminated against smallholders in the colonial states, especially provision of cheap land and labor. However, beginning after World War I and accelerating after independence, the factors that propped up plantations changed so that by the end of the 20th century, smallholders overwhelmingly dominated perennial crop exports, except possibly oil palm. Surprisingly, in the 21st century there has been a resurgence of investments in plantation agriculture in the frontier countries of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, driven by very similar factors to a century ago, especially access to cheap land combined with high commodity prices. As in the last century, this may be a temporary aberration from the long-run trend toward smallholders, but much depends on local political economy.
Oleosome-Associated Protein of the Oleaginous Diatom Fistulifera solaris Contains an Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeting Signal Sequence
Authors: Maeda Yoshiaki , Sunaga Yoshihiko , Yoshino Tomoko , Tanaka Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2014

Microalgae tend to accumulate lipids as an energy storage material in the specific organelle, oleosomes. Current studies have demonstrated that lipids derived from microalgal oleosomes are a promising source of biofuels, while the oleosome formation mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Oleosome-associated proteins have been identified from several microalgae to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of oleosome formation, although understanding their functions is still in infancy. Recently, we discovered a diatom-oleosome-associated-protein 1 (DOAP1) from the oleaginous diatom, Fistulifera solaris JPCC DA0580. The DOAP1 sequence implied that this protein might be transported into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) due to the signal sequence. To ensure this, we fused the signal sequence to green fluorescence protein. The fusion protein distributed around the chloroplast as like a meshwork membrane structure, indicating the ER localization. This result suggests that DOAP1 could firstly localize at the ER, then move to the oleosomes. This study also demonstrated that the DOAP1 signal sequence allowed recombinant proteins to be specifically expressed in the ER of the oleaginous diatom. It would be a useful technique for engineering the lipid synthesis pathways existing in the ER, and finally controlling the biofuel quality.
Inactivation of Heparin by Cationically Modified Chitosan
Authors: Lorkowska-Zawicka Barbara , Kamiński Kamil , Ciejka Justyna , Szczubiałka Krzysztof , Białas Magdalena , Okoń Krzysztof , Adamek Dariusz , Nowakowska Maria , Jawień Jacek , Olszanecki Rafał , Korbut Ryszard
Published: June 2014

This study was performed to evaluate the ability of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-3-tri methylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC), the cationically modified chitosan, to form biologically inactive complexes with unfractionated heparin and thereby blocking its anticoagulant activity. Experiments were carried out in rats in vivo and in vitro using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests for evaluation of heparin anticoagulant activity. For the first time we have found that HTCC effectively neutralizes anticoagulant action of heparin in rat blood in vitro as well as in rats in vivo. The effect of HTCC on suppression of heparin activity is dose-dependent and its efficacy can be comparable to that of protamine-the only agent used in clinic for heparin neutralization. HTCC administered i.v. alone had no direct effect on any of the coagulation tests used. The potential adverse effects of HTCC were further explored using rat experimental model of acute toxicity. When administered i.p. at high doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight), HTCC induced some significant dose-dependent structural abnormalities in the liver. However, when HTCC was administered at low doses, comparable to those used for neutralization of anticoagulant effect of heparin, no histopathological abnormalities in liver were observed.
Indole Diterpenoids and Isocoumarin from the Fungus, Aspergillus flavus, Isolated from the Prawn, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Sun Kunlai , Li Ye , Guo Lei , Wang Yi , Liu Peipei , Zhu Weiming
Published: June 2014

Two new indole-diterpenoids (1 and 2) and a new isocoumarin (3), along with the known β-aflatrem (4), paspalinine (5), leporin B (6), α-cyclopiazonic acid (7), iso-α-cyclopiazonic acid (8), ditryptophenaline (9), aflatoxin B1 (10), 7-O-acetylkojic acid (11) and kojic acid (12), were isolated from the fermentation broth of the marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus flavus OUCMDZ-2205. The structures of Compounds 1–12 were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, quantum ECD calculations and the chemical method. New Compound 1 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 20.5 μM. Both new Compounds 1 and 2 could arrest the A549 cell cycle in the S phase at a concentration of 10 μM. Compound 1 showed PKC-beta inhibition with an IC50 value of 15.6 μM. In addition, the absolute configurations of the known compounds, 4–6 and leporin A (6a), were also determined for the first time.
Comparison of Cultivars and Seasonal Variation in Blueberry (Vaccinium Species) Leaf Extract on Adult T-Cell Leukemia Cell Line Growth Suppression
Authors: Kai Hisahiro , Fuse Takuichi , Kunitake Hisato , Morishita Kazuhiro , Matsuno Koji
Published: June 2014

The inhibitory effects of blueberry leaves on the proliferation of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cell lines have previously been reported. A comparison of blueberry leaf extracts from different cultivars and seasonal variation were investigated regarding their effects on ATL cell line proliferation. The inhibitory effects of 80% ethanol leaf extracts from different blueberry cultivars collected from April to December in 2006 or 2008 were evaluated using two ATL cell lines. The bioactivities of leaf extracts of rabbit-eye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton; RB species), southern highbush blueberry (V. spp.; SB species), northern highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum L.; NB species), and wild blueberry (V. bracteatum Thunb.; WB species) were compared. Of these, leaves of the RB species collected in December showed a significantly stronger inhibitory effect in both cell lines than the SB, NB, or WB species. These results suggest elevated biosynthesis of ATL-preventative bioactive compounds in the leaves of the RB species before the defoliation season.
Effect of Cu, Zn, and Mg Concentration on Heat Treating Behavior of Squeeze Cast Al-(10 to 12)Zn-(3.0 to 3.4)Mg-(0.8 to 1)Cu
Authors: Ferguson J.B. , Schultz Benjamin , Mantas John , Shokouhi Hassan , Rohatgi Pradeep
Published: June 2014

Aluminum Alloy AA-7034 is a high strength wrought alloy with reasonable ductility containing 10–12 wt% Zn, 2–3 wt% Mg, and 0.8–1.2 wt% Cu. This work investigates the effect of varying the concentration of Zn (10–12 wt%) and Cu (0.8–1 wt%) on the solutionizing and aging behavior of squeeze cast AA-7034 samples. The same behaviors were investigated when Mg content was increased beyond 3 wt%. The solutionizing heat treatment dissolved much of the macroscopic second phases present in the as-cast AA-7034 alloys, but a significant amount of second phases remain after solutionizing in alloys with >3 wt% Mg. The behaviors of the various Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys are compared to squeeze cast Al-A206 casting alloy heat-treated to the T7 condition. All Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys obtained higher hardness values than those obtained by Al-A206-T7.
NblA1/A2-Dependent Homeostasis of Amino Acid Pools during Nitrogen Starvation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Kiyota Hiroshi , Hirai Masami , Ikeuchi Masahiko
Published: June 2014

Nutrient balance is important for photosynthetic growth and biomass production in microalgae. Here, we investigated and compared metabolic responses of amino acid pools to nitrogen and sulfur starvation in a unicellular model cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and its mutant nblA1/A2. It is known that NblA1/A2-dependent and -independent breakdown of abundant photosynthetic phycobiliproteins and other cellular proteins supply nutrients to the organism. However, the contribution of the NblA1/A2-dependent nutrient supply to amino acid pool homeostasis has not been studied. Our study demonstrates that changes in the pool size of many amino acids during nitrogen starvation can be categorized as NblA1/A2-dependent (Gln, Glu, glutathione, Gly, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Tyr and Val) and NblA1/A2-independent (Ala, Asn, Lys, and Trp). We also report unique changes in amino acid pool sizes during sulfur starvation in wild type and the mutant and found a generally marked increase in the Lys pool in cyanobacteria during nutrient starvation. In conclusion, the NblA1/A2-dependent protein turnover contributes to the maintenance of many amino acid pools during nitrogen starvation.
Bioactive Profiles, Antioxidant Activities, Nitrite Scavenging Capacities and Protective Effects on H2O2-Injured PC12 Cells of Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. Leaf and Root Extracts
Authors: Dong Yi , Zhao Mouming , Zhao Tiantian , Feng Mengying , Chen Huiping , Zhuang Mingzhu , Lin Lianzhu
Published: June 2014

This study compared the total flavonoid content of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. leaf and root extracts. Results suggested that the total flavonoid content in the leaf extract was obviously higher than that in the root extract. Pinocembrin, the main compound in the leaf extract after purification by column chromatography, showed good antioxidant activity and nitrite scavenging capacity, but moderate inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase. Liquiritin was the main compound in root extract and possessed strong inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase. Both compounds exhibited significant protection effect on H2O2-injured PC12 cells at a low concentration. These results indicate that Glycyrrhiza glabra L. leaf is potential as an important raw material for functional food.
Red Card for Pathogens: Phytoalexins in Sorghum and Maize
Authors: Poloni Alana , Schirawski Jan
Published: June 2014

Cereal crop plants such as maize and sorghum are constantly being attacked by a great variety of pathogens that cause large economic losses. Plants protect themselves against pathogens by synthesizing antimicrobial compounds, which include phytoalexins. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on phytoalexins produced by sorghum (luteolinidin, apigeninidin) and maize (zealexin, kauralexin, DIMBOA and HDMBOA). For these molecules, we highlight biosynthetic pathways, known intermediates, proposed enzymes, and mechanisms of elicitation. Finally, we discuss the involvement of phytoalexins in plant resistance and their possible application in technology, medicine and agriculture. For those whose world is round we tried to set the scene in the context of a hypothetical football game in which pathogens fight with phytoalexins on the different playing fields provided by maize and sorghum.
Investigation of the Flexibility of Protein Kinases Implicated in the Pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mazanetz Michael , Laughton Charles , Fischer Peter
Published: June 2014

The pathological characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) have been linked to the activity of three particular kinases—Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β), Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) and Extracellular-signal Regulated Kinase 2 (ERK2). As a consequence, the design of selective, potent and drug-like inhibitors of these kinases is of particular interest. Structure-based design methods are well-established in the development of kinase inhibitors. However, progress in this field is limited by the difficulty in obtaining X-ray crystal structures suitable for drug design and by the inability of this method to resolve highly flexible regions of the protein that are crucial for ligand binding. To address this issue, we have undertaken a study of human protein kinases CDK5/p25, CDK5, ERK2 and GSK3β using both conventional molecular dynamics (MD) and the new Active Site Pressurisation (ASP) methodology, to look for kinase-specific patterns of flexibility that could be leveraged for the design of selective inhibitors. ASP was used to examine the intrinsic flexibility of the ATP-binding pocket for CDK5/p25, CDK5 and GSK3β where it is shown to be capable of inducing significant conformational changes when compared with X-ray crystal structures. The results from these experiments were used to quantify the dynamics of each protein, which supported the observations made from the conventional MD simulations. Additional information was also derived from the ASP simulations, including the shape of the ATP-binding site and the rigidity of the ATP-binding pocket. These observations may be exploited in the design of selective inhibitors of GSK3β, CDK5 and ERK2.
Land-Use Mapping in a Mixed Urban-Agricultural Arid Landscape Using Object-Based Image Analysis: A Case Study from Maricopa, Arizona
Authors: Galletti Christopher , Myint Soe
Published: June 2014

Land-use mapping is critical for global change research. In Central Arizona, U.S.A., the spatial distribution of land use is important for sustainable land management decisions. The objective of this study was to create a land-use map that serves as a model for the city of Maricopa, an expanding urban region in the Sun Corridor of Arizona. We use object-based image analysis to map six land-use types from ASTER imagery, and then compare this with two per-pixel classifications. Our results show that a single segmentation, combined with intermediary classifications and merging, morphing, and growing image-objects, can lead to an accurate land-use map that is capable of utilizing both spatial and spectral information. We also employ a moving-window diversity assessment to help with analysis and improve post-classification modifications.
A Python-Based Open Source System for Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) Utilizing Raster Attribute Tables
Authors: Clewley Daniel , Bunting Peter , Shepherd James , Gillingham Sam , Flood Neil , Dymond John , Lucas Richard , Armston John , Moghaddam Mahta
Published: June 2014

A modular system for performing Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA), using entirely open source (General Public License compatible) software, is presented based around representing objects as raster clumps and storing attributes as a raster attribute table (RAT). The system utilizes a number of libraries, developed by the authors: The Remote Sensing and GIS Library (RSGISLib), the Raster I/O Simplification (RIOS) Python Library, the KEA image format and TuiView image viewer. All libraries are accessed through Python, providing a common interface on which to build processing chains. Three examples are presented, to demonstrate the capabilities of the system: (1) classification of mangrove extent and change in French Guiana; (2) a generic scheme for the classification of the UN-FAO land cover classification system (LCCS) and their subsequent translation to habitat categories; and (3) a national-scale segmentation for Australia. The system presented provides similar functionality to existing GEOBIA packages, but is more flexible, due to its modular environment, capable of handling complex classification processes and applying them to larger datasets.
Analysis and Optimization of Spiral Circular Inductive Coupling Link for Bio-Implanted Applications on Air and within Human Tissue
Authors: Mutashar Saad , Hannan Mahammad , Samad Salina , Hussain Aini
Published: June 2014

The use of wireless communication using inductive links to transfer data and power to implantable microsystems to stimulate and monitor nerves and muscles is increasing. This paper deals with the development of the theoretical analysis and optimization of an inductive link based on coupling and on spiral circular coil geometry. The coil dimensions offer 22 mm of mutual distance in air. However, at 6 mm of distance, the coils offer a power transmission efficiency of 80% in the optimum case and 73% in the worst case via low input impedance, whereas, transmission efficiency is 45% and 32%, respectively, via high input impedance. The simulations were performed in air and with two types of simulated human biological tissues such as dry and wet-skin using a depth of 6 mm. The performance results expound that the combined magnitude of the electric field components surrounding the external coil is approximately 98% of that in air, and for an internal coil, it is approximately 50%, respectively. It can be seen that the gain surrounding coils is almost constant and confirms the omnidirectional pattern associated with such loop antennas which reduces the effect of non-alignment between the two coils. The results also show that the specific absorption rate (SAR) and power loss within the tissue are lower than that of the standard level. Thus, the tissue will not be damaged anymore.
A Proposal for Automatic Fruit Harvesting by Combining a Low Cost Stereovision Camera and a Robotic Arm
Authors: Font Davinia , Pallejà Tomàs , Tresanchez Marcel , Runcan David , Moreno Javier , Martínez Dani , Teixidó Mercè , Palacín Jordi
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes the development of an automatic fruit harvesting system by combining a low cost stereovision camera and a robotic arm placed in the gripper tool. The stereovision camera is used to estimate the size, distance and position of the fruits whereas the robotic arm is used to mechanically pickup the fruits. The low cost stereovision system has been tested in laboratory conditions with a reference small object, an apple and a pear at 10 different intermediate distances from the camera. The average distance error was from 4% to 5%, and the average diameter error was up to 30% in the case of a small object and in a range from 2% to 6% in the case of a pear and an apple. The stereovision system has been attached to the gripper tool in order to obtain relative distance, orientation and size of the fruit. The harvesting stage requires the initial fruit location, the computation of the inverse kinematics of the robotic arm in order to place the gripper tool in front of the fruit, and a final pickup approach by iteratively adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of the gripper tool in a closed visual loop. The complete system has been tested in controlled laboratory conditions with uniform illumination applied to the fruits. As a future work, this system will be tested and improved in conventional outdoor farming conditions.
Pseudomonas cremoricolorata Strain ND07 Produces N-acyl Homoserine Lactones as Quorum Sensing Molecules
Authors: Yunos Nina , Tan Wen-Si , Koh Chong-Lek , Sam Choon-Kook , Mohamad Nur , Tan Pui-Wan , Adrian Tan-Guan-Sheng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: June 2014

Quorum sensing (QS) is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication system controlling QS-mediated genes which is synchronized with the population density. The regulation of specific gene activity is dependent on the signaling molecules produced, namely N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). We report here the identification and characterization of AHLs produced by bacterial strain ND07 isolated from a Malaysian fresh water sample. Molecular identification showed that strain ND07 is clustered closely to Pseudomonas cremoricolorata. Spent culture supernatant extract of P. cremoricolorata strain ND07 activated the AHL biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Using high resolution triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, it was confirmed that P. cremoricolorata strain ND07 produced N-octanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL) and N-decanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation on the production of C10-HSL in P. cremoricolorata strain ND07.
Who Sits Where? Infrastructure-Free In-Vehicle Cooperative Positioning via Smartphones
Authors: He Zongjian , Cao Jiannong , Liu Xuefeng , Tang Shaojie
Published: June 2014

Seat-level positioning of a smartphone in a vehicle can provide a fine-grained context for many interesting in-vehicle applications, including driver distraction prevention, driving behavior estimation, in-vehicle services customization, etc. However, most of the existing work on in-vehicle positioning relies on special infrastructures, such as the stereo, cigarette lighter adapter or OBD (on-board diagnostic) adapter. In this work, we propose iLoc, an infrastructure-free, in-vehicle, cooperative positioning system via smartphones. iLoc does not require any extra devices and uses only embedded sensors in smartphones to determine the phones’ seat-level locations in a car. In iLoc, in-vehicle smartphones automatically collect data during certain kinds of events and cooperatively determine the relative left/right and front/back locations. In addition, iLoc is tolerant to noisy data and possible sensor errors. We evaluate the performance of iLoc using experiments conducted in real driving scenarios. Results show that the positioning accuracy can reach 90% in the majority of cases and around 70% even in the worst-cases.
How Do Contractors Select Suppliers for Greener Construction Projects? The Case of Three Swedish Companies
Authors: Mokhlesian Shahin
Published: June 2014

There are many studies of contractor selection based on clients and the selection of suppliers by contractors. However, supplier selection specifically related to green construction projects has been much less studied. Green construction differs from conventional construction because of differences in its underlying principles and use of environmentally-friendly materials and technologies. This paper studies how procurers in contractor companies in Sweden adopt green projects and how contractor perception of supplier mastery of green knowledge affects supplier selection. The investigation is based on a set of semi-structured interviews conducted among three large contractors in Sweden. A main finding is that the perceived differences between green and conventional projects do not change supplier selection dramatically. An implication is that “greener projects” is a more appropriate denotation than “green project”. Evidence shows that suppliers’ green knowledge is an important factor in supplier selection, as respondents rated suppliers’ knowledge of green projects as very important, and to fix his, there was a consensus among respondents about the need for close collaboration between contractors and suppliers. To ensure knowledge acquisition from suppliers and to increase their competitive advantage over rivals, contractors collaborate with their suppliers in a partnering setting. It is anticipated that the results of this study will be used to fill the gap in the literature on supplier selection in green projects and can also be used for construction firms contemplating getting involved in green projects.
Multichromophoric sugar for fluorescence photoswitching
Authors: Maisonneuve Stéphane , Métivier Rémi , Yu Pei , Nakatani Keitaro , Xie Juan
Published: June 2014

A multichromophoric glucopyranoside 2 bearing three dicyanomethylenepyran (DCM) fluorophores and one diarylethene (DAE) photochrome has been prepared by Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction. The fluorescence of 2 was switched off upon UV irradiation, in proportion with the open to closed form (OF to CF) conversion extent of the DAE moiety. A nearly 100% Förster-type resonance energy transfer (FRET) from all three DCM moieties to a single DAE (in its CF) moiety was achieved. Upon visible irradiation, the initial fluorescence intensity was recovered. The observed photoswiching is reversible, with excellent photo resistance.
ASSESSING THE LOGISTICS EFFICIENCY OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES BY USING THE DEA-PC METHODOLOGY
Authors: Markovits-Somogyi Rita , Bokor Zoltán
Published: June 2014

Data envelopment analysis is a non-parametric linear programming method widely used for the efficiency evaluation of decision making units active in the transport sector. However, it is seldom applied for the efficiency assessment of logistics efficiency at a macro level. The article presents such an example which is at the same time the very first application of a lately developed methodology where data envelopment analysis is combined with analytic hierarchy process to yield an appropriate tool for efficiency evaluation with full ranking. The logistics efficiency of 29 European countries is tested with the new DEA-PC (pairwise comparison) methodology while it is also compared with the results gained with the original DEA method. Furthermore, the outcomes are also evaluated in light of the ‘Logistics quality and competence’ index of the Logistics Performance Indicator (LPI), a major international survey into the logistics competence of countries. Thus, the results of traditional DEA and DEA-PC are both weighted against survey data which is also a novelty in the logistics sector
STUDY ON THE OPTIMIZATION OF VMS LOCATION BASED ON DRIVERS’ GUIDANCE COMPLIANCE BEHAVIORS
Authors: Zhong Shiquan , Zhou Lizhen , Ma Shoufeng , Wang Xuelian , Jia Ning
Published: June 2014

Traffic guidance compliance behavior is influenced by many factors. The present study investigates the effect of Variable Message Sign (VMS) location on guidance compliance behaviors of drivers. Based on the State, Operator, and Result (SOAR) cognitive architecture, a SOAR agent framework of drivers’ traffic guidance compliance behavior is developed. The formation mechanism and the changes in the law of traffic guidance compliance behaviors of drivers, as well as the key factors of VMS location that affect drivers’ compliance behaviors are studied. These factors include the visual perception of drivers, memory representation, decision cycle, and learning mechanisms. Finally, traffic guidance compliance behavior based on the SOAR cognitive architecture is simulated multiple times to verify the effectiveness of different VMS locations. The simulation results show that setting the VMS a bit further away from the downstream intersection achieves better guidance effect.
BOOK ‘OPTIMAL AND ROBUST SCHEDULING FOR NETWORKED CONTROL SYSTEMS’ REVIEW
Authors: Wang Yonggang
Published: June 2014

"Book ‘Optimal and robust scheduling for networked control systems’ review" Transport, 29(2), pp. 231-232
Pediatric Hospitalists and Medical Education
Authors: Ottolini Mary C.
Published: June 2014

Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) is moving toward becoming an American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) subspecialty, roughly a decade after its formal inception in 2003. Education has played a central role as the field has evolved. Hospitalists are needed to educate trainees, medical students, residents, fellows, and nurse practitioner and physician assistant students in inpatient pediatric practice. Continuous professional development is needed for hospitalists currently in practice to augment clinical skills, such as providing sedation and placing peripherally inserted central catheter lines, and nonclinical skills in areas such as quality improvement methodology, hospital administration, and health service research. To address the educational needs of the current and future state of PHM, additional training is now needed beyond residency training. Fellowship training will be essential to continue to advance the field of PHM as well as to petition the ABP for specialty accreditation.

Training in using adult educational theory, curriculum, and assessment design are critical for pediatric hospitalists choosing to advance their careers as clinician-educators. Several venues are available for gaining advanced knowledge and skill as an educator. PHM clinician-educators are advancing the field of pediatric education as well as their own academic careers by virtue of the scholarly approach they have taken to designing and implementing curricula for unique PHM teaching situations. PHM educators are changing the educational paradigm to address challenges to traditional education strategies posed by duty hour restrictions and the increasing drive to shorten the duration of the hospitalization. By embracing learning with technology, such as simulation and e-learning with mobile devices, PHM educators can address these challenges as well as respond to learning preferences of millennial learners. The future for PHM education is bright.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2014;43(7):e151–e156.]
The Theory of Compromised Eating Behavior
Authors: Furman Ellen
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this inquiry was to develop substantive theory that describes the social process that influences the eating behavior of hospitalized older adults. Undernutrition contributes to negative health outcomes, such as increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized older adults. Despite the availability of vast nutritional resources within the hospital environment, hospitalized older adults often have inadequate dietary intake. A grounded theory methodology was used to explore this phenomenon. The Theory of Compromised Eating Behavior describes the process of compromise that older adults experience related to eating behavior while hospitalized. The theory has four stages: self-indication, joint action, negotiation, and action. The meaning of hospital food and mealtimes differs from at-home food and mealtimes for the older adult, resulting in compromise. Intervention, which enhances the meaning of food and mealtimes for the older adult during hospitalization, may improve dietary intake and nutritional outcomes.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2014; 7(2):78–86.]
Turismo negro. Los efectos de la motivación y las actitudes medioambientales en los beneficios de la experiencia
Authors: Chang Te-Yi
Published: June 2014

El objetivo de este estudio consiste en discutir el modelo de experiencia de los visitantes que participan en actividades de turismo negro. Como objeto de estudio se han seleccionado las ruinas del pueblo de Hsiaolin, Taiwán, destruido en 2009 por un tifón. Se realizaron entrevistas mediante cuestionario a 341 visitantes del Hsiaolin Village Memorial Park. Para comprobar la relación causal entre las motivaciones de los visitantes que realizan actividades de turismo negro, sus actitudes medioambientales y los beneficios de la experiencia en la ruinas de turismo negro se han empleado modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). En este estudio los beneficios de la experiencia de turismo negro se dividen en beneficios sociales, de aprendizaje y de alivio de la tensión psicológica. Los resultados empíricos muestran que una mayor motivación hacia el turismo negro puede mejorar las actitudes medioambientales hacia las ruinas negras y afectar en mayor medida a los beneficios de la experiencia. Además, una mayor motivación hacia el turismo negro puede influir directamente en los beneficios psicológicos de la experiencia, tales como el alivio emocional y de la tensión. Los efectos directos sobre el aprendizaje y los beneficios sociales no son tan contundentes allí donde los beneficios de la experiencia se ven afectados por la percepción emocional de las actitudes medioambientales. En otras palabras, las actitudes medioambientales tienen efectos mediadores parciales. Los resultados de la investigación proporcionan información útil para la planificación de las ruinas de turismo negro y el desarrollo de actividades turísticas.
Applications of Data Mining in Software Development Life Cycle
Authors: Dahiya Naveen , Bhatnagar Vishal , Singh Manjeet , Sangwan Neeti
Published: June 2014

Data mining has proven to be an important technique in terms of efficient information extraction, classification, clustering, and prediction of future trends from a database. The valuable properties of data mining have been put to use in many applications. One such application is Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), where effective use of data mining techniques has been made by researchers. An exhaustive survey on application of data mining in SDLC has not been done in the past. In this chapter, the authors carry out an in-depth survey of existing literature focused towards application of data mining in SDLC and propose a framework that will classify the work done by various researchers in identification of prominent data mining techniques used in various phases of SDLC and pave the way for future research in the emerging area of data mining in SDLC.
Rules Extraction using Data Mining in Historical Data
Authors: Kumar Manish , Srivastava Shashank
Published: June 2014

Rules are the smallest building blocks of data mining that produce the evidence for expected outcomes. Many organizations like weather forecasting, production and sales, satellite communications, banks, etc. have adopted this mode of technological understanding not for the enhanced productivity but to attain stability by analyzing past records and preparing a rule-based strategy for the future. Rules may be extracted in different ways depending on the requirements and the dataset from that has to be extracted. This chapter covers various methodologies for extracting such rules. It presents the impact of rule extraction for the predictive analysis in decision making.
Robust Statistical Methods for Rapid Data Labelling
Authors: Godwin Jamie , Matthews Peter
Published: June 2014

Labelling of data is an expensive, labour-intensive, and time consuming process and, as such, results in vast quantities of data being unexploited when performing analysis through data mining. This chapter presents a new paradigm using robust multivariate statistical methods to encapsulate normal operational behaviour—not failure behaviour—to autonomously derive unsupervised classifier labels for previously collected data in a rapid, cost-effective manner. This enables traditional machine learning to take place on a much richer dataset. Two case studies are presented in the mechanical engineering domain, namely, a wind turbine gearbox and a rolling element bearing. A statistically sound and robust methodology is contributed, allowing for rapid labelling of data to enable traditional data mining techniques. Model development is detailed, along with a comparative evaluation of the metrics. Robust derivatives are presented and their superiority is shown. Example “R” code is given in the appendix, allowing readers to employ the techniques discussed. High levels of agreement between the derived statistical approaches and the underlying condition of the components can be found, showing the practical nature and benefit of this approach.
Rule Optimization of Web-Logs Data Using Evolutionary Technique
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kumar Sumit
Published: June 2014

Web usage mining can extract useful information from Weblogs to discover user access patterns of Web pages. Web usage mining itself can be classified further depending on the kind of usage data. This may consider Web server data, application server data, or application level data. Web server data corresponds to the user logs that are collected at Web servers. Some of the typical data collected at Web server are the URL requested, the IP address from which the request originated, and timestamp. Weblog data is required to be cleaned, condensed, and transformed in order to retrieve and analyze significant and useful information. This chapter analyzes access frequent patterns by applying the FP-growth algorithm, which is further optimized by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and fuzzy logic.
Implementation of Mining Techniques to Enhance Discovery in Service-Oriented Computing
Authors: Surianarayanan Chellammal , Ganapathy Gopinath
Published: June 2014

Web services have become the de facto platform for developing enterprise applications using existing interoperable and reusable services that are accessible over networks. Development of any service-based application involves the process of discovering and combining one or more required services (i.e. service discovery) from the available services, which are quite large in number. With the availability of several services, manually discovering required services becomes impractical and time consuming. In applications having composition or dynamic needs, manual discovery even prohibits the usage of services itself. Therefore, effective techniques which extract relevant services from huge service repositories in relatively short intervals of time are crucial. Discovery of service usage patterns and associations/relationships among atomic services would facilitate efficient service composition. Further, with availability of several services, it is more likely to find many matched services for a given query, and hence, efficient methods are required to present the results in useful form to enable the client to choose the best one. Data mining provides well known exploratory techniques to extract relevant and useful information from huge data repositories. In this chapter, an overview of various issues of service discovery and composition and how they can be resolved using data mining methods are presented. Various research works that employ data mining methods for discovery and composition are reviewed and classified. A case study is presented that serves as a proof of concept for how data mining techniques can enhance semantic service discovery.
Overview of Business Intelligence through Data Mining
Authors: Alazemi Abdulrahman R. , Alazemi Abdulaziz R.
Published: June 2014

The advent of information technologies brought with it the availability of huge amounts of data to be utilized by enterprises. Data mining technologies are used to search vast amounts of data for vital insight regarding business. Data mining is used to acquire business intelligence and to acquire hidden knowledge in large databases or the Internet. Business intelligence can find hidden relations, predict future outcomes, and speculate and allocate resources. This uncovered knowledge helps in gaining competitive advantages, better customer relationships, and even fraud detection. In this chapter, the authors describe how data mining is used to achieve business intelligence. Furthermore, they look into some of the challenges in achieving business intelligence.
Population-Based Feature Selection for Biomedical Data Classification
Authors: Mousavirad Seyed Jalaleddin , Ebrahimpour-Komleh Hossein
Published: June 2014

Classification of biomedical data plays a significant role in prediction and diagnosis of disease. The existence of redundant and irrelevant features is one of the major problems in biomedical data classification. Excluding these features can improve the performance of classification algorithm. Feature selection is the problem of selecting a subset of features without reducing the accuracy of the original set of features. These algorithms are divided into three categories: wrapper, filter, and embedded methods. Wrapper methods use the learning algorithm for selection of features while filter methods use statistical characteristics of data. In the embedded methods, feature selection process combines with the learning process. Population-based metaheuristics can be applied for wrapper feature selection. In these algorithms, a population of candidate solutions is created. Then, they try to improve the objective function using some operators. This chapter presents the application of population-based feature selection to deal with issues of high dimensionality in the biomedical data classification. The result shows that population-based feature selection has presented acceptable performance in biomedical data classification.
Study on the Secondary Interface in Microstructure of the Superfine Sand Concrete
Authors: Mi Yong Ning , Shao Xin , Zhao Jin Ting , Wang Zhen Guo , Yue Chuan
Published: June 2014

The superfine sand concrete application in our country has a history of more than half a century. Although we have a certain understanding about the superfine sand concrete, there are few studies of superfine sand concrete interface. This experiment made up different water-cement ratio superfine sand concrete, and used scanning electron microscope to observe the secondary interface structure, the product of interface C-S-H gel had been carried on by the energy spectrum analysis. Results show that the secondary interface microstructure of the low water-cement ratio concrete is denser than high water cement ratio, and also have certain effects on macroscopic compressive strength; C-S-H gel calcium silicon ratio in the secondary interface is between 1.5 and 2.1.
Parameter Design and Analysis on Axial Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Using in Magnetic Suspension Flywheel
Authors: Zeng Run Zhang , Zhu Huang Qiu
Published: June 2014

Magnetic suspension flywheel system is the actuator of spacecraft in high accurate position control, which requires the employed magnetic bearing possessing advantages of compact structure, small volume, light weight, low power loss, high efficiency and so on. A novel axial hybrid magnetic bearing in magnetic suspension flywheel is proposed, and the bias magnetic flux is provided with a permanent magnet ring. The cost and total volume of this structure can be reduced, which is especially suitable for magnetic suspension flywheel system. The structure and working principle of the axial magnetic bearing are explained, the mathematical expressions of the maximum bearing capacity are obtained, the detailed process of parameter design is presented, and the flux and maximum bearing capacity of the hybrid magnetic bearing are analyzed by using finite element analysis software. The analysis results validate the correctness of parameter design on the axial hybrid magnetic bearing.