bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gout as a Risk Factor for Dry Eye Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Chia-Yi , Chen Hung-Chi , Sun Chi-Chin , Lin Hung-Yu , Lu Ko-Hsiu , Huang Jing-Yang , Yeh Chao-Bin , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: January 2019

This study evaluated the effect of gout on the risk of dry eye disease (DED) by using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Data for 30,192 gout patients (21,081 men and 9111 women) and 30,192 non-gout patients (21,005 men and 9187 women) were analyzed. Approximately 1 million patients were randomly sampled from the NHIRD registry. After applying exclusion criteria, patients diagnosed with gout were enrolled in the study group. Thereafter, each individual in the study group underwent the matching process via the propensity score with another non-gout individual, which constituted the control group. The main outcome was defined as the development of DED in accordance with the corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. In addition to DED, other risk factors including age, sex, and urbanization, and several co-morbidities were included in the multivariate model. The incidence of DED with the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and cumulative probability were evaluated in the gout and non-gout patients. A total of 2913 DED events were observed in the study group, whereas 2631 DED events were observed in the control group. A higher incidence rate ratio was found in the study group after adjustment (aHR: 1.065). Moreover, the cumulative probability indicated a significantly increased risk of DED in the study group (p = 0.001). The other potential risk factors of DED according to the multivariate analysis include older age, female gender, higher degree of urbanization, keratopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, rheumatic disease, peptic ulcer disease, liver disease, and malignancy. In conclusion, gout increased the risk of DED after adjustment, and the risk is positively correlated to a longer disease period.
Non-Invasive Assessment Method Using Thoracic-Abdominal Profile Image Acquisition and Mathematical Modeling with Bezier Curves
Authors: Purcaru Monica Ana Paraschiva , Repanovici Angela , Nedeloiu Tiberiu
Published: January 2019

The study was performed at Brasov County Hospital, in the Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Gastroenterology and Cardiology Wards with the collaboration of Transylvania University of Brasov, as a study approved by the Ethical Board of the university. The study aimed at assessing the connection between the anthropometric parameters of abdominal adiposity (measured by means of an original experiment designed to determine the curvature of the thoracic-abdominal adiposity for the patients and processed by help of a mathematical model based upon Bezier curves geometry) and the fat load of the liver (assessed by ultrasound by measuring the diameters of both hepatic lobes) for the patients diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The existence of ten types of thoracic-abdominal curves profiles were statistically analyzed in order to evaluate in a simple manner the liver size in NAFLD. The method of diagnosis is based on an easily reproduced experiment, it is original, innovative, non-invasive, and cost-effective. Can be implemented anywhere in the world, there is no need for investment, only for determining the profile of the belly.
Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Kaewput Wisit , Thamcharoen Natanong , Bathini Tarun , Watthanasuntorn Kanramon , Salim Sohail Abdul , Ungprasert Patompong , Lertjitbanjong Ploypin , Aeddula Narothama Reddy , Torres-Ortiz Aldo , Mao Michael A. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: January 2019

Background: The number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) performed across the world is growing rapidly. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing THA. Methods: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception until July 2018 to identify studies assessing the incidence of AKI (using standard AKI definitions of RIFLE, AKIN, and KDIGO classifications) in patients undergoing THA. We applied a random-effects model to estimate the incidence of AKI. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42018101928). Results: Seventeen cohort studies with a total of 24,158 patients undergoing THA were enrolled. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence rates of AKI and severe AKI requiring dialysis following THA were 6.3% (95% CI: 3.8%–10.2%) and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1%–2.3%). Subgroup analysis based on the countries by continent was performed and demonstrated the pooled estimated incidence of AKI following THA of 9.2% (95% CI: 5.6%–14.8%) in Asia, 8.1% (95% CI: 4.9%–13.2%) in Australia, 7.4% (95% CI: 3.2%–16.3%) in Europe, and 2.8% (95% CI: 1.2%–17.0%) in North America. Meta-regression of all included studies showed significant negative correlation between incidence of AKI following THA and study year (slope = −0.37, p <0.001). There was no publication bias as assessed by the funnel plot and Egger’s regression asymmetry test with p = 0.13 for the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing THA. Conclusion: The overall estimated incidence rates of AKI and severe AKI requiring dialysis in patients undergoing THA are 6.3% and 0.5%, respectively. There has been potential improvement in AKI incidence for patients undergoing THA over time.
Effects of Water Absorption on the Fiber–Matrix Interfacial Shear Strength of Carbon Nanotube-Grafted Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide Resin
Authors: Tanaka Kazuto , Okuda Saya , Hinoue Yoshitaka , Katayama Tsutao
Published: January 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) are expected to be used for the structural parts of automobiles and aircraft due to their mechanical properties, such as high specific stiffness, high specific strength, short molding times and high recyclability. The fiber/matrix interface of the composite plays an important role in transmitting stress from the matrix to the reinforcing fibers. It was reported that grafting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the carbon fiber can improve the fiber/matrix interfacial property. We have reported that CNTs, which are directly grafted onto carbon fiber using Ni as the catalyst by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, can improve the fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon fiber/polyamide 6 (PA6). For practical use of CFRTPs, it is important to clarify the effects of water absorption on the mechanical properties of the composite material. In this study, the effects of water absorption on the fiber–matrix interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide resin and CNT-grafted carbon fiber reinforced polyamide resin were clarified by the single fiber pull-out test for specimens preserved in air, then in water for 24 h and re-dried after water absorption. The IFSS of carbon fiber/PA6 was significantly decreased by water absorption. In contrast, CNT-grafted carbon fiber/PA6 showed smaller degradation of the IFSS by water absorption.
Thermal and Flammability Characteristics of Blended Jatropha Bio-Epoxy as Matrix in Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Hafiezal Mohd Radzi Mohd , Khalina Abdan , Zurina Zainal Abidin , Azaman Md Deros Mohd , Hanafee Zin Mohd
Published: January 2019

This purpose of this paper was to reveal characteristics of a composite structure containing carbon fiber as a reinforcement and blended synthetic epoxy/bio-epoxy derived from crude jatropha oil as resin and compared with fully synthetic epoxy. The composite structure was prepared by the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding technique and was left to cure for 24 h at room temperature. Both were characterized for their thermal, chemical, and flammable characteristics. The incorporation of jatropha bio-epoxy into the matrix significantly improved the thermal stability between 288–365 °C as obtained by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) curves showed slight diminution of performances and Tg from DMA tests confirmed well with the trend of Tg obtain by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves. On the other hand, the flammability property was rated horizontal burning (HB) which was the same as the fully synthetic composite, but the duration to self-extinguish was halved for the composite with jatropha bio-epoxy. Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FT-IR/ATR) was conducted to determine the difference of functional groups’ spectrum due to bonding type existing on both specimens. Overall, the composite specimen with blended bio-epoxy exhibited better thermal stability, comparable flammability characteristics, and performances. The aim of this paper was to introduce bio-based epoxy as a potential alternative epoxy and to compete with synthetic epoxy so as to minimize the footprint of non-renewable composite.
Bio-Composites Reinforced with Strontium Titanate Nanoparticles: Mechanical Behavior and Degradability
Authors: Declet-Vega Amarilis , Sepúlveda-Ramos Nelson , Crespo-Montoya Sandra , Suárez Oscar Marcelo
Published: January 2019

Bio-polymer-based composites are appealing cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials for electronic applications. This project relates to bio-composites made of chitosan and cellulose and reinforced with strontium titanate nanoparticles. Upon their fabrication, relevant parameters studied were the acetic acid concentration, the cellulose content, and the amount of strontium titanate nanoparticles. The specimens were characterized using thermogravimetric and degradation analyses, as well as via creep and tensile tests. The results revealed how higher cellulose levels lowered the ultimate tensile strength and the degradation temperature of the bio-composites. Moreover, when nanoparticles are present, higher cellulose levels contributed to their tensile strength. Additionally, more acidic solutions became detrimental to the mechanical properties and the thermal degradation temperature of the composites. Furthermore, the creep studies allowed determining elastic coefficients and viscous coefficients using the Burgers’ model. Those creep results suggest that higher amounts of SrTiO3 (STO) nanoparticles raised the composites creep strain rate. As a whole, the study provides a baseline characterization of these novel bio-composites when subject to aggressive environments.
Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2018
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was firstly released in March 2016 [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Intelligence in 2018
Authors:   J. Intell. Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing. [...]
Engineering Design Driven by Models and Measures: The Case of a Rigid Inflatable Boat
Authors: Fragassa Cristiano
Published: January 2019

Rigid-hulled inflatable boats are extremely practical and popular nowadays, offering an effective conciliation among usability and costs. Their stable and seaworthy behavior is guaranteed by performing hydroplaning hulls coupled with unsinkable inflated tubes. At the same time, their design is often based on tradition and preconceptions. In this article, both numerical methods and experimental mechanics techniques are proposed as an essential way for supporting the designers in decisive tasks. Three different situations are detailed where a numerical or an experimental approach shows its benefit inside the engineering design process: firstly, permitting investigation of the behavior of materials driving the fiberglass selection; then measuring the levels of stress and strain in the hull during sailing; and finally, using information as a base for developing numerical models of the hull slamming in waves. Even if the discussion is focused on a rigid inflatable boat, a large part of these considerations is relevant beyond this particular case.
Geometric Evaluation of Stiffened Steel Plates Subjected to Transverse Loading for Naval and Offshore Applications
Authors: De Queiroz João Pedro T. P. , Cunha Marcelo L. , Pavlovic Ana , Rocha Luiz Alberto O. , Dos Santos Elizaldo D. , Troina Grégori da S. , Isoldi Liércio A.
Published: January 2019

This work searched for the optimal geometrical configuration of simply supported stiffened plates subjected to a transverse and uniformly distributed load. From a non-stiffened reference plate, different geometrical configurations of stiffened plates, with the same volume as the reference plate, were defined through the constructal design method. Thus, applying the exhaustive search technique and using the ANSYS software, the mechanical behaviors of all the suggested stiffened plates were compared to each other to find the geometrical configuration that provided the minimum deflection in the plate’s center when subjected to this loading. The optimum geometrical configuration of stiffeners is presented at the end of this work, allowing a reduction of 98.57% for the central deflection of the stiffened plate if compared to the reference plate. Furthermore, power equations were adjusted to describe the deflections for each combination of longitudinal and transverse stiffeners as a function of the ratio between the height and the thickness of the stiffeners. Finally, a unique equation for determining the central deflections of the studied stiffened plates based only on the number of longitudinal stiffeners without significantly losing accuracy has been proposed.
Impulse Wave Runup on Steep to Vertical Slopes
Authors: Evers Frederic M. , Boes Robert M.
Published: January 2019

Impulse waves are generated by landslides or avalanches impacting oceans, lakes or reservoirs, for example. Non-breaking impulse wave runup on slope angles ranging from 10° to 90° (V/H: 1/5.7 to 1/0) is investigated. The prediction of runup heights induced by these waves is an important parameter for hazard assessment and mitigation. An experimental dataset containing 359 runup heights by impulse and solitary waves is compiled from several published sources. Existing equations, both empirical and analytical, are then applied to this dataset to assess their prediction quality on an extended parameter range. Based on this analysis, a new prediction equation is proposed. The main findings are: (1) solitary waves are a suitable proxy for modelling impulse wave runup; (2) commonly applied equations from the literature may underestimate the runup height of small wave amplitudes; (3) the proposed semi-empirical equations predict the overall dataset within ±20% scatter for relative wave crest amplitudes ε, i.e., the wave crest amplitude normalised with the stillwater depth, between 0.007 and 0.69.
A Mild-Slope System for Bragg Scattering of Water Waves by Sinusoidal Bathymetry in the Presence of Vertically Sheared Currents
Authors: Belibassakis Kostas , Touboul Julien , Laffitte Elodie , Rey Vincent
Published: January 2019

Extended mild-slope models (MMSs) are examined for predicting the characteristics of normally incident waves propagating over sinusoidal bottom topography in the presence of opposing shearing currents. It is shown that MMSs are able to provide quite good predictions in the case of Bragg scattering of waves over rippled bathymetry without a current, but fail to provide good predictions concerning the resonant frequency in the additional presence of a current. In order to resolve the above mismatch, a two-equation mild-slope system (CMS2) is derived from a variational principle based on the representation of the wave potential expressed as a superposition of the forward and backward components. The latter system is compared against experimentally measured data collected in a wave flume and is shown to provide more accurate predictions concerning both the resonant frequency and the amplitude of the reflection coefficient. Future work will be devoted to the examination of the derived model for a more general wave system over realistic seabed topography.
Damage Characterization of Rock Slopes
Authors: de Almeida Ermano , van Gent Marcel R. A. , Hofland Bas
Published: January 2019

In order to design reliable coastal structures, for present and future scenarios, universal and precise damage assessment methods are required. This study addresses this need, and presents improved damage characterization methods for coastal structures with rock armored slopes. The data used in this study were obtained from a test campaign carried out at Deltares within the European Union (EU) Hydralab+ framework. During these tests, advanced measuring techniques (digital stereo photography) were used, which are able to survey the full extension of the structure and identify local variations of damage. The damage characterization method proposed here is based on three fundamental aspects: clear damage concepts, precise damage parameters, and high resolution measuring techniques. Regarding damage concepts, first, the importance of the characterization width is studied. For damage parameters obtained from the maximum erosion depth observed in a given width (E3D,m), the measured damage increases continuously with increased characterization width. However, for damage parameters obtained from width-averaged profiles (S and E2D), the measured damage reduces with increased characterization width. Second, a new definition of damage limits (damage initiation, intermediate damage, and failure) is presented and calibrated. Regarding the damage parameters, the parameter E3D,5, which describes the maximum erosion depth within the characterization width, is recommended as a robust damage parameter for conventional and non-conventional configurations based on four main characteristics: its low bias, its low random error, the ability to distinguish damage levels, and its validity and suitability for all types of structures (conventional and non-conventional). In addition, the results from this study show that the damage measured with the damage parameter E3D,5 presents an extreme value distribution.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Voriconazole-Containing Antifungal Combinations against Mucorales Using a Galleria mellonella Model of Mucormycosis
Authors: Macedo Daiana , Leonardelli Florencia , Dudiuk Catiana , Vitale Roxana G. , Del Valle Eleodoro , Giusiano Gustavo , Gamarra Soledad , Garcia-Effron Guillermo
Published: January 2019

Mucorales are resistant to most antifungals. Mucormycosis associated mortality is unacceptable and new treatment approaches are needed. The objectives of this work were (i) to evaluate the nature and intensity of the in vitro effect of three drugs combinations which included voriconazole (plus amphotericin B, posaconazole and caspofungin) against 25 strains of six different Mucorales species; (ii) to evaluate a Galleria mellonella mucormycosis model; and (iii) to establish if any in vitro–in vivo correlation exists. As expected, amphotericin B and posaconazole were the most active drugs when tested alone. However, species-specific differences were found. The ΣFICs varied according to the used combination. Only five strains showed synergism when voriconazole was combined with posaconazole and three strains when combined with amphotericin B. Microscopic hyphae alteration were observed for some isolates when confronted against drugs combinations. Using a Galleria mellonella mucormycosis model, better survival was seen in voriconazole plus amphotericin B and plus caspofungin combined treatments when compared with AMB alone for R. microsporus. These survival improvements were obtained using a 32-fold lower amphotericin B doses when combined with VRC than when treated with the polyene alone. These lower antifungal doses emulate the antifungal concentrations where the microscopic hyphae alterations were seen.
Restoring Dystrophin Expression in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Current Status of Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Shimizu-Motohashi Yuko , Komaki Hirofumi , Motohashi Norio , Takeda Shin’ichi , Yokota Toshifumi , Aoki Yoshitsugu
Published: January 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness, is caused by the absence or a decreased amount of the muscle cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Currently, several therapeutic approaches to cure DMD are being investigated, which can be categorized into two groups: therapies that aim to restore dystrophin expression, and those that aim to compensate for the lack of dystrophin. Therapies that restore dystrophin expression include read-through therapy, exon skipping, vector-mediated gene therapy, and cell therapy. Of these approaches, the most advanced are the read-through and exon skipping therapies. In 2014, ataluren, a drug that can promote ribosomal read-through of mRNA containing a premature stop codon, was conditionally approved in Europe. In 2016, eteplirsen, a morpholino-based chemical capable of skipping exon 51 in premature mRNA, received conditional approval in the USA. Clinical trials on vector-mediated gene therapy carrying micro- and mini- dystrophin are underway. More innovative therapeutic approaches include CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and stem cell-based cell therapies. Here we review the current status of therapeutic approaches for DMD, focusing on therapeutic approaches that can restore dystrophin.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Disaggregated Manufacturing Exports: Evidence from an Emerging Country
Authors: Vo Duc Hong , Vo Anh The , Zhang Zhaoyong
Published: January 2019

The link between export performance and exchange rate policy has been attracting attention from policymakers, academics, and practitioners for some time, particularly for emerging countries. It has been recently claimed that implementing a policy that devalues the currency in Vietnam is an important factor for enhancing its export performance. However, it is also argued that such a policy could result in the harmful consequence of exchange rate volatility. This study analyzes the link between exchange rate devaluation, volatility, and export performance. The analysis focuses on the manufacturing sector and 10 of its subsectors that were engaged in the export of goods between Vietnam and 26 key export partners during the 2000–2015 period. Potential factors that could affect this relationship, such as the global financial crisis, Vietnam’s participation in the World Trade Organization, or even the export partners’ geographic structures, are also accounted for in the model. The findings confirm that a strategy that depreciates Vietnam’s currency appears to enhance manufacturing exports in the short run, whereas the resulting exchange rate volatility has clear negative effects in the long run. The impact of exchange rate volatility on manufacturing subsectors depends on two factors, namely, (i) the type of export and (ii) the export destination. Policy implications emerging from these conclusions are presented.
Fractional Woody Cover Mapping of Texas Savanna at Landsat Scale
Authors: Yang Xuebin , Crews Kelley A.
Published: January 2019

Texas savanna experienced substantial woody plant encroachment during the past several decades, resulting in habitat fragmentation and species loss. A detailed map of woody plant abundance and distribution in this area is critically needed for management purpose. This study endeavors to map the fractional woody cover of Texas savanna at Landsat scale (30 m) in an affordable way. The top of atmosphere reflectance, thermal bands, and NDVI layer of Web-Enabled Landsat Data (WELD) of 2012 were used as predictors, together with mean annual precipitation. Classification and Regression Trees (CART) were calibrated against training data of a whole range of fractional woody cover, which were derived from 1-m resolution digital orthophotos of 2012. Validation indicates a reasonable pixel level accuracy of the result fractional woody cover map, with a R-squared value of 0.45. Moreover, the result map clearly depicts the distribution of woody plants across the study area, as reflected by the orthophotos. Furthermore, this new map proves an improvement over the existing Landsat Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) tree cover product. The method developed here, combining remote sensing and statistical techniques, can contribute to savanna management through revealing the abundance and distribution of woody plants.
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), Aichi Target 11 and Canada’s Pathway to Target 1: Focusing Conservation on Reconciliation
Authors: Zurba Melanie , Beazley Karen , English Emilie , Buchmann-Duck Johanna
Published: January 2019

This article provides analysis of the issues relating to movement towards new models for Indigenous-led conservation in light of Canada’s initiatives for greater protected areas representation through Target 1. We provide a background on Canada’s Pathway to Target 1, which is based on Target 11 from the Aichi Biodiversity Targets set forth by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). We contemplate the past, present and future of colonization and reconciliation in Canada, and consider the influence of international declarations, programs and initiatives on the potential for the formation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). We then provide an analysis of “wicked problems” that Indigenous communities, governments, and other stakeholders in protected areas will need to navigate towards implementing the IPCA approach in Canada. We outline the different types of Indigenous involvement in protected areas and how they potentially fit within the principles for the development of IPCAs. We then turn our discussion to the need to refocus conservation on reconciliation by restoring nation-to-nation relationships and relationships between the land and peoples. The lessons we draw have potential parallels for other nation states, particularly those signatory to the CBD and with a colonial history, aiming for biodiversity conservation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through IPCAs.
A Nested Land Uses–Landscapes–Livelihoods Approach to Assess the Real Costs of Land-Use Transitions: Insights from Southeast Asia
Authors: Lestrelin Guillaume , Castella Jean-Christophe , Li Qiaohong , Vongvisouk Thoumthone , Tien Nguyen Dinh , Mertz Ole
Published: January 2019

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is viewed as an effective way to mitigate climate change by compensating stewards of forested areas for minimizing forestland conversion and protecting forest services. Opportunity costs assess the cost of foregone opportunity when preserving the forest instead of investing in an alternative activity or resource use. This paper questions the calculation method of opportunity costs using averaged economic benefits and co-benefits of different land-use transitions. We propose a nested approach to land-use transitions at the interface between landscapes and livelihoods and assessing a wide range of potential socio-ecological costs and benefits. Combining household surveys and focus groups with participatory mapping, we applied the approach in villages of Laos, Vietnam and China positioned along a broad transition trajectory from subsistence shifting cultivation to intensive commercial agriculture. By looking beyond the economics of land use, we highlight important linkages between land-use changes and livelihood differentiation, vulnerability and inequalities. Our results show the importance of addressing the impacts of land-use transitions on a wide range of potential ecological and socioeconomic costs and benefits at multiple levels.
Agricultural Expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado: Increased Soil and Nutrient Losses and Decreased Agricultural Productivity
Authors: Gomes Luciene , Simões Silvio , Dalla Nora Eloi , de Sousa-Neto Eráclito , Forti Maria , Ometto Jean
Published: January 2019

While food and nutrition security are issues that national and international organizations are tackling, one of the central problems often overlooked is the essential role of soils in providing nutritious food. Soils are the base for food production and food security. However, the majority of soils are in fair and poor conditions, with the most significant threats being erosion and loss of nutrients. In this study, we estimate the potential of soil loss, agricultural productivity loss, and nutrient loss for Brazil’s most important agricultural region, the Brazilian Cerrado, for the years 2000 and 2012. For this, we applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model integrated with a geographical information system (GIS) to estimate annual soil loss rate and agricultural productivity loss, and used total nitrogen and total phosphorus in soil to estimate the annual nutrient loss rate caused by soil loss. All model factors and data were obtained from the literature. The results show that agricultural expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado is increasing the area of severe erosion, occasioning agricultural productivity decrease and soil nutrient depletion. The annual soil loss rate increased from 10.4 (2000) to 12.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (2012). Agricultural productivity loss occurred in more than 3 million hectares of crops and silviculture in 2000 and in more than 5.5 million hectares in 2012. Severely eroded areas lost between 13.1 and 25.9 times more nutrients than areas with low and moderate soil loss rates. These findings show that government policy should be directed to ensure the sustainable use of soils, mainly in agriculturally consolidated regions of the Brazilian Cerrado.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Land in 2018
Authors:   Land Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
The Hidden Charm of Life
Authors: Porcar Manuel
Published: January 2019

Synthetic biology is an engineering view on biotechnology, which has revolutionized genetic engineering. The field has seen a constant development of metaphors that tend to highlight the similarities of cells with machines. I argue here that living organisms, particularly bacterial cells, are not machine-like, engineerable entities, but, instead, factory-like complex systems shaped by evolution. A change of the comparative paradigm in synthetic biology from machines to factories, from hardware to software, and from informatics to economy is discussed.
Influence of Sample Mixing Techniques on Engine Oil Contamination Analysis by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Holland Torrey , Abdul-Munaim Ali Mazin , Watson Dennis G. , Sivakumar Poopalasingam
Published: January 2019

For the most reliable and reproducible results for calibration or general testing purposes of two immiscible liquids, such as water in engine oil, good emulsification is vital. This study explores the impact of emulsion quality on the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy calibration standards for measuring water contamination in used or in-service engine oil, in an attempt to strengthen the specific guidelines of ASTM International standards for sample preparation. By using different emulsification techniques and readily available laboratory equipment, this work is an attempt to establish the ideal sample preparation technique for reliability, repeatability, and reproducibility for FT-IR analysis while still considering the ease and efficiency of the technique. This study demonstrates that a stable emulsion within a sample, which depends heavily upon the method, provides a reliably consistent homogenous sample for quantification purposes with FT-IR analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) modeling and limit of detection calculations demonstrate the stability of the emulsion. The results reveal that setting a mixing time for a calibration standard depends on the emulsification process. Inserting a probe directly into a sample (direct sonication) allows for a rapid, stable emulsion with high reproducibility. Indirect sonication produces relatively non-miscible liquids of different densities. The pan-shaker produces a reasonably stable emulsion, but without the long-term stability or quick production time of direct sonication. Reaction time plays a critical role in the rotary mixing method, which leads to a slow development of emulsification.
Structure and Properties of Single-Layer MoS2 for Nano-Photoelectric Devices
Authors: Jian Jiaying , Chang Honglong , Xu Tao
Published: January 2019

To meet the need for preparing high-performance nano-optoelectronic devices based on single-layer MoS2, the effects of the heating method (one-step or two-step heating) and the temperature of the MoO3 source on the morphology, size, structure, and layers of an MoS2 crystal grown on a sapphire substrate using chemical vapor deposition are studied in this paper. The results show that MoS2 prepared by two-step heating (the heating of the S source starts when the temperature of the MoO3 source rises to 837 K) is superior over that of one-step heating (MoO3 and S are heated at the same time). One-step heating tends to form a mixture of MoO2 and MoS2. Neither too low nor too high of a heating temperature of MoO3 source is conducive to the formation of MoS2. When the temperature of MoO3 source is in the range of 1073 K to 1098 K, the size of MoS2 increases with the rise in temperature. A uniform large-sized triangle with a side length of 100 μm is obtained when the heating temperature of MoO3 is 1098 K. The triangular MoS2 crystals grown by the two-step heating method have a single-layer structure.
Enabling Demand Side Management: Heat Demand Forecasting at City Level
Authors: Hietaharju Petri , Ruusunen Mika , Leiviskä Kauko
Published: January 2019

Implementation of new energy efficiency measures for the heating and building sectors is of utmost importance. Demand side management offers means to involve individual buildings in the optimization of the heat demand at city level to improve energy efficiency. In this work, two models were applied to forecast the heat demand from individual buildings up to a city-wide area. District heating data at the city level from more than 4000 different buildings was utilized in the validation of the forecast models. Forecast simulations with the applied models and measured data showed that, during the heating season, the relative error of the city level heat demand forecast for 48 h was 4% on average. In individual buildings, the accuracy of the models varied based on the building type and heat demand pattern. The forecasting accuracy, the limited amount of measurement information and the short time required for model calibration enable the models to be applied to the whole building stock. This should enable demand side management and lead to the predictive optimization of heat demand at city level, leading to increased energy efficiency.
Crystallization Products and Structural Characterization of CaO-SiO2-Based Mold Fluxes with Varying Al2O3/SiO2 Ratios
Authors: Gao Yuxiang , Leng Mei , Chen Yangfan , Chen Zhichao , Li Jiangling
Published: January 2019

During the casting of high aluminum steel, the dramatic increase in the Al2O3/SiO2 ratio is inevitable, resulting in significant changes of the crystallization behavior, which would result in heat transfer and lubrication problems. Crystallization products and structure characterization of glassy CaO-SiO2-based mold fluxes with different Al2O3/SiO2 ratios were experimentally investigated using a differential scanning calorimetry technique and Raman spectroscopy. With increasing Al2O3/SiO2 ratios, the following results were obtained. The crystallization temperature and the crystallization products are changed. With increasing Al2O3/SiO2 ratios from 0.088 to 0.151, the crystallization temperature first increases greatly from 1152 °C to 1354 °C, and then moderately increases. The crystallization ability of the mold flux is strengthened. The species of the precipitated crystalline phase change from two kinds, i.e., Ca4Si2O7F2 and Ca2SiO4, to four kinds, i.e., Ca4Si2O7F2, Ca2SiO4, 2CaO·Al2O3·SiO2 and Ca12Al14O32F2, the crystallization ability of Ca4Si2O7F2 is gradually attenuated, but other species show the opposite trend. The results of Raman spectroscopy indicate that Al3+ mainly acts as a network former by the information of [AlO4]-tetrahedral structural units, which can connect with [SiO4]-tetrahedral by the formation of new bridge oxygen of Al–O–Si linkage, but there is no formation of Al–O–Al linkage. The linkage of Al–O–Si increases and that of Si–O–Si decreases. The polymerization degree of the network and the average number of bridging oxygens decrease. Further, the relatively strong Si–O–Si linkage gradually decreases and the relatively weak Al–O–Si gradually increases. The change of the crystalline phase was interpreted from the phase diagram and structure.
Early-Age Evolution of Strength, Stiffness, and Non-Aging Creep of Concretes: Experimental Characterization and Correlation Analysis
Authors: Ausweger Mario , Binder Eva , Lahayne Olaf , Reihsner Roland , Maier Gerald , Peyerl Martin , Pichler Bernhard
Published: January 2019

Six different concretes are characterized during material ages between 1 and 28 days. Standard tests regarding strength and stiffness are performed 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after production. Innovative three-minute-long creep tests are repeated hourly during material ages between one and seven days. The results from the standard tests are used to assess and to improve formulas of the fib Model Code 2010: the correlation formula between the 28-day values of the strength and the stiffness, and the evolution formulas describing the early-age evolution of the strength and the stiffness during the first four weeks after production. The results from the innovative tests are used to develop a correlation formula between the 28-day values of Young’s modulus and the creep modulus, and an evolution formula describing the early-age evolution of the creep modulus during the first four weeks after production. Particularly, the analyzed CEM I concretes develop stiffness and strength significantly faster than described by the formulas of the Model Code. The creep modulus of the investigated concretes evolves significantly slower than their strength and stiffness. Thus, concrete loaded at early ages is surprisingly creep active, even if the material appears to be quite mature in terms of its strength and stiffness.
Synthetic Slag Production Method Based on a Solid Waste Mix Vitrification for the Manufacturing of Slag-Cement
Authors: Rodríguez-Galán Mónica , Alonso-Fariñas Bernabé , Baena-Moreno Francisco M. , Leiva Carlos , Navarrete Benito , Vilches Luis F.
Published: January 2019

Herein an innovative process to develop a potential vitreous material with cementing properties is proposed. This process paves a production path through melting industrial waste and subsequently cooling the casting in water. The idea erases the need to reduce the environmental impact of the cement industry in terms of natural resources consumption as well as the re-utilization of abandoned wastes from other industries. The recycled industrial wastes were selected according to the amount of waste produced in the industrial field and its suitable chemical composition, such as construction and demolition waste and/or shells from shellfish. As a main result, the mechanical properties showed by our novel material were worse than those reported by blast furnace slag (25–28 MPa for two different proportions) for seven days and better (43–52 MPa for two different proportions) for 28 days. The rest of the properties evaluated were in agreement with the standards’ requirements. Hence, this novel process would help to minimize the environmental impact of these wastes at the same time that their use in the cement industry would reduce the consumption of raw materials.
Comprehensive Parameters Identification and Dynamic Model Validation of Interior-Mount Line-Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Maraaba Luqman S. , Al-Hamouz Zakariya M. , Milhem Abdulaziz S. , Twaha Ssennoga
Published: January 2019

The application of line-start permanent magnet synchronous motors (LSPMSMs) is rapidly spreading due to their advantages of high efficiency, high operational power factor, being self-starting, rendering them as highly needed in many applications in recent years. Although there have been standard methods for the identification of parameters of synchronous and induction machines, most of them do not apply to LSPMSMs. This paper presents a study and analysis of different parameter identification methods for interior mount LSPMSM. Experimental tests have been performed in the laboratory on a 1-hp interior mount LSPMSM. The measurements have been validated by investigating the performance of the machine under different operating conditions using a developed qd0 mathematical model and an experimental setup. The dynamic and steady-state performance analyses have been performed using the determined parameters. It is found that the experimental results are close to the mathematical model results, confirming the accuracy of the studied test methods. Therefore, the output of this study will help in selecting the proper test method for LSPMSM.
Further Extension of the Generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta Function of Two Variables
Authors: Sooppy Nisar Kottakkaran
Published: January 2019

The main aim of this paper is to provide a new generalization of Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function of two variables. We also investigate several interesting properties such as integral representations, summation formula, and a connection with the generalized hypergeometric function. To strengthen the main results we also consider some important special cases.
Weighted Block Golub-Kahan-Lanczos Algorithms for Linear Response Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Zhong Hongxiu , Teng Zhongming , Chen Guoliang
Published: January 2019

In order to solve all or some eigenvalues lied in a cluster, we propose a weighted block Golub-Kahan-Lanczos algorithm for the linear response eigenvalue problem. Error bounds of the approximations to an eigenvalue cluster, as well as their corresponding eigenspace, are established and show the advantages. A practical thick-restart strategy is applied to the block algorithm to eliminate the increasing computational and memory costs, and the numerical instability. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of our new algorithms.
A Class of Nonlinear Fuzzy Variational Inequality Problems
Authors: Li Cunlin , Jia Zhifu , Liou Yeong-Cheng
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we consider nonlinear variational inequality problems with fuzzy variables. The fuzzy variables were introduced to deal with the variational inequality containing noise for which historical data is not available. The fuzzy expected residual minimization (FERM) problems were established. We discussed the S C 1 property of the FERM model. Furthermore, results of convergence analysis were obtained based on an approximation model of the FERM model. The convergence of global optimal solutions and the convergence of stationary points were analysed.
Fixed Point Results for the Family of Multivalued F-Contractive Mappings on Closed Ball in Complete Dislocated b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Mahmood Qasim , Shoaib Abdullah , Rasham Tahair , Arshad Muhammad
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to find out fixed point results for the family of multivalued mappings fulfilling a generalized rational type F-contractive conditions on a closed ball in complete dislocated b-metric space. An application to the system of integral equations is presented to show the novelty of our results. Our results extend several comparable results in the existing literature.
ω-Interpolative Ćirić-Reich-Rus-Type Contractions
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapinar Erdal , Roldán López de Hierro Antonio
Published: January 2019

In this paper, using the concept of ω -admissibility, we prove some fixed point results for interpolate Ćirić-Reich-Rus-type contraction mappings. We also present some consequences and a useful example.
Effect of Slip Surface’s Continuity on Slope Dynamic Stability Based on Infinite Slope Model
Authors: Liu Chuanzheng , Wang Gang , Han Wei
Published: January 2019

The slip surface is an important control structure surface existing in the landslide. It not only directly affects the stability of the slope through the strength, but also affects the stress field by affecting the propagation of the stress wave. Many research results have been made on the influence of non-continuous stress wave propagation in rock and soil mass and the dynamic response to seismic slopes. However, the effect of the continuity of the slip surface on the slope dynamic stability needs further researches. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of slip surface on the slope’s instantaneous safety factor is analyzed by the theoretical method with the infinite slope model. Firstly, three types of slip surface model were established, to realize the change of sliding surface continuity in the infinite slope. Then, based on wave field analysis, the instantaneous safety factor was used to analyze the effect of continuity of slip surface. The results show that with the decreasing of slip surface continuity, the safety factor does not simply increase or decrease, and is related to slope features, incident wave and continuity of slip surface. The safety factor does not decrease monotonically with the increasing of slope angle and thickness of slope body. Moreover, the reflection of slope surface has a great influence on the instantaneous safety factor of the slope. Research results in this paper can provide some references to evaluate the stability of seismic slope, and have an initial understanding of the influence of structural surface continuity on seismic slope engineering.
Fuzzy Graph Structures with Application
Authors: Sitara Muzzamal , Akram Muhammad , Yousaf Bhatti Muhammad
Published: January 2019

In this article, we introduce the notions of maximal products of fuzzy graph structures, regular fuzzy graph structures, and describe these notions with examples and properties. Further, we present the degree and total degree of a vertex in maximal product of fuzzy graph structures and explain some of their properties. Furthermore, we develop a flowchart to show general procedure of application of fuzzy graph structure, regarding identification of most controversial issues among countries.
Upper Bounds for the Isolation Number of a Matrix over Semirings
Authors: Beasley LeRoy B. , Song Seok-Zun
Published: January 2019

Let S be an antinegative semiring. The rank of an m × n matrix B over S is the minimal integer r such that B is a product of an m × r matrix and an r × n matrix. The isolation number of B is the maximal number of nonzero entries in the matrix such that no two entries are in the same column, in the same row, and in a submatrix of B of the form b i , j b i , l b k , j b k , l with nonzero entries. We know that the isolation number of B is not greater than the rank of it. Thus, we investigate the upper bound of the rank of B and the rank of its support for the given matrix B with isolation number h over antinegative semirings.
On a Certain Subclass of Analytic Functions Involving Integral Operator Defined by Polylogarithm Function
Authors: Soybaş Danyal , Joshi Santosh B. , Pawar Haridas
Published: January 2019

In the present paper, we have introduced a new subclass of analytic functions involving integral operator defined by polylogarithm function. Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for this class. Further distortion theorem, linear combination and results on partial sums are investigated.