bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Stratification of Ternary Systems Including a Flame Retardant Liquid Additive
Authors: Beaugendre Agnes , Degoutin Stephanie , Bellayer Severine , Pierlot Christel , Duquesne Sophie , Casetta Mathilde , Jimenez Maude
Published: December 2018

Particular coating compositions based on incompatible polymer blends can produce coatings having complex layered structures after film formation. The most traditional approaches to their structural modification are the introduction of additives (extenders, inorganic pigments, surface active agents, etc.). As minor additives, some are capable of substantially accelerating the phase separation process with a moderate or negligible influence on the composition equilibrium of solutions. In contrast, in order to be effective, some have to be introduced in significant amounts, thereby substantially changing the resulting distribution of components through the film. Up to now, most of the liquid additives that have been tested destabilized the solutions while impacting the layering process. In this work, two phosphorus based liquid fillers have been introduced (at 2.5 and 5 wt.%) in a partially incompatible polymer blend based on a silicone resin and a curable epoxy resin to fire retard a polycarbonate matrix. Self-stratification was evidenced by microscopic and chemical analyses, flammability by Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and UL-94 tests, fire performances by Mass Loss Calorimetry and thermal stability by using a tubular furnace and ThermoGravimetric Analysis. The ternary compositions including 5 wt.% of additives exhibit the best stratification and excellent adhesion onto polycarbonate. Improvements of the fire resistant properties were observed (+7% for the LOI compared to the virgin matrix) when a 200 µm wet thick coating was applied, due to reduced flame propagation and dripping.
Strain-Mediated Substrate Effect on the Dielectric and Ferroelectric Response of Potassium Sodium Niobate Thin Films
Authors: Tkach Alexander , Santos André , Zlotnik Sebastian , Serrazina Ricardo , Okhay Olena , Bdikin Igor , Costa Maria Elisabete , Vilarinho Paula M.
Published: December 2018

If piezoelectric thin films sensors based on K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) are to achieve commercialization, it is critical to optimize the film performance using low-cost scalable processing and substrates. Here, sol–gel derived KNN thin films are deposited using a solution with 5% of potassium excess on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si and Pt/SrTiO3 substrates, and rapid thermal annealed at 750 °C for 5 min. Despite an identical film morphology and thickness of ~335 nm, an in-plane stress/strain state is found to be tensile for KNN films on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si, and compressive for those on Pt/SrTiO3 substrates, being related to thermal expansion mismatch between the substrate and the film. Correspondingly, KNN films under in-plane compressive stress possess superior dielectric permittivity and polarization in the parallel-plate-capacitor geometry.
Memristive Spiking Neural Networks Trained with Unsupervised STDP
Authors: Zhou Errui , Fang Liang , Yang Binbin
Published: December 2018

Neuromorphic computing systems are promising alternatives in the fields of pattern recognition, image processing, etc. especially when conventional von Neumann architectures face several bottlenecks. Memristors play vital roles in neuromorphic computing systems and are usually used as synaptic devices. Memristive spiking neural networks (MSNNs) are considered to be more efficient and biologically plausible than other systems due to their spike-based working mechanism. In contrast to previous SNNs with complex architectures, we propose a hardware-friendly architecture and an unsupervised spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) learning method for MSNNs in this paper. The architecture, which is friendly to hardware implementation, includes an input layer, a feature learning layer and a voting circuit. To reduce hardware complexity, some constraints are enforced: the proposed architecture has no lateral inhibition and is purely feedforward; it uses the voting circuit as a classifier and does not use additional classifiers; all neurons can generate at most one spike and do not need to consider firing rates and refractory periods; all neurons have the same fixed threshold voltage for classification. The presented unsupervised STDP learning method is time-dependent and uses no homeostatic mechanism. The MNIST dataset is used to demonstrate our proposed architecture and learning method. Simulation results show that our proposed architecture with the learning method achieves a classification accuracy of 94.6%, which outperforms other unsupervised SNNs that use time-based encoding schemes.
Geometric Versus Anemometric Surface Roughness for a Shallow Accumulating Snowpack
Authors: Sanow Jessica E. , Fassnacht Steven R. , Kamin David J. , Sexstone Graham A. , Bauerle William L. , Oprea Iuliana
Published: December 2018

When applied to a snow-covered surface, aerodynamic roughness length, z0, is typically considered as a static parameter within energy balance equations. However, field observations show that z0 changes spatially and temporally, and thus z0 incorporated as a dynamic parameter may greatly improve models. To evaluate methods for characterizing snow surface roughness, we compared concurrent estimates of z0 based on (1) terrestrial light detection and ranging derived surface geometry of the snowpack surface (geometric, z0G) and (2) vertical wind profile measurements (anemometric, z0A). The value of z0G was computed from Lettau’s equation and underestimated z0A but compared well when scaled by a factor of 2.34. The Counihan method for computing z0G was found to be unsuitable for estimating z0 on a snow surface. During snowpack accumulation in early winter, z0 varied as a function of the snow-covered area (SCA). Our results show that as the SCA increases, z0 decreases, indicating there is a topographic influence on this relation.
The Role of Gender in Preparedness and Response Behaviors towards Flood Risk in Serbia
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir M. , Roder Giulia , Öcal Adem , Tarolli Paolo , Dragićević Slavoljub
Published: December 2018

Adverse outcomes from 2014 flooding in Serbia indicated problematic response phase management accentuated by a gender imbalance. For this reason, we investigated the risk perceptions and preparedness of women and men regarding these types of events in Serbia. Face-to-face interviews, administered to 2500 participants, were conducted across 19 of 191 municipalities. In light of the current findings, men seemed to be more confident in their abilities to cope with flooding, perceiving greater individual and household preparedness. By contrast, women displayed a deeper understanding of these events. Perhaps owing to a deeper level of understanding, women demonstrated more household-caring attitudes and behaviors and were more prone to report a willingness to help flood victims at reception centers. Emergency management agencies and land planners should account for these differences in gender awareness and preparedness. Based on these findings, doing so may increase citizen participation and shared responsibility under flood hazard scenarios.
Association between Colorectal Adenoma and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Hyunji , Cho Yoon Jeong , Kim Yun A. , Gwak Sang Gyu
Published: December 2018

Background: Colorectal neoplasm, including colorectal adenoma, is associated with old age, cigarette smoking, and the presence of metabolic syndromes. These are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Carotid ultrasonography is a noninvasive test that can predict the risk of cardiovascular disease and may be another test that may provide indications of these risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between colorectal adenomatous polyps and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: This study included 548 adults who underwent colonoscopy and carotid ultrasonography for a health examination between March 2013 and December 2017 at a university hospital in South Korea. Abnormal carotid sonography findings included either increased carotid intima-media thickness or presence of carotid plaques. Results: The proportion of subjects with overall colorectal adenomatous polyps was 31.0% (170/548). Colorectal adenoma was more prevalent in the presence of abnormal carotid ultrasonography findings (38.6% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.013). Colorectal adenomatous polyp was significantly associated with abnormal carotid ultrasonography findings (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.12–2.42, p = 0.011) in a multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and presence of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Colorectal adenoma is significantly associated with carotid atherosclerosis.
The Comorbidity of Gambling Disorder among Macao Adult Residents and the Moderating Role of Resilience and Life Purpose
Authors: Chen Juliet Honglei , Tong Kwok Kit , Wu Anise M. S. , Lau Joseph T. F. , Zhang Meng Xuan
Published: December 2018

Macao, China’s only city with legalized casinos, has maintained a high prevalence of gambling participation and gambling disorder (GD) over the past decade. The mental health risks associated with such high levels have been overlooked. In order to estimate the comorbid prevalence of GD with depression, anxiety, and Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to explore the potential buffering effect of psychological resilience and purpose in life, this study obtained a representative adult Chinese sample (N = 1000, 44% male, aged 18–97 years) from a telephone survey conducted between October and November of 2016. As hypothesized, the highest psychiatric comorbid prevalence was observed in the GD subgroup (n = 19, 21.1% probable IGD, 26.3% probable depression, and 37.0% probable anxiety). All these mental health problems could increase one’s proclivity to GD, and vice versa. Psychological resilience was found to buffer the association between anxiety symptoms and probable GD (χ2(1) = 4.30, p = 0.04/GD symptoms, Fchange (1,162) = 6.29, p = 0.01), whereas purpose in life did not display any hypothesized moderating effect. These results indicate the usefulness of mental health screening for GD, taking into consideration its associated risks, and of fostering psychological resilience in prevention and treatment programs.
An Image Enhancement Method Based on Non-Subsampled Shearlet Transform and Directional Information Measurement
Authors: Qu Zhi , Xing Yaqiong , Song Yafei
Published: December 2018

Based on the advantages of a non-subsampled shearlet transform (NSST) in image processing and the characteristics of remote sensing imagery, NSST was applied to enhance blurred images. In the NSST transform domain, directional information measurement can highlight textural features of an image edge and reduce image noise. Therefore, NSST was applied to the detailed enhancement of high-frequency sub-band coefficients. Based on the characteristics of a low-frequency image, the retinex method was used to enhance low-frequency images. Then, an NSST inverse transformation was performed on the enhanced low- and high-frequency coefficients to obtain an enhanced image. Computer simulation experiments showed that when compared with a traditional image enhancement strategy, the method proposed in this paper can enrich the details of the image and enhance the visual effect of the image. Compared with other algorithms listed in this paper, the brightness, contrast, edge strength, and information entropy of the enhanced image by this method are improved. In addition, in the experiment of noisy images, various objective evaluation indices show that the method in this paper enhances the image with the least noise information, which further indicates that the method can suppress noise while improving the image quality, and has a certain level of effectiveness and practicability.
Pareidolic and Uncomplex Technological Singularity
Authors: Guliciuc Viorel
Published: December 2018

“Technological Singularity” (TS), “Accelerated Change” (AC), and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) are frequent future/foresight studies’ themes. Rejecting the reductionist perspective on the evolution of science and technology, and based on patternicity (“the tendency to find patterns in meaningless noise”), a discussion about the perverse power of apophenia (“the tendency to perceive a connection or meaningful pattern between unrelated or random things (such as objects or ideas)”) and pereidolia (“the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern”) in those studies is the starting point for two claims: the “accelerated change” is a future-related apophenia case, whereas AGI (and TS) are future-related pareidolia cases. A short presentation of research-focused social networks working to solve complex problems reveals the superiority of human networked minds over the hardware‒software systems and suggests the opportunity for a network-based study of TS (and AGI) from a complexity perspective. It could compensate for the weaknesses of approaches deployed from a linear and predictable perspective, in order to try to redesign our intelligent artifacts.
Comparisons of Citizen Science Data-Gathering Approaches to Evaluate Urban Butterfly Diversity
Authors: Prudic Kathleen L. , Oliver Jeffrey C. , Brown Brian V. , Long Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2018

By 2030, ten percent of earth’s landmass will be occupied by cities. Urban environments can be home to many plants and animals, but surveying and estimating biodiversity in these spaces is complicated by a heterogeneous built environment where access and landscaping are highly variable due to human activity. Citizen science approaches may be the best way to assess urban biodiversity, but little is known about their relative effectiveness and efficiency. Here, we compare three techniques for acquiring data on butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) species richness: trained volunteer Pollard walks, Malaise trapping with expert identification, and crowd-sourced iNaturalist observations. A total of 30 butterfly species were observed; 27 (90%) were recorded by Pollard walk observers, 18 (60%) were found in Malaise traps, and 22 (73%) were reported by iNaturalist observers. Pollard walks reported the highest butterfly species richness, followed by iNaturalist and then Malaise traps during the four-month time period. Pollard walks also had significantly higher species diversity than Malaise traps.
Autogenous Healing of Early-Age Cementitious Materials Incorporating Superabsorbent Polymers Exposed to Wet/Dry Cycles
Authors: Shim Yewon , Hong Geuntae , Choi Seongcheol
Published: December 2018

This study experimentally investigated the autogenous healing performances of cementitious materials incorporating superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) after exposure to eight cycles of wet/dry conditions. In each cycle, cracked cement paste specimens with different SAP dosages were exposed to wet conditions for 1 h, during which capillary water absorption tests were conducted, and then exposed to dry conditions for 47 h. The test results reveal that the initial sorptivity values of the reference, 0.5% SAP, 1.0% SAP, and 1.5% SAP specimens after one cycle were decreased by 22.9%, 36.8%, 42.8%, and 46.3%, respectively, after eight cycles. X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis showed that the crack volume percentages filled with healing products were 1.1%, 1.6%, 2.2%, and 2.9% in the reference, 0.5% SAP, 1.0% SAP, and 1.5% SAP specimens, respectively. As the cycling was repeated, the reduction ratio of the initial sorptivity and the quantity of healing products were increased with increases in SAP dosage. Furthermore, more healing products were distributed near SAP voids than in other sections in the specimens. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of SAPs in cementitious materials can enhance the autogenous healing performances of materials exposed to cyclic wet/dry conditions.
Copper Alloy Touch Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities: An Effective Solution to Prevent Bacterial Spreading
Authors: Colin Marius , Klingelschmitt Flora , Charpentier Emilie , Josse Jérôme , Kanagaratnam Lukshe , De Champs Christophe , Gangloff Sophie C.
Published: December 2018

In the healthcare environment, microorganisms’ cross-transmission between inanimate surfaces and patients or healthcare workers can lead to healthcare-associated infections. A recent interest has grown to create antimicrobial copper touch surfaces, in order to counteract microbial spread in the healthcare environment. For the first time, five French long-term care facilities were at 50% fitted with copper alloys door handles and handrails. Related to the environmental bacterial contamination, 1400 samples were carried out on copper and control surfaces over three years after copper installation. In addition, some copper door handles were taken from the different facilities, and their specific activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was tested in vitro. In comparison to control surfaces, copper door handles and handrails revealed significantly lower contamination levels. This difference was observed in the five long-term care facilities and it persists through the three years of the study. High and extreme levels of bacterial contamination were less frequent on copper surfaces. Although, the antibacterial activity of copper surfaces against MRSA was lowered after three years of regular use, it was still significant as compared to inert control surfaces. Therefore, copper containing surfaces are promising actors in the non-spreading of environmental bacterial contamination in healthcare facilities.
Solid-Liquid Interdiffusion (SLID) Bonding of p-Type Skutterudite Thermoelectric Material Using Al-Ni Interlayers
Authors: Placha Katarzyna , Tuley Richard S. , Salvo Milena , Casalegno Valentina , Simpson Kevin
Published: December 2018

Over the past few years, significant progress towards implementation of environmentally sustainable and cost-effective thermoelectric power generation has been made. However, the reliability and high-temperature stability challenges of incorporating thermoelectric materials into modules still represent a key bottleneck. Here, we demonstrate an implementation of the Solid-Liquid Interdiffusion technique used for bonding Mmy(Fe,Co)4Sb12 p-type thermoelectric material to metallic interconnect using a novel aluminium–nickel multi-layered system. It was found that the diffusion reaction-controlled process leads to the formation of two distinct intermetallic compounds (IMCs), Al3Ni and Al3Ni2, with a theoretical melting point higher than the initial bonding temperature. Different manufacturing parameters have also been investigated and their influence on electrical, mechanical and microstructural features of bonded components are reported here. The resulting electrical contact resistances and apparent shear strengths for components with residual aluminium were measured to be (2.8 ± 0.4) × 10−5 Ω∙cm2 and 5.1 ± 0.5 MPa and with aluminium completely transformed into Al3Ni and Al3Ni2 IMCs were (4.8 ± 0.3) × 10−5 Ω∙cm2 and 4.5 ± 0.5 MPa respectively. The behaviour and microstructural changes in the joining material have been evaluated through isothermal annealing at hot-leg working temperature to investigate the stability and evolution of the contact.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Polyamide Membrane Structures and RO/FO Water Permeation Properties
Authors: Yoshioka Tomohisa , Kotaka Keisuke , Nakagawa Keizo , Shintani Takuji , Wu Hao-Chen , Matsuyama Hideto , Fujimura Yu , Kawakatsu Takahiro
Published: December 2018

Polyamide (PA) membranes possess properties that allow for selective water permeation and salt rejection, and these are widely used for reverse osmotic (RO) desalination of sea water to produce drinking water. In order to design high-performance RO membranes with high levels of water permeability and salt rejection, an understanding of microscopic PA membrane structures is indispensable, and this includes water transport and ion rejection mechanisms on a molecular scale. In this study, two types of virtual PA membranes with different structures and densities were constructed on a computer, and water molecular transport properties through PA membranes were examined on a molecular level via direct reverse/forward osmosis (RO/FO) filtration molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A quasi-non-equilibrium MD simulation technique that uses applied (RO mode) or osmotic (FO mode) pressure differences of several MPa was conducted to estimate water permeability through PA membranes. A simple NVT (Number, Volume, and Temperature constant ensemble)-RO MD simulation method was presented and verified. The simulations of RO and FO water permeability for a dense PA membrane model without a support layer agreed with the experimental value in the RO mode. This PA membrane completely rejected Na+ and Cl− ions during a simulation time of several nano-seconds. The naturally dense PA structure showed excellent ion rejection. The effect that the void size of PA structure exerted on water permeability was also examined.
Influence of Al Content on the Inclusion-Microstructure Relationship in the Heat-Affected Zone of a Steel Plate with Mg Deoxidation after High-Heat-Input Welding
Authors: Xu Longyun , Yang Jian , Wang Ruizhi
Published: December 2018

The effects of Al content on inclusions, microstructures, and heat-affected zone (HAZ) toughness in a steel plate with Mg deoxidation have been investigated by using simulated high-heat-input welding and an automated feature system. The studies indicated that the main kind of oxysulfide complex inclusions in two steels without and with Al addition were both MgO-MnS. The number densities and mean sizes of inclusions were 96.65 mm−2 and 3.47 μm, 95.03 mm−2 and 2.03 μm, respectively. The morphologies of MgO-MnS complex inclusions in steel were changed obviously with the addition of Al. When containing 0.001 wt.% Al, they consisted of a central single MgO particle and outside, the MnS phase. When containing 0.020 wt.% Al, they comprised several small MgO particles entrapped by the MnS phase. Because the former could nucleate intragranular acicular ferrites (IAFs) and the latter was non-nucleant, the main intragranular microstructures in HAZs were ductile IAFs and brittle ferrite side plates (FSPs), respectively. Therefore, HAZ toughness of the steel plate without Al addition after high-heat-input welding of 400 kJ/cm was significantly better than that of the steel plate with Al addition.
High-Precision and Low-Cost Wireless 16-Channel Measurement System for Malachite Green Detection
Authors: Shen Tong , Zhou Tong , Wan Ying , Su Yan
Published: December 2018

Focusing on the issue of the malachite green traditional test methods such as large volume, high cost and high complex, this paper proposed a novel multi-channel electrochemical malachite green detection system. Specific recognition properties of malachite green DNA adapter is employed to realize accurate sensing of concentration of malachite green, which can achieve precise detection of malachite green concentration with low noise and high precision. The maximum measurement capability of multi-channel acquisition system is 16 samples in a batch. According to the experimental results, malachite green could be detected quantitatively in the range from 10−3 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL, which performs well in the test of malachite green residues in aquatic product transportation.
In Vitro and In Vivo Functional Characterization of Essence of Chicken as An Ergogenic Aid
Authors: Huang Shih-Wei , Hsu Yi-Ju , Lee Mon-Chien , Li Hua-Shuai , Yeo Paul Chee Wei , Lim Ai Lin , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: December 2018

Essence of chicken is a popular Asian nutritional supplement that is often taken to improve metabolism and general health. Although used as a traditional remedy for combating fatigue and general health, there has been few studies investigating the ergogenic properties of chicken essence and its associated mechanism. We conducted a study to investigate the anti-fatigue and anti-oxidant properties of essence of chicken (EC) after exercise. Six weeks old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were divided to four groups (10 mice/group) and were provided different doses of Essence of Chicken (EC): (1) Vehicle (water), (2) EC-0.5X (558 mg/kg), (3) EC-1X (1117 mg/kg), and (4) EC-2X (2234 mg/kg). EC supplementation could improve endurance and grip strength (p < 0.0001) and it had significant effects on the fatigue-related biochemical markers: ammonia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were significantly lowered, while glucose blood levels and lactate clearance were improved after exercise challenge. Muscle and liver glycogen levels, muscle and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), hepatic catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels were observed to increase with EC supplementation. Preliminary in vitro data suggests that EC may have a beneficial effect in muscle mass and strength. No abnormalities were observed from pathohistological examination. Our study suggests that the EC could significantly improve exercise performance and endurance capacity and that the anti-oxidant properties of EC may be an important contributing factor to its anti-fatigue effects.
A Comprehensive Map of FDA-Approved Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Zhong Hao , Chan Ging , Hu Yuanjia , Hu Hao , Ouyang Defang
Published: December 2018

With the increasing research and development (R&D) difficulty of new molecular entities (NMEs), novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) are attracting widespread attention. This review investigated the current distribution of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmaceutical products and evaluated the technical barrier for the entry of generic drugs and highlighted the success and failure of advanced drug delivery systems. According to the ratio of generic to new drugs and the four-quadrant classification scheme for evaluating the commercialization potential of DDSs, the results showed that the traditional dosage forms (e.g., conventional tablets, capsules and injections) with a lower technology barrier were easier to reproduce, while advanced drug delivery systems (e.g., inhalations and nanomedicines) with highly technical barriers had less competition and greater market potential. Our study provides a comprehensive insight into FDA-approved products and deep analysis of the technical barriers for advanced drug delivery systems. In the future, the R&D of new molecular entities may combine advanced delivery technologies to make drug candidates into more therapeutically effective formulations.
Shear-Thickening Fluid Using Oxygen-Plasma-Modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes to Improve the Quasi-Static Stab Resistance of Kevlar Fabrics
Authors: Li Danyang , Wang Rui , Liu Xing , Fang Shu , Sun Yanli
Published: December 2018

The excellent mechanical property and light weight of protective materials are vital for practical application in body armor. In this study, O2-plasma-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (M-MWNTs) were introduced into shear-thickening fluid (STF)-impregnated Kevlar woven fabrics to increase the quasi-static stab resistance and decrease the composite weight. The rheological test showed that the addition of 0.06 wt. % M-MWNT caused a marked increase in the peak viscosity from 1563 to 3417 pa·s and a decrease in the critical shear rate from 14.68 s−1 to 2.53 s−1. The storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) showed a higher degree of abrupt increase with the increase of shear stress. The yarn pull-out test showed that the yarn friction of M-MWNT/STF/Kevlar fabrics was far superior to the original fabrics. Importantly, under similar areal density, the M-MWNT/STF/Kevlar fabrics could resist 1261.4 N quasi-static stab force and absorb 41.3 J energy, which were much higher than neat Kevlar fabrics. The results of this research indicated that quasi-static stab resistance was improved by M-MWNTs, which was attributed to the excellent shear-thickening effect and the high yarn friction. Therefore, M-MWNT/STF/Kevlar fabrics have a broad prospect in the fields of body protection.
Authentic Religious Education: A Question of Language?
Authors: Franchi Leonardo
Published: December 2018

There is much emphasis today on inclusion and diversity in educational systems. As the place of religious belief remains a significant factor in such debates, there is a need for shared understanding of the language and purpose of Religious Education in schools. Given the substantial international footprint of Catholic schools, the conceptual framework of Religious Education in Catholic schools merits serious scrutiny. The Catholic Church’s written teaching on education has a strong focus on the contemporary school as a site of intercultural dialogue. The related teaching on Religious Education in schools, however, remains underdeveloped, with strong voices debating the desirability, or otherwise, of a strong focus on ‘faith formation and practice’ as an outcome of Religious Education. Problematically, terms like ‘Religious Education’ have inconsistent translations in the official documents of the Catholic Church, leading to a plurality of understandings internationally of the ultimate aim of the subject. A presentation of the linguistic inconsistency between English and Italian translations of documents of the Holy See reveals the scale of the challenge. This unsatisfactory arrangement needs reform. Rooted in a close critical study of Catholic teaching on education, the article presents two arguments designed to initiate the reform process: (a) the Catholic Church’s settled teaching on Religious Education must develop greater internal cohesion before it can make a meaningful contribution to intercultural dialogue, and (b) an International Directory of Religious Education, written collegially by qualified lay people and clergy, will build stronger foundations for shared understanding of the aims and scope of Religious Education among key stakeholders in Catholic schools. This shift in direction will harmonise Religious Education expectations in Catholic schools, and offer firmer ground for dialogue with those who manage and teach Religious Education in so-called ‘non-denominational’ schools.
Can We Improve Parametric Cyclonic Wind Fields Using Recent Satellite Remote Sensing Data?
Authors: Krien Yann , Arnaud Gaël , Cécé Raphaël , Ruf Chris , Belmadani Ali , Khan Jamal , Bernard Didier , Islam A.K.M.S. , Durand Fabien , Testut Laurent , Palany Philippe , Zahibo Narcisse
Published: December 2018

Parametric cyclonic wind fields are widely used worldwide for insurance risk underwriting, coastal planning, and storm surge forecasts. They support high-stakes financial, development and emergency decisions. Yet, there is still no consensus on a potentially “best” parametric approach, nor guidance to choose among the great variety of published models. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that recent progress in estimating extreme surface wind speeds from satellite remote sensing now makes it possible to assess the performance of existing parametric models, and select a relevant one with greater objectivity. In particular, we show that the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission of NASA, along with the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT), are able to capture a substantial part of the tropical cyclone structure, and to aid in characterizing the strengths and weaknesses of a number of parametric models. Our results suggest that none of the traditional empirical approaches are the best option in all cases. Rather, the choice of a parametric model depends on several criteria, such as cyclone intensity and the availability of wind radii information. The benefit of using satellite remote sensing data to select a relevant parametric model for a specific case study is tested here by simulating hurricane Maria (2017). The significant wave heights computed by a wave-current hydrodynamic coupled model are found to be in good agreement with the predictions given by the remote sensing data. The results and approach presented in this study should shed new light on how to handle parametric cyclonic wind models, and help the scientific community conduct better wind, wave, and surge analyses for tropical cyclones.
Variation of Individual Location Radiance in VIIRS DNB Monthly Composite Images
Authors: Coesfeld Jacqueline , Anderson Sharolyn J. , Baugh Kimberly , Elvidge Christopher D. , Schernthanner Harald , Kyba Christopher C. M.
Published: December 2018

With the growing size and use of night light time series from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day/Night Band (DNB), it is important to understand the stability of the dataset. All satellites observe differences in pixel values during repeat observations. In the case of night light data, these changes can be due to both environmental effects and changes in light emission. Here we examine the stability of individual locations of particular large scale light sources (e.g., airports and prisons) in the monthly composites of DNB data from April 2012 to September 2017. The radiances for individual pixels of most large light emitters are approximately normally distributed, with a standard deviation of typically 15–20% of the mean. Greenhouses and flares, however, are not stable sources. We observe geospatial autocorrelation in the monthly variations for nearby sites, while the correlation for sites separated by large distances is small. This suggests that local factors contribute most to the variation in the pixel radiances and furthermore that averaging radiances over large areas will reduce the total variation. A better understanding of the causes of temporal variation would improve the sensitivity of DNB to lighting changes.
Assessing the Effects of Land-Use Types in Surface Urban Heat Islands for Developing Comfortable Living in Hanoi City
Authors: Thanh Hoan Nguyen , Liou Yuei-An , Nguyen Kim-Anh , Sharma Ram C. , Tran Duy-Phien , Liou Chia-Ling , Cham Dao Dinh
Published: December 2018

Hanoi City of Vietnam changes quickly, especially after its state implemented its Master Plan 2030 for the city’s sustainable development in 2011. Then, a number of environmental issues are brought up in response to the master plan’s implementation. Among the issues, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect that tends to cause negative impacts on people’s heath becomes one major problem for exploitation to seek for mitigation solutions. In this paper, we investigate the land surface thermal signatures among different land-use types in Hanoi. The surface UHI (SUHI) that characterizes the consequences of the UHI effect is also studied and quantified. Note that our SUHI is defined as the magnitude of temperature differentials between any two land-use types (a more general way than that typically proposed in the literature), including urban and suburban. Relationships between main land-use types in terms of composition, percentage coverage, surface temperature, and SUHI in inner Hanoi in the recent two years 2016 and 2017, were proposed and examined. High correlations were found between the percentage coverage of the land-use types and the land surface temperature (LST). Then, a regression model for estimating the intensity of SUHI from the Landsat 8 imagery was derived, through analyzing the correlation between land-use composition and LST for the year 2017. The model was validated successfully for the prediction of the SUHI for another hot day in 2016. For example, the transformation of a chosen area of 161 ha (1.61 km2) from vegetation to built-up between two years, 2016 and 2017, can result in enhanced thermal contrast by 3.3 °C. The function of the vegetation to lower the LST in a hot environment is evident. The results of this study suggest that the newly developed model provides an opportunity for urban planners and designers to develop measures for adjusting the LST, and for mitigating the consequent effects of UHIs by managing the land use composition and percentage coverage of the individual land-use type.
Developing Land-Use Regression Models to Estimate PM2.5-Bound Compound Concentrations
Authors: Hsu Chin-Yu , Wu Chih-Da , Hsiao Ya-Ping , Chen Yu-Cheng , Chen Mu-Jean , Lung Shih-Chun Candice
Published: December 2018

Epidemiology estimates how exposure to pollutants may impact human health. It often needs detailed determination of ambient concentrations to avoid exposure misclassification. However, it is unrealistic to collect pollutant data from each and every subject. Land-use regression (LUR) models have thus been used frequently to estimate individual levels of exposures to ambient air pollution. This paper used remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) tools to develop ten regression models for PM2.5-bound compound concentration based on measurements of a six-year period including NH 4 + ,   SO 4 2 − ,   NO 3 − , OC, EC, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Sb. The explained variance (R2) of these LUR models ranging from 0.60 to 0.92 confirms that this study successfully estimated the fine spatial variability of PM2.5-bound compound concentrations in Taiwan where the distribution of traffic, industrial area, greenness, and culture-specific PM2.5 sources like temples collected from GIS and remote sensing data were main variables. In particular, while they were much less used, this study showcased the necessity of remote sensing data of greenness in future LUR studies for reducing the exposure bias. In terms of local residents’ health outcome or health effect indicators, this study further offers much-needed support for future air epidemiological studies. The results provide important insights into expanding the application of GIS and remote sensing on exposure assessment for PM2.5-bound compounds.
Social Representations in Studying Information, Knowledge, and Mediations: A Critical Review
Authors: Rubira-García Rainer , Puebla-Martínez Belén , Gelado-Marcos Roberto
Published: December 2018

This text addresses the concept of social representations, as well as its uses and epistemological limits in the processes of production, distribution, and appropriation of information and knowledge. From a critical and systematic documentary–bibliographical analysis, this paper aims at shedding light on the conditions of emergency and functioning of social representations and their role in building up shared meanings. The article connects objectification and anchoring mechanisms from the formation processes of social representations with strategies of meaning construction, and therefore, of knowledge acquisition, in relation to information exchange in different psychosocial stages. Finally, we aim at trying to reflect on the socio-cultural aspects that shape information and communication phenomena, and the significance of the mediations paradigm in this regard.
Enabling Factors and Strategies for the Transition Toward a Circular Economy (CE)
Authors: De Mattos Claudia Aparecida , De Albuquerque Thiago Lourenço Meira
Published: December 2018

This study aims to identify and analyze the enabling factors and strategies for the structuring and diffusion of a circular business model. Circular model structuring involves several actors, challenges, and barriers. In this context, the present study allows discussion of the business structure in line with the principles of circularity and can contribute by mapping the factors and strategies to be worked for business development in the circular context, providing an overview and guidance for academics, businesspeople, and professionals. Through a case study method, the research allowed identification of the factors and an in-depth understanding of the strategies and drivers of circular business models; from the empirical research, it will be possible to identify opportunities that align with what is already known, but also what may be specific to the context of emerging countries to enable the circular model.
China’s Outward FDI in Indonesia: Spatial Patterns and Determinants
Authors: Fu Yu , Supriyadi Agus , Wang Tao
Published: December 2018

China has gradually become an important world investor with the implementations of its “Going Global” and “Belt and Road” strategy initiatives. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic country, and has the largest economy of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Therefore, Indonesia is an important node for China’s implementation of its “Belt and Road” initiative. However, the existing research results regarding China’s OFDI (Outward Foreign Direct Investment) in Indonesia have indicated that little focus has been placed on the distribution patterns and determinants at the provincial levels. In this study, spatial analysis and mathematical statistics methods were used to analyze the temporal and spatial pattern evolution characteristics of China’s OFDI in Indonesia for the period ranging from 2006 to 2016. Also, the mechanism of the pattern evolution was quantitatively identified. The results obtained in this research study indicated the following: (1) China’s OFDI in Indonesia was observed to be characterized by fluctuations in investment amounts and rising numbers of investment projects, also, the investment amounts and number of projects were spatially dispersed; (2) the overall spatial evolution of China’s OFDI in Indonesia was found to be characterized by certain patterns, such as “west higher than the east, and south higher than the north” patterns. Moreover, the direction of the investment gravity center was determined to be obviously distinct during different periods; (3) high-level investments were found to be focused in only a few provinces, meanwhile, the majority of the provinces continued to be in a low-level stable state of investment from China; (4) this study’s OLS (Ordinary Least Square) regression and step-wise regression models revealed that institutional factors, political relations, and human resources were the most important factors which had affected China’s OFDI in Indonesia during the study period.
Academic Engagement and Intention to Drop Out: Levers for Sustainability in Higher Education
Authors: Truta Camelia , Parv Luminita , Topala Ioana
Published: December 2018

The present paper analyses the relevance of academic engagement in the process of students dropping out of school. Previous studies have consistently shown strong associations between engagement and students’ achievement outcomes. The increased attention given to academic engagement in recent years is also visible in the efforts of stakeholders in higher education to increase engagement and, consequently, to reduce dropout. The relationships between engagement and dropout rates are somewhat fuzzier, vigor, dedication, and absorption vary inconsistently in students at risk. Using a correlation research design, we tested several dimensions of academic engagement as predictors of early dropout intentions on a sample of first-year students (N = 1063). The results showed that psychological academic engagement of students is a significant predictor of early dropout intentions. Differences in academic engagement given by family background and academic context were also tested. The implications of the results are discussed in the light of possible interventions for increasing academic engagement of university students. Also, suggestions for including employers in academic engagement and dropout interventions are given.
Conservation for Sustainable Development: The Sustainability Evaluation of the Xijie Historic District, Dujiangyan City, China
Authors: Kou Huaiyun , Zhou Jian , Chen Jie , Zhang Sichu
Published: December 2018

Historic districts have become a significant aspect of urban diversity and sustainable development, due to their dual attributes of cultural heritage and living community. This study aims to assess the influence of conservation efforts on the sustainable development of historic districts. Based on a literature review, this study designed a sustainability evaluation model that included twelve indicators and twenty-seven sub-indicators, in reference to heritage conservation, stakeholder participation, economic development, and planning and governance. The case study of the Xijie Historic District in Dujiangyan City, China, was selected to apply the model. Using data collected via questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, and using qualitative and quantitative combined methods and weighted averages, the model produced the sustainability index of the Xijie Historic District. Further examinations were performed and findings were explored, regarding the conservation efforts for the Xijie Historic District. Despite the research limitation of a lack of multi-sample verification, the results of the assessment are consistent with what is found in practice, demonstrating the validity of the model. The sustainability evaluation model can be applied to various historic districts and regions, by reassigning indicator weights to the different cases; the indicators system also provides references for research and practical applications for the conservation and sustainable development of other heritage types.
Strategic Networking for Sustainability: Lessons Learned from Two Case Studies in Higher Education
Authors: Kahle Judith , Risch Katrin , Wanke Andreas , Lang Daniel J.
Published: December 2018

As places where future citizens are educated, knowledge is (co-)produced and societal developments are critically reflected, higher education institutions (HEIs) can play a key role in addressing sustainability challenges. In order to accelerate mutual learning, shared problem understanding, and joint development of sustainable solutions, interinstitutional exchange and collaboration between HEIs is crucial. However, little research to date has focused on institutional HEI networks in the field of sustainability. More specifically, we still understand little about the concrete development, implementation, and adaptation of such networks. This article explores early-stage HEI networks for sustainability from a conceptual and empirical stance in order to develop a framework that facilitates structured descriptions of these networks, as well as to foster cross-HEI learning on their effective performance. It therefore combines insights from an explorative literature review, two case studies and an interactive workshop at the ISCN Conference 2018. As results, we first suggest an analytical framework to facilitate a systematic characterization of HEI networks. Second, by applying the framework to the two case studies, we present and discuss lessons learned on how a single HEI can contribute to establishing a network and how it can utilize its network membership effectively to strengthen its efforts for sustainability.
Crowdfunding and Sustainable Development
Authors: Motylska-Kuzma Anna
Published: December 2018

The aim of this article is to verify the hypothesis that crowdfunding campaigns with sustainable orientations are significantly more likely to convince investors and successfully raise funds. The research covered 50 successful crowdfunding projects’ reward and equity-based models, which were pledged on Polish platforms, and analyzed the context of the campaigns. Basic statistical non-parametric tests were used to analyze the data. The study shows that although there were big differences in the amount of raised funds and achieved success rates, the sustainable orientation of the project itself was not so important. It is worth noticing that the level of realization of the objectives of sustainable development was really low, and was not highlighted in the description. This paper explores the relevant success factors of crowdfunding projects, which is very important in order to prepare new ideas for financing and attract the crowd as an investor.