bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Three Essential Motifs in P0 for Suppression of RNA Silencing Activity of Potato leafroll virus Are Required for Virus Systemic Infection
Authors: Rashid Mamun-Or , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Wang Ying , Li Da-Wei , Yu Jia-Lin , Han Cheng-Gui
Published: February 2019

Higher plants exploit posttranscriptional gene silencing as a defense mechanism against virus infection by the RNA degradation system. Plant RNA viruses suppress posttranscriptional gene silencing using their encoded proteins. Three important motifs (F-box-like motif, G139/W140/G141-like motif, and C-terminal conserved region) in P0 of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) were reported to be essential for suppression of RNA silencing activity. In this study, Agrobacterium-mediated transient experiments were carried out to screen the available amino acid substitutions in the F-box-like motif and G139/W140/G141-like motif that abolished the RNA silencing suppression activity of P0, without disturbing the P1 amino acid sequence. Subsequently, four P0 defective mutants derived from a full-length cDNA clone of PLRV (L76F and W87R substitutions in the F-box-like motif, G139RRR substitution in the G139/W140/G141-like motif, and F220R substitution in the C-terminal conserved region) were successfully generated by reverse PCR and used to investigate the impact of these substitutions on PLRV infectivity. The RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that these defective mutants affected virus accumulation in inoculated leaves and systemic movement in Nicotiana benthamiana as well as in its natural hosts, potato and black nightshade. These results further demonstrate that the RNA silencing suppressor of PLRV is required for PLRV accumulation and systemic infection.
Complexities of Type I Interferon Biology: Lessons from LCMV
Authors: Suprunenko Tamara , Hofer Markus J.
Published: February 2019

Over the past decades, infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) has provided an invaluable insight into our understanding of immune responses to viruses. In particular, this model has clarified the central roles that type I interferons play in initiating and regulating host responses. The use of different strains of LCMV and routes of infection has allowed us to understand how type I interferons are critical in controlling virus replication and fostering effective antiviral immunity, but also how they promote virus persistence and functional exhaustion of the immune response. Accordingly, these discoveries have formed the foundation for the development of novel treatments for acute and chronic viral infections and even extend into the management of malignant tumors. Here we review the fundamental insights into type I interferon biology gained using LCMV as a model and how the diversity of LCMV strains, dose, and route of administration have been used to dissect the molecular mechanisms underpinning acute versus persistent infection. We also identify gaps in the knowledge regarding LCMV regulation of antiviral immunity. Due to its unique properties, LCMV will continue to remain a vital part of the immunologists’ toolbox.
Targeting the Viral Polymerase of Diarrhea-Causing Viruses as a Strategy to Develop a Single Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Bassetto Marcella , Van Dycke Jana , Neyts Johan , Brancale Andrea , Rocha-Pereira Joana
Published: February 2019

Viral gastroenteritis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, being particularly severe for children under the age of five. The most common viral agents of gastroenteritis are noroviruses, rotaviruses, sapoviruses, astroviruses and adenoviruses, however, no specific antiviral treatment exists today against any of these pathogens. We here discuss the feasibility of developing a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment against these diarrhea-causing viruses. This review focuses on the viral polymerase as an antiviral target, as this is the most conserved viral protein among the diverse viral families to which these viruses belong to. We describe the functional and structural similarities of the different viral polymerases, the antiviral effect of reported polymerase inhibitors and highlight common features that might be exploited in an attempt of designing such pan-polymerase inhibitor.
Tropism of the Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Matusali Giulia , Colavita Francesca , Bordi Licia , Lalle Eleonora , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria R. , Castilletti Concetta
Published: February 2019

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne virus that displays a large cell and organ tropism, and causes a broad range of clinical symptoms in humans. It is maintained in nature through both urban and sylvatic cycles, involving mosquito vectors and human or vertebrate animal hosts. Although CHIKV was first isolated in 1953, its pathogenesis was only more extensively studied after its re-emergence in 2004. The unexpected spread of CHIKV to novel tropical and non-tropical areas, in some instances driven by newly competent vectors, evidenced the vulnerability of new territories to this infectious agent and its associated diseases. The comprehension of the exact CHIKV target cells and organs, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and spectrum of both competitive vectors and animal hosts is pivotal for the design of effective therapeutic strategies, vector control measures, and eradication actions.
Anthropogenic Changes in a Mediterranean Coastal Wetland during the Last Century—The Case of Gialova Lagoon, Messinia, Greece
Authors: Maneas Giorgos , Makopoulou Eirini , Bousbouras Dimitris , Berg Håkan , Manzoni Stefano
Published: February 2019

Human interventions during the last 70 years have altered the characteristics of the Gialova Lagoon, a coastal wetland that is part of a wider Natura 2000 site. In this study, we explore how human interventions and climate altered the wetland’s hydrological conditions and habitats, leading to changing wetland functions over time. Our interpretations are based on a mixed methodological approach combining conceptual hydrologic models, analysis of aerial photographs, local knowledge, field observations, and GIS (Geographic Information System) analyses. The results show that the combined effects of human interventions and climate have led to increased salinity in the wetland over time. As a result, the fresh and brackish water marshes have gradually been turned into open water or replaced by halophytic vegetation with profound ecological implications. Furthermore, current human activities inside the Natura 2000 area and in the surrounding areas could further impact on the water quantity and quality in the wetland, and on its sensitive ecosystems. We suggest that a more holistic understanding of the broader socio-ecological system is needed to understand the dynamics of the wetland and to achieve sustainable long-term management and conservation strategies.
Assessing Water and Nutrient Long-Term Dynamics and Loads in the Enxoé Temporary River Basin (Southeast Portugal)
Authors: Brito David , Neves Ramiro , Branco Maria A. , Prazeres Ângela , Rodrigues Sara , Gonçalves Maria C. , Ramos Tiago B.
Published: February 2019

The Enxoé reservoir has been exhibiting frequent high chlorophyll-a concentrations (reaching a geometric mean six times the national limit for eutrophication of 10 μg L−1) since 2000, and represents the reservoir with the highest eutrophic state in Portugal. Toxic algal blooms have also been observed, which pose serious challenges to water managers, as the reservoir is used for potable water production. In an effort to contribute to the reduction of the reservoir trophic state, the watershed inputs (monthly flows, sediment, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loads) were characterized with the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Field data were collected in the ungauged watershed during 2010 and 2011. Model results were then used to characterize the long-term watershed dynamics in terms of water and nutrients. SWAT estimates of the simulated flow, and the sediment and nutrient loads were in good agreement with field data (R2 between 0.42–0.78; Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies between 0.19–0.75). The Enxoé River was characterized by a temporary flushy regime where high concentrations were transported in short time periods. As a result, nutrient loads delivered to the Enxoé reservoir were estimated to be 18 tonN year−1 and 0.7 tonP year−1 (30 years’ simulation), reaching the reservoir mainly by runoff. These results were consistent with the gentle slopes, extensive agricultural activities, and low urban pressure observed in Enxoé. The magnitude of the nutrient exports suggests that the reservoir eutrophication may also be linked to the reservoir geometry (average depth of 5 m), which provides high light availability to the bottom sediments. Thus, SWAT results were integrated into a reservoir model to depict the origin of the Enxoé trophic state and test management scenarios that may reduce it.
Response of Erosion and Deposition of Channel Bed, Banks and Floodplains to Water and Sediment Changes in the Lower Yellow River, China
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Shi Changxing , Zhou Yuanyuan , Gu Zhenkui , Li Huijuan
Published: February 2019

River channel change can be very sensitive to environmental change and human activities and it has been one of the main research topics in fluvial geomorphology. In this study, repeated channel geometric measurements were used to investigate the channel adjustment to water and sediment changes of the lower Yellow River in China in the past few decades. With a high sediment concentration and large variations of water discharge, the lower Yellow River has a much active channel in its form and location, which has hindered previous research efforts to study long-term differentiated erosion/deposition of different geomorphic units in the channel. In this study, we divided each of four typical channel across-sections at hydrological stations in the lower Yellow River into different units according to the geomorphological features, and give a detailed investigation of erosion/deposition processes of these geomorphic units and the interactions between them besides the influence of incoming water and sediment conditions. The results show that with a significant decreasing trend of both the annual runoff and sediment load of the river and abrupt changes in 1985–1996, the overall siltation trend in the river channel before 1990 had been replaced by a slight erosion trend after 2006. In the earlier period, the siltation in the upstream wandering and transitional reaches mainly occurred on floodplains and that in the downstream straight reaches principally on main channel bed. In the later period, erosion occurred mainly on high and low bank slopes in the wandering reaches and on main channel bed in the transitional reaches. The erosion became weak in the wandering reaches after 2010, continued in the transitional reaches, and was still relatively minor in the straight reaches, reflecting the downstream hysteresis channel response to changes in water and sediment discharges down dams. Our results suggest that the seasonal erosion/deposition of a geomorphic unit of the river channel can be attributed to the changes in water and sediment discharges as well as to the interaction between geomorphic units. Siltation on the main channel bed could be attributed to erosion on the bank slopes in both the sections in the wandering and transitional reaches, and erosion of the main channel bed in flood seasons was negatively related with the mean water discharge at the two sections in the straight reaches. This result implies that fixing the bank slopes in the wandering and transitional reaches and raising the water discharge in the straight reach in flood seasons are favorable options for controlling the development of the two-level perching channel of the lower Yellow River.
Isohyetal Maps of Daily Maximum Rainfall for Different Return Periods for the Colombian Caribbean Region
Authors: González-Álvarez Álvaro , Viloria-Marimón Orlando M. , Coronado-Hernández Óscar E. , Vélez-Pereira Andrés M. , Tesfagiorgis Kibrewossen , Coronado-Hernández Jairo R.
Published: February 2019

In Colombia, daily maximum multiannual series are one of the main inputs for design streamflow calculation, which requires performing a rainfall frequency analysis that involves several prior steps: (a) requesting the datasets, (b) waiting for the information, (c) reviewing the datasets received for missing or data different from the requested variable, and (d) requesting the information once again if it is not correct. To tackle these setbacks, 318 rain gauges located in the Colombian Caribbean region were used to first evaluate whether or not the Gumbel distribution was indeed the most suitable by performing frequency analyses using three different distributions (Gumbel, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), and Log-Pearson 3 (LP3)); secondly, to generate daily maximum isohyetal maps for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, and 100 years; and, lastly, to evaluate which interpolation method (IDW, spline, and ordinary kriging) works best in areas with a varying density of data points. GEV was most suitable in 47.2% of the rain gauges, while Gumbel, in spite of being widely used in Colombia, was only suitable in 34.3% of the cases. Regarding the interpolation method, better isohyetals were obtained with the IDW method. In general, the areal maximum daily rainfall estimated showed good agreement when compared to the true values.
Statistical and Numerical Assessments of Groundwater Resource Subject to Excessive Pumping: Case Study in Southwest Taiwan
Authors: Shih Dong-Sin , Chen Chia-Jeng , Li Ming-Hsu , Jang Cheng-Shin , Chang Che-Min , Liao Yuan-Ya
Published: February 2019

Groundwater, a salient water resource in Taiwan, has been subject to incessant and excessive pumping, inducing serious regional land subsidence and seawater intrusion. This study aims at assessing how excessive pumping impacts groundwater variations over the Pingtung Alluvial Plain (PAP) in Southwest Taiwan using both statistical and numerical techniques. We apply nonparametric methods to analyze the changing point and annual trend in various hydro-meteorological time series (e.g., rainfall, temperature, and groundwater levels (GLs)). Afterwards, we employ an integrated surface-subsurface model referred to as WASH123D to simulate GLs under the pumping-free scenario; any discrepancies identified between simulated and observed GLs could be an indicator of unregulated/illegal pumping. We find that annual GLs exhibit a significant increasing (decreasing) trend in the western (eastern) PAP. Our numerical experiment reveals diverging trends in simulated and observed GLs, mostly at the downstream of all the major tributaries, suggesting the consequence of unregulated/illegal pumping. Furthermore, upstream pumping may reduce lateral flow towards the downstream coastal area, triggering land subsidence in remote locations.
Key Drivers for Copepod Assemblages in a Eutrophic Coastal Brackish Lake
Authors: Annabi-Trabelsi Neila , El-Shabrawy Gamal , Goher Mohamed E. , Subrahmanyam Madhavapeddi N. V. , Al-Enezi Yousef , Ali Mohammad , Ayadi Habib , Belmonte Genuario
Published: February 2019

The copepod assemblages and abiotic parameters were investigated at 11 stations in a large coastal lake (Lake Manzalah, Nile Delta) from 2009–2010 in order to verify any impacts of eutrophication and salinity on the copepod species composition. The environmental conditions and the copepod assemblages appeared to have changed in comparison with previous studies, possibly because of increasing eutrophication and invasions of non-indigenous species (NIS). The aim of the present study was the identification of species which can be used as ecological indicators of high trophic status. Among the nine copepod species of Lake Manzalah, Acartia tonsa, Mesocyclops ogunnus, and Apocyclops panamensis were reported for the first time. Acartia tonsa, a well-known NIS for the Mediterranean, numerically dominated the copepod assemblages in some portions of the lake. The distribution of Acanthocyclops trajani and Thermocyclops consimilis was insensible to eutrophication because they can stand high levels of nutrients and hypoxia. Compared with previous reports, the copepod assemblage of Lake Manzalah was richer in species. The invasions of NIS, in addition to the heterogeneous progress of eutrophication in the lake, created an environmental mosaic with many species in total, but with single areas suitable for only a small number of them.
Impact of Airbnb on Customers' Behavior In the UK Hotel Industry
Authors: Lu Luqi , Tabari Saloomeh
Published: February 2019

The sharing economy is nowadays disrupting the hotel industry. Airbnb is one of the best examples of such an issue. In order to find approaches for hotels to mitigate the threat from these new accommodation forms, the present article focuses on the major elements influencing customers
to choose this new platform and other related aspects affecting the future of the hotel industry. Previous studies have looked at how Airbnb influences customer behavior, but this is one of the first studies dealing with an analysis of the impact of Airbnb on the UK hotel industry. In this
way, the article majorly focuses on evaluating the impact of this new accommodation and services platform on customers' behavior within the UK hotel industry. Particularly, it seeks to determine how the hospitality and hotel sectors can mitigate the threats posed by Airbnb. As a result, the
article also provides managerial and industrial recommendations of the research findings.
Dependency of Spanish Urban Hotels on Booking.Com
Authors: Mellinas Juan Pedro
Published: February 2019

There is an increasing dependency of hotels on online travel agencies (OTAs) around the world, particularly in Booking.com when we focus on Europe, but there is a lack of information about accurate data related to market share of OTAs. Moreover, it is not possible to access individual
information about hotels' dependency on OTAs because it is confidential. An indicator, based on the number of reviews of each hotel on Booking.com (RpR), is proposed as a proxy for hotel reservations. It does not provide the exact number of reservations made through Booking.com, but allows
comparing dependency levels. Results from Spanish urban hotels suggest higher dependency percentage than in previous research using surveys at a European level. Independent hotels and hotels with small size or low star category are clearly more dependent on Booking.com. The RpR could be used
as a benchmarking tool for hotels when comparing with competitors and can also function as an indicator of the evolution of the dependence on OTAs for individual hotels. The methodology described can be applied to other OTAs that have a similar reviewing system, like Expedia, Agoda or HRS,
which would provide estimations about competitors' distribution mix.
Experience Innovation of Tourism Encounters
Authors: Sørensen Flemming , Jensen Jens Friis
Published: February 2019

This article discusses how tourism companies can change practices and thereby innovate employee–tourist encounters, changing them from traditional service encounters to encounters that focus on creating experiential value for tourists. The article combines service innovation,
practice, and experience economy theory. The analysis is based on a multiple qualitative service innovation field experiment in five Danish tourism companies. The experiments showed how front-line employees in tourism companies could act as creative experts in innovation processes that focused
on developing new reflective encounter practices aimed at experiential value creation. However, the experiments also illustrated how a number of factors influenced the process, including a trust-based organizational environment, an organizational setup in which front-line employees' ideas
could be developed and shared, organizational structures and mind-sets that supported front-line employees' reflective practice, as well as more specific "rooms" for creativity, such as facilitated workshops. Conversely, strong service mind-sets acted as a barrier to change towards experience-focused
encounter practices. The article suggests new strategic approaches to innovation practices in tourism companies. Involving front-line employees in innovation processes becomes central for tourism companies that want to go beyond service production and create new experiential value.
Progressing a Child-Centred Research Agenda in Tourism Studies
Authors: Canosa Antonia , Graham Anne , Wilson Erica
Published: February 2019

In this "hot issue" article, Canosa, Graham, and Wilson trace the historical conditions that have contributed to the marginalization of children and young people's voices in broader social research. Developments in the field of childhood studies are examined by them with a particular
focus on how this growing area of interdisciplinary scholarship has seemingly challenged entrenched assumptions about children and young people's competence and triggered a major shift in understanding their agency, rights, well-being, and ability to contribute in a meaningful way to research
about their lives. The Canosa, Graham, and Wilson review article ultimately reveals the existence of an evident gap that offers an opportunity for progressing a critical, robust and discrete child-centered research agenda that can add considerably to received knowledge within tourism studies.
PUSHOVER ANALYSIS OF ASYMMETRIC THREE‐DIMENSIONAL BUILDING FRAMES
Authors: Barros Rui Carneiro , Almeida Ricardo
Published: February 2019

The effect of higher modes of vibration on the total non‐linear dynamic response of a structure is a very important and unsolved problem. To simplify the process the static non‐linear pushover analysis was proposed associated with the capacity spectrum method, utilising a load pattern proportional to the shape of the fundamental mode of vibration of the structure. The results of the pushover analysis, with this load pattern, are very accurate for structures that respond primarily in the fundamental mode. But when the higher modes of vibration become important for the total response of the structure, this load pattern loses its accuracy. To minimise this problem a new multimode load pattern is proposed based on the relative participation of each mode of vibration in the elastic response of a structure subjected to an earthquake ground motion. This load pattern is applied to the analyses of symmetric frames as well as to stiffness asymmetric and mass asymmetric irregular building frames, under seismic actions of distinct orientations, permitting to draw significant conclusions.
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS TO DETERMINE CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH BASED ON NON‐DESTRUCTIVE TESTS
Authors: Hoła Jerzy , Schabowicz Krzysztof
Published: February 2019

The paper deals with the neural identification of the compressive strength of concrete on the basis of non‐destructively determined parameters. Basic information on artificial neural networks and the types of artificial neural networks most suitable for the analysis of experimental results are given. A set of experimental data for the training and testing of neural networks is described. The data set covers a concrete compressive strength ranging from 24 to 105 MPa. The methodology of the neural identification of compressive strength is presented. Results of such identification are reported. The results show that artificial neural networks are highly suitable for assessing the compressive strength of concrete. The neural identification of the compressive strength of concrete has been verified in situ.
EVALUATION OF CONCRETE RESISTANCE TO CHLORIDE IONS PENETRATION BY MEANS OF ELECTRIC RESISTIVITY MONITORING
Authors: Kosior-Kazberuk Marta , Jezierski Walery
Published: February 2019

The chloride‐induced corrosion of reinforcing steel is the major reason for the premature deterioration and degradation of field concrete structures built in a salt‐laden environment. The results of investigation of the bituminous addition effect on Portland cement concrete resistance to chloride ions penetration are presented in this paper. Chloride penetration was simulated by subjecting samples to cyclic loading with salt solution and drying. Concrete resistivity development was monitored during 12 months. The test results have been analysed to verify the effect of addition content, the time of exposure in aggressive environment, as well as the sort of cement on chloride ion permeability of Portland cement concrete. The statistical analysis showed that bituminous addition significantly improves the concrete resistance to chloride salt solution penetration.
Age Determination in Upper Scorpius with Eclipsing Binaries
Authors: David Trevor J. , Hillenbrand Lynne A. , Gillen Edward , Cody Ann Marie , Howell Steve B. , Isaacson Howard T. , Livingston John H.
Published: February 2019

The Upper Scorpius OB association is the nearest region of recent massive star formation and thus an important benchmark for investigations concerning stellar evolution and planet formation timescales. We present nine eclipsing binaries (EBs) in Upper Scorpius, three of which are newly reported here and all of which were discovered from K2 photometry. Joint fitting of the eclipse photometry and radial velocities from newly acquired Keck I/HIRES spectra yields precise masses and radii for those systems that are spectroscopically double-lined. The binary orbital periods in our sample range from 0.6 to 100 days, with total masses ranging from 0.2 to 8 M
⊙. At least 33% of the EBs reside in hierarchical multiples, including two triples and one quadruple. We use these EBs to develop an empirical mass–radius relation for pre-main-sequence stars and evaluate the predictions of widely used stellar evolutionary models. We report evidence for an age of 5–7 Myr, which is self-consistent in the mass range of 0.3–5 M
⊙ and based on the fundamentally determined masses and radii of EBs. Evolutionary models including the effects of magnetic fields imply an age of 9–10 Myr. Our results are consistent with previous studies that indicate that many models systematically underestimate the masses of low-mass stars by 20%–60% based on Hertzsprung–Russell diagram analyses. We also consider the dynamical states of several binaries and compare with expectations from tidal dissipation theories. Finally, we identify RIK 72 b as a long-period transiting brown dwarf (M = 59.2 ± 6.8 M
Jup, R = 3.10 ± 0.31 R
Jup, P ≈ 97.8 days) and an ideal benchmark for brown dwarf cooling models at 5–10 Myr.
Ruling Out ∼100–300 GeV Thermal Relic Annihilating Dark Matter by Radio Observation of the Andromeda Galaxy
Authors: Chan Man Ho , Cui Lang , Liu Jun , Leung Chun Sing
Published: February 2019

Over the past few years, some studies have claimed that annihilating dark matter with mass ∼10–100 GeV can explain the GeV gamma-ray excess in our Galaxy. However, recent analyses of Fermi-LAT and radio observational data have ruled out the possibility of the thermal relic annihilating dark matter with mass m ≤ 100 GeV for some popular annihilation channels. By using the new observed radio data of the Andromeda galaxy, we rule out the existence of ∼100–300 GeV thermal relic annihilating dark matter for 10 annihilation channels. The lower limits of annihilating dark matter mass are improved to larger than 330 GeV for the most conservative case, which is a few times larger than the current best constraints. Moreover, these limits strongly disfavor the benchmark model of weakly interacting massive particles produced through the thermal freeze-out mechanism.
OGLE-2016-BLG-0156: Microlensing Event with Pronounced Microlens-parallax Effects Yielding a Precise Lens Mass Measurement
Authors: Jung Youn Kil , Han Cheongho , Bond Ian A. , Udalski Andrzej , Gould Andrew ,   (Leading authors), Albrow Michael D. , Chung Sun-Ju , Hwang Kyu-Ha , Lee Chung-Uk , Ryu Yoon-Hyun , Shin In-Gu , Shvartzvald Yossi , Yee Jennifer C. , Jee M. James , Kim Doeon , Cha Sang-Mok , Kim Dong-Jin , Kim Hyoun-Woo , Kim Seung-Lee , Lee Dong-Joo , Lee Yongseok , Park Byeong-Gon , Pogge Richard W. ,   (The KMTNet Collaboration), Abe Fumio , Barry Richard , Bennett David P. , Bhattacharya Aparna , Donachie Martin , Fukui Akihiko , Hirao Yuki , Itow Yoshitaka , Kawasaki Kohei , Kondo Iona , Koshimoto Naoki , Cheung Alex Li Man , Matsubara Yutaka , Muraki Yasushi , Miyazaki Shota , Nagakane Masayuki , Ranc Clément , Rattenbury Nicholas J. , Suematsu Haruno , Sullivan Denis J. , Sumi Takahiro , Suzuki Daisuke , Tristram Paul J. , Yonehara Atsunori ,   (The MOA Collaboration), Mróz Przemek , Poleski Radek , Skowron Jan , Szymański Michał K. , Soszyński Igor , Kozłowski Szymon , Pietrukowicz Paweł , Ulaczyk Krzysztof , Pawlak Michał ,   (THE OGLE COLLABORATION)
Published: February 2019

We analyze the gravitational binary-lensing event OGLE-2016-BLG-0156, for which the lensing light curve displays pronounced deviations induced by microlens-parallax effects. The light curve exhibits three distinctive widely separated peaks and we find that the multiple-peak feature provides a very tight constraint on the microlens-parallax effect, enabling us to precisely measure the microlens parallax

. All the peaks are densely and continuously covered from high-cadence survey observations using globally located telescopes and the analysis of the peaks leads to the precise measurement of the angular Einstein radius

. From the combination of the measured

and

, we determine the physical parameters of the lens. It is found that the lens is a binary composed of two M dwarfs with masses M
1 = 0.18 ± 0.01 M
⊙ and M
2 = 0.16 ± 0.01 M
⊙ located at a distance

. According to the estimated lens mass and distance, the flux from the lens comprises an important fraction, ∼25%, of the blended flux. The bright nature of the lens combined with the high relative lens-source motion, μ = 6.94 ± 0.50 mas yr−1, suggests that the lens can be directly observed from future high-resolution follow-up observations.
Rostania revised: testing generic delimitations in Collemataceae (Peltigerales, Lecanoromycetes)
Authors: Košuthová Alica , Westberg Martin , Otálora Mónica A.G. , Wedin Mats
Published: February 2019

Here, we test the current generic delimitation of Rostania (Collemataceae, Peltigerales, Ascomycota) utilizing molecular phylogeny and morphological investigations. Using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial SSU rDNA and two nuclear protein-coding genes (MCM7 and β-tubulin) and utilizing parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods, Rostania is shown to be non-monophyletic in the current sense. A new generic delimitation of Rostania is thus proposed, in which the genus is monophyletic, and three species (Rostaniacoccophylla, R.paramensis, R.quadrifida) are excluded and transferred to other genera. Rostaniaoccultata is further non-monophyletic, and a more detailed investigation of species delimitations in Rostania s. str. is needed. The new combinations Leptogiumparamense and Scytiniumquadrifidum are proposed.
Ecosystem Services Demand Management Under Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Ben Salem Abdelkrim , Ben Salem Souad , Yacoubi Mohammed Khebiza , Messouli Mohammed
Published: February 2019

Water ecosystem service is the most important element that supports Tafilalet agro-ecosystems. In this region, drought frequency is increasing, which complicate the management groundwater reserves. The ephemeral flows of the rivers force people to use groundwater to meet the population demand. Consequently, water resource management is of significant importance the sustainability of this area. Water evaluation and planning (WEAP) is useful management software used to evaluate and trace the trend of water demand. This model was applied in case of Ziz basin in order to simulate and analyze the situation of water under different scenarios. The results show an increasing of demand for water irrigation and with introducing modern irrigation scenario. However, a decreasing trend in reservoir storage volume and groundwater storage was projected in Tafilalet.
Potential Role of Endophytes for Sustainable Environment
Authors: Dar Zubair A. , Rifat Bhat , Bhat Javeed I. A. , Bhatti Asma Absar , Haq Shamsul , Amin Azra , Dar Shakeel Ahmad
Published: February 2019

Endophytes are symptomless fungal and bacterial microorganisms found in almost all living plants. They are vital components of plant microbiomes. Endophytes affect plant growth and plant responses to pathogens, herbivores, and environmental change by producing a range of natural products having antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. Endophytes have shown particular promise in agriculture particularly as beneficial crop inoculants and are known to enhance abiotic and biotic plant stress tolerance by increasing tolerance to drought and water stress, as well as tolerance to high temperature and high salinity. A better understanding of their plant growth-promoting mechanisms could simplify higher production of energy crops in a more sustainable manner even on marginal land and feed stocks for industrial processes, thus contribute to avoiding conflicts between food and energy production Many endophytes can be exploited to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation as they are found to be resistant to heavy metals and capable of detoxifying organic contaminants.
Ecosystem Services-Climate-Health Associations
Authors: Karmaoui Ahmed , Zerouali Siham , Shah Ashfaq Ahmad , Yacoubi-Khebiza Mohammed , El Qorchi Fadoua
Published: February 2019

Water is the main ecosystem service that supports the oasis system. Middle Draa Valley is an oasis zone located in the south of Morocco. The water availability in this area is the key element of vegetation cover change. This change added to other factors can cause some parasitic diseases. The zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of these diseases. In this chapter, an analysis of the interaction between some key risk factors and the disease transmission was carried out. The outputs of this work rivaled that there is a very strong correlation between this disease and ecosystem services such as water stored and the dam outflow (directed to the oasis for the irrigation), and the groundwater availability. Regarding the correlation between this vector-borne disease and the cropping area, a strong correlation was recorded. However, for the relationship between leishmaniasis and the precipitation and the dam inflow, average correlations were found. Basically, in MDV, the water availability is the first element that affects an ensemble of processes that cause the disease infection.
Relationships Between Climate Parameters and the Density of Phlebotomus papatasi, the Main Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Karmaoui Ahmed , Zerouali Siham
Published: February 2019

This chapter presents an analysis of the seasonal activity of the Phlebotomus papatasi (leishmaniasis vector) through a correlation between its monthly activity and the monthly meteorological parameters. Three sites from three leishmaniasis endemic countries were used Morocco, Iran, and Greece. The high density of P. papatasi was observed in May in Greece, in July in Morocco and September in Iran. Before May and after September, an important decrease of P. papatasi activity was observed with a decline of maximum and minimum temperatures and an increase of precipitations. Secondly, strong associations between P. papatasi density and minimum and maximum temperatures were explored, third, no significant association have been detected between P. papatasi abundance and precipitations in the three sites. There is an average correlation between relative humidity and P. papatasi density for Isfahan and Creater Athens. Basically, P. papatasi is sensitive to low temperatures and high relative humidity, which makes these two variables better indicators for the possible emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Effectiveness of Local Community Policy Responses to Climate Change Impact on Ecosystem Services for Biodiversity Conservation in the Semi-Arid Zones
Authors: Okaka Wilson Truman
Published: February 2019

The Ugandan government has decentralized climate change policy strategies at the local government district development planning levels to build local community adaptive capacity for accelerated action for disaster resilience. This chapter focuses on the local community response by Isingiro local government district authority. The purpose is to provide a context of the significance of eco-services and natural biodiversity resources in the semi-arid district, located in the South-Western Uganda, elaborate on the district climate change action plan for community-based adaptation strategies, and the biodiversity conservation district development plan. For decades, most households and local communities have perpetually suffered from the severe climatic stress of galloping heatwaves, shocking floods, ferocious frequent whirlwinds and wind storms, catastrophic droughts, perennial food insecurity, malnutrition, migrations, and famines. The district has adopted strategies to enhance biodiversity conservation for eco-services for food security and sustainable community livelihoods.
Development Specifics of the Tower Controller Intelligent Training System
Authors: Piliponok Oksana , Dzhuma Liudmyla
Published: February 2019

The activity of the tower controller is connected with the implementation of a rather complex set of measures to ensure takeoff and landing operations. In connection with this, the aviation specialist should possess the number of professional competencies, which are formed by mastering the theoretical material and consolidating it in practice. Frequently, the initial consolidation in practice is performed by using automated training systems, especially intelligent training systems are in a great demand. Therefore, this chapter is devoted to the specifics of the development of such type aviation-focused system, which are given on the example of the intelligent training system “Tower Controller.” The prototype of this system was developed at Flight Academy of the National Aviation University, Ukraine. Its key differential peculiarity is focused on major stages of the decision-making process of the tower controller instead of visualization from the tower window.
Forest Firefighting Monitoring System Based on UAV Team and Remote Sensing
Authors: Zharikova Maryna , Sherstjuk Vladimir
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the authors propose an approach to using a heterogeneous team of unmanned aerial vehicles and remote sensing techniques to perform tactical forest firefighting operations. The authors present the three-level architecture of the multi-UAV-based forest firefighting monitoring system; features of patrolling, confirming, and monitoring missions; as well as functions of UAV in such missions. The authors consider an infrastructure for the UAV ground support and equipment used for the UAVs control. The method of the data integration into a fire-spreading model in a real-time DSS for the forest fire response is proposed. The proposed approach has been tested with the multi-UAV team that included three drones for the patrol missions, one helicopter for the confirmation mission, and one octocopter for the monitoring mission. The performance of such multi-UAV team has been studied in the laboratory conditions. The result of the experiment has shown that the proposed approach provides required credibility and efficiency of fire prediction and response.
Model of Calculating the Weight and Centering of the Airship With Measurement Errors
Authors: Tymoshenko Ann , Saganovskaia Larisa , Danylko Oksana , Osadchy Sergei
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the authors present an imitation model for calculating the weight and centering of the airship, taking into account the errors that arise in the process of determining these parameters. Also in this chapter there is the analysis of existing means, methods, and methods for determining the weight and alignment of the airship in domestic airlines and air companies. The authors made the research of the sources of errors and identified their types. This chapter provides a new model of the takeoff weight and balance of the aircraft determining process, as well as the weight distribution of passengers law. These materials allow simulating one of the main operations in the preparation for departure process.
The Accrual and Use of Social Capital in Workplace Innovation
Authors: Hughes Heidi , Myers Jan , Ward Philippa
Published: February 2019

Research has demonstrated the importance of social capital for individual and firm-wide success such as individual promotions and firm innovation. Much of the research on social capital examines how individuals or firms can utilize existing social capital, but there is little research that explores how capital credit is generated and accessed in the first place. This chapter proposes a new framework to explore processes of generating, accessing, and accumulating social capital in relation to workplace innovation.
Work-Based Learning and Innovation
Authors: Angove Marilia
Published: February 2019

Empirical findings report an acquired mindset of innovative thinking and behavior by students participating in a dual higher education concept which integrates academic studies and workplace training. Work-based learning (WBL) innovation indicators relevant to international commerce degree students are reviewed and an approach presented that can be used to provide rigorous analysis of innovation activity by students participating in WBL. The research method involved a qualitative methodology to formulate a framework for a tentative generic WBL innovation model. Innovation indicators useful to the three-way partnership of employer, university teacher, and student are identified.
An Overall Perspective of Income Smoothing as a Strategy of Earnings Management
Authors: Mendes Cláudia Araújo , Rodrigues Lúcia Lima , Parte Laura
Published: February 2019

This chapter provides insights on earnings management (EM) explanatory factors. These factors are analyzed within the framework of a specific strategy of EM: income smoothing (IS). This strategy is often used to report earnings with an artificially reduced variability. Thereby, the purpose of the chapter is to explore the motivations, the determinants (anticipated by the positive accounting theory), and some firm-specific factors that might explain IS practices. The relevance of this chapter is justified essentially by two reasons. First, it highlights the contemporary importance of this research line. The academic community, professionals, and regulatory bodies have expressed publicly the concern about the quality of financial reporting. Consequently, a deep knowledge of the factors that possibly explain these accounting discretionary practices is crucial. Second, the extensive literature on EM also justifies this chapter. Thereby, the systematization of the literature on the IS explanatory factors can help researchers and increase future empirical research focused on this area.
Convergence of Accounting Standards to International Standards and Earnings Management in Brazilian Companies
Authors: Mulatinho Caio Eduardo Silva , Pereira Dimmitre Morant Vieira Gonçalves , Monteiro José Augusto de Medeiros , Leal Laura Araújo , Pederneiras Marcleide Maria Macêdo , Ribeiro Marcelo Victor José de Barros , Amaro Rodrigo G.
Published: February 2019

This chapter sought to highlight the main challenges of the initial adoption of accounting standards converged to international standards applied to public companies and treasury-dependent companies and how the results of economic agents in public and private companies in Brazil are managed. Relevant legislation, norms, pronouncements, interpretations, and guidelines of competent bodies were analyzed through bibliographical and documentary research. The results demonstrated that between the two processes of accounting convergence to which such entities must submit, there are conflicts of terms and technical accounting procedures to assist these entities to the process of accounting convergence. Regarding earnings management, it was found that there is an earnings management in both sectors; however, the public sector reaches a high number of citizens, while the private sector is limited to stakeholders; however, both sectors, in some cases, multiplicity of components of the public sector, resembles the private sector.
Digital Learning in Rural K–12 Settings
Authors: Valentine Amy , Gemin Butch , Vashaw Lauren , Watson John , Harrington Christopher , LeBlanc Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Discussions of rural America often summon images of pastoral farmland, country roads, and close-knit communities; this vision offers a sharp contrast to contemporary perspectives of rural America, which highlight unemployment, entrenched poverty, economic decline, and geophysical isolation. However, both narratives share one characteristic: the belief that a high-quality education can open a world of opportunities for rural children. This chapter fills an existing gap in research by documenting successful practices of digital learning to support students, teachers, and families in rural education settings. A qualitative study identified the challenges faced by rural schools and then explored the digital learning strategies used to meet these challenges. Across the country, innovative practitioners are expanding Internet access, addressing teacher shortages, and increasing course offerings, which has in turn contributed to the academic achievement and future prosperity of today's rural students.
The Effects of Formative Supports in Online and Face-to-Face Teacher Preparation Programs
Authors: Heafner Tina Lane
Published: February 2019

Using a widely accepted measure of teacher candidates' performance, edTPA, this chapter examines the role of formative supports in supporting candidate-learning outcomes in a graduate teacher preparation program. The chapter compares performance outcomes for two program tracks: online and face-to-face. Authors conclude formative supports impact the preparation of teacher candidates in both online and face-to-face contexts. Online program delivery modes support greater candidate independence and self-efficacy in teaching preparation skills whereas face-to-face programs create contexts in which candidates are more dependent upon instructors and formative supports to ensure teaching success.
K-12 Online Student Engagement
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2019

Student engagement has been shown to be essential to improving academic achievement, increasing high school graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and in the development of research-based best practices for K-12 education. It has been defined and measured in numerous ways. This chapter explores student engagement in the K-12 online learning environment and examines how student engagement is similar to but also very different from student engagement in a traditional K-12 brick-and-mortar environment.
Building Engagement in K-12 Online Learning
Authors: Kipp Kristin , Rice Kerry L.
Published: February 2019

Engagement refers to a learner's interest in their own learning. Engaged students care about what they are learning and spend the time necessary to learn more. Learner engagement leads to increased achievement in a course and also increased satisfaction with the learning experience. This chapter explores elements of engagement from both a researcher and practitioner perspective. The authors explore the definition of engagement along with an explanation of the most influential theories of engagement. They also explain what classroom practices are most likely to build engagement and suggest future research directions.