bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winnowing fan blade head injury: a farm mishap
Authors: Sedain Gopal , Basnet R , Sharma M , Silpakar S
Published: April 2017

In an agriculture based economy like Nepal farm related accidents are not uncommon. Indigenous farm machinery like winnowing fan is common in our villages. Five cases of fan related head injuries presenting to the Department of Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in a single month of winnowing season are discussed.JSSN 2015; 18 (1), Page: 29-31
Chicken Pox
Authors: Ali Md Zulfikar
Published: April 2017

Abstract not availableKYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-1, Jul 2014, Page 434-435
Uterine Perforation & Abortion- A Case Report
Authors: Sultana Mst Atia , Uddin Rakib , Hussain Rubiyat Farzana , Khatun Masuma
Published: April 2017

Sreemoti Ratna Sarker 30 years old lady presented to us with the complaints of amenorrhea for 5 months, lower abdominal pain for 5 days, slight per vaginal bleeding for 2-3 days, a cord like structure is coming down p/v on the day of admission. On general examination she was stable and on p/v examination there was cord prolapse. A gentle traction was given and it was expelled out along with a small piece of placental tissue without any fetal parts and bleeding. Then she was advised for USG of abdomen. USG reported a fetus like structure in the abdominal cavity and the empty uterine cavity . She was managed surgically. Now she is doing well.KYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-1, Jul 2014, Page 491-493
Comparison of Light Trapping in Silicon Nanowire and Surface Textured Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Parsons Rion , Tamang Asman , Jovanov Vladislav , Wagner Veit , Knipp Dietmar
Published: April 2017

The optics of axial silicon nanowire solar cells is investigated and compared to silicon thin-film solar cells with textured contact layers. The quantum efficiency and short circuit current density are calculated taking a device geometry into account, which can be fabricated by using standard semiconductor processing. The solar cells with textured absorber and textured contact layers provide a gain of short circuit current density of 4.4 mA/cm2 and 6.1 mA/cm2 compared to a solar cell on a flat substrate, respectively. The influence of the device dimensions on the quantum efficiency and short circuit current density will be discussed.
Pushover Analysis on Infill Effects on the Failure Pattern of Reinforced Concrete Frames
Authors: Ning Ning , Yu Dehu , Zhang Chunwei , Jiang Shan
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a pushover analysis using ABAQUS (Dassault Company, Providence, Rhodes Island, USA) for spatial reinforced concrete (RC) frames. The main purpose is to study the effect of the infills on failure patterns of the RC frames. The Finite Element Method (FEM) model considered an RC frame with fulfilled infills, half-filled infills, and without infills. Column moment, the effective width of the cast in situ slab, and the required ratio of column to beam strength are calculated and analyzed. Research findings indicate that the location of the inflection point varied because of the effect of infills. Some of the calculated values of column moments are larger than those values according to the design code. The effective slab width and the required ratio of column to beam strength are found to be reduced due to the infill effects. The actual effective width of the slab should be considered in the required ratio of column to beam strength. Reasonable advice is proposed and discussed for design purposes.
Mobile DOAS Observations of Tropospheric NO2 Using an UltraLight Trike and Flux Calculation
Authors: Constantin Daniel-Eduard , Merlaud Alexis , Voiculescu Mirela , Dragomir Carmelia , Georgescu Lucian , Hendrick Francois , Pinardi Gaia , Van Roozendael Michel
Published: April 2017

In this study, we report on airborne Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) observations of tropospheric NO2 using an Ultralight Trike (ULT) and associated flux calculations. The instrument onboard the ULT was developed for measuring the tropospheric NO2 Vertical Column Density (VCD) and it was operated for several days between 2011 and 2014, in the South-East of Romania. Collocated measurements were performed using a car-DOAS instrument. Most of the airborne and mobile ground-based measurements were performed close to an industrial platform located nearby Galati city (45.43° N, 28.03° E). We found a correlation of R = 0.71 between tropospheric NO2 VCDs deduced from airborne DOAS observations and mobile ground-based DOAS observations. We also present a comparison between stratospheric NO2 Slant Column Density (SCD) derived from the Dutch OMI NO2 (DOMINO) satellite data product and stratospheric SCDs obtained from ground and airborne measurements. The airborne DOAS observations performed on 13 August 2014 were used to quantify the NO2 flux originating from an industrial platform located nearby Galati city. Measurements during a flight above the industrial plume showed a maximum tropospheric NO2 VCD of (1.41 ± 0.27) × 1016 molecules/cm2 and an associated NO2 flux of (3.45 ± 0.89) × 10−3 kg/s.
Overview of Four Functional Classification Systems Commonly Used in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Paulson Andrea , Vargus-Adams Jilda
Published: April 2017

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. CP comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders that can result in spasticity, dystonia, muscle contractures, weakness and coordination difficulty that ultimately affects the ability to control movements. Traditionally, CP has been classified using a combination of the motor type and the topographical distribution, as well as subjective severity level. Imprecise terms such as these tell very little about what a person is able to do functionally and can impair clear communication between providers. More recently, classification systems have been created employing a simple ordinal grading system of functional performance. These systems allow a more precise discussion between providers, as well as better subject stratification for research. The goal of this review is to describe four common functional classification systems for cerebral palsy: the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). These measures are all standardized, reliable, and complementary to one another.
Using Measured Values in Bell’s Inequalities Entails at Least One Hypothesis in Addition to Local Realism
Authors: Hnilo Alejandro
Published: April 2017

The recent loophole-free experiments have confirmed the violation of Bell’s inequalities in nature. Yet, in order to insert measured values in Bell’s inequalities, it is unavoidable to make a hypothesis similar to “ergodicity at the hidden variables level”. This possibility opens a promising way out from the old controversy between quantum mechanics and local realism. Here, I review the reason why such a hypothesis (actually, it is one of a set of related hypotheses) in addition to local realism is necessary, and present a simple example, related to Bell’s inequalities, where the hypothesis is violated. This example shows that the violation of the additional hypothesis is necessary, but not sufficient, to violate Bell’s inequalities without violating local realism. The example also provides some clues that may reveal the violation of the additional hypothesis in an experiment.
Performance Evaluation of Waste Heat Recovery Systems Based on Semiconductor Thermoelectric Generators for Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Cheng Kunlin , Feng Yu , Lv Chuanwen , Zhang Silong , Qin Jiang , Bao Wen
Published: April 2017

The types and the characteristics of the waste heat on hypersonic vehicles and the application feasibility of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for hypersonic aircraft are discussed in this paper. Two thermoelectric generator schemes with an isothermal heat source and a variable temperature heat source were proposed, and the corresponding models were developed to predict the performance of the waste heat recovery systems on a hypersonic vehicle with different heat sources. The thermoelectric efficiency variation with electric current, the temperature distribution of fuel and junctions, and the distribution of the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT value) are described by diagrams. Besides, some improvements for a better performance are analyzed. The results indicate that the maximum values of thermoelectric efficiency are 5% and 2.5% for the isothermal heat source and the variable temperature heat source, respectively, and the thermoelectric efficiency improves with the temperature of the hot junction. The performance of the TEGs with variable temperature heat source is worse than that of the other TEGs under the same highest hot junction temperature conditions, and the former has a better conversion efficiency than the latter when the average temperatures are identical.
Primary and Albedo Solar Energy Sources for High Altitude Persistent Air Vehicle Operation
Authors: Smith Tim , Trancossi Michele , Vucinic Dean , Bingham Chris , Stewart Paul
Published: April 2017

A new class of the all electric airship to globally transport both passengers and freight using a ‘feeder-cruiser’ concept, and powered by renewable electric energy, is considered. Specific focus is given to photo-electric harvesting as the primary energy source and the associated hydrogen-based energy storage systems. Furthermore, it is shown that the total PV output may be significantly increased by utilising cloud albedo effects. Appropriate power architectures and energy audits required for life support, and the propulsion and ancillary loads to support the continuous daily operation of the primary airship (cruiser) at stratospheric altitudes (circa 18 km), are also considered. The presented solution is substantially different from those of conventional aircraft due to the airship size and the inherent requirement to harvest and store sufficient energy during “daylight” operation, when subject to varying seasonal conditions and latitudes, to ensure its safe and continued operation during the corresponding varying “dark hours”. This is particularly apparent when the sizing of the proposed electrolyser is considered, as its size and mass increase nonlinearly with decreasing day-night duty. As such, a Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell is proposed. For the first time the study also discusses the potential benefits of integrating the photo-voltaic cells into airship canopy structures utilising TENSAIRITY®-based elements in order to eliminate the requirements for separate inter-PV array wiring and the transport of low pressure hydrogen between fuel cells.
Breast Cancer Screening Programmes across the WHO European Region: Differences among Countries Based on National Income Level
Authors: Altobelli Emma , Rapacchietta Leonardo , Angeletti Paolo , Barbante Luca , Profeta Filippo , Fagnano Roberto
Published: April 2017

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumour affecting women all over the world. In low- and middle-income countries, where its incidence is expected to rise further, BC seems set to become a public health emergency. The aim of the present study is to provide a systematic review of current BC screening programmes in WHO European Region to identify possible patterns. Multiple correspondence analysis was performed to evaluate the association among: measures of occurrence; GNI level; type of BC screening programme; organization of public information and awareness campaigns regarding primary prevention of modifiable risk factors; type of BC screening services; year of screening institution; screening coverage and data quality. A key difference between High Income (HI) and Low and Middle Income (LMI) States, emerging from the present data, is that in the former screening programmes are well organized, with approved screening centres, the presence of mobile units to increase coverage, the offer of screening tests free of charge; the fairly high quality of occurrence data based on high-quality sources, and the adoption of accurate methods to estimate incidence and mortality. In conclusion, the governments of LMI countries should allocate sufficient resources to increase screening participation and they should improve the accuracy of incidence and mortality rates.
Role of RHEB in Regulating Differentiation Fate of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage and Bone Regeneration
Authors: Ashraf Sajjad , Han In-Bo , Park Hansoo , Lee Soo-Hong
Published: April 2017

Advances in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cell replacement therapies are promising approaches to treat cartilage and bone defects since substantial differentiation capacities of MSCs match the demands of tissue regeneration. Our understanding of the dynamic process requiring indispensable differentiation of MSCs remains limited. Herein, we describe the role of RHEB (Ras homolog enriched in brain) regulating gene signature for differentiation of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) into chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic lineages. RHEB-overexpression increases the proliferation of the ASCs. RHEB enhances the chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs in 3D culture via upregulation of SOX9 with concomitant increase in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and type II collagen (COL2). RHEB increases the osteogenesis via upregulation of runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) with an increase in the calcium and phosphate contents. RHEB also increases the expression of osteogenic markers, osteonectin and osteopontin. RHEB knockdown ASCs were incapable of expressing sufficient SRY (Sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) and RUNX2, and therefore had decreased chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation. RHEB-overexpression impaired ASCs differentiation into adipogenic lineage, through downregulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ). Conversely, RHEB knockdown abolished the negative regulation of adipogenesis. We demonstrate that RHEB is a novel regulator, with a critical role in ASCs lineage determination, and RHEB-modulated ASCs may be useful as a cell therapy for cartilage and bone defect treatments.
Pathogenic or Therapeutic Extracellular Vesicles in Rheumatic Diseases: Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Vesicles
Authors: Cosenza Stella , Ruiz Maxime , Maumus Marie , Jorgensen Christian , Noël Danièle
Published: April 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of cell-to-cell communication pathways via the transport of proteins, mRNA, miRNA and lipids. There are three main types of EVs, exosomes, microparticles and apoptotic bodies, which are classified according to their size and biogenesis. EVs are secreted by all cell types and their function reproduces that of the parental cell. They are involved in many biological processes that regulate tissue homeostasis and physiopathology of diseases. In rheumatic diseases, namely osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), EVs have been isolated from synovial fluid and shown to play pathogenic roles contributing to progression of both diseases. By contrast, EVs may have therapeutic effect via the delivery of molecules that may stop disease evolution. In particular, EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reproduce the main functions of the parental cells and therefore represent the ideal type of EVs for modulating the course of either disease. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of EVs in OA and RA focusing on their potential pathogenic effect and possible therapeutic options. Special attention is given to MSCs and MSC-derived EVs for modulating OA and RA progression with the perspective of developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
Regulatory miRNAs in Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Guo Yongchen , Bao Yonghua , Yang Wancai
Published: April 2017

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death world-wide, which is linked to genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and oncogenic signaling activation. MicroRNAs, one of the categories of epigenetics, have been demonstrated significant roles in carcinogenesis and progression through regulating of oncogenic signaling pathways, stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. This review summarizes the roles of microRNAs in the regulating of Wnt, Ras, TGF-β, and inflammatory signaling pathways, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, for carcinogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer. Improving our understanding of the mechanisms of regulatory interactions of microRNAs with signaling pathways in colorectal cancer formation and progression will aid in determining the genes responsible for colorectal cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence and, finally, in developing personalized approaches for cancer prevention and therapy.
A Novel Silicon Allotrope in the Monoclinic Phase
Authors: Bai Chaogang , Chai Changchun , Fan Qingyang , Liu Yuqian , Yang Yintang
Published: April 2017

This paper describes a new silicon allotrope in the P2/m space group found by first-principles calculations using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) plane-wave code. The examined P2/m-Si belongs to the monoclinic crystal system. P2/m-Si is an indirect band-gap semiconductor with a band gap of 1.51 eV, as determined using the HSE06 hybrid functional. The elastic constants, phonon spectra and enthalpy indicate that P2/m-Si is mechanically, dynamically, and thermodynamically stable. P2/m-Si is a low-density (2.19 g/cm3) silicon allotrope. The value of B/G is less than 1.75, which indicates that the new allotrope is brittle. It is shown that the difference in the elastic anisotropy along different orientations is greater than that in other phases. Finally, to understand the thermodynamic properties of P2/m-Si, the thermal expansion coefficient α, the Debye temperature ΘD, and the heat capacities CP and CV are also investigated in detail.
Thermophysical Characterization of MgCl2·6H2O, Xylitol and Erythritol as Phase Change Materials (PCM) for Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES)
Authors: Höhlein Stephan , König-Haagen Andreas , Brüggemann Dieter
Published: April 2017

The application range of existing real scale mobile thermal storage units with phase change materials (PCM) is restricted by the low phase change temperature of 58 ∘ C for sodium acetate trihydrate, which is a commonly used storage material. Therefore, only low temperature heat sinks like swimming pools or greenhouses can be supplied. With increasing phase change temperatures, more applications like domestic heating or industrial process heat could be operated. The aim of this study is to find alternative PCM with phase change temperatures between 90 and 150 ∘ C . Temperature dependent thermophysical properties like phase change temperatures and enthalpies, densities and thermal diffusivities are measured for the technical grade purity materials xylitol (C 5 H 12 O 5 ), erythritol (C 4 H 10 O 4 ) and magnesiumchloride hexahydrate (MCHH, MgCl 2 · 6H 2 O). The sugar alcohols xylitol and erythritol indicate a large supercooling and different melting regimes. The salt hydrate MgCl 2 · 6H 2 O seems to be a suitable candidate for practical applications. It has a melting temperature of 115.1 ± 0.1 ∘ C and a phase change enthalpy of 166.9 ± 1.2 J / g with only 2.8 K supercooling at sample sizes of 100 g . The PCM is stable over 500 repeated melting and solidification cycles at differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) scale with only small changes of the melting enthalpy and temperature.
Effects of Flavonoids and Triterpene Analogues from Leaves of Eleutherococcus sieboldianus (Makino) Koidz. ‘Himeukogi’ in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Nishina Atsuyoshi , Itagaki Masaya , Suzuki Yuusuke , Koketsu Mamoru , Ninomiya Masayuki , Sato Daisuke , Suzuki Takashi , Hayakawa Satoshi , Kuroda Makoto , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: April 2017

Eleutherococcus sieboldianus (Makino) Koidz. is a local product from the area in and around Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. It has been used as a medicinal plant for a long time. We isolated and identified four types of flavonoid glycosides [astragalin (1), isoquercetin (2), rhamnocitrin 3-O-glucoside (3), and nicotiflorin (4)], a triterpene [methyl hederagenin (5)], and three types of triterpene glycosides [δ-hederin (6), echinocystic acid 3-O-arabinoside (7), and cauloside B (8)] from the methanol extract of E. sieboldianus, which regulates lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Among the compounds isolated, 2 and 8 up- and down-regulated lipid accumulation and insulin induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Compound 2 induced up-regulation of lipid accumulation and decreased adipocyte size, while 8 down-regulated lipid accumulations without decreasing cell size. Additionally, 2 increased adipogenic proteins [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and fatty-acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4)]. In contrast, 8 decreased the levels of all adipogenic proteins and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), but increased adiponectin.
Augmented Reality Video Games: New Possibilities and Implications for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Das Prithwijit , Zhu Meng’ou , McLaughlin Laura , Bilgrami Zaid , Milanaik Ruth
Published: April 2017

In recent years, the video game market has embraced augmented reality video games, a class of video games that is set to grow as gaming technologies develop. Given the widespread use of video games among children and adolescents, the health implications of augmented reality technology must be closely examined. Augmented reality technology shows a potential for the promotion of healthy behaviors and social interaction among children. However, the full immersion and physical movement required in augmented reality video games may also put users at risk for physical and mental harm. Our review article and commentary emphasizes both the benefits and dangers of augmented reality video games for children and adolescents.
The Interactions between ZnO Nanoparticles (NPs) and α-Linolenic Acid (LNA) Complexed to BSA Did Not Influence the Toxicity of ZnO NPs on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Zhou Yiwei , Fang Xin , Gong Yu , Xiao Aiping , Xie Yixi , Liu Liangliang , Cao Yi
Published: April 2017

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) entering the biological environment could interact with biomolecules, but little is known about the interaction between unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and NPs. Methods: This study used α-linolenic acid (LNA) complexed to bovine serum albumin (BSA) for UFA and HepG2 cells for hepatocytes. The interactions between BSA or LNA and ZnO NPs were studied. Results: The presence of BSA or LNA affected the hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, UV-Vis, fluorescence, and synchronous fluorescence spectra of ZnO NPs, which indicated an interaction between BSA or LNA and NPs. Exposure to ZnO NPs with the presence of BSA significantly induced the damage to mitochondria and lysosomes in HepG2 cells, associated with an increase of intracellular Zn ions, but not intracellular superoxide. Paradoxically, the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) was decreased, which indicated the anti-inflammatory effects of ZnO NPs when BSA was present. The presence of LNA did not significantly affect all of these endpoints in HepG2 cells exposed to ZnO NPs and BSA. Conclusions: the results from the present study indicated that BSA-complexed LNA might modestly interact with ZnO NPs, but did not significantly affect ZnO NPs and BSA-induced biological effects in HepG2 cells.
The Reliability of the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) Questionnaire
Authors: Štefan Lovro , Prosoli Rebeka , Juranko Dora , Čule Marko , Milinović Ivan , Novak Dario , Sporiš Goran
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the present study was to determine the test–retest reliability of the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) questionnaire in college students. Two hundred and seventy-six college students (127 men, 46%; 149 women, 54%; mean age 19.70 ± 1.32 years; mean height 1.75 ± 0.09 m; mean weight 69.28 ± 13.84 kg; mean body-mas index 22.41 ± 3.19 kg/m2) participated in the study. To investigate the reliability of the KIDMED questionnaire, the participants were asked to complete the questionnaire on two occasions two weeks apart, stratified by gender. Kappa statistics showed moderate to excellent agreement (ranging from 0.504 to 0.849) in the total sample and moderate to excellent agreement in both men (ranging from 0.467 to 0.803) and women (ranging from 0.435 to 0.927). Results in the total KIDMED score showed a moderate correlation between two occasions inthe total sample (κ = 0.597, p < 0.001) and in women (κ = 0.586, p < 0.001) and a good correlation in men (κ = 0.611, p < 0.001). Our study shows that the KIDMED questionnaire is a reliable instrument for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in college students. Future studies should focus on investigating the reliability of the questionnaire in other countries and in different age groups for generating comparable data.
Stimuli-Regulated Smart Polymeric Systems for Gene Therapy
Authors: Mathew Ansuja , Cho Ki-Hyun , Uthaman Saji , Cho Chong-Su , Park In-Kyu
Published: April 2017

The physiological condition of the human body is a composite of different environments, each with its own parameters that may differ under normal, as well as diseased conditions. These environmental conditions include factors, such as pH, temperature and enzymes that are specific to a type of cell, tissue or organ or a pathological state, such as inflammation, cancer or infection. These conditions can act as specific triggers or stimuli for the efficient release of therapeutics at their destination by overcoming many physiological and biological barriers. The efficacy of conventional treatment modalities can be enhanced, side effects decreased and patient compliance improved by using stimuli-responsive material that respond to these triggers at the target site. These stimuli or triggers can be physical, chemical or biological and can be internal or external in nature. Many smart/intelligent stimuli-responsive therapeutic gene carriers have been developed that can respond to either internal stimuli, which may be normally present, overexpressed or present in decreased levels, owing to a disease, or to stimuli that are applied externally, such as magnetic fields. This review focuses on the effects of various internal stimuli, such as temperature, pH, redox potential, enzymes, osmotic activity and other biomolecules that are present in the body, on modulating gene expression by using stimuli-regulated smart polymeric carriers.
The Spiritual Journey of Infertile Couples: Discussing the Opportunity for Spiritual Care
Authors: Romeiro Joana , Caldeira Sílvia , Brady Vivienne , Hall Jenny , Timmins Fiona
Published: April 2017

Infertility is a worldwide public health issue that exerts an in-depth impact on couples, families, communities and the individual. This reproductive health condition, along with fertility treatments, often forces couples to question their purpose and meaning in life, and to begin a spiritual journey. Nursing and midwifery literature describes the care of those living with infertility, but often lacks a clear approach of the spiritual dimension, and diagnosis and interventions may not be effectively addressed. In this paper, we present a discussion about spirituality and the assessment of spiritual needs such as hope, beliefs, meaning and satisfaction in life. In addition, spiritual needs are defined, for both nurses and midwives, and spiritual interventions are proposed for promoting couples’ resilience and spiritual well-being. Spirituality should be considered from the beginning to the end of life. It is necessary to translate this into the development and implementation of both specific policies regarding a spiritual approach and advanced education and training programs for nurses and midwives who care for infertile couples.
Extrapolating Forest Canopy Fuel Properties in the California Rim Fire by Combining Airborne LiDAR and Landsat OLI Data
Authors: García Mariano , Saatchi Sassan , Casas Angeles , Koltunov Alexander , Ustin Susan , Ramirez Carlos , Balzter Heiko
Published: April 2017

Accurate, spatially explicit information about forest canopy fuel properties is essential for ecosystem management strategies for reducing the severity of forest fires. Airborne LiDAR technology has demonstrated its ability to accurately map canopy fuels. However, its geographical and temporal coverage is limited, thus making it difficult to characterize fuel properties over large regions before catastrophic events occur. This study presents a two-step methodology for integrating post-fire airborne LiDAR and pre-fire Landsat OLI (Operational Land Imager) data to estimate important pre-fire canopy fuel properties for crown fire spread, namely canopy fuel load (CFL), canopy cover (CC), and canopy bulk density (CBD). This study focused on a fire prone area affected by the large 2013 Rim fire in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA. First, LiDAR data was used to estimate CFL, CC, and CBD across an unburned 2 km buffer with similar structural characteristics to the burned area. Second, the LiDAR-based canopy fuel properties were extrapolated over the whole area using Landsat OLI data, which yielded an R2 of 0.8, 0.79, and 0.64 and RMSE of 3.76 Mg·ha−1, 0.09, and 0.02 kg·m−3 for CFL, CC, and CBD, respectively. The uncertainty of the estimates was estimated for each pixel using a bootstrapping approach, and the 95% confidence intervals are reported. The proposed methodology provides a detailed spatial estimation of forest canopy fuel properties along with their uncertainty that can be readily integrated into fire behavior and fire effects models. The methodology could be also integrated into the LANDFIRE program to improve the information on canopy fuels.
Improved Line Tracing Methods for Removal of Bad Streaks Noise in CCD Line Array Image—A Case Study with GF-1 Images
Authors: Wang Bo , Bao Jianwei , Wang Shikui , Wang Houjun , Sheng Qinghong
Published: April 2017

Remote sensing images could provide us with tremendous quantities of large-scale information. Noise artifacts (stripes), however, made the images inappropriate for vitalization and batch process. An effective restoration method would make images ready for further analysis. In this paper, a new method is proposed to correct the stripes and bad abnormal pixels in charge-coupled device (CCD) linear array images. The method involved a line tracing method, limiting the location of noise to a rectangular region, and corrected abnormal pixels with the Lagrange polynomial algorithm. The proposed detection and restoration method were applied to Gaofen-1 satellite (GF-1) images, and the performance of this method was evaluated by omission ratio and false detection ratio, which reached 0.6% and 0%, respectively. This method saved 55.9% of the time, compared with traditional method.
Willingness to Adopt Biochar in Agriculture: The Producer’s Perspective
Authors: Latawiec Agnieszka , Królczyk Jolanta , Kuboń Maciej , Szwedziak Katarzyna , Drosik Adam , Polańczyk Ewa , Grotkiewicz Katarzyna , Strassburg Bernardo
Published: April 2017

Most research on biochar has focused either on the mechanistic or the biophysical aspects, and there has been relatively little research into the social applicability and acceptance of biochar as a soil enhancer in agriculture. However, whether to adopt biochar in their practice is ultimately the farmers’ decision, and their willingness to do so is crucial. Here, we show the producer’s perspective on adopting biochar, using Polish farmers as a case study. Poland is an interesting case study because biochar has only recently attracted the attention of researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders there. We performed standardized, semi-structured interviews with 161 Polish farmers to evaluate the socioeconomic potential of biochar application in practice. We found that 27% of the respondents claimed to be familiar with biochar. The respondents with a technical, non-agricultural level of education were most familiar with the term ‘biochar’ (36%), followed by the group of respondents with a higher-level agricultural education (31%). It was surprising that among the latter respondents, the majority (69%) did not know the term ‘biochar’, either in the context used for this study or in any other context. Twenty percent of the respondents expressed an interest in using biochar, while 43% were not willing to adopt it in their agricultural practice (37% ‘did not know yet’). If a farmer was familiar with the concept of sustainable agriculture, the probability of familiarity with biochar increased by 16% (p < 0.05). In addition, farmers interested in using biochar indicated that sustainable agriculture might improve the financial situation of their farms (52%). The perceived benefits of biochar that drive the willingness to adopt it included improved soil quality and increased income due to increased yields, while the constraints on its adoption were associated mainly with high costs. Our results also point to the necessity of information flow as well as engaging farmers in participatory research to adjust the research to their needs. Furthermore, our results highlight the importance of transparency with the farmers and appropriate dissemination and presentation of both the positive and the negative aspects of biochar adoption. We urge those studying biochar to engage in more interdisciplinary research and to go beyond laboratory and field research. Many innovations, even those that work, will not be adopted if socioeconomic considerations are not incorporated into the research.
Improvements in Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Capacities after Shrub Planting to Stabilize Sand Dunes in China’s Horqin Sandy Land
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Chen Yinping , Wang Xuyang , Niu Yayi , Lian Jie
Published: April 2017

Caragana microphylla, a native perennial leguminous shrub, is widely used for desertification control in China’s Horqin Sandy Land. We investigated the effects of afforestation using C. microphylla in areas with fixed and active dunes on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage in the soil total and light-fraction (LF) organic matter. Compared to the values in the control areas, soil organic carbon (SOC) storage to a depth of 100 cm increased by 88%, 74%, and 145% at 9, 15, and 31 years after shrub planting, respectively; the corresponding values were 68%, 61%, and 195% for total nitrogen (TN) storage, 109%, 199%, and 202% for LF organic carbon storage, and 203%, 337%, and 342% for LF nitrogen storage. The soil light-fraction (LF) organic matter contributed significantly to total SOC and TN storage, despite the low proportion of total soil mass accounted for by the LF dry matter. Thus, afforestation using C. microphylla was an effective way to sequester C and to restore degraded soils, but the process was slow; it would take more than 100 years to fully restore SOC storage in active dunes through afforestation with C. microphylla in the Horqin Sandy Land.
A Transition to Which Bioeconomy? An Exploration of Diverging Techno-Political Choices
Authors: Hausknost Daniel , Schriefl Ernst , Lauk Christian , Kalt Gerald
Published: April 2017

To date the concept of the bioeconomy—an economy based primarily on biogenic instead of fossil resources—has largely been associated with visions of “green growth” and the advancement of biotechnology and has been framed from within an industrial perspective. However, there is no consensus as to what a bioeconomy should effectively look like, and what type of society it would sustain. In this paper, we identify different types of narratives constructed around this concept and carve out the techno-political implications they convey. We map these narratives on a two-dimensional option space, which allows for a rough classification of narratives and their related imaginaries into four paradigmatic quadrants. We draw the narratives from three different sources: (i) policy documents of national and supra-national authorities; (ii) stakeholder interviews; and (iii) scenarios built in a biophysical modelling exercise. Our analysis shows that there is a considerable gap between official policy papers and visions supported by stakeholders. At least in the case of Austria there is also a gap between the official strategies and the option space identified through biophysical modelling. These gaps testify to the highly political nature of the concept of the bioeconomy and the diverging visions of society arising from it.
Review of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and Potential for Its Adoption at an Automotive Company
Authors: Tarne Peter , Traverso Marzia , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to guide the next steps of a PhD thesis through a structured review of the state of the art and implementation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), and to identify challenges and potentials for its adoption at an automotive company. First, the structured literature review was conducted on LCSA to screen the current methodological and practical implementations and to identify the main research needs in the field. Second, a research on the current status of LCSA within the automotive industry was carried out by means of investigation of published sources of 15 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). By combining the results of both steps and consulting with decision makers, the challenges and potential for adopting LCSA at an automotive company were identified. The main challenges for adoption of LCSA were found to be: (1) the consistent execution of the three life cycle based assessment methods; (2) the comparatively low maturity of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA); and (3) the adequate presentation and interpretation of results. Next steps towards implementation would be a case study to gather experience on the combined execution of the three life cycle based assessments at an automotive company. Furthermore, it should be determined what the needs of decision makers at an automotive company are regarding the aggregation and interpretation of environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Re-Staging La Rasgioni: Lessons Learned from Transforming a Traditional Form of Conflict Resolution to Engage Stakeholders in Agricultural Water Governance
Authors: Ruiu Maria , Maurizi Sante , Sassu Simone , Seddaiu Giovanna , Zuin Olga , Blackmore Chris , Roggero Pier
Published: April 2017

This paper presents an informal process inspired by a public practice of conflict mediation used until a few decades ago in Gallura (NE Sardinia, Italy), named La Rasgioni (The Reason). The aim is twofold: (i) to introduce an innovative method that translates the complexity of water-related conflicts into a “dialogical tool”, aimed at enhancing social learning by adopting theatrical techniques; and (ii) to report the outcomes that emerged from the application of this method in Arborea, the main dairy cattle district and the only nitrate-vulnerable zone in Sardinia, to mediate contrasting positions between local entrepreneurs and representatives of the relevant institutions. We discuss our results in the light of four pillars, adopted as research lenses in the International research Project CADWAGO (Climate Change Adaptation and Water Governance), which consider the specific “social–ecological” components of the Arborea system, climate change adaptability in water governance institutions and organizations, systemic governance (relational) practices, and governance learning. The combination of the four CADWAGO pillars and La Rasgioni created an innovative dialogical space that enabled stakeholders and researchers to collectively identify barriers and opportunities for effective governance practices. Potential wider implications and applications of La Rasgioni process are also discussed in the paper.
Phosphazene-catalyzed desymmetrization of cyclohexadienones by dithiane addition
Authors: Horwitz Matthew A , Massolo Elisabetta , Johnson Jeffrey S
Published: April 2017

We report a desymmetrization of cyclohexadienones by intramolecular conjugate addition of a tethered dithiane nucleophile. Mild reaction conditions allow the formation of diversely functionalized fused bicyclic lactones. The products participate in facially selective additions from the convex surface, leading to allylic alcohol derivatives.
THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS (3PLS) PROVIDER SELECTION VIA FUZZY AHP AND EDAS INTEGRATED MODEL
Authors: ECER Fatih
Published: April 2017

In the global competitive environment, companies not only improve the quality of service and increase the efficiency, they also decrease the cost by means of third-party logistics (3PLs). 3PLs, therefore, is an important strategy for companies desiring to gain a competitive advantage and 3PLs provider selection plays a critical role for the success of outsourcing. Nevertheless, the level of uncer­tainty in the selection process is relatively high and need to be carefully considered. Hence, in order to select a proper 3PLs provider, integration of the Fuzzy AHP and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) has offered a novel integrated model, in which Fuzzy AHP is used for calculating priority weights of each criteria and EDAS is employed to achieve the final ranking of 3PLs providers. Besides, in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model, it is validated by a case study. Cost together with quality, and professionalism are found to be the most important factors for 3PLs provider selection. Consequently, the advantage of this model is that it is simple to apprehend and easy to apply. The use of the proposed model leads to the selection of suitable alternative successfully in other selection problems.
The Curious Case of PDS 11: A Nearby, >10 Myr Old, Classical T Tauri Binary System
Authors: Mathew Blesson , Manoj P. , Bhatt B. C. , Sahu D. K. , Maheswar G. , Muneer S.
Published: April 2017

We present results of our study of the PDS 11 binary system, which belongs to a rare class of isolated, high Galactic latitude T Tauri stars. Our spectroscopic analysis reveals that PDS 11 is an M2–M2 binary system with both components showing similar Hα emission strengths. Both the components appear to be accreting and are classical T Tauri stars. The lithium doublet Li i λ6708, a signature of youth, is present in the spectrum of PDS 11A, but not in PDS 11B. From the application of lithium depletion boundary age-dating method and a comparison with the Li i λ6708 equivalent width distribution of moving groups, we estimated an age of 10–15 Myr for PDS 11A. Comparison with pre-main sequence evolutionary models indicates that PDS 11A is a 0.4 M
⊙ T Tauri star at a distance of 114–131 pc. PDS 11 system does not appear to be associated with any known star-forming regions or moving groups. PDS 11 is a new addition, after TWA 30 and LDS 5606, to the interesting class of old, dusty, wide binary classical T Tauri systems in which both components are actively accreting.
X-Ray Temperatures, Luminosities, and Masses from XMM-Newton Follow-upof the First Shear-selected Galaxy Cluster Sample∗
Authors: Deshpande Amruta J. , Hughes John P. , Wittman David
Published: April 2017

We continue the study of the first sample of shear-selected clusters from the initial 8.6 square degrees of the Deep Lens Survey (DLS); a sample with well-defined selection criteria corresponding to the highest ranked shear peaks in the survey area. We aim to characterize the weak lensing selection by examining the sample’s X-ray properties. There are multiple X-ray clusters associated with nearly all the shear peaks: 14 X-ray clusters corresponding to seven DLS shear peaks. An additional three X-ray clusters cannot be definitively associated with shear peaks, mainly due to large positional offsets between the X-ray centroid and the shear peak. Here we report on the XMM-Newton properties of the 17 X-ray clusters. The X-ray clusters display a wide range of luminosities and temperatures; the L

X
−T

X
relation we determine for the shear-associated X-ray clusters is consistent with X-ray cluster samples selected without regard to dynamical state, while it is inconsistent with self-similarity. For a subset of the sample, we measure X-ray masses using temperature as a proxy, and compare to weak lensing masses determined by the DLS team. The resulting mass comparison is consistent with equality. The X-ray and weak lensing masses show considerable intrinsic scatter (∼48%), which is consistent with X-ray selected samples when their X-ray and weak lensing masses are independently determined.
Three-dimensional Simulations and Spacecraft Observations of Sub-ion Scale Turbulence in the Solar Wind: Influence of Landau Damping
Authors: Kobayashi S. , Sahraoui F. , Passot T. , Laveder D. , Sulem P. L. , Huang S. Y. , Henri P. , Smets R.
Published: April 2017

Three-dimensional nonlinear finite Larmor radius (FLR)–Landau fluid simulations, which include some small-scale

kinetic effects, are performed to explore the nature of the sub-ion scale turbulence in the solar wind and to investigate the role of Landau damping and FLR corrections. The resulting steady-state magnetic power spectrum in the dispersive range display exponents that vary within a range of values compatible with statistical results reported from in situ spacecraft measurements of solar wind turbulence as well as from gyrokinetic simulations. The spectral slopes are shown to depend on the strength of the nonlinear effects and on the scale at which turbulent fluctuations are driven in the simulations. The influence of Landau damping is addressed by comparison with simulations where the double-adiabatic closure is imposed. The role of FLR corrections is also analyzed. Comparison with in situ observations in the solar wind are performed to enlighten the influence of the fluctuations power at different scales on the spectral slopes in the sub-ion range. Using diagnosis of both magnetic compressibility and frequency-wavenumber spectra, it is shown that in spite of the evidence of the presence of fast-magnetosonic modes, the magnetic energy is mostly distributed around the kinetic Alfvén waves and the slow modes, in agreement with solar wind measurements. The observed large broadening about the linear dispersion relations may reflect the presence of coherent structures.
Numerical Test of Analytical Theories for Perpendicular Diffusion in Small Kubo Number Turbulence
Authors: Heusen M. , Shalchi A.
Published: April 2017

In the literature, one can find various analytical theories for perpendicular diffusion of energetic particles interacting with magnetic turbulence. Besides quasi-linear theory, there are different versions of the nonlinear guiding center (NLGC) theory and the unified nonlinear transport (UNLT) theory. For turbulence with high Kubo numbers, such as two-dimensional turbulence or noisy reduced magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, the aforementioned nonlinear theories provide similar results. For slab and small Kubo number turbulence, however, this is not the case. In the current paper, we compare different linear and nonlinear theories with each other and test-particle simulations for a noisy slab model corresponding to small Kubo number turbulence. We show that UNLT theory agrees very well with all performed test-particle simulations. In the limit of long parallel mean free paths, the perpendicular mean free path approaches asymptotically the quasi-linear limit as predicted by the UNLT theory. For short parallel mean free paths we find a Rechester & Rosenbluth type of scaling as predicted by UNLT theory as well. The original NLGC theory disagrees with all performed simulations regardless what the parallel mean free path is. The random ballistic interpretation of the NLGC theory agrees much better with the simulations, but compared to UNLT theory the agreement is inferior. We conclude that for this type of small Kubo number turbulence, only the latter theory allows for an accurate description of perpendicular diffusion.