bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olive Oil Consumption and Bone Microarchitecture in Spanish Women
Authors: Roncero-Martín Raul , Aliaga Vera Ignacio , Moreno-Corral Luis J. , Moran Jose M. , Lavado-Garcia Jesus M. , Pedrera-Zamorano Juan D. , Pedrera-Canal Maria
Published: July 2018

Olive oil has been demonstrated to enhance various cardiometabolic risk factors. However, to our knowledge, the association between olive oil intake and cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture has never been evaluated in Spanish women. We aimed to examine the association between olive oil intake and cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture. We analyzed 523 women aged 50 (9) year, range (23–81) year. Participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans. Dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, energy and olive oil (g/day) were assessed by a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). After adjustment for potential confounding factors (calcium (mg/day), vitamin D (μg/day) energy (Kcal/day), age, body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), menopausal status, and osteoporotic diagnosis (normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis)), there were significant increases in volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) (mg/cm3) (p < 0.01) in the group with a higher intake of olive oil. Total, trabecular and cortical bone density were positively correlated with olive oil intake. The dietary intake of olive oil was significantly associated with vBMD in multiple regression analysis; total density: olive oil intake (g/day) standardized β = 0.185 (p < 0.001), trabecular density: olive oil intake (g/day) standardized β = 0.186 (p < 0.001) and cortical density olive oil intake (g/day) standardized β = 0.114 (p = 0.008). We conclude that the dietary intake of olive oil is positively associated with a better vBMD in Spanish women.
Fe, Zn and Se Bioavailability in Chicken Meat Emulsions Enriched with Minerals, Hydroxytyrosol and Extra Virgin Olive Oil as Measured by Caco-2 Cell Model
Authors: Martínez Lorena , Ros Gaspar , Nieto Gema
Published: July 2018

There is a high demand for functional meat products due to increasing concern about food and health. In this work, Zn and Se bioavailability was increased in chicken meat emulsions that are enriched with Hydroxytyrosol (HXT), a phenolic compound obtained from olive leaf. Six different chicken emulsions were elaborated. Three were made with broiler chicken meat supplemented with inorganic Zn and Se: control, one with HXT (50 ppm) added and one with HXT (50 ppm) and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) (9.5%) added; and, three were made with chicken meat from chickens fed a diet that was supplemented with organic Zn and Se: control, one with HXT (50 ppm) added and one with HXT (50 ppm) and EVOO (9.5%) added. The samples were digested in vitro and the percent decomposition of phenolic compounds was measured by HPLC. Mineral availability (Fe, Zn and Se) was measured by cell culture of the Caco-2 cell line and the results were compared with mineral standards (Fe, Zn, and Se). The data obtained showed that neither HXT resistance to digestion nor Fe availability was affected by the presence of organic Zn and Se or phenolic compounds. Zn uptake increased in the presence of HXT, but not when its organic form was used, while Se uptake increased but it was not affected by the presence of HXT. It was concluded that the enrichment of meat—endogenously with organic minerals and exogenously with phenolic compounds—could be considered an interesting strategy for future research and applications in the current meat industry.
VKORC1L1, An Enzyme Mediating the Effect of Vitamin K in Liver and Extrahepatic Tissues
Authors: Lacombe Julie , Ferron Mathieu
Published: July 2018

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient involved in the regulation of blood clotting and tissue mineralization. Vitamin K oxidoreductase (VKORC1) converts vitamin K epoxide into reduced vitamin K, which acts as the co-factor for the γ-carboxylation of several proteins, including coagulation factors produced by the liver. VKORC1 is also the pharmacological target of warfarin, a widely used anticoagulant. Vertebrates possess a VKORC1 paralog, VKORC1-like 1 (VKORC1L1), but until very recently, the importance of VKORC1L1 for protein γ-carboxylation and hemostasis in vivo was not clear. Here, we first review the current knowledge on the structure, function and expression pattern of VKORC1L1, including recent data establishing that, in the absence of VKORC1, VKORC1L1 can support vitamin K-dependent carboxylation in the liver during the pre- and perinatal periods in vivo. We then provide original data showing that the partial redundancy between VKORC1 and VKORC1L1 also exists in bone around birth. Recent studies indicate that, in vitro and in cell culture models, VKORC1L1 is less sensitive to warfarin than VKORC1. Genetic evidence is presented here, which supports the notion that VKORC1L1 is not the warfarin-resistant vitamin K quinone reductase present in the liver. In summary, although the exact physiological function of VKORC1L1 remains elusive, the latest findings clearly established that this enzyme is a vitamin K oxidoreductase, which can support γ-carboxylation in vivo.
Dietary Patterns and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Govindaraju Thara , Sahle Berhe , McCaffrey Tracy , McNeil John , Owen Alice
Published: July 2018

Dietary patterns may be related to quality of life (QoL) of older adults, although evidence from literature is conflicting. The demographic shifts toward ageing populations in many countries increases the importance of understanding the relationship between diet and QoL in older adults. This review was designed to investigate associations between dietary patterns and QoL in older adults. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight electronic databases were searched to identify articles published in English from January 1975 to March 2018 that investigated associations between dietary patterns and QoL in older adults. Relevant studies were identified based on set inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted and analysed to examine the relationships and possible implications for public health recommendations. The systematic review included 15 articles (One randomized control trial, six prospective cohorts and eight cross sectional). The studies looked at correlations between different dietary patterns and/or adherence to particular dietary patterns and self-reported QoL or self-rated health status. Excluding two studies which showed no significant association, healthy dietary patterns were associated with better self-rated health and QoL in one or more domains, and adherence to healthy dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet were significantly associated with improvement in at least one of the QoL domains.
Polyethylene Glycol Exposure with Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), PEGylated (rurioctocog alfa pegol) and Other Therapies Indicated for the Pediatric Population: History and Safety
Authors: Stidl Reinhard , Denne Michael , Goldstine Jimena , Kadish Bill , Korakas Katherine I. , Turecek Peter L.
Published: July 2018

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an inert, water soluble polymer, used for decades in pharmaceuticals. Although PEG is considered safe, concerns persist about the potential adverse effects of long-term exposure to PEG-containing therapies, specifically in children, following the introduction of PEGylated recombinant factor products used for the treatment of hemophilia. Given the absence of long-term surveillance data, and to evaluate the potential risk, we estimated PEG exposure in the pediatric population receiving PEGylated therapies with pediatric indications administered intravenously or intramuscularly. We used a range of pediatric weights and doses based on prescribing information (PI) or treatment guidelines. PIs and reporting websites were searched for information about adverse events (AEs). For a child weighing 50 kg on the highest prophylactic dose of a FVIII product, the range of total PEG exposure was 40–21,840 mg/year; for factor IX (FIX) products, the range was 13–1342 mg/year; and for other products, the range was 383–26,743 mg/year, primarily as a derivative excipient. No AE patterns attributable to PEG were found for any of these products, including potential renal, neurological, or hepatic AEs. Our analyses suggest the pediatric population has had substantial exposure to PEG for several decades, with no evidence of adverse consequences.
Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI) Microencapsulation for Mono-Component Adhesives: Effect of the Active H and NCO Sources
Authors: Attaei Mahboobeh , Loureiro Mónica V. , Do Vale Mário , Condeço José A. D. , Pinho Isabel , Bordado João C. , Marques Ana C.
Published: July 2018

Polyurea/polyurethane (PUa/PU) shell microcapsules (MCs), containing high loadings of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) in the core, were developed to enable the production of mono-component, eco-friendly and safer adhesive formulations for the footwear industry. IPDI microencapsulation was obtained via oil–in–water (O/W) microemulsion combined with interfacial polymerization. A methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) compound (a commercial blend of monomeric and polymeric species), with higher reactivity than IPDI and low viscosity, was added to the O phase to competitively contribute to the shell formation, improving its quality. Four different active H sources were tested, aimed at achieving a high encapsulation yield. The successful encapsulation of IPDI was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while the MCs’ morphology and size distribution were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of a multifunctional isocyanate silane in the O phase, as “latent” active H source, led to the formation of impermeable PUa/PU-silica hybrid shell MCs with more than 60 wt.% of pure encapsulated IPDI. A proof-of-concept study shows high peeling strength and a structural type of failure of the adhesive joint, revealing an effective IPDI release. These new engineered MCs are found to be promising crosslinkers for mono-component adhesives for high demanding applications.
Preliminary Analysis of European Small Mammal Faunas of the Eemian Interglacial: Species Composition and Species Diversity at a Regional Scale
Authors: Markova Anastasia , Puzachenko Andrey
Published: July 2018

Small mammal remains obtained from the European localities dated to the Eemian (Mikulino) age have been analyzed for the first time at a regional scale based on the present biogeographical regionalization of Europe. The regional faunas dated to the warm interval in the first part of the Late Pleistocene display notable differences in fauna composition, species richness, and diversity indices. The classification of regional faunal assemblages revealed distinctive features of small mammal faunas in Eastern and Western Europe during the Eemian (=Mikulino, =Ipswichian) Interglacial. Faunas of the Iberian Peninsula, Apennine Peninsula, and Sardinia Island appear to deviate from the other regions. In the Eemian Interglacial, the maximum species richness of small mammals (≥40 species) with a relatively high proportion of typical forest species was recorded in Western and Central Europe and in the western part of Eastern Europe. The lowest species richness (5–14 species) was typical of island faunas and of those in the north of Eastern Europe. The data obtained make it possible to reconstruct the distribution of forest biotopes and open habitats (forest-steppe and steppe) in various regions of Europe. Noteworthy is a limited area of forests in the south and in the northeastern part of Europe. In these regions, it seems likely that under conditions of relatively high temperatures characteristic of the Last Interglacial and an insufficient moisture supply there could exist open forest stands or forest-steppe landscapes, as suggested by the presence of species indicative of forest-steppe and steppe north of the forest zone. The results obtained are useful in modeling changes in the mammal faunas as well as environmental changes in entire Europe due to global climatic changes (including the global warming recorded at present).
An Inverse Model for Raindrop Size Distribution Retrieval with Polarimetric Variables
Authors: Wen Guang , Chen Haonan , Zhang Guifu , Sun Jiming
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes an inverse model for raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrieval with polarimetric radar variables. In this method, a forward operator is first developed based on the simulations of monodisperse raindrops using a T-matrix method, and then approximated with a polynomial function to generate a pseudo training dataset by considering the maximum drop diameter in a truncated Gamma model for DSD. With the pseudo training data, a nearest-neighborhood method is optimized in terms of mass-weighted diameter and liquid water content. Finally, the inverse model is evaluated with simulated and real radar data, both of which yield better agreement with disdrometer observations compared to the existing Bayesian approach. In addition, the rainfall rate derived from the DSD by the inverse model is also improved when compared to the methods using the power-law relations.
The Transferability of Random Forest in Canopy Height Estimation from Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Jin Shichao , Su Yanjun , Gao Shang , Hu Tianyu , Liu Jin , Guo Qinghua
Published: July 2018

Canopy height is an important forest structure parameter for understanding forest ecosystem and improving global carbon stock quantification accuracy. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) can provide accurate canopy height measurements, but its application at large scales is limited. Using LiDAR-derived canopy height as ground truth to train the Random Forest (RF) algorithm and therefore predict canopy height from other remotely sensed datasets in areas without LiDAR coverage has been one of the most commonly used method in large-scale canopy height mapping. However, how variances in location, vegetation type, and spatial scale of study sites influence the RF modelling results is still a question that needs to be addressed. In this study, we selected 16 study sites (100 km2 each) with full airborne LiDAR coverage across the United States, and used the LiDAR-derived canopy height along with optical imagery, topographic data, and climate surfaces to evaluate the transferability of the RF-based canopy height prediction method. The results show a series of findings from general to complex. The RF model trained at a certain location or vegetation type cannot be transferred to other locations or vegetation types. However, by training the RF algorithm using samples from all sites with various vegetation types, a universal model can be achieved for predicting canopy height at different locations and different vegetation types with self-predicted R2 higher than 0.6 and RMSE lower than 6 m. Moreover, the influence of spatial scales on the RF prediction accuracy is noticeable when spatial extent of the study site is less than 50 km2 or the spatial resolution of the training pixel is finer than 500 m. The canopy height prediction accuracy increases with the spatial extent and the targeted spatial resolution.
Field Applications of Ultra High Frequency Techniques for Defect Detection in GIS
Authors: Xiong Jun , Wang Yuan , Ma Guo-Ming , Zhang Qiang , Zheng Shu-Sheng
Published: July 2018

The reliable and stable operation of power apparatus is important for the development of GIS. It is important to utilize condition monitoring technologies and anticipate possible failures in advance. Many papers have been published about the partial discharge detection with UHF or X-ray in laboratory, but seldom in field application. Thus, many engineers at project sites are not familiar with the current professional diagnosis techniques. Recently, during the GIS routine data analysis obtained by partial discharge online monitoring system, it was found that the UHF monitoring signals’ developing trend of the 220 kV GIS No. 2 high-voltage side of transformer in phase C at an actual station was abnormal and needed further detection. In order to precisely investigate the problem and then guide the operation and maintenance activities, a series of professional diagnoses were conducted. Three new types of partial discharge detection and positioning methods were applied for accuracy, including UHF partial discharge detection based on multi-stage amplified signal demodulation and multiple weighted averages processing; the partial discharge detection based on the signal radiation hole of insulation disk at the ground connection; and the positioning method based on UHF-SHF. After a series of troubleshooting works, the partial discharge defects have been diagnosed, and the case can be referred in the field monitoring of GIS.
Estimation of Total Phenols, Flavanols and Extractability of Phenolic Compounds in Grape Seeds Using Vibrational Spectroscopy and Chemometric Tools
Authors: Baca-Bocanegra Berta , Nogales-Bueno Julio , Heredia Francisco José , Hernández-Hierro José Miguel
Published: July 2018

Near infrared hyperspectral data were collected for 200 Syrah and Tempranillo grape seed samples. Next, a sample selection was carried out and the phenolic content of these samples was determined. Then, quantitative (modified partial least square regressions) and qualitative (K-means and lineal discriminant analyses) chemometric tools were applied to obtain the best models for predicting the reference parameters. Quantitative models developed for the prediction of total phenolic and flavanolic contents have been successfully developed with standard errors of prediction (SEP) in external validation similar to those previously reported. For these parameters, SEPs were respectively, 11.23 mg g−1 of grape seed, expressed as gallic acid equivalents and 4.85 mg g−1 of grape seed, expressed as catechin equivalents. The application of these models to the whole sample set (selected and non-selected samples) has allowed knowing the distributions of total phenolic and flavanolic contents in this set. Moreover, a discriminant function has been calculated and applied to know the phenolic extractability level of the samples. On average, this discrimination function has allowed a 76.92% of samples correctly classified according their extractability level. In this way, the bases for the control of grape seeds phenolic state from their near infrared spectra have been stablished.
Design, Analysis and Experiment of a Tactile Force Sensor for Underwater Dexterous Hand Intelligent Grasping
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Liu Weidong , Gao Li’e , Zhang Yiwen , Tang Weijiang
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a novel underwater dexterous hand structure whose fingertip is equipped with underwater tactile force sensor (UTFS) array to realize the grasping sample location determination and force perception. The measurement structure, theoretical analysis, prototype development and experimental verification of the UTFS are purposefully studied in order to achieve accurate measurement under huge water pressure influence. The UTFS is designed as capsule shape type with differential pressure structure, and the external water pressure signal is separately transmitted to the silicon cup bottom which is considered to be an elastomer with four strain elements distribution through the upper and lower flexible contacts and the silicone oil filled in the upper and lower cavities of UTFS. The external tactile force information can be obtained by the vector superposition between the upper and lower of silicon cup bottom to counteract the water pressure influence. The analytical solution of deformation and stress of the bottom of the square silicon cup bottom is analyzed with the use of elasticity and shell theory, and compared with the Finite Element Analysis results, which provides theoretical support for the distribution design of four strain elements at the bottom of the silicon cup. At last, the UTFS zero drift experiment without force applying under different water depths, the output of the standard force applying under different water depth and the test of the standard force applying under conditions of different 0 ∘C–30 ∘C temperature with 0.1 m water depth are carried out to verify the performance of the sensor. The experiments show that the UTFS has a high linearity and sensitivity, and which has a regular zero drift and temperature drift which can be eliminated by calibration algorithm.
A PUF- and Biometric-Based Lightweight Hardware Solution to Increase Security at Sensor Nodes
Authors: Arjona Rosario , Prada-Delgado Miguel Ángel , Arcenegui Javier , Baturone Iluminada
Published: July 2018

Security is essential in sensor nodes which acquire and transmit sensitive data. However, the constraints of processing, memory and power consumption are very high in these nodes. Cryptographic algorithms based on symmetric key are very suitable for them. The drawback is that secure storage of secret keys is required. In this work, a low-cost solution is presented to obfuscate secret keys with Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs), which exploit the hardware identity of the node. In addition, a lightweight fingerprint recognition solution is proposed, which can be implemented in low-cost sensor nodes. Since biometric data of individuals are sensitive, they are also obfuscated with PUFs. Both solutions allow authenticating the origin of the sensed data with a proposed dual-factor authentication protocol. One factor is the unique physical identity of the trusted sensor node that measures them. The other factor is the physical presence of the legitimate individual in charge of authorizing their transmission. Experimental results are included to prove how the proposed PUF-based solution can be implemented with the SRAMs of commercial Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chips which belong to the communication module of the sensor node. Implementation results show how the proposed fingerprint recognition based on the novel texture-based feature named QFingerMap16 (QFM) can be implemented fully inside a low-cost sensor node. Robustness, security and privacy issues at the proposed sensor nodes are discussed and analyzed with experimental results from PUFs and fingerprints taken from public and standard databases.
A Terahertz CMOS V-Shaped Patch Antenna with Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Kim Hyeongjin , Choe Wonseok , Jeong Jinho
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a V-shaped patch antenna with defected ground structure is proposed at terahertz to overcome the limited performance of a standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) patch antenna consisting of several metal layers and very thin interdielectric layers. The proposed V-shaped patch with slots allows the increased radiation resistance and broadband performance. In addition, the patch resonating at different frequency from the V-shaped patch is stacked on the top to broaden the impedance-matching bandwidth. More importantly, the slots are formed in the ground plane, which is called the defected ground structure, to further increase the radiation resistance and thus improve the bandwidth and efficiency. It is verified from electromagnetic simulations that the leakage waves from the defected ground can enhance the antenna directivity and gain by coherently interfering with the topside radiation. The proposed on-chip antenna is fabricated using a standard 65 nm CMOS process. The on-wafer measurement shows very wide bandwidth in input reflection coefficient (<−10 dB), greater than 28.7% from 240 to >320 GHz. The measured peak gain was as high as 5.48 dBi at 295 GHz. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, these results belong to the best performance among the terahertz CMOS on-chip antennas without using additional components or processes such as dielectric resonators, lens, or substrate thinning.
An Ultra-Wideband Frequency System for Non-Destructive Root Imaging
Authors: Truong Thomas , Dinh Anh , Wahid Khan
Published: July 2018

Understanding the root system architecture of plants as they develop is critical for increasing crop yields through plant phenotyping, and ultra-wideband imaging systems have shown potential as a portable, low-cost solution to non-destructive imaging root system architectures. This paper presents the design, implementation, and analysis of an ultra-wideband imaging system for use in imaging potted plant root system architectures. The proposed system is separated into three main subsystems: a Data Acquisition module, a Data Processing module, and an Image Processing and Analysis module. The Data Acquisition module consists of simulated and experimental implementations of a non-contact synthetic aperture radar system to measure ultra-wideband signal reflections from concealed scattering objects in a pot containing soil. The Data Processing module is responsible for interpreting the measured ultra-wideband signals and producing an image using a delay-and-sum beamforming algorithm. The Image Processing and Analysis module is responsible for improving image quality and measuring root depth and average root diameter in an unsupervised manner. The Image Processing and Analysis module uses a modified top-hat transformation alongside quantization methods based on energy distributions in the image to isolate the surface of the imaged root. Altogether, the proposed subsystems are capable of imaging and measuring concealed taproot system architectures with controlled soil conditions; however, the performance of the system is highly dependent on knowledge of the soil conditions. Smaller roots in difficult imaging conditions require future work into understanding and compensating for unwanted noise. Ultimately, this paper sought to provide insight into improving imaging quality of ultra-wideband (UWB) imaging systems for plant root imaging for other works to be followed.
Towards a Decommodified Wildlife Tourism: Why Market Environmentalism Is Not Enough for Conservation
Authors: Belicia Teo Xin Yi , Islam Md Saidul
Published: July 2018

Wildlife tourism is frequently touted as a solution to the problems of increased poaching, habitat destruction, and species extinction. When wildlife is able to pay for its right to survive through attracting tourists, there is an incentive to conserve wildlife populations and the habitats that support them. However, numerous reports in recent years have drawn attention to the potential negative impacts of wildlife tourism attractions. This paper examines whether market environmentalism diminishes the potential of wildlife tourism to contribute to conservation and the welfare of individual animals. Market environmentalism commodifies the animals involved in wildlife tourism attractions and fuels an anthropocentric worldview where animals are resources to be used by humans for entertainment or economic gain, potentially presenting a threat to long-term conservation. Instead, we call for a decommodified experience of wildlife tourism based on more than just economic value.
The Evaluation of Hazards to Man and the Environment during the Composting of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Lasaridi Konstantia-Ekaterini , Manios Thrassyvoulos , Stamatiadis Stamatis , Chroni Christina , Kyriacou Adamantini
Published: July 2018

Composting is considered an effective treatment option to eliminate or substantially reduce potential hazards relating to the recycling of sewage sludge (SS) on land. The variation of four major types of hazards (heavy metals, instability, pathogenic potential and antibiotic resistance) was studied during laboratory-scale composting of two mixtures of sludge and green waste (1:1 and 1:2 v/v). The heavy metal content of the final compost was governed by the initial contamination of SS, with the bulking agent ratio having practically no effect. The composts would meet the heavy metal standards of the United States of America (USA) and the European Union member states, but would fail the most stringent of them. A higher ratio of bulking agent led to a higher stabilisation rate, nitrogen retention and final degree of stability. A good level of sanitisation was achieved for both mixtures, despite the relatively low temperatures attained in the laboratory system. The antibiotic resistance was limited among the E. coli strains examined, but its occurrence was more frequent among the Enterococcus spp. strains. The type of antibiotics against which resistance was mainly detected indicates that this might not be acquired, thus, not posing a serious epidemiological risk through the land application of the SS derived composts.
Adoption of Conservation Tillage on the Semi-Arid Loess Plateau of Northwest China
Authors: Han Qingfeng , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Li Fengmin
Published: July 2018

Conservation tillage is an important approach to prevent water loss and soil erosion and promote soil fertility that has been adopted widely throughout the world. However, despite promotion of the benefits of conservation tillage, obstacles are still encountered in some regions. A survey of 385 farmer households in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China was conducted to assess the adoption of conservation tillage (ACT). This investigation was located in two counties that have run conservation tillage demonstrations with wheat for at least eight years. A binary logistic regression model was used to quantify the factors determining whether or not farmers adopt conservation tillage. Farmer’s education level, the influence of training, and field demonstrations by agricultural departments had significant positive effects on ACT. Although the adoption rate of conservation tillage in this paper was very high (89%), farmers were reluctant to continue practicing conservation tillage based on their experiences, which is contrary to the expectations of the government. The area available for planting winter wheat and the number of arable plots per household also had significant positive effects on ACT. However, the total cultivated area of land per household had a significant negative impact on ACT. Farmer awareness of conservation tillage technology, the distance from a farmer’s house to the nearest agricultural market, and the size of the active labor force in the family had significant negative impacts on ACT. These results will help in the development of more effective and targeted policies to improve the sustainability of farming systems on the semi-arid Loess Plateau.
Education and Energy Intensity: Simple Economic Modelling and Preliminary Empirical Results
Authors: Sequeira Tiago , Santos Marcelo
Published: July 2018

The ratio of energy use to Gross Domestic Product (defined as energy intensity) is a major determinant of environmental hazard and an indicator of eco-efficiency. This paper explains why education can have an effect in reducing the energy intensity thus affecting eco-efficiency. We devise a stylized economic model with simple and widely accepted assumptions that highlights the role of education in decreasing energy intensity worldwide. In an empirical application that is robust to the features of the data, we show that primary schooling contributes to a decrease in energy intensity which has a very significant effect, even accounting for the other well-known determinants of energy intensity. Additionally, when schooling is taken into account, income is no longer a negative determinant of energy intensity.
Scenario-Based Simulation of Tianjin City Using a Cellular Automata–Markov Model
Authors: Wang Ruci , Hou Hao , Murayama Yuji
Published: July 2018

Rapid urbanization is occurring throughout China, especially in megacities. Using a land use model to obtain future land use/cover conditions is an essential method to prevent chaotic urban sprawl and imbalanced development. This study utilized historical Landsat images to create land use/cover maps to predict the land use/cover changes of Tianjin city in 2025 and 2035. The cellular automata–Markov (CA–Markov) model was applied in the simulation under three scenarios: the environmental protection scenario (EPS), crop protection scenario (CPS), and spontaneous scenario (SS). The model achieved a kappa value of 86.6% with a figure of merit (FoM) of 12.18% when compared to the empirical land use/cover map in 2015. The results showed that the occupation of built-up areas increased from 29.13% in 2015 to 38.68% (EPS), 36.18% (CPS), and 47.94% (SS) in 2035. In this context, current urbanization would bring unprecedented stress on agricultural resources and forest ecosystems, which could be attenuated by implementing protection policies along with decelerating urban expansion. The findings provide valuable information for urban planners to achieve sustainable development goals.
Energy-Related Occupant Behaviour and Its Implications in Energy Use: A Chronological Review
Authors: Tam Vivian W. Y. , Almeida Laura , Le Khoa
Published: July 2018

It is essential to understand how significantly occupants’ actions impact the performance of a building, as a whole, in terms of energy use. Consequently, this paper reviews the available resources on energy-related occupant behaviour and its implications in energy use in a building. A chronological review on energy-related occupant behaviour and its implications in energy use has been conducted. As a main existing gap, it was identified by researchers the difference between real energy performance and the one that is predicted during the design stage of a building. The energy predicted during the design stage of a building may be over twice the energy used in the operation stage. Buildings are one of the most energy intensive features in a country. They are affected by the interaction and correlation of several different variables, such as: its physical characteristics, technical systems, equipment, occupants, etc. Therefore, buildings are considered to be complex systems that require a careful and intensive analysis. Moreover, one of the key variables impacting real building energy use is occupant behaviour. The way occupants behave and their motivations are some of the main aspects that need to be considered in a building life-cycle.
The Role of Dedication-Based and Constraint-Based Mechanisms in Consumers’ Sustainable Outcomes in the Coffee Chain Industry
Authors: Kim Byoungsoo
Published: July 2018

Given the increase in consumers’ preferences for coffee, it is becoming important to understand their decision-making processes in the coffee chain context. To deepen the understanding of sustainable outcomes in this context, this study investigates the role of dedication- and constraint-based mechanisms in forming consumers’ repurchase and positive word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions, two critical sustainable outcomes. We examined the effects of coffee quality, the quality of the physical environment, and service quality in accelerating the formation of dedication-based factors. Moreover, this study offers an in-depth understanding of the enablers of perceived switching costs. Data collected from 238 university students that frequently visit coffee chains were empirically tested against the proposed theoretical framework by using structural equation modeling. The results confirm that both dedication- and constraint-based factors substantially predict consumers’ sustainable outcomes in the coffee chain context. Brand image and perceived switching costs play an important role in enhancing consumers’ repurchase and positive WOM intentions compared with customer satisfaction. Coffee quality is significantly associated with both customer satisfaction and brand image, whereas the quality of the physical environment and service quality are only significantly associated with brand image. Habit is found to be the key enabler of perceived switching costs, while loyalty programs have no significant impact on perceived switching costs.
Vulnerability Analysis of the Venetian Littoral and Adopted Mitigation Strategy
Authors: Ruol Piero , Martinelli Luca , Favaretto Chiara
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses the key aspects of the recent Coastal Plan of the Veneto Region (IT). Its aim is to propose a single mitigation strategy for coastal erosion that is valid for the whole Veneto Region, and possibly elsewhere, as well as a method to assign a priority level to any action. The suggested mitigation action against erosion depends on urbanization level, beach width, as well as cross-shore and long-shore sediment transport. The criterion used to give a priority level to mitigation actions is based on a vulnerability index that takes into account erosive tendency, existing coastal flooding hazards, coast value, environmental relevance, tourist pressure, urbanization level, the presence of production activities, and cultural heritage. A sample case featuring the littoral of Rosolina is also provided and includes a site description, the sediment budget, critical issues and possible mitigation measures.
Horizontal and Vertical Variability of Soil Hydraulic Properties in Roadside Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)—Nature and Implications for Hydrological Performance Evaluation
Authors: Kanso Tala , Tedoldi Damien , Gromaire Marie-Christine , Ramier David , Saad Mohamed , Chebbo Ghassan
Published: July 2018

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) have become a promising solution for increasing imperviousness by reducing water runoff volumes and flow rates, and improving water quality. However, the efficiency of these systems is dependent on soil hydraulic and physical properties, which in turn are spatially variable; however, this variability has been sparsely documented for urban areas, especially for road-side SuDS. In this study, the spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties, along with the uncertainty of these properties due to estimation methods, were investigated for three roadside SuDS in France (Paris region). Estimation methods were based on both in-situ infiltration tests and pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Results show high spatial variability in saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks (up to 160% coefficient of variation), which is dominant relative to uncertainties in PTFs predictions and those induced by experimental errors. Many specific factors might be responsible for this variability, especially in the urban context, such as construction techniques, CaCO3 precipitation, and vegetation development. In order to evaluate the effects of this variability on hydrological performance, a hydrological model of a bioretention cell was tested. Simulations revealed that peak flows and volumes are highly affected by the spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties; notably, vertical variability increases the overflow by 50%. The number of infiltration measurements required to evaluate a representative average Ks with an uncertainty of a factor of two or less was found to be four/eight, depending on the studied site. This study provides considerable insight into the spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties and its implications for hydrological performance of roadside SuDS, as it is based on a sound understanding of both theory and practice.
The Study of the Coastal Management Criteria Based on Risk Assessmeant: A Case Study on Yunlin Coast, Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wei-Po , Hsu Jui-Chan , Chen Chun-Shen , Ye Chun-Jhen
Published: July 2018

In this study, we used the natural and anthropogenic characteristics of a coastal region to generate risk maps showing vulnerability and potential hazards, and proposed design criteria for coastal defense and land use for the various kinds of risks faced. The Yunlin coast, a first-level protection area in mid-west Taiwan, was then used as an example to illustrate the proposed design criteria. The safety of the present coastal defenses and land use of the Yunlin coastal area was assessed, and coastal protection measures for hazard prevention were proposed based on the generated risk map. The results can be informative for future coastal management and the promotion of sustainable development of coastal zones.
Computational Study of a Vertical Plunging Jet into Still Water
Authors: Yin Zegao , Jia Qianqian , Li Yuan , Wang Yanxu , Yang Dejun
Published: July 2018

The behavior of a vertical plunging jet was numerically investigated using the coupled Level Set and Volume of Fluid method. The computational results were in good agreement with the experimental results reported in the related literature. Vertical plunging jet characteristics, including the liquid velocity field, air void fraction, and turbulence kinetic energy, were explored by varying the distance between the nozzle exit and the still water level. It was found that the velocity at the nozzle exit plays an unimportant role in the shape and size of ascending bubbles. A modified prediction equation between the centerline velocity ratio and the axial distance ratio was developed using the data of the coupled Level Set and Volume of Fluid method, and it showed a better predicting ability than the Level Set and Mixture methods. The characteristics of turbulence kinetic energy, including its maximum value location and its radial and vertical distribution, were also compared with that of submerged jets.
Evidence for the Existence of Abundant Intracluster Light at z = 1.24
Authors: Ko Jongwan , Jee M. James
Published: July 2018

Intracluster stars are believed to be unbound from their progenitor galaxies and diffused throughout the galaxy cluster, creating intracluster light (ICL). However, when and how these stars form is still under debate. To directly constrain the origin, one powerful method is to study clusters at the epoch when mature galaxy clusters began to appear. We report measurements of the spatial distribution, color, and quantity of diffuse intracluster stars for a massive galaxy cluster at a redshift of 1.24. This is the most distant galaxy cluster to date for which those three properties of the ICL have been quantified simultaneously. Our detection of the significant ICL fraction in this unprecedentedly high-redshift regime strongly indicates that intracluster stars, contrary to most previous studies, might have formed during a short period and early in the history of the Virgo-like massive cluster formation and might be concurrent with the formation of the brightest cluster galaxy.
Ultra-red Galaxies Signpost Candidate Protoclusters at High Redshift
Authors: Lewis A. J. R. , Ivison R. J. , Best P. N. , Simpson J. M. , Weiss A. , Oteo I. , Zhang Z-Y. , Arumugam V. , Bremer M. N. , Chapman S. C. , Clements D. L. , Dannerbauer H. , Dunne L. , Eales S. , Maddox S. , Oliver S. J. , Omont A. , Riechers D. A. , Serjeant S. , Valiante E. , Wardlow J. , Werf P. van der , Zotti G. De
Published: July 2018

We present images obtained with LABOCA of a sample of 22 galaxies selected via their red Herschel SPIRE colors. We aim to see if these luminous, rare, and distant galaxies are signposting dense regions in the early universe. Our 870 μm survey covers an area of ≈1 deg2 down to an average rms of

, with our five deepest maps going ≈2× deeper still. We catalog 86 dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) around our “signposts,” detected above a significance of 3.5σ. This implies a

overdensity of

(or

) DSFGs, excluding our signposts, when comparing our number counts to those in “blank fields.” Thus, we are 99.93% confident that our signposts are pinpointing overdense regions in the universe, and ≈95% [50%] confident that these regions are overdense by a factor of at least ≥1.5 × [2×]. Using template spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and SPIRE/LABOCA photometry, we derive a median photometric redshift of z = 3.2 ± 0.2 for our signposts, with an inter-quartile range of z = 2.8–3.6, somewhat higher than expected for ∼850 μm selected galaxies. We constrain the DSFGs that are likely responsible for this overdensity to within

of their respective signposts. These “associated” DSFGs are radially distributed within (physical) distances of 1.6 ± 0.5 Mpc from their signposts, have median star formation rates (SFRs) of

(for a Salpeter stellar inital mass function) and median gas reservoirs of

. These candidate protoclusters have average total SFRs of at least

and space densities of ∼9 × 10−7 Mpc−3, consistent with the idea that their constituents may evolve to become massive early-type galaxies in the centers of the rich galaxy clusters we see today.
Stellar Populations in the Outer Disk and Halo of the Spiral Galaxy M101
Authors: Mihos J. Christopher , Durrell Patrick R. , Feldmeier John J. , Harding Paul , Watkins Aaron E.
Published: July 2018

We use deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging in the outskirts of the nearby spiral M101 to study stellar populations in the galaxy’s outer disk and halo. Our Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) field lies 17.′6 (36 kpc) from the center of M101 and targets the blue “NE Plume” of M101's outer disk, while the parallel Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) field lies at a distance of 23.′3 (47 kpc) to sample the galaxy’s stellar halo. The WFC3 halo field shows a well-defined red giant branch characterized by low metallicity ([M/H] = −1.7 ± 0.2), with no evidence of young stellar populations. In contrast, the ACS disk field shows multiple stellar populations, including a young main sequence, blue and red helium-burning stars, and old RGB and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) populations. The mean metallicity of these disk stars is quite low: [M/H] = −1.3 ± 0.2 for the RGB population, and −1.15 ± 0.2 for the younger helium-burning sequences. Of particular interest is a bunching of stars along the BHeB sequence, indicative of an evolving cohort of massive young stars. We show that the young stellar populations in this field are well-described by a decaying burst of star formation that peaked ∼300–400 Myr ago, along with a more extended star formation history to produce the older RGB and AGB populations. These results confirm and extend the results from our previous deep surface photometry of M101's outer disk, providing an important cross-check on stellar population studies using resolved stellar populations versus integrated light photometry. We discuss our results in the context of halo formation models and the interaction history of M101 and its companions.
CUBE: An Information-optimized Parallel Cosmological N-body Algorithm
Authors: Yu Hao-Ran , Pen Ue-Li , Wang Xin
Published: July 2018

Cosmological large-scale structure N-body simulations are computation-light, memory-heavy problems in supercomputing. The considerable amount of memory is usually dominated by an inefficient way of storing more than sufficient phase space information of particles. We present a new parallel, information-optimized, particle-mesh-based N-body code CUBE, in which information-efficiency and memory-efficiency are increased by nearly an order of magnitude. This is accomplished by storing particle’s relative phase space coordinates instead of global values, and in the format of fixed point as light as 1 byte. The remaining information is given by complementary density and velocity fields (negligible in memory space) and proper ordering of particles (no extra memory). Our numerical experiments show that this information-optimized N-body algorithm provides accurate results within the error of the particle-mesh algorithm. This significant lowering of the memory-to-computation ratio breaks the bottleneck of scaling up and speeding up large cosmological N-body simulations on multi-core and heterogeneous computing systems.