bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Field in Hybrid Quantum Plasmonic-Photonic Systems
Authors: Barbiellini Bernardo , Das Subhabrata , Renugopalakrishnan Venkatesan , Somasundaran Ponniseril
Published: April 2018

We study excitations and quantum optical properties of hybrid networks made up of metal nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots and molecules. Such processes can be used for the localization and the guiding of the electromagnetic field. Localized modes occurring in these networks and the generation of confined fields are also connected to the enhancement of Raman-scattering occurring in these systems. We review some recent theoretical and computational studies of optical properties in hybrid nano-systems to gain control of light–matter interactions at the quantum level for efficient energy transport and sensing applications.
Structural and Luminescent Properties of Heterobimetallic Zinc(II)-Europium(III) Dimer Constructed from N2O2-Type Bisoxime and Terephthalic Acid
Authors: Guo Wen-Ting , Li Xiao-Yan , Kang Quan-Peng , Ma Jian-Chun , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: April 2018

A new heterohexanuclear ZnII–EuIII dimer [{(ZnL)2Eu}2(bdc)2]·2Cl constructed from a N2O2-type chelating ligand H2L (6,6′-Dimethoxy-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol), Zn(OAc)2·2H2O, EuCl3·6H2O and H2bdc (terephthalic acid) was synthesized, and characterized using elemental analyses, IR (Infrared), UV-Vis (Ultraviolet–visible) spectra and X-ray single crystal diffraction method. There are two crystallographically equivalent [(ZnL)2Eu] moieties in the ZnII–EuIII complex, the two [(ZnL)2Eu] moieties are linked by two bdc2– ligand leading to a heterohexanuclear dimer, in which the carboxylato groups bridge the ZnII and EuIII atoms. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of H2L and its ZnII–EuIII complex have been studied.
The Brain–Intestinal Mucosa–Appendix– Microbiome–Brain Loop
Authors: Vitetta Luis , Vitetta Gemma , Hall Sean
Published: April 2018

The brain and the gut are connected from early fetal life. The mother’s exposure to microbial molecules is thought to exert in utero developmental effects on the fetus. These effects could importantly underpin the groundwork for subsequent pathophysiological mechanisms for achieving immunological tolerance and metabolic equilibrium post birth, events that continue through to 3–4 years of age. Furthermore, it is understood that the microbiome promotes cues that instruct the neonate’s mucosal tissues and skin in the language of molecular and cellular biology. Post birth mucosal lymphoid tissue formation and maturation (most probably including the vermiform appendix) is microbiota-encouraged co-establishing the intestinal microbiome with a developing immune system. Intestinal mucosal tissue maturation loops the brain-gut-brain and is postulated to influence mood dispositions via shifts in the intestinal microbiome phyla. A plausible appreciation is that dysregulated pro-inflammatory signals from intestinal resident macrophages could breach the loop by providing adverse mood signals via vagus nerve afferents to the brain. In this commentary, we further suggest that the intestinal resident macrophages act as an upstream traffic controller of translocated microbes and metabolites in order to maintain local neuro-endocrine-immunological equilibrium. When macrophages are overwhelmed through intestinal microbiome and intestinal epithelial cell dysbiosis, pro-inflammatory signals are sustained, which may then lead to mood disorders. The administration of probiotics as an adjunctive medicine co-administered with antidepressant medications in improving depressed mood may have biological and clinical standing.
Entropy-Based Video Steganalysis of Motion Vectors
Authors: Sadat Elaheh , Faez Karim , Saffari Pour Mohsen
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a new method is proposed for motion vector steganalysis using the entropy value and its combination with the features of the optimized motion vector. In this method, the entropy of blocks is calculated to determine their texture and the precision of their motion vectors. Then, by using a fuzzy cluster, the blocks are clustered into the blocks with high and low texture, while the membership function of each block to a high texture class indicates the texture of that block. These membership functions are used to weight the effective features that are extracted by reconstructing the motion estimation equations. Characteristics of the results indicate that the use of entropy and the irregularity of each block increases the precision of the final video classification into cover and stego classes.
Adaptive Wind Generation Modeling by Fuzzy Clustering of Experimental Data
Authors: De Caro Fabrizio , Vaccaro Alfredo , Villacci Domenico
Published: April 2018

The massive penetration of wind generators in existing electrical grids is causing several critical issues, which are pushing system operators to enhance their operation functions in order to mitigate the effects produced by the intermittent and non-programmable generation profiles. In this context, the integration of wind forecasting and reliability models based on experimental data represents a strategic tool for assessing the impact of generators and grid operation state on the available power profiles. Unfortunately, field data acquired by Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems can be characterized by outliers and incoherent data, which need to be properly detected and filtered in order to avoid large modeling errors. To deal with this challenging issue, in this paper a novel methodology fusing Fuzzy clustering techniques, and probabilistic-based anomaly detection algorithms are proposed for wind data filtering and data-driven generator modeling
Solar Reflector Materials Degradation Due to the Sand Deposited on the Backside Protective Paints
Authors: Fernández-García Aránzazu , Juaidi Adel , Sutter Florian , Martínez-Arcos Lucía , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: April 2018

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies are foreseen to be a crucial actor in the future renewable energy mix. Soil accumulation on the optical surfaces of CSP plants involves significant expenses of the operation and maintenance activities because a high cleanliness level is required to achieve proper plant revenues. Normally, only the front side of the solar reflectors is cleaned to reflect the maximum possible amount of direct solar radiation towards the receiver. However, soil deposited on the backside of the reflector could provoke degradation and might need to be considered in the cleaning strategy. As this possible degradation has never been studied, this work is dedicated to assess if the backside of reflectors should be regularly cleaned. The influence of the sand in the possible paint degradation depends on its chemical composition and the weather conditions. Therefore, several climatic conditions of artificially soiled reflector samples with different types of sand were simulated in accelerated aging tests. Concerning the results obtained, the ambient conditions simulated by the damp heat and thermal cycling tests were the only ones that produced a significant degradation of the backside paints. Also, the sand from Ouarzazate was responsible for higher deterioration.
A Novel Transverse Flux Permanent Magnet Disk Wind Power Generator with H-Shaped Stator Cores
Authors: Peng Guobin , Wei Jin , Shi Yujun , Shao Ziyun , Jian Linni
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a novel transverse flux permanent magnet disk generator (TFPMDG) for wind power generation. The main features of its structure are the modular H-shaped stator cores and two simple rotor disks. What is different from the structures introduced in the references is that each H-shaped stator core is formed by two T-shaped iron cores and a permanent magnet (PM) rather than a complete H-shaped core, which makes the manufacturing simpler and easier. Each rotor disk consists of a rotor holder and several rotor bars, resulting in high robustness and reliability. Moreover, two circular coils in the H-shaped stator cores together with the stator disk are sandwiched by the two rotor disks, which improves the utilization of PMs. In this paper, the proposed TFPMDG is investigated in detail. Firstly, the structure and operating principle are introduced. Then, the magnetic circuit method is used to analyze the TFPMDG. Next, the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) is employed to compute the magnetic field distribution and EMF at no load. According to the calculation result, the other three TFPMDGs with different shapes of rotor cores are proposed and analyzed for better back EMF, and then a generator with good performance is selected for load analysis. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and tested, and the simulated results are compared with the measured ones, which proves the rationality of the simulated results.
Biofuels Production by Biomass Gasification: A Review
Authors: Molino Antonio , Larocca Vincenzo , Chianese Simeone , Musmarra Dino
Published: April 2018

The production of biofuels from renewable sources is a major challenge in research. Methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether (DME), synthetic natural gas (SNG), and hydrogen can be produced from syngas which is the result of the gasification of biomasses. Syngas composition varies according to the gasification technology used (such as fixed bed reactors, fluidized bed reactors, entrained flow reactors), the feedstock characteristics, and the operating parameters. This paper presents a review of the predominant biomass gasification technologies and biofuels obtained from syngas by biomass gasification.
Direct Flux Control for Stand-Alone Operation Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Generators Using a Resonant-Based Sliding-Mode Control Approach
Authors: Ji Kai , Huang Shenghua
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a novel voltage control strategy for stand-alone operation brushless doubly fed induction generators for variable speed constant frequency wind energy conversion systems was presented and discussed. Based on the model of the power generation system, the proposed direct flux control strategy employs a nonlinear reduced-order generalized integrator-based resonant sliding-mode control approach to directly calculate and regulate the output value of converter which the control winding stator requires so as to eliminate its instantaneous errors, without involving any synchronous rotating coordinate transformations. The stability, robustness and convergence capability of the proposed control strategy were described and analyzed. Owing to the fact no additional current control inner loops are involved, the system configuration is therefore simplified and the dynamic performance enhanced. A constant converter switching frequency was achieved by using space vector pulse width modulation, which reduces the harmonics of the generator terminal voltage. In addition, the feasibility and validity of the proposed scheme is verified by experiments, and excellent steady and transient performance is achieved.
Ageing Impact on the Economy and Emissions in China: A Global Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Wei Taoyuan , Zhu Qin , Glomsrød Solveig
Published: April 2018

Population ageing will accelerate in the coming decades in China. This ageing may have considerable impact on the economy and energy-related emissions, potentially affecting the global economy and global climate. By using a global computable general equilibrium (CGE) model we explore the impact caused by the population ageing through imposing the expected 2050 age structure on the economy and population size of 2011. Results show that gross domestic product (GDP) of China is reduced by nearly 10% as the ageing reduces consumption, labor supply and investments. However, increasing returns to capital abroad adds support to domestic demand. Ageing process in other countries can double ageing impacts on domestic consumption and encourage only a few production sectors in China. Global energy-related emissions is reduced by 700 Mt carbon dioxide (or about 70% of the 2011 emissions in Japan) due to the population ageing in China.
The Key Role of the Vector Optimization Algorithm and Robust Design Approach for the Design of Polygeneration Systems
Authors: Gimelli Alfredo , Muccillo Massimiliano
Published: April 2018

In recent decades, growing concerns about global warming and climate change effects have led to specific directives, especially in Europe, promoting the use of primary energy-saving techniques and renewable energy systems. The increasingly stringent requirements for carbon dioxide reduction have led to a more widespread adoption of distributed energy systems. In particular, besides renewable energy systems for power generation, one of the most effective techniques used to face the energy-saving challenges has been the adoption of polygeneration plants for combined heating, cooling, and electricity generation. This technique offers the possibility to achieve a considerable enhancement in energy and cost savings as well as a simultaneous reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the use of small-scale polygeneration systems does not ensure the achievement of mandatory, but sometimes conflicting, aims without the proper sizing and operation of the plant. This paper is focused on a methodology based on vector optimization algorithms and developed by the authors for the identification of optimal polygeneration plant solutions. To this aim, a specific calculation algorithm for the study of cogeneration systems has also been developed. This paper provides, after a detailed description of the proposed methodology, some specific applications to the study of combined heat and power (CHP) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) plants, thus highlighting the potential of the proposed techniques and the main results achieved.
Review of Ecosystem Level Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer on Black Ash Wetlands: What Does the Future Hold?
Authors: Kolka Randall , D’Amato Anthony , Wagenbrenner Joseph , Slesak Robert , Pypker Thomas , Youngquist Melissa , Grinde Alexis , Palik Brian
Published: April 2018

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is rapidly spreading throughout eastern North America and devastating ecosystems where ash is a component tree. This rapid and sustained loss of ash trees has already resulted in ecological impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and is projected to be even more severe as EAB invades black ash-dominated wetlands of the western Great Lakes region. Using two companion studies that are simulating short- and long-term EAB infestations and what is known from the literature, we synthesize our current limited understanding and predict anticipated future impacts of EAB on black ash wetlands. A key response to the die-back of mature black ash will be higher water tables and the potential for flooding and resulting changes to both the vegetation and animal communities. Although seedling planting studies have shown some possible replacement species, little is known about how the removal of black ash from the canopy will affect non-ash species growth and regeneration. Because black ash litter is relatively high in nitrogen, it is expected that there will be important changes in nutrient and carbon cycling and subsequent rates of productivity and decomposition. Changes in hydrology and nutrient and carbon cycling will have cascading effects on the biological community which have been scarcely studied. Research to address these important gaps is currently underway and should lead to alternatives to mitigate the effects of EAB on black ash wetland forests and develop management options pre- and post-EAB invasion.
Effect of Adding Carbon Nanotubes on the Freeze-Thaw and Thermal Fatigue Resistance of Latex Modified Mortar
Authors: Abdel-Mohti Ahmed , Soliman Eslam , Shen Hui
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to investigate the effect of adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the durability of latex modified mortar (LMM). Up to 2.5% of CNTs by wt. of styrene-butadiene latex (SBR latex) CNTs were added to latex modified mortar (LMM) specimens before they are subjected to two different thermal tests: freeze-thaw and thermal fatigue. LMM specimens were subjected to a number of freeze-thaw cycles according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C-666 in order to simulate winter outdoor conditions in the United States (US) northern areas. Also, the specimens were subjected to thermal fatigue cycles similar to summer outdoor conditions. A large number of specimens were prepared in cubes, cylinders, and prisms, and were mechanically tested in compression, splitting tension, and flexure in order to evaluate the LMM specimens after the thermal exposure. Compression and tension specimens were tested after 50% and after 100% of the total number of cycles in order to assess the effect of the number of cycles on the mechanical performance. For LMM prims, dimensional stability was assessed first by monitoring the development of shrinkage strains during the application of thermal cycles. The LMM prisms were then tested in flexure after the completion of all the thermal cycles. The effectiveness of adding CNTs was evaluated by comparing between the performance of control LMM specimens and those with different CNTs contents. CNTs were found to alter the compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural load carrying capacity of LMM specimens.
How Safe Is Ginger Rhizome for Decreasing Nausea and Vomiting in Women during Early Pregnancy?
Authors: Stanisiere Julien , Mousset Pierre-Yves , Lafay Sophie
Published: April 2018

Ginger, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is increasingly consumed as a food or in food supplements. It is also recognized as a popular nonpharmacological treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). However, its consumption is not recommended by all countries for pregnant women. Study results are heterogeneous and conclusions are not persuasive enough to permit heath care professionals to recommend ginger safely. Some drugs are also contraindicated, leaving pregnant women with NVP with few solutions. We conducted a review to assess effectiveness and safety of ginger consumption during early pregnancy. Systematic literature searches were conducted on Medline (via Pubmed) until the end of December 2017. For the evaluation of efficacy, only double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were included. For the evaluation of the safety, controlled, uncontrolled, and pre-clinical studies were included in the review. Concerning toxicity, none can be extrapolated to humans from in vitro results. In vivo studies do not identify any major toxicities. Concerning efficacy and safety, a total of 15 studies and 3 prospective clinical studies have been studied. For 1 g of fresh ginger root per day for four days, results show a significant decrease in nausea and vomiting and no risk for the mother or her future baby. The available evidence suggests that ginger is a safe and effective treatment for NVP. However, beyond the ginger quantity needed to be effective, ginger quality is important from the perspective of safety.
Use of Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria and Quinoa Flour for Manufacturing Novel Yogurt-Like Beverages
Authors: Lorusso Anna , Coda Rossana , Montemurro Marco , Rizzello Carlo
Published: April 2018

This study aimed at investigating the suitability of quinoa for making yogurt-like beverages. After the selection of the adequate technological parameters, the fermentation was carried out by using different lactic acid bacteria strains: a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1), an exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing (Weissella confusa DSM 20194), and one isolated from quinoa (Lactobacillus plantarum T6B10). During the 20 h of fermentation, W. confusa caused the highest viscosity increase. All the strains had improved concentration of free amino acids and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols availability, antioxidant activity (up to 54%), and protein digestibility. The nutritional index (NI) was the highest when L. rhamnosus SP1 was used. The starch hydrolysis index in vitro ranged from 52 to 60. During storage at 4 °C, viscosity and water holding capacity decreased with the exception of the beverage fermented with W. confusa, while all the nutritional characteristics remained stable or slightly increased. Sensory analyses showed that beverages had good textural and organoleptic profiles. Besides the well-known positive properties of the raw matrix, fermentation allowed the obtainment of beverages with different features. Due to the nutritional and functional characteristics conferred to the quinoa beverages, the use of the probiotic and EPS-producing strains showed adequate potential for the industrial application.
Influence of Codium tomentosum Extract in the Properties of Alginate and Chitosan Edible Films
Authors: Augusto Ana , Dias Juliana , Campos Maria , Alves Nuno , Pedrosa Rui , Silva Susana
Published: April 2018

The growing search for natural alternatives to synthetic food packaging materials and additives has increased, and seaweed extracts’ bioactivity has made them suitable candidates for incorporation in novel edible films. This study aims to investigate the effect of Codium tomentosum seaweed extract (SE) incorporation in alginate and chitosan edible films. Alginate- and chitosan-based films with and without the incorporation of 0.5% SE were characterized according to their physical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Seaweed extract incorporation in chitosan films resulted in an increase of film solubility (50%), elasticity (18%), and decrease of puncture strength (27%) and energy at break (39%). In alginate films, the extract incorporation significantly decreased film solubility (6%), water vapour permeability (46%), and elasticity (24%), and had no effect on thermal properties. Depending on the type of application, the addition of SE in edible films can bring advantages for food conservation.
The Influence of Alteration of Aggregates on the Quality of the Concrete: A Case Study from Serpentinites and Andesites from Central Macedonia (North Greece)
Authors: Petrounias Petros , Giannakopoulou Panagiota , Rogkala Aikaterini , Stamatis Panagiotis , Tsikouras Basilios , Papoulis Dimitrios , Lampropoulou Paraskevi , Hatzipanagiotou Konstantin
Published: April 2018

This study aims at the interpretation of the adverse effects of the secondary products in two types of rocks during their performance as concrete aggregates. Serpentinised peridotites contain serpentine, as the dominant secondary phase, which creates low microroughness on the particles and therefore unfavorable surfaces for cement paste to adequately adhere to. Moreover, its soft and platy nature contributes to the development of platy defects along the contacts of the aggregate particles with the cement paste. Poor adherence of the paste, failures along the contacts of the aggregate particles and potential propagation of the defects into the concrete during curing (and perhaps subsequently in-service) explain the poor performance of highly serpentinised rocks as concrete aggregates. Andesites show a different composition with a variety of secondary products including albite, chlorite, calcite, Fe-oxides and clay minerals. The role of all these products was investigated and it appears that only smectite is important, as even small amounts of it may be detrimental to the quality of the rocks as concrete aggregates. It is likely that abnormal hydration reactions and considerable swelling of the smectite result in the appearance of defects in the concrete, hence contributing to its low performance.
Formation MicroScanner Providing Better Answers for Carbonate Secondary Porosity in Alamein Dolomite Formation, NW Desert, Egypt
Authors: Shalaby Mohamed , Jumat Nurhazwana , Islam Md.
Published: April 2018

The use of borehole imaging tools has become widespread in recent years with more specialized studies of reservoir properties, particularly in highly-porous and fractured carbonate systems. In this study, the Formation MicroScanner (FMS) borehole imaging tool and conventional well log data have been used to study the secondary porosity of the dolomitic Alamein Formation in the Alamein Field, north Western Desert, Egypt. Based on well log analyses of the formation from Tourmaline-1X and N.Alamein-6X wells, we show that secondary porosity occurs across the formation, and is filled mostly with hydrocarbon. We also show that the formation has good average effective porosity and hydrocarbon saturation. FMS images of the Tourmaline-1X well confirms that the formation is intermittently vuggy with solution-filled channels from the top to its base. The vug pores are observed to be well-connected, which supports good effective porosity values interpreted from petrophysical data. An additional set of core photographs of the Alamein Formation from N.Alamein-5X well confirms the presence of secondary pores, which are filled by hydrocarbon, and exhibit intense fluorescence under UV light. Our results show that the abundance of secondary porosity in Alamein Formation would play a key role in evaluating its reservoir quality and reservoir performance.
The Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Educational and Occupational Functioning: A Qualitative Study of 460 Bereaved Adults
Authors: Pitman Alexandra , Khrisna Putri Adelia , De Souza Tanisha , Stevenson Fiona , King Michael , Osborn David , Morant Nicola
Published: April 2018

People bereaved by suicide are at an increased risk of suicide and of dropping out of education or work. Explanations for these associations are unclear, and more research is needed to understand how improving support in educational or work settings for people bereaved by suicide might contribute to reducing suicide risk. Our objective was to explore the impact of suicide on occupational functioning. We conducted a cross-sectional online study of bereaved adults aged 18–40, recruited from staff and students of British higher educational institutions in 2010. We used thematic analysis to analyse free text responses to two questions probing the impact of suicide bereavement on work and education. Our analysis of responses from 460 adults bereaved by suicide identified three main themes: (i) specific aspects of grief that impacted on work performance, cognitive and emotional domains, and social confidence; (ii) structural challenges in work or educational settings including a lack of institutional support, the impact of taking time off, and changes to caring roles; and (iii) new perspectives on the role of work, including determination to achieve. Institutional support should be tailored to take account of the difficulties and experiences described.
Children and Caregivers’ Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): Association with Children’s and Caregivers’ Psychological Outcomes in a Therapeutic Preschool Program
Authors: Ziv Yair , Sofri Inbar , Capps Umphlet Kristen , Olarte Stephanie , Venza Jimmy
Published: April 2018

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE) has been found to have a profound negative impact on multiple child outcomes, including academic achievement, social cognition patterns, and behavioral adjustment. However, these links have yet to be examined in preschool children that are already experiencing behavior or social-emotional problems. Thus, the present study examined the links between the caregiver’s and the child’s exposure to ACE and multiple child and caregiver’s outcomes in a sample of 30 preschool children enrolled in a Therapeutic Nursery Program (TNP). Children are typically referred to this TNP due to significant delays in their social emotional development that often result in difficulty functioning in typical childcare, home, and community settings. Analyses revealed some contradictory patterns that may be specific to this clinical sample. Children with higher exposure to ACE showed more biased social information processing patterns and their caregivers reported lower child social skills than caregivers of children with less exposure, however their inhibitory control levels were higher (better control) and staff reported that these children exhibited better social skills as well as better approaches to learning than children with less exposure. No such contradictions were found in relation to the caregiver’s exposure to ACE, as it was positively associated with a number of negative child and caregiver outcomes.
Application of a Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Design to Explore the Effects of Air Pollution and Season on Childhood Asthma Hospitalization in Cities of Differing Urban Patterns: Big Data Analytics of Government Open Data
Authors: Kuo Ching-Yen , Pan Ren-Hao , Chan Chin-Kan , Wu Chiung-Yi , Phan Dinh-Van , Chan Chien-Lung
Published: April 2018

Few studies have assessed the lagged effects of levels of different urban city air pollutants and seasons on asthma hospitalization in children. This study used big data analysis to explore the effects of daily changes in air pollution and season on childhood asthma hospitalization from 2001 to 2010 in Taipei and Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. A time-stratified case-crossover study and conditional logistic regression analysis were employed to identify associations between the risk of hospitalization due to asthma in children and the levels of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, and NO2) in the days preceding hospitalization. During the study period, 2900 children in Taipei and 1337 in Kaohsiung aged ≤15 years were hospitalized due to asthma for the first time. The results indicated that the levels of air pollutants were significantly associated with the risk of asthma hospitalization in children, and seasonal effects were observed. High levels of air pollution in Kaohsiung had greater effects than in Taipei after adjusting for seasonal variation. The most important factor was O3 in spring in Taipei. In children aged 0–6 years, asthma was associated with O3 in Taipei and SO2 in Kaohsiung, after controlling for the daily mean temperature and relative humidity.
Robust Economic Control Decision Method of Uncertain System on Urban Domestic Water Supply
Authors: Li Kebai , Ma Tianyi , Wei Guo
Published: April 2018

As China quickly urbanizes, urban domestic water generally presents the circumstances of both rising tendency and seasonal cycle fluctuation. A robust economic control decision method for dynamic uncertain systems is proposed in this paper. It is developed based on the internal model principle and pole allocation method, and it is applied to an urban domestic water supply system with rising tendency and seasonal cycle fluctuation. To achieve this goal, first a multiplicative model is used to describe the urban domestic water demand. Then, a capital stock and a labor stock are selected as the state vector, and the investment and labor are designed as the control vector. Next, the compensator subsystem is devised in light of the internal model principle. Finally, by using the state feedback control strategy and pole allocation method, the multivariable robust economic control decision method is implemented. The implementation with this model can accomplish the urban domestic water supply control goal, with the robustness for the variation of parameters. The methodology presented in this study may be applied to the water management system in other parts of the world, provided all data used in this study are available. The robust control decision method in this paper is also applicable to deal with tracking control problems as well as stabilization control problems of other general dynamic uncertain systems.
The Effectiveness of International Non-Governmental Organizations’ Response Operations during Public Health Emergency: Lessons Learned from the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in Sierra Leone
Authors: Shin Yoon , Yeo Jungwon , Jung Kyujin
Published: April 2018

International Nongovernmental Organizations (INGOs) have played critical roles in improving the quality of primary health care in ordinary time and, indeed, responding to epidemic crises in developing countries. Due to a lack of empirical research for effectiveness of their responding activities, the legitimacy and accountability of nonprofits’ engagement in the health crisis as a critical responder is doubted. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of INGOs in a context of managing a fatal epidemic outbreak of Ebola in Sierra Leone during May–November, 2014; building healthcare infrastructures, providing medical supplies, educating local residents, and training response staffs. The analysis results show that development of healthcare infrastructures and provision of medical supplies have been significantly effective in terms of decreasing the severity of the crisis in chiefdoms. The findings imply that policy tools, which allow INGOs to enter to the field in a timely manner, can improve the effectiveness of INGOs’ responses in current and future epidemic outbreaks in developing countries where people suffer from a lack of health infrastructures.
Pediatric Age Palm Oil Consumption
Authors: Di Genova Lorenza , Cerquiglini Laura , Penta Laura , Biscarini Anna , Esposito Susanna
Published: April 2018

Palm oil is widely used in the food industry for its chemical/physical properties, low cost and wide availability. Its widespread use has provoked an intense debate about whether it is a potential danger to human health. In a careful review of the scientific literature, we focused on nutritional characteristics and health effects of the use of palm oil with regards to children, seeking to determine whether there is evidence that justifies fears about the health effects of palm oil. Our review showed that palm oil represents a significant source of saturated fatty acids, to which scientific evidence attributes negative health effects when used in excess, especially with regards to cardiovascular diseases. However, to date, there is no evidence about the harmful effects of palm oil on the health of children. Nevertheless, palm oil has possible ill health effects linked to its composition of fatty acids: its consumption is not correlated to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in young people with a normal weight and cholesterol level; the elderly and patients with dyslipidaemia or previous cardiovascular events or hypertension are at a greater risk. Therefore, the matter is not palm oil itself but the fatty-acid-rich food group to which it belongs. The most important thing is to consume no more than 10% of saturated fatty acids, regardless of their origin and regardless of one’s age. Correct information based on a careful analysis of the scientific evidence, rather than a focus on a singular presumed culprit substance, should encourage better lifestyles.
Spatio-Temporal Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis in China (2003–2015): Implications for Prevention and Control Policies
Authors: Zhu Bin , Liu Jinlin , Fu Yang , Zhang Bo , Mao Ying
Published: April 2018

Viral hepatitis, as one of the most serious notifiable infectious diseases in China, takes heavy tolls from the infected and causes a severe economic burden to society, yet few studies have systematically explored the spatio-temporal epidemiology of viral hepatitis in China. This study aims to explore, visualize and compare the epidemiologic trends and spatial changing patterns of different types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E and unspecified, based on the classification of CDC) at the provincial level in China. The growth rates of incidence are used and converted to box plots to visualize the epidemiologic trends, with the linear trend being tested by chi-square linear by linear association test. Two complementary spatial cluster methods are used to explore the overall agglomeration level and identify spatial clusters: spatial autocorrelation analysis (measured by global and local Moran’s I) and space-time scan analysis. Based on the spatial autocorrelation analysis, the hotspots of hepatitis A remain relatively stable and gradually shrunk, with Yunnan and Sichuan successively moving out the high-high (HH) cluster area. The HH clustering feature of hepatitis B in China gradually disappeared with time. However, the HH cluster area of hepatitis C has gradually moved towards the west, while for hepatitis E, the provincial units around the Yangtze River Delta region have been revealing HH cluster features since 2005. The space-time scan analysis also indicates the distinct spatial changing patterns of different types of viral hepatitis in China. It is easy to conclude that there is no one-size-fits-all plan for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in all the provincial units. An effective response requires a package of coordinated actions, which should vary across localities regarding the spatial-temporal epidemic dynamics of each type of virus and the specific conditions of each provincial unit.
Mapping Heritage: Geospatial Online Databases of Historic Roads. The Case of the N-340 Roadway Corridor on the Spanish Mediterranean
Authors: Loren-Méndez Mar , Pinzón-Ayala Daniel , Ruiz Rita , Alonso-Jiménez Roberto
Published: April 2018

The study has developed an online geospatial database for assessing the complexity of roadway heritage, overcoming the limitations of traditional heritage catalogues and databases: the itemization of heritage assets and the rigidity of the database structure. Reflecting the current openness in the field of heritage studies, the research proposes an interdisciplinary approach that reframes heritage databases, both conceptually and technologically. Territorial scale is key for heritage interpretation, the complex characteristics of each type of heritage, and social appropriation. The system is based on an open-source content-management system and framework called ProcessWire, allowing flexibility in the definition of data fields and serving as an internal working tool for research collaboration. Accessibility, flexibility, and ease of use do not preclude rigor: the database works in conjunction with a GIS (Geographic Information System) support system and is complemented by a bibliographical archive. A hierarchical multiscalar heritage characterization has been implemented in order to include the different territorial scales and to facilitate the creation of itineraries. Having attained the main goals of conceptual heritage coherence, accessibility, and rigor, the database should strive for broader capacity to integrate GIS information and stimulate public participation, a step toward controlled crowdsourcing and collaborative heritage characterization.
Saddle Position-Based Method for Extraction of Depressions in Fengcong Areas by Using Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Yang Xianwu , Tang Guoan , Meng Xin , Xiong Liyang
Published: April 2018

A karst depression is an important sign of the development stage of karst landforms. The morphological characteristics of depressions can help reflect the development and evolution process of such landforms. The accurate identification and extraction of depressions in Fengcong areas are the basis of this research on karst depressions. Previous studies on Fengcong depressions were primarily based on manual surveys, remote sensing image interpretation, and manual map plotting or GIS-based techniques. The extracted landform units of Fengcong depressions in these studies were not accurate and even inauthentic in certain cases. Thus, this work proposes a method for extracting Fengcong depressions in karst areas which is based on terrain saddle points and uses digital elevation models (DEMs). First, the surface morphology of the Fengcong karst area is analyzed. Second, saddles are detected from the intersection points, and spatial trend surfaces are generated by interpolating the elevations of these saddle points. The interface between pinnacles and depressions can be determined by the trend surface. We applied the method in a case Fengcong area of the Lijiang River in Guilin, China. Results showed that the proposed method successfully divided the positive terrain form of pinnacles and the negative terrain form of the depressions in the Fengcong karst area. A total of 188 surface depressions were extracted, whose average area was 0.14 km2 and polygonal depression density was 2.5 km2. Results also showed that most of the depressions were stable in terms of the morphological features of area and depth. A total of 94% of the depth measured less than 60 m, and the area was less than 0.5 km2. This proposed method can accurately determine the boundary of depressions and provide an important reference for quantitative research on the Fengcong depression terrain in karst landforms.
Long-Term Changes of the Wildland–Urban Interface in the Polish Carpathians
Authors: Kaim Dominik , Radeloff Volker , Szwagrzyk Marcin , Dobosz Monika , Ostafin Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

The Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) is the area where houses and wildland vegetation meet or intermingle, which causes many environmental problems. The current WUI is widespread in many regions, but it is unclear how the WUI evolved, especially in regions where both houses and forest cover have increased. Here we compared WUI change in the Polish Carpathians for 1860 and 2013 in two study areas with different land use history. Our western study area experienced gradual forest increase and housing growth over time, while the eastern study area was subject to a shock due to post-war resettlements, which triggered rapid reforestation. We found that in both study areas WUI extent increased from 1860 to 2013 (41.3 to 54.6%, and 12.2 to 33.3%, in the west and east, respectively). However the causes of WUI growth were very different. In the western study area new houses were the main cause for new WUI, while in the eastern study area forest cover increase was more important. Our results highlight that regions with similar current WUI cover have evolved very differently, and that the WUI has grown rapidly and is widespread in the Polish Carpathians.
An Efficient Visualization Method for Polygonal Data with Dynamic Simplification
Authors: Wu Mingguang , Chen Taisheng , Zhang Kun , Jing Zhimin , Han Yangli , Chen Menglin , Wang Hong , Lv Guonian
Published: April 2018

Polygonal data often require rendering with symbolization and simplification in geovisualization. A common issue in existing methods is that simplification, symbolization and rendering are addressed separately, causing computational and data redundancies that reduce efficiency, especially when handling large complex polygonal data. Here, we present an efficient polygonal data visualization method by organizing the simplification, tessellation and rendering operations into a single mesh generalization process. First, based on the sweep line method, we propose a topology embedded trapezoidal mesh data structure to organize the tessellated polygons. Second, we introduce horizontal and vertical generalization operations to simplify the trapezoidal meshes. Finally, we define a heuristic testing algorithm to efficiently preserve the topological consistency. The method is tested using three OpenStreetMap datasets and compared with the Douglas Peucker algorithm and the Binary Line Generalization tree-based method. The results show that the proposed method improves the rendering efficiency by a factor of six. Efficiency-sensitive mapping applications such as emergency mapping could benefit from this method, which would significantly improve their visualization performances.
Collecting Typhoon Disaster Information from Twitter Based on Query Expansion
Authors: Chen Zi , Lim Samsung
Published: April 2018

Social media is a popular source of volunteered geographic information owing to its massive real-time data; however, the use of social media data in the context of geospatial analysis is challenging because complex semantic filters are required for the aggregation of geographic messages from the data streams. This article proposes a new query expansion method for social media streams which updates the query keywords periodically by the words extracted from the preceding search results. The proposed method has optimized the trade-off between precision and coverage of geographical messages by factoring in the influences of the keyword number and refresh cycle in the query process, and some improvements on the classic Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) method for short texts were achieved. Furthermore, a number of filters based upon relevance to the target topic were established and tested. This method was tested on a dataset from Twitter within the geographic extent of Macau in August 2017 during two consecutive typhoon hits. The result supports its effectiveness with a controllable precision and considerable increment of relevant information. Moreover, the query keywords can adjust themselves to the local language environment by discovering new keywords. To conclude, this query expansion method is able to provide a reliable method for social media-based information retrieval.
Transplantable Melanomas in Hamsters and Gerbils as Models for Human Melanoma. Sensitization in Melanoma Radiotherapy—From Animal Models to Clinical Trials
Authors: Śniegocka Martyna , Podgórska Ewa , Płonka Przemysław , Elas Martyna , Romanowska-Dixon Bożena , Szczygieł Małgorzata , Żmijewski Michał , Cichorek Mirosława , Markiewicz Anna , Brożyna Anna , Słominski Andrzej , Urbańska Krystyna
Published: April 2018

The focus of the present review is to investigate the role of melanin in the radioprotection of melanoma and attempts to sensitize tumors to radiation by inhibiting melanogenesis. Early studies showed radical scavenging, oxygen consumption and adsorption as mechanisms of melanin radioprotection. Experimental models of melanoma in hamsters and in gerbils are described as well as their use in biochemical and radiobiological studies, including a spontaneously metastasizing ocular model. Some results from in vitro studies on the inhibition of melanogenesis are presented as well as radio-chelation therapy in experimental and clinical settings. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, uveal melanoma is very successfully treated with radiation, both using photon and proton beams. We point out that the presence or lack of melanin pigmentation should be considered, when choosing therapeutic options, and that both the experimental and clinical data suggest that melanin could be a target for radiosensitizing melanoma cells to increase efficacy of radiotherapy against melanoma.