bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offshore Earthquakes Do Not Influence Marine Mammal Stranding Risk on the Washington and Oregon Coasts
Authors: Grant Rachel , Savirina Anna , Hoppitt Will
Published: January 2018

The causes of marine mammals stranding on coastal beaches are not well understood, but may relate to topography, currents, wind, water temperature, disease, toxic algal blooms, and anthropogenic activity. Offshore earthquakes are a source of intense sound and disturbance and could be a contributing factor to stranding probability. We tested the hypothesis that the probability of marine mammal stranding events on the coasts of Washington and Oregon, USA is increased by the occurrence of offshore earthquakes in the nearby Cascadia subduction zone. The analysis carried out here indicated that earthquakes are at most, a very minor predictor of either single, or large (six or more animals) stranding events, at least for the study period and location. We also tested whether earthquakes inhibit stranding and again, there was no link. Although we did not find a substantial association of earthquakes with strandings in this study, it is likely that there are many factors influencing stranding of marine mammals and a single cause is unlikely to be responsible. Analysis of a subset of data for which detailed descriptions were available showed that most live stranded animals were pups, calves, or juveniles, and in the case of dead stranded mammals, the commonest cause of death was trauma, disease, and emaciation.
Wind Power Forecasting Using Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms for Wavelet Neural Network-Optimized Prediction Intervals
Authors: Shen Yanxia , Wang Xu , Chen Jie
Published: January 2018

The intermittency of renewable energy will increase the uncertainty of the power system, so it is necessary to predict the short-term wind power, after which the electrical power system can operate reliably and safely. Unlike the traditional point forecasting, the purpose of this study is to quantify the potential uncertainties of wind power and to construct prediction intervals (PIs) and prediction models using wavelet neural network (WNN). Lower upper bound estimation (LUBE) of the PIs is achieved by minimizing a multi-objective function covering both interval width and coverage probabilities. Considering the influence of the points out of the PIs to shorten the width of PIs without compromising coverage probability, a new, improved, multi-objective artificial bee colony (MOABC) algorithm combining multi-objective evolutionary knowledge, called EKMOABC, is proposed for the optimization of the forecasting model. In this paper, some comparative simulations are carried out and the results show that the proposed model and algorithm can achieve higher quality PIs for wind power forecasting. Taking into account the intermittency of renewable energy, such a type of wind power forecast can actually provide a more reliable reference for dispatching of the power system.
On the Increasing Importance of Air-Sea Exchanges in a Thawing Arctic: A Review
Authors: Taylor Patrick , Hegyi Bradley , Boeke Robyn , Boisvert Linette
Published: January 2018

Forty years ago, climate scientists predicted the Arctic to be one of Earth’s most sensitive climate regions and thus extremely vulnerable to increased CO2. The rapid and unprecedented changes observed in the Arctic confirm this prediction. Especially significant, observed sea ice loss is altering the exchange of mass, energy, and momentum between the Arctic Ocean and atmosphere. As an important component of air–sea exchange, surface turbulent fluxes are controlled by vertical gradients of temperature and humidity between the surface and atmosphere, wind speed, and surface roughness, indicating that they respond to other forcing mechanisms such as atmospheric advection, ocean mixing, and radiative flux changes. The exchange of energy between the atmosphere and surface via surface turbulent fluxes in turn feeds back on the Arctic surface energy budget, sea ice, clouds, boundary layer temperature and humidity, and atmospheric and oceanic circulations. Understanding and attributing variability and trends in surface turbulent fluxes is important because they influence the magnitude of Arctic climate change, sea ice cover variability, and the atmospheric circulation response to increased CO2. This paper reviews current knowledge of Arctic Ocean surface turbulent fluxes and their effects on climate. We conclude that Arctic Ocean surface turbulent fluxes are having an increasingly consequential influence on Arctic climate variability in response to strong regional trends in the air-surface temperature contrast related to the changing character of the Arctic sea ice cover. Arctic Ocean surface turbulent energy exchanges are not smooth and steady but rather irregular and episodic, and consideration of the episodic nature of surface turbulent fluxes is essential for improving Arctic climate projections.
Big Data Processing and Analytics Platform Architecture for Process Industry Factories
Authors: Sarnovsky Martin , Bednar Peter , Smatana Miroslav
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the architecture of a cross-sectorial Big Data platform for the process industry domain. The main objective was to design a scalable analytical platform that will support the collection, storage and processing of data from multiple industry domains. Such a platform should be able to connect to the existing environment in the plant and use the data gathered to build predictive functions to optimize the production processes. The analytical platform will contain a development environment with which to build these functions, and a simulation environment to evaluate the models. The platform will be shared among multiple sites from different industry sectors. Cross-sectorial sharing will enable the transfer of knowledge across different domains. During the development, we adopted a user-centered approach to gather requirements from different stakeholders which were used to design architectural models from different viewpoints, from contextual to deployment. The deployed architecture was tested in two process industry domains, one from the aluminium production and the other from the plastic molding industry.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Data in 2017
Authors:   Data Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Data maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...]
Nitrogen Alters Initial Growth, Fine-Root Biomass and Soil Organic Matter Properties of a Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden Plantation in a Recently Afforested Grassland in Southern Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel , Oliveira Fernanda , Silva Lucas , Souza José , Soares Emanuelle , Araújo Elias , Silva Ivo
Published: January 2018

Nitrogen (N) fertilization effects on Eucalyptus growth and soil carbon (C) stocks are still controversial. We set up an N fertilization experiment in southern Brazil to evaluate initial tree growth and changes in soil organic matter (SOM). Four N levels (24–Reference, 36, 48 and 108 kg ha−1 of N) were tested and tree growth was assessed during the first two years. Afterwards, representative trees were chosen to evaluate fine-root biomass (FRB) and its spatial distribution. Soil was sampled to a 40-cm depth and SOM was fractionated in Particulate (POM) and Mineral-Associated Organic Matter (MAOM) for C and N content, and δ13C determination. Positive N effect on tree growth was seen only for tree height. N addition resulted in higher FRB. Changes in SOM were more expressive in top-soil layers. Overall, afforestation had positive effects on soil C. Increasing reference N dose resulted in higher C and N content in both SOM fractions. C and N dynamics were tightly correlated, especially in MAOM. Eucalypt-derived C was on average three-fold higher in POM. In summary, we showed that N fertilization may have positive but limited effects on tree growth, nevertheless it enhances fine-root biomass and C and N accumulation in SOM pools.
Comparison of Different Height–Diameter Modelling Techniques for Prediction of Site Productivity in Natural Uneven-Aged Pure Stands
Authors: Duan Guangshuang , Gao Zhigang , Wang Qiuyan , Fu Liyong
Published: January 2018

Reliable estimates of forest site productivity are a central element of forest management. The model of height-diameter relationship of dominant trees using algebraic difference approach (ADA) is a commonly used method to measure site productivity of natural uneven-aged stands. However, the existing models of this method do not recognize site type or sample plot specific variability in height curves; thus, it cannot be effectively used to estimate site type or sample plot-related site productivity for natural uneven-aged stands. Two primary subject-specific approaches, ADA with dummy variable (DV) (ADA + DV) and ADA with combination of dummy variable and nonlinear mixed-effects modelling (CM) (ADA + CM), were proposed for height–diameter modelling. Height–diameter models developed with ADA, ADA + DV and ADA + CM were compared using data from 4161 observations on 349 permanent sample plots of four major natural uneven-aged pure stands (Spruce, Korean Larch, Mongolian Oak, and White Birch) in northeastern China. It was found that models developed with ADA + CM provided the best performance, followed by the models with ADA + DV, and the models developed with ADA performed the worst. Random effects at the plot level were substantial, and their inclusion greatly improved the model’s accuracy. More importantly, the models developed with ADA + CM provide an effective method for quantifying site type- and sample plot-specific forest site productivity for uneven-aged pure stands.
Floods and Countermeasures Impact Assessment for the Metro Colombo Canal System, Sri Lanka
Authors: Moufar Mohamed , Perera Edangodage
Published: January 2018

A 15th-century canal system in the Metro Colombo area of Sri Lanka was studied to identify its capacity in controlling floods. The canal system was modelled by MIKE FLOOD for 10, 25 and 50-year return periods of rainfalls to achieve respective floods. The impacts of the considered rainfalls were analyzed considering the flood levels, inundation distributions and affected people. Two simulation scenarios which were based on the river boundary conditions were carried out in the study and they were categorized as favourable and least favorable. It was identified that under the existing conditions, the canal system could handle only a 10-year rainfall flood event under the favourable condition. Therefore, the canal system's sustainability for future anticipated extreme events is suspicious. To mitigate such floods, four countermeasures were introduced and their impacts were analyzed. When the countermeasures were introduced one at a time, the flood water levels were lowered locally and they were not up to the flood safety levels of the surrounding area. When all four countermeasures were introduced together, the flood water levels were significantly lowered below the flood safety levels for a 50-year design rainfall under the favourable condition. The reduction of the inundated area was significant in the case of applying all four countermeasures together. In that case, a 46% inundation area reduction and a 49% reduction in the number of affected people were achieved.
Self-Harm among Young People Detained in the Youth Justice System in Sri Lanka
Authors: Hettiarachchi Lushan , Kinner Stuart , Tibble Holly , Borschmann Rohan
Published: January 2018

Self-harm is prevalent in incarcerated adults, yet comparatively few studies of self-harm in detained youth (and even fewer in low- and middle-income countries) have been published. We examined the prevalence and correlates of self-harm in a sample of 181 young people (mean age 15.0 years, SD = 2.3) detained in the youth justice system in Sri Lanka. Structured face-to-face questionnaires assessed demographic characteristics, family and social background, substance use, self-harm history (including frequency, method, and intention), bullying victimization, physical and sexual abuse (victimization and perpetration), and exposure to self-harm/suicide by others. Seventy-seven participants (43%) reported a lifetime history of self-harm, 19 of whom (25%) who reported doing so with suicidal intent. Fifty participants (65% of those with a history of self-harm) reported engaging in self-harm impulsively, with no prior planning. A history of self-harm was associated with being female, prior sexual abuse victimization, prior exposure to self-harm by friends, and a lifetime history of self-harm ideation. High rates of substance use, bullying victimization, parental incarceration, and exposure to suicide were reported across the sample. Young people detained in the youth justice system in Sri Lanka are a vulnerable group with high rates of self-harm, substance use, and psychosocial risk factors. Strategies for identifying and preventing self-harm, and targeted psychological interventions designed specifically to address impulsivity, may contribute to more positive outcomes in this marginalised population.
Mini 2000: A Robust Miniature Mass Spectrometer with Continuous Atmospheric Pressure Interface
Authors: Meng Xiangzhi , Zhang Xiaohua , Zhai Yanbing , Xu Wei
Published: January 2018

A miniature mass spectrometer with continuous atmospheric pressure interface (CAPI) developed previously in our lab has proved to have high stability and rapid analysis speed. With the aim of achieving smaller size, better performance and easier maintenance, in this study, an upgraded miniature mass spectrometer with CAPI was developed, in which all components were optimized and redesigned into a packaged unit. Using a more powerful pumping system, better analytical performances were obtained for this system. The miniature mass spectrometer has the capability to perform tandem mass spectrometry, and could be coupled with ambient ionization sources for analysis of different samples. Good stability (signal relative standard deviation, RSD < 5%), high sensitivity (limit of detection, LOD 10 ng/mL), better than unit mass resolution, and a broad mass range (from 150 Da to 2000 Da) were obtained. Integrated with a tablet computer for system control, the miniature mass spectrometer has dimensions of 38 cm × 23 cm × 34 cm (length × width × height), and is 13 kg in total weight. The whole system is powered by an adapter with a power consumption of 200 watts in total.
Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Palladium Nanoclusters
Authors: Peng Yan , Wang Pei , Luo Liang , Liu Lang , Wang Fu
Published: January 2018

Metal nanoclusters, with dimensions between atomic and nanoparticles, have attracted a great deal of attention due to their significantly unusual properties. Water-soluble palladium nanoclusters (Pd NCs) with blue-green fluorescence were synthesized by a water bath heating method, with methionine as a stabilizer and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. We investigated the optimal synthesis conditions, stability, and pH response of the obtained products in detail. The synthesized materials were characterized by ultraviolet-absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These experimental results showed that the Pd NCs had a small size of ~1.91 nm, with a uniform size distribution. Additionally, the Pd NCs emitted blue-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light with a quantum yield of 5.47%. Notably, both stabilizers and reducing agents used in this synthesis method are nutrients for humans, non-toxic, and harmless. This method could be viewed as a biologically friendly and green way of preparing fluorescent metal nanoclusters. The as-prepared fluorescent Pd NCs also possessed excellent fluorescence detection ability and were very sensitive to low concentrations of hemoglobin, with a linear response in the range of 0.25–3.5 μM and a detection limit of 50 nM.
Nanocomposite-Based Microstructured Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors for Low-Pressure Measurement Range
Authors: Mitrakos Vasileios , Hands Philip , Cummins Gerard , Macintyre Lisa , Denison Fiona , Flynn David , Desmulliez Marc
Published: January 2018

Piezoresistive pressure sensors capable of detecting ranges of low compressive stresses have been successfully fabricated and characterised. The 5.5 × 5 × 1.6 mm3 sensors consist of a planar aluminium top electrode and a microstructured bottom electrode containing a two-by-two array of truncated pyramids with a piezoresistive composite layer sandwiched in-between. The responses of two different piezocomposite materials, a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)-elastomer composite and a Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC), have been characterised as a function of applied pressure and effective contact area. The MWCNT piezoresistive composite-based sensor was able to detect pressures as low as 200 kPa. The QTC-based sensor was capable of detecting pressures as low as 50 kPa depending on the contact area of the bottom electrode. Such sensors could find useful applications requiring the detection of small compressive loads such as those encountered in haptic sensing or robotics.
Cellular Interaction and Tumoral Penetration Properties of Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles on 3D Breast Tumor Model
Authors: Varan Gamze , Patrulea Viorica , Borchard Gerrit , Bilensoy Erem
Published: January 2018

Amphiphilic cyclodextrins are biocompatible oligosaccharides that can be used for drug delivery especially for the delivery of drugs with solubility problems thanks to their unique molecular structures. In this paper, Paclitaxel was used as a model anticancer drug to determine the inclusion complex properties of amphiphilic cyclodextrins with different surface charge. Paclitaxel-loaded cyclodextrin nanoparticles were characterized in terms of mean particle diameter, zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy, drug release profile and cell culture studies. It was determined that the nanoparticles prepared from the inclusion complex according to characterization studies have a longer release profile than the conventionally prepared nanoparticles. In order to mimic the tumor microenvironment, breast cancer cells and healthy fibroblast cells were used in 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture studies. It was determined that the activities of nanoparticles prepared by conventional methods behave differently in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D cell cultures. In addition, it was observed that the nanoparticles prepared from the inclusion complex have a stronger anti-tumoral activity in the 3D multicellular tumor model than the drug solution. Furthermore, polycationic amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles can diffuse and penetrate through multilayer cells in a 3D tumor model, which is crucial for an eventual antitumor effect.
A Systematic Review of Behavioural Interventions Promoting Healthy Eating among Older People
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Perez-Cueto Federico , Santos Quenia , Monteleone Erminio , Giboreau Agnès , Appleton Katherine , Bjørner Thomas , Bredie Wender , Hartwell Heather
Published: January 2018

Because eating habits are inseparably linked with people’s physical health, effective behaviour interventions are highly demanded to promote healthy eating among older people. The aim of this systematic review was to identify effective diet interventions for older people and provide useful evidence and direction for further research. Three electronic bibliographic databases—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection were used to conduct a systematic literature search based on fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. English language peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and 2016 were selected for data extraction and quality assessment. Finally, a total of 16 studies were identified. The studies’ duration ranged from three weeks to seven years. The majority of studies were carried out in European countries. Seven studies had a moderate quality while the remaining studies were at a less than moderate level. Three dietary educational interventions and all meal service related interventions reported improvements in older people’s dietary variety, nutrition status, or other health-related eating behaviours. Multicomponent dietary interventions mainly contributed to the reduction of risk of chronic disease. The results supported that older people could achieve a better dietary quality if they make diet-related changes by receiving either dietary education or healthier meal service. Further high-quality studies are required to promote healthy eating among older people by taking regional diet patterns, advanced information technology, and nudging strategies into account.
Suppression of Fatty Acid and Triglyceride Synthesis by the Flavonoid Orientin through Decrease of C/EBPδ Expression and Inhibition of PI3K/Akt-FOXO1 Signaling in Adipocytes
Authors: Nagai Shiori , Matsumoto Chihiro , Shibano Makio , Fujimori Ko
Published: January 2018

Plant flavonoids have a variety of biological properties. In a previous study, we found that the tea of the Asian dayflower, Commelina communis L., decreased the body weight gain in high-fat diet-fed mice. In this study, we studied the anti-adipogenic ability of a flavonoid orientin that is found in abundance in C. communis. Orientin repressed the accumulation of intracellular triglyceride (TG) in mouse adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells. The treatment with orientin also decreased the mRNA levels of the genes involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and TG synthesis, and reduced the release of glycerol. Orientin lowered the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) δ in the early stage of adipogenesis, leading to a decrease in the expression of the adipogenic master transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ and C/EBPα. Moreover, the anti-adipogenic effect of orientin repressed the phosphorylation of Akt and subsequent phosphorylation of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1), which inhibits the transcription of the Ppar gene. These results indicate that a plant flavonoid orientin suppressed the expression of the Pparγ gene through repression of C/ebpδ expression and inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase /Akt-FOXO1 signaling in adipocytes.
Betaine Supplementation Enhances Lipid Metabolism and Improves Insulin Resistance in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Du Jingjing , Shen Linyuan , Tan Zhendong , Zhang Peiwen , Zhao Xue , Xu Yan , Gan Mailing , Yang Qiong , Ma Jideng , Jiang An’an , Tang Guoqing , Jiang Yanzhi , Jin Long , Li Mingzhou , Bai Lin , Li Xuewei , Wang Jinyong , Zhang Shunhua , Zhu Li
Published: January 2018

Obesity is a major driver of metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, certain cancers, and insulin resistance. However, there are no effective drugs to treat obesity. Betaine is a nontoxic, chemically stable and naturally occurring molecule. This study shows that dietary betaine supplementation significantly inhibits the white fat production in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. This might be due to betaine preventing the formation of new white fat (WAT), and guiding the original WAT to burn through stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and promoting browning of WAT. Furthermore, dietary betaine supplementation decreases intramyocellular lipid accumulation in HFD-induced obese mice. Further analysis shows that betaine supplementation reduced intramyocellular lipid accumulation might be associated with increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), fatty acid oxidation, and the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in muscle. Notably, by performing insulin-tolerance tests (ITTs) and glucose-tolerance tests (GTTs), dietary betaine supplementation could be observed for improvement of obesity and non-obesity induced insulin resistance. Together, these findings could suggest that inhibiting WAT production, intramyocellular lipid accumulation and inflammation, betaine supplementation limits HFD-induced obesity and improves insulin resistance.
A New Route for Preparation of Hydrophobic Silica Nanoparticles Using a Mixture of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) and Diethyl Carbonate
Authors: Protsak Iryna , Pakhlov Evgeniy , Tertykh Valentyn , Le Zi-Chun , Dong Wen
Published: January 2018

Organosilicon layers chemically anchored on silica surfaces show high carbon content, good thermal and chemical stability and find numerous applications as fillers in polymer systems, thickeners in dispersing media, and as the stationary phases and carriers in chromatography. Methyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxanes) (PDMSs) are typically considered to be inert and not suitable for surface modification because of the absence of readily hydrolyzable groups. Therefore, in this paper, we report a new approach for surface modification of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles with poly(dimethylsiloxanes) with different lengths of polymer chains (PDMS-20, PDMS-50, PDMS-100) in the presence of diethyl carbonate (DEC) as initiator of siloxane bond splitting. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analysis (CHN), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), rotational viscosity and contact angle of wetting were employed for the characterization of the raw fumed silica and modified silica nanoparticles. Elemental analysis data revealed that the carbon content in the grafted layer is higher than 8 wt % for all modified silicas, but it decreases significantly after sample treatment in polar media for silicas which were modified using neat PDMS. The IR spectroscopy data indicated full involvement of free silanol groups in the chemisorption process at a relatively low temperature (220 °C) for all resulting samples. The contact angle studies confirmed hydrophobic surface properties of the obtained materials. The rheology results illustrated that fumed silica modified with mixtures of PDMS-x/DEC exhibited thixotropic behavior in industrial oil (I-40A), and exhibited a fully reversible nanostructure and shorter structure recovery time than nanosilicas modified with neat PDMS. The obtained results from AFM and TEM analysis revealed that the modification of fumed silica with mixtures of PDMS-20/DEC allows obtaining narrow particle size distribution with uniform dispersity and an average particle size of 15–17 nm. The fumed silica nanoparticles chemically modified with mixtures of PDMS-x/DEC have potential applications such as nanofillers of various polymeric systems, thickeners in dispersing media, and additives in coatings.
Recent Advances of Chitosan Applications in Plants
Authors: Malerba Massimo , Cerana Raffaella
Published: January 2018

In recent years, the search for biological methods to avoid the application of chemical products in agriculture has led to investigating the use of biopolymers-based materials. Among the tested biomaterials, the best results were obtained from those based on the biopolymer chitosan (CHT). CHT, available in large quantities from the deacetylation of chitin, has multiple advantages: it is safe, inexpensive and can be easily associated with other compounds to achieve better performance. In this review, we have summarized the latest researches of the application of CHT on plant productivity, plant protection against the attack of pathogens and extension of the commercial life of detached fruits.
Nucleation Enhancement in Stereodefective Poly(l-lactide) by Free Volume Expansion Resulting from Low-Temperature Pressure CO2 Preconditioning
Authors: Lan Qiaofeng , Yu Jian , Zhang Jun , He Jiasong
Published: January 2018

Nucleation enhancement in a highly stereodefective poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) with an optical purity of 88% by low-temperature pressure (0 and 35 °C under 2 MPa) CO2 preconditioning was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy (POM) as well as positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Despite the preconditioning of the melt-quenched films for 2 h, IR results indicated that no trace of mesophase was generated and the samples remained in the glassy state. However, judging from the results of DSC, IR, and POM, when compared to the untreated sample, both the treated ones showed a significantly enhanced crystal nucleation effect, resulting in the corresponding greatly enhanced crystallization kinetics. Moreover, owing to the existence of the retrograde vitrification, the conditions of the previous low-pressure CO2 conditioning affected the nucleation enhancement effect. When compared to the case of 35 °C, the much lower temperature of 0 °C was more effective for nucleation enhancement. The PALS results indicated that the enlarged free volume, which resulted from the CO2 conditioning, largely accounted for the formation of locally ordered structures, providing many more potential nucleation sites for forming critical nuclei and thus the resulting enhanced crystallization kinetics in glassy PLLA. The present results have implications in understanding the nucleation enhancement effect, in particular in stereodefective PLLA systems, which possess extremely low crystallization ability and are thus probably too problematic to be evaluated by conventional methods.
Erratum: Tan C., et al. Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Climatic Responses of Water Level Fluctuations of Global Major Lakes from 2002 to 2010. Remote Sens. 2017, 9, 150
Authors: Tan Chao , Ma Mingguo , Kuang Honghai
Published: January 2018

In the published paper [1], the authors found some spelling mistakes.[...]
Radiometric Correction and 3D Integration of Long-Range Ground-Based Hyperspectral Imagery for Mineral Exploration of Vertical Outcrops
Authors: Lorenz Sandra , Salehi Sara , Kirsch Moritz , Zimmermann Robert , Unger Gabriel , Vest Sørensen Erik , Gloaguen Richard
Published: January 2018

Recently, ground-based hyperspectral imaging has come to the fore, supporting the arduous task of mapping near-vertical, difficult-to-access geological outcrops. The application of outcrop sensing within a range of one to several hundred metres, including geometric corrections and integration with accurate terrestrial laser scanning models, is already developing rapidly. However, there are few studies dealing with ground-based imaging of distant targets (i.e., in the range of several kilometres) such as mountain ridges, cliffs, and pit walls. In particular, the extreme influence of atmospheric effects and topography-induced illumination differences have remained an unmet challenge on the spectral data. These effects cannot be corrected by means of common correction tools for nadir satellite or airborne data. Thus, this article presents an adapted workflow to overcome the challenges of long-range outcrop sensing, including straightforward atmospheric and topographic corrections. Using two datasets with different characteristics, we demonstrate the application of the workflow and highlight the importance of the presented corrections for a reliable geological interpretation. The achieved spectral mapping products are integrated with 3D photogrammetric data to create large-scale now-called “hyperclouds”, i.e., geometrically correct representations of the hyperspectral datacube. The presented workflow opens up a new range of application possibilities of hyperspectral imagery by significantly enlarging the scale of ground-based measurements.
Estimation of Leaf Area Index in a Mountain Forest of Central Japan with a 30-m Spatial Resolution Based on Landsat Operational Land Imager Imagery: An Application of a Simple Model for Seasonal Monitoring
Authors: Melnikova Irina , Awaya Yoshio , Saitoh Taku , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Sasai Takahiro
Published: January 2018

An accurate estimation of the leaf area index (LAI) by satellite remote sensing is essential for studying the spatial variation of ecosystem structure. The goal of this study was to estimate the spatial variation of LAI over a forested catchment in a mountainous landscape (ca. 60 km2) in central Japan. We used a simple model to estimate LAI using spectral reflectance by adapting the Monsi-Saeki light attenuation theory for satellite remote sensing. First, we applied the model to Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery to estimate the spatial variation of LAI in spring and summer. Second, we validated the model’s performance with in situ LAI estimates at four study plots that included deciduous broadleaf, deciduous coniferous, and evergreen coniferous forest types. Pre-processing of the Landsat OLI imagery, including atmospheric correction by elevation-dependent dark object subtraction and Minnaert topographic correction, together with application of the simple model, enabled a satisfactory 30-m spatial resolution estimation of forest LAI with a maximum of 5.5 ± 0.2 for deciduous broadleaf and 5.3 ± 0.2―for evergreen coniferous forest areas. The LAI variation in May (spring) suggested an altitudinal gradient in the degree of leaf expansion, whereas the LAI variation in August (mid-summer) suggested an altitudinal gradient of yearly maximum forest foliage density. This study demonstrated the importance of an accurate estimation of fine-resolution spatial LAI variations for ecological studies in mountainous landscapes, which are characterized by complex terrain and high vegetative heterogeneity.
Retrieval of Water Constituents from Hyperspectral In-Situ Measurements under Variable Cloud Cover—A Case Study at Lake Stechlin (Germany)
Authors: Göritz Anna , Berger Stella , Gege Peter , Grossart Hans-Peter , Nejstgaard Jens , Riedel Sebastian , Röttgers Rüdiger , Utschig Christian
Published: January 2018

Remote sensing and field spectroscopy of natural waters is typically performed under clear skies, low wind speeds and low solar zenith angles. Such measurements can also be made, in principle, under clouds and mixed skies using airborne or in-situ measurements; however, variable illumination conditions pose a challenge to data analysis. In the present case study, we evaluated the inversion of hyperspectral in-situ measurements for water constituent retrieval acquired under variable cloud cover. First, we studied the retrieval of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption from in-water irradiance measurements. Then, we evaluated the errors in the retrievals of the concentration of total suspended matter (TSM), Chl-a and the absorption coefficient of CDOM from above-water reflectance measurements due to highly variable reflections at the water surface. In order to approximate cloud reflections, we extended a recent three-component surface reflectance model for cloudless atmospheres by a constant offset and compared different surface reflectance correction procedures. Our findings suggest that in-water irradiance measurements may be used for the analysis of absorbing compounds even under highly variable weather conditions. The extended surface reflectance model proved to contribute to the analysis of above-water reflectance measurements with respect to Chl-a and TSM. Results indicate the potential of this approach for all-weather monitoring.
A Rational Function Model Based Geo-Positioning Method for Satellite Images without Using Ground Control Points
Authors: Ma Zhenling , Song Wei , Deng Junping , Wang Jiali , Cui Cancan
Published: January 2018

Earth observation satellites with various spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions provide an invaluable means for mapping and monitoring the Earth’s environments. With the increasing demand of satellite images for remote and harsh environments and nature disaster areas such as earthquake, flooding, bushfires and other emergent events, quickly geo-positioning those images without using ground control points (GCPs) is much preferable and desirable. Built on the previously developed Spatial Triangulated Network (STN) concept by the first author, this paper presents a Rational Function Model (RFM) based geo-positioning method utilizing some pre-orientated image(s) as reference, instead of using GCPs. The experimental results indicate that the RFM method is more sensitive to the base-height ratio in the vertical accuracy than the physical model based geo-positioning method which was also developed by the first author. Compared to the traditional RFM based block adjustment using GCPs, the proposed RFM based method without GCP (using orientated images instead) can achieve similar accuracies when more than one orientated image, which have reasonable strong geometric relationships with the new images, are introduced into the proposed RFM based method. The proposed method is applicable to the scenarios in which geo-positioning is required for those new satellite images that only have RFM and no GCPs available, but where there exists some orientated images covering the same region.
Microservices in Web Objects Enabled IoT Environment for Enhancing Reusability
Authors: Jarwar Muhammad , Kibria Muhammad , Ali Sajjad , Chong Ilyoung
Published: January 2018

In the ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) environment, reusing objects instead of creating new one has become important in academics and industries. The situation becomes complex due to the availability of a huge number of connected IoT objects, and each individual service creates a new object instead of reusing the existing one to fulfill a requirement. A well-standard mechanism not only improves the reusability of objects but also improves service modularity and extensibility, and reduces cost. Web Objects enabled IoT environment applies the principle of reusability of objects in multiple IoT application domains through central objects repository and microservices. To reuse objects with microservices and to maintain a relationship with them, this study presents an architecture of Web of Objects platform. In the case of a similar request for an object, the already instantiated object that exists in the same or from other domain can be reused. Reuse of objects through microservices avoids duplications, and reduces time to search and instantiate them from their registries. Further, this article presents an algorithm for microservices and related objects discovery that considers the reusability of objects through the central objects repository. To support the reusability of objects, the necessary algorithm for objects matching is also presented. To realize the reusability of objects in Web Objects enabled IoT environment, a prototype has been designed and implemented based on a use case scenario. Finally, the results of the prototype have been analyzed and discussed to validate the proposed approach.
Air Pollution and Human Development in Europe: A New Index Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Săndică Ana-Maria , Dudian Monica , Ştefănescu Aurelia
Published: January 2018

EU countries to measure human development incorporating the ambient PM2.5 concentration effect. Using a principal component analysis, we extract the information for 2010 and 2015 using the Real GDP/capita, the life expectancy at birth, tertiary educational attainment, ambient PM2.5 concentration, and the death rate due to exposure to ambient PM2.5 concentration for 29 European countries. This paper has two main results: it gives an overview about the relationship between human development and ambient PM2.5 concentration, and second, it provides a new quantitative measure, PHDI, which reshapes the concept of human development and the exposure to ambient PM2.5 concentration. Using rating classes, we defined thresholds for both HDI and PHDI values to group the countries in four categories. When comparing the migration matrix from 2010 to 2015 for HDI values, some countries improved the development indicator (Romania, Poland, Malta, Estonia, Cyprus), while no downgrades were observed. When comparing the transition matrix using the newly developed indicator, PHDI, the upgrades observed were for Denmark and Estonia, while some countries like Spain and Italy moved to a lower rating class due to ambient PM2.5 concentration.
An Empirical Study on Entrepreneurial Orientation, Absorptive Capacity, and SMEs’ Innovation Performance: A Sustainable Perspective
Authors: Zhai Yu-Ming , Sun Wan-Qin , Tsai Sang-Bing , Wang Zhen , Zhao Yu , Chen Quan
Published: January 2018

Using a survey of 324 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the Yangtze River Delta in China, this study discusses the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, absorptive capacity, environmental dynamism, and corporate technological innovation performance. The results based on a moderated moderation model show that the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance is significantly positive. The absorptive capacity can positively moderate this relationship. When the external environment is in high dynamism, the moderating effect of absorptive capacity will be stronger than when the environment is in low dynamism.
Optimal Power Scheduling for a Medium Voltage AC/DC Hybrid Distribution Network
Authors: Zhu Zhenshan , Liu Dichen , Liao Qingfen , Tang Fei , Zhang Jun , Jiang Huaiguang
Published: January 2018

With the great increase of renewable generation as well as the DC loads in the distribution network; DC distribution technology is receiving more attention; since the DC distribution network can improve operating efficiency and power quality by reducing the energy conversion stages. This paper presents a new architecture for the medium voltage AC/DC hybrid distribution network; where the AC and DC subgrids are looped by normally closed AC soft open point (ACSOP) and DC soft open point (DCSOP); respectively. The proposed AC/DC hybrid distribution systems contain renewable generation (i.e., wind power and photovoltaic (PV) generation); energy storage systems (ESSs); soft open points (SOPs); and both AC and DC flexible demands. An energy management strategy for the hybrid system is presented based on the dynamic optimal power flow (DOPF) method. The main objective of the proposed power scheduling strategy is to minimize the operating cost and reduce the curtailment of renewable generation while meeting operational and technical constraints. The proposed approach is verified in five scenarios. The five scenarios are classified as pure AC system; hybrid AC/DC system; hybrid system with interlinking converter; hybrid system with DC flexible demand; and hybrid system with SOPs. Results show that the proposed scheduling method can successfully dispatch the controllable elements; and that the presented architecture for the AC/DC hybrid distribution system is beneficial for reducing operating cost and renewable generation curtailment.
Submerged Fixed Floating Structure under the Action of Surface Current
Authors: Cui Zhen , Fu Zong-fu , Dai Wen-hong , Lai Zheng-qing
Published: January 2018

The implementation of floating structures has increased with the construction of new sluices for flood control. The overturning moment of floating structure and its influencing factors are the important parameters that determine the structural safety. It is essential to understand the overturning characteristics of these structures in currents. Based on hydrodynamic theory and equilibrium analysis, the hydraulic characteristics of a floating structure are discussed by means of theoretical analysis and experiments. A formula for the overturning moment is developed in terms of the time-averaged pressure on the structure. The corresponding parametric study aims to assess the effects of flow velocities, vertical positions, shape ratios and water levels on the overturning moment. The experimental results show that hydrodynamic factors have a significant influence on the overturning of the structure. Furthermore, a relationship is obtained between the overturning moment and the contributing parameters according to dimensional analysis and the linear fitting method of multidimensional ordinary least squares (OLS). The results predicted by the formula agree with the experimental results, demonstrating the potential for general applicability.
Numerical and Physical Investigation of the Performance of Turbulence Modeling Schemes around a Scour Hole Downstream of a Fixed Bed Protection
Authors: Nguyen Thi , Ahn Jungkyu , Park Sung
Published: January 2018

Local scour occurs around hydraulic structures such as piers, bed protections, and dikes. In this study, the turbulent flow around a scour hole downstream of a fixed bed protection was investigated. Numerical modeling with OpenFOAM was applied to compute the flow velocity and turbulent kinetic energy with respect to flow conditions by changing water depth. A proper computational grid size and time step for simulations are suggested. Three typical turbulent models, k − ε , k − ω , and k − ω S S T , were considered for simulating the flow around a scour hole. The performances of the three models were evaluated by comparing them with numerical and laboratory experimental results. Mean flow velocity profiles computed by the three turbulent schemes are generally in good agreement with laboratory measurements. However, k − ω has a limitation in simulating reversal flow in the scour hole, and the k − ε model does not predict turbulent kinetic energy well near the bottom. Thus, this study found that the most suitable turbulent model for simulating flow around a scour hole downstream of a fixed bed protection is the k − ω S S T model.
Short-Term Effects of Drying-Rewetting and Long-Term Effects of Nutrient Loading on Periphyton N:P Stoichiometry
Authors: Sola Andres , Marazzi Luca , Flores Monica , Kominoski John , Gaiser Evelyn
Published: January 2018

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and N:P ratios critically influence periphyton productivity and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. In coastal wetlands, variations in hydrology and water source (fresh or marine) influence nutrient availability, but short-term effects of drying and rewetting and long-term effects of nutrient exposure on periphyton nutrient retention are uncertain. An outdoor microcosm experiment simulated short-term exposure to variation in drying-rewetting frequency on periphyton mat nutrient retention. A 13-year dataset from freshwater marshes of the Florida Everglades was examined for the effect of long-term proximity to different N and P sources on mat-forming periphyton nutrient standing stocks and stoichiometry. Field sites were selected from one drainage with shorter hydroperiod and higher connectivity to freshwater anthropogenic nutrient supplies (Taylor Slough/Panhandle, TS/Ph) and another drainage with longer hydroperiod and higher connectivity to marine nutrient supplies (Shark River Slough, SRS). Total P, but not total N, increased in periphyton mats exposed to both low and high drying-rewetting frequency with respect to the control mats in our experimental microcosm. In SRS, N:P ratios slightly decreased downstream due to marine nutrient supplies, while TS/Ph increased. Mats exposed to short-term drying-rewetting had higher nutrient retention, similar to nutrient standing stocks from long-term field data. Periphyton mat microbial communities may undergo community shifts upon drying-rewetting and chronic exposure to nutrient loads. Additional work on microbial species composition may further explain how periphyton communities interact with drying-rewetting dynamics to influence nutrient cycling and retention in wetlands.
Le puits de Flenu (Belgique) : la plus grande structure endokarstique au monde (1 200 m) et la problématique des puits du Houiller
Authors: Quinif Yves
Published: January 2018

Dans le Hainaut, de grandes structures verticales cylindriques traversent les terrains carbonifères du Westphalien productif sur plusieurs centaines de mètres d'épaisseur : ce sont les crans ou puits du Houiller.

Elles renferment des roches appartenant à la couverture du Crétacé inférieur, notamment les formations wealdiennes. Ces puits colmatés résultent de phénomènes d'effondrement à partir d'un karst profond élaboré dans les calcaires dinantiens sous-jacents.