bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Target-Site Resistance to Herbicides: Recent Developments
Authors: Jugulam Mithila , Shyam Chandrima
Published: October 2019

Non-target-site resistance (NTSR) to herbicides in weeds can be conferred as a result of the alteration of one or more physiological processes, including herbicide absorption, translocation, sequestration, and metabolism. The mechanisms of NTSR are generally more complex to decipher than target-site resistance (TSR) and can impart cross-resistance to herbicides with different modes of action. Metabolism-based NTSR has been reported in many agriculturally important weeds, although reduced translocation and sequestration of herbicides has also been found in some weeds. This review focuses on summarizing the recent advances in our understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of NTSR mechanisms found in weed species. Further, the importance of examining the co-existence of TSR and NTSR for the same herbicide in the same weed species and influence of environmental conditions in the altering and selection of NTSR is also discussed. Knowledge of the prevalence of NTSR mechanisms and co-existing TSR and NTSR in weeds is crucial for designing sustainable weed management strategies to discourage the further evolution and selection of herbicide resistance in weeds.
The Effect of (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Non-Covalent Interaction with the Glycosylated Protein on the Emulsion Property
Authors: Feng Haiying , Jin Hua , Gao Yu , Zhu Xiuqing , Zhao Qingshan , Liu Chunhong , Xu Jing
Published: October 2019

The effect of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on protein structure and emulsion properties of glycosylated black bean protein isolate (BBPI-G) were studied and compared to native black bean protein isolate (BBPI). The binding affinity of BBPI and BBPI-G with EGCG belonged to non-covalent interaction, which was determined by fluorescence quenching. EGCG attachment caused more disordered protein conformation, leading to a higher emulsification property. Among the different EGCG concentrations (0.10, 0.25, 0.50 mg/mL), the result revealed that the highest level of the emulsification property was obtained with 0.25 mg/mL EGCG. Therefore, the BBPI-EGCG and BBPI-G-EGCG prepared by 0.25 mg/mL EGCG were selected to fabricate oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. After the addition of EGCG, the mean particle size of emulsions decreased with the increasing absolute value of zeta-potential, and more compact interfacial film was formed due to the higher percentage of interfacial protein adsorption (AP%). Meanwhile, EGCG also significantly reduced the lipid oxidation of emulsions.
Morphological, Electrical, and Chemical Characteristics of Poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) Coated PVDF Ultrafiltration Membranes after Plasma Treatment
Authors: Sandoval-Olvera Ivette G. , González-Muñoz Pilar , Díaz Darío R. , Maroto-Valiente Ángel , Ochoa Nelio A. , Carmona Francisco J. , Palacio Laura , Calvo José I. , Hernández Antonio , Ávila-Rodríguez Mario , Prádanos Pedro
Published: October 2019

A commercial ultrafiltration (UF) membrane (HFM-183 de Koch Membrane Systems) made of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), was recovered with a negatively-charged polyelectrolyte (poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)) (PSS), and the effects on its electric, chemical, and morphological properties were analyzed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), liquid–liquid displacement porometry, Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the modifications induced by the deposition of PSS on the PVDF positively-charged membrane and after its treatment by a radio frequency Ar-plasma. These techniques confirmed a real deposition and posterior compaction of PSS with increasing roughness and decreasing pore sizes. The evolution of the electric resistances of the membranes confirmed crosslinking and compaction with shielding of the sulfonated groups from PSS. In this way, a membrane with a negatively-charged active layer and a pore size which was 60% lower than the original membrane was obtained. The composition of the additive used by manufacturers to modify PVDF to make it positively charged was obtained by different procedures, all of which depended upon the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, leading to fairly consistent results. This polymer, carrying positive charges, contains quaternary nitrogen, as confirmed by XPS. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy confirmed that PVDF changes from mostly the β to the α phase, which is more stable as a substrate for the deposited PSS. The aim of the tested modifications was to increase the retention of divalent anions without reducing permeability.
Multi-Step Enzymatic Synthesis of 1,9-Nonanedioic Acid from a Renewable Fatty Acid and Its Application for the Enzymatic Production of Biopolyesters
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ju , Kang Young-Seo , Kim Chae-Yun , Seo Eun-Ji , Pyo Sang-Hyun , Park Jin-Byung
Published: October 2019

1,9-Nonanedioic acid is one of the valuable building blocks for producing polyesters and polyamides. Thereby, whole-cell biosynthesis of 1,9-nonanedioic acid from oleic acid has been investigated. A recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum, expressing the alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenases (ChnDE) of Acinetobacter sp. NCIMB 9871, was constructed and used for the production of 1,9-nonanedioic acid from 9-hydroxynonanoic acid, which had been produced from oleic acid. When 9-hydroxynonanoic acid was added to a concentration of 20 mM in the reaction medium, 1,9-nonanedioic acid was produced to 16 mM within 8 h by the recombinant C. glutamicum. The dicarboxylic acid was isolated via crystallization and then used for the production of biopolyester by a lipase. For instance, the polyesterification of 1,9-nonanedioic acid and 1,8-octanediol in diphenyl ether by the immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica led to formation of the polymer product with the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of approximately 21,000. Thereby, this study will contribute to biological synthesis of long chain dicarboxylic acids and their application for the enzymatic production of long chain biopolyesters.
The Effect of Titanium Dioxide Surface Modification on the Dispersion, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties of Recycled PP/PET/TiO2 PBNANOs
Authors: Matxinandiarena Eider , Múgica Agurtzane , Zubitur Manuela , Yus Cristina , Sebastián Víctor , Irusta Silvia , Loaeza Alfonso David , Santana Orlando , Maspoch Maria Lluisa , Puig Cristian , Müller Alejandro J.
Published: October 2019

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have recently appeared in PET waste because of the introduction of opaque PET bottles. We prepare polymer blend nanocomposites (PBNANOs) by adding hydrophilic (hphi), hydrophobic (hpho), and hydrophobically modified (hphoM) titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to 80rPP/20rPET recycled blends. Contact angle measurements show that the degree of hydrophilicity of TiO2 decreases in the order hphi > hpho > hphoM. A reduction of rPET droplet size occurs with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance controls the nanoparticles location. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM_ shows that hphi TiO2 preferentially locates inside the PET droplets and hpho at both the interface and PP matrix. HphoM also locates within the PP matrix and at the interface, but large loadings (12%) can completely cover the surfaces of the droplets forming a physical barrier that avoids coalescence, leading to the formation of smaller droplets. A good correlation is found between the crystallization rate of PET (determined by DSC) and nanoparticles location, where hphi TiO2 induces the highest PET crystallization rate. PET lamellar morphology (revealed by TEM) is also dependent on particle location. The mechanical behavior improves in the elastic regime with TiO2 addition, but the plastic deformation of the material is limited and strongly depends on the type of TiO2 employed.
Joining of Al2O3 Rods Using Microwaves and Employing Sic Particles as Adhesive
Authors: Kimura Natsuko , Fujii Takashi , Kashimura Keiichiro , Nakao Wataru
Published: October 2019

The joining of Al2O3 rods using SiC particles in a microwave field was examined. SiC with high microwave absorption characteristics is coated on the fracture surface of Al2O3 rods. Then, microwave irradiation is performed using a 2.45 GHz single-mode cavity and the Al2O3 rods are rapidly joined. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveals that the substance generated on the joining surface comprises Al and O. It is believed that the SiC interacts with the microwave to generate microwave plasma and that the plasma melts the Al2O3 rods. Thus, the matrix melts and the fracture surfaces are joined.
Scenario Analysis on the Generation of End-of-Life Hybrid Vehicle in Developing Countries—Focusing on the Exported Secondhand Hybrid Vehicle from Japan to Mongolia
Authors: Wang Shuoyao , Yu Jeongsoo , Okubo Kazuaki
Published: October 2019

In recent years, Next-Generation Vehicles, especially Hybrid Vehicles (HV) are increasing rapidly in advanced countries. In fact, not only advanced countries but also some developing countries also own a large quantity of HV by importing secondhand HV from advanced countries. For instance, Mongolia is importing a huge amount of secondhand HV from Japan every year. On the other hand, there will be a huge amount of waste HV in Mongolia that needs to be recycled properly soon, and yet, this problem has been neglected and the number of waste HVs in Mongolia is still unknown. The purpose of this research is to propose a method to predict the End-of-Life HV number in Mongolia. This research finds that the Japanese vehicle deregistration rate can represent vehicles’ durability and can be used to estimate End-of-Life HV number in Mongolia. The result shows that there will be a huge amount of End-of-Life HV as well as Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries generated in Mongolia from now on, even more than in Japan, which is the largest HV market. It is urgent for the Mongolian government to build a proper End-of-Life HV recycling system now, and international cooperation on resource circulation is also expected.
Functional Phenology of a Texas Post Oak Savanna from a CHRIS PROBA Time Series
Authors: Hill Michael J. , Millington Andrew , Lemons Rebecca , New Cherie
Published: October 2019

Remnant midwestern oak savannas in the USA have been altered by fire suppression and the encroachment of woody evergreen trees and shrubs. The Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area (GEWMA) near Palestine, Texas represents a relatively intact southern example of thickening and evergreen encroachment in oak savannas. In this study, 18 images from the CHRIS/PROBA (Compact High-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer/Project for On-Board Autonomy) sensor were acquired between June 2009 and October 2010 and used to explore variation in canopy dynamics among deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, and savanna grassland in seasonal leaf-on and leaf-off conditions. Nadir CHRIS images from the 11 useable dates were processed to surface reflectance and a selection of vegetation indices (VIs) sensitive to pigments, photosynthetic efficiency, and canopy water content were calculated. An analysis of temporal VI phenology was undertaken using a fishnet polygon at 90 m resolution incorporating tree densities from a classified aerial photo and soil type polygons. The results showed that the major differences in spectral phenology were associated with deciduous tree density, the density of evergreen trees and shrubs—especially during deciduous leaf-off periods—broad vegetation types, and soil type interactions with elevation. The VIs were sensitive to high densities of evergreens during the leaf-off period and indicative of a photosynthetic advantage over deciduous trees. The largest differences in VI profiles were associated with high and low tree density, and soil types with the lowest and highest available soil water. The study showed how time series of hyperspectral data could be used to monitor the relative abundance and vigor of desirable and less desirable species in conservation lands.
Detection of Archaeological Looting from Space: Methods, Achievements and Challenges
Authors: Tapete Deodato , Cigna Francesca
Published: October 2019

Illegal excavations in archaeological heritage sites (namely “looting”) are a global phenomenon. Satellite images are nowadays massively used by archaeologists to systematically document sites affected by looting. In parallel, remote sensing scientists are increasingly developing processing methods with a certain degree of automation to quantify looting using satellite imagery. To capture the state-of-the-art of this growing field of remote sensing, in this work 47 peer-reviewed research publications and grey literature are reviewed, accounting for: (i) the type of satellite data used, i.e., optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR); (ii) properties of looting features utilized as proxies for damage assessment (e.g., shape, morphology, spectral signature); (iii) image processing workflows; and (iv) rationale for validation. Several scholars studied looting even prior to the conflicts recently affecting the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Regardless of the method used for looting feature identification (either visual/manual, or with the aid of image processing), they preferred very high resolution (VHR) optical imagery, mainly black-and-white panchromatic, or pansharpened multispectral, whereas SAR is being used more recently by specialist image analysts only. Yet the full potential of VHR and high resolution (HR) multispectral information in optical imagery is to be exploited, with limited research studies testing spectral indices. To fill this gap, a range of looted sites across the MENA region are presented in this work, i.e., Lisht, Dashur, and Abusir el Malik (Egypt), and Tell Qarqur, Tell Jifar, Sergiopolis, Apamea, Dura Europos, and Tell Hizareen (Syria). The aim is to highlight: (i) the complementarity of HR multispectral data and VHR SAR with VHR optical imagery, (ii) usefulness of spectral profiles in the visible and near-infrared bands, and (iii) applicability of methods for multi-temporal change detection. Satellite data used for the demonstration include: HR multispectral imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 constellation, VHR X-band SAR data from the COSMO-SkyMed mission, VHR panchromatic and multispectral WorldView-2 imagery, and further VHR optical data acquired by GeoEye-1, IKONOS-2, QuickBird-2, and WorldView-3, available through Google Earth. Commonalities between the different image processing methods are examined, alongside a critical discussion about automation in looting assessment, current lack of common practices in image processing, achievements in managing the uncertainty in looting feature interpretation, and current needs for more dissemination and user uptake. Directions toward sharing and harmonization of methodologies are outlined, and some proposals are made with regard to the aspects that the community working with satellite images should consider, in order to define best practices of satellite-based looting assessment.
Coherent Noise Suppression Using Adaptive Homomorphic Filtering for Wideband Electromagnetic Imaging System
Authors: Zhu Yanju , Xie Shuguo
Published: October 2019

The wideband electromagnetic imaging system using a parabolic reflector is a device for detecting and locating electromagnetic interference sources (EMIS). When multiple coherent interference sources are detected, the confusion will occur due to the coherent noise that is caused by interference phenomenons. Previous works have removed the coherent noise by using iterative techniques, but they face a limitation in removing noise in that the coherent noise pattern changes with frequency in a wideband. In this paper, an adaptive homomorphic filtering is proposed to overcome the limitations of conventional methods from 1 GHz–6 GHz. The coherent noise existing in the several electromagnetic images is studied, and it is confirmed that the variation of the coherent noise pattern is related to the position, the number, and the frequency of EMIS. Then, by analyzing the probability density of coherent noise intensity, an adaptive Gaussian filter is carefully designed to remove coherent noise. The filter parameters are selected by the minimum description length criterion (MDL) to apply to compute directly the local amount of Gaussian smoothing at each pixel of each image. The results of the experiments and simulations demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly improve the quality of electromagnetic images in terms of maximum sidelobe level (MSL) by 15 dB and dynamic range (DR) of the system over 20 dB, compared with conventional narrowband denoising methods.
Data Products, Quality and Validation of the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS)
Authors: Alonso Kevin , Bachmann Martin , Burch Kara , Carmona Emiliano , Cerra Daniele , de los Reyes Raquel , Dietrich Daniele , Heiden Uta , Hölderlin Andreas , Ickes Jack , Knodt Uwe , Krutz David , Lester Heath , Müller Rupert , Pagnutti Mary , Reinartz Peter , Richter Rudolf , Ryan Robert , Sebastian Ilse , Tegler Mirco
Published: October 2019

Imaging spectrometry from aerial or spaceborne platforms, also known as hyperspectral remote sensing, provides dense sampled and fine structured spectral information for each image pixel, allowing the user to identify and characterize Earth surface materials such as minerals in rocks and soils, vegetation types and stress indicators, and water constituents. The recently launched DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) installed on the International Space Station (ISS) closes the long-term gap of sparsely available spaceborne imaging spectrometry data and will be part of the upcoming fleet of such new instruments in orbit. DESIS measures in the spectral range from 400 and 1000 nm with a spectral sampling distance of 2.55 nm and a Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) of about 3.5 nm. The ground sample distance is 30 m with 1024 pixels across track. In this article, a detailed review is given on the applicability of DESIS data based on the specifics of the instrument, the characteristics of the ISS orbit, and the methods applied to generate products. The various DESIS data products available for users are described with the focus on specific processing steps. The results of the data quality and product validation studies show that top-of-atmosphere radiance, geometrically corrected, and bottom-of-atmosphere reflectance products meet the mission requirements. The limitations of the DESIS data products are also subject to a critical examination.
Uncertainty Analysis of a Test Bed for Calibrating Voltage Transformers Vs. Temperature
Authors: Mingotti Alessandro , Peretto Lorenzo , Tinarelli Roberto , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: October 2019

The paper addresses the evaluation of the uncertainty sources of a test bed system for calibrating voltage transformers vs. temperature. In particular, the Monte Carlo method has been applied in order to evaluate the effects of the uncertainty sources in two different conditions: by using the nominal accuracy specifications of the elements which compose the setup, or by exploiting the results of their metrological characterization. In addition, the influence of random effects on the system accuracy has been quantified and evaluated. From the results, it emerges that the choice of the uncertainty evaluation method affects the overall study. As a matter of fact, the use of a metrological characterization or of accuracy specifications provided by the manufacturers provides respectively an accuracy of 0.1 and 0.5 for the overall measurement setup.
Accessibility of Assistive Technologies as a Factor in the Successful Realization of the Labor Potential of Persons with Disabilities: Russia’s Experience
Authors: Aleksandrova Olga , Nenakhova Yulia
Published: October 2019

In this article, the accessibility of assistive technologies is considered as a factor in the realization of the labor potential of persons with disabilities and is analyzed in the context of the accessibility of the urban environment, the enterprise environment, and directly at the workplace. The analysis was based on data from two studies, which were devoted to persons with disabilities in Moscow’s labor market, but the identified problems were not specific to the capital region. In Russian provinces, these issues are even more acute due to the scarcity of regional budgets and the populations’ lower standards of living. The results showed that there were contradictions and problems in each of the considered aspects of this problem. In terms of quantity, the availability of assistive technologies to persons with disabilities is growing, but modern assistive technologies are often not accessible to disabled people because of the high cost and specifics of the public procurement system. Among other barriers to the use of modern assistive technologies by persons with disabilities are ignorance and conservatism of employees of the medical and social expertise systems. The urban environment and urban transport have become more adapted to the needs of disabled people, but existing improvements are far from being sufficient, and many of them are imitative. The State declares the need to include persons with disabilities in the labor sphere, but at the same time insufficiently stimulates employers to create adapted workplaces and does not support enterprises specializing in providing employment for people with disabilities. All of these factors confirm the need for an integrated approach to study the implementation processes of ATs.
Does CSR Assurance Affect the Relationship between CSR Performance and Financial Performance?
Authors: Kim Jintae , Cho Kangho , Park Cheong K.
Published: October 2019

In this study, we investigate the effect of assurance service of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports on the relationship between CSR performance and firms’ financial performance. Specifically, we question whether firms having their CSR performance assured to benefit from such assurance services. Theory suggests that investors apply a lower discount rate when valuing firms if information from the firms is credible. Using a sample of 5040 large U.S. companies, we find that the CSR performance is positively associated with the firms’ financial performance on average and that there is a significant effect of CSR assurance service on the relationship between CSR performance and firms’ financial performance. This implies that firms having their CSR reports assured by external experts experience much higher financial performance than firms without such assurance service. Our findings are consistent with the prior studies and support our argument with regard to the CSR assurance service. The findings have implications for firms considering CSR assurance and accounting professionals for their opportunities.
Effects of Organic Material Types on Temporal Changes in Characteristics of Humic Acids Extracted from a Chernozem
Authors: Chen Shiji , Yin Xinhua , Wang Shuai , Wu Jinggui
Published: October 2019

Returning organic materials to fields is an effective management practice for improving soil quality in agroecosystems. In the case of scarce organic material resources, choosing the optimal material type for improving the quality of a soil type is an urgent problem to be solved. The objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal variations in the spectroscopic characterization of humic acids (HAs) over a period of 90 days after applying biotechnologically extracted fulvic acid (BFA), well-decomposed sheep manure (M), corn stover pellets (Ps) and corn stover powder (Pr) at equal C amount to a chernozem under laboratory conditions, measured by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis). The results indicated that the BFA and Pr with higher C contents (68.9 and 59.8 g kg−1, respectively) were more beneficial to the C mineralization of HAs. M, applied in the largest amount, together with the highest available N, P, and K contents (575.4, 160.1, 478.9 mg kg−1, respectively), and its more easily consumed carbohydrates as well as well-decomposed status, was more likely to promote the condensation of HAs. BFA carried more hydrophilic groups into the HAs, while Ps did not introduce high levels of adsorbed H2O molecules and aromatic C=C (or C=O) groups. Ps did not affect the molecular structure of HAs after incorporation into the chernozem. At the equal C input amount, M had the greatest benefit, whereas the beneficial effect of Ps was the least, in improving the chernozem quality.
Reverse Logistics and Urban Logistics: Making a Link
Authors: Rubio Sergio , Jiménez-Parra Beatriz , Chamorro-Mera Antonio , Miranda Francisco J.
Published: October 2019

This work is aimed at analyzing potential links between reverse logistics and urban logistics and describing opportunities for collaboration between both areas of research. A description of the current state-of-the-art is provided in order to highlight the main challenges faced by both disciplines. For example, regarding reverse logistics, new recovery options, marketing strategies for recovered products, and legislation issues on the return of products in specific contexts; in regards to urban logistics, long-term planning, stakeholders’ engagement, information management, efficiency, reliability and safety, and new business models are some of such key challenges. Despite the growing interest shown in both logistics areas and their relevance for companies and consumers, reverse logistics and urban logistics are two concepts that are still somewhat unknown and, above all, treated as being relatively separated. However, there exist some aspects where the two disciplines converge and that may represent opportunities for collaboration, for example, the proper treatment and management of urban waste, and the efficient management of commercial refunds and returns. In addition, other key issues, such as land use, city typology, infrastructures, and stakeholders’ engagement should be further analyzed in order to keep advancing in the description of links between both areas.
Characteristics and Effects of Conducted Emission from Grid-Connected and Stand-Alone Micro-Inverters in a Nano-Grid Road Lighting System
Authors: Jettanasen Chaiyan , Ngaopitakkul Atthapol
Published: October 2019

A road lighting system is important for drivers and uses a lot of energy. The road lighting system must be installed throughout roads which have a long distance and a large volume, which causes power loss in the power transmission line. The concept of combining a power generation system by using a solar power system and a road lighting system is presented to solve this problem; it is called “a nano-grid road lighting system”. The nano-grid system consists of a grid-connected system and a stand-alone system and both systems use micro-inverters to convert the electric power for LED luminaire loads. Both micro-inverters are comprised of switching devices that cause the conducted emission (CE) in the electrical system. The LED luminaire is a very sensitive load because it is less resistant to the CE. Therefore, this research studies the CE in the nano-grid system in each period according to the working pattern of the device to study the CE characteristics for use in the design of CE attenuation methods in the future. The CE of the stand-alone system which is used at nighttime gives a higher level than the grid-connected system and exceeds the Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques (CISPR) 14-1 standard. The CE of the grid-connected system has a high level in the early frequency ranges, whereas the CE of the stand-alone system has a high level throughout the test frequency range.
Assisting Sustainable Entrepreneurial Activities Through the Analysis of Mobile IT Services’ Success and Failure Factors
Authors: Yoon Chang Hee , Costello Francis Joseph , Kim Cheong
Published: October 2019

With information technology (IT) now showing advanced capabilities, many new services are being introduced to consumers of smartphones through the various available app stores. Moreover, the recent proliferation of such services related to information and communications technology has seen a momentous rise. Despite this trend, the ever-changing landscape of mobile IT services is creating a serious problem for businesses who are already experiencing fierce market conditions. Thus, in order to maintain the sustainability of an enterprise, it is necessary to make an adequate analysis of the success and failure factors of IT services in order to create a sustained competitive advantage. Considering 22 real IT service cases based on two platform models (merchant model and two-sided model) and through surveys submitted to 11 experienced entrepreneurs in IT services, we conducted a t-test analysis in order to first assess the success and failure factors of the IT service cases. Next, we performed a logistic regression analysis in order to find underlying relationships of our hypothesized model. The results showed that the participants identified 141 success and 101 failure factors in total with the t-tests, confirming that the distinction between success and failure of each IT service assessed was significant. Next, the results from the logistic regression showed which relationships were the best on the basis of the given platform model. Overall, this study was able to identify the main factors that have an influence on the success and failure of IT services based on two identified platform models. In doing so, this paper can help to inform future IT service entrepreneurs and researchers involved in developing new apps based on IT services by providing a guide to what factors need to be considered before going to market.
Road Users’ Behavior at Marked Crosswalks on Channelized Right-Turn Lanes at Intersections in the State of Qatar
Authors: Muley Deepti , Kharbeche Mohamed , Downey Lucy , Saleh Wafaa , Al-Salem Mohammed
Published: October 2019

At non-signalized marked crosswalks, pedestrian priority is neither well-defined nor well acknowledged by drivers. This paper presents the findings of an investigation on both driver and pedestrian behavior at non-signalized marked crosswalks located on channelized right-turn lanes at intersections in the State of Qatar. Five crosswalks in Doha city were video recorded from discrete locations on a typical working day. The results from the data analysis of 1620 pedestrians’ behavior indicated that waiting behavior, gap acceptance, and crossing speed are complex phenomena and depend upon both pedestrians’ characteristics as well as their crossing characteristics. The drivers’ yielding behavior was mainly linked to pedestrians’ gender and adjacent land use. Low driver yielding rates indicated that significant improvements are required to enhance pedestrian safety. Among pedestrian attributes, gender had the most significant effect on crossing behavior followed by distractions, crossing in a group or alone, and dressing style. Findings of this research will be useful for planners when designing crosswalks at new intersections and during simulations of pedestrian and driver behavior at marked crosswalks on exclusive right-turn lanes. The results of this study will also be directly applicable to the Arabian Gulf countries as they exhibit similar conditions as the State of Qatar.
Options to Continue the EU ETS for Aviation in a CORSIA-World
Authors: Maertens Sven , Grimme Wolfgang , Scheelhaase Janina , Jung Martin
Published: October 2019

From 2021, an increasing percentage of the carbon emission growth in international air transport will be subject to offsetting under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Presently, it is still unclear if, and how, the existing EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) for aviation will continue. We assess the environmental impacts of different options (not) to continue with the EU ETS for aviation alongside CORSIA, and also discuss resulting monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) requirements. Our results indicate that any form of continuation of the EU ETS would have positive environmental effects especially in the early 2020s, when the coverage and environmental impact of CORSIA, which only tackles any post-2020 emission growth in international aviation, will still be low. If, moreover, a certain failure of CORSIA Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) to actually achieve emission reduction elsewhere is assumed, the environmental net benefit of CORSIA will be even lower. From both the policy and economic perspectives, these aspects may further strengthen the need to continue with the EU ETS for aviation. Possible options are to maintain the EU ETS in operation for domestic flights only, as a complement to CORSIA, or to keep it alive even for international flights within the European Economic Area (EEA), replacing CORSIA there as an equivalent measure. Another option to increase the environmental effectiveness of CORSIA, at least to some extent, could be to voluntarily extend it to domestic EEA flights. Administrative-wise, the CORSIA MRV system could be applied to a continued EU ETS to reduce transaction costs and to assure globally similar or even identical MRV standards, e.g., with regard to exemptions and eligible fuel monitoring methods.
Impact-Damage Equivalency for Twisted Composite Blades with Symmetrical Configurations
Authors: Zhou Yadong , Sun Youchao , Huang Tianlin
Published: October 2019

In spite of potential advantages for aircraft structures, composite laminates can be subjected to bird-strike hazard in civil aviation. For purpose of future surrogate experiments, in this study, impact-damage equivalency for twisted composite blades is numerically investigated by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and finite element method (FEM). Cantilever slender flat plates are usually used for basic impact tests, the impact-damage equivalency is being considered by comparing damage modes and energies of three impact configurations: (1) twisted blade; (2) flat blade (axisymmetric); and (3) inclined flat blade (centrosymmetric). The damage maps and energy variations were comparatively investigated. Results indicate that both symmetrical flat and inclined flat blades can be, to a certain extent, regarded as alternatives for real twisted blades under bird impact; however, both types of blade have their own merits and drawbacks, and hence should be used carefully. These results aim to serve as tentative design guideline for future prototype or model experimental study of laminated blades in real aeronautical structures.
Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Associated with Xenograft in Critical Bone Defects: Histomorphometric Study in Rabbits
Authors: Maia Paulo Wilson , Teixeira Marcelo Lucchesi , Scavone de Macedo Luís Guilherme , Aloise Antonio Carlos , Passos Junior Celio Amaral , Aragoneses Juan Manuel , Calvo-Guirado José Luis , Pelegrine André Antonio
Published: October 2019

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous material used to improve bone regeneration when associated with bone grafts. It affects tissue angiogenesis, increasing the healing process and, theoretically, presenting potential to increase bone neoformation. The aim of this study was to verify, histomorphometrically, the effects of the association of PRF to a xenograft. Twelve adult white New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into two groups containing six animals each. After general anesthesia of the animals, two critical defects of 12 mm were created in the rabbit calvaria, one on each side of the sagittal line. Each defect was filled with the following biomaterials: in the control group (CG), xenograft hydrated with saline solution filling one defect and xenograft hydrated with saline solution covered with collagen membrane on the other side; in the test group (TG), xenograft associated with PRF filling the defect of one side and xenograft associated with PRF covered with collagen membrane on the other side. After eight weeks the animals were euthanized and a histomorphometric analysis was performed. The results showed that in the sites that were covered with collagen membrane, there was no statistically significant difference for all the analyzed parameters. However, when comparing the groups without membrane coverage, a statistically significant difference could be observed for the vital mineralized tissue (VMT) and nonmineralized tissue (NMT) parameters, with more VMT in the test group and more NMT in the control group. Regarding the intragroup comparison, the use of the membrane coverage presented significant outcomes in both groups. Therefore, in this experimental model, PRF did not affect the levels of bone formation when a membrane coverage technique was used. However, higher levels of bone formation were observed in the test group when membrane coverage was not used.
MHD Flow and Heat Transfer in Sodium Alginate Fluid with Thermal Radiation and Porosity Effects: Fractional Model of Atangana–Baleanu Derivative of Non-Local and Non-Singular Kernel
Authors: Khan Arshad , Khan Dolat , Khan Ilyas , Taj Muhammad , Ullah Imran , Aldawsari Abdullah Mohammed , Thounthong Phatiphat , Sooppy Nisar Kottakkaran
Published: October 2019

Heat transfer analysis in an unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of generalized Casson fluid over a vertical plate is analyzed. The medium is porous, accepting Darcy’s resistance. The plate is oscillating in its plane with a cosine type of oscillation. Sodium alginate (SA–NaAlg) is taken as a specific example of Casson fluid. The fractional model of SA–NaAlg fluid using the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative (ABFD) of the non-local and non-singular kernel has been examined. The ABFD definition was based on the Mittag–Leffler function, and promises an improved description of the dynamics of the system with the memory effects. Exact solutions in the case of ABFD are obtained via the Laplace transform and compared graphically. The influence of embedded parameters on the velocity field is sketched and discussed. A comparison of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional model with an ordinary model is made. It is observed that the velocity and temperature profile for the Atangana–Baleanu fractional model are less than that of the ordinary model. The Atangana–Baleanu fractional model reduced the velocity profile up to 45.76% and temperature profile up to 13.74% compared to an ordinary model.
DA-OCBA: Distributed Asynchronous Optimal Computing Budget Allocation Algorithm of Simulation Optimization Using Cloud Computing
Authors: Wang Yukai , Tang Wenjie , Yao Yiping , Zhu Feng
Published: October 2019

The ranking and selection of simulation optimization is a very powerful tool in systems engineering and operations research. Due to the influence of randomness, the algorithms for ranking and selection need high and uncertain amounts of computing power. Recent advances in cloud computing provide an economical and flexible platform to execute these algorithms. Among all ranking and selection algorithms, the optimal computing budget allocation (OCBA) algorithm is one of the most efficient. However, because of the lack of sufficient samples that can be executed in parallel at each stage, some features of the cloud-computing platform, such as parallelism, scalability, flexibility, and symmetry, cannot be fully utilized. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a distributed asynchronous OCBA (DA-OCBA) algorithm. Under the framework of parallel asynchronous simulation, this algorithm takes advantage of every idle docker container to run better designs in advance that are selected by an asymptotic allocation rule. The experiment demonstrated that the efficiency of simulation optimization for DA-OCBA was clearly higher than that for the traditional OCBA on the cloud platform with symmetric architecture. As the number of containers grew, the speedup of DA-OCBA was linearly increasing for simulation optimization.
Braids, 3-Manifolds, Elementary Particles: Number Theory and Symmetry in Particle Physics
Authors: Asselmeyer-Maluga Torsten
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we will describe a topological model for elementary particles based on 3-manifolds. Here, we will use Thurston’s geometrization theorem to get a simple picture: fermions as hyperbolic knot complements (a complement C ( K ) = S 3 \ ( K × D 2 ) of a knot K carrying a hyperbolic geometry) and bosons as torus bundles. In particular, hyperbolic 3-manifolds have a close connection to number theory (Bloch group, algebraic K-theory, quaternionic trace fields), which will be used in the description of fermions. Here, we choose the description of 3-manifolds by branched covers. Every 3-manifold can be described by a 3-fold branched cover of S 3 branched along a knot. In case of knot complements, one will obtain a 3-fold branched cover of the 3-disk D 3 branched along a 3-braid or 3-braids describing fermions. The whole approach will uncover new symmetries as induced by quantum and discrete groups. Using the Drinfeld–Turaev quantization, we will also construct a quantization so that quantum states correspond to knots. Particle properties like the electric charge must be expressed by topology, and we will obtain the right spectrum of possible values. Finally, we will get a connection to recent models of Furey, Stoica and Gresnigt using octonionic and quaternionic algebras with relations to 3-braids (Bilson–Thompson model).
How Central Is the Domestic Pig in the Epidemiological Cycle of Japanese Encephalitis Virus? A Review of Scientific Evidence and Implications for Disease Control
Authors: Ladreyt Héléna , Durand Benoit , Dussart Philippe , Chevalier Véronique
Published: October 2019

Despite the existence of human vaccines, Japanese encephalitis (JE) remains the leading cause of human encephalitis in Asia. Pigs are described as the main amplifying host, but their role in JE epidemiology needs to be reassessed in order to identify and implement efficient control strategies, for both human and animal health. We aimed to provide a systematic review of publications linked to JE in swine, in terms of both individual and population characteristics of JE virus (JEV) infection and circulation, as well as observed epidemiological patterns. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to select and analyze relevant articles from the Scopus database, 127 of which were included in the review. Pigs are central, but the implication of secondary hosts cannot be ruled out and should be further investigated. Although human vaccination cannot eradicate the virus, it is clearly the most important means of preventing human disease. However, a better understanding of the actual involvement of domestic pigs as well as other potential JEV hosts in different JEV epidemiological cycles and patterns could help to identify additional/complementary control measures, either by targeting pigs or not, and in some specific epidemiological contexts, contribute to reduce virus circulation and protect humans from JEV infection.
Correcting Satellite Precipitation Data and Assimilating Satellite-Derived Soil Moisture Data to Generate Ensemble Hydrological Forecasts within the HBV Rainfall-Runoff Model
Authors: Ciupak Maurycy , Ozga-Zielinski Bogdan , Adamowski Jan , Deo Ravinesh C , Kochanek Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

An implementation of bias correction and data assimilation using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) as a procedure, dynamically coupled with the conceptual rainfall-runoff Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) model, was assessed for the hydrological modeling of seasonal hydrographs. The enhanced HBV model generated ensemble hydrographs and an average stream-flow simulation. The proposed approach was developed to examine the possibility of using data (e.g., precipitation and soil moisture) from the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Satellite Application Facility for Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF), and to explore its usefulness in improving model updating and forecasting. Data from the Sola mountain catchment in southern Poland between 1 January 2008 and 31 July 2014 were used to calibrate the HBV model, while data from 1 August 2014 to 30 April 2015 were used for validation. A bias correction algorithm for a distribution-derived transformation method was developed by exploring generalized exponential (GE) theoretical distributions, along with gamma (GA) and Weibull (WE) distributions for the different data used in this study. When using the ensemble Kalman filter, the stochastically-generated ensemble of the model states generally induced bias in the estimation of non-linear hydrologic processes, thus influencing the accuracy of the Kalman analysis. In order to reduce the bias produced by the assimilation procedure, a post-processing bias correction (BC) procedure was coupled with the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), resulting in an ensemble Kalman filter with bias correction (EnKF-BC). The EnKF-BC, dynamically coupled with the HBV model for the assimilation of the satellite soil moisture observations, improved the accuracy of the simulated hydrographs significantly in the summer season, whereas, a positive effect from bias corrected (BC) satellite precipitation, as forcing data, was observed in the winter. Ensemble forecasts generated from the assimilation procedure are shown to be less uncertain. In future studies, the EnKF-BC algorithm proposed in the current study could be applied to a diverse array of practical forecasting problems (e.g., an operational assimilation of snowpack and snow water equivalent in forecasting models).
Simulating the Impact of Climate Change on the Hydrological Regimes of a Sparsely Gauged Mountainous Basin, Northern Pakistan
Authors: Saddique Naeem , Usman Muhammad , Bernhofer Christian
Published: October 2019

Projected climate changes for the 21st century may cause great uncertainties on the hydrology of a river basin. This study explored the impacts of climate change on the water balance and hydrological regime of the Jhelum River Basin using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Two downscaling methods (SDSM, Statistical Downscaling Model and LARS-WG, Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator), three Global Circulation Models (GCMs), and two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for three future periods (2030s, 2050s, and 2090s) were used to assess the climate change impacts on flow regimes. The results exhibited that both downscaling methods suggested an increase in annual streamflow over the river basin. There is generally an increasing trend of winter and autumn discharge, whereas it is complicated for summer and spring to conclude if the trend is increasing or decreasing depending on the downscaling methods. Therefore, the uncertainty associated with the downscaling of climate simulation needs to consider, for the best estimate, the impact of climate change, with its uncertainty, on a particular basin. The study also resulted that water yield and evapotranspiration in the eastern part of the basin (sub-basins at high elevation) would be most affected by climate change. The outcomes of this study would be useful for providing guidance in water management and planning for the river basin under climate change.