bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple and Practical Single-Camera Stereo-Digital Image Correlation Using a Color Camera and X-Cube Prism
Authors: Dong Bo , Zeng Fancang , Pan Bing
Published: October 2019

A simple and practical full-frame single-camera stereo-digital image correlation (stereo-DIC) technique for three-dimensional (3D) shape, displacement, and deformation measurements is proposed. The technique uses a compact X-cube prism-based color separation device and a color camera to capture images of blue and red colors from different optical paths, and then extracts the surface 3D shape and deformation information of a test sample by processing the captured two sub-channel color images using regular stereo-DIC algorithm. Compared with the existing full-frame single-camera stereo-DICs, the proposed one eliminates the need for a beam splitter and two bandpass filters to capture images, and offers more simple, compact, and easy-to-use optical arrangement. This novel single-camera stereo-DIC technique was validated by a series of baseline experiments involving 3D surface reconstructions, translation tests, and full-field deformation measurements, which provide a new flexible and practical avenue for measuring surface 3D shape and deformation, particularly in microscopic and high-speed applications.
Intelligent Image-Based Railway Inspection System Using Deep Learning-Based Object Detection and Weber Contrast-Based Image Comparison
Authors: Jang Jinbeum , Shin Minwoo , Lim Sohee , Park Jonggook , Kim Joungyeon , Paik Joonki
Published: October 2019

For sustainable operation and maintenance of urban railway infrastructure, intelligent visual inspection of the railway infrastructure attracts increasing attention to avoid unreliable, manual observation by humans at night, while trains do not operate. Although various automatic approaches were proposed using image processing and computer vision techniques, most of them are focused only on railway tracks. In this paper, we present a novel railway inspection system using facility detection based on deep convolutional neural network and computer vision-based image comparison approach. The proposed system aims to automatically detect wears and cracks by comparing a pair of corresponding image sets acquired at different times. We installed line scan camera on the roof of the train. Unlike an area-based camera, the line scan camera quickly acquires images with a wide field of view. The proposed system consists of three main modules: (i) image reconstruction for registration of facility positions, (ii) facility detection using an improved single shot detector, and (iii) deformed region detection using image processing and computer vision techniques. In experiments, we demonstrate that the proposed system accurately finds facilities and detects their potential defects. For that reason, the proposed system can provide various advantages such as cost reduction for maintenance and accident prevention.
Spectrum Handoff based on Imperfect Channel State Prediction Probabilities with Collision Reduction in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Shakeel Atif , Hussain Riaz , Iqbal Adeel , Latif Khan Irfan , Hasan Qadeer Ul , Ali Malik Shahzad
Published: October 2019

The spectrum handoff is highly critical as well as challenging in a cognitive radio ad hoc network (CRAHN) due to lack of coordination among secondary users (SUs), which leads to collisions among the SUs and consequently affects the performance of the network in terms of spectrum utilization and throughput. The target channel selection mechanism as part of handoff process can play an enormously significant role in minimizing the collisions among the SUs and improving the performance of a cognitive radio network (CRN). In this paper, an enhanced target channel selection scheme based on imperfect channel state prediction is proposed for the spectrum handoff among the SUs in a CRAHN. The proposed scheme includes an improved frame structure that increases coordination among the SUs in the ad hoc environment and helps in organizing the SUs according to the shortest job first principle during channel access. Unlike the existing prediction-based spectrum handoff techniques, the proposed scheme takes into account the accuracy of channel state prediction; the SUs affected due to false prediction are compensated by allowing them to contend for channel access within the same transmission cycle and thus enabling them to achieve higher throughput. The proposed scheme has been compared with the contemporary spectrum handoff schemes and the results have demonstrated substantial improvement in throughput and extended data delivery time by virtue of the reduced number of collisions.
An Anti-Interference Scheme for UAV Data Links in Air–Ground Integrated Vehicular Networks
Authors: He Yixin , Zhai Daosen , Zhang Ruonan , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: October 2019

As one of the main applications of the Internet of things (IoT), the vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET) is the core of the intelligent transportation system (ITS). Air–ground integrated vehicular networks (AGIVNs) assisted by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have the advantages of wide coverage and flexible configuration, which outperform the ground-based VANET in terms of communication quality. However, the complex electromagnetic interference (EMI) severely degrades the communication performance of UAV sensors. Therefore, it is meaningful and challenging to design an efficient anti-interference scheme for UAV data links in AGIVNs. In this paper, we propose an anti-interference scheme, named as Mary-MCM, for UAV data links in AGIVNs based on multi-ary (M-ary) spread spectrum and multi-carrier modulation (MCM). Specifically, the Mary-MCM disperses the interference power by expanding the signal spectrum, such that the anti-interference ability of AGIVNs is enhanced. Besides, by using MCM and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technologies, the Mary-MCM improves the spectrum utilization effectively while ensuring system performance. The simulation results verify that the Mary-MCM achieves excellent anti-interference performance under different EMI combinations.
Safety of Machinery: Significant Differences in Two Widely Used International Standards for the Design of Safety-Related Control Systems
Authors: Chinniah Yuvin , Nix Douglas S. G. , Jocelyn Sabrina , Burlet-Vienney Damien , Bourbonnière Réal , Karimi Benyamin , Mosbah Abdallah Ben
Published: October 2019

Industrial machines are known to possess many hazards. There are many laws, regulations, standards and practices that aim at ensuring that machines are safe for different workers performing various tasks including operation and maintenance. Safeguards protect workers by stopping hazardous motion when actuated. Those safeguards are integrated into machinery using two widely used international standards for functional safety. However, these standards have some significant differences although they are both based on similar principles. This paper explores those differences and their potential impacts. Subjectivity in the specification and design of safety systems, based on the differences, can lead to different levels of reliability in the safety systems even when considering the same hazard zone of machinery based on which standard is used.
Unveiling ‘European’ and ‘International’ Researcher Identities: A Case Study with Doctoral Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Authors: Lopes Betina , Lourenço Mónica
Published: October 2019

The significance of ‘identity’ in doctoral studies is widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, despite much research on what is involved in the process of identification with/as a researcher, very little attention has been devoted to understanding the effects of the internationalization of higher education in promoting feelings of belonging to a researcher community that goes beyond the national space. This qualitative case study aims to understand whether and how doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences develop a ‘European’ or ‘international’ researcher identity during their doctoral studies. To address this aim, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve home and international doctoral students from a Portuguese higher education institution. Results from thematic analysis suggest that although the dichotomy ‘European’/‘international’ was not always clear in participants’ minds, those students who undertook mobility experiences or took part in international research networks or supervisory teams were more likely to regard themselves as ‘international’ or ‘European’ researchers. The implications of these findings for doctoral programs in an era of internationalization are highlighted.
Environmental and Economic Life Cycle Analysis of Primary Construction Materials Sourcing under Geopolitical Uncertainties: A Case Study of Qatar
Authors: Al-Nuaimi Shaikha , Banawi Abdul-Aziz A. , Al-Ghamdi Sami G.
Published: October 2019

Environmental and economic cycles under varying geopolitical uncertainties can lead to unsustainable patterns that significantly and negatively affect the welfare of nations. With the ever-increasing negative environmental and economic impacts, the ability to achieve sustainability is hindered if the implications are not properly assessed in challenging geopolitical crises. The infrequent and fluctuating nature of these challenging geopolitical settings causes disregard and neglect for exploration within this issue. In this study, a comparative life cycle assessment was conducted as a method to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of construction material flow across country boundaries. Based on the results found from the life cycle assessment, an environmental forecast and sensitivity analysis were established. Considering the State of Qatar as a case study, asphalt and bitumen, cement, limestone, sand, and steel were analyzed from gate-to-gate depending on transportation mode and distances used within both the pre-crisis and post-crisis sub-periods, comparing carbon emissions and costs. The results showed that the mode of transport plays a significant role in terms of carbon dioxide emissions as opposed to distance traveled. However, the increase in distance coupled to the majority shift from land to sea-based transport resulted in an overall increase in carbon emissions and costs post-crisis. In addition, the analysis of the environmental and economic impact assessment using the average CO2 equivalent (CO2-e) per kilogram and the unit price of the five primary construction materials has shown a significant, 70.68% increase in global warming potentials (GWP) after the crisis, coupled with an increase in the overall cost. An assessment of environmental and economic impacts during geopolitical uncertainties allows for the significant ability to realize sustainable measures to greatly reduce economic and environmental degradation.
Environmental Regulation, Environmental Commitment, Sustainability Exploration/Exploitation Innovation, and Firm Sustainable Development
Authors: Xing Xinpeng , Liu Tiansen , Wang Jianhua , Shen Lin , Zhu Yue
Published: October 2019

The links among firms’ environmental regulation, innovation process, and sustainable development has been analyzed, but a research gap still remains in terms of environmental commitment and different types of sustainable innovation in firms’ sustainability. Through collecting a dataset of 380 valid respondents from Chinese manufacturing firms, this paper incorporates evironmental regulation, environmental commitment, sustainability exploration innovation, sustainability exploitation innovation, environmental performance, and business performance into a multiple mediating effect model. Our key emperical findings are as follows: (1) Environmental regulation not only cannot affect environmental performance and business performance, but also cannot affect the two types of firm performance through sustainability exploration innovation or sustainability exploitation innovation; (2) The relationship between environmental regulation, environmental performance (or business performance) is subsequently mediated by both environmental commitment and sustainability exploitation innovation; (3) Environmental regulation does not affect environmental performance (or business performance) through environmental commitment and sustainability exploration innovation. These results do, however, support the Porter Hypothesis in terms of revealing a new multiple mediating effect path dominated by environmental commitment and sustainability exploitation innovation. Our findings can provide a better understanding of how environmental commitment and sustainability exploitation innovation play a key effect in helping firms relieve the pressure from environmental regulation, and thus improve their environmental management while keeping their competitive edge.
Optimal Logistics Control of an Omnichannel Supply Chain
Authors: Zhuang Yufeng , Zhang Ningxi , Wang Song , Hu Yanzhu
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to find the best way to control logistics in an omnichannel supply chain (OSC). For this purpose, two steps of work were carried out around case-based reasoning (CBR). In the first step, the combined feedback which proved stability was selected to control logistics in the single node, while the variational method and the virtual siphon were combined to determine the optimal control curve. There is a linear part and a nonlinear part in the combined feedback. The new method of storing data mode is “data turning to picture”. In the second step, image features were extracted by the hybrid method of SURF-GoogLeNet and used for case matching via the grey cloud method. SURF-GoogLeNet was firstly used to update the weight proportion of the defect points in the whole image via the speeded up robust features (SURF) method and secondly to self-extract features using the GoogLeNet method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methods was verified through experiments. The research findings shed new light on the management of supply chains.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Blue Water Use of Dutch Diets and Its Association with Health
Authors: Vellinga Reina E. , van de Kamp Mirjam , Toxopeus Ido B. , van Rossum Caroline T. M. , de Valk Elias , Biesbroek Sander , Hollander Anne , Temme Elisabeth H. M.
Published: October 2019

Food consumption patterns affect the environment as well as public health, and monitoring is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Dutch food consumption patterns for environmental (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and blue water use) and health aspects (Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015), according to age, gender, and consumption moments. Food consumption data for 4313 Dutch participants aged 1 to 79 years were assessed in 2012 to 2016, by two non-consecutive 24-h recalls. The environmental impact of foods was quantified using a life cycle assessment for, e.g., indicators of GHG emissions and blue water use. The healthiness of diet, operationalized by the Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015, was assessed for 2078 adults aged ≥19 years. The average daily diet in the Netherlands was associated with 5.0 ± 2.0 kg CO2-equivalents of GHG emissions and 0.14 ± 0.08 m3 of blue water use. Meat, dairy and non-alcoholic beverages contributed most to GHG emissions, and non-alcoholic beverages, fruits, and meat to blue water use. More healthy diets were associated with a lower GHG emission and higher blue water use. Different associations of environmental indicators (GHG emissions and blue water use) with health aspects of diets need to be considered when aligning diets for health and sustainability.
Enhancing Creative Thinking in STEM with 3D CAD Modelling
Authors: Carbonell-Carrera Carlos , Saorin Jose , Melian-Diaz Damari , de la Torre-Cantero Jorge
Published: October 2019

Creative thinking is an essential part of learning for sustainability, as recent studies indicate. Creativity enables the engineer to find solutions for the design of a new product or for the improvement of one already designed, to make it more sustainable. However, currently, engineering education does not usually assess academic performance in terms of creativity, and although interest in creative processes in engineering is growing, its implementation in the classroom is still scarce. In the present study, a creativity workshop was conducted in order to find multiple solutions to the problem posed, in accordance with divergent thinking. The workshop was based on a 3D CAD modelling activity, and the students needed to give different 3D design solutions starting from a two-dimensional shape. The participants were 72 engineering students from the engineering graphics subject in the degree in agricultural engineering and rural areas. Nine different creative components were evaluated. That way, not only was a generic measure of creativity obtained, but it was also possible to know the evolution of the student after the workshop for each of the components of creativity separately. The results of the workshop confirmed that creativity could be enhanced, and therefore, the learning process for sustainability can be improved in engineering.
The Effect of Systematic Default Risk on Credit Risk Premiums
Authors: Kim Jungmu
Published: October 2019

This study examines whether systematic default risks affect a cross section of credit risk premiums. Using a structural framework, I derive a theoretical cross-sectional relationship, develop a testable hypothesis, and provide a method to estimate the systematic default risk. The empirical results of US corporate credit default swap data are consistent with my hypothesis. The findings show that, while credit market factors have positive effects on a cross section of credit risk premiums, stock market factors have a negative impact. Regression analyses reveal that the market’s average default probability and the value factor have a significant effect on the credit risk premium. In addition, credit market factors are more influential than equity market factors as systematic default risk factors. The results suggest that systematic and idiosyncratic default risks are priced differently in a cross section of credit risk premiums.
Effect of the Built Environment on Natural Ventilation in a Historical Environment: Case of the Walled City of Famagusta
Authors: Arfaei Aref , Hançer Polat
Published: October 2019

Passive building is among the most important subjects in architecture today. The key factor in terms of a solution is related to the level of renewable energy in buildings. Natural ventilation is among the effective factors in indoor thermal comfort. Virtual simulations prepare a basis for reliable and fast result outcomes. Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software is available thanks to advances in technology and mathematical calculation to simulate projects with any conditions. This paper presents thermal comfort reduction where, in the simulation, the closed environment is considered rather than the individual building with no surroundings. In order to reach the conclusion, a comparison between a single building simulation and two locations in the walled city of Famagusta in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a historical settlement, is provided to illustrate the changes according to the closed environment conditions. According to the results, if energy consultants aim to present realistic energy data in order to upgrade the level of sustainability of buildings, it is important to consider the effect of the closed environment on natural ventilation in their calculation.
Application of Building Performance Simulation to Design Energy-Efficient Homes: Case Study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmed Wahhaj , Asif Muhammad , Alrashed Farajallah
Published: October 2019

The per capita energy usage in Saudi Arabia is almost three times higher than the global average. A major contributor is the residential sector which consumes almost 50% of the total national energy consumption every year. Environmental and economic pressures along with the Saudi Vision 2030 reform program advocate for an improvement in energy consumption patterns. For a sustainable residential sector, energy-efficient solutions should be adopted in the design process preferably based on building performance simulation (BPS). This study investigates the existing status and future prospects of BPS in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia. A survey has been carried out with building industry professionals to investigate the existing practices in terms of use of BPS. Energy and environmental savings achievable through application of BPS have been estimated by modelling a typical residential villa as a case study. The results indicate that presently BPS is not being adequately applied by the building industry and a number of barriers exist which need to be addressed. The case study simulation indicates that electricity consumption of a villa based on a BPS-based design process is 51.3% less than the existing typical residential villa.
A Memetic Algorithm for the Green Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhang Yuan , Gajpal Yuvraj , Chen Xiding
Published: October 2019

The green vehicle routing problem is a variation of the classic vehicle routing problem in which the transportation fleet is composed of electric vehicles with limited autonomy in need of recharge during their duties. As an NP-hard problem, this problem is very difficult to solve. In this paper, we first propose a memetic algorithm (MA)—a population-based algorithm—to tackle this problem. To be more specific, we incorporate an adaptive local search procedure based on a reward and punishment mechanism inspired by reinforcement learning to effectively manage the multiple neighborhood moves and guide the search, an effective backbone-based crossover operator to generate the feasible child solutions to obtain a better trade-off between intensification and diversification of the search, and a longest common subsequence-based population updating strategy to effectively manage the population. The purpose of this research is to propose a highly effective heuristic for solving the green vehicle routing problem and bring new ideas for this type of problem. Experimental results show that our algorithm is highly effective in comparison with the current state-of-the-art algorithms. In particular, our algorithm is able to find the best solutions for 84 out of the 92 instances. Key component of the approach is analyzed to evaluate its impact on the proposed algorithm and to identify the appropriate search mechanism for this type of problem.
Product Segmentation and Sustainability in Customized Assembly with Respect to the Basic Elements of Industry 4.0
Authors: Micieta Branislav , Binasova Vladimira , Lieskovsky Radovan , Krajcovic Martin , Dulina Luboslav
Published: October 2019

Sustainable manufacturing is not just about manufacturing, but also products and services. In the area of custom production processes, there may also be circumstances of organizational management where compliance with labor productivity and the due-date principle is problematic. Similar products with different operating times cause the throughput of assembly lines to slow down, increase number of works in progress (WIP), and increase productivity waste. It is possible to reduce this impact through various productivity-enhancing methods and innovations. This paper presents an innovative approach to product segmentation in the assembly phase of custom manufacturing, and a proposal for a new segmentation procedure that will allow significantly better integration of products into existing assembly processes without negatively impacting the company’s production indicators. The scientific problem was defined on the basis that extending existing segmentation by the third dimension of operating times allows products in MTO (made to order) environments to be divided into families with approximately equal operating times. This will increase assembly efficiency in existing medium to large companies without large investments in the development and adaptation of assembly process products. The contributions of this work relate mainly to simple adaptations to existing processes in medium-sized businesses. The proposed solution respects the basic elements of Industry 4.0.
Preparations for Developing a World Design Capital: The Case of Taipei City Transformation Process in Taiwan
Authors: Juan Yi-Kai , Cheng Yu-Ching , Perng Yeng-Horng
Published: October 2019

The World Design Capital (WDC) is a global city promotion project that praises achievements in cities that use design as a fundamental tool to reshape the cityscape, while improving the quality of life for its citizens within the respect of sustainability and diversity. Facing complex challenges of urbanization and globalization, Taipei City, Taiwan, is seeking cultural, educational, and industrial breakthroughs and innovations in order to improve societal quality of life and become a WDC. This study introduces the preparation process from the human resource group of the Taipei city government and proposes promising initiatives and strategic actions based on the Kano two-dimensional quality model. Taipei City is committed to leveraging the power of design to inspire its citizens to reshape and rejuvenate the Taiwanese society through three major initiatives: ‘Creative Thinking for K-12’ (educational initiatives), ‘Designers Everywhere’ (cultural initiatives) and ‘Healthy Design Industry’ (industrial initiatives). This paper determines specific strategic actions for each major initiative. From sustainable development perspectives in society, to future challenges, problems, and opportunities are also discussed in the study. It is expected that lessons from this transformation can introduce creativity into citizens’ lives, improve societal quality of life, and thus benefit other cities.
Research on Field Reconstruction and Community Design of Living Settlements—An Example of Repairing a Fish Stove in the Hua-Zhai Settlement on Wang-An Island, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Shu-Yen , Hwang Shyh-Huei
Published: October 2019

The Hua-Zhai Ancient Settlement is located in Wang-An Township, Peng-Hu County, Taiwan. The Ministry of Culture of the Taiwanese government announced that the Wang-An Hua-Zhai Ancient Settlement had been registered as an essential settlement construction due to the integrity of the settlement and the migration history of the Hans. Afterward, the housing lacked maintenance and was destroyed due to the huge population migration. After years of restoration of the housing, the activation plan was first launched in 2015. The initial idea was to build a settlement brand, but this failed due to difficulties in promotion. Even though the executive team reflected on the specific layout of the settlement space and the problem was apparent, the team had no idea where to restart. Therefore, the team decided to live in the settlement to learn about local living and explore possible issues. It was not until the start of the “fish stove repair” that the settlement changed; that is, the original disorganized settlement network became clear. This research analyzes the social network construction and the expansion benefits involved in the fish stove repair process to design the implementation rules of designing a settlement-based community. Based on participatory observation and interviews with the main actors who participated in the rehabilitation operations, the analysis results indicated that the community design method based on a selected site over a long period of time could largely increase the opportunity of encountering issues, finding appropriate disturbances in the cultural context and habits, and connecting these issues with real life values. Besides, this also encourages prioritizing local issues, helping traditional artists increase the value of their roles, and enabling them to be treated equally at the end of knowledge acquisition. The research case includes a breakthrough in the limitations of spatial activation after the restoration of the ancient settlement that Taiwanese scholars have always been focused on and continues the sentimental memory of the residents. The results of the study can be used as a reference for the future activation of the settlement.
Metagenomic Analysis of Virioplankton from the Pelagic Zone of Lake Baikal
Authors: Potapov Sergey A. , Tikhonova Irina V. , Krasnopeev Andrey Yu. , Kabilov Marsel R. , Tupikin Aleksey E. , Chebunina Nadezhda S. , Zhuchenko Natalia A. , Belykh Olga I.
Published: October 2019

This study describes two viral communities from the world’s oldest lake, Lake Baikal. For the analysis, we chose under-ice and late spring periods of the year as the most productive for Lake Baikal. These periods show the maximum seasonal biomass of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton, which are targets for viruses, including bacteriophages. At that time, the main group of viruses were tailed bacteriophages of the order Caudovirales that belong to the families Myoviridae, Siphoviridae and Podoviridae. Annotation of functional genes revealed that during the under-ice period, the “Phages, Prophages, Transposable Elements and Plasmids” (27.4%) category represented the bulk of the virome. In the late spring period, it comprised 9.6% of the virome. We assembled contigs by two methods: Separately assembled in each virome or cross-assembled. A comparative analysis of the Baikal viromes with other aquatic environments indicated a distribution pattern by soil, marine and freshwater groups. Viromes of lakes Baikal, Michigan, Erie and Ontario form the joint World’s Largest Lakes clade.
Molecular Piracy: Redirection of Bacteriophage Capsid Assembly by Mobile Genetic Elements
Authors: Dokland Terje
Published: October 2019

Horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) is a key aspect of the evolution of bacterial pathogens. Transduction by bacteriophages is especially important in this process. Bacteriophages—which assemble a machinery for efficient encapsidation and transfer of genetic material—often transfer MGEs and other chromosomal DNA in a more-or-less nonspecific low-frequency process known as generalized transduction. However, some MGEs have evolved highly specific mechanisms to take advantage of bacteriophages for their own propagation and high-frequency transfer while strongly interfering with phage production—“molecular piracy”. These mechanisms include the ability to sense the presence of a phage entering lytic growth, specific recognition and packaging of MGE genomes into phage capsids, and the redirection of the phage assembly pathway to form capsids with a size more appropriate for the size of the MGE. This review focuses on the process of assembly redirection, which has evolved convergently in many different MGEs from across the bacterial universe. The diverse mechanisms that exist suggest that size redirection is an evolutionarily advantageous strategy for many MGEs.
The C4 Protein from Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Can Broadly Interact with Plant Receptor-Like Kinases
Authors: Garnelo Gómez Borja , Zhang Dan , Rosas-Díaz Tábata , Wei Yali , Macho Alberto P. , Lozano-Durán Rosa
Published: October 2019

Plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) exert an essential function in the transduction of signals from the cell exterior to the cell interior, acting as important regulators of plant development and responses to environmental conditions. A growing body of evidence suggests that RLKs may play relevant roles in plant-virus interactions, although the details and diversity of effects and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The C4 protein from different geminiviruses has been found to interact with RLKs in the CLAVATA 1 (CLV1) clade. However, whether C4 can interact with RLKs in other subfamilies and, if so, what the biological impact of such interactions might be, is currently unknown. In this work, we explore the interaction landscape of C4 from the geminivirus Tomato yellow leaf curl virus within the Arabidopsis RLK family. Our results show that C4 can interact with RLKs from different subfamilies including, but not restricted to, members of the CLV1 clade. Functional analyses of the interaction of C4 with two well-characterized RLKs, FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2) and BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1), indicate that C4 might affect some, but not all, RLK-derived outputs. The results presented here offer novel insight on the interface between RLK signaling and the infection by geminiviruses, and point at C4 as a potential broad manipulator of RLK-mediated signaling.
Decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-Chloromethylketone: An Antiviral Compound That Acts against Flaviviruses through the Inhibition of Furin-Mediated prM Cleavage
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Saleemi Muhammad Kashif , Chen Zheng , Wang Xugang , Zhou Dengyuan , Li Yunchuan , Zhao Zikai , Zheng Bohan , Li Qiuyan , Cao Shengbo , Ye Jing
Published: October 2019

Flaviviruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Dengue virus (DENV), and West Nile virus (WNV), are important arthropod-borne pathogens that present an immense global health problem. Their unpredictable disease severity, unusual clinical features, and severe neurological manifestations underscore an urgent need for antiviral interventions. Furin, a host proprotein convertase, is a key contender in processing flavivirus prM protein to M protein, turning the inert virus to an infectious particle. For this reason, the current study was planned to evaluate the antiviral activity of decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-chloromethylketone, a specific furin inhibitor, against flaviviruses, including ZIKV and JEV. Analysis of viral proteins revealed a significant increase in the prM/E index of ZIKV or JEV in dec-RVKR-cmk-treated Vero cells compared to DMSO-treated control cells, indicating dec-RVKR-cmk inhibits prM cleavage. Plaque assay, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assay revealed a strong antiviral activity of dec-RVKR-cmk against ZIKV and JEV in terms of the reduction in virus progeny titer and in viral RNA and protein production in both mammalian cells and mosquito cells. Time-of-drug addition assay revealed that the maximum reduction of virus titer was observed in post-infection treatment. Furthermore, our results showed that dec-RVKR-cmk exerts its inhibitory action on the virus release and next round infectivity but not on viral RNA replication. Taken together, our study highlights an interesting antiviral activity of dec-RVKR-cmk against flaviviruses.
Improvement of Hargreaves–Samani Reference Evapotranspiration Estimates with Local Calibration
Authors: Althoff Daniel , Santos Robson Argolo dos , Bazame Helizani Couto , Cunha Fernando França da , Filgueiras Roberto
Published: October 2019

Improving irrigation water management is an important asset when facing increased water shortages. The Hargreaves–Samani (HS) method is a simple method that can be used as an alternative to the Penman–Monteith (PM) method, which requires only temperature measurements for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo). However, the applicability of this method relies on its calibration to local meteorological specificities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of local calibration on the performance of the HS equation. The study was carried out for the middle portion of the São Francisco River Basin (MSFB), Brazil, and considered four calibration approaches: A1—single calibration for the entire MSFB; A2—separate calibration by clusters of months; A3—by clusters of stations; and A4—for all contexts resulting by combining A2 and A3. Months from the wet season showed larger improvements by the calibration of the HS model, since mean air temperature and its daily range showed stronger correlations to ETo. On the other hand, the months from the dry season and stations from the eastern region of MSFB performed poorly regardless of the calibration approach adopted. This occurred because, in those cases, ETo presented larger correlation to variables that are missing in the HS equation, and the use of the full PM equation seems unavoidable.
Correction: Tapoglou, E., et al. Climate Change Impact on the Frequency of Hydrometeorological Extremes in the Island of Crete. Water 2019, 11, 587
Authors: Tapoglou Evdokia , Vozinaki Anthi Eirini , Tsanis Ioannis
Published: October 2019

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Mathematical Reconstruction of Eroded Beach Ridges at the Ombrone River Delta
Authors: Mammì Irene , Rossi Lorenzo , Pranzini Enzo
Published: October 2019

Several remotely sensed images, acquired by different sensors on satellite, airplane, and drone, were used to trace the beach ridges pattern present on the delta of the River Ombrone. A more detailed map of these morphologies, than those present in the literature, was obtained, especially at the delta apex, where beach ridges elevation in minor. Beach ridges crests, highlighted through image enhancement using ENVI 4.5 and a DTM based on LiDAR data, were then processed with ArcGIS 9.3 software. Starting from this map, a method to reconstruct beach ridges segments deleted by the transformations of the territory is proposed in this paper. The best crest-lines fitting functions were calculated through interpolation of their points with Curve Expert software, and further extrapolated to reconstruct the ridges morphology where human activity, riverbed migration, or coastal erosion eliminated them. This allowed to reconstruct the ridges pattern also offshore the present delta apex, where the shoreline retreated approximately 900 m in the last 150 years. Results can be further used to implement conceptual and numerical models of delta evolution.
A Modified k – ε Turbulence Model for a Wave Breaking Simulation
Authors: Cannata Giovanni , Palleschi Federica , Iele Benedetta , Gallerano Francesco
Published: October 2019

We propose a two-equation turbulence model based on modification of the k − ε standard model, for simulation of a breaking wave. The proposed model is able to adequately simulate the energy dissipation due to the wave breaking and does not require any “a priori” criterion to locate the initial wave breaking point and the region in which the turbulence model has to be activated. In order to numerically simulate the wave propagation from deep water to the shoreline and the wave breaking, we use a model in which vector and tensor quantities are expressed in terms of Cartesian components, where only the vertical coordinate is expressed as a function of a time-dependent curvilinear coordinate that follows the free surface movements. A laboratory test is numerically reproduced with the aim of validating the turbulence modified k − ε model. The numerical results compared with the experimental measurements show that the proposed turbulence model is capable of correctly estimating the energy dissipation induced by the wave breaking, in order to avoid any underestimation of the wave height.
Using Stable Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes to Distinguish the Sources of Plant Leaf Surface Moisture in an Urban Environment
Authors: Xu Yingying , Yi Yan , Yang Xu , Dou Yingbo
Published: October 2019

Plant leaf surface moisture is a frequent meteorological phenomenon that has complicated sources. As such, the determination of whether surface moisture is the input water or only the redistribution of water in the soil–plant–atmosphere ecosystem is of great importance. In this study, δ18O and δD characteristic values of dew, guttation, and soil waters in Buxus sinica var. parvifolia M. Cheng were monitored during the frost-free period (June–September 2017) in Changchun, China, to differentiate the hydraulic relationship among atmospheric vapor, rainwater, soil, dew, and guttation waters and quantitatively distinguish the leaf surface moisture on the canopy and bottom of plants. The water vapor sources of the leaf surface moisture on plants’ canopy and bottom were quantitatively verified in accordance with isotope fractionation and mass conservation principles. Results demonstrated that leaf surface moisture, atmospheric vapor, soil water, and dew were closely related. Leaf surface moisture was mainly the condensation of dew. The sources of canopy and bottom leaf surface moisture were basically the same. The proportions of canopy moisture from plant guttation, atmospheric vapor, and soil water were 2.4%–2.5%, 79.8%–92.4%, and 5.1%–17.8%, respectively. By comparison, the proportions of bottom leaf surface moisture were 0.6%–1.4%, 80.0%–93.0%, and 6.4%–18.6%, respectively. Leaf surface moisture is an important water input in urban systems. Moreover, the characteristic values of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of urban dew are supplemented, and the transformation of atmospheric vapor, rainwater, and soil and dew waters is revealed.
Combined Use of High-Resolution Numerical Schemes to Reduce Numerical Diffusion in Coupled Nonhydrostatic Hydrodynamic and Solute Transport Model
Authors: Cunha Augusto , Fragoso Carlos , Tavares Matheus , Cavalcanti J. , Bonnet Marie-Paule , Motta-Marques David
Published: October 2019

In three-dimensional simulations of free-surface flow where the vertical velocities are relevant, such as in lakes, estuaries, reservoirs, and coastal zones, a nonhydrostatic hydrodynamic approach may be necessary. Although the nonhydrostatic hydrodynamic approach improves the physical representation of pressure, acceleration and velocity fields, it is not free of numerical diffusion. This numerical issue stems from the numerical solution employed in the advection and diffusion terms of the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and solute transport equations. The combined use of high-resolution schemes in coupled nonhydrostatic hydrodynamic and solute transport models is a promising alternative to minimize these numerical issues and determine the relationship between numerical diffusion in the two solutions. We evaluated the numerical diffusion in three numerical experiments, for different purposes: The first two experiments evaluated the potential for reducing numerical diffusion in a nonhydrostatic hydrodynamic solution, by applying a quadratic interpolator over a Bilinear, applied in the Eulerian–Lagrangian method (ELM) step-ii interpolation, and the capability of representing the propagation of complex waves. The third experiment evaluated the effect on numerical diffusion of using flux-limiter schemes over a first-order Upwind in solute transport solution, combined with the interpolation methods applied in a coupled hydrodynamic and solute transport model. The high-resolution methods were able to substantially reduce the numerical diffusion in a solute transport problem. This exercise showed that the numerical diffusion of a nonhydrostatic hydrodynamic solution has a major influence on the ability of the model to simulate stratified internal waves, indicating that high-resolution methods must be implemented in the numerical solution to properly simulate real situations.
Optimal Incentives for Electric Vehicles at e-Park & Ride Hub with Renewable Energy Source
Authors: Sohet Benoît , Beaude Olivier , Hayel Yezekael , Jeandin Alban
Published: October 2019

As electric vehicles’ penetration increases, more impacts on urban systems are observed and related to both driving (e.g., on traffic congestion and reduced pollution) and charging (e.g., on the electrical grid). Therefore, there is a need to design coupled incentive mechanisms. To propose and numerically evaluate such incentives, a game theory model is adopted. Its originality comes from the coupling between the charging cost and the driving decisions: to drive downtown or to charge at an e-Park & Ride hub with solar panels and then take public transport, in order to reach destination. Optimal ticket fares and solar park’s size are computed using real photovoltaic production data.
Por uma agenda centrada na dimensão técnico-operativa em Serviço Social: proposta portuguesa | For an agenda focused on the technical-operative dimension in Social Work: Portuguese proposal
Authors: Guadalupe Sónia
Published: October 2019

O complexo triângulo formado pela conjugação entre as dimensões teórico-metodológica, ético-política e técnico-operativa tem sido investido de forma oscilante e diversa ao longo da história da profissão de assistente social. O artigo, partindo de uma revisão temática da literatura, defende a revalorização de um vértice do Serviço Social que tem sido tratado de forma periférica e secundária na contemporaneidade: a dimensão técnico-operativa. Urge um reforço de investimento na operatividade profissional, particularmente no processo avaliativo e interventivo, fundamentada na teoria, na evidência e na reflexão, mas também no que orienta, sustenta e persegue a profissão em cada momento histórico. O artigo propõe uma agenda profissional de reforço da dimensão técnico-operativa do Serviço Social em Portugal, que pressupõe uma reflexão coletiva acerca dos riscos da desconexão e da inespecificidade na triangular instrumentalidade profissional, resgatando a fulcralidade da dimensão em que “aparece” a profissão.
Os usuários da política de assistência social: um estudo a partir da realidade das classes subalternas | The users of the social assistance policy: a study from the reality of the subaltern classes
Authors: Moljo Carina Berta , Parreira Janaina Aparecida , Ramos Tamara Duarte
Published: October 2019

O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa já finalizada que teve como objeto de estudo os usuários da política de assistência social em Juiz de Fora, buscando ultrapassar a caracterização ou perfil apresentado pelas políticas sociais. A metodologia utilizada foi qualitativa, constando de estudo bibliográfico e pesquisa de campo nos Centros de Referência de Assistência Social. Foram realizadas 60 observações participantes e 41 entrevistas em profundidade objetivando conhecer elementos centrais presentes na vida cotidiana dos sujeitos, como escolaridade, condições de trabalho, compreensão da política, e o significado da mesma em suas vidas. Dentre os aspectos analisados destacamos que o público usuário é composto majoritariamente por mulheres, com baixa escolaridade. Os principais motivos relacionados à interrupção dos estudos foram gravidez na adolescência, necessidade de se incorporar ao mercado de trabalho, mesmo que de forma informal, sendo inconciliável com os estudos. Dentro dos achados da pesquisa encontra-se a mudança do “público dos assistidos” incorporando trabalhadores que se encontram no mercado informal de trabalho, com jornadas “flexíveis, intermitentes e precárias”. Apontamos que mesmo com os avanços obtidos a partir das legislações que elevam a assistência social ao patamar de política pública, a maioria dos usuários entrevistados não a compreende como um direito.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI MUTU PELAYANAN KESEHATAN PADA PASIEN PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI PUSKESMAS RANTANG MEDAN PETISAH TAHUN 2019
Authors: Hutagalung Fitri , Wau Herbet
Published: October 2019

Puskesmas Rantang Medan Petisah merupakan puskesmas non perawatan rawat inap. Mutu pelayanan kesehatan dapat diartikan sebagai pelayanan kesehatan yang dapat memuaskan setiap pemakai jasa pelayanan sesuai dengan tingkat kepuasan rata-rata penduduk, serta penyelenggaraan nya sesuai dengan standar kode etik profesi yang ditetapkan. Kepuasan terhadap pelayanan kesehatan yang dilihat dari mutu pelayanan kesehatan 53,5% responden yang tidak puas akan pelayanan kesehatan yang diberikan, seperti sarana dan prasarana yang kurang memadai yaitu kondisi ruang tunggu yang dinilai sempit dan kurang nyaman, fasilitas parkir yang tidak memadai, proses administrasi yang dinilai lambat, kurang nya keramahan dari petugas kesehatan dalam melayani kebutuhan pasien. Desain penelitian ini adalah deskriptif analitik dengan rancangan Cross Sectional. Jumlah populasi penelitian sebanyak 61 orang dengan teknik pengambilan sampel adalah Purposive Sampling. Pengambilan data menggunakan alat ukur kuesioner. Analisis data secara univariat dan bivariat (Uji Chi-Square) dengan p-value = 0,05. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bukti fisik dengan nilai p yaitu 0,015 < 0,05, kehandalan dengan nilai p yaitu 0,000 < 0,05, dan daya tanggap dengan nilai p yaitu 0,001 < 0,05. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini bahwa bukti fisik, kehandalan, dan daya tanggap memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap mutu pelayanan kesehatan. Disarankan kepada pihak puskesmas untuk meningkatkan kenyamanan ruang tunggu dan fasilitas parkir, dan petugas administrasi diharapkan meningkatkan ketepatan waktu dalam melayani kebutuhan pasien.