bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Geometric Averaging Operator for Decision-Making in Engineering and Management
Authors: Aikhuele Daniel , Odofin Sarah
Published: August 2017

Triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number (TIFN) is a more generalized platform for expressing imprecise, incomplete, and inconsistent information when solving multi-criteria decision-making problems, as well as for expressing and reflecting the evaluation information in several dimensions. In this paper, the TIFN has been applied for solving multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, first, by defining some existing triangular intuitionistic fuzzy geometric aggregation operators, and then developing a new triangular intuitionistic fuzzy geometric aggregation operator, which is the generalized triangular intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted geometric averaging (GTIFOWGA) operator. Based on these operators, a new approach for solving multicriteria decision-making problems when the weight information is fixed is proposed. Finally, a numerical example is provided to show the applicability and rationality of the presented method, followed by a comparative analysis using similar existing computational approaches.
Fused Deposition Modelling of Natural Fibre/Polylactic Acid Composites
Authors: Stoof David , Pickering Kim , Zhang Yuanji
Published: August 2017

Fused deposition modelling is a simple additive manufacturing technology utilising fine filament extrusion of predominantly thermoplastic materials to build 3D objects layer by layer. This research explores the feasibility and the factors involved in using fused deposition modelling to produce natural fibre reinforced composite components. Uniform 3-mm filaments of both hemp and harakeke (Phormium tenax) in varying weight percentages within polylactic acid (PLA) polymer were successfully produced and used to print tensile test samples. Tensile test results supported harakeke to be a useful fibre in terms of mechanical properties achieved which surpassed the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of plain PLA samples by 42.3% and 5.4%, respectively.
Nano-Charged Polypropylene Application: Realistic Perspectives for Enhancing Durability
Authors: Naddeo Carlo , Vertuccio Luigi , Barra Giuseppina , Guadagno Liberata
Published: August 2017

Isotactic polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube (iPP/MWCNTs) films have been exposed to accelerated weathering in a UV device for increasing times. The effect of UV irradiation on the structural and chemical changes has been investigated. The resistance to accelerated photooxidation of (iPP/MWCNTs) films has been compared to the photooxidation behaviour of unfilled polypropylene films with the same structural organization. The chemical and structural modifications resulting from photooxidation have been followed using infrared spectroscopy, calorimetric and diffractometric analysis. MWCNTs embedded in the polymeric matrix are able to strongly contrast the degradation mechanisms and the structural and morphological rearrangements caused by the UV treatment on the unfilled polymer. MWCNTs determine an induction period (IP) before the increase of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. The extent of the IP is strictly correlated to the amount of MWCNTs. The low electrical percolation threshold (EPT) and the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites, together with their excellent thermal and photooxidative stability, make them promising candidates to fulfill many industrial requirements.
Microstructure and Strengthening-Toughening Mechanism of Nitrogen-Alloyed 4Cr5Mo2V Hot-Working Die Steel
Authors: Gu Jinbo , Li Jingyuan , Chen Yulai
Published: August 2017

The microstructure and strengthening-toughening mechanism of a modified 4Cr5Mo2V hot-working die steel with nitrogen (0.08% N) were investigated using hardness and toughness measurements, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction experiments, transmission electron microscopy, and dilatometry. The results showed that the nitrogen addition could increase the hardness and temperability of 4Cr5Mo2V steel without toughness loss with a suitable heat treatment procedure. The fair match of high strength and toughness of the nitrogen-alloyed 4Cr5Mo2V steel is associated with the refinement of the prior austenite grain, the solution hardening of nitrogen atoms, and the increase of retained austenite. Before quenching, nitrogen tends to precipitate in the form of a large amount of undissolved finer V(C, N), imposing a stronger effect on restricting the growth of prior austenitic grains and increasing the grain refining efficiency of VC by 6.8 times according to an estimate. During the quenching process, the nitrogen decreases the MS of the martensitic transformation, increasing retained austenite, which is a benefit for toughness. During the tempering process, some of the N atoms in M(C, N) were dissolved in the matrix, causing crystal lattice distortions, thus boosting the solution reinforcing effect. Meanwhile, the solid-dissolved nitrogen inhibits the diffusion of carbon, decreasing the growth rate of the carbides and increasing tempering resistance.
Uncertainty Quantification of Microstructure—Governed Properties of Polysilicon MEMS
Authors: Mirzazadeh Ramin , Mariani Stefano
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we investigate the stochastic effects of the microstructure of polysilicon films on the overall response of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). A device for on-chip testing has been purposely designed so as to maximize, in compliance with the production process, its sensitivity to fluctuations of the microstructural properties; as a side effect, its sensitivity to geometrical imperfections linked to the etching process has also been enhanced. A reduced-order, coupled electromechanical model of the device is developed and an identification procedure, based on a genetic algorithm, is finally adopted to tune the parameters ruling microstructural and geometrical uncertainties. Besides an initial geometrical imperfection that can be considered specimen-dependent due to its scattering, the proposed procedure has allowed identifying an average value of the effective polysilicon Young’s modulus amounting to 140 GPa, and of the over-etch depth with respect to the target geometry layout amounting to O = − 0.09 μ m. The procedure has been therefore shown to be able to assess how the studied stochastic effects are linked to the scattering of the measured input–output transfer function of the device under standard working conditions. With a continuous trend in miniaturization induced by the mass production of MEMS, this study can provide information on how to handle the foreseen growth of such scattering.
Recovery of Phosphate Minerals from Plant Tailings Using Direct Froth Flotation
Authors: Alsafasfeh Ashraf , Alagha Lana
Published: August 2017

Wastes produced from the phosphate industry presents many challenges due to the high economic and environmental impacts involved with their disposal. However, the relative scarcity of high-grade phosphate ores has driven researchers to recover and recycle these valuable wastes (secondary sources). The goal of this study was to investigate the possibility of upgrading the P2O5 content in tailings produced from a phosphorous production plant using direct froth flotation. Characterization assays, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and mineral liberation analysis (MLA), were first conducted to identify the mineralogical and morphological characteristics of tailings samples and grain properties to better understand the behavior of the flotation feed. Flotation experiments were conducted using Denver D-12 in a 1-L flotation cell in the presence of sodium silicate (dispersant) and sodium oleate (collector). Several parameters, such as the solids content of the flotation pulp, pulp pH and flotation time, were investigated to optimize the recovery and grade of the concentrate products. Results obtained from this study indicated that the P2O5 content in plant tailings could be upgraded from 21.57% to 28.4% at >73% recovery.
Preparation of Magnetic Nanoparticles via a Chemically Induced Transition: Role of Treating Solution’s Temperature
Authors: Zhang Ting , Meng Xiangshen , He Zhenghong , Lin Yueqiang , Liu Xiaodong , Li Decai , Li Jian , Qiu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2017

Using FeOOH/Mg(OH)2 as precursor and FeCl2 as the treating solution, we prepared γ-Fe2O3 based nanoparticles. The FeCl2 treating solution catalyzes the chemical reactions, dismutation and oxygenation, leading to the formation of products FeCl3 and Fe2O3, respectively. The treating solution (FeCl2) accelerates dehydration of the FeOOH compound in the precursor and transforms it into the initial seed crystallite γ-Fe2O3. Fe2O3 grows epitaxially on the initial seed crystallite γ-Fe2O3. The epitaxial layer has a magnetically silent surface, which does not have any magnetization contribution toward the breaking of crystal symmetry. FeCl3 would be absorbed to form the FeCl3·6H2O surface layer outside the particles to form γ-Fe2O3/FeCl3·6H2O nanoparticles. When the treating solution’s temperature is below 70 °C, the dehydration reaction of FeOOH is incomplete and the as-prepared samples are a mixture of both FeOOH and γ-Fe2O3/FeCl3·6H2O nanoparticles. As the treating solution’s temperature increases from 70 to 90 °C, the contents of both FeCl3·6H2O and the epitaxial Fe2O3 increased in totality.
Broadband Ultra-Deep Sub-Diffraction-Limit Optical Focusing by Metallic Graded-Index (MGRIN) Lenses
Authors: Zhu Yechuan , Yuan Weizheng , Sun Hao , Yu Yiting
Published: August 2017

The development of techniques for efficiently confining energy in the visible and infrared spectral regions to the deep subwavelength spatial scale with dimensions as small as a few nanometers would have great significance for scientific research and engineering practices. Such an ability to manipulate light is impossible for conventional dielectric lenses due to the diffraction limit. Here, we propose a metallic graded-index (MGRIN) lens formed by an array of coupled metallic waveguides with identical nanoscale widths embedded by index-varying dielectrics to enable the optical nanofocusing. The focusing mechanism of the MGRIN lens is theoretically investigated based on Hamiltonian optics, which are verified by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Numerical results reveal that an ultra-deep subwavelength focus of 8 nm (λ/500) with a long focal depth (1.93λ) and enhanced field intensity can be achieved. Moreover, the nanofocusing capability of the MGRIN lens without redesigning the structure can be well kept when the incident wavelength changes over a broad range from visible to infrared. Our design of optical nanofocusing shows great potential for use in nano-optics and nanotechnology.
The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
Authors: Pullar Juliet , Carr Anitra , Vissers Margreet
Published: August 2017

The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier against insults from the environment, and its unique structure reflects this. The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermal outer layer is highly cellular and provides the barrier function, and the inner dermal layer ensures strength and elasticity and gives nutritional support to the epidermis. Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. This knowledge is often used as a rationale for the addition of vitamin C to topical applications, but the efficacy of such treatment, as opposed to optimising dietary vitamin C intake, is poorly understood. This review discusses the potential roles for vitamin C in skin health and summarises the in vitro and in vivo research to date. We compare the efficacy of nutritional intake of vitamin C versus topical application, identify the areas where lack of evidence limits our understanding of the potential benefits of vitamin C on skin health, and suggest which skin properties are most likely to benefit from improved nutritional vitamin C intake.
Synthesis and Application of Novel Magnetic Ion-Imprinted Polymers for Selective Solid Phase Extraction of Cadmium (II)
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Wang Mei , Wu Qing , Xu Zhenlin , Tian Xingguo
Published: August 2017

Ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) have received much attention in the fields of separation and purification. Nevertheless, selectivity of IIPs for trace target ions in complicated matrix remains a challenge. In this work, a cadmium magnetic ion-imprinted polymer (MIIP) was synthesized via surface imprinting, using methacrylic acid and acrylamide as dual functional monomers, vinyltrimethoxysilane as ligand, Fe3O4@SiO2 as support, azodiisobutyronitrile as initiator, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker. The MIIP was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. The maximum adsorption capacities of the MIIP and magnetic non-imprinted polymer for Cd(II) were 46.8 and 14.7 mg·g−1, respectively. The selectivity factors of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) were 3.17, 2.97, and 2.57, respectively, which were greater than 1. The adsorption behavior of Cd(II) followed the Freundlich isotherm and a pseudo second order model. The MIIP was successfully used for the selective extraction and determination of trace Cd(II) in representative rice samples. The limit of detection and recovery of the method was 0.05 µg·L−1 and 80–103%, respectively, with a relative standard deviation less than 4.8%. This study shows that MIIP provides an attractive strategy for heavy metal detection.
Comparison of CO2 Capture Approaches for Fossil-Based Power Generation: Review and Meta-Study
Authors: Adams II Thomas , Hoseinzade Leila , Madabhushi Pranav , Okeke Ikenna
Published: August 2017

This work is a meta-study of CO2 capture processes for coal and natural gas power generation, including technologies such as post-combustion solvent-based carbon capture, the integrated gasification combined cycle process, oxyfuel combustion, membrane-based carbon capture processes, and solid oxide fuel cells. A literature survey of recent techno-economic studies was conducted, compiling relevant data on costs, efficiencies, and other performance metrics. The data were then converted in a consistent fashion to a common standard (such as a consistent net power output, country of construction, currency, base year of operation, and captured CO2 pressure) such that a meaningful and direct comparison of technologies can be made. The processes were compared against a standard status quo power plant without carbon capture to compute metrics such as cost of CO2 emissions avoided to identify the most promising designs and technologies to use for CO2 emissions abatement.
From the Sacred Sound of the Conch Shell to the Cemetery Dance: Reimagining an Africana Festival Created in a Southern Appalachian City
Authors: Harvey Marcus L.
Published: August 2017

To contemplate African American experience and its many racialized contours is to invoke a tensive quandary concerning the reconstruction of African American cultural identity in a dynamic network of historically assailed African diasporas. Utilizing a transdisciplinary approach that deploys historical analysis as well as cross-cultural and epistemological reflection, this article gestures in such a reconstructive direction from the local vantage point of Asheville, North Carolina’s “African and Caribbean” Goombay Festival. One detects in the festival an exotifying, ambiguously celebratory quality that deprioritizes Affrilachian cultural memory in southern Appalachia in favor of consumable public entertainment. The ensuing argument culminates in a preliminary epistemological reimagining of the Asheville Goombay Festival by way of constructive intercourse with the ancestral spirit-based African Jamaican ritual institution of Gumbay Play, an institution that facilitates processes of identity formation through mnemonically engaged ritual performance. Further, it is argued that this reimagining can amplify the ancestral mnemonic potential of Goombay in Asheville to incorporate more fully the varied Affrilachian lifeworlds of western North Carolina, thereby making possible a reexamination of African American cultural identity in Asheville capable of producing substantive responses to the epistemological challenge of Affrilachian cultural identity formation within western North Carolina’s greater social landscape.
Removal of Thin Cirrus Scattering Effects in Landsat 8 OLI Images Using the Cirrus Detecting Channel
Authors: Gao Bo-Cai , Li Rong-Rong
Published: August 2017

Thin cirrus clouds frequently contaminate images acquired with either Landsat 7 ETM+ or the earlier generation of Landsat series satellite instruments. The situation has changed since the launch of the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) into space in 2013. OLI implemented a cirrus detecting channel (Band 9) centered within a strong atmospheric water vapor absorption band near 1.375 μm with a width of 30 nm. The specifications for this channel were the same as those specified for the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in the early 1990s. The OLI Band 9 has been proven to be very effective in detecting and masking thin cirrus-contaminated pixels at the high spatial resolution of 30 m. However, this channel has not yet been routinely used for the correction of thin cirrus effects in other OLI band images. In this article, we describe an empirical technique for the removal of thin cirrus scattering effects in OLI visible near infrared (IR) and shortwave IR (SWIR) spectral regions. We present results from applications of the technique to three OLI data sets. We also discuss issues associated with parallax anomalies in OLI data.
Long-Term Water Storage Changes of Lake Volta from GRACE and Satellite Altimetry and Connections with Regional Climate
Authors: Ni Shengnan , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark , Hu Xiaogong
Published: August 2017

Satellite gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) provides a quantitative measure of terrestrial water storage (TWS) change at different temporal and spatial scales. In this study, we investigate the ability of GRACE to quantitatively monitor long-term hydrological characteristics over the Lake Volta region. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to study temporal and spatial variability of long-term TWS changes. Long-term Lake Volta water storage change appears to be the dominant long-term TWS change signal in the Volta basin. GRACE-derived TWS changes and precipitation variations compiled by the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) are related both temporally and spatially, but spatial leakage attenuates the magnitude of GRACE estimates, especially at small regional scales. Using constrained forward modeling, we successfully remove leakage error in GRACE estimates. After this leakage correction, GRACE-derived Lake Volta water storage changes agree remarkably well with independent estimates from satellite altimetry at interannual and longer time scales. This demonstrates the value of GRACE estimates to monitor and quantify water storage changes in lakes, especially in relatively small regions with complicated topography.
An Accuracy Assessment of Derived Digital Elevation Models from Terrestrial Laser Scanning in a Sub-Tropical Forested Environment
Authors: Muir Jasmine , Goodwin Nicholas , Armston John , Phinn Stuart , Scarth Peter
Published: August 2017

Forest structure attributes produced from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) rely on normalisation of the point cloud values from sensor coordinates to height above ground. One method to do this is through the derivation of an accurate and repeatable digital elevation model (DEM) from the TLS point cloud that is used to adjust the height. The primary aim of this paper was to test a number of TLS scan configurations, filtering options and output DEM grid resolutions (from 0.02 m to 1.0 m) to define a best practice method for DEM generation in sub-tropical forest environments. The generated DEMs were compared to both total station (TS) spot heights and a 1-m DEM generated from airborne laser scanning (ALS) to assess accuracy. The comparison to TS spot heights found that a DEM produced using the minimum elevation (minimum Z value) from a point cloud derived from a single scan had mean errors >1 m for DEM grid resolutions <0.2 m at a 25-m plot radius. At a 1-m grid resolution, the mean error was 0.19 m. The addition of a filtering approach that combined a median filter with a progressive morphological filter and a global percentile filter was able to reduce mean error of the 0.02-m grid resolution DEM to 0.31 m at a 25-m plot radius using all returns. Using multiple scan positions to derive the DEM reduced the mean error for all DEM methods. Our results suggest that a simple minimum Z filtering DEM method using a single scan at the grid resolution of 1 m can produce mean errors <0.2 m, but for a small grid resolution, such as 0.02 m, a more complex filtering approach and multiple scan positions are required to reduced mean errors. The additional validation data provided by the 1-m ALS DEM showed that when using the combined filtering method on a point cloud derived from a single scan at the plot centre, errors between 0.1 and 0.5 m occurred in the TLS DEM for all tested grid resolutions at a plot radius of 25 m. These findings present a protocol for DEM production from TLS data at a range of grid resolutions and provide an overview of factors affecting DEMs produced from single and multiple TLS scan positions.
Cyber Physical Systems for User Reliability Measurements in a Sharing Economy Environment
Authors: Seo Aria , Jeong Junho , Kim Yeichang
Published: August 2017

As the sharing economic market grows, the number of users is also increasing but many problems arise in terms of reliability between providers and users in the processing of services. The existing methods provide shared economic systems that judge the reliability of the provider from the viewpoint of the user. In this paper, we have developed a system for establishing mutual trust between providers and users in a shared economic environment to solve existing problems. In order to implement a system that can measure and control users’ situation in a shared economic environment, we analyzed the necessary factors in a cyber physical system (CPS). In addition, a user measurement system based on a CPS structure in a sharing economic environment is implemented through analysis of the factors to consider when constructing a CPS.
Vibroacoustic Impact on the Architectonic Heritage When Using Replicas of 16th Century Weapons
Authors: Lloret Angel , Sendra Sandra , Lloret Jaime , Del Rey Romina , Louis Cereceda Miguel
Published: August 2017

The recreation of historical battles next to old buildings, walls, churches, fortifications or historical facades belonging to the historical heritage of a city, has always been a source of controversy and discussion. In the absence of a clear legislation about how these buildings can be affected by the use of blunderbusses and pyrotechnics, it is necessary to carry out practical experiments to test the effect of these celebrations on these buildings. For this reason, this paper presents a set of practical experiments where the vibroacoustic effect of using weapons such as blunderbusses and harquebuses is analyzed. To gather these measurements, we have used several sound level meters and 3-axis accelerometers placed on the facade of an old building. The tests have been carried out at the Moors and Christians festival of Villajoyosa (Spain) which is internationally famous for this festival. In order to carry out the tests, six harquebusiers shot their firearms and the sensors placed along the facade of the building at different height collected the data. The results of these devices allow us to study the vibroacoustic impact on the facade depending on the height.
Characterization of Quadratic Nonlinearity between Motion Artifact and Acceleration Data and its Application to Heartbeat Rate Estimation
Authors: Kim Sunho , Im Sungbin , Park Taehyung
Published: August 2017

Accelerometers are applied to various applications to collect information about movements of other sensors deployed at diverse fields ranging from underwater area to human body. In this study, we try to characterize the nonlinear relationship between motion artifact and acceleration data. The cross bicoherence test and the Volterra filter are used as the approaches to detection and modeling. We use the cross bicoherence test to directly detect in the frequency domain and we indirectly identify the nonlinear relationship by improving the performance of eliminating motion artifact in heartbeat rate estimation using a nonlinear filter, the second-order Volterra filter. In the experiments, significant bicoherence values are observed through the cross bicoherence test between the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal contaminated with motion artifact and the acceleration sensor data. It is observed that for each dataset, the heartbeat rate estimation based on the Volterra filter is superior to that of the linear filter in terms of average absolute error. Furthermore, the leave one out cross-validation (LOOCV) is employed to develop an optimal structure of the Volterra filter for the total datasets. Due to lack of data, the developed Volterra filter does not demonstrate significant difference from the optimal linear filter in terms of t-test. Through this study, it can be concluded that motion artifact may have a quadaratical relationship with acceleration data in terms of bicoherence and more experimental data are required for developing a robust and efficient model for the relationship.
The Role of Visual Noise in Influencing Mental Load and Fatigue in a Steady-State Motion Visual Evoked Potential-Based Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Xie Jun , Xu Guanghua , Luo Ailing , Li Min , Zhang Sicong , Han Chengcheng , Yan Wenqiang
Published: August 2017

As a spatial selective attention-based brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigm, steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) BCI has the advantages of high information transfer rate, high tolerance to artifacts, and robust performance across users. However, its benefits come at the cost of mental load and fatigue occurring in the concentration on the visual stimuli. Noise, as a ubiquitous random perturbation with the power of randomness, may be exploited by the human visual system to enhance higher-level brain functions. In this study, a novel steady-state motion visual evoked potential (SSMVEP, i.e., one kind of SSVEP)-based BCI paradigm with spatiotemporal visual noise was used to investigate the influence of noise on the compensation of mental load and fatigue deterioration during prolonged attention tasks. Changes in α, θ, θ + α powers, θ/α ratio, and electroencephalography (EEG) properties of amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and online accuracy, were used to evaluate mental load and fatigue. We showed that presenting a moderate visual noise to participants could reliably alleviate the mental load and fatigue during online operation of visual BCI that places demands on the attentional processes. This demonstrated that noise could provide a superior solution to the implementation of visual attention controlling-based BCI applications.
“At-Risk” or “Socially Deviant”? Conflicting Narratives and Grassroots Organizing of Sex/Entertainment Workers and LGBT Communities in Cambodia
Authors: Hoefinger Heidi , Srun Srorn
Published: August 2017

Cambodia has experienced rapid economic development and increased globalization in the last two decades, which have influenced changes in sexual attitudes and politics. Yet deeply embedded patriarchal structures that promote adherence to traditional values, gender binaries, and sexual purity of women impede progress in the recognition of the rights of sex/entertainment workers and LGBT communities. Using the framework of sexual humanitarianism, this paper outlines the ways in which these constraints are compounded by two dominant conflicting narratives that place these groups as either at-risk and vulnerable or socially deviant, and deemed in need of interventions that protect and control. Drawing on over a decade of empirical research on the sex/entertainment industries, and broader gender/sexual landscape in Cambodia, as well as current social activism of the authors, this paper also describes the ways LGBT and sex worker communities are engaging in shared organizing and self-advocacy as strategies to address their needs and the consequences left in the wake of sexual humanitarian interventions. In order to contextualize their deeply-rooted legacy in Cambodia, the paper also provides an overview of past and contemporary gender/sexual norms and diversity, and concludes with a call for governments and policymakers to expand support for grassroots movements and to listen more closely to the voices of LGBT and sex worker communities so that the political and social needs of these groups can be addressed.
Measuring Destination Image through Travel Reviews in Search Engines
Authors: Marine-Roig Estela
Published: August 2017

In recent years, mobile phones and access points to free Wi-Fi services have been enhanced, which has made it easier for travellers to share their stories, pictures, and video clips online during a trip. At the same time, online travel review (OTR) websites have grown significantly, allowing users to post their travel experiences, opinions, comments, and ratings in a structured way. Moreover, Internet search engines play a crucial role in locating and presenting OTRs before and throughout a trip. This evolution of social media and information and communication technologies has upset the classic sources of information of the projected tourist destination image (TDI), allowing electronic word-of-mouth to occupy a prominent position. Hence, the aim of this paper is to propose a method based on big data technologies for analysing and measuring the perceived (and transmitted) TDI from OTRs as presented in search engines, emphasising the cognitive, spatial, temporal, evaluative, and affective TDI dimensions. To test this approach, a massive analysis of metadata processed by search engines was performed on 387,414 TripAdvisor OTRs on ‘Things to Do’ in Île de France, an outstanding smart tourist destination. The results obtained are consistent and allow for the extraction of insights and business intelligence.
A Comparison of the Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Performance between Reinforced Concrete and Cross-Laminated Timber Structures in Residential Buildings in the Severe Cold Region of China
Authors: Guo Haibo , Liu Ying , Meng Yiping , Huang Haoyu , Sun Cheng , Shao Yu
Published: August 2017

This paper aims to investigate the energy saving and carbon reduction performance of cross-laminated timber residential buildings in the severe cold region of China through a computational simulation approach. The authors selected Harbin as the simulation environment, designed reference residential buildings with different storeys which were constructed using reinforced concrete (RC) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) systems, then simulated the energy performance using the commercial software IESTM and finally made comparisions between the RC and CLT buildings. The results show that the estimated energy consumption and carbon emissions for CLT buildings are 9.9% and 13.2% lower than those of RC buildings in view of life-cycle assessment. This indicates that the CLT construction system has good potential for energy saving when compared to RC in the severe cold region of China. The energy efficiency of residential buildings is closely related to the height for both RC and CLT buildings. In spite of the higher cost of materials for high-rise buildings, both RC and CLT tall residential buildings have better energy efficiency than low-rise and mid-rise buildings in the severe cold region of China.
Social Enterprise as a Catalyst for Sustainable Local and Regional Development
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Lim Up
Published: August 2017

This study aims to present an integrated theoretical framework of sustainable local and regional development with an emphasis on social economy theory. The theoretical literature on social economy and sustainable local and regional development are reviewed and integrated focusing on the obstacles of sustainability and the function of social economy in local and regional development. Conflict and competition among sustainability values necessitates agreement and cooperation among those who embrace such values. Social enterprises are the core components of a social economy that reflects local and regional needs and pursues complex goals. In the social innovation process, social enterprises collaborate with various stakeholders regarding their business and social goals. Social enterprises have positive effects that influence local and regional development by satisfying local and regional needs, creating jobs in the community, developing relational assets in business processes, and restoring community solidarity. In social economy theory, social enterprises can facilitate sustainable local and regional development by including relational assets which embody social capital in social innovation processes. In the context of local and regional development, relational assets are important reinforcements of institutional capabilities, networks, and community or regional cooperation. Although social enterprises are not the dominant resources in traditional local and regional development, they can solve problems related to collective actions by networking and applying social norms to the situation.
Analyzing the Impact of Nuclear Power on CO2 Emissions
Authors: Lee Sanglim , Kim Minkyung , Lee Jiwoong
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the relationship between the nuclear power proportion and CO2 emissions per capita using the panel dynamic ordinary least square method. The panel datasets consist of 18 countries covering 95% of the global nuclear reactors. The results indicate that a long-term 1% increase in nuclear power led to a 0.26–0.32% decrease in CO2 emissions per capita. Additionally, in France, Germany, and Switzerland they demonstrate the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve—an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental pollution and income per capita.
Impact of Salinity Change on Water Quality Variables from the Sediment of an Artificial Lake under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Kang Ji , Kim Sang , Choi I-Song , Chang Kwang-Hyeon , Oh Jong , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: August 2017

Artificial reservoirs are created by dike construction in coastal areas to secure the agricultural water supply on the west coast of South Korea. These systems are found to retain brackish characteristics until total desalination is achieved. To evaluate the effects of salinity on the organic substances released from the sediment, a laboratory water-sediment column experiment was conducted to assess associated changes in water quality variables such as the sediment oxygen demand (SOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Under high salinity conditions, the release of N from the sediment was promoted with the enhancement of SOD and COD. This trend was accounted for by the response of the microorganisms (cell breakdown of algae and suppression of metabolic activity). Our results suggest that chemicals (N, P, and COD) released from sediment and its overall impact on the water quality of a brackish lake should vary depending on the temporal and spatial dynamics of the salinity.
The Impact of Institutional Quality and Efficient Cohesion Investments on Economic Growth Evidence from Italian Regions
Authors: Arbolino Roberta , Boffardi Raffaele
Published: August 2017

Literature stresses that efficient institutions are necessary to achieve the highest returns from public policies. It has been recognized by the European Union (EU) that regional institutions have a fundamental role in obtaining the highest results from Cohesion and Structural investments, which represent the main fiscal and anticyclical instruments available for the regions. The paper aims at analyzing the impact of the quality of regional governments, and their management of EU cohesion funds on the economic growth of Italian regions. In order to measure the quality of institutions, we have combined the Institutional Quality Index (IQI) with a set of efficiency indexes, calculated in order to evaluate the ability of regional policymakers to manage European Funds. We conduct a two-way fixed effect panel regression model during the period between 2007 and 2015. The results underline that, in general, Cohesion investments and IQI are positively related to the regional growth; instead, efficiency indexes are important key factors mainly in the Southern area, characterized by structural weaknesses.
Chemical Identity of Interaction of Protein with Reactive Metabolite of Diosbulbin B In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang Kai , Lin Dongju , Guo Xiucai , Huang Wenlin , Zheng Jiang , Peng Ying
Published: August 2017

Diosbulbin B (DIOB), a hepatotoxic furan-containing compound, is a primary ingredient in Dioscorea bulbifera L., a common herbal medicine. Metabolic activation is required for DIOB-induced liver injury. Protein covalent binding of an electrophilic reactive intermediate of DIOB is considered to be one of the key mechanisms of cytotoxicity. A bromine-based analytical technique was developed to characterize the chemical identity of interaction of protein with reactive intermediate of DIOB. Cysteine (Cys) and lysine (Lys) residues were found to react with the reactive intermediate to form three types of protein modification, including Cys adduction, Schiff’s base, and Cys/Lys crosslink. The crosslink showed time- and dose-dependence in animals given DIOB. Ketoconazole pretreatment decreased the formation of the crosslink derived from DIOB, whereas pretreatment with dexamethasone or buthionine sulfoximine increased such protein modification. These data revealed that the levels of hepatic protein adductions were proportional to the severity of hepatotoxicity of DIOB.
Challenges in Estimating Vaccine Coverage in Refugee and Displaced Populations: Results From Household Surveys in Jordan and Lebanon
Authors: Roberton Timothy , Weiss William ,   The Jordan Health Access Study Team,   The Lebanon Health Access Study Team, Doocy Shannon
Published: August 2017

Ensuring the sustained immunization of displaced persons is a key objective in humanitarian emergencies. Typically, humanitarian actors measure coverage of single vaccines following an immunization campaign; few measure routine coverage of all vaccines. We undertook household surveys of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, outside of camps, using a mix of random and respondent-driven sampling, to measure coverage of all vaccinations included in the host country’s vaccine schedule. We analyzed the results with a critical eye to data limitations and implications for similar studies. Among households with a child aged 12–23 months, 55.1% of respondents in Jordan and 46.6% in Lebanon were able to produce the child’s EPI card. Only 24.5% of Syrian refugee children in Jordan and 12.5% in Lebanon were fully immunized through routine vaccination services (having received from non-campaign sources: measles, polio 1–3, and DPT 1–3 in Jordan and Lebanon, and BCG in Jordan). Respondents in Jordan (33.5%) and Lebanon (40.1%) reported difficulties obtaining child vaccinations. Our estimated immunization rates were lower than expected and raise serious concerns about gaps in vaccine coverage among Syrian refugees. Although our estimates likely under-represent true coverage, given the additional benefit of campaigns (not captured in our surveys), there is a clear need to increase awareness, accessibility, and uptake of immunization services. Current methods to measure vaccine coverage in refugee and displaced populations have limitations. To better understand health needs in such groups, we need research on: validity of recall methods, links between campaigns and routine immunization programs, and improved sampling of hard-to-reach populations.
CD40, a Novel Inducer of Purinergic Signaling: Implications to the Pathogenesis of Experimental Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Subauste Carlos
Published: August 2017

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading complication of diabetes. Death of capillary cells with resulting capillary degeneration is a central feature of this disease. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to the development of retinal capillary degeneration in diabetes. CD40 is an upstream inducer of a broad range of inflammatory responses in the diabetic retina and is required for death of retinal capillary cells. Recent studies uncovered CD40 as a novel inducer of purinergic signaling and identified the CD40-ATP-P2X7 pathway as having a key role in the induction of inflammation in the diabetic retina and programmed cell death of retinal endothelial cells.
Spatial and Seasonal Surface Water Quality Assessment in a Tropical Urban Catchment: Burío River, Costa Rica
Authors: Mena-Rivera Leonardo , Salgado-Silva Viviana , Benavides-Benavides Cristina , Coto-Campos Juana , Swinscoe Thomas
Published: August 2017

Water quality assessments are essential for providing information regarding integrated water resource management processes. This study presents the results of a spatial and seasonal surface water quality assessment of the Burío river sub-catchment in Costa Rica. Fourteen sample campaigns were conducted at eight sample sites between 2005 and 2010. Seasonal variations were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models where dissolved oxygen, total solids, and nitrate showed significant differences between dry and wet seasons (p < 0.05). Cluster analysis identified three clusters at the top, middle, and bottom of the catchment that were consistent with land use patterns, and principal component analysis identified the main parameters that were affecting 84% of the total variance in water quality (biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, total phosphate, and nitrate). The National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) results indicated the majority of the river consisted of mainly “medium” water quality, although “bad” and “good” water quality results were identified depending on sample site and season. This methodological approach provides a useful monitoring technique for local governments that can be used for further remediation strategies.
Lepton Acceleration in the Vicinity of the Event Horizon: Very High Energy Emissions from Supermassive Black Holes
Authors: Hirotani Kouichi , Pu Hung-Yi , Lin Lupin Chun-Che , Kong Albert K. H , Matsushita Satoki , Asada Keiichi , Chang Hsiang-Kuang , Tam Pak-Hin T.
Published: August 2017

Around a rapidly rotating black hole (BH), when the plasma accretion rate is much less than the Eddington rate, the radiatively inefficient accretion flow (RIAF) cannot supply enough MeV photons that are capable of materializing as pairs. In such a charge-starved BH magnetosphere, the force-free condition breaks down in the polar funnels. Applying the pulsar outer-magnetospheric lepton accelerator theory to supermassive BHs, we demonstrate that a strong electric field arises along the magnetic field lines in the direct vicinity of the event horizon in the funnels, that the electrons and positrons are accelerated up to 100 TeV in this vacuum gap, and that these leptons emit copious photons via inverse-Compton (IC) processes between 0.1 and 30 TeV for a distant observer. It is found that these IC fluxes will be detectable with Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes, provided that a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus is located within 1 Mpc for a million-solar-mass central BH or within 30 Mpc for a billion-solar-mass central BH. These very high energy fluxes are beamed in a relatively small solid angle around the rotation axis because of the inhomogeneous and anisotropic distribution of the RIAF photon field and show an anticorrelation with the RIAF submillimeter fluxes. The gap luminosity depends little on the 3D magnetic field configuration, because the Goldreich–Julian charge density, and hence the exerted electric field, is essentially governed by the frame-dragging effect, not by the magnetic field configuration.
A Global Model for Circumgalactic and Cluster-core Precipitation
Authors: Voit G. Mark , Meece Greg , Li Yuan , O’Shea Brian W. , Bryan Greg L. , Donahue Megan
Published: August 2017

We provide an analytic framework for interpreting observations of multiphase circumgalactic gas that is heavily informed by recent numerical simulations of thermal instability and precipitation in cool-core galaxy clusters. We start by considering the local conditions required for the formation of multiphase gas via two different modes: (1) uplift of ambient gas by galactic outflows, and (2) condensation in a stratified stationary medium in which thermal balance is explicitly maintained. Analytic exploration of these two modes provides insights into the relationships between the local ratio of the cooling and freefall timescales (i.e.,

t

cool

/

t

ff

), the large-scale gradient of specific entropy, and the development of precipitation and multiphase media in circumgalactic gas. We then use these analytic findings to interpret recent simulations of circumgalactic gas in which global thermal balance is maintained. We show that long-lasting configurations of gas with

5
≲
min
(

t

cool

/

t

ff

)
≲
20

and radial entropy profiles similar to observations of cool cores in galaxy clusters are a natural outcome of precipitation-regulated feedback. We conclude with some observational predictions that follow from these models. This work focuses primarily on precipitation and AGN feedback in galaxy-cluster cores, because that is where the observations of multiphase gas around galaxies are most complete. However, many of the physical principles that govern condensation in those environments apply to circumgalactic gas around galaxies of all masses.
The Evolving Understanding of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
Authors: McIntosh Christine G. , Mitchell Edwin A.
Published: August 2017

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is the leading cause for post-neonatal mortality in industrialized nations. Case-control studies have identified risk factors for SUID that have shaped research into studies of causation. Most current hypotheses for the mechanisms for SUID contribute to the “SUID sequence”—hypoxia and/or hypercarbia in sleep to which a vulnerable infant fails to respond adequately and that results in death. Reducing vulnerability in infants and promoting safe sleep for infants is important for prevention and requires knowledge of the prevalence of risk factors within the target population and a culturally sensitive approach.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2017;46(8):e278–e283.]