bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Security and People: A Conundrum for Compliance
Authors: Pham Hiep Cong , Pham Duy Dang , Brennan Linda , Richardson Joan
Published: January 2017

This evaluation of end-users and IT experts/managers’ attitudes towards performing IT security tasks indicates important differences between their perspectives on what is and is not necessary to establish a secure corporate IT environment. Through a series of case studies, this research illustrates that making it easier for end-users to comply does not necessarily equate to enhanced implementation of security measures. End-users want to be autonomous, competent, self-motivated and active participants in the development of secure environments. However, managers and experts want to limit autonomy to ensure that procedures are followed closely, rather than permitting flexibility. This results in the creation of environments that are intrinsically de-motivating rather than motivating end-users to become self-determined and self-regulating co-creators of a secure IT environment. The paper also discusses alternative approaches to developing a human system that works for end-users and experts.
Recherche et pédagogie
Authors: Guérin Francis , Zannad Hédia
Published: January 2017

Comment s’articulent recherche et enseignement en gestion dans le contexte particulier des grandes écoles de commerce ? Cette étude qualitative, menée auprès des enseignants-chercheurs d’une grande école de management, montre que les Business Schools ont actuellement un modèle pédagogique peu propice à la personnalisation – pourtant nécessaire pour que la recherche s’y inscrive – et qui met en concurrence pédagogie et publication. De même, la priorité donnée aux activités de recherche peut pénaliser l’enseignement en détournant les ressources et en encourageant, potentiellement, le départ des enseignants-chercheurs. Enfin un lien existe – qui mériterait d’être creusé – entre trois construits : l’identité pour soi des enseignants-chercheurs, leur paradigme intellectuel et le degré de convergence entre leur pédagogie et leur recherche.
Vers une nouvelle forme de croissance économique
Authors: Fulconis François , Paché Gilles , Reynaud Emmanuelle
Published: January 2017

Le système économique actuel s’appuie sur une exploitation, voire une surexploitation, des ressources naturelles pourtant limitées, sans toujours penser au recyclage des produits en fin de vie. Avec un tel système, qualifié de « linéaire », comment envisager toujours plus de croissance économique sans menacer la survie de l’Humanité ? Une approche davantage « circulaire » de l’économie semble à privilégier. L’article1met en évidence en quoi les recherches en logistique etsupply chain management(SCM) participent aux réflexions académiques et aux décisions managériales visant à promouvoir une nouvelle forme de croissance économique intégrant davantage de critères écologiques, sociaux et sociétaux.
From the Tower of London to the Thomas More Society of Buenos Aires: “Give me thy grace, good Lord, to set the world at nought”
Authors: Murphy Clare M.
Published: January 2017

The Thomas More Society of Buenos Aires begins or ends almost all its events by reciting in both English and Spanish a prayer written by More in the margins of his Book of Hours probably while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London. After a short history of what is called Thomas More’s Prayer Book, the author studies the prayer as a poem written in the form of a psalm according to the structure of Hebrew poetry, and looks at the poem’s content as a psalm of lament.
Homo Viator: Aspects of the Works and Life of Thomas More
Authors: McCutcheon Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Travel or wayfaring as a metaphor for life is both pervasive and multifaceted in More’s writings. It appears in his early Pageant Verses, which trace a double movement from life to death and to eternal life, while several of his Latin epigrams speak of death as terminus. In Utopia it is an essential aspect of Hythloday and the beliefs of the Utopians, who are metaphorically traveling towards their true home, heaven. And it is embedded in More’s devotional works, especially A Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation, which depends upon a contrast between matters temporal and the truly good, which is eternal.
Teaching the Truth: Thomas More, Germanus Brixius, and Horace’sArs poetica
Authors: Gilman Donald
Published: January 2017

In his Letter to Brixius (1520) Thomas More proposes a poetics that incorporates Horatian prescriptions of structure, style, and the role of the poet. In attacking the untruths in the poem Chordigerae navis conflagratio (1513) by the French humanist Germanus Brixius or Germain de Brie, More alludes frequently to loci classici in Horace’s Ars poetica and, at the same time, presents three poetic principles: (1) the use of history in imaginative literature; (2) the significance of decorum and verisimilitude in the creation of fictional representation; (3) the nature of the poet who, similar to the Roman orator, contributes to society through moral example and teaching. In drawing upon precepts set forth by Horace and Roman rhetoricians and interpreted by Renaissance critics, More defines the means of teaching the truth in humanist fiction.
En exil chez soi
Authors: Taillé Michel
Published: January 2017

Résumé

Dans les poèmes écrits par Karol Wojtyla, futur pape Jean-Paul II, s’en trouve un qui exprime les sentiments d’un Polonais aspirant à la renaissance de sa patrie. En fait, il vit sur son territoire, mais des forces étrangères tendent à la dépouiller de sa langue, à étouffer sa foi religieuse et ses idéaux nationaux : c’est une bien étrange façon de vivre l’exil, que de le vivre chez soi. Il ne peut que se souvenir, et rêver l’avenir.
Les Quakers et l’Exil en Amerique du Nord au XVIIe siecle
Authors: Louis Jeanne-Henriette
Published: January 2017

Friends and exile in North America in the 17th century.

Quakers (or Friends) like to consider Adam’s fall as an exile from divine nature towards animal nature, and the quest for “ Inner Light” as a reverse exile, a return to divine nature. Their “theologian”, Robert Barclay, explained this in a very clear way in his Apology of the true Christian divinity, as the fame is held forth, and preached, by the people called, in scorn, Quakers, published in 1675.

The missionary zeal of Friends at the beginning of their movement, led them to announce the good news of redemption in North America as soon as 1656, which brought persecution on them during three decades. Banishment, and even death penalty, were the kind of exile imposed upon Friends by Boston Puritans and by other settlers on the North American coast. Pennsylvania’s Holy Experiment launched by William Penn offered for several decades a space for creativity for the voluntary exile of Quakers and Mennonites who left Europe in quest of a spiritual New World.

Officially ended in 1756, the Holy Experiment of Pennsylvania goes through an apparent exile from this date. But we can find its values in other places, at other times. Redemption belongs to a world which is not invisible, but unseen because of many people’s blindness.
More, Erasmus, Vives and Peter Martyr: an Updated Comparison
Authors: Cro Stelio
Published: January 2017

This article compares More’s Utopia to Peter Martyr’s De Orbe Novo and to its plagiarized version Paesi nouamente ritrouati…. The point is made in this article of the fact that, given the number of editions and translations, including Latin and French, of Paesi between 1507 and 1516, More might have had the opportunity to read it. The new philosophy of De Orbe Novo shows several points of contact with the Northern European Humanists. They differed with the Italian traditional humanists in the method and the language. They were in favor of new ideas and a new language, in order to explain a new reality.
What Holbein & Lockey Captured in The Family of Sir Thomas More: A Family “furnished for the whole scope of human life”
Authors: Wegemer Gerard
Published: January 2017

This article explores the striking differences between the predominantly religious scene in Holbein’s 1526/27 Basel drawing of the More family and the predominantly secular scene found in the Holbein/Lockey 1530/1593 oil portrait of the More family found at Nostell Priory. This paper suggests a reading of both works of art, including an interpretation for the choice of the specific books by Seneca and Boethius in the Nostell Priory portrait. It also reviews the history of the portrait, indicating that Holbein probably began this oil painting, or at least prepared the canvas, and that Lockey completed it as a faithful imitation of the original.
Les interprétations contestataires de Romains 13 au XVI ème siècle
Authors: Mellet Paul-Alexis
Published: January 2017

Contrairement à ce qu’affirme une part de l’historiographie, les Monarchomaques ne constituent pas une étape essentielle dans l’avènement de la tolérance religieuse. Au contraire, en interprétant l’Epître de Paul aux Romains dans un sens peu limitatif, ils destituent le prince du pouvoir de la décision religieuse et font peser sur lui la menace d’une révolte armée (en cas de tyrannie). L’obéissance politique est ainsi conditionnée au respect des engagements, qu’ils soient pris lors du sacre (accession du duc d’Anjou au trône de Pologne) ou lors du règne (édit de Beaulieu). Mais l’etablissement de cette condition ne conduit pas les Monarchomaques à soutenir des expériences de tolérance relative, comme la mise en place des chambres mi-parties.
Red Fruits: Extraction of Antioxidants, Phenolic Content, and Radical Scavenging Determination: A Review
Authors: Hidalgo Gádor-Indra , Almajano María
Published: January 2017

Red fruits, as rich antioxidant foods, have gained over recent years capital importance for consumers and manufacturers. The industrial extraction of the phenolic molecules from this source has been taking place with the conventional solvent extraction method. New non-conventional extraction methods have been devised as environmentally friendly alternatives to the former method, such as ultrasound, microwave, and pressure assisted extractions. The aim of this review is to compile the results of recent studies using different extraction methodologies, identify the red fruits with higher antioxidant activity, and give a global overview of the research trends regarding this topic. As the amount of data available is overwhelming, only results referring to berries are included, leaving aside other plant parts such as roots, stems, or even buds and flowers. Several researchers have drawn attention to the efficacy of non-conventional extraction methods, accomplishing similar or even better results using these new techniques. Some pilot-scale trials have been performed, corroborating the applicability of green alternative methods to the industrial scale. Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) emerge as the berries with the highest antioxidant content and capacity. However, several new up and coming berries are gaining attention due to global availability and elevated anthocyanin content.
Analysis of MPPT Failure and Development of an Augmented Nonlinear Controller for MPPT of Photovoltaic Systems under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Chen Mingxuan , Ma Suliang , Wu Jianwen , Huang Lian
Published: January 2017

The output–voltage–power curves of photovoltaic (PV) arrays exhibit complex multi-peak shapes when local shading occurs. The existing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms to solve this multi-peak problem do not consider the possibility of tracking failures due to the time of the irradiance change. In this study, first, the reason for the failure of the global MPPT (GMPPT) algorithm is analyzed based on the PV array mathematical model and its output characteristics under partial shading conditions; then, in order to estimate the MPP voltage, an artificial neural network (ANN) is trained using environmental information such as irradiance. A hybrid MPPT method using an augmented state feedback precise linearization (AFL) controller combined with an ANN is proposed to solve problems such as the shift of the static operating point of the DC/DC boost converter. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to validate the proposed method and eliminate the possibility of MPPT failure. The proposed hybrid MPPT method is compared with the conventional perturb and observe (P & O) method and the improved P & O method through simulations. Using the proposed neural network and nonlinear control strategy, the MPP can be tracked rapidly, accurately, and statically, proving that the method is feasible and effective.
Beam Grouping Based RS Resource Reuse and De-Contamination in Large Scale MIMO Systems
Authors: Lee Byung , Kim Youngok
Published: January 2017

It is well known that large scale multiple-input multiple-output (LS-MIMO) systems are very attractive technology to increase both spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). However, one of big obstacles to the realization of the LS-MIMO system is the overhead of reference signals (RSs), since the number of RS increases as the number of transmitter (TX) antennas increases. In this paper, the RS overhead problem is analyzed, and we propose an RS overhead reduction scheme based on beam grouping, which is called beam grouping based resource reuse (BGRR). The proposed scheme divides one cell into several sectors and reuses the RS resources for the different sectors. The resource conflict is reduced using beam separability. According to the analysis and the simulation results, the proposed scheme can remarkably reduce the RS overhead and improve the SE performance significantly.
Measurement of Soy Contents in Ground Beef Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Hongzhe , Zhuang Hong , Sohn Miryeong , Wang Wei
Published: January 2017

Models for determining contents of soy products in ground beef were developed using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Samples were prepared by mixing four kinds of soybean protein products (Arconet, toasted soy grits, Profam and textured vegetable protein (TVP)) with ground beef (content from 0%–100%). NIR spectra of meat mixtures were measured with dispersive (400–2500 nm) and Fourier transform NIR (FT-NIR) spectrometers (1000–2500 nm). Partial least squares (PLS) regression with full leave-one-out cross-validation was used to build prediction models. The results based on dispersive NIR spectra revealed that the coefficient of determination for cross-validation (Rcv2) ranged from 0.91 for toasted soy grits to 0.99 for Arconet. The results based on FT-NIR spectra exhibited the best prediction for toasted soy grits (Rcv2 = 0.99) and Rcv2 > 0.98 for the other three soy types. For identification of different types of soy products, support vector machine (SVM) classification was used and the total accuracy for dispersive NIR and FT-NIR was 95% and 83.33%, respectively. These results suggest that either dispersive NIR or FT-NIR spectroscopy could be used to predict the content and the discrimination of different soy products added in ground beef products. In application, FT-NIR spectroscopy methods would be recommended if time is a consideration in practice.
Potential Benefits and Harms of Intermittent Energy Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Amongst Obese, Overweight and Normal Weight Subjects—A Narrative Review of Human and Animal Evidence
Authors: Harvie Michelle , Howell Anthony
Published: January 2017

Intermittent energy restriction (IER) has become popular as a means of weight control amongst people who are overweight and obese, and is also undertaken by normal weight people hoping spells of marked energy restriction will optimise their health. This review summarises randomised comparisons of intermittent and isoenergetic continuous energy restriction for weight loss to manage overweight and obesity. It also summarises the potential beneficial or adverse effects of IER on body composition, adipose stores and metabolic effects from human studies, including studies amongst normal weight subjects and relevant animal experimentation. Six small short term (<6 month) studies amongst overweight or obese individuals indicate that intermittent energy restriction is equal to continuous restriction for weight loss, with one study reporting greater reductions in body fat, and two studies reporting greater reductions in HOMA insulin resistance in response to IER, with no obvious evidence of harm. Studies amongst normal weight subjects and different animal models highlight the potential beneficial and adverse effects of intermittent compared to continuous energy restriction on ectopic and visceral fat stores, adipocyte size, insulin resistance, and metabolic flexibility. The longer term benefits or harms of IER amongst people who are overweight or obese, and particularly amongst normal weight subjects, is not known and is a priority for further investigation.
Mixed Lubrication Effects in the Lateral Lubricating Interfaces of External Gear Machines: Modelling and Experimental Validation
Authors: Thiagarajan Divya , Vacca Andrea
Published: January 2017

This article presents a novel mixed-thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) model for the lateral lubricating interfaces which exist between floating lateral bushings and gears in external gear machines (EGMs). The proposed model integrates the influence of surface asperities along with the fluid structure and thermal interaction in the interface, especially in the regions of very low film thicknesses by following a stochastic approach in modelling the mixed lubrication regime. Furthermore, the current work includes validation of the predictions of the mixed-TEHD model against experimentally measured leakages from the lateral gap and compares the performance of this model with a previously developed full film TEHD model for the lateral gaps in EGMs.
Effect of Thermal-Electric Cross Coupling on Heat Transport in Nanofluids
Authors: Kang Zhanxiao , Wang Liqiu
Published: January 2017

Nanofluids have an enhanced thermal conductivity compared with their base fluid. Although many mechanisms have been proposed, few of them could give a satisfactory explanation of experimental data. In this study, a mechanism of heat transport enhancement is proposed based on the cross coupling of thermal and electric transports in nanofluids. Nanoparticles are viewed as large molecules which have thermal motion together with the molecules of the base fluid. As the nanoparticles have surface charges, the motion of nanoparticles in the high-temperature region will generate a relatively strong varying electric field through which the motion will be transported to other nanoparticles, leading to a simultaneous temperature rise of low-temperature nanoparticles. The local base fluid will thus be heated up by these nanoparticles through molecular collision. Every nanoparticle could, therefore, be considered as an internal heat source, thereby enhancing the equivalent thermal conductivity significantly. This mechanism qualitatively agrees with many experimental data and is thus of significance in designing and applying nanofluids.
Regulation of DNA Replication in Early Embryonic Cleavages
Authors: Kermi Chames , Lo Furno Elena , Maiorano Domenico
Published: January 2017

Early embryonic cleavages are characterized by short and highly synchronous cell cycles made of alternating S- and M-phases with virtually absent gap phases. In this contracted cell cycle, the duration of DNA synthesis can be extraordinarily short. Depending on the organism, the whole genome of an embryo is replicated at a speed that is between 20 to 60 times faster than that of a somatic cell. Because transcription in the early embryo is repressed, DNA synthesis relies on a large stockpile of maternally supplied proteins stored in the egg representing most, if not all, cellular genes. In addition, in early embryonic cell cycles, both replication and DNA damage checkpoints are inefficient. In this article, we will review current knowledge on how DNA synthesis is regulated in early embryos and discuss possible consequences of replicating chromosomes with little or no quality control.
A NoSQL–SQL Hybrid Organization and Management Approach for Real-Time Geospatial Data: A Case Study of Public Security Video Surveillance
Authors: Wu Chen , Zhu Qing , Zhang Yeting , Du Zhiqiang , Ye Xinyue , Qin Han , Zhou Yan
Published: January 2017

With the widespread deployment of ground, air and space sensor sources (internet of things or IoT, social networks, sensor networks), the integrated applications of real-time geospatial data from ubiquitous sensors, especially in public security and smart city domains, are becoming challenging issues. The traditional geographic information system (GIS) mostly manages time-discretized geospatial data by means of the Structured Query Language (SQL) database management system (DBMS) and emphasizes query and retrieval of massive historical geospatial data on disk. This limits its capability for on-the-fly access of real-time geospatial data for online analysis in real time. This paper proposes a hybrid database organization and management approach with SQL relational databases (RDB) and not only SQL (NoSQL) databases (including the main memory database, MMDB, and distributed files system, DFS). This hybrid approach makes full use of the advantages of NoSQL and SQL DBMS for the real-time access of input data and structured on-the-fly analysis results which can meet the requirements of increased spatio-temporal big data linking analysis. The MMDB facilitates real-time access of the latest input data such as the sensor web and IoT, and supports the real-time query for online geospatial analysis. The RDB stores change information such as multi-modal features and abnormal events extracted from real-time input data. The DFS on disk manages the massive geospatial data, and the extensible storage architecture and distributed scheduling of a NoSQL database satisfy the performance requirements of incremental storage and multi-user concurrent access. A case study of geographic video (GeoVideo) surveillance of public security is presented to prove the feasibility of this hybrid organization and management approach.
Influence of Temperature on Transdermal Penetration Enhancing Mechanism of Borneol: A Multi-Scale Study
Authors: Yin Qianqian , Wang Ran , Yang Shufang , Wu Zhimin , Guo Shujuan , Dai Xingxing , Qiao Yanjiang , Shi Xinyuan
Published: January 2017

The influence of temperature on the transdermal permeation enhancing mechanism of borneol (BO) was investigated using a multi-scale method, containing a coarse-grained molecular dynamic (CG-MD) simulation, an in vitro permeation experiment, and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) study. The results showed that BO has the potential to be used as a transdermal penetration enhancer to help osthole (OST) penetrate into the bilayer. With the increasing temperature, the stratum corneum (SC) becomes more flexible, proving to be synergistic with the permeation enhancement of BO, and the lag time (TLag) of BO and OST are shortened. However, when the temperature increased too much, with the effect of BO, the structure of SC was destroyed; for example, a water pore was formed and the micelle reversed. Though there were a number of drugs coming into the SC, the normal bilayer structure was absent. In addition, through comparing the simulation, in vitro experiment, and TEM study, we concluded that the computer simulation provided some visually detailed information, and the method plays an important role in related studies of permeation.
Advances in Monitoring Cell-Based Therapies with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Future Perspectives
Authors: Ngen Ethel , Artemov Dmitri
Published: January 2017

Cell-based therapies are currently being developed for applications in both regenerative medicine and in oncology. Preclinical, translational, and clinical research on cell-based therapies will benefit tremendously from novel imaging approaches that enable the effective monitoring of the delivery, survival, migration, biodistribution, and integration of transplanted cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers several advantages over other imaging modalities for elucidating the fate of transplanted cells both preclinically and clinically. These advantages include the ability to image transplanted cells longitudinally at high spatial resolution without exposure to ionizing radiation, and the possibility to co-register anatomical structures with molecular processes and functional changes. However, since cellular MRI is still in its infancy, it currently faces a number of challenges, which provide avenues for future research and development. In this review, we describe the basic principle of cell-tracking with MRI; explain the different approaches currently used to monitor cell-based therapies; describe currently available MRI contrast generation mechanisms and strategies for monitoring transplanted cells; discuss some of the challenges in tracking transplanted cells; and suggest future research directions.
Highly Expression of CD11b and CD32 on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Adult-Onset Still’s Disease
Authors: Kim Hyoun-Ah , Choi Bunsoon , Suh Chang-Hee , Han Mi , Jung Ju-Yang , Sayeed Hasan , Kim Ye , Sohn Seonghyang
Published: January 2017

Background: We investigated the potential role of several pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs; CD11b, CD11c, CD32, CD206, CD209, and dectin-1) in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). Methods: The study included 13 untreated AOSD patients, 19 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (as a disease control), and 19 healthy controls (HCs). The PRRs were quantified in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. The serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-18, and IL-23 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Significantly higher mean frequencies of cells presenting CD11b and CD32 from whole blood were observed in patients with AOSD than in patients with RA or HC. The levels of IL-17, IL-18, and IL-23 were elevated in AOSD patients compared to HCs. CD11b frequencies from whole cells correlated with systemic scores, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, aspartate transaminase levels, interleukin-23 (IL-23) levels, and IL-18. Frequencies of CD209 from granulocytes were significantly correlated with systemic scores, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and levels of C-reactive protein, ferritin, LDH, IL-23, and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Conclusions: Elevated frequencies of circulating CD11b-positive cells and positive correlations with disease activity markers suggest that circulating CD11b-positive cells contribute to the pathogenesis of AOSD.
Capital Structure Arbitrage under a Risk-Neutral Calibration
Authors: Zeitsch Peter
Published: January 2017

By reinterpreting the calibration of structural models, a reassessment of the importance of the input variables is undertaken. The analysis shows that volatility is the key parameter to any calibration exercise, by several orders of magnitude. To maximize the sensitivity to volatility, a simple formulation of Merton’s model is proposed that employs deep out-of-the-money option implied volatilities. The methodology also eliminates the use of historic data to specify the default barrier, thereby leading to a full risk-neutral calibration. Subsequently, a new technique for identifying and hedging capital structure arbitrage opportunities is illustrated. The approach seeks to hedge the volatility risk, or vega, as opposed to the exposure from the underlying equity itself, or delta. The results question the efficacy of the common arbitrage strategy of only executing the delta hedge.
Analysis of Inflection and Singular Points on a Parametric Curve with a Shape Factor
Authors: Liu Zhi , Li Chen , Tan Jieqing , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: January 2017

The features of a class of cubic curves with a shape factor are analyzed by means of the theory of envelope and topological mapping. The effects of the shape factor on the cubic curves are made clear. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the curve to have one or two inflection points, a loop or a cusp, or to be locally or globally convex. Those conditions are completely characterized by the relative position of the edge vectors of the control polygon and the shape factor. The results are summarized in a shape diagram, which is useful when the cubic parametric curves are used for geometric modeling. Furthermore, we discuss the influences of the shape factor on the shape diagram and the ability for adjusting the shape of the curve.
A New Approximation Method with High Order Accuracy
Authors: Jiang Ziwu
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we propose a new multilevel univariate approximation method with high order accuracy using radial basis function interpolation and cubic B-spline quasi-interpolation. The proposed approach includes two schemes, which are based on radial basis function interpolation with less center points, and cubic B-spline quasi-interpolation operator. Error analysis shows that our method produces higher accuracy compared with other approaches. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed scheme is effective.
A Sensitivity-Enhanced Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator Gas Sensor with an Oscillator Circuit and Its Detection Application
Authors: Zhang Mengying , Du Lidong , Fang Zhen , Zhao Zhan
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a sensitivity-enhanced gas sensor based on a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR). It was designed and fabricated with micro through-holes in its top electrode for sensitivity enhancement. The sensor was driven by a Colpitts oscillator circuit, and the output signal had characteristics of a power of −2.6 dBm@3 V and a phase noise of −90 dBc/Hz@100 kHz. In order to test the performance of the sensor, it was used for the detection of relative humidity (RH) and ethanol. When the relative humidity ranged from 25% to 88%, the frequency shift of the sensor was 733 kHz, which was 3.2 times higher than that of the existing FBAR sensor with a complete top electrode. Fitting results of the frequency shift and the relative humidity indicated that the measurement error was within ±0.8% RH. When the ethanol concentration ranged from 0 to 0.2355 g/L, the frequency shift of the sensor was 365 kHz. The effect of the oscillator circuit on the adsorption reaction and temperature response of the FBAR sensor device was analyzed to optimize its detection application.
Thermal Transformation of NH4-Clinoptilolite to Mullite and Silica Polymorphs
Authors: Brundu Antonio , Cerri Guido , Sale Eleonora
Published: January 2017

Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite used for the abatement of ammonium in the treatment of urban wastewater. By considering that mullite was obtained through thermal treatment of NH4-exchanged synthetic zeolites, this work aimed to evaluate if this phase can be obtained from NH4-clinoptilolite. A material containing about 90 wt % of clinoptilolite, prepared using a Sardinian zeolite-rich rock, was NH4-exchanged and subjected to treatments up to 1200 °C. After dehydration, de-ammoniation, and dehydroxylation processes, the clinoptilolite structure collapsed at 600 °C. An association of mullite, silica polymorphs, and glass, whitish in color, was obtained for treatments between 1000 and 1200 °C. The higher degree of crystallinity was reached after a 32 h heating at 1100 °C: mullite 22 wt %, cristobalite 59 wt %, tridymite 10 wt %, glass 9 wt %. It is possible to speed up the kinetics of the transformation by increasing the temperature to 1200 °C, obtaining the same amount of mullite in 2 h, but increasing the residual amorphous fraction (16 wt %). These results indicate that NH4-clinoptilolite could represent a raw material of potential interest in the ceramic field, in particular in the production of acid refractory, opening scenarios for a possible reuse of clinoptilolite-based exchangers employed in ammonium decontamination.
Social Dysfunction and Diet Outcomes in People with Psychosis
Authors: Mucheru Doreen , Hanlon Mary-Claire , Campbell Linda , McEvoy Mark , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley
Published: January 2017

This analysis aimed to examine the association of social dysfunction with food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption in people with psychosis from the Hunter New England (HNE) catchment site of the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). Social dysfunction and dietary information were collected using standardised tools. Independent binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between social dysfunction and food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption. Although social dysfunction did not have a statistically significant association with most diet variables, participants with obvious to severe social dysfunction were 0.872 (95% CI (0.778, 0.976)) less likely to eat breakfast than those with no social dysfunction p < 0.05. Participants with social dysfunction were therefore, 13% less likely to have breakfast. This paper highlights high rates of social dysfunction, significant food insecurity, and intakes of fruits and vegetables below recommendations in people with psychosis. In light of this, a greater focus needs to be given to dietary behaviours and social dysfunction in lifestyle interventions delivered to people with psychosis. Well-designed observational research is also needed to further examine the relationship between social dysfunction and dietary behaviour in people with psychosis.
188Re(V) Nitrido Radiopharmaceuticals for Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Boschi Alessandra , Martini Petra , Uccelli Licia
Published: January 2017

The favorable nuclear properties of rhenium-188 for therapeutic application are described, together with new methods for the preparation of high yield and stable 188Re radiopharmaceuticals characterized by the presence of the nitride rhenium core in their final chemical structure. 188Re is readily available from an 188W/188Re generator system and a parallelism between the general synthetic procedures applied for the preparation of nitride technetium-99m and rhenium-188 theranostics radiopharmaceuticals is reported. Although some differences between the chemical characteristics of the two metallic nitrido fragments are highlighted, it is apparent that the same general procedures developed for the labelling of biologically active molecules with technetium-99m can be applied to rhenium-188 with minor modification. The availability of these chemical strategies, that allow the obtainment, in very high yield and in physiological condition, of 188Re radiopharmaceuticals, gives a new attractive prospective to employ this radionuclide for therapeutic applications.
SNR and Standard Deviation of cGNSS-R and iGNSS-R Scatterometric Measurements
Authors: Alonso-Arroyo Alberto , Querol Jorge , Lopez-Martinez Carlos , Zavorotny Valery , Park Hyuk , Pascual Daniel , Onrubia Raul , Camps Adriano
Published: January 2017

This work addresses the accuracy of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) scatterometric measurements considering the presence of both coherent and incoherent scattered components, for both conventional GNSS-R (cGNSS-R) and interferometric GNSS-R (iGNSS-R) techniques. The coherent component is present for some type of surfaces, and it has been neglected until now because it vanishes for the sea surface scattering case. Taking into account the presence of both scattering components, the estimated Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for both techniques is computed based on the detectability criterion, as it is done in conventional GNSS applications. The non-coherent averaging operation is considered from a general point of view, taking into account that thermal noise contributions can be reduced by an extra factor of 0.88 dB when using partially overlapped or partially correlated samples. After the SNRs are derived, the received waveform’s peak variability is computed, which determines the system’s capability to measure geophysical parameters. This theoretical derivations are applied to the United Kingdom (UK) TechDemoSat-1 (UK TDS-1) and to the future GNSS REflectometry, Radio Occultation and Scatterometry on board the International Space Station (ISS) (GEROS-ISS) scenarios, in order to estimate the expected scatterometric performance of both missions.
A Liquid Level Measurement Technique Outside a Sealed Metal Container Based on Ultrasonic Impedance and Echo Energy
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wei Yue-Juan , Liu Wen-Yi , Zhang Yan-Jun , Yao Zong , Zhao Li-Hui , Xiong Ji-Jun
Published: January 2017

The proposed method for measuring the liquid level focuses on the ultrasonic impedance and echo energy inside a metal wall, to which the sensor is attached directly, not on ultrasonic waves that penetrate the gas–liquid medium of a container. Firstly, by analyzing the sound field distribution characteristics of the sensor in a metal wall, this paper proposes the concept of an "energy circle" and discusses how to calculate echo energy under three different states in detail. Meanwhile, an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving circuit is designed to convert the echo energy inside the energy circle into its equivalent electric power. Secondly, in order to find the two critical states of the energy circle in the process of liquid level detection, a program is designed to help with calculating two critical positions automatically. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated through a series of experiments, and the experimental results indicate that the proposed method is effective and accurate in calibration of the liquid level outside a sealed metal container.
A Reinforcement Learning Model Equipped with Sensors for Generating Perception Patterns: Implementation of a Simulated Air Navigation System Using ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) Technology
Authors: Álvarez de Toledo Santiago , Anguera Aurea , Barreiro José , Lara Juan , Lizcano David
Published: January 2017

Over the last few decades, a number of reinforcement learning techniques have emerged, and different reinforcement learning-based applications have proliferated. However, such techniques tend to specialize in a particular field. This is an obstacle to their generalization and extrapolation to other areas. Besides, neither the reward-punishment (r-p) learning process nor the convergence of results is fast and efficient enough. To address these obstacles, this research proposes a general reinforcement learning model. This model is independent of input and output types and based on general bioinspired principles that help to speed up the learning process. The model is composed of a perception module based on sensors whose specific perceptions are mapped as perception patterns. In this manner, similar perceptions (even if perceived at different positions in the environment) are accounted for by the same perception pattern. Additionally, the model includes a procedure that statistically associates perception-action pattern pairs depending on the positive or negative results output by executing the respective action in response to a particular perception during the learning process. To do this, the model is fitted with a mechanism that reacts positively or negatively to particular sensory stimuli in order to rate results. The model is supplemented by an action module that can be configured depending on the maneuverability of each specific agent. The model has been applied in the air navigation domain, a field with strong safety restrictions, which led us to implement a simulated system equipped with the proposed model. Accordingly, the perception sensors were based on Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, which is described in this paper. The results were quite satisfactory, and it outperformed traditional methods existing in the literature with respect to learning reliability and efficiency.
Adenoviral Vectors Armed with Cell Fusion-Inducing Proteins as Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Del Papa Joshua , Parks Robin
Published: January 2017

Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of patients every year, and causes an enormous economic burden on the health care system and emotional burden on affected families. The first line of defense against solid tumors is usually extraction of the tumor, when possible, by surgical methods. In cases where solid tumors can not be safely removed, chemotherapy is often the first line of treatment. As metastatic cancers often become vigorously resistant to treatments, the development of novel, more potent and selective anti-cancer strategies is of great importance. Adenovirus (Ad) is the most commonly used virus in cancer clinical trials, however, regardless of the nature of the Ad-based therapeutic, complete responses to treatment remain rare. A number of pre-clinical studies have shown that, for all vector systems, viral spread throughout the tumor mass can be a major limiting factor for complete tumor elimination. By expressing exogenous cell-fusion proteins, many groups have shown improved spread of Ad-based vectors. This review summarizes the research done to examine the potency of Ad vectors expressing fusogenic proteins as anti-cancer therapeutics.
A Protective Vaccine against Chlamydia Genital Infection Using Vault Nanoparticles without an Added Adjuvant
Authors: Jiang Janina , Liu Guangchao , Kickhoefer Valerie , Rome Leonard , Li Lin-Xi , McSorley Stephen , Kelly Kathleen
Published: January 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease, causing a significant burden to females due to reproductive dysfunction. Intensive screening and antibiotic treatment are unable to completely prevent female reproductive dysfunction, thus, efforts have become focused on developing a vaccine. A major impediment is identifying a safe and effective adjuvant which induces cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cells with attributes capable of halting genital infection and inflammation. Previously, we described a natural nanocapsule called the vault which was engineered to contain major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and was an effective vaccine which significantly reduced early infection and favored development of a cellular immune response in a mouse model. In the current study, we used another chlamydial antigen, a polymorphic membrane protein G-1 (PmpG) peptide, to track antigen-specific cells and evaluate, in depth, the vault vaccine for its protective capacity in the absence of an added adjuvant. We found PmpG-vault immunized mice significantly reduced the genital bacterial burden and histopathologic parameters of inflammation following a C. muridarum challenge. Immunization boosted antigen-specific CD4 cells with a multiple cytokine secretion pattern and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the genital tract making the vault vaccine platform safe and effective for chlamydial genital infection. We conclude that vaccination with a Chlamydia-vault vaccine boosts antigen-specific immunities that are effective at eradicating infection and preventing reproductive tract inflammation.
Laser irradiation in water for the novel, scalable synthesis of black TiOx photocatalyst for environmental remediation
Authors: Zimbone Massimo , Cacciato Giuseppe , Boutinguiza Mohamed , Privitera Vittorio , Grimaldi Maria Grazia
Published: January 2017

Since 1970, TiO2 photocatalysis has been considered a possible alternative for sustainable water treatment. This is due to its material stability, abundance, nontoxicity and high activity. Unfortunately, its wide band gap (≈3.2 eV) in the UV portion of the spectrum makes it inefficient under solar illumination. Recently, so-called “black TiO2” has been proposed as a candidate to overcome this issue. However, typical synthesis routes require high hydrogen pressure and long annealing treatments. In this work, we present an industrially scalable synthesis of TiO2-based material based on laser irradiation. The resulting black TiOx shows a high activity and adsorbs visible radiation, overcoming the main concerns related to the use of TiO2 under solar irradiation. We employed a commercial high repetition rate green laser in order to synthesize a black TiOx layer and we demonstrate the scalability of the present methodology. The photocatalyst is composed of a nanostructured titanate film (TiOx) synthetized on a titanium foil, directly back-contacted to a layer of Pt nanoparticles (PtNps) deposited on the rear side of the same foil. The result is a monolithic photochemical diode with a stacked, layered structure (TiOx/Ti/PtNps). The resulting high photo-efficiency is ascribed to both the scavenging of electrons by Pt nanoparticles and the presence of trap surface states for holes in an amorphous hydrogenated TiOx layer.
CONCEPTUAL COST ESTIMATIONS USING NEURO-FUZZY AND MULTI-FACTOR EVALUATION METHODS FOR BUILDING PROJECTS
Authors: WANG Wei-Chih , BILOZEROV Tymur , DZENG Ren-Jye , HSIAO Fan-Yi , WANG Kun-Chi
Published: January 2017

During the conceptual phase of a construction project, numerous uncertainties make accurate cost estimation challenging. This work develops a new model to calculate conceptual costs of building projects for effective cost control. The proposed model integrates four mathematical techniques (sub-models), namely, (1) the component ratios sub-model, (2) fuzzy adaptive learning control network (FALCON) and fast messy genetic algorithm (fmGA) based sub-model, (3) regression sub-model, and (4) multi-factor evaluation sub-model. While the FALCON- and fmGA-based sub-model trains the historical cost data, three other sub-models assess the inputs systematically to estimate the cost of a new pro­ject. This study also closely examines the behavior of the proposed model by evaluating two modified models without considering fmGA and undertaking sensitivity analysis. Evaluation results indicate that, with the ability to more thor­oughly respond to the project characteristics, the proposed model has a high probability of increasing estimation accura­cies more than the three conventional methods, i.e., average unit cost, component ratios, and linear regression methods.
Restructurer le secteur de l’énergie
Authors: Viallet-Thévenin Scott
Published: January 2017

Les fusions d’entreprises sont des événements qui ont marqué l’industrie de l’énergie française – et européenne – durant la décennie 2000. Ces opérations financières et industrielles font l’objet d’une régulation de la part de l’État français et de la Commission européenne. Étudier le processus que suit un projet de fusion, montrera que ces deux institutions structurent – par la négative – l’organisation du secteur de l’énergie. Cet encadrement prend place dans des contextes et repose sur des processus très différents, l’un politisé et l’autre technicisé. Ces leviers procurent des ressources différentes, qui donnent aux acteurs étatiques de l’influence sur les projets de fusion.
La politique de concurrence au secours de l’exception culturelle
Authors: Bellon Anne
Published: January 2017

En septembre 2014, Netflix ouvre son service de vidéo à la demande par abonnement en France. L’arrivée du géant américain dans un secteur fortement régulé bouleverse les équilibres existants et suscite l’inquiétude des milieux culturels : profitant de l’hétérogénéité réglementaire en Europe, Netflix émet depuis l’étranger sans s’acquitter des nombreuses obligations qui pèsent sur les services audiovisuels français. Face à la remise en cause du modèle de soutien à la création dans l’environnement numérique, le ministère de la Culture cherche alors à le préserver à travers la promotion d’un ordre concurrentiel plus juste sur les marchés de l’audiovisuel en ligne. Mais la définition d’un modèle de concurrence subordonné à la sauvegarde de l’exception culturelle se heurte aux visions antagonistes de nombreux acteurs (autorités de régulations, entreprises privées, Commission européenne) qui soutiennent la dérégulation et la libéralisation de l’économie numérique. L’arrivée de Netflix mobilise donc le ministère en « stratège » pour imposer la prise en compte des enjeux culturels dans les politiques de concurrence. À travers le cas Netflix, l’organisation de la concurrence sur les marchés numériques apparaît comme un enjeu de luttes qui contribuent à redéfinir les logiques de l’action culturelle.