bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptin Gene G2548A Polymorphism among Mongolians with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Dagdan Batnaran , Chuluun-Erdene Ariunbold , Sengeragchaa Orgil , Malchinkhuu Munkhzol , Janlav Munkhtsetseg
Published: December 2018

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) corresponds with multiple risk factors. Many studies have indicated that MetS significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The prevalence of MetS was estimated to be one third of the general Mongolian population in 2015. The purpose of our study was to determine polymorphisms of the LEP (Leptin) and LEPR (Leptin receptor) genes that show susceptibility to MetS and to predict the genetic risk of MetS. We selected 160 cases with MetS and 144 with healthy controls. The G2548A polymorphism of the LEP gene and the A668G (Q223R) polymorphism of the LEPR gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results of the regression analysis showed that the 2548 amino acids (AA) of LEP gene carriers had increased incidences of MetS (OR = 3.23; p = 0.035). Patients with MetS who were 2548A allele carriers had an increased concentration of serum leptin (p = 0.011). Moreover, G2548A of LEP polymorphism was associated with elevated body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in the case group. Our results confirm that the LEP G2548A loci is the independent risk factor of MetS.
Large Eddy Simulation of Multi-Phase Flow and Slag Entrapment in a Continuous Casting Mold
Authors: Li Xianglong , Li Baokuan , Liu Zhongqiu , Niu Ran , Liu Yanqiang , Zhao Changliang , Huang Caide , Qiao Huanshan , Yuan Tianxiang
Published: December 2018

A transient, three-dimensional mathematical model has been developed to study the slag entrapment in a continuous casting mold. The unsteady turbulent flow is computed using the large eddy simulation (LES). The sub-grid scale structure is modeled by the Smagorinsky–Lilly model. The movements of discrete bubbles, as well as three continuous phases (air–slag–steel), are described by solving the coupled discrete particle model and volume of fraction (DPM+VOF) approach. The bubble transport inside different phases (steel and slag) and the escape near the air–slag interface are well studied. Good agreement is obtained by comparing with the plant observation of the slag eyes on the top surface of the mold. Three main mechanisms of slag entrapment are identified; vortex formation, shear-layer instability, and meniscus fluctuation. Four stages are observed for a slag entrapment: deformation, necking, breaking, and dragging in the mold. The model is helpful for understanding the formation of slag entrapment during continuous casting.
Grain Boundary Complexions and Phase Transformations in Al- and Cu-Based Alloys
Authors: Kogtenkova Olga , Straumal Boris , Korneva Anna , Czeppe Tomasz , Wierzbicka-Miernik Anna , Faryna Marek , Zięba Pawel
Published: December 2018

High-pressure torsion has been used to obtain the ultra-fine grained (UFG) state with a high specific area of grain boundaries (GBs) in Al-Zn, Al-Mg, Cu-Ag, Cu-Co, and Cu-Ni solid solutions with face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices. The UFG samples were heated in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Small endothermic peaks in the DSC curves were observed in the one-phase solid-solution area of the respective phase diagrams, i.e., far away from the bulk solidus and solvus lines. A possible explanation of these endothermic peaks is based on the hypothesis of phase transformations between GB complexions. This hypothesis has been supported by observations with transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction. The new lines of GB phase transformations have been constructed in the Al-Zn, Al-Mg, Cu-Ag, Cu-Co, and Cu-Ni bulk phase diagrams.
Compositional Differences and Similarities between Typical Chinese Baijiu and Western Liquor as Revealed by Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Fang Cheng , Du Hai , Jia Wei , Xu Yan
Published: December 2018

Distilled liquors are important products, both culturally and economically. Chemically, as a complex mixture, distilled liquor comprises various chemical compounds in addition to ethanol. However, the chemical components of distilled liquors are still insufficiently understood and compositional differences and similarities of distilled liquors from different cultures have never been compared. For the first time, both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-VOCs in distilled liquors were profiled using mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approaches. A total of 879 VOCs and 268 non-VOCs were detected in 24 distilled liquors including six typical Chinese baijiu and 18 typical Western liquors. Principal component analysis and a correlation network revealed important insights into the compositional differences and similarities of the distilled liquors that were assessed. Ethyl esters, a few benzene derivatives, and alcohols were shared by most distilled liquors assessed, suggesting their important contribution to the common flavor and mouthfeel of distilled liquors. Sugars and esters formed by fatty alcohol differ significantly between the assessed Chinese baijiu and Western liquors, and are potential marker compounds that could be used for their discrimination. Factors contributing to the differences in chemical composition are proposed. Our results improve our understanding of the chemical components of distilled liquors, which may contribute to more rigorous quality control of alcoholic beverages.
Theoretical Modeling of Viscosity Monitoring with Vibrating Resonance Energy Transfer for Point-of-Care and Environmental Monitoring Applications
Authors: Memisoglu Gorkem , Gulbahar Burhan , Zubia Joseba , Villatoro Joel
Published: December 2018

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two molecules in nanoscale distances is utilized in significant number of applications including biological and chemical applications, monitoring cellular activities, sensors, wireless communications and recently in nanoscale microfluidic radar design denoted by the vibrating FRET (VFRET) exploiting hybrid resonating graphene membrane and FRET design. In this article, a low hardware complexity and novel microfluidic viscosity monitoring system architecture is presented by exploiting VFRET in a novel microfluidic system design. The donor molecules in a microfluidic channel are acoustically vibrated resulting in VFRET in the case of nearby acceptor molecules detected with their periodic optical emission signals. VFRET does not require complicated hardware by directly utilizing molecular interactions detected with the conventional photodetectors. The proposed viscosity measurement system design is theoretically modeled and numerically simulated while the experimental challenges are discussed. It promises point-of-care and environmental monitoring applications including viscosity characterization of blood or polluted water.
Rare Earth Elements and Other Critical Metals in Deep Seabed Mineral Deposits: Composition and Implications for Resource Potential
Authors: Pak Sang-Joon , Seo Inah , Lee Kyeong-Yong , Hyeong Kiseong
Published: December 2018

The critical metal contents of four types of seabed mineral resources, including a deep-sea sediment deposit, are evaluated as potential rare earth element (REE) resources. The deep-sea resources have relatively low total rare earth oxide (TREO) contents, a narrow range of TREO grades (0.049–0.185%), and show characteristics that are consistent with those of land-based ion adsorption REE deposits. The relative REO distributions of the deep-seabed resources are also consistent with those of ion adsorption REE deposits on land. REEs that are not part of a crystal lattice of host minerals within deep-sea mineral deposits are favorable for mining, as there is no requirement for crushing and/or pulverizing during ore processing. Furthermore, low concentrations of Th and U reduce the risk of adverse environmental impacts. Despite the low TREO grades of the deep-seabed mineral deposits, a significant TREO yield from polymetallic nodules and REE-bearing deep-sea sediments from the Korean tenements has been estimated (1 Mt and 8 Mt, respectively). Compared with land-based REE deposits, deep-sea mineral deposits can be considered as low-grade mineral deposits with a large tonnage. The REEs and critical metals from deep-sea mineral deposits are important by-products and co-products of the main commodities (e.g., Co and Ni), and may increase the economic feasibility of their extraction.
Quantification of 1,3-olein-2-palmitin (OPO) and Palmitic Acid in sn-2 Position of Triacylglycerols in Human Milk by Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Giuffrida Francesca , Marmet Cynthia , Tavazzi Isabelle , Fontannaz Patric , Sauser Julien , Lee Le Ye , Destaillats Frédéric
Published: December 2018

This study describes the identification and quantification of fatty acids in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols (TAG) and of the most abundant TAG regioisomers in human milk by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). Over 300 individual TAG species were observed and 1,3-olein-2-palmitin (OPO) was identified as the most abundant TAG regioisomer. Validation of the HPLC-HRMS method showed repeatability and intermediate reproducibility values ranging from 3.1 to 16.6% and 4.0 to 20.7%, respectively, and accuracy ranging from 75 to 97%. Results obtained by the HPLC-HRMS method were comparable to results from the ISO 6800 method for the quantification of palmitic acid in the sn-2 position of TAG (81.4 and 81.8 g 100 g−1 total palmitic acid, respectively). Processing the data obtained with the HPLC-HRMS method is extremely time consuming and, therefore, a targeted method suitable for the quantification of OPO in human milk samples by ultra-performance (UP) LC coupled with triple quadrupole (QQQ) MS was developed and validated. OPO identification and quantification by UPLC-QQQ were based on nominal mass and a fragmentation pattern obtained by multiple reaction monitoring experiments. The method was validated in terms of accuracy and precision by analyzing different aliquots of the same human milk sample over time and comparing the results with values obtained by HPLC-HRMS. Intermediate reproducibility was <15% and trueness comparable to HPLC-HRMS. Quantification of OPO in human milk samples collected at 30, 60 and 120 days postpartum showed that OPO content varies between 333 ± 11.8 and 383 ± 18.0 mg 100mL−1.
Influence of Synthesis Conditions on Microstructure and NO2 Sensing Properties of WO3 Porous Films Synthesized by Non-Hydrolytic Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Zhao Sikai , Shen Yanbai , Zhou Pengfei , Li Guodong , Han Cong , Wei Dezhou , Zhong Xiangxi , Zhang Yunhai , Ao Yuxin
Published: December 2018

Nanostructured tungsten trioxide porous films were prepared by a non-hydrolytic sol–gel method following the inorganic route in which ethanol and PEG were used as the oxygen-donor and structure-directing reagent, respectively. The effects of aging time of the precursor solution, PEG content, and calcination temperature on the structure, morphology, and NO2 sensing properties of WO3 films were systematically investigated by using the techniques of X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and gas sensing measurements. The results demonstrated that a series of WO3 films with different microstructures could be obtained by manipulating the synthesis parameters. Furthermore, a suitable synthesis condition of WO3 films for NO2 sensing application was determined.
The Effect of Whey and Soy Protein Isolates on Cognitive Function in Older Australians with Low Vitamin B12: A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Zajac Ian , Herreen Danielle , Bastiaans Kathryn , Dhillon Varinderpal , Fenech Michael
Published: December 2018

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is high in vitamin B12 and folate. These and other related markers (holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid and homocysteine) have been linked with cognitive health. This study explored the efficacy of WPI for improving cognitive function via delivery of vitamin B12. Moderately vitamin B12-deficient participants aged between 45 and 75 years (n = 56) were recruited into this randomised controlled crossover trial. Participants (55% female) consumed 50 g whey (WPI; active) or soy protein isolate (SPI; control) for eight weeks. Following a 16-week washout phase, they consumed the alternative supplement. Consumption of WPI significantly improved active B12 and folate status but did not result in direct improvements in cognitive function. However, there was evidence of improvement in reaction time (p = 0.02) and reasoning speed (p = 0.04) in the SPI condition for females. Additional analyses showed that changes in active B12, HcY and folate measures during WPI treatment correlated with improvements in cognitive function (all p < 0.05). Results indicate that WPI itself did not result in improved cognitive function but some evidence of benefit of SPI for females was found. However, consistent with previous research, we present further evidence of a role for active B12, HcY and folate in supporting cognitive improvement in adults with low B vitamin status.
Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries Prevents Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Liver: A Study in A Rat Model of Low-Level and Moderate Lifetime Human Exposure to this Toxic Metal
Authors: Mężyńska Magdalena , Brzóska Małgorzata M. , Rogalska Joanna , Piłat-Marcinkiewicz Barbara
Published: December 2018

The study investigated, in a rat model of low-level and moderate environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd; 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet, respectively, for 3 to 24 months), whether the co-administration of 0.1% extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AE) may protect against oxidative stress in the liver and in this way mediate this organ status. The intoxication with Cd, dose- and duration-dependently, weakened the enzymatic antioxidative barrier, decreased the concentrations of reduced glutathione and total thiol groups, and increased the concentrations of oxidized glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, xanthine oxidase, and myeloperoxidase in this organ. These resulted in a decrease in the total antioxidative status, increase in the total oxidative status and development of oxidative stress (increased oxidative stress index and malondialdehyde concentration) and histopathological changes in the liver. The administration of AE at both levels of Cd treatment significantly improved the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative barrier, decreased pro-oxidant concentration, and protected from the development of oxidative stress in the liver and changes in its morphology, as well as normalized the serum activities of liver enzymes markers. In conclusion, consumption of aronia products may prevent Cd-induced destroying the oxidative/antioxidative balance and development of oxidative stress in the liver protecting against this organ damage.
Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Doped with Ammonium Ionic Liquids and Nano-Silicon Dioxide for Polymer Electrolyte Membranes
Authors: Qu Shuguo , Li Minhui , Zhang Chenchen , Sun Yuanyuan , Duan Jihai , Wang Weiwen , Li Jianlong , Li Xiaojin
Published: December 2018

Nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2) was incorporated into the matrix of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/ammonium ionic liquid (AIL) membranes by solution casting, with the aim of reducing ionic liquid leaching and any consequent decrease in proton conductivity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra results indicate incorporation of the SPEEK matrix with AIL and nano-SiO2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X–ray diffraction (XRD) images revealed that incorporation of nano-SiO2 make the ternary composite membranes more flexible. The maximum ion exchange capacity (IEC) value was 3.25 meq/g, and the net structure formed by the nano-SiO2 not only retarded AIL leaching, but also increased the proton conductivity of the composite membranes. AIL leaching from the membranes was between 20% and 30%, which was lower than that of the SPEEK/AIL membrane. The maximum proton conductivity for the SPEEK/AIL/SiO2 membranes reached 10.73 mS/cm at 393 K.
Internal Status of Visibly Opaque Black Rubbers Investigated by Terahertz Polarization Spectroscopy: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Okano Makoto , Watanabe Shinichi
Published: December 2018

We discuss the internal status of rubber composites consisting of an insulating rubber matrix and conductive carbon black (CB) fillers (“black rubber”) using polarization-sensitive terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The black rubber composites under stretched conditions exhibit a large optical anisotropy or birefringence in the terahertz regime. From systematic studies, it is revealed that the large birefringence of black rubbers is due to the orientation distribution of anisotropically shaped CB aggregates in the rubber matrix and the orientation distribution is strongly linked to the mechanical deformation of the black rubber. A model simulation based on this relation between deformation and reorientation allows conversion of the birefringence (optical) information into strain (mechanical) information. In addition, the spectroscopic information obtained using the THz-TDS technique is useful to evaluate the changes in the internal conductive filler network caused by the mechanical deformation. Our findings demonstrate that the terahertz polarization spectroscopy is a promising nondestructive inspection method for contactless investigation of the internal condition of black rubber composites.
Bidirectional and Stretchable Piezoresistive Sensors Enabled by Multimaterial 3D Printing of Carbon Nanotube/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Christ Josef F. , Aliheidari Nahal , Pötschke Petra , Ameli Amir
Published: December 2018

Fabricating complex sensor platforms is still a challenge because conventional sensors are discrete, directional, and often not integrated within the system at the material level. Here, we report a facile method to fabricate bidirectional strain sensors through the integration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and multimaterial additive manufacturing. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/MWCNT filaments were first made using a two-step extrusion process. TPU as the platform and TPU/MWCNT as the conducting traces were then 3D printed in tandem using multimaterial fused filament fabrication to generate uniaxial and biaxial sensors with several conductive pattern designs. The sensors were subjected to a series of cyclic strain loads. The results revealed excellent piezoresistive responses with cyclic repeatability in both the axial and transverse directions and in response to strains as high as 50%. It was shown that the directional sensitivity could be tailored by the type of pattern design. A wearable glove, with built-in sensors, capable of measuring finger flexure was also successfully demonstrated where the sensors are an integral part of the system. These sensors have potential applications in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and prosthetics, where complex design, multi-directionality, embedding, and customizability are demanded.
A Life in Balance: Sattvic Food and the Art of Living Foundation
Authors: Jacobs Stephen
Published: December 2018

Many modern forms of yoga can be located in the holistic milieu. Discourses of health and wellbeing for mind, body and soul are central in the holistic milieu. Ideas about food and diet are frequently significant aspects of this therapeutic discourse. This paper focuses on ideas about food and diet in the Art of Living Foundation (AOL), a modern transnational yoga movement. AOL legitimises its beliefs about food through an appeal to concepts found in traditional texts on yoga and āyurveda. In particular, the concept of sattva, which can be translated as balance or harmony—both significant tropes in the holistic milieu—is central to discourses about food choices in AOL and other writers in the holistic milieu.
Squint Mode GEO SAR Imaging Using Bulk Range Walk Correction on Received Signals
Authors: Geng Jiwen , Yu Ze , Li Chunsheng , Liu Wei
Published: December 2018

Geosynchronous synthetic aperture radar (GEO SAR) has the potential for conducting long-term observation of target zones, which is essential for remote sensing applications such as disaster monitoring and vegetation measurements. The squint imaging mode is crucial for long-term observation using GEO SAR. However, this type of SAR imaging is problematic because the squint mode introduces a nonzero range cell walk, which increases the prevalence of invalid data in echoes and intensifies the coupling between the azimuth and range. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel squint mode GEO SAR imaging method based on the correction of the bulk range walk of received signals. Adjusting the starting time of the receiving window significantly reduces the redundancy in echoes. Then, first-order filtering, range cell migration correction, range compression, partial dechirp, and azimuth compression are used to obtain the imaging result. Simulation results for the GEO SAR imaging of Wenchuan County in China demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve a resolution of 5 m within a 30 × 30 km swath over 48% of the orbital period.
Analysis on the Effects of SAR Imaging Parameters and Environmental Conditions on the Standard Deviation of the Co-Polarized Phase Difference Measured over Sea Surface
Authors: Buono Andrea , De Macedo Carina Regina , Nunziata Ferdinando , Velotto Domenico , Migliaccio Maurizio
Published: December 2018

This study aimed at analyzing the effect of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging parameters and environmental conditions on the standard deviation of the co-polarized phase difference ( σ φ C ) evaluated over sea surface. The latter was shown to be an important polarimetric parameter widely used for sea surface target monitoring purposes. A theoretical model, based on the tilted-Bragg scattering, is proposed to predict the behavior of σ φ C against incidence angle for different roughness conditions. Then, a comprehensive experimental analysis, based on the processing of L-, C- and X-band polarimetric SAR scenes collected over different test areas under low-to-moderate wind conditions and covering a broad range of incidence angle, was carried out to discuss the effects of sensor’s and environmental parameters on sea surface σ φ C . Results show that SAR imaging parameters severely affect σ φ C , while the impact of meteo-marine conditions, under low-to-moderate wind regime, is almost negligible. Those outcomes have significant relevance to support the design of effective and robust algorithms for marine and maritime applications based on σ φ C , including the detection of metallic targets (ships and offshore infrastructures as oil/gas platforms, aquacultures, wind farms, etc.) and polluted areas.
Analysis of Residual Stress in Electrical Penetration Assembly Based on a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor
Authors: Fan Zhichun , Diao Xingzhong , Zhang Yong , Liu Malin , Chen Feng , Huang Zhiyong , Yan He
Published: December 2018

An important factor for maintaining hermeticity of a metal-to-glass sealed electrical penetration assembly (EPA) is the residual stress in the sealing glass, which is generated during the EPA sealing process. A novel method to investigate and optimize the sealing process of EPAs, based on a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor, is proposed in this research. An FBG was well bonded with sealing glass to measure the parameters of the glass during the sealing process. The temperature change during the heating process was able to be measured by Bragg wavelength shift. After the sealing glass solidified and dropped to room temperature, the residual stress was determined and the effect of temperature was minimized because the temperature before and after the sealing process was the same as room temperature. The curing temperature of the sealing glass was evaluated to specifically investigate the solidification process of the EPA. This study provides a basis for online stress and temperature monitoring of EPAs under external loads in nuclear power plants.
Novel Fuzzy PID-Type Iterative Learning Control for Quadrotor UAV
Authors: Dong Jian , He Bin
Published: December 2018

Due to the under-actuated and strong coupling characteristics of quadrotor aircraft, traditional trajectory tracking methods have low control precision, and poor anti-interference ability. A novel fuzzy proportional-interactive-derivative (PID)-type iterative learning control (ILC) was designed for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The control method combined PID-ILC control and fuzzy control, so it inherited the robustness to disturbances and system model uncertainties of the ILC control. A new control law based on the PID-ILC algorithm was introduced to solve the problem of chattering caused by an external disturbance in the ILC control alone. Fuzzy control was used to set the PID parameters of three learning gain matrices to restrain the influence of uncertain factors on the system and improve the control precision. The system stability with the new design was verified using Lyapunov stability theory. The Gazebo simulation showed that the proposed design method creates effective ILC controllers for quadrotor aircraft.
Cost-Effective Edge Server Placement in Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks
Authors: Zeng Feng , Ren Yongzheng , Deng Xiaoheng , Li Wenjia
Published: December 2018

Remote clouds are gradually unable to achieve ultra-low latency to meet the requirements of mobile users because of the intolerable long distance between remote clouds and mobile users and the network congestion caused by the tremendous number of users. Mobile edge computing, a new paradigm, has been proposed to mitigate aforementioned effects. Existing studies mostly assume the edge servers have been deployed properly and they just pay attention to how to minimize the delay between edge servers and mobile users. In this paper, considering the practical environment, we investigate how to deploy edge servers effectively and economically in wireless metropolitan area networks. Thus, we address the problem of minimizing the number of edge servers while ensuring some QoS requirements. Aiming at more consistence with a generalized condition, we extend the definition of the dominating set, and transform the addressed problem into the minimum dominating set problem in graph theory. In addition, two conditions are considered for the capacities of edge servers: one is that the capacities of edge servers can be configured on demand, and the other is that all the edge servers have the same capacities. For the on-demand condition, a greedy based algorithm is proposed to find the solution, and the key idea is to iteratively choose nodes that can connect as many other nodes as possible under the delay, degree and cluster size constraints. Furthermore, a simulated annealing based approach is given for global optimization. For the second condition, a greedy based algorithm is also proposed to satisfy the capacity constraint of edge servers and minimize the number of edge servers simultaneously. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithms are feasible.
Adoption of Contract Farming and Precautionary Savings to Manage the Catastrophic Risk of Maize Farming: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Adnan K M Mehedi , Ying Liu , Sarker Swati Anindita , Hafeez Muhammad , Razzaq Amar , Raza Muhammad Haseeb
Published: December 2018

Agricultural production faces several types of risk, and risk management tools vary by place, season, and crop type. Most farmers use multiple risk-minimizing tools to reduce the effects of various hazards. However, previous research has overlooked the potential connections between different risk management tool utilization decisions. This study examines farmers’ decisions of adopting risk management tools (contract farming and precautionary savings) and investigates the impacts of various factors on farmers’ risk management decisions by using bivariate and multinomial probit models. The study was carried out in four different agro-ecological regions of Bangladesh with 350 farmers chosen through multistage stratified random sampling procedures. The findings revealed that the farmers’ decisions towards adopting risk management tools are correlated, and the adoption of one risk management tool may induce farmers to adopt other risk management tools at that time. Moreover, the results revealed that age, education, income, and land ownership are the major factors affecting the adoption of risk management tools, and most farmers are risk-averse in nature. Both models provide interpretation and information for the development of a better understanding of the current situation of rural farm households, which may serve as a platform for policymakers who are anticipating appropriate risk management tools for the farmers.
Negotiating Proximity in Sustainable Urban Planning: A Swedish Case
Authors: Gil Solá Ana , Vilhelmson Bertil
Published: December 2018

In striving for sustainability, urban policy and planning increasingly emphasize proximity ideals in order to go beyond established mobility- and speed-oriented accessibility strategies. Yet proximity is a fluid concept with many contextualized meanings, cutting across most sectors of urban planning. When proximity is realized in actual planning, clarity and communicability are therefore required. Here we explored how urban planners in different fields of expertise understand and apply the proximity concept. Furthermore, we tested a collaborative tool enabling transparent discussion and fostering a joint basis for further application. Qualitative data were collected via six semi-structured, focus-group workshops with 35 planners of various competencies working in three western Swedish municipalities. The results indicated that planning goals of proximity were negotiated according to three understandings: One derived from the established understanding of transportation and land-use integration, relying on planners’ expert views; a second emphasizing the local community understanding, highlighting the social context of neighborhoods; and a third comprising the personal environment understanding of the individual’s closest physical space at a detailed scale level. Collaborative exercises resulted in the development of a communicative tool for negotiating perceived understandings of proximity, as well as planning goals.
Strikes and Rural Unrest during the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1936): A Geographic Approach
Authors: Puche Javier , González Martínez Carmen
Published: December 2018

This article analyses the evolution and geographic distribution of the rural unrest that prevailed during the years of the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1936), a period characterised by political instability and social conflict. The number of provincial strikes recorded in the forestry and agricultural industries and complied by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare constitute the primary source of the study. Based on this information, maps of the regional and provincial distribution of the agricultural unrest have been created for the republican period. The results reveal that, contrary to the traditional belief which confines the rural unrest of this period to the geographic areas of the latifundios (large estates), Spanish agriculture, in all its diversity, was hit by collective disputes. Although the areas of the latifundios were most affected by the agricultural reform of 1932, the data show that the extension of the unrest in the Spanish countryside was also the result of the refusal of the landowners to accept and apply the new republican collective bargaining agreement. The number of strikes increased during the period 1931–1933, fell between 1934 and 1935, and increased again during the months of the Popular Front (February to July 1936).
Exploring Organizational Sustainability of Industry 4.0 under the Triple Bottom Line: The Case of a Manufacturing Company
Authors: Braccini Alessio Maria , Margherita Emanuele Gabriel
Published: December 2018

There is an increasing interest in sustainability practices for organizations. Organizations act sustainably when they support the three dimensions \of the triple bottom line. Industry 4.0 (I40) promises to afford organizations to act sustainably. However, few empirical pieces of research targeted the impact of I40 on the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Our investigation considered the adoption of I40 in a manufacturing company which we analyzed as a single case study. We describe the level of I40 adoption and the process through which the unit has adopted them. Our case confirms that I40 applications support the triple bottom line through the improvement of productivity and product quality (economic), continuous energy consumption monitoring (environmental), and safer work environment and less intense work-load and job enrichment (social). We contribute to the literature by identifying two trajectories of interaction among the three dimensions of the triple bottom line in the shift from a traditional manufacturing company to a knowledge-intense organization. In the trajectories found, the three dimensions of sustainability influence and reinforce each other.
Conflict and Impacts Generated by the Filming of Discovery Channel’s Reality Series “Naked and Afraid” in the Amazon: A Special Case in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador
Authors: Mestanza Carlos , Figueroa Saavedra Hilter , Domínguez Gaibor Isabel , Abarca Zaquinaula Manuel , Lara Váscones Rita , Malla Pacheco Oswaldo
Published: December 2018

Conflicts and ecological impacts in natural protected areas can arise for various reasons. The behavior of social stakeholders in the face of conflict is the object of study. Their reactions can be varied according to the personal interests of the parties. Conflicts can cause changes in the communities, incomprehensibly affecting the environment and ultimately transforming their lives. Although the environmental impacts have generally been well studied in protected areas, after reviewing the literature, it was observed that very few studies exist on the local economic conflicts that frequently arise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the socio-ecological conflicts and impacts generated by the filming of the American reality series Naked and Afraid, produced by the Discovery Channel in the Ecuadorian Amazon—a special case in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. The data was gathered from numerous primary sources, including field interviews with the regional stakeholders involved and a video analysis of the Discovery Channels’ Naked and Afraid. The results of our study conclude several interesting insights into various social and ecological conflicts and their resulting impacts on the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. The first of these concerns the high impacts mainly associated with biotic components in the Reserve. The second set of interesting findings are social conflicts that were caused by the discontent of the Indigenous communities in relation to royalties and compensations left by the filming.
High Precision Detection of Salient Objects Based on Deep Convolutional Networks with Proper Combinations of Shallow and Deep Connections
Authors: Guo Lin , Qin Shiyin
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a high precision detection method of salient objects is presented based on deep convolutional networks with proper combinations of shallow and deep connections. In order to achieve better performance in the extraction of deep semantic features of salient objects, based on a symmetric encoder and decoder architecture, an upgrade of backbone networks is carried out with a transferable model on the ImageNet pre-trained ResNet50. Moreover, by introducing shallow and deep connections on multiple side outputs, feature maps generated from various layers of the deep neural network (DNN) model are well fused so as to describe salient objects from local and global aspects comprehensively. Afterwards, based on a holistically nested edge detector (HED) architecture, multiple fused side outputs with various sizes of receptive fields are integrated to form detection results of salient objects accordingly. A series of experiments and assessments on extensive benchmark datasets demonstrate the dominant performance of our DNN model for the detection of salient objects in accuracy, which has outperformed those of other published works.
Relationship between Fusarium Head Blight, Kernel Damage, Concentration of Fusarium Biomass, and Fusarium Toxins in Grain of Winter Wheat Inoculated with Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Góral Tomasz , Wiśniewska Halina , Ochodzki Piotr , Nielsen Linda Kærgaard , Walentyn-Góral Dorota , Stępień Łukasz
Published: December 2018

Winter wheat lines were evaluated for their reaction to Fusarium head blight (FHB) after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum in two field experiments. A mixture of two F. culmorum chemotypes was applied (3ADON—deoxynivalenol producing, NIV—nivalenol producing). Different types of resistance were evaluated, including head infection, kernel damage, Fusarium biomass content and trichothecenes B (deoxynivalenol (DON), and nivalenol (NIV)) accumulation in grain. The aim of the study was to find relationships between different types of resistance. Head infection (FHB index) and Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) were visually scored. Fusarium biomass was analysed using real-time PCR. Trichothecenes B accumulation was analysed using gas chromatography. Wheat lines differ in their reaction to inoculation for all parameters describing FHB resistance. We found a wide variability of FHB indexes, FDK, and Fusarium biomass content. Both toxins were present. DON content was about 60% higher than NIV and variability of this proportion between lines was observed. Significant correlation was found between head infection symptoms and FDK. Head infection was correlated with F. culmorum biomass and NIV concentration in grain. No correlation was found between the FHB index and DON concentration. Similarly, FDK was not correlated with DON content, but it was with NIV content; however, the coefficients were higher than for the FHB index. Fusarium biomass amount was positively correlated with both toxins as well as with the FHB index and FDK. Environmental conditions significantly influenced the DON/NIV ratio in grain. In locations where less F. culmorum biomass was detected, the DON amount was higher than NIV, while in locations where more F. culmorum biomass was observed, NIV prevailed over DON.
Prevalence and Factors Related to Natural Resistance-Associated Substitutions to Direct-Acting Antivirals in Patients with Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Esposito Isabella , Marciano Sebastián , Haddad Leila , Galdame Omar , Franco Alejandra , Gadano Adrián , Flichman Diego , Trinks Julieta
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of natural resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) to NS3, NS5A and NS5B inhibitors in 86 genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-infected patients from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and to determine their effect on therapy outcome. Additionally, virological, clinical and host genetic factors were explored as predictors of the presence of baseline RASs. NS3 RASs (39.2%) were more prevalent than NS5A RASs (25%) and NS5B RASs (8.9%). In the three regions, the frequencies of RASs were significantly higher in HCV-1b than in HCV-1a. The prevalence of Y93H, L159F and Q80K were 1.3%, 6.3% and 2.5%, respectively. IFNL3 CC genotype was identified as an independent predictor of the presence of baseline RASs in NS5A and NS3 genes (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.01, respectively). Sustained virologic response was achieved by 93.3% of the patients after receiving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), although 48.7% of them showed baseline RASs related to the DAA-regimen. Notably, the prevalence of clinically relevant RASs in the three genes was lower than that observed around the world. The baseline presence of RASs in both subtypes did not appear to affect therapy outcome. These results support the need to evaluate resistance patterns in each particular country since RASs´ prevalence significantly vary worldwide.
Upscaling Urban Recycled Water Schemes: An Analysis of the Presence of Required Governance Conditions in the City of Sabadell (Spain)
Authors: Pinyol Alberich Josep , Mukhtarov Farhad , Dieperink Carel , Driessen Peter , Broekman Annelies
Published: December 2018

Cleaning wastewater and using it again for secondary purposes is a measure to address water scarcity in urban areas. However, upscaling of recycled water schemes is challenging, and little is known about the governance conditions which are required for this. This paper addresses this knowledge gap. Based on a review of governance literature we suggest that five governance conditions are necessary for a successful upscaling of recycled water schemes: (1) policy leadership, (2) policy coordination, (3) availability of financial resources, (4) awareness of a problem, and (5) the presence of a public forum. We applied these concepts in a case study on the upscaling of a recycled water scheme in Sabadell, Spain. We reviewed policy documents, conducted a set of 21 semi-structured interviews, and attended two policy meetings about the subject. Our results suggest that Sabadell meets the required conditions for upscaling reused water to a certain extent. However, a public forum is not well-developed. We discuss the implications of this and conclude with some suggestions for future research and some lessons for other cities that plan to upscale their recycled water schemes.
Automatic Web Procedure for Calculating Flood Flow Frequency
Authors: De Rosa Pierluigi , Fredduzzi Andrea , Minelli Annalisa , Cencetti Corrado
Published: December 2018

The estimated flood flow frequency in a particular cross-section of a riverbed for a given return period is a topic of great interest for its application in hydrological, geomorphological and hydrogeological fields. Nevertheless, to establish a one-to-one relationship between rainfall and peak flow is a difficult problem to solve, due to the great number of factors involved (intensity and distribution of rainfall, hydromorphological characteristics of the watershed, type and distribution of vegetation, soil saturation conditions, etc.). In Italy, the Tiber River Basin Authority has developed a method to evaluate peak flows in the watersheds within the Tiber Basin. The relationship between rainfall depth with an assigned return period (RP) and the duration of the event was determined using data from 165 gauging stations throughout the Basin and in the neighbourhoods with respect to rainfall from 1 to 24 h and/or from 1 to 5 days. To calculate the peak flow with an assigned RP in small watersheds (area < 100 km 2 ), the Tiber River Basin Authority proposed a methodology that combines the results of regional precipitation analysis of a duration from 1 to 24 h with the Curve Number method, which allows the volume of net rainfall (i.e., the rainfall that contributes to producing the peak flow) to be quantified. Such procedure includes the calculation of various parameters (run-off time, local rainfall and areal rainfall, net rainfall) in order to obtain the value of peak flow. To facilitate the use of this procedure, a WebGIS system has been developed, based on a series of scripts that calculate the values for the above parameters. The user only has to choose the point corresponding to the section of the channel in order to determine the peak flow and the return period. The computational procedure is performed using GRASS GIS that interfaces with the system using the standard WPS; the system returns to output a report with details of the various calculations of parameters and, as a final result, the value of requested peak flow.
COMPARISON OF SPATIAL‐TEMPORAL REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Burinskienė Marija , Rudzkienė Vitalij
Published: December 2018

Description of urban development could be explained like common endeavors of society to coordinate economical growth and social progress, to save usage of nonrenewable resources without threat of ecological balance. In the light of the attitudes of sustainable development researchers have raised the purpose to determine the current situation and possibilities of sustainable development of regions in Lithuania.

Sustainable urban and regional development is closely related with investment in tangible fixed assets as well as direct foreign investment. This paper describes an approach for recognition of investment information patterns and the main factors that have a distinct impact on investment. The proposed multivariate data analysis strategy allow to evaluate, forecast and establish the favorable conditions for investment and develop the strategies for cohesive development of regions.

In this article we present the application of the model using a database of economic and social development of regions in Lithuania. Our approach effectively recovers the structure of investment and enables forecasting. The capability to evaluate measurable features, identify the main features, and quantify their relationship with number of investments in space and time makes this approach applicable for decision support system and for creating range system for evaluation potency of the towns and regions.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN MRA AND ROUGH SET THEORY FOR MASS APPRAISAL. A CASE IN BARI
Authors: D'amato Maurizio
Published: December 2018

Rough Set Theory is a property valuation methodology recently applied to property market data (d'Amato, 2002). This methodology may be applied in property market where few market data are available or where econometric analysis may be difficult or unreliable. This methodology was introduced by a polish mathematician (Pawlak, 1982). The model permit to estimate a property without defining an econometric model, although do not give any estimation of marginal or hedonic prices. I : ,he first version of RST was necessary to organize the data in classes before the valuation .The relationship between these classes defined if‐then rules. If a property belongs to a specific group then it will belong to a class of value. The relationship between the property and the class of value is dichotomous. In this paper will be offered a second version that improve the RST with a “value tolerance relation” in order to make more flexible the rule. In this case the results will come out from an explicit and specific relationship. The methodology has been tested on 69 transactions in the zone of Carrassi-Poggiofranco in the residential property market of Bari.
REPLACING A COMBINED TAX ON LAND AND BUILDINGS’ WITH A SIMPLIFIED LAND VALUE TAX’ IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
Authors: Weiss Erich
Published: December 2018

In early 2004 the finance ministers of Bavaria and Rhineland‐Palatinate put forward a new model for assessing land tax. The model envisages the abolition of the current Land Tax A (tax on agricultural and forestry enterprises); Land Tax B (developed/developable real estate) is in future to comprise a flat‐rate tax on the buildings and a more up‐to‐date and realistic taxation of the land value based on the standard land value. Nevertheless, the question still remains: Why not go one step further and replace this ‘combined tax on land and buildings’ with a simple ‘land value tax'?