bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Archean TTG and Tremolite Schist Xenoliths in Yemadong Complex: Evidence for ≥3.0 Ga Archean Continental Crust in Kongling High-Grade Metamorphic Terrane, Yangtze Craton, China
Authors: Wei Yunxu , Zhou Wenxiao , Hu Zhengxiang , Li Haiquan , Huang Xianxiao , Zhao Xiaoming , Xu Daliang
Published: November 2019

The origin and significance of the tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) units and the familiar metabasite xenoliths they host in the Yangtze Craton, China, remain controversial, and resolving these issues is important if we are to understand the evolution of the early Yangtze Craton. We focused on biotite–tremolite schist xenoliths in the Archean TTG units of the Kongling high-grade metamorphic terrane, and U–Pb dating of their zircons yielded 207Pb/206Pb ages of ca. 3.00 Ga, which provides a minimum age for the formation of the pre-metamorphic basic igneous rock. The host TTGs and late intrusive granitic dikes yield three groups of upper intercept ages at 2.87–2.88, 2.91–2.94, and 3.07 Ga, and a concordant age at 2.94 Ga, which suggest that the Yangtze continental nucleus underwent three important metamorphic–magmatic events in the Mesoarchean at ca. 3.00, 2.94, and 2.87 Ga. The biotite–tremolite schists have high ratios of K2O/Na2O and high contents of CaO, Cr, and Ni, thus showing the characteristics of high-K calc-alkaline island-arc volcanic rocks (basalt–andesite) that form by the partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The data also provide further proof that a Mesoarchean metamorphic basement exists in the Yangtze Plate. Derivation of the magmatic protoliths of the biotite–tremolite schist enclaves from an oceanic crust during slab subduction, and the presence of these xenoliths within the TTG suite, indicate the existence of the initiation of plate tectonics during the Mesoarchean (≤2.94 Ga).
Hydrogen Effect on the Sound Velocities of Upper Mantle Omphacite
Authors: Mans Wade , Zhang Jin S. , Hao Ming , Smyth Joseph R. , Zhang Dongzhou , Finkelstein Gregory J. , Dera Przemyslaw
Published: November 2019

Clinopyroxene (Cpx) is commonly believed to be the best structural water (hydrogen) carrier among all major upper mantle nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs). In this study, we have measured the single-crystal elastic properties of a Cpx, a natural omphacite with ~710 ppm water at ambient pressure (P) and temperature (T) conditions. Utilizing the single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microprobe data, the unit cell parameters and density were determined as a = 9.603(9) Å, b = 8.774(3) Å, c = 5.250(2) Å, β = 106.76(5)o, V = 255.1(4) Å3, and ρ = 3.340(6) g/cm3. We performed Brillouin spectroscopy experiments on four single crystals along a total of 52 different crystallographic directions. The best-fit single-crystal elastic moduli (Cijs), bulk and shear moduli were determined as: C11 = 245(1) GPa, C22 = 210(2) GPa, C33 = 249.6(9) GPa, C44 = 75.7(9) GPa, C55 = 71.2(5) GPa, C66 = 76(1) GPa, C12 = 85(2) GPa, C13 = 70(1) GPa, C23 = 66(2) GPa, C15 = 8.0(6) GPa, C25 = 6(1) GPa, C35 = 34.7(6) GPa, and C46 = 8.7(7) GPa, KS0 = 125(3) GPa, and G0 = 75(2) GPa, respectively. Compared with the anticipated elastic properties of an anhydrous omphacite with the same chemical composition, our results indicate that the incorporation of ~710 ppm structural water has no resolvable effect on the aggregate elastic properties of omphacite, although small differences (up to ~9 GPa) were observed in C13, C25, C44, and C66.
Essential Oil Composition of Ruta graveolens L. Fruits and Hyssopus officinalis Subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman Biomass as a Function of Hydrodistillation Time
Authors: Semerdjieva Ivanka B. , Burducea Marian , Astatkie Tess , Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Dincheva Ivayla
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to establish the kinetics regression models for yield and composition of Ruta graveolens fruit and Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus aboveground biomass essential oil (EO), collected at different time intervals during the hydrodistillation process. The hypothesis was that collecting the EO fractions during specific time frames may result in EOs with dissimilar composition that may have differential use by the industry. Furthermore, we calculated the kinetics regression models for the composition of EO, isolated by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. The EO yield of R. graveolens fruits was 0.39% (relative area % of GC-FID chromatogram), with major constituents in the Control fraction (0–90 min) being 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, and 2-undecanol, representing 65% of the total oil. The highest concentration of 2-nonanone (60%) was found in the 30–60 min oil fraction, the concentration of 2-undecanone (35%) was highest in the Control (0–90 min) fraction, and the concentration of eucalyptol (19%) was highest in the 5–10 min fraction. The EO yield of H. officinalis subsp. aristatus dried biomass was 1.12%. The major constituents in the Control fraction (0–90 min) of H. officinalis biomass were eucalyptol, α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, and cis-3-pinanone, representing 86% of the total. Eucalyptol (58%) was the highest in the 0–5 min fraction. The highest β-pinene (15%) and cis-3-pinanone (20%) contents were found in the 20–40 min fraction. The kinetics regression models that were developed for EO composition of R. graveolens were second-order polynominal, Michaelis–Menten, and Exponential decay, while for EO composition of H. officinalis subsp. aristatus biomass were Exponential decay and Power. The results from this study could benefit the EO industry.
New Hydroxydecanoic Acid Derivatives Produced by an Endophytic Yeast Aureobasidium pullulans AJF1 from Flowers of Aconitum carmichaeli
Authors: Choi Hyun Gyu , Kim Jung Wha , Choi Hyukjae , Kang Ki Sung , Shim Sang Hee
Published: November 2019

Endophytes have been recognized as a source for structurally novel and biologically active secondary metabolites. Among the host plants for endophytes, some medicinal plants that produce pharmaceuticals have been reported to carry endophytes, which could also produce bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, the medicinal plant Aconitum carmichaeli was selected as a potential source for endophytes. An endophytic microorganism, Aureobasidium pullulans AJF1, harbored in the flower of Aconitum carmichaeli, was cultured on a large scale and extracted with an organic solvent. Extensive chemical investigation of the extracts resulted in isolation of three lipid type compounds (1–3), which were identified to be (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxydecanoic acid (1), (3R,5R)-3-(((3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxydecanoyl)oxy)-5-hydroxydecanoic acid (2), and (3R,5R)-3-(((3R,5R)-5-(((3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxydecanoyl)oxy)-3-hydroxydecanoyl)oxy)-5-hydroxydecanoic acid (3) by chemical methods in combination with spectral analysis. Compounds 2 and 3 had new structures. Absolute configurations of the isolated compounds (1–3) were established using modified Mosher’s method together with analysis of NMR data for their acetonide derivatives. All the isolates (1–3) were evaluated for antibiotic activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their cytotoxicities against MCF-7 cancer cells. Unfortunately, they showed low antibiotic activities and cytotoxic activities.
Potato-Resistant Starch Supplementation Improves Microbiota Dysbiosis, Inflammation, and Gut–Brain Signaling in High Fat-Fed Rats
Authors: Klingbeil Elizabeth A. , Cawthon Carolina , Kirkland Rebecca , de La Serre Claire B.
Published: November 2019

(1) High-fat (HF) diet leads to gut microbiota dysbiosis which is associated with systemic inflammation. Bacterial-driven inflammation is sufficient to alter vagally mediated satiety and induce hyperphagia. Promoting bacterial fermentation improves gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial barrier function and reduces inflammation. Resistant starch escape digestion and can be fermented by bacteria in the distal gut. Therefore, we hypothesized that potato RS supplementation in HF-fed rats would lead to compositional changes in microbiota composition associated with improved inflammatory status and vagal signaling. (2) Male Wistar rats (n = 8/group) were fed a low-fat chow (LF, 13% fat), HF (45% fat), or an isocaloric HF supplemented with 12% potato RS (HFRS) diet. (3) The HFRS-fed rats consumed significantly less energy than HF animals throughout the experiment. Systemic inflammation and glucose homeostasis were improved in the HFRS compared to HF rats. Cholecystokinin-induced satiety was abolished in HF-fed rats and restored in HFRS rats. HF feeding led to a significant decrease in positive c fiber staining in the brainstem which was averted by RS supplementation. (4) The RS supplementation prevented dysbiosis and systemic inflammation. Additionally, microbiota manipulation via dietary potato RS prevented HF-diet-induced reorganization of vagal afferent fibers, loss in CCK-induced satiety, and hyperphagia.
Microfluidics-Assisted Size Tuning and Biological Evaluation of PLGA Particles
Authors: Operti Maria Camilla , Dölen Yusuf , Keulen Jibbe , van Dinther Eric A. W. , Figdor Carl G. , Tagit Oya
Published: November 2019

Polymeric particles made up of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are promising tools for several biomedical applications including drug delivery. Particular emphasis is placed on the size and surface functionality of these systems as they are regarded as the main protagonists in dictating the particle behavior in vitro and in vivo. Current methods of manufacturing polymeric drug carriers offer a wide range of achievable particle sizes, however, they are unlikely to accurately control the size while maintaining the same production method and particle uniformity, as well as final production yield. Microfluidics technology has emerged as an efficient tool to manufacture particles in a highly controllable manner. Here, we report on tuning the size of PLGA particles at diameters ranging from sub-micron to microns using a single microfluidics device, and demonstrate how particle size influences the release characteristics, cellular uptake and in vivo clearance of these particles. Highly controlled production of PLGA particles with ~100 nm, ~200 nm, and >1000 nm diameter is achieved through modification of flow and formulation parameters. Efficiency of particle uptake by dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells isolated from mice is strongly correlated with particle size and is most efficient for ~100 nm particles. Particles systemically administered to mice mainly accumulate in liver and ~100 nm particles are cleared slower. Our study shows the direct relation between particle size varied through microfluidics and the pharmacokinetics behavior of particles, which provides a further step towards the establishment of a customizable production process to generate tailor-made nanomedicines.
Durability Analysis of Formaldehyde/Solid Urban Waste Blends
Authors: Ferrari Francesca , Striani Raffaella , Visconti Paolo , Esposito Corcione Carola , Greco Antonio
Published: November 2019

Following the innovative research activity carried out in the framework of the POIROT (Italian acronym of dOmotic Platform for Inertization and tRaceability of Organic wasTe) Project, this work aims to optimize the composition of the blends between the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and formaldehyde-based resins, in order to improve the durability properties. To this aim, in this work, commercial urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde powder polymers have been proposed for the inertization of the OFMSW, according to the previous optimized OFMSW-transformation process. A preliminary study about the mechanical properties of the composite panels produced with the different resins was carried out by evaluating compressive, flexural, and tensile performances of the panels. Artificial weathering by cyclic (heating–cooling) and boiling tests were carried out and the mechanical properties were evaluated in order to assess the resistance of the panels to water and humidity. The melamine-formaldehyde based resin had the best performances also when subjected to the weathering tests and despite the higher content of resin in the composites, the panels produced with melamine-formaldehyde have the lowest values of release of formaldehyde minimizing their potential hazard level.
Data Science in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum
Authors: Duever Thomas A.
Published: November 2019

With the increasing availability of large amounts of data, methods that fall under the term data science are becoming important assets for chemical engineers to use. Methods, broadly speaking, are needed to carry out three tasks, namely data management, statistical and machine learning and data visualization. While claims have been made that data science is essentially statistics, consideration of the three tasks previously mentioned make it clear that it is really broader than just statistics alone and furthermore, statistical methods from a data-poor era are likely insufficient. While there have been many successful applications of data science methodologies, there are still many challenges that must be addressed. For example, just because a dataset is large, does not necessarily mean it is meaningful or information rich. From an organizational point of view, a lack of domain knowledge and a lack of a trained workforce among other issues are cited as barriers for the successful implementation of data science within an organization. Many of the methodologies employed in data science are familiar to chemical engineers; however, it is generally the case that not all the methods required to carry out data science projects are covered in an undergraduate chemical engineering program. One option to address this is to adjust the curriculum by modifying existing courses and introducing electives. Other examples include the introduction of a data science minor or a postgraduate certificate or a Master’s program in data science.
Religion and Sex as Factors of Individual Differences of Reification in an Intercultural-Community-Based Society
Authors: Olmos Gómez María del Carmen , López Cordero Rafael , Mohamed Mohand Laila
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to analyze individual differences of reification in an intercultural-community-based society while considering the variables of religion and sex in a sample of 1120 Spanish individuals: 810 women (72.5%) and 310 men (27.5%). Of these, 66.10% were Christian and 25% were Muslim, with reported ages ranging between 17 and 26 years old (mean age 19.84 years old). Once the quality parameters of the instrument (reification in community-based intercultural questionnaire) were determined, we confirmed the reliability and through confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling methodology, data collection was initiated. The general results indicate that 87.50% of the respondents had been whistled at while walking along the street on at least one occasion. The ANOVA results indicate significant differences in sex and religion; women in the sample suffered greater feelings of reification in an intercultural-community-based society than men, with Muslim women specifically reporting the strongest results. The results demonstrate that women suffer more reification issues in their daily lives, with this sometimes due to their partners. Addressing this barrier to achieving equality between men and women is obligatory, so public and private institutions still have considerable work to do to achieve this goal.
Classification of Tree Species as Well as Standing Dead Trees Using Triple Wavelength ALS in a Temperate Forest
Authors: Amiri Nina , Krzystek Peter , Heurich Marco , Skidmore Andrew
Published: November 2019

Knowledge about forest structures, particularly of deadwood, is fundamental for understanding, protecting, and conserving forest biodiversity. While individual tree-based approaches using single wavelength airborne laserscanning (ALS) can successfully distinguish broadleaf and coniferous trees, they still perform multiple tree species classifications with limited accuracy. Moreover, the mapping of standing dead trees is becoming increasingly important for damage calculation after pest infestation or biodiversity assessment. Recent advances in sensor technology have led to the development of new ALS systems that provide up to three different wavelengths. In this study, we present a novel method which classifies three tree species (Norway spruce, European beech, Silver fir), and dead spruce trees with crowns using full waveform ALS data acquired from three different sensors (wavelengths 532 nm, 1064 nm, 1550 nm). The ALS data were acquired in the Bavarian Forest National Park (Germany) under leaf-on conditions with a maximum point density of 200 points/m 2 . To avoid overfitting of the classifier and to find the most prominent features, we embed a forward feature selection method. We tested our classification procedure using 20 sample plots with 586 measured reference trees. Using single wavelength datasets, the highest accuracy achieved was 74% (wavelength = 1064 nm), followed by 69% (wavelength = 1550 nm) and 65% (wavelength = 532 nm). An improvement of 8–17% over single wavelength datasets was achieved when the multi wavelength data were used. Overall, the contribution of the waveform-based features to the classification accuracy was higher than that of the geometric features by approximately 10%. Our results show that the features derived from a multi wavelength ALS point cloud significantly improve the detailed mapping of tree species and standing dead trees.
Validation of Earth Observation Time-Series: A Review for Large-Area and Temporally Dense Land Surface Products
Authors: Mayr Stefan , Kuenzer Claudia , Gessner Ursula , Klein Igor , Rutzinger Martin
Published: November 2019

Large-area remote sensing time-series offer unique features for the extensive investigation of our environment. Since various error sources in the acquisition chain of datasets exist, only properly validated results can be of value for research and downstream decision processes. This review presents an overview of validation approaches concerning temporally dense time-series of land surface geo-information products that cover the continental to global scale. Categorization according to utilized validation data revealed that product intercomparisons and comparison to reference data are the conventional validation methods. The reviewed studies are mainly based on optical sensors and orientated towards global coverage, with vegetation-related variables as the focus. Trends indicate an increase in remote sensing-based studies that feature long-term datasets of land surface variables. The hereby corresponding validation efforts show only minor methodological diversification in the past two decades. To sustain comprehensive and standardized validation efforts, the provision of spatiotemporally dense validation data in order to estimate actual differences between measurement and the true state has to be maintained. The promotion of novel approaches can, on the other hand, prove beneficial for various downstream applications, although typically only theoretical uncertainties are provided.
Risk Assessment and Regionalization of Fire Disaster Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process and MODIS Data: A Case Study of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Jia Xu , Gao Yong , Wei Baocheng , Wang Shan , Tang Guodong , Zhao Zhonghua
Published: November 2019

Inner Mongolia, as a fragile ecological zone in northern China, is prone to severe fires due to natural forces and intensive human disturbances. The development of a fire risk assessment system at the finer spatial scale is not sufficient in this region. In this study, we obtained the data of burned areas and fire hotspots numbers for Inner Mongolia from the Terra/Aqua Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data (MCD45A1 and MOD14A1/MYD14A1, 2002~2016). These fire maps were used to determine the fire spatial and temporal variability, as well as the interactions with environmental controls (climatic, vegetation, topography, and anthropic characteristics) derived in geographic information system (GIS) layers. Based on this, the fire-causing variables were selected as the dependent variables for model building, whereas data on burned area and number of fire hotspots were used for model validation. The fire risk assessment map was then generated in a 500 × 500 m grid cell using an analytic hierarchy process approach and a GIS technique. This work could be easily used for the ultimate aim of supporting fire management.
Foreign Venture Capital Firms in a Cross-Border Context: Empirical Insights from India
Authors: Joshi Kshitija , Chandrashekar Deepak , Brem Alexander , Momaya Kirankumar S.
Published: November 2019

Syndication or co-investment is a potent way of pooling resources among peer Venture Capital (VC) firms. This is even more vital for Foreign VC firms (FVCFs) when investing in destinations that are geographically distant from their countries of origin. Although FVCFs are relatively abundantly endowed in terms of financial capital, they are distinctly disadvantaged in terms of their social capital when investing in geographies that are distinctly different in terms of their institutions, norms, and culture from their own. One of the ways in which FVCFs overcome this impediment is by investing in human resources that serve as a bridge between their financial and social capital. Accordingly, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the resources of FVCFs and their syndication intensity. Using the technique of logistic regression, we arrive at several interesting findings. FVCFs with a greater proportion of investment executives with prior founding experience in India and those with lower proportions of professionals of Indian origin demonstrate lower syndication intensity. Similarly, the syndication intensity diminishes with the increase in size of the investing team. FVCFs with greater fund size demonstrate a lower need for syndication. Greater endowment of social capital as proxied by the age of the VC firm is seen to enhance the syndication intensity.
Examining the Relationship between Environmentally Friendly Land Use and Rural Revitalization Using a Coupling Analysis: A Case Study of Hainan Province, China
Authors: Wang Pai , Qi Mengna , Liang Yajia , Ling Xuebing , Song Yan
Published: November 2019

This paper explores the coupling relationship between land use and rural development to improve the environmentally friendly level of land use and attain accelerated rural revitalization. On the basis of the coupling framework, the quantitative study included the dimensionless method, the entropy method, and the coupling measure model with an empirical study in the Hainan province of China. Specifically, we evaluated levels of environmental friendliness and rural revitalization, and further calculated the coupling degree, coupling coordination degree, and the relative development degree between the two. Results demonstrated that (1) both the levels of environmentally friendly land use and rural revitalization showed an upward trend; (2) the coupling degree between environmentally friendly land use and rural revitalization was always at a high level; (3) the coupling coordination degree was improved from reluctant coordination to a quality coordination level; and (4) the relative development degree has changed since 2014, and environmentally friendly land use began to lag behind rural revitalization. This study contributes to the literature by integrating the coupling model into the relationship between land use and rural development, and the results of the article can provide a reference for China and other developing countries to coordinate land use and rural development.
Bridging the Gap in the Technology Commercialization Process: Using a Three-Stage Technology–Product–Market Model
Authors: Kim Minseo , Park Hyesu , Sawng Yeong-wha , Park Sun-young
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a new “three-stage technology–product–market” model to analyze the technology commercialization process. This model revises the technology acceptance model to more accurately consider the market potential of new technologies from a consumer perspective. This approach can be used to supplement developers’ own evaluations of technology. To test the model empirically, an online survey of 350 end users was conducted regarding their intention to purchase the “Wireless USB,” which uses “Zing” technology and was developed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. The data was used to test the model using a structural equations approach. We indirectly confirmed the existence of gaps in the technology commercialization process by verifying the mediating effects of the productization stage. Results suggest that end users may not purchase a product, even if they perceive the technology to be innovative; the product purchase intention is significantly influenced by its perceived value. Therefore, developers must understand the concept of technology value for productization in order to refine a technology according to market demand.
Development of a Carbon Emissions Analysis Framework Using Building Information Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment for the Construction of Hospital Projects
Authors: Lu Kun , Jiang Xiaoyan , Tam Vivian W. Y. , Li Mengyun , Wang Hongyu , Xia Bo , Chen Qing
Published: November 2019

Buildings produce a large amount of carbon emissions in their life cycle, which intensifies greenhouse-gas effects and has become a great threat to the survival of humans and other species. Although many previous studies shed light on the calculation of carbon emissions, a systematic analysis framework is still missing. Therefore, this study proposes an analysis framework of carbon emissions based on building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA), which consists of four steps: (1) defining the boundary of carbon emissions in a life cycle; (2) establishing a carbon emission coefficients database for Chinese buildings and adopting Revit, GTJ2018, and Green Building Studio for inventory analysis; (3) calculating carbon emissions at each stage of the life cycle; and (4) explaining the calculation results of carbon emissions. The framework developed is validated using a case study of a hospital project, which is located in areas in Anhui, China with a hot summer and a cold winter. The results show that the reinforced concrete engineering contributes to the largest proportion of carbon emissions (around 49.64%) in the construction stage, and the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) generates the largest proportion (around 53.63%) in the operational stage. This study provides a practical reference for similar buildings in analogous areas and for additional insights on reducing carbon emissions in the future.
Food Purchasing Decisions and Environmental Ideology: An Exploratory Survey of UK Shoppers
Authors: Barker Margo E. , Wong Francis , Jones Christopher R. , Russell Jean M.
Published: November 2019

Environmentally and ethically conscious food purchasing has traction with British consumers. We examined how broad environmental worldviews related to shoppers’ ratings of the importance of various shopping criteria, including recognition of eco-labels, by surveying 502 shoppers from the city of Sheffield, England. Environmental worldviews were measured using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale. Responses to the scale split into two dimensions reflecting the scale’s origins: the Dominant Social Paradigm (DSP) and NEP subscales. Subscription to the NEP (ecocentric values) was associated with greater importance ratings of nutrition & health, animal welfare, the environment, Fairtrade, seasonal, local and organic criteria. Subscription to the DSP (anthropocentric values) was associated with greater importance ratings of quality, taste, safety, price and convenience criteria. Notably, subscription to DSP values was the only predictor of eco-label recognition score in a multivariate model. These results indicate that the NEP scale should be considered as two subscales. The results suggest that campaigns to increase consumers’ environmental awareness in order to encourage environmentally driven food shopping are likely to motivate only consumers disenchanted with technological and anthropocentric development.
Carbon Taxation: A Tale of Three Countries
Authors: Criqui Patrick , Jaccard Mark , Sterner Thomas
Published: November 2019

Carbon pricing is considered by most economists as a central dimension to any climate policy. It is assumed to bring simple, transparent, and cost-effective means to change investment and consumption behaviors. The most straightforward method is carbon taxation, but its implementation is more complex. This study provides a comparative analysis of carbon taxation in three countries—Sweden, Canada, and France—aimed at drawing lessons for the future of carbon taxation. Comparing the experience of the three countries reveals that carbon taxes, once in place, do have the intended effect. In this sense, they work well. However, the analysis also reveals very different situations in terms of advances, difficulties, and results, which highlights the need to carefully consider the social and political conditions for the acceptance and effective implementation of such economic instruments. Against this background, the comparative analysis yields four main insights that deserve further research from economics and social scientists: the ability to combine pure economic instruments and other regulation or policies and measures; the management of lobbies and vested interests; the identification of a clear strategy for the recycling of the carbon revenues, whether earmarked or not; and finally, the importance of these three dimensions of carbon taxes in the new settings of zero net emission policies.
Online Reviews Matter: How Can Platforms Benefit from Online Reviews?
Authors: Du Xueke , Dong Rui , Li Wenli , Jia Yibo , Chen Lirong
Published: November 2019

Online reviews mitigate uncertainty about product quality that is caused by information asymmetry. However, low-quality online reviews are not effective, while high-quality online reviews may raise costs. Unlike the previous studies, this paper develops a game-theoretic model to examine the feasibility and pricing of online review supervision mechanism for operators of platforms that are based on the ‘network externality’. The results reveal that platforms are not always benefited from online reviews. We provide a new perspective and give some preventive suggestions for platforms with a view to furthering sustainable development.
Genetic, Molecular, and Pathogenic Characterization of the H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Currently Circulating in South China
Authors: Sun Hailiang , Lin Jiate , Liu Zhiting , Yu Yanan , Wu Meihua , Li Shuo , Liu Yang , Feng Yaling , Wu Yuqian , Li Mingliang , Jiao Peirong , Luo Kaijian , Liao Ming
Published: November 2019

The prevalence and variation of the H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) pose a threat to public health. A total of eight viruses isolated from farmed poultry in South China during 2017–2018 were selected as representative strains for further systematic study. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that these prevalent viruses belong to the Y280-like lineage and that the internal genes are highly similar to those of recently circulating human H7N9 viruses. The receptor-binding assay showed that most of the H9N2 isolates preferentially bound to the human-like receptor, increasing the risk of them crossing the species barrier and causing human infection. Our in vitro, multi-step growth curve results indicate these viruses can effectively replicate in mammalian cells. Infection in mice showed that three viruses effectively replicated in the lung of mice. Infection in swine revealed that the viruses readily replicated in the upper respiratory tract of pig and effectively induced viral shedding. Our findings suggested that the H9N2 AIVs circulating in poultry recently acquired an enhanced ability to transmit from avian to mammalians, including humans. Based on our findings, we propose that it is essential to strengthen the efforts to surveil and test the pathogenicity of H9N2 AIVs.
Disease Resurgence, Production Capability Issues and Safety Concerns in the Context of an Aging Population: Is There a Need for a New Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Authors: Tomashek Kay M. , Challberg Mark , Nayak Seema U. , Schiltz Helen F.
Published: November 2019

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal, mosquito-borne viral disease that appears to be experiencing a resurgence in endemic areas in Africa and South America and spreading to non-endemic areas despite an effective vaccine. This trend has increased the level of concern about the disease and the potential for importation to areas in Asia with ecological conditions that can sustain yellow fever virus transmission. In this article, we provide a broad overview of yellow fever burden of disease, natural history, treatment, vaccine, prevention and control initiatives, and vaccine and therapeutic agent development efforts.
The Horizontal Raphe of the Human Retina and its Watershed Zones
Authors: May Christian Albrecht , Rutkowski Paul
Published: November 2019

The horizontal raphe (HR) as a demarcation line dividing the retina and choroid into separate vascular hemispheres is well established, but its development has never been discussed in the context of new findings of the last decades. Although factors for axon guidance are established (e.g., slit-robo pathway, ephrin-protein-receptor pathway) they do not explain HR formation. Early morphological organization, too, fails to establish a HR. The development of the HR is most likely induced by the long posterior ciliary arteries which form a horizontal line prior to retinal organization. The maintenance might then be supported by several biochemical factors. The circulation separate superior and inferior vascular hemispheres communicates across the HR only through their anastomosing capillary beds resulting in watershed zones on either side of the HR. Visual field changes along the HR could clearly be demonstrated in vascular occlusive diseases affecting the optic nerve head, the retina or the choroid. The watershed zone of the HR is ideally protective for central visual acuity in vascular occlusive diseases but can lead to distinct pathological features.
Chromaticity Measurement Based on the Image Method and Its Application in Water Quality Detection
Authors: Cao Pingping , Zhu Yuanyang , Zhao Wenzhu , Liu Sheng , Gao Hongwen
Published: November 2019

In order to measure the chromaticity of water and the content of dissolved matter more accurately, effectively, and cheaply, a chromaticity measurement system based on the image method was proposed and applied. The measurement system used the designed acquisition device and image processing software to obtain the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) values of the image and converted the color image from RGB color space to Hue-Saturation-Intensity (HSI) space to separate the chromaticity and brightness. According to the definition of chromaticity, the hue (H), saturation (S) values, and chromaticity of standard chromaticity solution images were fitted by a non-linear surface, and a three-dimensional chromaticity measurement model was established based on the H and S values of water images. For the measurement of a standard chromaticity solution, the proposed method has higher accuracy than spectrophotometry. For actual water sample measurements, there is no significant difference between the results of this method and the spectrophotometer method, which verified the validity of the method. In addition, the system was tried to measure the concentration of ammonia nitrogen, phosphate, and chloride in water with satisfactory results.
Cristallogenèse expérimentale des smectites magnésiennes : hectorite, stévensite
Authors: Decarreau Alain
Published: November 2019

La synthèse de smectites magnésiennes a été réalisée à basse température (5 à 90 °C) à partir d'un coprécipité silicomagnésien obtenu par la réaction suivante :

4 SiO₂Na₂O + 3MgCl₂ + 2 HCl → Si₄Mg₃O₁₁(nH₂O) + H₂O + 8 NaCl.

Le précipité solide est ensuite mis à évoluer en suspension aqueuse en présence ou non de LiF (ou LiCl). A 75 °C on obtient ainsi en 2 à 3 semaines des minéraux de type hectorite ou stévensite purs en tous points comparables à leurs équivalents naturels.

L'évolution structurale du précipité est suivie par diffraction X et étude au microscope électronique. La cristallogenèse est identique pour la stévensite et l'hectorite. Le mécanisme est le suivant : dès sa précipitation le solide silicomagnésien est constitué de petits germes ayant 15 Å de côté dans le plan (a, b) du minéral et comportant 2 à 4 feuillets T.O.T. empilés. Ces germes sont associés au sein de pseudoparticules de 400 Å de diamètre. La croissance cristalline s'effectue essentiellement par coalescence de germes au sein des pseudoparticules, ce qui entraîne une augmentation continue des domaines cohérents dans le plan (a, b), et simultanément par accrétion des pseudoparticules entre elles. On n'observe pas d'augmentation, dans le temps, du taux d'empilement des feuillets suivant (c).

Le mécanisme de cristallogenèse mis à jour exclut le modèle souvent invoqué d'une fixation de silice sur une couche brucitique préexistante.

Certaines smectites naturelles ont une microstructure très semblable à celle de nos minéraux de synthèse, suggérant un mode semblable de néogenèse.
Workforce and Stimulation of Economic Growth in Russia
Authors: Vertakova Yu. V. , Plotnikov V. A.
Published: November 2019

The presented study determines the prerequisites for accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of socio-economic development by modernizing approaches to the regulation of the labor market and reproduction of labor potential.

Aim. The study aims to identify problems in ensuring economic growth in Russia by the workforce and to propose approaches to solving these problems.

Tasks. The authors characterize the current rate and prospects of changes in economic growth in Russia; describe the problems of ensuring economic growth from the perspective of a factorial approach (through the example of the labor factor); analyze the causes of labor market imbalance and inefficient provision of workforce for the economy; propose recommendations on improving the process of ensuring economic growth by the workforce at the current stage of development of the Russian economy.

Methods. This study applies methods of institutional, structural, and statistical analysis to the processes of economic growth and socio-economic development. A factorial approach to the description of economic growth is used during the analysis of this phenomenon. Its rate is determined by the quantity and quality of (resource) production factors. The labor factor is thoroughly analyzed. The problems of ensuring economic growth in Russia by the workforce are examined from the perspective of the systems approach using methodological techniques of variant and situation analysis.

Results. The study substantiates the opinion that the modern Russian economy has stalled in a state of near-zero growth, mostly due to the low efficiency of the implemented socio-economic policy. It is therefore necessary to increase the rate of economic growth. The authors use the factorial approach (through the example of the labor factor) to examine the sufficiency of resourcing of economic growth with production factors. It is shown that, in light of the recent pension reform, workforce in modern Russia is sufficient and even superfluous. The key qualitative problems in the operation of the labor market are comprehensively analyzed, including the structural and quantitative discrepancy between specialist training in the educational system and labor requirements; overeducation of the population (people perform work that requires lower qualification than their actual level of education and/or professional training). This study shows the specificity of these problems and provides recommendations on solving them, which requires revising approaches to the development and implementation of the state economic policy.

Conclusions. Russia has the resource capabilities (in terms of workforce) to intensify economic growth and make a breakthrough in socio-economic development. Analysis of the existing problems in this field shows that these issues can be solved. However, this requires a focused, systematic effort spearheaded by the government, which is impossible without improving the implemented state economic policy.
Transformation of the Principles of Formation of Insurance Pension Rights in the Context of Increased Retirement Age
Authors: Solov’ev A. K.
Published: November 2019

The presented study examines the impact of macroeconomic and demographic factors and increased retirement age on the formation of the pension rights of insured persons within the distributive component of the compulsory pension insurance system.Aim. The study aims to use actuarial calculations to substantiate the procedure for the formation of insurance pension rights within the compulsory pension insurance system in the context of population ageing.Tasks. The authors develop methodological approaches to the actuarial substantiation of the formation of pension rights within the distributive component of the compulsory pension insurance system. They also formulate proposals for improving pension legislation to increase the efficiency of the formation of insurance rights within the compulsory pension insurance system and for the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation to achieve fiscal balance, raising the level of pension for the period up to 2050.Methods. This study uses general and special scientific methods of cognition – analysis (economicstatistical, financial, systemic, comparative) of theoretical and practical materials and synthesis, expert assessment, actuarial modeling and forecasting – to examine the formation of pension rights by insured persons within the context of the pension system in various aspects (legal, historical, temporal) and to develop proposals for implementing measures aimed at improving the efficiency of the formation of pension rights in the long term.Results. Analysis of the leading approaches and principles in the formation of the pension rights of insured persons and legislative regulation of this process within a time interval of more than 30 years as well as the conducted actuarial calculations show that it is necessary to create a new mechanism for calculating pension rights in the context of population ageing. There is an obvious need to develop constructive measures based on the results of actuarial calculations to improve pension legislation.Conclusions. Examination of the way the formation of pension rights of insured persons transformed over time makes it obvious that this process is continuously affected by macroeconomic and demographic factors, including natural population ageing, and the measures taken to increase the retirement age. The resulting situation calls for the development of a set of measures aimed at improving the efficiency of pension reforms in the future to fully make allowance for the pension rights of insured persons in the amount of the future pension.
Determination Of Organic Compound Pollution In The Springs At Pesedahan Village, Karangasem By Permanganometri
Authors: Atmaja I Made Arya Wirya , Parwata I Made Oka Adi , Subhaktiyasa Putu Gede
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Water is the main component / important for living things, so its quality and quantity needs to be maintained. Similarly, the springs in the Pesedahan Village, Manggis District, Karangasem Regency that gives an important influence for the community’s activities there.Water quality decline to a certain level caused by one of the organic compounds contamination. The decrease of water quality to a certain level is caused by one of the organic compounds. Method: This research is a quantitative research. The purpose of this research is to determine and analyze the level of organic compound spring in Pesedahan Village, Manggis Subdistrict, Karangasem Regency. The research was conducted on 5 springs in the location, each taken 2 L as sample. Result: The result of the research by permanganometri result showed that the data of organic compound samples 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 sequentially in mg / L were 8,2581, 8,8481, 11,0178, 9,8381 and 6,6781, respectively With Permenkes R1 No.492 / Menkes / Per / IV / 2010 found that the organic compound of sample 3 exceeded the maximum limit, while the other four samples were below maximum. Discussion: For that it is advisable for the community to maintain the safety of water springs, one of which cleans the area of ​​the spring, and does not dispose of waste around the springs location.
DESKRIPSI SELF-EMPOWERMENT PASIEN DIABETES MELLITUS DI RUMAH SAKIT MANGUSADA, KABUPATEN BADUNG
Authors: Pramesti Theresia Anita , Adiatmika I Putu Gede
Published: November 2019

Pendahuluan: Diabetes mellitus (DM) tipe 2 merupakan penyakit kronis yang tidak dapat disembuhkan namun dapat dikontrol. Penderita diabetes melitus membutuhkan perawatan yang berkesinambungan untuk meningkatkan kualitas hidup yang lebih baik. Self-empowerment diperlukan untuk membangun kepercayaan, meningkatkan harga diri, mengembangkan mekanisme koping dan meningkatkan keterampilan. Self-empowerment dapat memandirikan pasien, merubah pasien dari tidak tahu menjadi tahu, dari tidak mampu menjadi mampu sesuai dengan keadaan pasien serta kemauan pasien untuk berubah. Metode: Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan rancangan penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan rancangan penelitian survei menggunakan cross-sectional. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh penderita diabetes mellitus tipe II di RSUD Kabupaten Badung Mangusada yang berjumlah 80 penderita, sample penelitian sebanyak 67 responden yang diperoleh dengan teknik nonprobability sampling, pendekatan yang digunakan adalah consecutive sampling.Hasil: Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah aspek psikososial penderita DM tipe II sebagian besar adalah tinggi, ketidakpuasan dan kesiapan untuk berubah adalah cukup, pengaturan dan pencapaian tujuan adalah cukup, self-empowerment  adalah tinggi. Diskusi: Pemahaman responden terhadap Self-empowerment , cara menangani respon emosional pasien akibat lama menderita DM tipe II, dan cara mengatasi hambatan dalam melakukan perawatan diabetes melitus

Kata kunci: Self-empowerment , Diabetes Melitus Tipe II

 

ABSTRACK

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that cannot be cured but can be controlled. People with diabetes mellitus need continuous care to improve the quality of life better. Self-empowerment is needed to build trust, increase self-esteem, develop coping mechanisms and improve skills.  Self-empowerment can empower patients, change patient’s knowledge from not knowing to know, from unable to be able, according to the patient's condition and the patient's willingness to change.Method: This research was conducted with descriptive research design with survey research design approach using cross-sectional. The population of this study were all type II diabetes mellitus patients in Badung Mangusada District Hospital which consisted of 80 patients, the sample of 67 respondents obtained by nonprobability sampling technique, the approach used was consecutive sampling. Result: The conclusion of this research is psychosocial aspect of patient of DM type II mostly is high, dissatisfaction and readiness to change is enough, setting and achieving goal is enough, self-empowerment  is high. Discussion: Understanding of respondents to Self-empowerment , how to handle the emotional response of patients due to long suffering from DM, and how to overcome barriers in doing diabetes mellitus treatment.

 

Key word: Self-empowerment , Type II Diabetes Mellitus