bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations on frequency characteristics of an electromechanical vibration energy harvesting converter with nonlinear parametric resonance
Authors: Jagieƚa Mariusz , Kulik Marcin
Published: July 2016

The paper aims to determine and analyse the frequency characteristics of an electromechanical vibration energy harvesting converter that comprises of a metal cantilever-beam spring driving a linear-motion permanent-magnet generator with a single-phase cored armature winding. The nonlinear parametric resonance phenomenon is analysed that the system exhibits due to action of the electromagnetic forces developed by the generator. In order to determine the steady-state frequency characteristics of the system a 1-D complex quasi-dynamic structural finite element model is coupled with 2-D magnetostatic finite element and circuit models. The nonlinearity and electric loading are taken into account. The region of feasible operation is determined involving physical limitations of the system that result from the assumed system topology and physical properties of materials used. The observations on bistability of the frequency characteristics are carried out. The results show that the converter should operate loaded due to risk of spring devastation at the bistable operation point. The quasi-optimal value of loading resistance providing maximum power at average value of the external excitation force is determined. The considerations are supported by laboratory experiments.
Enhanced vibration damping and modal energy transfer in a smart structure
Authors: Chesné S. , Jean-Mistral C. , Gaudiller L. , Wang Z.
Published: July 2016

The next challenge in the field of embedded structures is the development of an efficient, energetically autonomous vibration control technique. The proposed new approach consists in transferring energy between modes of the same structure: energy is harvested in a uncontrolled mode to increase attenuation in a targeted mode. This approach may even permit a `stand-alone' design by generating constant voltages by using the structural motion with an energy harvesting technique. The proposed electrical architecture - called synchronized switch damping and harvesting (SSDH) - is composed of a harvesting circuit (synchronized switch harvesting on inductor [SSHI]), a DC-DC converter (buck-boost topology), and a modal circuit to control vibration (similar to combining the synchronized switch damping on voltage [SSDV] and modal synchronized switch damping on inductor [SSDI] methods). The theoretical analysis and numerical simulation of this architecture addressed the transfer of modal energy through a smart structure based on an academic case: a cantilever beam. The study aimed to increase damping in a selected mode by using the energy of other modes in configurations with realistic energy distributions. The circuit and energy transfer were analyzed to determine the minimum modal contributions necessary to achieve this aim and to ensure long-term stability (steady state). Compared with traditional SSDI, the bi-harmonic excitation used with this new technique increased attenuation damping by 13 dB. The proposed general approach can be extended to the majority of complex or composite industrial structures subjected to vibration.
Nilotinib – Differentiating the Hope from the Hype
Authors: Wyse Richard K. , Brundin Patrik , Sherer Todd B.
Published: July 2016

We discuss a report in the current issue on clinical and biochemical findings from a safety trial using the cAbl tyrosine kinase inhibitor Nilotinib (150 mg or 300 mg given daily for 24 weeks) in a small group of patients with either advanced Parkinson’s disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Despite some side effects (one serious), the authors claim that Nilotinib, which is normally used at much higher doses for treating leukemia, is safe and tolerated. Furthermore, they report a possible benefit on motor and cognitive outcomes. We debate the safety of Nilotinib and the reported efficacy signals. We emphasize that due to the small sample size, and lack of a control group, it is impossible to rule out a placebo effect. We briefly discuss a range of aspects surrounding the current and possible future use of this cAbl inhibitor in patients with alpha-synucleinopathy, and what must now be done to obtain definitive information about its safety and efficacy in this population of patients.
Buffers ionic strength on the chaperone-like activity (CLA) of silkworm small heat shock protein: sHSP19.9 and sHSP20.8
Authors: Hossain M Tofazzal , Aso Yoichi
Published: July 2016

Small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs), an abundant and ubiquitous family of molecular chaperones, can effectively prevent irreversible aggregation of non-native proteins by forming soluble complex. The CLA of sHSPs is usually determined by the capacity to suppress thermally or chemically induced protein aggregation. Various factors can effectively influence the CLA, and among them the ionic strength of the preparation and working buffer is an important factor. The study deals with the effect of ionic strength of buffer on the CLA of two silkworm sHSPs: namely sHSP19.9 and sHSP20.8 against the thermally-induced aggregation of BLC, a non-native protein. The study clearly revealed that sHSP19.9 required high ionic strength (more NaCl concentration) in reaction buffer to prevent irreversible aggregation of BLC. On the other hand, such high ionic strength condition is not necessary for sHSP20.8 but it influences the activity in some context.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 241-249, December 2014
Effect of different stages of maturity and postharvest treatments on quality and storability of pineapple
Authors: Kamol SI , Howlader J , Dhar GC Sutra , Aklimuzzaman M
Published: July 2016

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different maturity stages and postharvest treatments on the storage behavior of Pineapple fruits. Two distinct maturity stages viz., premature (30 days before attaining optimum maturity) and optimum mature fruits were harvested and placed in the laboratory room. On the same day six postharvest treatments viz., control, preserved in unperforated polyethylene bag, tilt, 100 ppm NAA, 200 ppm NAA, and 300 ppm NAA were assigned to that fruits. The two-factor experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. There was significant variation between two maturity stages and among different treatments in relation to fruit characteristics. At 18 days of storage, premature fruits contained the maximum shelf-life (19.33 days), total weight loss (16.00%), moisture content (92.66%), total titratable acidity (0.77%), ascorbic acid content (17.49 mg/100g fruit) while the minimum (14.5 days), (14.67%), (90.66%), (0.68%), (9.75 mg/100g fruit) in optimum mature fruits, respectively. On the other hand, optimum mature fruits had higher dry matter content (14.78%), edible portion (67.77%), TSS (16.03%), pulp to peel ratio (2.56), total sugar content (13.5%) while these were minimum (12.57%), (65.16%), (14.43%), (2.37), (10.56%) in pre mature fruits, respectively. The fruits treated with 100 ppm NAA treatment showed the highest shelf life (22.83 days), pulp to peel ratio (2.94), total titratable acidity (0.67%), ascorbic acid content (16.78 mg/100g fruit pulp) and the lowest was in total sugar content (10.96%). Fruits treated with unperforated polythene bag gave the maximum edible portion (71.72%), moisture content (88.3%), and the minimum were in weight loss (3.42%), dry matter content (11.7%), TSS (14.68%). On the other hand, fruits with 5% tilt treatment showed the minimum total titratable acidity (0.58%) and ascorbic acid content (12.28 mg/100 g fruit pulp). Fruits with control represented the highest weight loss (19.135%), dry matter content (13.7%), total sugar content (12.75%) and the lowest were in shelf life (12.66 days), edible portion (60.098%), pulp to peel ratio (1.93). Among the treated and untreated fruits, unperforated polyethylene bag and 100 ppm NAA treatment exhibited better storage performance.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 251-260, December 2014
Quality assessment of rice seed using different storage techniques
Authors: Chowdhury S , Chowdhury MAH , Bhattacherjee S , Ghosh K
Published: July 2016

Rice (cv. BRRI Dhan28) seed from two sources (Farmer and BADC) were collected and stored in 10 different types of indigenous storage containers viz., i) earthen jar (EJ), ii) coaltar coated EJ, iii) seed mixed with neem leaves (Azedirecta indica) in EJ, iv) seed mixed with Biskatali leaves (Polygonum hydropiper) in EJ, v) biscuit tin, vi) drum, vii) hessian bag (HB), viii) hessian bag with polythene cover, ix) dole and x) cowdung coated dole for four months in the laboratory of the department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The changes of some quality components of seed such as moisture content, germination, insect and pathogen attack, protein and starch contents were monitored at certain interval over 120 days of storage. Containers were characterized into three categories viz., easily permeable, permeable and almost impermeable. In case of almost impermeable containers like biscuit tin, drum and hessian bag with polythene cover, seed moisture increased significantly with the advancement of storage period but did not exceed desired level. Moisture percentage of the seeds of biscuit tin, drum and hessian bag with polythene cover was 12.78, 12.95 and 12.88 %, respectively. Germination percentage of seeds in all impermeable containers was above 80 %. Seed mortality was found to be positively correlated with moisture content and storage duration. Seed borne pathogens were associated along with the seed. Field fungi like Alternaria, Curvularia, Cladosporium though observed initially, but in the last pathological test Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp. were found predominantly. Insect attack was severe in easily permeable containers. Permeable containers containing the leaves of neem and biskatali restricted insect and fungal attack. Seed protein and starch content varied with storage period. Starch content of seed was 77 % at 60 days of storage and decreased to 75 % at 120 days of storage. Significant superiority of BADC seed over the farmers seed irrespective of all the parameters studied was noticed. The overall observation suggests that, biscuit tin and drum could be used for small scale storage and hessian bag with polythene cover for bulk storage of rice seed for a certain period.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 297-305, December 2014
Diversity analysis of some selected rice genotypes through SSR- based molecular markers
Authors: Shahriar MH , Robin AHK , Begum SN , Hoque A
Published: July 2016

An experiment was carried out to assess the genetic diversity of advanced rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding lines using three SSR markers viz., RM147, RM167 and RM215. Thirty T- aman advanced breeding lines at F9 generation along with 4 check varieties were assessed. All three primers showed polymorphism. A total of 29 alleles were detected among the rice genotypes with an average of 9.67 alleles per locus. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.47 to 0.88 with an average of 0.71. A dendrogram was constructed based on total microsatellite polymorphism and 34 genotypes were grouped into four major clusters at 0.36 similarity co-efficient differentiating the early maturing genotypes from the late maturing types. The information about the genetic diversity might be utilized in future breeding programs for developing rice varieties with much shorter growth duration. The results also suggested that microsatellite markers which are linked to genes or QTLs responsible for growth duration properties are suitable tools for marker assisted selection (MAS) to select the rice genotypes of shorter growth duration.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 307-311, December 2014
An Agribusiness development approach of beef cattle in selected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarma PK
Published: July 2016

The study was pursued to ascertain the existing internal and external factors, alternative strategies and priorities of the strategies applied in enhancing beef cattle agribusiness at Pabna and Sirajganj districts in Bangladesh. The primary data and present study were collected by employing various techniques such as survey, FGD, KII and observation methods. The total sample size was 180 which were selected through convenience sampling technique. The following analytical tools used were employed i) IFE-EFE analysis ii) SWOT analysis, iii) SWOT matrix, and iv) QSPM model. By analyzing all the factors from SWOT four strategies were developed to determine the beef cattle development. The best strategy was selected by using QSPM matrix. The results IFE is 2.610, EFE is 2.438 and the total weighted score is 5.833 indicates that beef cattle sub-sector agribusiness are opportunity to explore their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. The beef cattle agribusiness development through the implementation of the integrated or contract farming that supported to backward and forward linkage and support services.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 351-358, December 2014
Comparative study on growth performance between Vietnam koi and Thai koi in mini ponds
Authors: Ahmed GU , Upala SR , Hasan MT , Hasan NA
Published: July 2016

An experiment was carried out to determine the comparative growth study of Vietnam koi (Anabus testudineus) and Thai koi (Anabus testudineus) for a period of 90 days in eight experimental ponds in the northern side of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Four treatments were considered having two replicates. For Vietnam koi treatments were named VT1 and VT2 and for Thai koi were TT1 and TT2. All the fish were of same age group having mean body weight of 0.30 g. Feeding frequency in all the treatments were two times a day. Fish were fed quality fish feed at a rate of 60% of their body weight for the first thirty days that was gradually reduced to 25% for the next thirty days and 10% till the termination of the experiment. The mean value of water temperature were 29.78 in VT1, 30.42 in VT2, 30.50 in TT1 and 29.99°C in TT2, dissolved oxygen were 7.21, 7.42 , 7.14 and 7.34 mg/l in VT1, VT2, TT1 and TT2, respectively, mean pH values were 7.42 in VT1, 7.29 in VT2, 7.50 in TT1 and 7.45 in TT2, ammonia were 0.21, 0.24, 0.28 and 0.23 mg/l in VT1, VT2, TT1 and TT2 , respectively and alkalinity were 200.00, 205.00, 210.00 and 205.00 ppm in VT1, VT2, TT1 and TT2 , respectively. The result of the present study showed that the best weight gain of 80.00 g was observed in VT1 after 90 days of culture period. Average weight gain (g) were 0.83, 0.88, 0.51 and 0.61; SGR (per day) were 3.93, 3.95, 3.65 and 3.71%; FCR were 1.50, 1.67, 1.70 and 1.90; survival rate were 78.50, 76.50, 90.00 and 82.00% and fish production were 7,839, 15,923, 5,519 and 11,820 kg/ha/3 months in VT1, VT2, TT1 and TT2, respectively. Growth of both the species was higher in lower stocking densities, whereas, production was increased in higher stocking densities. The present research findings suggested that Vietnam koi has high growth potential in comparison to Thai koi under mini pond culture condition.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 405-409, December 2014
The Use of Denoising and Analysis of the Acoustic Signal Entropy in Diagnosing Engine Valve Clearance
Authors: Figlus Tomasz , Gnap Jozef , Skrúcaný Tomáš , Šarkan Branislav , Stoklosa Jozef
Published: July 2016

The paper presents a method for processing acoustic signals which allows the extraction, from a very noisy signal, of components which contain diagnostically useful information on the increased valve clearance of a combustion engine. This method used two-stage denoising of the acoustic signal performed by means of a discrete wavelet transform. Afterwards, based on the signal cleaned-up in this manner, its entropy was calculated as a quantitative measure of qualitative changes caused by the excessive clearance. The testing and processing of the actual acoustic signal of a combustion engine enabled clear extraction of components which contain information on the valve clearance being diagnosed.
Link between Lie Group Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Continua
Authors: De Saxcé Géry
Published: July 2016

In this work, we consider the value of the momentum map of the symplectic mechanics as an affine tensor called momentum tensor. From this point of view, we analyze the underlying geometric structure of the theories of Lie group statistical mechanics and relativistic thermodynamics of continua, formulated by Souriau independently of each other. We bridge the gap between them in the classical Galilean context. These geometric structures of the thermodynamics are rich and we think they might be a source of inspiration for the geometric theory of information based on the concept of entropy.
Ecosystem Carbon Stock Loss after Land Use Change in Subtropical Forests in China
Authors: Fan Shaohui , Guan Fengying , Xu Xingliang , Forrester David , Ma Wu , Tang Xiaolu
Published: July 2016

Converting secondary natural forests (SFs) to Chinese fir plantations (CFPs) represents one of the most important (8.9 million ha) land use changes in subtropical China. This study estimated both biomass and soil C stocks in a SF and a CFP that was converted from a SF, to quantify the effects of land use change on ecosystem C stock. After the forest conversion, biomass C in the CFP (73 Mg·ha−1) was significantly lower than that of the SF (114 Mg·ha−1). Soil organic C content and stock decreased with increasing soil depth, and the soil C stock in the 0–10 cm layer accounted for more than one third of the total soil C stock over 0–50 cm, emphasizing the importance of management of the top soil to reduce the soil C loss. Total ecosystem C stock of the SF and the CFP was 318 and 200 Mg·ha−1, respectively, 64% of which was soil C for both stands (205 Mg·ha−1 for the SF and 127 Mg·ha−1 for the CFP). This indicates that land use change from the SF to the CFP significantly decreased ecosystem C stock and highlights the importance of managing soil C.
Evaluating the Performance of High-Altitude Aerial Image-Based Digital Surface Models in Detecting Individual Tree Crowns in Mature Boreal Forests
Authors: Tanhuanpää Topi , Saarinen Ninni , Kankare Ville , Nurminen Kimmo , Vastaranta Mikko , Honkavaara Eija , Karjalainen Mika , Yu Xiaowei , Holopainen Markus , Hyyppä Juha
Published: July 2016

Height models based on high-altitude aerial images provide a low-cost means of generating detailed 3D models of the forest canopy. In this study, the performance of these height models in the detection of individual trees was evaluated in a commercially managed boreal forest. Airborne digital stereo imagery (DSI) was captured from a flight altitude of 5 km with a ground sample distance of 50 cm and corresponds to regular national topographic airborne data capture programs operated in many countries. Tree tops were detected from smoothed canopy height models (CHM) using watershed segmentation. The relative amount of detected trees varied between 26% and 140%, and the RMSE of plot-level arithmetic mean height between 2.2 m and 3.1 m. Both the dominant tree species and the filter used for smoothing affected the results. Even though the spatial resolution of DSI-based CHM was sufficient, detecting individual trees from the data proved to be demanding because of the shading effect of the dominant trees and the limited amount of data from lower canopy levels and near the ground.
Sales of Forestry-Related Specialty License Plates in the Southern United States: A County Level Empirical Analysis
Authors: Tanger Shaun , Masum Md , Blazier Michael , Holley A.
Published: July 2016

In recent years, specialty license plates have become an increasingly popular way to raise awareness and show support for a myriad of issues with which the plate is linked. Several states and various organizations that provide forestry education have developed forestry license plates. Vehicle owners can purchase the plates to show their support towards forestry by buying the forestry license plates, which generates revenue for the provider organization. Using county-level data from five states in the Southeastern United States, a statistical model was developed to examine explanatory factors of forestry-based specialty license plate sales in 2014. Using linear count regression modeling, we observed that the significant predictor variables of plate sales were income per capita, population density, the percentage of acres that are forested in the county, acres of forest in the county that are privately owned, percentage of people who are 65 or older, and presence of the forest industry in the county. Plate sales were positively correlated with the presence of the forest industry in the county.
Emerging Environmental Justice Issues in Nuclear Power and Radioactive Contamination
Authors: Kyne Dean , Bolin Bob
Published: July 2016

Nuclear hazards, linked to both U.S. weapons programs and civilian nuclear power, pose substantial environment justice issues. Nuclear power plant (NPP) reactors produce low-level ionizing radiation, high level nuclear waste, and are subject to catastrophic contamination events. Justice concerns include plant locations and the large potentially exposed populations, as well as issues in siting, nuclear safety, and barriers to public participation. Other justice issues relate to extensive contamination in the U.S. nuclear weapons complex, and the mining and processing industries that have supported it. To approach the topic, first we discuss distributional justice issues of NPP sites in the U.S. and related procedural injustices in siting, operation, and emergency preparedness. Then we discuss justice concerns involving the U.S. nuclear weapons complex and the ways that uranium mining, processing, and weapons development have affected those living downwind, including a substantial American Indian population. Next we examine the problem of high-level nuclear waste and the risk implications of the lack of secure long-term storage. The handling and deposition of toxic nuclear wastes pose new transgenerational justice issues of unprecedented duration, in comparison to any other industry. Finally, we discuss the persistent risks of nuclear technologies and renewable energy alternatives.
Experimental Data Extraction and in Silico Prediction of the Estrogenic Activity of Renewable Replacements for Bisphenol A
Authors: Hong Huixiao , Harvey Benjamin , Palmese Giuseppe , Stanzione Joseph , Ng Hui , Sakkiah Sugunadevi , Tong Weida , Sadler Joshua
Published: July 2016

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous compound used in polymer manufacturing for a wide array of applications; however, increasing evidence has shown that BPA causes significant endocrine disruption and this has raised public concerns over safety and exposure limits. The use of renewable materials as polymer feedstocks provides an opportunity to develop replacement compounds for BPA that are sustainable and exhibit unique properties due to their diverse structures. As new bio-based materials are developed and tested, it is important to consider the impacts of both monomers and polymers on human health. Molecular docking simulations using the Estrogenic Activity Database in conjunction with the decision forest were performed as part of a two-tier in silico model to predict the activity of 29 bio-based platform chemicals in the estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Fifteen of the candidates were predicted as ER binders and fifteen as non-binders. Gaining insight into the estrogenic activity of the bio-based BPA replacements aids in the sustainable development of new polymeric materials.
Detecting Themed Streets Using a Location Based Service Application
Authors: Ji Byeongsuk , Lee Youngmin , Yu Kiyun , Kwon Pil
Published: July 2016

Various themed streets have recently been developed by local governments in order to stimulate local economies and to establish the identity of the corresponding places. However, the motivations behind the development of some of these themed street projects has been based on profit, without full considerations of people’s perceptions of their local areas, resulting in marginal effects on the local economies concerned. In response to this issue, this study proposed a themed street clustering method to detect the themed streets of a specific region, focusing on the commercial themed street, which is more prevalent than other types of themed streets using location based service data. This study especially uses “the street segment” as a basic unit for analysis. The Sillim and Gangnam areas of Seoul, South Korea were chosen for the evaluation of the adequacy of the proposed method. By comparing trade areas that were sourced from a market analysis report by a reliable agent with the themed streets detected in this study, the experiment results showed high proficiency of the proposed method.
Stanniocalcin-1 Protects a Mouse Model from Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Affecting ROS-Mediated Multiple Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Dajun , Shang Huiping , Liu Ying
Published: July 2016

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI). However, the molecular mechanisms remain widely unknown. STC-1 inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas most ROS-mediated pathways are associated with ischemic injury. Therefore, to explore the mechanism, the effects of STC-1 on ROS-medicated pathways were studied. Non-traumatic vascular clamps were used to establish RIRI mouse models. The serum levels of STC-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon (IFN) γ, P53, and capase-3 were measured by ELISA kits. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by fluorescence spectrofluorometer. All these molecules changed significantly in a RIRI model mouse when compared with those in a sham control. Kidney cells were isolated from sham and model mice. STC-1 was overexpressed or knockout in these kidney cells. The molecules in ROS-medicated pathways were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. The results showed that STC-1 is an effective ROS scavenger. The serum levels of STC-1, MDA and SOD activity were increased while the serum levels of IL-6, iIFN-γ, P53, and capase-3 were decreased in a model group when compared with a sham control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of STC-1,p53, phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (p-MEKK-1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), IkB kinase (p-IKK), nuclear factor (NF) κB, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK-1) and caspase-3 changed significantly in kidney cells isolated from a RIRI model when compared to those isolated from a sham control (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, STC-1 overexpression or silence caused significant changes of the levels of these ROS-mediated molecules. Therefore, STC-1 maybe improve anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis activities by affecting ROS-mediated pathways, especially the phospho-modifications of the respective proteins, resulting in the increase of SOD and reduce of capase-3, p53, IL-6 and IFN-γ.
Functional Responses of Three Neotropical Mirid Predators to Eggs of Tuta absoluta on Tomato
Authors: Van Lenteren Joop , Hemerik Lia , Lins Juracy , Bueno Vanda
Published: July 2016

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) has quickly developed into a significant tomato pest worldwide. While the recently found mirid predators Macrolophus basicornis (Stal), Engytatus varians (Distant) and Campyloneuropsis infumatus (Carvalho) of this pest are able to establish and reproduce on tomato, biological knowledge of these mirids is still limited. Here we describe the functional response of the three mirid predators of the tomato pest T. absoluta when offered a range of prey densities (four, eight, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 eggs) during a 24 h period inside cylindrical plastic cages in the laboratory. Engytatus varians and M. basicornis showed a type III functional response, whereas C. infumatus showed a type II functional response. At the highest prey densities, C. infumatus consumed an average of 51.0 eggs, E. varians 91.1 eggs, and M. basicornis 100.8 eggs. Taking all information into account that we have collected of these three Neotropical mirid species, we predict that M. basicornis might be the best candidate for control of the tomato borer in Brazil: it has the highest fecundity, the largest maximum predation capacity, and it reacts in a density-dependent way to the widest prey range.
Solvent-Free Esterification of Carboxylic Acids Using Supported Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as an Efficient and Recoverable Catalyst
Authors: Rajabi Fatemeh , Abdollahi Mohammad , Luque Rafael
Published: July 2016

Supported iron oxide nanoparticles on mesoporous materials (FeNP@SBA-15) have been successfully utilized in the esterification of a variety carboxylic acids including aromatic, aliphatic, and long-chain carboxylic acids under convenient reaction conditions. The supported catalyst could be easily recovered after reaction completion and reused several times without any loss in activity after up to 10 runs.
Acute Resveratrol Consumption Improves Neurovascular Coupling Capacity in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wong Rachel , Raederstorff Daniel , Howe Peter
Published: July 2016

Background: Poor cerebral perfusion may contribute to cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the hypothesis that resveratrol can enhance cerebral vasodilator function and thereby alleviate the cognitive deficits in T2DM. We have already reported that acute resveratrol consumption improved cerebrovascular responsiveness (CVR) to hypercapnia. We now report the effects of resveratrol on neurovascular coupling capacity (CVR to cognitive stimuli), cognitive performance and correlations with plasma resveratrol concentrations. Methods: Thirty-six T2DM adults aged 40–80 years were randomized to consume single doses of resveratrol (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg) at weekly intervals. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to monitor changes in blood flow velocity (BFV) during a cognitive test battery. The battery consisted of dual-tasking (finger tapping with both Trail Making task and Serial Subtraction 3 task) and a computerized multi-tasking test that required attending to four tasks simultaneously. CVR to cognitive tasks was calculated as the per cent increase in BFV from pre-test basal to peak mean blood flow velocity and also as the area under the curve for BFV. Results: Compared to placebo, 75 mg resveratrol significantly improved neurovascular coupling capacity, which correlated with plasma total resveratrol levels. Enhanced performance on the multi-tasking test battery was also evident following 75 mg and 300 mg of resveratrol. Conclusion: a single 75 mg dose of resveratrol was able to improve neurovascular coupling and cognitive performance in T2DM. Evaluation of benefits of chronic resveratrol supplementation is now warranted.
Physicochemical Properties of Biopolymer Hydrogels Treated by Direct Electric Current
Authors: Król Żaneta , Malik Magdalena , Marycz Krzysztof , Jarmoluk Andrzej
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes within the physicochemical properties of gelatine (2%; 4%; 8%), carrageenan (1.5%; 2%; 2.5%) and sodium alginate (0.75%; 1%; 1.25%) hydrogels with different sodium chloride concentrations that were triggered by applying direct current (DC) of 400 mA for a duration of five minutes. There were three types of gels prepared for the purpose of the study: C, control; H, gels on the basis of hydrosols that were treated with DC; and G, gels treated with DC. In the course of the study, the authors carried out the following analyses: Texture Profile Analysis (TPA), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Swelling Ratio (SR). Furthermore, the color and pH of hydrogels were measured. The FTIR spectra showed that the structures of gelatine, carrageenan and sodium alginate do not significantly change upon applying DC. The results of TPA, SR, color and pH measurement indicate that hydrogels’ properties are significantly dependent on the type of polymer, its concentration and the type of the gel. By changing those parameters, the characteristics of such gels can be additionally tuned, which extends their applicability, e.g., in the food industry. Moreover, the analysis revealed that SR of H gel gelatine after 72 h of storage was 1.84-times higher than SR of the control sample, which indicated that this gel may be considered as a possible component for wound dressing materials.
Study on the Soy Protein-Based Wood Adhesive Modified by Hydroxymethyl Phenol
Authors: Lei Hong , Wu Zhigang , Cao Ming , Du Guanben
Published: July 2016

To explain the reason why using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin improves the water resistance of soy-based adhesive, the performance of soy-based adhesive cross-linked with hydroxymethyl phenol (HPF) and the reaction between HPF and a common dipeptide N-(2)-l-alanyl-l-glutamine (AG) being used as a model compound were studied in this paper. The DSC and DMA results indicated the reaction between HPF and soy-based adhesive. The soy-based adhesive cross-linked with HPF cured at a lower temperature than the adhesive without HPF. The former showed better mechanical performance and heat resistance than the latter. The ESI-MS, FT-IR and 13C-NMR results proved the reaction between HPF and AG. Because of the existence of branched ether groups in the 13C-NMR results of HPF/AG, the reaction between HPF and AG might mainly happened between hydroxymethyl groups and amino groups under a basic condition.
Pansharpening with a Guided Filter Based on Three-Layer Decomposition
Authors: Meng Xiangchao , Li Jie , Shen Huanfeng , Zhang Liangpei , Zhang Hongyan
Published: July 2016

State-of-the-art pansharpening methods generally inject the spatial structures of a high spatial resolution (HR) panchromatic (PAN) image into the corresponding low spatial resolution (LR) multispectral (MS) image by an injection model. In this paper, a novel pansharpening method with an edge-preserving guided filter based on three-layer decomposition is proposed. In the proposed method, the PAN image is decomposed into three layers: A strong edge layer, a detail layer, and a low-frequency layer. The edge layer and detail layer are then injected into the MS image by a proportional injection model. In addition, two new quantitative evaluation indices, including the modified correlation coefficient (MCC) and the modified universal image quality index (MUIQI) are developed. The proposed method was tested and verified by IKONOS, QuickBird, and Gaofen (GF)-1 satellite images, and it was compared with several of state-of-the-art pansharpening methods from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The experimental results confirm the superiority of the proposed method.
A Robust and Multi-Weighted Approach to Estimating Topographically Correlated Tropospheric Delays in Radar Interferograms
Authors: Zhu Bangyan , Li Jiancheng , Chu Zhengwei , Tang Wei , Wang Bin , Li Dawei
Published: July 2016

Spatial and temporal variations in the vertical stratification of the troposphere introduce significant propagation delays in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations. Observations of small amplitude surface deformations and regional subsidence rates are plagued by tropospheric delays, and strongly correlated with topographic height variations. Phase-based tropospheric correction techniques assuming a linear relationship between interferometric phase and topography have been exploited and developed, with mixed success. Producing robust estimates of tropospheric phase delay however plays a critical role in increasing the accuracy of InSAR measurements. Meanwhile, few phase-based correction methods account for the spatially variable tropospheric delay over lager study regions. Here, we present a robust and multi-weighted approach to estimate the correlation between phase and topography that is relatively insensitive to confounding processes such as regional subsidence over larger regions as well as under varying tropospheric conditions. An expanded form of robust least squares is introduced to estimate the spatially variable correlation between phase and topography by splitting the interferograms into multiple blocks. Within each block, correlation is robustly estimated from the band-filtered phase and topography. Phase-elevation ratios are multiply- weighted and extrapolated to each persistent scatter (PS) pixel. We applied the proposed method to Envisat ASAR images over the Southern California area, USA, and found that our method mitigated the atmospheric noise better than the conventional phase-based method. The corrected ground surface deformation agreed better with those measured from GPS.
Evaluating the Sustainability of Community-Based Long-Term Care Programmes: A Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach
Authors: Song Baoan , Sun Qiyu , Li Ying , Que Chuanqi
Published: July 2016

Sustainability is a crucial factor in Long-Term Care (LTC) programmes, which implies whether the programmes have the capability of sustaining a quality service over the long term. To evaluate the sustainability of community-based LTC programmes, a novel hybrid framework has been demonstrated with a mixed Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique. According to extensive literature review and the fuzzy Delphi method, four pillars of initial criteria and twelve sub-criteria have been determined. Then a weighted hierarchy has been constructed with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to constitute the evaluation index system. In order to prove our framework, a case study of four community-based LTC programmes in Michigan is presented by applying the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. The results indicate that programme P2 has the best potential of sustainability, and sub-criteria associated with economy outweigh other sub-criteria. The sensitivity analysis verifies that the result of the ranking remains stable regardless of the fluctuation in sub-criteria weights, which proves the evaluation results and proposed model to be accurate and effective. This study develops a comprehensive and effective framework for evaluating community-based LTC programmes from the sustainability perspective.
Determining Sustainable Tourism in Regions
Authors: Hardy Anne , Pearson Leonie
Published: July 2016

The goal of achieving sustainable tourism is now a priority for many tourism planners. It has been suggested that stakeholder analysis is an essential step in determining sustainable tourism in regions, given its highly contextual nature. However, previous research has tended to focus heavily on stakeholders with the assumption that attitudes within groups are homogeneous. This research questions this assumption and in doing so, takes a critical approach by examining attitudes towards sustainable tourism and then assesses whether attitudes align with stakeholder groups. The study was conducted in the island state of Tasmania, Australia, and utilised the Q-methodology to examine attitudes towards sustainable tourism in the Bay of Fires region. The results concur with recent research, which shows that attitudes do not always align with those of stakeholder groups. The critical and reflexive approach suggests that assumptions regarding stakeholder attitudes need to be reviewed and more attention given to people’s contextualised attitudes, rather than the stakeholder group in which they sit.
Flood Adaptation Measures Applicable in the Design of Urban Public Spaces: Proposal for a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Matos Silva Maria , Costa João
Published: July 2016

Assuming the importance of public space design in the implementation of effective adaptation action towards urban flooding, this paper identifies and systematizes a wide range of flood adaptation measures pertinent to the design of public spaces. It presents findings from both a systematic literature review and an empirical analysis retrieved from concrete public space design precedents. It concludes with the presentation of a conceptual framework that organizes the identified measures in accordance to their main, and secondary, infrastructural strategies. The intention behind the disclosed framework is to aid a multitude of professionals during the initial exploratory phases of public space projects that incorporate flooding adaptation capacities.
Isotopic Characterization of River Waters and Water Source Identification in an Inland River, Central Asia
Authors: Fan Yuting , Chen Yaning , He Qing , Li Weihong , Wang Yun
Published: July 2016

Understanding runoff generation and dynamics is the basis for water resource management, while water isotopic ratios are a potential tool for studying the mechanism on a large scale. In this paper, spatial variations of δ18O and δD of river water and their sources within a large region of the Tarim River were investigated. The results showed obvious spatial variations of both water isotope values along the river flow direction, and significant seasonal variation occurred within the river water isotopes. This indicated that different proportions of rain and melt water entering river water should lead to spatial variation, and for mid-stream and downstream regions, the transformation relationship between surface water and groundwater should consider less input of melt water. Furthermore, we quantitatively determine the ratio of different water sources using the stable isotope mass balance method and other stable tracer elements. Results showed the contribution of ice-snowmelt water varied from 14.97% to 40.85%, that of rain varied from 9.04% to 54.80%, and that of groundwater varied from 15.34% to 58.85%, and they also showed that baseflow is a factor connecting melt water and groundwater, which meant the Hotan River and the Yarkand River are melt water–dependent rivers, and seasonal precipitation is the main water supply source of baseflow in the Aksu River and the Kaidu River.
Development of EST‐SSR markers for the invasive plant Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Luo Landi , Zhang Pin , Ou Xiaokun , Geng Yupeng
Published: July 2016

Premise of the study:

Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) is an invasive plant species that can outcompete natives and thus poses a great threat to biodiversity in introduced areas. Here, expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat (EST‐SSR) markers were developed and characterized.

Methods and Results:

Sixteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from T. diversifolia using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic screening. The number of alleles per locus varied from two to four alleles in 48 individuals from three populations. Most of these primers also amplified in T. rotundifolia and some even in Parthenium hysterophorus.

Conclusions:

These markers are useful for investigating the genetic structure and evolutionary process of T. diversifolia, which may provide important information for better management.
ColectoR, a digital field notebook for voucher specimen collection for smartphones
Authors: Maya‐Lastra Carlos A.
Published: July 2016

Premise of the study:

ColectoR was developed to aid botanists in the collection of data for voucher specimens using smartphones, accelerating the process of data capture in situ and its subsequent organization.

Methods and Results:

ColectoR features a minimalist design that uses an intuitive iconic interface. The integration of external application programming interfaces (APIs) and an automated spreadsheet extends its functionality and increases the information and tools available to the user. This app is currently supported by any Android device.

Conclusions:

ColectoR provides an efficient method for capturing data in the field while also serving to organize the information into a coherent database, thereby greatly reducing the time required for postcapture data organization and label printing.
Mutagenic activity of quaternary ammonium salt derivatives of carbohydrates
Authors: Dmochowska Barbara , Sikora Karol , Woziwodzka Anna , Piosik Jacek , Podgórska Beata
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a study on a series of quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) derivatives of glucopyranosides with an elongated hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain. The new N-[6-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)hexyl]ammonium bromides and their O-acetyl derivatives were analyzed via 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The mutagenic activity of the newly synthesized QAS was investigated using two different techniques: The Vibrio harveyi luminescence assay and the Ames test. The obtained results support previous findings contesting QAS safety and indicate that QAS, specifically pyridinium derivatives, might be mutagenic.
EVALUATING MOTIVATION OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A COMPARISON OF FUZZY RULE-BASED MODEL WITH THE TRADITIONAL EXPECTANCY THEORY
Authors: YEHEYIS Muluken , REZA Bahareh , HEWAGE Kasun , RUWANPURA Janaka Y. , SADIQ Rehan
Published: July 2016

Measuring workers’ performance and the level of motivation is of paramount importance as the productivity of workers at a workplace primarily depends upon their level of motivation. However, measuring the level of workers’ motivation at workplace is not always straightforward because the workers’ motivation is a function of various personal and external factors. This paper proposes a fuzzy rule-based model for evaluating the motivation level of construction workers using their working patterns. The motivation level evaluated using the fuzzy rule-based model was compared with motivational levels determined by the traditional Vroom’s expectancy theory or Expectancy-Instrumentality-Va­lence (EIV) method. EIV method used questionnaire surveys and interviews to determine workers’ motivation. The results of fuzzy rule-based models aligned closely with the EIV model, especially for the middle range of motivation levels. Compared to traditional EIV model, the fuzzy rule-based system is simple to implement and found to be very pragmatic in construction field settings.
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR FRACTIONAL HEREDITARY CONSTITUTIVE LAWS OF ASPHALT MIXTURES
Authors: DI MINO Gaetano , AIREY Gordon , DI PAOLA Mario , PINNOLA Francesco Paolo , D’ANGELO Giacomo , LO PRESTI Davide
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to propose a fractional viscoelastic and viscoplastic model of asphalt mixtures using experimental data of several tests such as creep and creep recovery performed at different temperatures and at different stress levels. From a best fitting procedure it is shown that both the creep one and recovery curve follow a power law model. It is shown that the suitable model for asphalt mixtures is a dashpot and a fractional element arranged in series. The proposed model is also available outside of the linear domain but in this case the parameters of the model depend on the stress level.
FUZZY METHOD FOR ANALYSING UNCERTAINTY IN THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors: CAÑO Alfredo del , CRUZ M. Pilar de la , GÓMEZ Diego , PÉREZ Miguel
Published: July 2016

The model presented here is based on fuzzy arithmetic techniques and the MIVES method, which is based, in turn, on requirement trees, value analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Even though it encompasses the approach for assessing sustainability adopted by the Spanish Structural Concrete Code (EHE), the model can also be applied to concrete structures designed according to other structural codes. The EHE model serves to estimate the Structure’s Contribution to Sustainability Index (ICES) and constitutes the first sustainability model included in a structural code. The ICES crisp model is inadequate in terms of managing the structural sustainability objective of medium and high uncertainty projects. In such cases, a method not only has to assess the potential sustainability index at the end of the project, but also the degree of uncertainty affecting compliance with the sustainability objective laid down by the client or promoter. The paper compares this model with a Monte Carlo simulation method conceived for the same purpose. The fuzzy method could be a better solution in specific cases of limited time or budget for creating the model.