bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries
Authors: Kelley Darshan , Adkins Yuriko , Laugero Kevin
Published: March 2018

Increased oxidative stress contributes to development and progression of several human chronic inflammatory diseases. Cherries are a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our aim is to summarize results from human studies regarding health benefits of both sweet and tart cherries, including products made from them (juice, powder, concentrate, capsules); all referred to as cherries here. We found 29 (tart 20, sweet 7, unspecified 2) published human studies which examined health benefits of consuming cherries. Most of these studies were less than 2 weeks of duration (range 5 h to 3 months) and served the equivalent of 45 to 270 cherries/day (anthocyanins 55–720 mg/day) in single or split doses. Two-thirds of these studies were randomized and placebo controlled. Consumption of cherries decreased markers for oxidative stress in 8/10 studies; inflammation in 11/16; exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength in 8/9; blood pressure in 5/7; arthritis in 5/5, and improved sleep in 4/4. Cherries also decreased hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) in diabetic women, and VLDL and TG/HDL in obese participants. These results suggest that consumption of sweet or tart cherries can promote health by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Mothers’ Perceptions of Toddler Beverages
Authors: Rigo Manuela , Willcox Jane , Spence Alison , Worsley Anthony
Published: March 2018

Background: The prevalence of obesity among Australian pre-school children is a major concern with links to poor health outcomes. One contributing factor is excess energy intake. Sugar-sweetened beverages are energy-dense, nutrient-poor, readily available and have been implicated in the increasing prevalence of obesity. Furthermore, preschooler beverage consumption may develop into dietary habits that track into adulthood. There is little research on factors influencing parents’ decision-making when serving beverages to their preschoolers, or on mothers’ perceptions of preschooler’s beverages. The aim of this study was to explore mothers’ perceptions of commonly consumed preschooler beverages. Methods: The Repertory Grid Technique and the Laddering Technique methodologies were utilized in interviews with 28 mothers from Melbourne, Australia, to explore beverage perceptions. Results: A large number of diverse perceptual categories (‘constructs’) (n = 22) about beverages were elicited, demonstrating the complexity of mothers’ perceptions when making beverage choices for their preschoolers. The five most common categories were related to health, sugar, dairy, packaging, and additives. Thematic analysis of responses from the laddering method identified three major themes: concerns about the types of beverages mothers would like to provide their preschoolers, the healthiness of a beverage, and the sugar content. Conclusions: Mothers’ perceptions of beverages are sophisticated and need to be included in the design of health communication strategies by health promoters and government agencies to influence mothers’ beverage selections for their preschoolers.
Antibacterial Capability, Physicochemical Properties, and Biocompatibility of nTiO2 Incorporated Polymeric Scaffolds
Authors: Shuai Cijun , Shuai Chenying , Feng Pei , Gao Chengde , Peng Shuping , Yang Youwen
Published: March 2018

Postoperative infection is a common risk which brings about failure in bone transplantation. In this study, nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) was incorporated into Polyetheretherketone/polyglycolicacid (PEEK/PGA) blends to construct antibacterial scaffolds via selective laser sintering. Antibacterial capability was assessed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results demonstrated that the scaffolds with nTiO2 presented an effective antibacterial activity, which might be attributed to that nTiO2 would do the mechanical and oxidative damage to bacteria by occurring contact actions and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and thus killed bacteria from structure and function. Moreover, nTiO2 could enhance the tensile strength and modulus of scaffolds due to the reinforcing effect and its uniform disperse. And the cell culture experiments showed that nTiO2 stimulated cellular attachment and proliferation. Besides, it also elevated the hydrophily and thermal stability of scaffolds. These results suggested that the polymeric scaffolds incorporated nTiO2 had potential application in bone tissue engineering.
Tumbling-Snake Model for Polymeric Liquids Subjected to Biaxial Elongational Flows with a Focus on Planar Elongation
Authors: Stephanou Pavlos , Kröger Martin
Published: March 2018

We have recently solved the tumbling-snake model for concentrated polymer solutions and entangled melts in the presence of both steady-state and transient shear and uniaxial elongational flows, supplemented by a variable link tension coefficient. Here, we provide the transient and stationary solutions of the tumbling-snake model under biaxial elongation both analytically, for small and large elongation rates, and via Brownian dynamics simulations, for the case of planar elongational flow over a wide range of rates, times, and the model parameters. We show that both the steady-state and transient first planar viscosity predictions are similar to their uniaxial counterparts, in accord with recent experimental data. The second planar viscosity seems to behave in all aspects similarly to the shear viscosity, if shear rate is replaced by elongation rate.
Appropriate Donor-Acceptor Phase Separation Structure for the Enhancement of Charge Generation and Transport in Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Dayong , Hu Rong , Cheng Jiang , Chang Yuqiang , Huo Mingming , Yu Junsheng , Li Lu , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: March 2018

The morphology of active layer for polymer solar cells is critical to enhance the performance especially for fill factor of the devices. To investigate the relationship between active layer morphology and performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs), 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) additive, and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) electron acceptor were used to regulate the aggregation morphology of copolymer poly(thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene/benzodithiophene) (PTB7) electron donor from solution state to solid state. Atom force microscopy (AFM), steady-state absorption (UV-Vis), time-resolved absorption (TA), spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) and current-voltage (J-V) measurements were employed to characterize the morphology, optical and electrical characteristics of active layers and to reveal the relationship among the morphology, photophysical property, and performance of PTB7-based devices. The results show that DIO can refine the aggregation scale of PTB7 during the dissolution process, whereas both the aggregation scale and aggregation behaviors of PTB7 donor are affected by PC71BM acceptor molecules. Furthermore, the bulk heterojunction structure (BHJ) morphology of active layer can be optimized during the DIO evaporation process. TA kinetic data indicate that the population and lifetime of charged species are improved in the DIO-treated BHJ active layer. Moreover, the active layers with DIO treatment have a relative low highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level, which makes hole transport more easily in PTB7 donor phase. As a result, the performance of PTB7-based PSCs is enhanced.
Cargo Release from Polymeric Vesicles under Shear
Authors: Guo Yingying , Di Mare Luca , Li Robert , Wong Janet
Published: March 2018

In this paper we study the release of cargo from polymeric nano-carriers under shear. Vesicles formed by two star block polymers— A 12 B 6 C 2 ( A B C ) and A 12 B 6 A 2 ( A B A )—and one linear block copolymer— A 14 B 6 ( A B ), are investigated using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations. A - and C -blocks are solvophobic and B -block is solvophilic. The three polymers form vesicles of different structures. The vesicles are subjected to shear both in bulk and between solvophobic walls. In bulk shear, the mechanisms of cargo release are similar for all vesicles, with cargo travelling through vesicle membrane with no preferential release location. When sheared between walls, high cargo release rate is only observed with A B C vesicle after it touches the wall. For A B C vesicle, the critical condition for high cargo release rate is the formation of wall-polymersome interface after which the effect of shear rate in promoting cargo release is secondary. High release rate is achieved by the formation of solvophilic pathway allowing cargo to travel from the vesicle cavity to the vesicle exterior. The results in this paper show that well controlled target cargo release using polymersomes can be achieved with polymers of suitable design and can potentially be very useful for engineering applications. As an example, polymersomes can be used as carriers for surface active friction reducing additives which are only released at rubbing surfaces where the additives are needed most.
Fighting Rage with Fear: The “Faces of Muhammad” and the Limits of Secular Rationality
Authors: Deylami Shirin
Published: March 2018

In recent years, a number of incidents have pitted Islam against secularism and liberal democracy. This essay examines the Danish publication of the Prophet Muhammad cartoons in order to examine the deployment of rationality as a litmus test for political membership. It argues that Western media and political analysis of the protests surrounding the cartoons constructed Muslims as anti-rational and thus unfit for democratic citizenship. Such a deployment of rationality inhibits the possibility of and demands for political pluralism. The essay then looks to two disparate theorists of affective reason, Abdulkarim Soroush and William Connolly, to offer an alternative model of reason that encourages pluralist political engagement.
Climate Extremes and Their Impacts on Interannual Vegetation Variabilities: A Case Study in Hubei Province of Central China
Authors: Chen Weizhe , Huang Chunju , Wang Lunche , Li Dongmei
Published: March 2018

As the frequency and intensity of climate extremes are likely to be substantially modified in upcoming decades due to climate warming, an evaluation of the response of interannual vegetation variabilities to climate extremes is imperative. This study comprehensively analyzed the spatio-temporal variabilities of 21 temperature and precipitation indices across Hubei Province in Central China based on daily meteorological records for the period 1961–2015. To quantify the sensitivity of the vegetation to climate indices in the study area, we correlated climate indices with three vegetation indicators: leaf area index, normalized difference vegetation index, and gross primary productivity. The results indicated that warm-related indices exerted considerable increasing trends, especially for summer days at a rate of 0.35 days year−1 (p < 0.01). In addition, the trends of 18 indices during 1982–2015 were larger than those during 1961–2015, indicating accelerated climate changes in Hubei Province. Spatially, extreme precipitation showed increases in the eastern regions of the study area and decreases in the western regions. Correlation analyses revealed that warm anomalies of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation resulted in extreme warm conditions and extreme precipitation in the study area. Stepwise linear regression analyses identified three temperature indices and three precipitation indices, which were mostly correlated with the three ecosystem variables at the site scale. Further multiple regressions demonstrated the main negative impacts caused by frost days, warm spell duration, extremely heavy precipitation, and consecutive dry days on the terrestrial ecosystem in Hubei Province. Our study provides an improved understanding of the effects of climate extremes on terrestrial ecosystems and can also offer a basis for the management of mitigating damage from climate extremes.
On Signal Modeling of Moon-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imaging of Earth
Authors: Xu Zhen , Chen Kun-Shan
Published: March 2018

The Moon-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (Moon-Based SAR), using the Moon as a platform, has a great potential to offer global-scale coverage of the earth’s surface with a high revisit cycle and is able to meet the scientific requirements for climate change study. However, operating in the lunar orbit, Moon-Based SAR imaging is confined within a complex geometry of the Moon-Based SAR, Moon, and Earth, where both rotation and revolution have effects. The extremely long exposure time of Moon-Based SAR presents a curved moving trajectory and the protracted time-delay in propagation makes the “stop-and-go” assumption no longer valid. Consequently, the conventional SAR imaging technique is no longer valid for Moon-Based SAR. This paper develops a Moon-Based SAR theory in which a signal model is derived. The Doppler parameters in the context of lunar revolution with the removal of ‘stop-and-go’ assumption are first estimated, and then characteristics of Moon-Based SAR imaging’s azimuthal resolution are analyzed. In addition, a signal model of Moon-Based SAR and its two-dimensional (2-D) spectrum are further derived. Numerical simulation using point targets validates the signal model and enables Doppler parameter estimation for image focusing.
Using a Similarity Matrix Approach to Evaluate the Accuracy of Rescaled Maps
Authors: Sun Peijun , Congalton Russell
Published: March 2018

Rescaled maps have been extensively utilized to provide data at the appropriate spatial resolution for use in various Earth science models. However, a simple and easy way to evaluate these rescaled maps has not been developed. We propose a similarity matrix approach using a contingency table to compute three measures: overall similarity (OS), omission error (OE), and commission error (CE) to evaluate the rescaled maps. The Majority Rule Based aggregation (MRB) method was employed to produce the upscaled maps to demonstrate this approach. In addition, previously created, coarser resolution land cover maps from other research projects were also available for comparison. The question of which is better, a map initially produced at coarse resolution or a fine resolution map rescaled to a coarse resolution, has not been quantitatively investigated. To address these issues, we selected study sites at three different extent levels. First, we selected twelve regions covering the continental USA, then we selected nine states (from the whole continental USA), and finally we selected nine Agriculture Statistical Districts (ASDs) (from within the nine selected states) as study sites. Crop/non-crop maps derived from the USDA Crop Data Layer (CDL) at 30 m as base maps were used for the upscaling and existing maps at 250 m and 1 km were utilized for the comparison. The results showed that a similarity matrix can effectively provide the map user with the information needed to assess the rescaling. Additionally, the upscaled maps can provide higher accuracy and better represent landscape pattern compared to the existing coarser maps. Therefore, we strongly recommend that an evaluation of the upscaled map and the existing coarser resolution map using a similarity matrix should be conducted before deciding which dataset to use for the modelling. Overall, extending our understanding on how to perform an evaluation of the rescaled map and investigation of the applicability of the rescaled map compared to the existing land cover map is necessary for users to most effectively use these data in Earth science models.
Accurate Determination of the Q Quality Factor in Magnetoelastic Resonant Platforms for Advanced Biological Detection
Authors: Lopes Ana , Sagasti Ariane , Lasheras Andoni , Muto Virginia , Gutiérrez Jon , Kouzoudis Dimitris , Barandiarán José
Published: March 2018

The main parameters of magnetoelastic resonators in the detection of chemical (i.e., salts, gases, etc.) or biological (i.e., bacteria, phages, etc.) agents are the sensitivity S (or external agent change magnitude per Hz change in the resonance frequency) and the quality factor Q of the resonance. We present an extensive study on the experimental determination of the Q factor in such magnetoelastic resonant platforms, using three different strategies: (a) analyzing the real and imaginary components of the susceptibility at resonance; (b) numerical fitting of the modulus of the susceptibility; (c) using an exact mathematical expression for the real part of the susceptibility. Q values obtained by the three methods are analyzed and discussed, aiming to establish the most adequate one to accurately determine the quality factor of the magnetoelastic resonance.
An Obstacle-Tolerant Path Planning Algorithm for Mobile-Anchor-Node-Assisted Localization
Authors: Tsai Rong-Guei , Tsai Pei-Hsuan
Published: March 2018

The location information obtained using a sensor is a critical requirement in wireless sensor networks. Numerous localization schemes have been proposed, among which mobile-anchor-node-assisted localization (MANAL) can reduce costs and overcome environmental constraints. A mobile anchor node (MAN) provides its own location information to assist the localization of sensor nodes. Numerous path planning schemes have been proposed for MANAL, but most scenarios assume the absence of obstacles in the environment. However, in a realistic environment, sensor nodes cannot be located because the obstacles block the path traversed by the MAN, thereby rendering the sensor incapable of receiving sufficient three location information from the MAN. This study proposes the obstacle-tolerant path planning (OTPP) approach to solve the sensor location problem owing to obstacle blockage. OTPP can approximate the optimum beacon point number and path planning, thereby ensuring that all the unknown nodes can receive the three location information from the MAN and reduce the number of MAN broadcast packet times. Experimental results demonstrate that OTPP performs better than Z-curves because it reduces the total number of beacon points utilized and is thus more suitable in an obstacle-present environment. Compared to the Z-curve, OTPP can reduce localization error and improve localization coverage.
Dielectric Spectroscopy and Optical Density Measurement for the Online Monitoring and Control of Recombinant Protein Production in Stably Transformed Drosophila melanogaster S2 Cells
Authors: Zitzmann Jan , Weidner Tobias , Eichner Gerrit , Salzig Denise , Czermak Peter
Published: March 2018

The production of recombinant proteins in bioreactors requires real-time process monitoring and control to increase process efficiency and to meet the requirements for a comprehensive audit trail. The combination of optical near-infrared turbidity sensors and dielectric spectroscopy provides diverse system information because different measurement principles are exploited. We used this combination of techniques to monitor and control the growth and protein production of stably transformed Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells expressing antimicrobial proteins. The in situ monitoring system was suitable in batch, fed-batch and perfusion modes, and was particularly useful for the online determination of cell concentration, specific growth rate (µ) and cell viability. These data were used to pinpoint the optimal timing of the key transitional events (induction and harvest) during batch and fed-batch cultivation, achieving a total protein yield of ~25 mg at the 1-L scale. During cultivation in perfusion mode, the OD880 signal was used to control the bleed line in order to maintain a constant cell concentration of 5 × 107 cells/mL, thus establishing a turbidostat/permittistat culture. With this setup, a five-fold increase in productivity was achieved and 130 mg of protein was recovered after 2 days of induced perfusion. Our results demonstrate that both sensors are suitable for advanced monitoring and integration into online control strategies.
Detection of Antibiotics and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity with Screen-Printed Electrodes
Authors: Munteanu Florentina-Daniela , Titoiu Ana , Marty Jean-Louis , Vasilescu Alina
Published: March 2018

This review provides a brief overview of the fabrication and properties of screen-printed electrodes and details the different opportunities to apply them for the detection of antibiotics, detection of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility. Among the alternative approaches to costly chromatographic or ELISA methods for antibiotics detection and to lengthy culture methods for bacteria detection, electrochemical biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes present some distinctive advantages. Chemical and (bio)sensors for the detection of antibiotics and assays coupling detection with screen-printed electrodes with immunomagnetic separation are described. With regards to detection of bacteria, the emphasis is placed on applications targeting viable bacterial cells. While the electrochemical sensors and biosensors face many challenges before replacing standard analysis methods, the potential of screen-printed electrodes is increasingly exploited and more applications are anticipated to advance towards commercial analytical tools.
Multi-Residential Activity Labelling in Smart Homes with Wearable Tags Using BLE Technology
Authors: Mokhtari Ghassem , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad , Zhang Qing , Karunanithi Mohanraj
Published: March 2018

Smart home platforms show promising outcomes to provide a better quality of life for residents in their homes. One of the main challenges that exists with these platforms in multi-residential houses is activity labeling. As most of the activity sensors do not provide any information regarding the identity of the person who triggers them, it is difficult to label the sensor events in multi-residential smart homes. To deal with this challenge, individual localization in different areas can be a promising solution. The localization information can be used to automatically label the activity sensor data to individuals. Bluetooth low energy (BLE) is a promising technology for this application due to how easy it is to implement and its low energy footprint. In this approach, individuals wear a tag that broadcasts its unique identity (ID) in certain time intervals, while fixed scanners listen to the broadcasting packet to localize the tag and the individual. However, the localization accuracy of this method depends greatly on different settings of broadcasting signal strength, and the time interval of BLE tags. To achieve the best localization accuracy, this paper studies the impacts of different advertising time intervals and power levels, and proposes an efficient and applicable algorithm to select optimal value settings of BLE sensors. Moreover, it proposes an automatic activity labeling method, through integrating BLE localization information and ambient sensor data. The applicability and effectiveness of the proposed structure is also demonstrated in a real multi-resident smart home scenario.
Influence of Waste Glass Powder Addition on the Pore Structure and Service Properties of Cement Mortars
Authors: Ortega José , Letelier Viviana , Solas Carlos , Miró Marina , Moriconi Giacomo , Climent Miguel , Sánchez Isidro
Published: March 2018

At present, reusing waste constitutes an important challenge in order to reach a more sustainable environment. The cement industry is an important pollutant industrial sector. Therefore, the reduction of its CO2 emissions is now a popular topic of study. One way to lessen those emissions is partially replacing clinker with other materials. In this regard, the reuse of waste glass powder as a clinker replacement could be possible. This is a non-biodegradable residue that permanently occupies a large amount of space in dumping sites. The aim of this work is to study the long-term effects (400 days) of the addition of waste glass powder on the microstructure and service properties of mortars that incorporate up to 20% of this addition as clinker replacement. The microstructure has been characterised using the non-destructive impedance spectroscopy technique and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Furthermore, differential thermal analysis was also performed. Compressive strength and both steady-state and non-steady-state chloride diffusion coefficients have also been determined. Considering the obtained results, mortars with 10% and 20% waste glass powder showed good service properties until 400 days, similar to or even better than those made with ordinary Portland cement without additions, with the added value of contributing to sustainability.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Municipal Woody and Herbaceous Prunings: Hydrochar Valorisation as Soil Amendment and Growth Medium for Horticulture
Authors: Puccini Monica , Ceccarini Lucia , Antichi Daniele , Seggiani Maurizia , Tavarini Silvia , Hernandez Latorre Marisa , Vitolo Sandra
Published: March 2018

In this study, we investigate the suitability of hydrochar, produced at industrial scale by hydrothermal carbonization of municipal woody and herbaceous prunings, to be used as soil amendment and peat substitute in organic growth medium for horticulture. Fresh hydrochar and the products of two different hydrochar post-treatments (i.e., washing and aging) were compared in terms of potential phytotoxicity throughout physicochemical characterization and germination tests, performed with a sensitive species (Lactuca sativa). The results showed that the fresh hydrochar obtained from municipal green wastes complies with the Italian regulated parameters for the use as soil amendment. Moreover, hydrochar exhibits biological activity and a high content in organic C, Ca, and other micronutrients (Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, Cl). On the other hand, post-treatments are needed before application of hydrochar as peat substitute in potting mix, since appreciable phytotoxic effects on lettuce seed germination and radicle length of plantlets were observed (e.g., germination percentage of 56% and 54%, with 5 and 10 wt % of hydrochar in the blend, respectively). The inhibition of germination could be mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenols (tannins) and volatile fatty acids, which were most effectively removed through the aging post-treatment.
Low Carbon Scenarios for Europe: An Evaluation of Upscaling Low Carbon Experiments
Authors: Cassen Christophe , Hamdi-Chérif Meriem , Cotella Giancarlo , Toniolo Jacopo , Lombardi Patrizia , Hourcade Jean-Charles
Published: March 2018

This paper focuses on transformational processes in a post Paris agreement context. It uses IMACLIM-R, an E3 (Environment–Energy–Economy) model allowing for the integration of urban forms, transport dynamics, environmental policies and behaviors. Building upon the study of a set of local low carbon experiments throughout the European Union (EU), the paper explores two contrasted stylized scenarios of the low carbon transition in Europe. It highlights that carbon pricing policies are useful guides for transition but cannot achieve the ambitious objective without significant transition costs. It shows that low carbon experiments in the transport and energy sectors are critical dimensions of complementary measures in favor of green infrastructures. Broadening and upscaling low carbon experiments helps overcome the inertias of the transport sector by fostering radical changes in infrastructures, thereby introducing deep transformations in mobility behavior. This can then generate positive macroeconomic outcomes, even though they are also dependent on specific financial support, calling for a renegotiation of the social contract based on specific fiscal reforms and measures to secure funding for these initiatives. The paper concludes with some research avenues for improving this preliminary work and calls for a better understanding of the complexity of the socio-economic patterns of both the transition and the conditions for an effective implementation.
Identification and Alignment of the Social Aspects of Sustainable Manufacturing with the Theory of Motivation
Authors: Gbededo Mijoh , Liyanage Kapila
Published: March 2018

The relevance of adopting environmentally friendly manufacturing process to economic development has been studied and established in many research. Empirical studies have also confirmed that organisations adopting green technology or clean production are benefiting from increasing economic growth and job creation. However, the studies of the benefits of social development to economic growth and manufacturing sustainability have not been adequately captured or itemised in the literature. With the aim of contributing to this research streams, this paper applied the principles of social economy and reciprocity, and the theories of motivation and social exchange to guide the integration of social aspects into sustainability analytical equations. The Herzberg two-factor theory of motivation was adopted to classify the negative and positive social impacts of the workers’ stakeholder category. Further, the approach aligns the Herzberg extrinsic factors with the negative and regulated social aspects and intrinsic factors with the positive and unregulated social aspects. This contribution provides an initial theoretical framework that will enable practitioners to capture and calculate the social impact coefficient of an organisation. The result can be used to assess the social impacts on productivity, and corporate social responsibility towards the employees. It will also provide an input for analytical or simulation models to assess the consequential effects of social aspects on other sustainability dimensions.
Influence of Adaptive Comfort Models on Energy Improvement for Housing in Cold Areas
Authors: Pérez-Fargallo Alexis , Rubio-Bellido Carlos , Pulido-Arcas Jesús , Gallego-Maya Inmaculada , Guevara-García Fco.
Published: March 2018

The evaluation of construction standards using adaptive thermal comfort models has a great impact on energy consumption. The analysis of a user’s climate adaptation must be one of the first steps in the search for nearly/net Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). The goal of this work is to analyze the standards recommended by the Chile’s Construction with Sustainability Criteria for the building of housing, applying the ASHRAE 55-2017 and EN 15251:2007 adaptive comfort models in social housing. The study produces concrete recommendations associated with construction strategies, to increase the number of hours the user finds themselves with acceptable thermal comfort levels, without repercussions for energy consumption. Sixteen parametric series were evaluated with a dynamic simulation of the most common prototype of social housing in the Bio-Bio Region. The study shows that thermal comfort conditions can be increased through a combination of improvement measures compared to the ECCS standard (Construction Standards with Sustainability Criteria): 27.52% in the case of applying EN 15251:2007 and 24.04% in the case of ASHRAE 55-2017.
A Dynamic Analysis to Evaluate the Environmental Performance of Cities in China
Authors: Wang Luqi , Xue Xiaolong , Shi Yue , Wang Zeyu , Ji Ankang
Published: March 2018

With the contradiction between energy supply and demand around the world, urbanization formed with high-investment, high-consumption, and high-emission has significantly impaired the ecological environment of China. The evaluation of environmental impact is a must for decision-makings related to sustainable urbanization. This paper assessed the dynamic environmental performance of 285 cities in China from 2005 to 2013 based on the Malmquist-Luenberger index, an expanded data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. To ensure comparability among cities, a two-step clustering method was used to classify all cities into three types. From the results, we found (1) 166 and 185 cities’ environmental conditions remained the improvement during the research period under the meta-frontier and group frontier respectively. (2) Low and Medium energy intensity cities performed better than high energy intensity cities. (3) The environmental performance under the group frontier was overestimated compared with the meta-frontier. (4) The trends of environmental improvement and economic growth are significantly inconsistent. Overall, all ways to decrease undesirable outputs and increase desirable outputs, such as technological innovation, industrial structure optimization and regional cooperation, should be encouraged to achieve urban, regional and country sustainability.
An Extended Model for Tracking Accumulation Pathways of Materials Using Input–Output Tables: Application to Copper Flows in Japan
Authors: Yokoi Ryosuke , Nakatani Jun , Moriguchi Yuichi
Published: March 2018

Recycling has become increasingly important as a means to mitigate not only waste issues but also problems related to primary resource use, such as a decrease in resource availability. In order to promote and plan future recycling efficiently, detailed information on the material stock in society is important. For a detailed analysis of material stocks, quantitative information on flows of a material, such as its accumulation pathways, final destinations, and its processing forms, are required. This paper develops a model for tracking accumulation pathways of materials using input–output tables (IOTs). The main characteristics of the proposed model are as follows: (1) accumulations in sectors other than the final demand sectors (i.e., endogenous sectors) are explicitly evaluated, (2) accumulations as accompaniments to products, such as containers and packaging, are distinguished from the products, and (3) processing forms of materials are considered. The developed model is applied to analyze copper flows in Japan using the Japanese IOTs for the year 2011. The results show that accumulations of copper in endogenous sectors were not negligibly small (9.24% of the overall flow). Although accumulations of copper as accompaniments were very small, they may be larger for other materials that are largely used as containers or packaging. It was found that the destinations of copper showed different characteristics depending on the processing forms.
An Assessment of Technological Innovation Capabilities of Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Based on Patent Analysis: A Comparative Study between China and the United States
Authors: Qiu Hong-Hua , Yang Jing
Published: March 2018

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is an effective technical means for addressing climate change. The patent documents related to CCS technology filed in China and the United States (U.S.) were searched from INNOGRAPHY, a business database of intellectual property and the technological innovation capabilities of CCS technology were investigated from the perspectives of the lifespan of a patent, the number of claims, the number of forward citations, patent strength and competitive position based on a comparative study between China and the U.S. The results showed that the U.S. has an obvious advantage over the technological innovation capabilities compared to China in the field of CCS technology. The global total number of granted patents in the field of CCS technology was 2325 by the end of 2015, there were 703 and 468 granted patents in U.S. and China respectively. CCS technology in the U.S. has arrived at the stage of growth, or even maturity but is still at the research and development stage in China. Although the number of patents for Chinese CCS technologies is very close to that of the U.S. and is ranked second, China should be focused on enhancing its technological capabilities and patent quality. The policy implications of these research findings and the research limitations are also noted.
Unpacking the Formation of Favourable Environments for Urban Experimentation: The Case of the Bristol Energy Scene
Authors: Torrens Jonas , Johnstone Phillip , Schot Johan
Published: March 2018

Urban experimentation with sustainability has been gaining prominence in policy and academic discourses about urban transformations, spurring the creation of urban living laboratories and transition arenas. However, the academic literature has only begun examining why experimentation flourishes in particular cities, and why it conforms to place-specific styles. Meanwhile, the strategic niche management (SNM) tradition has extensively explored how protective spaces for experimentation emerge but has dealt only tangentially with why this happens in particular places. In this paper, we develop an approach for unpacking the formation of favourable environments for experimentation in specific places. We adopt an abductive research design to create a dialogue between distinct theoretical positions and one in-depth case study. Our case examines the formation of the Bristol energy scene, which hosts a variety of experimental initiatives concerning civic energy alternatives. Based on our findings, we refine the understanding of the processes shaping this experimental setting. There is value in characterising the ‘genealogy’ of experimental spaces and acknowledging their antecedents, path-dependencies and place-specificities. Efforts to foster urban transformation demand nuanced accounts of how places become experimental because they are not static backgrounds for experimentation.
Nonclassical Symmetry Solutions for Fourth-Order Phase Field Reaction–Diffusion
Authors: Broadbridge Philip , Triadis Dimetre , Gallage Dilruk , Cesana Pierluigi
Published: March 2018

Using the nonclassical symmetry of nonlinear reaction–diffusion equations, some exact multi-dimensional time-dependent solutions are constructed for a fourth-order Allen–Cahn–Hilliard equation. This models a phase field that gives a phenomenological description of a two-phase system near critical temperature. Solutions are given for the changing phase of cylindrical or spherical inclusion, allowing for a “mushy” zone with a mixed state that is controlled by imposing a pure state at the boundary. The diffusion coefficients for transport of one phase through the mixture depend on the phase field value, since the physical structure of the mixture depends on the relative proportions of the two phases. A source term promotes stability of both of the pure phases but this tendency may be controlled or even reversed through the boundary conditions.
PHENIX Results of Three-Particle Bose-Einstein Correlations in \({\sqrt{s_{NN}}}\) = 200 GeV Au+Au Collisions
Authors: Novák Tamás
Published: March 2018

Bose-Einstein correlations (BECs) of identical hadrons reveal information about hadron creation from the strongly interacting matter formed in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. The measurement of three-particle correlations may in particular shed light on hadron creation mechanisms beyond thermal/chaotic emission. In this paper, we show the status of PHENIX measurements of three-pion correlations as a function of momentum differences within the triplets. We analyze the shape of the correlation functions through the assumption of Lévy sources and a proper treatment of the Coulomb interaction within the triplets. We measure the three-particle correlation strength ( λ 3 ), which, together with the two-particle correlation strength λ 2 , encodes information about hadron creation mechanisms. From a consistent analysis of two- and three-particle correlation strengths, we establish a new experimental measure of thermalization and coherence in the source.
A Novel Betabaculovirus Isolated from the Monocot Pest Mocis latipes (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the Evolution of Multiple-Copy Genes
Authors: Ardisson-Araújo Daniel , Da Silva Ana , Melo Fernando , Dos Santos Ethiane , Sosa-Gómez Daniel , Ribeiro Bergmann
Published: March 2018

In this report, we described the genome of a novel baculovirus isolated from the monocot insect pest Mocis latipes, the striped grass looper. The genome has 134,272 bp in length with a G + C content of 38.3%. Based on the concatenated sequence of the 38 baculovirus core genes, we found that the virus is a betabaculovirus closely related to the noctuid-infecting betabaculoviruses including Pseudaletia unipuncta granulovirus (PsunGV), Trichoplusia ni granulovirus (TnGV), Helicoverpa armigera granulovirus (HearGV), and Xestia c-nigrum granulovirus (XecnGV). The virus may constitute a new Betabaculovirus species tentatively named Mocis latipes granulovirus (MolaGV). After gene content analysis, five open reading frames (ORFs) were found to be unique to MolaGV and several auxiliary genes were found including iap-3, iap-5, bro-a, bro-b, and three enhancins. The virus genome lacked both chitinase and cathepsin. We then looked at the evolutionary history of the enhancin gene and found that betabaculovirus acquired this gene from an alphabaculovirus followed by several duplication events. Gene duplication also happened to an endonuclease-like gene. Genomic and gene content analyses revealed both a strict collinearity and gene expansion into the genome of the MolaGV-related species. We also characterized the granulin gene using a recombinant Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) and found that occlusion bodies were produced into the nucleus of infected cells and presented a polyhedral shape and no occluded virions within. Overall, betabaculovirus genome sequencing is of importance to the field as few genomes are publicly accessible. Mocis latipes is a secondary pest of maize, rice, and wheat crops in Brazil. Certainly, both the discovery and description of novel baculoviruses may lead to development of greener and safer pesticides in order to counteract and effectively control crop damage-causing insect populations
The Incidence and Genetic Diversity of Apple Mosaic Virus (ApMV) and Prune Dwarf Virus (PDV) in Prunus Species in Australia
Authors: Kinoti Wycliff , Constable Fiona , Nancarrow Narelle , Plummer Kim , Rodoni Brendan
Published: March 2018

Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and prune dwarf virus (PDV) are amongst the most common viruses infecting Prunus species worldwide but their incidence and genetic diversity in Australia is not known. In a survey of 127 Prunus tree samples collected from five states in Australia, ApMV and PDV occurred in 4 (3%) and 13 (10%) of the trees respectively. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) of amplicons from partial conserved regions of RNA1, RNA2, and RNA3, encoding the methyltransferase (MT), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and the coat protein (CP) genes respectively, of ApMV and PDV was used to determine the genetic diversity of the Australian isolates of each virus. Phylogenetic comparison of Australian ApMV and PDV amplicon HTS variants and full length genomes of both viruses with isolates occurring in other countries identified genetic strains of each virus occurring in Australia. A single Australian Prunus infecting ApMV genetic strain was identified as all ApMV isolates sequence variants formed a single phylogenetic group in each of RNA1, RNA2, and RNA3. Two Australian PDV genetic strains were identified based on the combination of observed phylogenetic groups in each of RNA1, RNA2, and RNA3 and one Prunus tree had both strains. The accuracy of amplicon sequence variants phylogenetic analysis based on segments of each virus RNA were confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of full length genome sequences of Australian ApMV and PDV isolates and all published ApMV and PDV genomes from other countries.
Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus Noncoding RNA Production Depends on a 5′→3′ Xrn Exoribonuclease Activity
Authors: Flobinus Alyssa , Chevigny Nicolas , Charley Phillida , Seissler Tanja , Klein Elodie , Bleykasten-Grosshans Claudine , Ratti Claudio , Bouzoubaa Salah , Wilusz Jeffrey , Gilmer David
Published: March 2018

The RNA3 species of the beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), a multipartite positive-stranded RNA phytovirus, contains the ‘core’ nucleotide sequence required for its systemic movement in Beta macrocarpa. Within this ‘core’ sequence resides a conserved “coremin” motif of 20 nucleotides that is absolutely essential for long-distance movement. RNA3 undergoes processing steps to yield a noncoding RNA3 (ncRNA3) possessing “coremin” at its 5′ end, a mandatory element for ncRNA3 accumulation. Expression of wild-type (wt) or mutated RNA3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae allows for the accumulation of ncRNA3 species. Screening of S. cerevisiae ribonuclease mutants identified the 5′-to-3′ exoribonuclease Xrn1 as a key enzyme in RNA3 processing that was recapitulated both in vitro and in insect cell extracts. Xrn1 stalled on ncRNA3-containing RNA substrates in these decay assays in a similar fashion as the flavivirus Xrn1-resistant structure (sfRNA). Substitution of the BNYVV-RNA3 ‘core’ sequence by the sfRNA sequence led to the accumulation of an ncRNA species in yeast in vitro but not in planta and no viral long distance occurred. Interestingly, XRN4 knockdown reduced BNYVV RNA accumulation suggesting a dual role for the ribonuclease in the viral cycle.
Enterovirus Transmission by Secretory Autophagy
Authors: Mutsafi Yael , Altan-Bonnet Nihal
Published: March 2018

Present in many cell types, non-degradative secretory autophagy is a newly discovered pathway in which autophagosomes fuse with the plasma membrane instead of lysosomes. Surprisingly, some viruses exploit secretory autophagy to exit cells non-lytically, shedding into the extracellular environment as particle populations contained within vesicles. As a result, this significantly enhances the infectivity of these viruses. In this paper, this novel cellular exit pathway is highlighted and its advantages for viral transmission discussed.
Human Aspects of Water Management at Impoverished Settlements. The Case of Doornkop, Soweto
Authors: Robina Ramírez Rafael , Sañudo-Fontaneda Luis
Published: March 2018

Since 1996, the South African government has undertaken a considerable project to fulfil the proclaimed right of citizens to access sufficient water and sanitation (Government of South Africa, 1996) through traditional water management and water governance. However, democracy has not yet provided significant improvements to informal dwellers. Doornkop (Soweto) is a clear example of a community fighting for its rights to access clean water and adequate wastewater sanitation systems. Beyond traditional water management and social and environmental water governance, an ethical view of managing water policies through principles of “human dignity” and “human equality” has arisen in order to provide basic water services. Equal opportunities to manage water are provided, analysing the impact of the principles of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) upon South African informal communities through the implementation of human water governance. The objectives of the study ascertain if those two principles are relevant to improve the community’s living conditions as well as to positively affect the “Principles of water governance” and the “Water principles”. With this aim, a case study was set up at Doornkop (Soweto), in which 416 informal dwellers among a relocated group, a tenure group and a squatter group were tested through the Smart PLS method. Results showed that water services can be highly improved through human water management, a model that can be applied to other underdeveloped areas in the world.