bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Exposure and Maternal Health in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Kuehn Leeann , McCormick Sabrina
Published: August 2017

Climate change will increasingly affect the health of vulnerable populations, including maternal and fetal health. This systematic review aims to identify recent literature that investigates increasing heat and extreme temperatures on pregnancy outcomes globally. We identify common research findings in order to create a comprehensive understanding of how immediate effects will be sustained in the next generation. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guide, we systematically reviewed articles from PubMed and Cochrane Reviews. We included articles that identify climate change-related exposures and adverse health effects for pregnant women. There is evidence that temperature extremes adversely impact birth outcomes, including, but not limited to: changes in length of gestation, birth weight, stillbirth, and neonatal stress in unusually hot temperature exposures. The studies included in this review indicate that not only is there a need for further research on the ways that climate change, and heat in particular, may affect maternal health and neonatal outcomes, but that uniform standards for assessing the effects of heat on maternal fetal health also need to be established.
A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences: More Than Meets the Eye
Authors: Franco Lara S. , Shanahan Danielle F. , Fuller Richard A.
Published: August 2017

Evidence that experiences of nature can benefit people has accumulated rapidly. Yet perhaps because of the domination of the visual sense in humans, most research has focused on the visual aspects of nature experiences. However, humans are multisensory, and it seems likely that many benefits are delivered through the non-visual senses and these are potentially avenues through which a physiological mechanism could occur. Here we review the evidence around these lesser studied sensory pathways—through sound, smell, taste, touch, and three non-sensory pathways. Natural sounds and smells underpin experiences of nature for many people, and this may well be rooted in evolutionary psychology. Tactile experiences of nature, particularly beyond animal petting, are understudied yet potentially fundamentally important. Tastes of nature, through growing and consuming natural foods, have been linked with a range of health and well-being benefits. Beyond the five senses, evidence is emerging for other non-visual pathways for nature experiences to be effective. These include ingestion or inhalation of phytoncides, negative air ions and microbes. We conclude that (i) these non-visual avenues are potentially important for delivering benefits from nature experiences; (ii) the evidence base is relatively weak and often based on correlational studies; and (iii) deeper exploration of these sensory and non-sensory avenues is needed.
Tumor-Stroma Crosstalk in Bone Tissue: The Osteoclastogenic Potential of a Breast Cancer Cell Line in a Co-Culture System and the Role of EGFR Inhibition
Authors: Mercatali Laura , La Manna Federico , Miserocchi Giacomo , Liverani Chiara , De Vita Alessandro , Spadazzi Chiara , Bongiovanni Alberto , Recine Federica , Amadori Dino , Ghetti Martina , Ibrahim Toni
Published: August 2017

Although bone metastases represent a major challenge in the natural history of breast cancer (BC), the complex interactions involved have hindered the development of robust in vitro models. The aim of this work is the development of a preclinical model of cancer and bone stromal cells to mimic the bone microenvironment. We studied the effects on osteoclastogenesis of BC cells and Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) cultured alone or in combination. We also analyzed: (a) whether the blockade of the Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) pathway modified their influence on monocytes towards differentiation, and (b) the efficacy of bone-targeted therapy on osteoclasts. We evaluated the osteoclastogenesis modulation of human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) indirectly induced by the conditioned medium (CM) of the human BC cell line SCP2, cultured singly or with MSC. Osteoclastogenesis was evaluated by TRAP analysis. The effect of the EGFR blockade was assessed by treating the cells with gefitinib, and analyzed with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Western Blot (WB). We observed that SCP2 co-cultured with MSC increased the differentiation of PBMC. This effect was underpinned upon pre-treatment of the co-culture with gefitinib. Co-culture of SCP2 with MSC increased the expression of both the bone-related marker Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κB (RANK) and EGFR in BC cells. These upregulations were not affected by the EGFR blockade. The effects of the CM obtained by the cells treated with gefitinib in combination with the treatment of the preosteoclasts with the bone-targeted agents and everolimus enhanced the inhibition of the osteoclastogenesis. Finally, we developed a fully human co-culture system of BC cells and bone progenitor cells. We observed that the interaction of MSC with cancer cells induced in the latter molecular changes and a higher power of inducing osteoclastogenesis. We found that blocking EGFR signaling could be an efficacious strategy for breaking the interactions between cancer and bone cells in order to inhibit bone metastasis.
TGFβ Controls Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Alsina-Sanchís Elisenda , Figueras Agnès , Lahiguera Alvaro , Gil-Martín Marta , Pardo Beatriz , Piulats Josep , Martí Lola , Ponce Jordi , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Vidal August , Villanueva Alberto , Viñals Francesc
Published: August 2017

There have been no major improvements in the overall survival of ovarian cancer patients in recent decades. Even though more accurate surgery and more effective treatments are available, the mortality rate remains high. Given the differences in origin and the heterogeneity of these tumors, research to elucidate the signaling pathways involved is required. The Transforming Growth Factor (TGFβ) family controls different cellular responses in development and cell homeostasis. Disruption of TGFβ signaling has been implicated in many cancers, including ovarian cancer. This article considers the involvement of TGFβ in ovarian cancer progression, and reviews the various mechanisms that enable the TGFβ signaling pathway to control ovarian cancer cell proliferation. These mechanistic explanations support the therapeutic use of TGFβ inhibitors in ovarian cancer, which are currently in the early phases of development.
Functional and Promoter Analysis of ChiIV3, a Chitinase of Pepper Plant, in Response to Phytophthora capsici Infection
Authors: Liu Zhiqin , Shi Lanping , Yang Sheng , Lin Youquan , Weng Yahong , Li Xia , Hussain Ansar , Noman Ali , He Shuilin
Published: August 2017

Despite the involvement of many members of the chitinase family in plant immunity, the precise functions of the majority of the members remain poorly understood. Herein, the gene ChiIV3 in Capsicum annuum encoding a chitinase protein containing a chitin binding domain and targeting to the plasma membrane was found to be induced by Phytophthora capsici inoculation (PCI) and applied chitin treatment. Besides its direct inhibitory effect on growth of Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici), ChiIV3 was also found by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and transient overexpression (TOE) in pepper plants to act as a positive regulator of plant cell death and in triggering defense signaling and upregulation of PR (pathogenesis related) genes against PCI. A 5′ deletion assay revealed that pChiIV3−712 to −459 bp was found to be sufficient for ChiIV3’ response to PCI. Furthermore, a mutation assay indicated that W-box−466 to −461 bp in pChiIV3−712 to −459 bp was noted to be the PCI-responsible element. These results collectively suggest that ChiIV3 acts as a likely antifungal protein and as a receptor for unidentified chitin in planta to trigger cell death and defense signaling against PCI.
The Influence of Geology on Landscape Typology in Jordan: Theoretical Understanding and Planning Implications
Authors: Odeh Taleb , Boulad Natalia , Abed Omar , Abu Yahya Anas , Khries Nour , Abu-Jaber Nizar
Published: August 2017

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) has been introduced into Jordan through the MEDSCAPES project. The purpose of this project was to streamline landscape studies and integrate them into the land use planning practices in Jordan. Two areas within the Mediterranean and arid climatic zones of the country were chosen as test areas for the methodology. These were the Yarmouk River drainage basin in the northwest of the country and the Mujib River area in the west of Jordan within the Dead Sea basin. Landscape Character Mapping resulted in 22 and 64 Land Description Units (LDUs) for the Yarmouk and Mujib areas, respectively, which were then classified into 14 landscape types. The factors which control the spatial distributions of these units are geology, land cover, landform, and settlements. However, the study suggests that the underlying geology, which influences topography, impacts indirectly on soil types, climate zones, and human activities, and hence has a predominant influence on the character of these units. Specifically, the transition between the Dead Sea Rift Valley and the adjacent highlands create variations in the topographical relief, climate, water availability, and human settlements. Implementation of LCA in Jordan has done much to highlight geological hazards, such as sinkholes, as constraints to development in certain areas. Here, we described how the LCA process could be implemented in Jordan and how this can help in improving land use management practices in the country.
Microstructure, Tensile and Creep Properties of Ta20Nb20Hf20Zr20Ti20 High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Larianovsky Natalya , Katz-Demyanetz Alexander , Eshed Eyal , Regev Michael
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ta20Nb20Hf20Zr20Ti20. Two casting processes, namely, gravity casting and suction-assisted casting, were applied, both followed by Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). The aim of the current study was to investigate the creep and tensile properties of the material, since the literature review revealed no data whatsoever regarding these properties. The main findings are that the HIP process is responsible for the appearance of a Hexagonal Close Packed (HCP) phase that is dispersed differently in these two castings. The HIP process also led to a considerable increase in the mechanical properties of both materials under compression, with values found to be higher than those reported in the literature. Contrary to the compression properties, both materials were found to be highly brittle under tension, either during room temperature tension tests or creep tests conducted at 282 °C. Fractography yielded brittle fracture without any evidence of plastic deformation prior to fracture.
Microwave-Assisted Pillaring of a Montmorillonite with Al-Polycations in Concentrated Media
Authors: González Beatriz , Pérez Alba , Trujillano Raquel , Gil Antonio , Vicente Miguel
Published: August 2017

A montmorillonite has been intercalated with Al3+ polycations, using concentrated solutions and clay mineral dispersions. The reaction has been assisted by microwave radiation, yielding new intercalated solids and leading to Al-pillared solids after their calcination at 500 °C. The solids were characterized by elemental chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and nitrogen adsorption. The evolution of the properties of the materials was discussed as a function of the preparation conditions. Microwave treatment for 2.5 min provided correctly pillared solids.
Experimental Investigation on the Joining of Aluminum Alloy Sheets Using Improved Clinching Process
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhao Shengdun , Han Xiaolan , Zhao Xuzhe , Ishida Tohru
Published: August 2017

Aluminum alloy sheets have been widely used to build the thin-walled structures by mechanical clinching technology in recent years. However, there is an exterior protrusion located on the lower sheet and a pit on the upper sheet, which may restrict the application of the clinching technology in visible areas. In the present study, an improved clinched joint used to join aluminum alloy sheets was investigated by experimental method. The improved clinching process used for joining aluminum alloy evolves through four phases: (a) localized deformation; (b) drawing; (c) backward extrusion; and (d) mechanical interlock forming. A flat surface can be produced using the improved clinching process. Shearing strength, tensile strength, material flow, main geometrical parameters, and failure mode of the improved clinched joint were investigated. The sheet material was compressed to flow radially and upward using a punch, which generated a mechanical interlock by producing severe localized plastic deformation. The neck thickness and interlock of the improved clinched joint were increased by increasing the forming force, which also contributed to increase the strength of the clinched joint. The improved clinched joint can get high shearing strength and tensile strength. Three main failure modes were observed in the failure process, which were neck fracture mode, button separation mode, and mixed failure mode. The improved clinched joint has better joining quality to join aluminum alloy sheets on the thin-walled structures.
3D Printing of Artificial Blood Vessel: Study on Multi-Parameter Optimization Design for Vascular Molding Effect in Alginate and Gelatin
Authors: Liu Huanbao , Zhou Huixing , Lan Haiming , Liu Tianyu , Liu Xiaolong , Yu Hejie
Published: August 2017

3D printing has emerged as one of the modern tissue engineering techniques that could potentially form scaffolds (with or without cells), which is useful in treating cardiovascular diseases. This technology has attracted extensive attention due to its possibility of curing disease in tissue engineering and organ regeneration. In this paper, we have developed a novel rotary forming device, prepared an alginate–gelatin solution for the fabrication of vessel-like structures, and further proposed a theoretical model to analyze the parameters of motion synchronization. Using this rotary forming device, we firstly establish a theoretical model to analyze the thickness under the different nozzle extrusion speeds, nozzle speeds, and servo motor speeds. Secondly, the experiments with alginate–gelatin solution are carried out to construct the vessel-like structures under all sorts of conditions. The experiment results show that the thickness cannot be adequately predicted by the theoretical model and the thickness can be controlled by changing the parameters. Finally, the optimized parameters of thickness have been adjusted to estimate the real thickness in 3D printing.
Chirality on Amorphous High-Tg Polymeric Nanofilms: Optical Activity Amplification by Thermal Annealing
Authors: Benelli Tiziana , Lanzi Massimiliano , Mazzocchetti Laura , Giorgini Loris
Published: August 2017

The chiroptical properties of amorphous chiral polymers functionalized with conjugated trans-azoaromatic chromophore linked to the backbone through a chiral cyclic pyrrolidine moiety of one single configuration at the solid state, as thin films, were investigated. For the first time nanometric thin films of amorphous polymers (not liquid crystals) showed a remarkable chiral amplification upon thermal treatment at a temperature close to their Tg. The side-chain azobenzene chromophores rearrangement driven by the enhanced chain mobility seems to favor the formation of nanodomains of conformationally ordered macromolecular chains with one prevailing helical handedness whose optical activity depends on the configuration of the intrinsic chirality of the monomeric units and which as a result are stable at room temperature for a long time.
Hippocampal Proteome of Rats Subjected to the Li-Pilocarpine Epilepsy Model and the Effect of Carisbamate Treatment
Authors: Marques-Carneiro José Eduardo , Persike Daniele Suzete , Litzahn Julia Julie , Cassel Jean-Christophe , Nehlig Astrid , Fernandes Maria José da Silva
Published: August 2017

In adult rats, the administration of lithium–pilocarpine (LiPilo) reproduces most clinical and neuropathological features of human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Carisbamate (CRS) possesses the property of modifying epileptogenesis in this model. Indeed, about 50% of rats subjected to LiPilo status epilepticus (SE) develop non-convulsive seizures (NCS) instead of motor seizures when treated with CRS. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. The aim of this study was to perform a proteomic analysis in the hippocampus of rats receiving LiPilo and developing motor seizures or NCS following CRS treatment. Fifteen adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were used. SE was induced by LiPilo injection. CRS treatment was initiated at 1 h and 9 h after SE onset and maintained for 7 days, twice daily. Four groups were studied after video-EEG control of the occurrence of motor seizures: a control group receiving saline (CT n = 3) and three groups that underwent SE: rats treated with diazepam (DZP n = 4), rats treated with CRS displaying NCS (CRS-NCS n = 4) or motor seizures (CRS-TLE n = 4). Proteomic analysis was conducted by 2D-SDS-PAGE. Twenty-four proteins were found altered. In the CRS-NCS group, proteins related to glycolysis and ATP synthesis were down-regulated while proteins associated with pyruvate catabolism were up-regulated. Moreover, among the other proteins differentially expressed, we found proteins related to inflammatory processes, protein folding, tissue regeneration, response to oxidative stress, gene expression, biogenesis of synaptic vesicles, signal transduction, axonal transport, microtubule formation, cell survival, and neuronal plasticity. Our results suggest a global reduction of glycolysis and cellular energy production that might affect brain excitability. In addition, CRS seems to modulate proteins related to many other pathways that could significantly participate in the epileptogenesis-modifying effect observed.
Probing the Nanoscopic Thermodynamic Fingerprint of Paramagnetic Ligands Interacting with Amphiphilic Macromolecules
Authors: Reichenwallner Jörg , Schwieger Christian , Hinderberger Dariush
Published: August 2017

Self-assembly of macromolecules with ligands is an intricate dynamic process that depends on a wide variety of parameters and forms the basis of many essential biological processes. We elucidate the underlying energetic processes of self-assembly in a model system consisting of amphiphilic core-shell polymers interacting with paramagnetic, amphiphilic ligand molecules from temperature-dependent continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW EPR) spectroscopy subsequent to spectral simulation. The involved processes as observed from the ligands’ point of view are either based on temperature-dependent association constants (KA,j,k) or dynamic rotational regime interconversion (IC) constants (KIC,j,k). The interconversion process describes a transition from Brownian (b1) towards free (b2) diffusion of ligand. Both processes exhibit non-linear van’t Hoff (lnK vs. T−1) plots in the temperature range of liquid water and we retrieve decisive dynamic information of the system from the energetic fingerprints of ligands on the nanoscale, especially from the temperature-dependent interconversion heat capacity (∆C°P,IC).
Use of Vanadium Complexes Bearing Naphthalene-Bridged Nitrogen-Sulfonate Ligands as Catalysts for Copolymerization of Ethylene and Propylene
Authors: Hao Xiufeng , Zhang Chundi , Li Lin , Zhang Hexin , Hu Yanming , Hao Daifeng , Zhang Xuequan
Published: August 2017

Vanadium complexes bearing naphthalene-bridged nitrogen-sulfonate ligand ([ê2(N,O)-8-(PhN)-1-naphthalenesulfonato]VOCl (1a) and [ê2(N,O)-8-(PhN)-1-naphthalenesulfonato]VCl2 (1b)) were synthesized. Activated by ethylaluminium sesquichloride (EASC) and in the presence of ethyl trichloroacetate (ETCA) as reactivator, complexes 1a and 1b showed activities of up to 39.1 kg polymer (mol V)−1 h−1, affording the copolymers with high molecular weights (Mw up to 28 × 104) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ~ 3.0) as well as high propylene incorporation of up to 49.4%. Compared to the traditional VOCl3 system, these complexes exhibited higher propylene incorporation ability and higher catalytic activities especially at high polymerization temperatures of 50 °C and above. Determined by DSC and 13C NMR, the copolymers obtained with 1a and 1b had more random structures than that with the VOCl3 system.
The Influence of Calcium Glycerophosphate (GPCa) Modifier on Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Biological Performance of Polyurethanes Applicable as Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Scaffolds Fabrication
Authors: Kucińska-Lipka Justyna , Gubanska Iga , Korchynskyi Olexandr , Malysheva Khrystyna , Kostrzewa Marcin , Włodarczyk Damian , Karczewski Jakub , Janik Helena
Published: August 2017

In this paper we describe the synthesis of poly(ester ether urethane)s (PEEURs) by using selected raw materials to reach a biocompatible polyurethane (PU) for biomedical applications. PEEURs were synthesized by using aliphatic 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) (Polios), 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as a chain extender and calcium glycerolphosphate salt (GPCa) as a modifier used to stimulate bone tissue regeneration. The obtained unmodified (PURs) and modified with GPCa (PURs-M) PEEURs were studied by various techniques. It was confirmed that urethane prepolymer reacts with GPCa modifier. Further analysis of the obtained PURs and PURs-M by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy revealed the chemical composition typical for PUs by the confirmed presence of urethane bonds. Moreover, the FTIR and Raman spectra indicated that GPCa was incorporated into the main PU chain at least at one-side. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the PURs-M surface was in good agreement with the FTIR and Raman analysis due to the fact that inclusions were observed only at 20% of its surface, which were related to the non-reacted GPCa enclosed in the PUR matrix as filler. Further studies of hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, short term-interactions, and calcification study lead to the final conclusion that the obtained PURs-M may by suitable candidate material for further scaffold fabrication. Scaffolds were prepared by the solvent casting/particulate leaching technique (SC/PL) combined with thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS). Such porous scaffolds had satisfactory pore sizes (36–100 μm) and porosity (77–82%) so as to be considered as suitable templates for bone tissue regeneration.
Linguistic Decipherment of the Lettering on the (Original) Carving of the Virgin of Candelaria from Tenerife (Canary Islands)
Authors: Jara Vera Vicente , Sánchez Ávila Carmen
Published: August 2017

The wooden carving of Our Lady of Candelaria, discovered in the municipality of the same name on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands) during the first half of the fifteenth century, had nearly two hundred letters of the Latin alphabet inscribed on her garments. Unfortunately the original carving disappeared after the storm that took place in 1826. Once the original letters on the first image were discovered by means of analysing both textual and artistic documentation and sources, we conclude that the text is archaic-Berber language used by the islanders, Insular-Amazigh, which no longer exists in the present day. Having discussed lexical, morphological, syntactic and phonetic aspects of this archaic language, as well as conducted a semantic analysis of the carving both from the native aboriginal perspective and the Christian one, we expound here our proposal of the meaning of the letters engraved on the Marian carving of Candelaria from its lexical voices and roots of their Berber and Insular-Amazigh languages, with the previous proposed solutions.
Hybrid Spectral Unmixing: Using Artificial Neural Networks for Linear/Non-Linear Switching
Authors: Ahmed Asmau , Duran Olga , Zweiri Yahya , Smith Mike
Published: August 2017

Spectral unmixing is a key process in identifying spectral signature of materials and quantifying their spatial distribution over an image. The linear model is expected to provide acceptable results when two assumptions are satisfied: (1) The mixing process should occur at macroscopic level and (2) Photons must interact with single material before reaching the sensor. However, these assumptions do not always hold and more complex nonlinear models are required. This study proposes a new hybrid method for switching between linear and nonlinear spectral unmixing of hyperspectral data based on artificial neural networks. The neural networks was trained with parameters within a window of the pixel under consideration. These parameters are computed to represent the diversity of the neighboring pixels and are based on the Spectral Angular Distance, Covariance and a non linearity parameter. The endmembers were extracted using Vertex Component Analysis while the abundances were estimated using the method identified by the neural networks (Vertex Component Analysis, Fully Constraint Least Square Method, Polynomial Post Nonlinear Mixing Model or Generalized Bilinear Model). Results show that the hybrid method performs better than each of the individual techniques with high overall accuracy, while the abundance estimation error is significantly lower than that obtained using the individual methods. Experiments on both synthetic dataset and real hyperspectral images demonstrated that the proposed hybrid switch method is efficient for solving spectral unmixing of hyperspectral images as compared to individual algorithms.
A-DInSAR Monitoring of Landslide and Subsidence Activity: A Case of Urban Damage in Arcos de la Frontera, Spain
Authors: Bru Guadalupe , González Pablo J. , Mateos Rosa M. , Roldán Francisco J. , Herrera Gerardo , Béjar-Pizarro Marta , Fernández José
Published: August 2017

Terrain surface displacements at a site can be induced by more than one geological process. In this work, we use advanced differential interferometry SAR (A-DInSAR) to measure ground deformation in Arcos de la Frontera (SW Spain), where severe damages related to landslide activity and subsidence have occurred in recent years. The damages are concentrated in two residential neighborhoods constructed between 2001 and 2006. One of the neighborhoods, called La Verbena, is located at the head of an active retrogressive landslide that has an extension of around 0.17 × 106 m2 and developed in weathered clayey soils. Landslide motion has caused building deterioration since they were constructed. After a heavy rainfall period in winter 2009–2010, the movement was accelerated, worsening the situation. The other neighborhood, Pueblos Blancos, was built over a poorly compacted artificial filling undergoing a spatially variable consolidation process which has also led to severe damage to buildings. For both cases, a short set of C-band data from the “ENVISAT 2010+” project has been used to monitor surface displacement for the period spanning April 2011–January 2012. In this work we characterize the mechanism of both ground deformation processes using in situ and remote sensing techniques along with a detailed geological interpretation and urban damage distribution.
Nanometric Integrated Temperature and Thermal Sensors in CMOS-SOI Technology
Authors: Malits Maria , Nemirovsky Yael
Published: August 2017

This paper reviews and compares the thermal and noise characterization of CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) SOI (Silicon on insulator) transistors and lateral diodes used as temperature and thermal sensors. DC analysis of the measured sensors and the experimental results in a broad (300 K up to 550 K) temperature range are presented. It is shown that both sensors require small chip area, have low power consumption, and exhibit linearity and high sensitivity over the entire temperature range. However, the diode’s sensitivity to temperature variations in CMOS-SOI technology is highly dependent on the diode’s perimeter; hence, a careful calibration for each fabrication process is needed. In contrast, the short thermal time constant of the electrons in the transistor’s channel enables measuring the instantaneous heating of the channel and to determine the local true temperature of the transistor. This allows accurate “on-line” temperature sensing while no additional calibration is needed. In addition, the noise measurements indicate that the diode’s small area and perimeter causes a high 1/f noise in all measured bias currents. This is a severe drawback for the sensor accuracy when using the sensor as a thermal sensor; hence, CMOS-SOI transistors are a better choice for temperature sensing.
Flexible Mixed-Potential-Type (MPT) NO2 Sensor Based on An Ultra-Thin Ceramic Film
Authors: You Rui , Jing Gaoshan , Yu Hongyan , Cui Tianhong
Published: August 2017

A novel flexible mixed-potential-type (MPT) sensor was designed and fabricated for NO2 detection from 0 to 500 ppm at 200 °C. An ultra-thin Y2O3-doped ZrO2 (YSZ) ceramic film 20 µm thick was sandwiched between a heating electrode and reference/sensing electrodes. The heating electrode was fabricated by a conventional lift-off process, while the porous reference and the sensing electrodes were fabricated by a two-step patterning method using shadow masks. The sensor’s sensitivity is achieved as 58.4 mV/decade at the working temperature of 200 °C, as well as a detection limit of 26.7 ppm and small response time of less than 10 s at 200 ppm. Additionally, the flexible MPT sensor demonstrates superior mechanical stability after bending over 50 times due to the mechanical stability of the YSZ ceramic film. This simply structured, but highly reliable flexible MPT NO2 sensor may lead to wide application in the automobile industry for vehicle emission systems to reduce NO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
A Solar Position Sensor Based on Image Vision
Authors: Ruelas Adolfo , Velázquez Nicolás , Villa-Angulo Carlos , Acuña Alexis , Rosales Pedro , Suastegui José
Published: August 2017

Solar collector technologies operate with better performance when the Sun beam direction is normal to the capturing surface, and for that to happen despite the relative movement of the Sun, solar tracking systems are used, therefore, there are rules and standards that need minimum accuracy for these tracking systems to be used in solar collectors’ evaluation. Obtaining accuracy is not an easy job, hence in this document the design, construction and characterization of a sensor based on a visual system that finds the relative azimuth error and height of the solar surface of interest, is presented. With these characteristics, the sensor can be used as a reference in control systems and their evaluation. The proposed sensor is based on a microcontroller with a real-time clock, inertial measurement sensors, geolocation and a vision sensor, that obtains the angle of incidence from the sunrays’ direction as well as the tilt and sensor position. The sensor’s characterization proved how a measurement of a focus error or a Sun position can be made, with an accuracy of 0.0426° and an uncertainty of 0.986%, which can be modified to reach an accuracy under 0.01°. The validation of this sensor was determined showing the focus error on one of the best commercial solar tracking systems, a Kipp & Zonen SOLYS 2. To conclude, the solar tracking sensor based on a vision system meets the Sun detection requirements and components that meet the accuracy conditions to be used in solar tracking systems and their evaluation or, as a tracking and orientation tool, on photovoltaic installations and solar collectors.
Context- and Template-Based Compression for Efficient Management of Data Models in Resource-Constrained Systems
Authors: Macho Jorge , Montón Luis , Rodriguez Roberto
Published: August 2017

The Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) paradigm is based on the deployment of interconnected heterogeneous devices and systems, so interoperability is at the heart of any CPS architecture design. In this sense, the adoption of standard and generic data formats for data representation and communication, e.g., XML or JSON, effectively addresses the interoperability problem among heterogeneous systems. Nevertheless, the verbosity of those standard data formats usually demands system resources that might suppose an overload for the resource-constrained devices that are typically deployed in CPS. In this work we present Context- and Template-based Compression (CTC), a data compression approach targeted to resource-constrained devices, which allows reducing the resources needed to transmit, store and process data models. Additionally, we provide a benchmark evaluation and comparison with current implementations of the Efficient XML Interchange (EXI) processor, which is promoted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and it is the most prominent XML compression mechanism nowadays. Interestingly, the results from the evaluation show that CTC outperforms EXI implementations in terms of memory usage and speed, keeping similar compression rates. As a conclusion, CTC is shown to be a good candidate for managing standard data model representation formats in CPS composed of resource-constrained devices.
Optimization Techniques for Design Problems in Selected Areas in WSNs: A Tutorial
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed , Alfa Attahiru
Published: August 2017

This paper is intended to serve as an overview of, and mostly a tutorial to illustrate, the optimization techniques used in several different key design aspects that have been considered in the literature of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It targets the researchers who are new to the mathematical optimization tool, and wish to apply it to WSN design problems. We hence divide the paper into two main parts. One part is dedicated to introduce optimization theory and an overview on some of its techniques that could be helpful in design problem in WSNs. In the second part, we present a number of design aspects that we came across in the WSN literature in which mathematical optimization methods have been used in the design. For each design aspect, a key paper is selected, and for each we explain the formulation techniques and the solution methods implemented. We also provide in-depth analyses and assessments of the problem formulations, the corresponding solution techniques and experimental procedures in some of these papers. The analyses and assessments, which are provided in the form of comments, are meant to reflect the points that we believe should be taken into account when using optimization as a tool for design purposes.
Community Energy Companies in the UK: A Potential Model for Sustainable Development in “Local” Energy?
Authors: Saintier Séverine
Published: August 2017

The rise of renewable energy sources (RES) comes with a shift in attention from government and market energy governance to local community initiatives and self-regulation. Although this shift is generally welcome at domestic and EU level, the regulatory dimension, at both levels, is nevertheless not adapted to this multi-actor market since prosumers are not empowered and energy justice is far from achieved. The rise, in the UK, of Community Interest Companies (consumers and local actors’ collectives) in the energy sector provides an interesting perspective as it allows a whole system’s view. Research was conducted with six energy community organizations in the South West of England in order to evaluate their role and identity and assess whether this exemplar of “the rise of a social sphere in regulation” could be used as a model for a more sustainable social approach to the governance of economic relations. Findings illustrate that such organizations undoubtedly play an important role in the renewable energy sector and they also help to alleviate some aspects of “energy injustice”. Yet, the failure to recognize, in terms of energy policy, at domestic and EU level, the importance of such actors undermines their role. The need to embed and support such organizations in policy is necessary if one is to succeed to put justice at the core of the changing energy landscape.
A New Dynamic Pricing Model for the Effective Sustainability of Perishable Product Life Cycle
Authors: Tekin Pırıl , Erol Rızvan
Published: August 2017

Perishable products run their life cycle in a short period of time due to the shortness of their shelf lives. Product efficiency falls when especially non-recyclable products are thrown away without being used. Furthermore, this kind of products that unnecessarily occupy shelves of supermarkets cause supermarkets to follow an insufficient stock management policy. Unconscious and unplanned use of our limited natural resources will deteriorate the product portfolio for future generations. Such unconscious production and consumption patterns will disrupt natural balance and damage sustainability of products. In addition to creating very high costs for producers, sellers and consumers alike, these unsold or stale products lead to environmental problems due to such pricing policies. In other words, although the products have to be thrown away without being sold is attributed by many managers to be attributable to the unplanned over-orders, the actual reason is something else. The real contributor of the problem is changing purchase attitudes of customers because of wrong pricing policies of wholesaler. In addition, limited resources are also consumed fast and in unnecessary amounts. The imbalance in respect to the sustainability of these products leads to increase in the production costs, procurement costs and failure to achieve balance among products to be kept in storage houses as some of the products occupy stocks unnecessarily. In the present study, a new pricing policy is developed for product stock whose shelf lives are about to expire and generally become waste to increase salability of these products in reference to fresher stocks of these products. The present study, which is designed to reduce the above-mentioned losses, will seek to minimize the cost of waste, maximize the profit earned by supermarkets from the product, maximize product utilization rates and ensure sustainability of products and stocks as well. Fulfillment of these objectives will increase productivity and enhance the significance of product efficiency and nature-friendly attitudes.
Association between Three-Dimensional Built Environment and Urban Air Temperature: Seasonal and Temporal Differences
Authors: Park Cheolyeong , Ha Jaehyun , Lee Sugie
Published: August 2017

Climate change and the urban heat island phenomenon are increasingly important issues in urban thermal environments. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship between three-dimensional built environments and air temperature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide policy suggestions that could be used to improve urban thermal environments by analyzing the effect of the three-dimensional built environment of an urban space on the urban air temperature according to changes in time (i.e., season, time of day). Using data from 236 automatic weather stations (AWSs) in Seoul, Korea, this study focused on three-dimensional built environmental variables and land use variables that affect air temperature in terms of season and time. The analysis results indicate that the sky view factor and porosity were lower in urban areas, with higher sky view factor and porosity values associated with lower air temperature. This study also indicates that surface roughness is higher in urban areas, with higher surface roughness associated with higher air temperature. These results suggest that urban design practices should consider the three-dimensional built environment when planning urban development and urban regeneration projects in order to improve the urban thermal environment.
National Water Footprint: Toward a Comprehensive Approach for the Evaluation of the Sustainability of Water Use in Italy
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Rinaldi Sara , Nicolini Andrea , Cotana Franco
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to monitor the water use over the national territory and evaluate water flows by economic sectors across regional boundaries. The sustainability level is evaluated in terms of water scarcity (the ratio between water consumption and water availability). Publicly-available geo-referenced maps containing the annual average volume of available and consumed water for different economic activities, pollution loads, and land cover are elaborated with geographic information system (GIS) software. Different administrative and geographic boundaries (regional, river basin, and hydrogeological complex) are used to produce a statistical overview of the sustainability level in water use over the Italian territory. Water footprint indicators are set up for the blue and grey components, while the sustainability of the green component is preliminarily evaluated from land use. The effective impact on the water resource is assessed in terms of water scarcity for all the three components. Water availability data refer to annual average computed between 1990 and 2010. Water consumption and land cover refer to reference year 2006. Results are shown as annual averages and they are used to establish a baseline of the national water use that is expected to be particularly relevant for next-coming analyses, including virtual water flows associated to import/export activities and trending reports for future periods.
Decent Work in the Chinese Apparel Industry: Comparative Analysis of Blue-Collar and White-Collar Garment Workers
Authors: Chen Caixia , Perry Patsy , Yang Yixiong , Yang Cheng
Published: August 2017

Addressing labor issues in the apparel industry is significantly important due to customers’ increasing awareness of poor working conditions and growing labor crises in apparel production locations worldwide. Decent work is a key element to achieving fair and harmonious employment, but is not always evident in global apparel production networks. This study examines the working conditions in China’s garment manufacturing industry, which employs more than 10 million workers. A survey was administered to 313 blue-collar workers and 228 white-collar workers on issues related to decent work, including workers’ concerns, satisfaction levels and attitudes towards decent work. Regression analysis showed that workers’ attitudes are significantly related to age, education level, service length and monthly wage. Gap analysis revealed poor understanding of decent work and low satisfaction with primary indicators of decent work. However, results suggest that workers increasingly value soft factors and the overall work experience, not only financial benefits. Cluster analysis identified four clusters of workers. This study contributes to understanding garment worker perceptions of decent work and provides implications for the operationalization of decent work in China’s garment manufacturing industry.
The Sustainable Development Goals: An Experience on Higher Education
Authors: Crespo Bárbara , Míguez-Álvarez Carla , Arce María Elena , Cuevas Miguel , Míguez José Luis
Published: August 2017

Sustainable development is acquiring high attendance in higher education. In fact, one of the targets for the Sustainable Development Goals announced by the United Nations in September 2015 aims to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, thorough education on sustainable development. The current study focuses on the evaluation of individual works based on the sustainable development suggested to students in a subject of the Master’s of Thermal Engineering at the University of Vigo. In addition, a sustainable holistic rubric is presented, which was used to analyze the ability of the students to incorporate sustainability principles in their work. The rubric was based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the associated targets of the United Nations, more specifically on the Goals 7, 8, 12, and 13. A total of 10 works were evaluated. As a general conclusion, it was found that the students generally do not consider or consider to a lower extent the economic criteria opposite to the environmental, technical, and social dimensions. The environmental sub-criterion were applied to a greater extent in the development of the works. However, the technical and social dimensions were included to a greater or lesser extent depending on the type of work developed.
Simulating the Effects of Lake Wind Waves on Water and Solute Exchange across the Lakeshore Using Hydrus-2D
Authors: Li Yong , Šimůnek Jirka , Wang Shuang , Zhang Weiwei , Yuan Jiahui
Published: August 2017

Wind waves, which frequently occur on large surface water bodies such as lakes, may temporarily alter flow patterns in a subsurface zone and the corresponding water and nutrient interactions between surface waters and shallow groundwaters. To better understand these processes, soil flume experiments were carried out to investigate wind wave-driven water and chloride interactions across the lake–groundwater interface, and the Hydrus-2D model was used to analyze and evaluate the observed experimental results. Two interaction cases between the lake and groundwater systems were considered: groundwater discharging into a lake (the GDL case), and lake water recharging groundwater (the LRG case). For comparison, no-wave conditions for both the GDL and LRG cases were also analyzed. The results revealed that, similarly to no-wave conditions, water and chloride exchange fluxes between the lake and groundwater systems under wave conditions occurred mainly within narrow bands near the intersection of the water level in the lake and the interface in both the GDL and LRG cases, and then exponentially decreased along the interface. Most water and chloride that infiltrated into the subsurface zone through the upper part of the interface during a wave crest returned to the lake through the lower part during a wave trough in both the GDL and LRG cases, creating local recirculation zones in the subsurface near the interface. Such recirculation produced a more frequent exchange of water and solute across the interface compared with those under no-wave conditions. During a one-day period after wind waves started, the total exchange fluxes of water and chloride to the lake decreased by 36.2% and 71.9%, respectively, compared to the no-wave conditions in the GDL case. In the LRG case, the total exchange water fluxes to the subsurface increased by 89.7%, while the total exchange chloride fluxes increased only slightly (4.5%) compared to the no-wave conditions due to the difference in chloride concentrations between the upper and lower parts of the interface. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the hydraulic conductivity of the lakeshore zone and the characteristics of the waves were important factors influencing water and chloride exchange between the lake and groundwater systems. The simulated results helped us to better understand water and solute interactions in the lake–groundwater system during windy periods.