bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super-Resolution Mapping of Impervious Surfaces from Remotely Sensed Imagery with Points-of-Interest
Authors: Chen Yuehong , Ge Yong , An Ru , Chen Yu
Published: February 2018

The accurate mapping of impervious surfaces is of key significance for various urban applications. Usually, traditional methods extract the proportion image of impervious surfaces from remote sensing images; however, the proportion image cannot specify where the impervious surfaces spatially distribute within a pixel. Meanwhile, impervious surfaces often locate urban areas and have a strong correlation with the relatively new big (geo)data points of interest (POIs). This study, therefore, proposed a novel impervious surfaces mapping method (super-resolution mapping of impervious surfaces, SRMIS) by combining a super-resolution mapping technique and POIs to increase the spatial resolution of impervious surfaces in proportion images and determine the accurate spatial location of impervious surfaces within each pixel. SRMIS was evaluated using a 10-m Sentinel-2 image and a 30-m Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) image of Nanjing city, China. The experimental results show that SRMIS generated satisfactory impervious surface maps with better-classified image quality and greater accuracy than a traditional hard classifier, the two existing super-resolution mapping (SRM) methods of the subpixel-swapping algorithm, or the method using both pixel-level and subpixel-level spatial dependence. The experimental results show that the overall accuracy increase of SRMIS was from 2.34% to 5.59% compared with the hard classification method and the two SRM methods in the first experiment, while the overall accuracy of SRMIS was 1.34–3.09% greater than that of the compared methods in the second experiment. Hence, this study provides a useful solution to combining SRM techniques and the relatively new big (geo)data (i.e., POIs) to extract impervious surface maps with a higher spatial resolution than that of the input remote sensing images, and thereby supports urban research.
An Aircraft Detection Framework Based on Reinforcement Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks in Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Li Yang , Fu Kun , Sun Hao , Sun Xian
Published: February 2018

Aircraft detection has attracted increasing attention in the field of remote sensing image analysis. Complex background, illumination change and variations of aircraft kind and size in remote sensing images make the task challenging. In our work, we propose an effective aircraft detection framework based on reinforcement learning and a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Aircraft in remote sensing images can be accurately and robustly located with the help of the searching mechanism that the candidate region is dynamically reduced to the correct location of aircraft, which is implemented through reinforcement learning. The detection framework overcomes the difficulties that the current detection methods based on reinforcement learning are only able to detect a fixed number of objects. Specifically, we adopt the restricted EdgeBoxes that generate the high-quality candidate boxes through the prior aircraft knowledge at first. Then, we train an intelligent detection agent through reinforcement learning and apprenticeship learning. The detection agent accurately locates the aircraft in the candidate boxes within several actions, and it even performs better than the greed strategy in apprenticeship learning. During the final detection step, we carefully design the CNN model that predicts the probability that the localization result generated by the detection agent is an aircraft. Comparative experiments demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our aircraft detection framework.
Evaluating the Performance of the SCOPE Model in Simulating Canopy Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Authors: Hu Jiaochan , Liu Xinjie , Liu Liangyun , Guan Linlin
Published: February 2018

The SCOPE (soil canopy observation of photochemistry and energy fluxes) model has been widely used to interpret solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and investigate the SIF-photosynthesis links at different temporal and spatial scales in recent years. In the SCOPE model, the fluorescence quantum efficiency in dark-adapted conditions (FQE) for Photosystem II (fqe2) and Photosystem I (fqe1) were two key parameters of SIF emission, which have always been parameterized as fixed values derived from laboratory measurements. To date, only a few studies have focused on evaluating the SCOPE model for SIF interpretation, and the variation of FQE values in the field remains controversial. In this study, the accuracy of the SCOPE model to simulate the canopy SIF was investigated using diurnal experiments on winter wheat. First, ten diurnal experiments were conducted on winter wheat, and the canopy SIF emissions and the SCOPE model’s input parameters were directly measured or indirectly retrieved from the spectral radiances, gross primary productivity (GPP) data, and meteorological records. Second, the SCOPE-simulated SIF emissions with fixed FQE values were evaluated using the observed canopy SIF data. The results show that the SCOPE model can reliably interpret the diurnal cycles of SIF variation and provide acceptable results of SIF simulations at the O2-B (SIFB) and O2-A (SIFA) bands with RRMSEs of 24.35% and 23.67%, respectively. However, the SCOPE-simulated SIFB and SIFA still contained large systematical deviations at some growth stages of wheat, and the seasonal cycles of the ratio between SIFB and SIFA (SIFA/SIFB) cannot be credibly reproduced. Finally, the SCOPE-simulated SIF emissions with variable FQE values were evaluated using the observed canopy SIF data. The simulating accuracy of SIFB and SIFA can be improved greatly using variable FQE values, and the SCOPE simulations track well with the seasonal SIFA/SIFB values with an RRMSE of 20.63%. The results indicated a clear seasonal pattern of FQE values for unbiased SIF simulation: from the erecting to the flowering stage of wheat, the ratio of fqe1 to fqe2 (fqe1/fqe2) gradually increased from 0.05–0.1 to 0.3–0.5, while the fqe2 value decreased from 0.013 to 0.007. Our quantitative results of the model assessment and the FQE adjustment support the use of the SCOPE model as a powerful tool for interpreting the SIF emissions and can serve as a significant reference for future applications of the SCOPE model.
Deep Learning-Based Banknote Fitness Classification Using the Reflection Images by a Visible-Light One-Dimensional Line Image Sensor
Authors: Pham Tuyen , Nguyen Dat , Kim Wan , Park Sung , Park Kang
Published: February 2018

In automatic paper currency sorting, fitness classification is a technique that assesses the quality of banknotes to determine whether a banknote is suitable for recirculation or should be replaced. Studies on using visible-light reflection images of banknotes for evaluating their usability have been reported. However, most of them were conducted under the assumption that the denomination and input direction of the banknote are predetermined. In other words, a pre-classification of the type of input banknote is required. To address this problem, we proposed a deep learning-based fitness-classification method that recognizes the fitness level of a banknote regardless of the denomination and input direction of the banknote to the system, using the reflection images of banknotes by visible-light one-dimensional line image sensor and a convolutional neural network (CNN). Experimental results on the banknote image databases of the Korean won (KRW) and the Indian rupee (INR) with three fitness levels, and the Unites States dollar (USD) with two fitness levels, showed that our method gives better classification accuracy than other methods.
A Quantization-Based Multibit Data Fusion Scheme for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Fu Yuanhua , Yang Fan , He Zhiming
Published: February 2018

Spectrum sensing remains a challenge in the context of cognitive radio networks (CRNs). Compared with traditional single-user sensing, cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) exploits multiuser diversity to overcome channel fading, shadowing, and hidden terminal problems, which can effectively enhance the sensing performance and protect licensed users from harmful interference. However, for a large number of sensing nodes that need high bandwidth of the control channel for data transmitting, CSS increases cooperative overhead. To address this problem, we investigated the soft decision fusion strategy under a limited bandwidth of the control channel and proposed a simple quantization-based multibit data soft fusion rule for CSS for its simple structure and easily implementation. Under the quantization-based sensing strategy, each cooperative secondary user (SU) adopts an energy detector for local spectrum sensing. Each SU transmits quantized multibit data that sends local sensing information, instead of forwarding local one-bit hard decision results or original observation statistics, to the fusion center (FC). Furthermore, the closed-form expressions of the quantization levels and the quantization thresholds are analytically derived. Simulation results indicate that the detection performance of the proposed method approaches that of the conventional soft fusion rule with less cooperative overhead and outperforms the hard decision rules. Extensive simulations also show that multibit quantization fusion achieves a desirable tradeoff between the sensing performance and the control channel overhead for CSS.
Low-Pass Filter for HV Partial Discharge Testing
Authors: Kindl Vladimir , Skala Bohumil , Pechanek Roman , Kus Vaclav , Hornak Jaroslav
Published: February 2018

The most common cause of high voltage electric machine malfunction is an electrical failure of the insulation system due to extreme partial discharges activity. The paper discusses the methodology for the construction of a low-pass high voltage filter for partial discharge measurement. It focuses mainly on the shape optimization, using an analytical approach with subsequent verification using the finite element method. The experimental verification is given together with important conclusions.
Fiber-Optic Pyrometer with Optically Powered Switch for Temperature Measurements
Authors: Vázquez Carmen , Pérez-Prieto Sandra , López-Cardona Juan , Tapetado Alberto , Blanco Enrique , Moreno-López Jorge , Montero David , Lallana Pedro
Published: February 2018

We report the experimental results on a new infrared fiber-optic pyrometer for very localized and high-speed temperature measurements ranging from 170 to 530 °C using low-noise photodetectors and high-gain transimpedance amplifiers with a single gain mode in the whole temperature range. We also report a shutter based on an optical fiber switch which is optically powered to provide a reference signal in an optical fiber pyrometer measuring from 200 to 550 °C. The tests show the potential of remotely powering via optical means a 300 mW power-hungry optical switch at a distance of 100 m, avoiding any electromagnetic interference close to the measuring point.
Development and Validation of an HPLC-DAD Method for the Simultaneous Extraction and Quantification of Bisphenol-A, 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and Hydroquinone in Bacterial Cultures of Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Rigopoulos Angelos , Samanidou Victoria , Touraki Maria
Published: February 2018

Bisphenol-A, a synthetic organic compound with estrogen mimicking properties, may enter bloodstream through either dermal contact or ingestion. Probiotic bacterial uptake of bisphenol can play a major protective role against its adverse health effects. In this paper, a method for the quantification of BPA in bacterial cells of L. lactis and of BPA and its potential metabolites 4-hydroxybenzoic Acid, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and hydroquinone in the culture medium is described. Extraction of BPA from the cells was performed using methanol–H2O/TFA (0.08%) (5:1 v/v) followed by SPE. Culture medium was centrifuged and filtered through a 0.45 μm syringe filter. Analysis was conducted in a Nucleosil column, using a gradient of A (95:5 v/v H2O: ACN) and B (5:95 v/v H2O: ACN, containing TFA, pH 2), with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Calibration curves (0.5–600 μg/mL) were constructed using 4-n-Octylphenol as internal standard (1 > R2 > 0.994). Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) values ranged between 0.23 to 4.99 μg/mL and 0.69 to 15.1 μg/mL respectively. A 24 h administration experiment revealed a decline in BPA concentration in the culture media up to 90.27% while the BPA photodegradation levels were low. Our results demonstrate that uptake and possible metabolism of BPA in L. lactis cells facilitates its removal.
Nutrition and Supplementation Considerations to Limit Endotoxemia When Exercising in the Heat
Authors: Guy Joshua , Vincent Grace
Published: February 2018

Exercise-induced heat production is further elevated by exercise performed in hot conditions and this can subsequently impact inflammation, and gastrointestinal (GI) health. Implementing nutrition and supplementation strategies under these conditions may support the hyperthermic response, the systemic inflammatory response, GI permeability and integrity, and exercise performance. Therefore, the aim of this brief review is to explore athletes’ inflammatory response of two key biomarkers, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and provide nutrition and supplementation recommendations when exercising in hot conditions. There is emerging evidence that probiotics, glutamine, and vitamin C can preserve GI integrity, which may improve performance during exercise in the heat. Glucose rich food when consumed with water, before and during exercise in the heat, also appear to limit endotoxemia, preserve GI integrity, and reduce the incidence of GI disturbances compared with water alone. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may compromise GI integrity and this may result in greater leakage of endotoxins during long duration exercise in the heat. Further work is required to elucidate the impact of nutrition and supplementation strategies, in particular the use of NSAIDs, when exercising in the heat.
Spatial Differences in and Influences upon the Sustainable Development Level of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China
Authors: Zhang Mingdou , Xiao Hang , Sun Dongqi , Li Yu
Published: February 2018

Based on new data from 2006–2015, we used the entropy method and panel data regression to analyze the spatial difference and influences on the level of sustainable development within China’s Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. The main findings are: (1) During the 2006–2015 period, the sustainable development level of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration was generally low, with 69% of its cities in a phase of low-level sustainable development; however, notable spatial variation in the levels of urban sustainable development occurred mainly along the “Hu-Ning-He-Hang-Yong development belt”, with a spatial distribution that was “high in the middle and low on all sides”. (2) The industrial structure, export dependence, and land-use efficiency all had positive impacts, whereas economic growth had a negative impact, on the sustainable development level of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. (3) For the super large city, export dependence positively impacted the urban sustainable development level; for the large city, both export dependence and land-use efficiency had a positive influence, while the regulation of government had a negative influence on the urban sustainable development level; for the medium-sized city, export dependence and land-use efficiency positively influenced the urban sustainable development level, but economic growth and the regulation by government negatively influenced it.
Influencing Factors of Companies’ Behavior for Mitigation: A Discussion within the Context of Emission Trading Scheme
Authors: Chen Yidan , Sun Yuwei , Wang Can
Published: February 2018

China built pilot carbon emission trading schemes in seven regions and established a national carbon trading market in electricity sector in December 2017. This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 570 companies in 29 regions nationwide and found that companies still need to improve mitigation measures regarding fossil fuel combustion, production technology, output adjustment and environmental management. By establishing regression models, influencing factors of carbon emission reduction are identified. Pilot emission trading policy has a significant impact on company emission reduction behaviors. Companies inside or outside the pilot region respond differently to the influencing factors. Companies inside emphasize more on energy price and mitigation potential, while enterprises outside pay more attention to investment and familiarity with technology and policy.
Towards Homo Digitalis: Important Research Issues for Psychology and the Neurosciences at the Dawn of the Internet of Things and the Digital Society
Authors: Montag Christian , Diefenbach Sarah
Published: February 2018

The present article gives an overview on central challenges humans face at the dawn of complex digital societies and the Internet of Things (IoT), i.e., a world completely connected to the Internet. Among the many challenges to be handled in digital societies is a growing fragmented life style leading to loss of productivity as well as moments for self-reflection. In all this, it is of tremendous importance to understand the impact of digital worlds on our brains and psyches and to reveal possible unintended side-effects of technology use. Does human nature change due to constant interactions with virtual realities? In this context, we also face the challenge to design digital worlds according to our mammalian-emotional heritage deeply anchored in subcortical areas of the human brain. Here, we refer to emotional needs as carved out by Panksepp’s Affective Neuroscience Theory and how they can or cannot be fulfilled in digital worlds. Aside from a review of several key studies dealing with the raised challenges, some first solutions to successfully meet the mentioned problems are provided to achieve sustainable and healthy digital worlds, with whom humans can interact carefree on a daily basis.
Innovation in the European Energy Sector and Regulatory Responses to It: Guest Editorial Note
Authors: Hoppe Thomas , Butenko Anna , Heldeweg Michiel
Published: February 2018

The European energy sector is an important economic sector that is also traditionally highly regulated. With the increasing tempo in which innovations in technology and markets occur, catalysed inter alia by the energy transition and accompanied by new formats of innovation (disruptive and bottom-up), the question arises whether existing regulatory frameworks sufficiently allow for such innovation and support its further development. From an editorial perspective, we argue that decentralization of energy production on the national level and that of regulatory responses to it, need more scholarly attention. In this guest editorial, the contributions of nine articles to our special issue on innovation in the European energy sector and regulatory responses to it, are addressed. First, lessons on regulatory response to innovations in European energy markets are drawn. Second, several types of responses are deduced and discussed. Finally, key observations and suggestions for further research are presented.
Economic and Emission Dispatch Using Ensemble Multi-Objective Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Yu Xianrui , Lu Yiqun , Sheng Jichuan
Published: February 2018

In the past two decades, China’s manufacturing industry has achieved great success. However, pollution and environmental impacts have become more serious while this industry has grown. The economic and emission dispatch (EED) problem is a typical multi-objective optimization problem with conflicting fuel costs and pollution emission objectives. An ensemble multi-objective differential evolution (EMODE) is proposed to tackle the EED problem. First, the equality constraints of the problem have been transformed into inequality constraints. Next, two mutation strategies DE/rand/1 and DE/current-to-rand/1 have been implemented to improve the conventional DE. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on six test functions and the numerical results have indicated that the proposed algorithm is effective. The proposed algorithm EMODE is used to solve a series of six generators and eleven generators in the EED problem. The experimental results obtained are compared with those reported using single optimization algorithms and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). The results have revealed that the proposed algorithm EMODE either matches or outperforms those algorithms. The proposed algorithm is an effective candidate to optimize the manufacturing industry of China.
Land Use Change under Biofuel Policies and a Tax on Meat and Dairy Products: Considering Complexity in Agricultural Production Chains Matters
Authors: Delzeit Ruth , Winkler Malte , Söder Mareike
Published: February 2018

Growing demand for meat and dairy products (MDP), biofuels, and scarcity of agricultural land are drivers of global land use competition. Impacts of policies targeting demand for MDP or biofuels have only been analysed separately. We use the computable general equilibrium model DART-BIO to investigate combined effects, since MDP and biofuel production are closely related via feestock use and co-production of animal feed. We implement four scenarios: (a) a baseline scenario; (b) halving MDP consumption in industrialised countries by a tax; (c) abolishing current biofuel policies; and (d) no exogenous land use change. We find that a MDP tax and exogenous land use change have larger effects on land use and food markets than biofuel policies. International trade is affected in all scenarios. With respect to combined effects of a MDP tax and biofuel policies, we find decreasing biodiesel but increasing bioethanol production. In addition, the MDP tax decreases the impact of biofuel policies on agricultural markets and land use. Our results highlight the importance of a detailed representation of different vegetable oils used in biodiesel production and related by-products. Finally, since the MDP tax increases the use of fossil fuels, the net climate mitigation potentials of such a tax should be investigated further.
The Sustainability of Shared Mobility in London: The Dilemma for Governance
Authors: Akyelken Nihan , Banister David , Givoni Moshe
Published: February 2018

The role of governments in the regulation of potentially beneficial low carbon practices, such as car sharing, has proved difficult, as there are many different actors involved and as existing practices can be undermined. The mobility sector provides clear evidence of these dilemmas, as a wide range of users need to be engaged in the discourse over the innovations, and as existing governance structures may be unsuitable for addressing both the opportunities and limitations of innovation. This paper focuses on the sustainability implications of shared mobility and the need for new approaches to governance. A qualitative study of car sharing in London is used to examine the ideas, incentives, and institutions of the key actors involved in this sharing sector. The elements of change and continuity in the emerging sharing economy indicate the different possibilities for enhancing sustainable mobility. Any search for an alternative governance regime should take account of the ideational factors that would require an understanding of the different incentives needed to accommodate the full range of actors involved with the sharing economy.
Is ‘Smart Mobility’ Sustainable? Examining the Views and Beliefs of Transport’s Technological Entrepreneurs
Authors: Noy Kfir , Givoni Moshe
Published: February 2018

One of the main evolving trends in the transport system is the assimilation of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and other sophisticated hi-technology innovations into it. Those processes and practices are increasingly referred to as the “Smart Mobility” paradigm. In this paradigm, ‘smart’ and ‘sustainable’ are often considered synonymous, or at least complementary to each other. This research aims to examine the extent to which ‘smart’ and ‘sustainable’ are aligned with each other by conducting a survey amongst the main actors within smart mobility. These actors are referred to as transport innovators or entrepreneurs. The survey of n = 117 entrepreneurs shows that there is a mismatch between interpretation and understanding of what is ‘smart’ and what is ‘sustainable’. It is clear that the concern of those transport entrepreneurs is primarily with commercial considerations and that their appreciation of what it takes to advance towards a more sustainable transport system is lacking. The belief amongst those entrepreneurs, it emerges, is that technological developments alone, specifically with respect to autonomous and connected vehicles, can lead to sustainable transport. This should be a real concern if those same actors are the ones who lead and pave the way forward for transport planning.
Sustainability Tensions in Supply Chains: A Case Study of Paradoxes and Their Management
Authors: Brix-Asala Carolin , Geisbüsch Anne-Kristin , Sauer Philipp , Schöpflin Patrick , Zehendner Axel
Published: February 2018

The comprehensive coverage of sustainability issues in a supply chain incurs goal conflicts—i.e., sustainability tensions—and is often limited by market characteristics, such as the availability of sustainable materials and services. While the mainstream business is prioritizing economic goals, a number of entrepreneurs are trying to move forward to more sustainable business practices for their own company and their supply chain. Fairphone represents such a case in the electronics industry, which is openly communicating its sustainability efforts and shortcomings. This communication is content-analyzed in this study by applying the theoretical lenses of paradox sustainability tensions and sustainable supply chain management. Findings of this analysis reveal the limitation of sustainability efforts by supply side characteristics, while Fairphone is innovatively using the demand side of its supply chain to drive sustainability. The resulting tensions among both sides are addressed via pro-active and direct supplier and stakeholder engagement by Fairphone at their suppliers’ mines and factories. The systematic identification of tensions and practices by which they are addressed is adding to our understanding of sustainability practices and goal conflicts in supply chains.
Revisiting the Therapeutic Potential of Bothrops jararaca Venom: Screening for Novel Activities Using Connectivity Mapping
Authors: Nicolau Carolina , Prorock Alyson , Bao Yongde , Neves-Ferreira Ana , Valente Richard , Fox Jay
Published: February 2018

Snake venoms are sources of molecules with proven and potential therapeutic applications. However, most activities assayed in venoms (or their components) are of hemorrhagic, hypotensive, edematogenic, neurotoxic or myotoxic natures. Thus, other relevant activities might remain unknown. Using functional genomics coupled to the connectivity map (C-map) approach, we undertook a wide range indirect search for biological activities within the venom of the South American pit viper Bothrops jararaca. For that effect, venom was incubated with human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7) followed by RNA extraction and gene expression analysis. A list of 90 differentially expressed genes was submitted to biosimilar drug discovery based on pattern recognition. Among the 100 highest-ranked positively correlated drugs, only the antihypertensive, antimicrobial (both antibiotic and antiparasitic), and antitumor classes had been previously reported for B. jararaca venom. The majority of drug classes identified were related to (1) antimicrobial activity; (2) treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses (Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy); (3) treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and (4) anti-inflammatory action. The C-map results also indicated that B. jararaca venom may have components that target G-protein-coupled receptors (muscarinic, serotonergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, GABA, and adrenergic) and ion channels. Although validation experiments are still necessary, the C-map correlation to drugs with activities previously linked to snake venoms supports the efficacy of this strategy as a broad-spectrum approach for biological activity screening, and rekindles the snake venom-based search for new therapeutic agents.
Chemometric Analysis of the Volatile Compounds Generated by Aspergillus carbonarius Strains Isolated from Grapes and Dried Vine Fruits
Authors: Cheng Zhan , Li Menghua , Marriott Philip , Zhang Xiaoxu , Wang Shiping , Li Jiangui , Ma Liyan
Published: February 2018

Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in grape production is an important problem worldwide. Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) have been demonstrated as useful tools to identify different toxigenic strains. In this study, Aspergillus carbonarius strains were classified into two groups, moderate toxigenic strains (MT) and high toxigenic strains (HT), according to OTA-forming ability. The MVOCs were analyzed by GC-MS and the data processing was based on untargeted profiling using XCMS Online software. Orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was performed using extract ion chromatogram GC-MS datasets. For contrast, quantitative analysis was also performed. Results demonstrated that the performance of the OPLS-DA model of untargeted profiling was better than the quantitative method. Potential markers were successfully discovered by variable importance on projection (VIP) and t-test. (E)-2-octen-1-ol, octanal, 1-octen-3-one, styrene, limonene, methyl-2-phenylacetate and 3 unknown compounds were selected as potential markers for the MT group. Cuparene, (Z)-thujopsene, methyl octanoate and 1 unknown compound were identified as potential markers for the HT groups. Finally, the selected markers were used to construct a supported vector machine classification (SVM-C) model to check classification ability. The models showed good performance with the accuracy of cross-validation and test prediction of 87.93% and 92.00%, respectively.
Scalar-Tensor Black Holes Embedded in an Expanding Universe
Authors: Tretyakova Daria , Latosh Boris
Published: February 2018

In this review, we focus our attention on scalar-tensor gravity models and their empirical verification in terms of black hole and wormhole physics. We focus on black holes, embedded in an expanding universe, describing both cosmological and astrophysical scales. We show that in scalar-tensor gravity it is quite common that the local geometry is isolated from the cosmological expansion, so that it does not backreact on the black hole metric. We try to extract common features of scalar-tensor black holes in an expanding universe and point out the issues that are not fully investigated.
Distribution of Porcine Cytomegalovirus in Infected Donor Pigs and in Baboon Recipients of Pig Heart Transplantation
Authors: Fiebig Uwe , Abicht Jan-Michael , Mayr Tanja , Längin Matthias , Bähr Andrea , Guethoff Sonja , Falkenau Almuth , Wolf Eckhard , Reichart Bruno , Shibahara Tomoyuki , Denner Joachim
Published: February 2018

The porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) is a herpesvirus that may pose a risk for xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues, or organs. Here, three orthotopic pig heart transplantations into baboons were studied. To detect PCMV, a real-time PCR and a Western blot assay based on four PCMV protein sequences, including two tegument proteins, were used. The transmission of PCMV from the donor pig to the recipient baboon was found in two cases, despite PCMV not being detected in the blood of the donor pigs by real-time PCR. Although it was not in the blood, PCMV was detected in different organs of the donor pigs, and in sibling animals. Immunohistochemistry using an antiserum that is specific for PCMV detected virus protein-expressing cells in all of the organs of the recipient baboon, most likely representing disseminated pig cells. Therefore, for the first time, the distribution of PCMV in organs of the donor pigs and the recipient baboons was described. In addition, baboon cytomegalovirus (BaCMV) was found activated in the recipient, and a screening for hepatitis E virus (HEV) and porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV) was performed. For the first time, a cross-reactivity between antibodies directed against PCMV and BaCMV was found.
French Reed Bed as a Solution to Minimize the Operational and Maintenance Costs of Wastewater Treatment from a Small Settlement: An Italian Example
Authors: Rizzo Anacleto , Bresciani Riccardo , Martinuzzi Nicola , Masi Fabio
Published: February 2018

French Reed Bed (FRB) is a particular constructed wetland (CW) solution which receives raw wastewater. Data from the full-scale FRB wastewater treatment plant of Castelluccio di Norcia (center of Italy) were collected to show the FRB capability to minimize the operational and management (O&M) costs. The system was designed to treat wastewater variable from 200 person equivalent (PE) in off-season up to 1000 PE. Data from 2014 up to 2016 showed high removal efficiency in line with French experiences with FRBs. An interview was conducted with the Water Utility to estimate the operational and maintenance (O&M) costs faced by the WWTP, which allowed us to detail the O&M costs for energy consumption, water quality samples, and personnel for inspection. Other O&M expenditure items were estimated on the basis of parametric costs from the executive design. The FRB O&M costs in euro for 500–1000 PE (6–11 € PE−1 year−1) resulted from 5 to 13 lower in comparison to those reported for classical activated sludge systems in an Italian context (45–90 € year−1). The low O&M costs are mainly due to the limited energy consumed and to the minimized costs of sludge management.
MicroRNA-204 Inhibits the Growth and Motility of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Downregulation of CXCL8
Authors: Shuai Feng , Wang Bo , Dong Shuxiao
Published: February 2018

Among all of the miRNAs, miR-204 has gained considerable attention in the field of cancer research. This study aimed to reveal the detailed functions and the underlying mechanism of miR-204 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The expressions of miR-204 in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines were monitored. Expressions of miR-204 and CXCL8 in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells were altered by transfection, and then cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, EMT-related protein expression, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway protein expression were assessed. We found that miR-204 was expressed at low levels in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines when compared to their normal controls. miR-204 overexpression reduced the viability, migration, and invasion of Caco-2 and HT-29 cells while significantly inducing apoptosis. miR-204 overexpression upregulated E-cadherin expression and downregulated N-cadherin and vimentin expressions. CXCL8 was a target of miR-204, and miR-204 suppression could not increase cell viability, migration, invasion, and EMT procedure when CXCL8 was silenced. Moreover, miR-204 overexpression decreased the phosphorylated levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. The increased phosphorylations of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, and the upregulation of CXCL8 induced by miR-204 suppression were all abolished by the addition of LY294002 and AZD8055 (inhibitors of PI3K/AKT and mTOR, respectively). To conclude, we demonstrated a tumor-suppressive miRNA in CRC cell lines, miR-204, which is poorly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. miR-204 exerted antigrowth, antimigration, anti-invasion, and anti-EMT activities, which might be via deactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and repressing CXCL8 expression.
Rising to the Occasion: Experiential Learning Experiences of Event Management Students at a South African University of Technology
Authors: Venske Esti
Published: February 2018

Event management educators in South Africa are faced with the challenge of educating culturally diverse students for progressive workplaces in the business events sector of the tourism industry. This dynamic sector requires work-ready skilled practitioners at entry-level positions.
In this regard, experiential learning (EL) plays an important role in bridging the gap between university theory and industry practice in vocationally oriented event management qualifications. This study explores how students experience EL as part of a formal event management qualification
at a South African University of Technology (UoT). Following a qualitative approach, data for this study were collected by means of focus group discussions and key informant interviews with selected participants. Data were transcribed and analyzed by applying six steps of scientific qualitative
data analysis. Thematic analysis identified four key themes that emerged, which highlighted student expectations of EL and student experiences during EL in the actual world of work. The findings indicate that students experience the need to be coached in the necessary soft skills required
to be effective future event managers. The findings suggest that it is essential for academic and industry supervisors to develop mentorship strategies to close the knowing–doing gap in order to enhance student experiences. This article provides new insights on how event management students
perceive the role of industry and academic supervision as part of a student-centered approach in EL.
High-contrast and reversible scattering switching via hybrid metal-dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Ward Jonathan , Zangeneh Kamali Khosro , Xu Lei , Zhang Guoquan , Miroshnichenko Andrey E , Rahmani Mohsen
Published: February 2018

Novel types of optical hybrid metasurfaces consist of metallic and dielectric elements are designed and proposed for controlling the interference between magnetic and electric modes of the system, in a reversible manner. By employing the thermo-optical effect of silicon and gold nanoantennas we demonstrate an active control on the excitation and interference between electric and magnetic modes, and subsequently, the Kerker condition, as a directive radiation pattern with zero backscattering, via temperature control as a versatile tool. This control allows precise tuning optical properties of the system and stimulating switchable sharp spectral Fano-like resonance. Furthermore, it is shown that by adjusting the intermediate distance between metallic and dielectric elements, opposite scattering directionalities are achievable in an arbitrary wavelength. Interestingly, this effect is shown to have a direct influence on nonlinear properties, too, where 10-fold enhancement in the intensity of third harmonic light can be obtained for this system, via heating. This hybrid metasurface can find a wide range of applications in slow light, nonlinear optics and bio-chemical sensing.
The Blazar PG 1553+113 as a Binary System of Supermassive Black Holes
Authors: Tavani M. , Cavaliere A. , Munar-Adrover Pere , Argan A.
Published: February 2018

The BL Lac PG 1553+113 has been continuously monitored in gamma-rays with Fermi-LAT for over 9 years. Its updated light curve now includes five iterations of a main pattern comprising a high peak and a longer trough, with a period

. Our analysis of 2015–2017 data confirms the occurrence in 2017 January of a new peak fitting in with the previous trend. In addition, we identify secondary peaks (“twin peaks”) that occur in closely symmetric pairs on both sides of most main peaks, including the last one; their occurrence is supported by correlated X-ray outbursts. We stress that the above features strongly point to binary dynamics in a system of two black holes (BHs) of some 108 and

. At periastron the smaller BH periodically stresses the jet j
1 launched by the heavier companion, and triggers MHD–kinetic tearing instabilities. These lead to magnetic reconnections and to acceleration of electrons that produce synchrotron emission from the optical to X-ray bands, and inverse Compton scattering into the GeV range. We discuss two possible origins of the twin peaks : a single-jet model, based on added instabilities induced in j
1 by the smaller companion BH on its inner orbital arc; and a two-jet model with the smaller BH supporting its own, precessing jet j
2 that contributes lower, specific GeV emissions. Such behaviors combining time stability with amplitude variations betray plasma instabilities driven in either jet by binary dynamics, and can provide a double signature of the long-sought supermassive BH binaries.
Simulating Radio Emission from Low-mass Stars
Authors: Llama Joe , Jardine Moira M. , Wood Kenneth , Hallinan Gregg , Morin Julien
Published: February 2018

Understanding the origins of stellar radio emission can provide invaluable insight into the strength and geometry of stellar magnetic fields and the resultant space weather environment experienced by exoplanets. Here, we present the first model capable of predicting radio emission through the electron cyclotron maser instability using observed stellar magnetic maps of low-mass stars. We determine the structure of the coronal magnetic field and plasma using spectropolarimetric observations of the surface magnetic fields and the X-ray emission measure. We then model the emission of photons from the locations within the corona that satisfy the conditions for electron cyclotron maser emission. Our model predicts the frequency and intensity of radio photons from within the stellar corona. We have benchmarked our model against the low-mass star V374 Peg. This star has both radio observations from the Very Large Array and a nearly simultaneous magnetic map. Using our model we are able to fit the radio observations of V374 Peg, providing additional evidence that the radio emission observed from low-mass stars may originate from the electron cyclotron maser instability. Our model can now be extended to all stars with observed magnetic maps to predict the expected frequency and variability of stellar radio emission in an effort to understand and guide future radio observations of low-mass stars.
Stellar Population Synthesis of Star-forming Clumps in Galaxy Pairs and Non-interacting Spiral Galaxies
Authors: Zaragoza-Cardiel Javier , Smith Beverly J. , Rosado Margarita , Beckman John E. , Bitsakis Theodoros , Camps-Fariña Artemi , Font Joan , Cox Isaiah S.
Published: February 2018

We have identified 1027 star-forming complexes in a sample of 46 galaxies from the Spirals, Bridges, and Tails (SB&T) sample of interacting galaxies, and 693 star-forming complexes in a sample of 38 non-interacting spiral (NIS) galaxies in 8 μm observations from the Spitzer Infrared Array Camera. We have used archival multi-wavelength UV-to IR observations to fit the observed spectral energy distribution of our clumps with the Code Investigating GALaxy Emission using a double exponentially declined star formation history. We derive the star formation rates (SFRs), stellar masses, ages and fractions of the most recent burst, dust attenuation, and fractional emission due to an active galactic nucleus for these clumps. The resolved star formation main sequence holds on 2.5 kpc scales, although it does not hold on 1 kpc scales. We analyzed the relation between SFR, stellar mass, and age of the recent burst in the SB&T and NIS samples, and we found that the SFR per stellar mass is higher in the SB&T galaxies, and the clumps are younger in the galaxy pairs. We analyzed the SFR radial profile and found that the SFR is enhanced through the disk and in the tidal features relative to normal spirals.
Role of efflux pump and OprD porin expression in carbapenem resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates
Authors: Muderris Tuba , Durmaz Rıza , Ozdem Birsen , Dal Tuba , Unaldı Ozlem , Aydogan Sibel , Celikbilek Nevreste , Acıkgoz Ziya Cibali
Published: February 2018

Introduction: In recent years, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa has remarkably increased. Thus, we wanted to investigate the carbapenem resistance mechanisms and clonal relationship among 80 carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.

Methodology: Carbapenemase production was detected using the Modified Hodge Test (MHT), EDTA combined disc method (ECD), and PCR. Expression levels of efflux and porin genes were mesured by real-time reverse transcription PCR. Clonal relationship of the isolates was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results: Carbapenemase production was detected in 7.5% of the isolates with MHT/ECD tests and in 11.3% of the isolates with PCR. Although the specificity of MHT/ECD was high, the sensitivitivity was low. oprD downregulation and mexB, mexY, and mexD overexpression were demonstrated in 55%, 16.3%, 2.5%, and 2.5% of the isolates, respectively. Multiple carbapenem resistance mechanisms were found in nearly a quarter of the isolates. PFGE typing of the 80 P. aeruginosa isolates yielded 61 different patterns. A total of 29 isolates (36.3%) were classified in 10 clusters, containing 2 to 7 strains. We could not find a strict relationship between PFGE profile and carbapenem resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions: Although oprD downregulation and MexAB-OprM overexpression were the most common mechanisms, carbapenem resistance was associated with multiple mechanisms in the study. MHT/ECD tests should not be used alone for investigation of carbapenemase production in P. aeruginosa. Rapid tests with high sensitivity and specificity should be developed for the detection of carbapenemase production in P. aeruginosa.
Molecular epidemiology of coronavirus in faeces of Brazilian calves and Peruvian camelid herds
Authors: Rocha Camila B , Fornells Luz Alba A.M.G. , Rojas Miguel , Libetal Maíra , Manchego Alberto , Pezo Danilo , Santos Norma
Published: February 2018

Introduction: The enteric disorders represent a serious hazard for bovine and camelid breeding. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of detection and molecular characteristics of enteric coronavirus (CoV) infections in cattle, alpaca, and llama herds bred in family-based farms in Brazil and Peru.

Methodology: Stool samples were collected from calves from Brazil and camelids from Peru for detection and characterization of CoV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequence analysis.

Results: 46.5% (47/101) samples from calves and 26.8% (70/261) from alpaca tested positive for CoV. All strains belong to lineage A1 of the Betacoronavirus genus. Phylogenetic analysis showed high identity between CoV strains detected in calves and alpacas.

Conclusions: This study characterised CoV strains from dairy cattle herds in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and indicated that this virus is spread among the state herds. The results also indicate widespread circulation of CoV among the alpacas of Cuzco, Peru.
Surfactant Effect on the Synthesis of Mesoporous TiO2-SiO2 Coatings Using Sol-Gel Technology
Authors: Karpe Margarita
Published: February 2018

The aim of the research was to develop the area of mesoporous thin films of a binary TiO2–SiO2 system. Sol was synthesized from tetraethylorthosilicate as the silica source and titanium isopropoxide solution as the TiO2 source, while triblock copolymer surfactant (Pluronic F 127 (10% solution in water, (P))) was used as the mesostructure-directing agent. In this paper we present sol-gel obtained TiO2–SiO2 with a mesoporous structure. The effects of added titanium on the mesostructure and on the porosity are presented and discussed. Four different molar percentage ratios of Ti: Si were used for the synthesis of mixed TiO2–SiO2 mesoporous thin films on glass substrate. The mesoporous structure of thin films was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the water contact angle. These mesoporous TiO2–SiO2 thin films could have many potential applications in many areas such as separation membranes, catalysis, optics, and self-cleaning surfaces.