bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROZWÓJ LOKALNEGO SERWISU INFRASTRUKTURY INFORMACJI PRZESTRZENNEJ W KIERUNKU BUDOWY SYSTEMU ADMINISTROWANIA NIERUCHOMOŚCIAMI – STUDIUM PRZYPADKU
Authors: Dawidowicz Agnieszka , Skorupska Natalia
Published: September 2018

W artykule przedstawiono ocenę lokalnego serwisu infrastruktury informacji przestrzennej uruchomionego dla miasta Olsztyna (Miejski System Informacji Przestrzennej Miasta Olsztyn – MSIPMO) w kontekście globalnej koncepcji Systemu Administrowania Nieruchomościami (Land Administration System – LAS). W Koncepcji LAS założono budowę infrastruktury zintegrowanych baz danych o nieruchomościach na potrzeby zrównoważonego gospodarowania nieruchomościami. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych analiz zidentyfikowano użyteczne funkcje serwisu MSIMPO. Przeanalizowano zakres danych przestrzennych oraz formę ich graficznej prezentacji. Przeprowadzono analizę strategiczną SWOT.

Badania umożliwiły określenie stopnia funkcjonalności MSIPMO w stosunku do wymagań funkcjonalnych koncepcji LAS.
¿Cómo valoran los diputados su presencia en las redes sociales?: Análisis de la utilización de Internet en el Congreso de los Diputados durante la X Legislatura
Authors: Andueza López Belén , Del Cerro de Utrilla Rocío Alejandra
Published: September 2018

El estudio analiza la valoración que hacen los diputados sobre el uso de Internet, situándolo como instrumento de comunicación, deliberación y consulta para su actividad parlamentaria. Para ello se procede al análisis de las respuestas de los diputados al cuestionario enviado para estudiar su actividad en las redes sociales. Las conclusiones apuntan a una progresiva consolidación de la red como instrumento de comunicación política. Los principales retos derivan de la falta de formación y práctica por parte de políticos y ciudadanos para encontrar cauces que conviertan los parlamentos digitales en parlamentos abiertos.
High-Bending-Stiffness Connector (HBSC) and High-Authority Piezoelectric Actuator (HAPA) Made of Such
Authors: Huang Yu , Xia Yue Xue , Lin Dian Hua , Lim Leong-Chew
Published: September 2018

High-authority piezoelectric actuator (HAPA) is a term used to describe high-performance piezoelectric actuators of relatively large displacement (≥50 μm) and high blocking force (≥100 N), but compact in size. One such piezoelectric actuator is described in this paper, which is made possible by means of high-bending-stiffness connector (HBSC) that connects multiple commercial piezoceramic stacks into a stable 2- (or multi-) level actuation configuration. Key design requirements for the HBSC are described. Computer simulation results and experimental verification are presented. A HAPA-(2 + 2) actuator was fabricated from such a HBSC, in which there are two commercial PZT stacks projecting upwards in the upper level and two projecting downwards in the lower lever, all of 5 × 5 mm2 in cross-section and 40 mm in length. The HAPA-(2 + 2) actuator prototype displays about twice the overall stroke and blocking force of individual stacks, being about 90 μm and >1600 N, respectively. This compares favorably with lever-arm, flextensional, and telescopic actuators, of which the blocking force is adversely affected. Using a similar concept, HBSCs and HAPAs of other designs are presented. In addition to being stand-alone actuators, the HAPAs can be used as the active material to drive existing displacement amplification schemes to produce piezoelectric actuators of exceptional performance characteristics.
Multidisciplinary Perioperative Care for Children with Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Kynes J. Matthew , Blakely Martin , Furman Kevin , Burnette William B. , Modes Katharina B.
Published: September 2018

Children with neuromuscular diseases present unique challenges to providing safe and appropriate perioperative care. Given the spectrum of disease etiologies and manifestations, this is a population that often requires specialized multidisciplinary care from pediatricians, geneticists, neurologists, dieticians, and pulmonologists which must also be coordinated with surgeons and anesthesiologists when these patients present for surgery. Several of these diseases also have specific pharmacologic implications for anesthesia, most notably mitochondrial disease and muscular dystrophies, which put them at additional risk during the perioperative period particularly in patients presenting without a formal diagnosis. Techniques and strategies to fully evaluate and optimize these patients preoperatively, manage them safely intraoperatively, and return them to their baseline status postoperative are particularly important in this vulnerable group of patients. Utilizing a review of inherited neuromuscular conditions, generalized perioperative concerns, and specific complications related to anesthesia, this article provides an overview of pertinent considerations and recommends a framework for management of these patients.
Solving Stochastic Reaction Networks with Maximum Entropy Lagrange Multipliers
Authors: Vlysidis Michail , Kaznessis Yiannis N.
Published: September 2018

The time evolution of stochastic reaction networks can be modeled with the chemical master equation of the probability distribution. Alternatively, the numerical problem can be reformulated in terms of probability moment equations. Herein we present a new alternative method for numerically solving the time evolution of stochastic reaction networks. Based on the assumption that the entropy of the reaction network is maximum, Lagrange multipliers are introduced. The proposed method derives equations that model the time derivatives of these Lagrange multipliers. We present detailed steps to transform moment equations to Lagrange multiplier equations. In order to demonstrate the method, we present examples of non-linear stochastic reaction networks of varying degrees of complexity, including multistable and oscillatory systems. We find that the new approach is as accurate and significantly more efficient than Gillespie’s original exact algorithm for systems with small number of interacting species. This work is a step towards solving stochastic reaction networks accurately and efficiently.
Steam and Oxyhydrogen Addition Influence on Energy Usage by Range Extender—Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Łebkowski Andrzej
Published: September 2018

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the benefits of the influence of the steam and oxyhydrogen gas (HHO) on the composition of emitted exhaust gases and energy usage of operating the internal combustion engine (ICE) that drives a generator-powered battery electric vehicle (BEV). The employed internal combustion generating sets can be used as trailer mounted electric energy sources allowing one to increase the range of BEV vehicles, mainly during long distance travel between cities. The basic configurations of hybrid and electric propulsion systems used in a given Electric Vehicles (xEV) includes all types of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (xHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (xBEV), which are discussed. Using the data collected during traction tests in real road traffic (an electric car with a trailer range extender (RE) fitted with ICE generators (5 kW petrol, 6.5 kW diesel), a mathematical model was developed in the Modelica package. The elaborated mathematical model takes into account the dynamic loads acting on the set of vehicles in motion and the electric drive system assisted by the work of RE. Conducted tests with steam and HHO additives for ICE have shown reduced (5–10%) fuel consumption and emissions (3–19%) of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Improved Droop Control with Washout Filter
Authors: Hu Yalong , Wei Wei
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a droop washout filter controller (DWC), composed of a conventional droop controller and a washout filter controller, is proposed. The droop controller is used to ensure the “plug-and-play” capability, and the droop gain is set small. The washout filter is introduced to compensate the active power dynamic performance (APDP). Compared to the droop controller, the DWC can achieve accurate active power sharing and smaller frequency difference without losing the APDP. Additionally, a novel modeling technology is proposed, using which a small-signal model for an island microgrid (MG) is constructed as a singular system. The system’s stability is analyzed and the DWC is verified using real-time (RT-LAB) simulation with hardware in the loop (HIL).
The Twofold Role of 12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid (12-HOA) in a Ternary Water—Surfactant—12-HOA System: Gelator and Co-Surfactant
Authors: Steck Katja , Schmidt Claudia , Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: September 2018

Gelled lyotropic liquid crystals can be formed by adding a gelator to a mixture of surfactant and solvent. If the gel network and the liquid-crystalline phase coexist without influencing each other, the self-assembly is called orthogonal. In this study, the influence of the organogelator 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (12-HOA) on the lamellar and hexagonal liquid crystalline phases of the binary system H2O–C12E7 (heptaethylene glycol monododecyl ether) is investigated. More precisely, we added 12-HOA at mass fractions from 0.015 to 0.05 and studied the resulting phase diagram of the system H2O–C12E7 by visual observation of birefringence and by 2H NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the dynamic shear moduli of the samples were measured in order to examine their gel character. The results show that 12-HOA is partly acting as co-surfactant, manifested by the destabilization of the hexagonal phase and the stabilization of the lamellar phase. The higher the total surfactant concentration, the more 12-HOA is incorporated in the surfactant layer. Accordingly, its gelation capacity is substantially reduced in the surfactant solution compared to the system 12-HOA–n-decane, and large amounts of gelator are required for gels to form, especially in the lamellar phase.
Age and Origin of the Mesoproterozoic Iron Oxide-Apatite Mineralization, Cheever Mine, Eastern Adirondacks, NY
Authors: Chiarenzelli Jeffrey R. , Lupulescu Marian V. , Regan Sean P. , Singer Jared W.
Published: September 2018

At the Cheever Mine, located in the eastern Adirondack Mountains of the Mesoproterozoic Grenville Province, iron oxide-apatite ore forms a narrow (<3 m) sheet cross-cutting metasomatically altered, magnetite-bearing, albite-rich leucogranitic host rocks of the Lyon Mountain Granite suite. Zircon from the ore and five samples of country rock were dated by Laser Ablation-Multi-Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The ore yielded a Concordia age of 1033.6 ± 2.9 Ma while three samples of host rock yielded ages of 1036.3 ± 2.9, 1040 ± 11, and 1043.9 ± 4.1 Ma. Two additional samples of host rock yielded older ages of 1059.6 ± 3.4 and 1066.0 ± 6.3 Ma and contain zircon xenocrystic cores with 207Pb/206Pb ages up to 1242 Ma. The zircons analyzed, including those separated from the ore, have characteristics typically associated with an igneous origin including size, shape, inclusions, oscillatory zoning, typical chondrite-normalized REE patterns, U contents, and U/Th ratios. This data establishes the age of the ore and alteration and a temporal, and likely genetic, connection between the ore and members of the Lyon Mountain Granite suite. A model invoking melting of Shawinigan country rocks, magmatic differentiation, and long-lived magmatic and metasomatic input along extensional fault conduits is proposed for the ore’s genesis. At the Cheever Mine, magmatic hydrothermal fluids and/or post-intrusion alteration appears not to have had a major impact on zircon, which preserves original U-Pb systematics.
Assessment of the Acute Effects of Carbonated Beverage Consumption on Symptoms and Objective Markers of Gastric Reflux
Authors: Lim Shi , Brownlee Iain
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have suggested that carbonated beverages may cause gastro-oesophageal reflux. Pepsin (the major enzyme secreted by the stomach) has been suggested to be an objective, acute marker of a reflux event. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether intake of carbonated beverages could affect pepsin concentration in saliva or reflux symptoms. This was assessed by a randomised, crossover trial where participants consumed 330 mL of beverage (carbonated cola, degassed cola or water) at separate visits. Saliva samples and symptom questionnaires were collected at baseline and over the 30 min postprandial period. Pepsin was detected in all saliva samples. No difference was found in the salivary pepsin concentrations between treatments at all time points. There were significantly higher scores (p > 0.05) for feelings of fullness, heartburn, urge to belch and frequency of belches after ingestion of carbonated cola than degassed cola and water. The ingestion of carbonated beverages did not appear to increase postprandial pepsin concentration in saliva compared to other beverages but did evoke higher levels of reflux-related symptoms such as fullness, heartburn and belching. This suggests carbonated beverages may cause symptoms associated with reflux but do not drive detectable levels of gastric juice to reach the oral cavity.
Transcriptional Identification of Related Proteins in the Immune System of the Crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Calderón-Rosete Gabina , González-Barrios Juan Antonio , Lara-Lozano Manuel , Piña-Leyva Celia , Rodríguez-Sosa Leonardo
Published: September 2018

The freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii is an animal model employed for physiological and immunological studies and is also of great economic importance in aquaculture. Although it is a species of easy husbandry, a high percentage of its production is lost annually as a result of infectious diseases. Currently, genetic information about the immune system of crustaceans is limited. Therefore, we used the abdominal nerve cord from P. clarkii to obtain its transcriptome using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify proteins that participate in the immune system. The reads were assembled de novo and consensus sequences with more than 3000 nucleotides were selected for analysis. The transcripts of the sequences of RNA were edited for annotation and sent to the GenBank database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). We made a list of accession numbers of the sequences which were organized by the putative role of the immune system pathway in which they participate. In this work, we report on 80 proteins identified from the transcriptome of crayfish related to the immune system, 74 of them being the first reported for P. clarkii. We hope that the knowledge of these sequences will contribute significantly to the development of future studies of the immune system in crustaceans.
Obesity Proteomics: An Update on the Strategies and Tools Employed in the Study of Human Obesity
Authors: Masood Afshan , Benabdelkamel Hicham , Alfadda Assim A.
Published: September 2018

Proteomics has become one of the most important disciplines for characterizing cellular protein composition, building functional linkages between protein molecules, and providing insight into the mechanisms of biological processes in a high-throughput manner. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic advances have made it possible to study human diseases, including obesity, through the identification and biochemical characterization of alterations in proteins that are associated with it and its comorbidities. A sizeable number of proteomic studies have used the combination of large-scale separation techniques, such as high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis or liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry, for high-throughput protein identification. These studies have applied proteomics to comprehensive biochemical profiling and comparison studies while using different tissues and biological fluids from patients to demonstrate the physiological or pathological adaptations within their proteomes. Further investigations into these proteome-wide alterations will enable us to not only understand the disease pathophysiology, but also to determine signature proteins that can serve as biomarkers for obesity and related diseases. This review examines the different proteomic techniques used to study human obesity and discusses its successful applications along with its technical limitations.
Loss of Imprinting of Cdkn1c Protects against Age and Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Van de Pette Mathew , Tunster Simon J. , John Rosalind M.
Published: September 2018

Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1c (Cdkn1c) is a maternally expressed imprinted gene with roles in embryonic development, post-natal metabolism and behaviour. Using mouse models with altered dosages of Cdkn1c, we have previously identified a role for the gene in promoting brown adipose tissue formation. Here, we use these transgenic mouse lines to model the loss of imprinting of Cdkn1c in adulthood. We demonstrate that only a two-fold increase in the expression of Cdkn1c during development is sufficient to protect against age-related weight gain in addition to glucose and insulin intolerance. Further to this, we show that the loss of imprinting of Cdkn1c protects against diet-induced obesity. Bisulphite sequencing was performed to test the stability of the two differentially methylated regions that regulate Cdkn1c imprinting, and both were found to be unaltered in aged or diet-challenged adipose tissue, despite drastic reductions in Cdkn1c expression. These data demonstrate a critical role for Cdkn1c in regulating adult adipose tissue, with modest changes in expression capable of protecting against both age and diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, with a natural decline in Cdkn1c expression observed that may contribute to less healthy metabolic aging. Finally, we have observed a post-natal insensitivity of the imprint to environmental factors, in contrast to recent observations of an in utero sensitivity.
From Town to Countryside: Middle-Byzantine Bath-Houses in Eastern Crete and Their Changing Functions
Authors: Poulou Natalia , Tantsis Anastasios
Published: September 2018

The article examines the context of a recently discovered double bath-house complex in Loutres, a site near Mochlos on the north shore of eastern Crete. The excavators explore the broader questions posed by the finding, in connection to both its immediate surroundings and its wider periphery. Its relation to the site’s geography, a ravine on the shore, forms the starting point to address issues regarding its original use as well as its later transformations. The enquiry leads into considering similar structures with different fates in the area and the connotations regarding their relationship to both the landscape and the settlements to which they belonged. The article goes on to discuss the general issues of the historic context of medieval Crete concerning both the archaeology and the information from the sources. It seems that long-held concepts about the abandonment of seaside settlements due to the so-called “Arab threat” are no longer valid. On the contrary, archaeology proves the continuity of the settlements of eastern Crete, both in Loutres and elsewhere. Moreover, the later use of the bath-houses in the area provides evidence for social changes after the 13th century impacting on both the landscape and its settlements.
Non-Native Dialect Matters: The Perception of European and Brazilian Portuguese Vowels by Californian English Monolinguals and Spanish–English Bilinguals
Authors: Elvin Jaydene , Tuninetti Alba , Escudero Paola
Published: September 2018

Studies show that second language (L2) learners’ perceptual patterns differ depending on their native dialect (e.g., Chládková and Podlipský 2011; Escudero and Williams 2012). Likewise, speakers from the same native language background show different perceptual patterns depending on the dialect to which they are exposed (e.g., Escudero and Boersma 2004; Escudero and Chládková 2010). The Second Language Linguistic Perception model (L2LP; Escudero 2005) accounts for these differences, explicitly stating that the acoustic similarity between the native and target dialect affects L2 perception. This study investigated whether Californian English monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual listeners differ in their perception of European Portuguese (EP) and Brazilian Portuguese (BP) vowels. Escudero et al. (2009a) showed that there were differences in the acoustic realization of vowels in BP and EP. Stressed vowels were longer in BP than in EP, with differences in vowel height observed for some vowels (e.g., /ɛ/ is higher in EP than in BP). According to the L2LP model, these acoustic differences between dialects will affect vowel perception; therefore, we predicted that there would be differences in the listeners’ perception of certain vowel contrasts in BP and EP. Participants completed a non-native categorization task and a discrimination task presented in the XAB format. The results from the non-native categorization task predicted differential vowel perception depending on both the dialect and vowel contrast that listeners heard, which were mostly confirmed with an interaction between dialect and contrast in the discrimination results. We contextualize these results with respect to models of L2 speech perception, highlighting that dialectal differences impact language perception and may influence later language learning.
Conservation Implications of Shifting Gut Microbiomes in Captive-Reared Endangered Voles Intended for Reintroduction into the Wild
Authors: Allan Nora , Knotts Trina A. , Pesapane Risa , Ramsey Jon J. , Castle Stephanie , Clifford Deana , Foley Janet
Published: September 2018

The Amargosa vole is a highly endangered rodent endemic to a small stretch of the Amargosa River basin in Inyo County, California. It specializes on a single, nutritionally marginal food source in nature. As part of a conservation effort to preserve the species, a captive breeding population was established to serve as an insurance colony and a source of individuals to release into the wild as restored habitat becomes available. The colony has successfully been maintained on commercial diets for multiple generations, but there are concerns that colony animals could lose gut microbes necessary to digest a wild diet. We analyzed feces from colony-reared and recently captured wild-born voles on various diets, and foregut contents from colony and wild voles. Unexpectedly, fecal microbial composition did not greatly differ despite drastically different diets and differences observed were mostly in low-abundance microbes. In contrast, colony vole foregut microbiomes were dominated by Allobaculum sp. while wild foreguts were dominated by Lactobacillus sp. If these bacterial community differences result in beneficial functional differences in digestion, then captive-reared Amargosa voles should be prepared prior to release into the wild to minimize or eliminate those differences to maximize their chance of success.
Dimensions Missing from Ecology
Authors: Ulanowicz Robert E.
Published: September 2018

Ecology, with its emphasis on coupled processes and massive heterogeneity, is not amenable to complete mechanical reduction, which is frustrated for reasons of history, dimensionality, logic, insufficiency, and contingency. Physical laws are not violated, but can only constrain, not predict. Outcomes are predicated instead by autocatalytic configurations, which emerge as stable temporal series of incorporated contingencies. Ecosystem organization arises out of agonism between autocatalytic selection and entropic dissolution. A degree of disorganization, inefficiency, and functional redundancy must be retained by all living systems to ensure flexibility in the face of novel disturbances. That physical and biological dynamics exhibit significant incongruencies argues for the formulation of alternative metaphysical assumptions, referred to here as “Process Ecology”.
Effects of Sensor Location on Dynamic Load Estimation in Weigh-in-Motion System
Authors: Qin Tianhao , Lin Mengxiang , Cao Ming , Fu Kaiya , Ding Rong
Published: September 2018

In recent years, weigh-in-motion systems based on embedded sensor networks have received a lot of attention. However, how to improve the accuracy of multi-sensor weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems while keeping costs low remains a challenge. In this paper, a numerical simulation method is presented to analyze the relationship between sensor location and the accuracy of static weight estimation. The finite element model of a WIM system is developed, which consists of three parts: a pavement model, a moving load model and two types of sensor models. Analysis of simulation results shows that the ability of sensing dynamic load is closely related to the installation depth of sensors and pavement material. Moreover, the distance between the moving wheel and sensors has a great impact on estimating performance. Gaussian curve fitting could be used to reduce weighing error within a limited range. Our work suggests that much more attention should be paid to the design of the sensor layout of a WIM system.
A Novel Fingerprint Sensing Technology Based on Electrostatic Imaging
Authors: Tang Kai , Liu Aijia , Wang Wei , Li Pengfei , Chen Xi
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a new fingerprint sensing technology based on electrostatic imaging, which can greatly improve fingerprint sensing distance. This can solve the problem of the existing capacitive fingerprint identification device being easy to damage due to limited detection distance and a protective coating that is too thin. The fingerprint recognition sensor can also be placed under a glass screen to meet the needs of the full screen design of the mobile phone. In this paper, the electric field distribution around the fingerprint is analyzed. The electrostatic imaging sensor design is carried out based on the electrostatic detection principle and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technology. The MEMS electrostatic imaging array, analog, and digital signal processing circuit structure are designed. Simulation and testing are carried out as well. According to the simulation and prototype test device test results, it is confirmed that our proposed electrostatic imaging-based fingerprint sensing technology can increase fingerprint recognition distance by 46% compared to the existing capacitive fingerprint sensing technology. A distance of more than 439 μm is reached.
An Ontology-Based Cybersecurity Framework for the Internet of Things
Authors: Mozzaquatro Bruno Augusti , Agostinho Carlos , Goncalves Diogo , Martins João , Jardim-Goncalves Ricardo
Published: September 2018

The use of sensors and actuators as a form of controlling cyber-physical systems in resource networks has been integrated and referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the connectivity of many stand-alone IoT systems through the Internet introduces numerous cybersecurity challenges as sensitive information is prone to be exposed to malicious users. This paper focuses on the improvement of IoT cybersecurity from an ontological analysis, proposing appropriate security services adapted to the threats. The authors propose an ontology-based cybersecurity framework using knowledge reasoning for IoT, composed of two approaches: (1) design time, which provides a dynamic method to build security services through the application of a model-driven methodology considering the existing enterprise processes; and (2) run time, which involves monitoring the IoT environment, classifying threats and vulnerabilities, and actuating in the environment ensuring the correct adaptation of the existing services. Two validation approaches demonstrate the feasibility of our concept. This entails an ontology assessment and a case study with an industrial implementation.
A KPI-Based Probabilistic Soft Sensor Development Approach that Maximizes the Coefficient of Determination
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yang Xu , Shardt Yuri A. W. , Cui Jiarui , Tong Chaonan
Published: September 2018

Advanced technology for process monitoring and fault diagnosis is widely used in complex industrial processes. An important issue that needs to be considered is the ability to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), which often cannot be measured sufficiently quickly or accurately. This paper proposes a data-driven approach based on maximizing the coefficient of determination for probabilistic soft sensor development when data are missing. Firstly, the problem of missing data in the training sample set is solved using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. Then, by maximizing the coefficient of determination, a probability model between secondary variables and the KPIs is developed. Finally, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is used to estimate the joint probability distribution in the probabilistic soft sensor model, whose parameters are estimated using the EM algorithm. An experimental case study on the alumina concentration in the aluminum electrolysis industry is investigated to demonstrate the advantages and the performance of the proposed approach.
Display in the Wild (DIW): An Adaptive Projection-Imaging System to Screen Geometry in Real Time
Authors: Ryu Byungyong , Bae Sung-Ho
Published: September 2018

TVs and monitors are among the most widely used displays in various environments. However, they have limitations in their physical display conditions, such as a fixed size/position and a rigid/flat space. In this paper, we suggest a new “Display in the Wild” (DIW) concept to overcome the aforementioned problems. Our proposed DIW system allows us to display a flexibly large screen on dynamic non-planar surfaces at an arbitrary display position. To implement our DIW concept practically, we choose a projector as the hardware configuration in order to generate a screen anywhere with different sizes. However, distortion occurs when the projector displays content on a surface that is dynamic and/or non-planar. Therefore, we propose a distortion correction method for DIW to overcome the aforementioned surface constraints. Since projectors are not capture devices, we propose using a depth camera to determine the distortions on the surfaces quickly. We also propose DIW-specific calibration and fast/precise correction methods. Our calibration method is constructed to detect the projection surface easily and quickly, and also allows our proposed system to accommodate the intrinsic parameters such as a display resolution and field of view. We accomplish a fast undistortion process of the projector by considering only surface boundary pixels, which enables our method to run in real time. In our comprehensive experiments, the proposed DIW system generates undistorted screens such as TVs and monitors on dynamic non-planar surfaces at an arbitrary display position with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in a fast and accurate manner, demonstrating its usefulness in practical DIW scenarios.
A Method of HBase Multi-Conditional Query for Ubiquitous Sensing Applications
Authors: Shen Bo , Liao Yi-Chen , Liu Dan , Chao Han-Chieh
Published: September 2018

Big data gathered from real systems, such as public infrastructure, healthcare, smart homes, industries, and so on, by sensor networks contain enormous value, and need to be mined deeply, which depends on a data storing and retrieving service. HBase is playing an increasingly important part in the big data environment since it provides a flexible pattern for storing extremely large amounts of unstructured data. Despite the fast-speed reading by RowKey, HBase does not natively support multi-conditional query, which is a common demand and operation in relational databases, especially for data analysis of ubiquitous sensing applications. In this paper, we introduce a method to construct a linear index by employing a Hilbert space-filling curve. As a RowKey generating schema, the proposed method maps multiple index-columns into a one-dimensional encoded sequence, and then constructs a new RowKey. We also provide a R-tree-based optimization to reduce the computational cost of encoding query conditions. Without using a secondary index mode, experimental results indicate that the proposed method has better performance in multi-conditional queries.
GIS-Based Energy Consumption and Spatial Variation of Protected Grape Cultivation in China
Authors: Tian Dong , Zhang Min , Wei Xuejian , Wang Jing , Mu Weisong , Feng Jianying
Published: September 2018

This paper compares the difference in energy consumption in different sub-patterns and features of energy consumption structures used in protected grape production systems using statistical data. Then, spatial characteristics between different production modes based on geographic information systems are also analyzed. The results reveal that the types of energy consumption include steel, iron wire, water, chemical fertilizer, pesticides, electric power, organic fertilizer, plastic films, and labor. The total energy consumption for protected grape production was 210,534.3 MJ ha−1 in 2011, 211,504.6 MJ ha−1 in 2012, and 222,571.8 MJ ha−1 in 2013. From the perspective of cultivation modes, early ripening production and late ripening production consumed more energy than rain-shelter production; in terms of facility types, the total energy input of both vinyl tunnels and solar greenhouses were always higher than rain-shelter greenhouses. Indirect and non-renewable energy consumption were higher than that of direct and renewable energy, which accounted for 90% of energy consumption. Spatial analysis showed that the values of Moran’s I were all positive for the three years, which means protected grape input had a positive spatial autocorrelation. Therefore, we should adjust the energy input structure and choose more sustainable production modes to improve the sustainability of the production of protected grapes.
Municipal Bond Debt and Sustainability in a Non-Mature Financial Market: The Case of Italy
Authors: Padovani Emanuele , Rescigno Luca , Ceccatelli Jacopo
Published: September 2018

Local government (LG) debt increased worldwide during the past decade. Yet, LGs need increased access to financing so they can maintain and expand their community’s infrastructure. Expanding an LG’s bond-related debt (while continuing to meet ongoing debt-service obligations) is essential to its sustainability. An LG must both contain its credit risk and make its risk profile available to potential investors. Credit risk determinants in mature bond markets (e.g., the U.S.) have received considerable attention while those in non-mature markets have not. This paper contributes to the sustainable development literature by (a) identifying the risk-premium drivers in non-mature markets (using the bond market for Italian LGs as an example); and (b) providing LG policymakers with guidance on formulating policies to reduce their debt cost (either directly, by targeting its determinants, or indirectly, by improving the bond market’s functioning). LGs with comparatively high financial dependency on other governments, high criminal activity, and low operating revenues incurred higher bond-related costs than LGs without these characteristics. These LGs can improve their sustainability by (a) providing transparent and understandable financial information to potential investors; (b) reducing criminal activity; and, (c) increasing the frequency of external auditing.
Peanut Shell for Energy: Properties and Its Potential to Respect the Environment
Authors: Perea-Moreno Miguel-Angel , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco , Hernandez-Escobedo Quetzalcoatl , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus
Published: September 2018

The peanut (Arachys hypogaea) is a plant of the Fabaceae family (legumes), as are chickpeas, lentils, beans, and peas. It is originally from South America and is used mainly for culinary purposes, in confectionery products, or as a nut as well as for the production of biscuits, breads, sweets, cereals, and salads. Also, due to its high percentage of fat, peanuts are used for industrialized products such as oils, flours, inks, creams, lipsticks, etc. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistical yearbook in 2016, the production of peanuts was 43,982,066 t, produced in 27,660,802 hectares. Peanuts are grown mainly in Asia, with a global production rate of 65.3%, followed by Africa with 26.2%, the Americas with 8.4%, and Oceania with 0.1%. The peanut industry is one of the main generators of agroindustrial waste (shells). This residual biomass (25–30% of the total weight) has a high energy content that is worth exploring. The main objectives of this study are, firstly, to evaluate the energy parameters of peanut shells as a possible solid biofuel applied as an energy source in residential and industrial heating installations. Secondly, different models are analysed to estimate the higher heating value (HHV) for biomass proposed by different scientists and to determine which most accurately fits the determination of this value for peanut shells. Thirdly, we evaluate the reduction in global CO2 emissions that would result from the use of peanut shells as biofuel. The obtained HHV of peanut shells (18.547 MJ/kg) is higher than other biomass sources evaluated, such as olive stones (17.884 MJ/kg) or almond shells (18.200 MJ/kg), and similar to other sources of biomass used at present for home and industrial heating applications. Different prediction models of the HHV value proposed by scientists for different types of biomass have been analysed and the one that best fits the calculation for the peanut shell has been determined. The CO2 reduction that would result from the use of peanut shells as an energy source has been evaluated in all production countries, obtaining values above 0.5 ‰ of their total emissions.
Simulation of Urban Growth and Urban Living Environment with Release of the Green Belt
Authors: Jeon Seongwoo , Hong Hyunjung , Kang Sungdae
Published: September 2018

Green belts in developing or developed countries have been released because city-center development has reached a saturation point, and the strict protections and restrictions within green belts has led to an increase in opposition from local residents and property owners. However, green belt release has led to urban growth within the associated regions and cities, resulting in an increase in the temperature and the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. We intend to prove quantitatively the effect of the release of green belts at the local level based on the interactions among land cover, climate, and air quality and to provide information for policy decisions accordingly. Our simulation results show that the urban areas of Jeju and Chuncheon, in South Korea, where green belts have been completely released, will increase by up to 21.83% by 2025 and 123.93% by 2020, respectively, compared to areas that have retained green belts. The simulations also show that the surface temperature within the released region of Jeju and Chuncheon will increase by up to 0.83% by 2025 and 0.03% by 2020, respectively. The average atmospheric concentrations within the released region of Jeju and Chuncheon were modelled to increase by up to 256.93% by 2025 and 337.29% by 2020, respectively.
Taming the Beast: Diffusion Method in Nonlocal Gravity
Authors: Calcagni Gianluca
Published: September 2018

We present a method to solve the nonlinear dynamical equations of motion in gravitational theories with fundamental nonlocalities of a certain type. For these specific form factors, which appear in some renormalizable theories, the number of field degrees of freedom and of initial conditions is finite.
Chemical Characterization of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Hydroalcoholic Extract and Its Efficiency against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep
Authors: Santos Carolina , Campestrini Luciano Henrique , Vieira Douglas Luis , Pritsch Izanara , Yamassaki Fábio Tomio , Zawadzki-Baggio Selma Faria , Maurer Juliana Bello Baron , Molento Marcelo Beltrão
Published: September 2018

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a xerophylous plant that originated in tropical and subtropical America. This plant is popularly known in Brazil as “palma forrageira” (cactus pear) and plays a fundamental role in animal nutrition, mainly in the Northeastern semi-arid region of the country. The plant has several uses since it presents bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties. In this context, the cactus pear can also be considered a potential product to combat parasite infections. The objective of this study was to chemically characterize the O. ficus-indica hydroalcoholic extract (OFIEOH) and to determine its efficacy against gastrointestinal parasites using in vitro tests. Initially, the hydroalcoholic extract from cladode peels of O. ficus-indica was produced by maceration for 21 days. For the chemical characterization, colorimetric dosages were performed for carbohydrates, proteins, phenols and condensed tannins. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry/electron spray ionization (LC-MS/ESI) was used to characterize the polyphenolic profile of the OFIEOH extract. Fifteen compounds were identified in the OFIEOH extract, such as methyl, glycosylated and aglycone quercetin derivatives and aglycone and glycosylated kaempferol derivatives. Tri-glycosylated methyl quercetin derivatives were the main compounds identified. In vitro egg hatch (EHT) and larval migration tests (LMT) were used in a range of concentrations of OFIEOH from 12.5 to 100 mg/mL for EHT and 12.5 to 200 mg/mL for LMT. In addition, the LMT was used to test ivermectin (IVM) (from 11.4 to 57.1 µM), associated with the inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) for OFIEOH. The combination of OFIEOH (12.5 to 200 mg/mL) plus the IC50 of IVM was also tested. The efficacy of OFIEOH alone varied from 19.33 to 90.0% using the EHT. The LMT revealed an efficacy of 5.78 to 77.26% for the extract. Both tests showed a concentration-dependence inhibitory effect. We found a drug-extract antagonistic neutralizing effect when doses of IVM were added to OFIEOH (maximum efficacy of 73.78%), while a positive additive effect was observed when OFIEOH was added to the IC50 of IVM (IC50 of 82.79 for OFIEOH alone against an IC50 of 55.08 of OFIEOH + IVM). The data from this work indicate that OFIEOH alone may be considered as a suitable ecofriendly product to control gastrointestinal parasites of sheep, offering a more holistic approach to improve animal farming and welfare. The drug-extract interaction is also a promising therapeutic alternative, reducing the final dose to the host, with an optimum combination effect.
A Primer on the Assessment of Economic Impacts of Leisure Events
Authors: Oklevik Ove , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Nytun Mona Kristin , Maristuen Helene
Published: September 2018

The quality of any economic impact assessment largely depends on the adequacy of the input variables and chosen assumptions. This article presents a direct economic impact assessment of a music festival hosted in Norway and sensitivity analyses of two study design assumptions: estimated
number of attendees and chosen definition (size) of the affected area. Empirically, the article draws on a state-of-the-art framework of an economic impact analysis and uses primary data from 471 event attendees. The results show that, first, an economic impact analysis is a complex task that
requires high precision in assessing different monetary flows entering and leaving the host region, and second, the study design assumptions exert a tremendous influence on the final estimation. Accordingly, the study offers a fertile agenda for local destination marketing organizers and event
managers on how to conduct reliable economic impact assessments and explains which elements of such analyses are particularly important for final estimations.
Recreational Fishing in Florida Bay: Economic Significance and Angler Perspectives
Authors: Stainback G. Andrew , Fedler Tony , Davis III Stephen E. , KC Birendra
Published: September 2018

Florida Bay is a large, shallow, subtropical estuary located off the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and north of the Florida Keys, and is mostly contained within the bounds of Everglades National Park. Its unique ecological characteristics and location near densely populated
urban areas make Florida Bay a popular tourist destination for recreational fishing. A survey of recreational anglers and guides was conducted to estimate the economic significance of recreational fishing in the Bay. Results indicate that recreational fishing on Florida Bay contributed $439
million in economic activity to the local economy in the year the study was conducted. Further, anglers from outside the region made up a disproportionate share of the economic contribution. Anglers were also queried through the survey about their opinions of the current status of the Bay.
Most respondents indicated that they perceived that the quality of fish populations and habitat was declining, and that they fished the Bay less frequently than in the past. The importance of the results to restoration efforts targeting the Bay and the greater Everglades ecosystem is discussed.
A Post-correlation Beamformer for Time-domain Studies of Pulsars and Transients
Authors: Roy Jayanta , Chengalur Jayaram N. , Pen Ue-Li
Published: September 2018

We present a detailed analysis of post-correlation (PC) beamforming (i.e., beamforming which involves only phased sums of the correlation of the voltages of different antennas in an array), and compare it with the traditionally used incoherent and phased beamforming techniques. Using data from the GMRT we show that PC beam formation results in a manyfold increase in the signal-to-noise for periodic signals from pulsars and reductions, of several orders of magnitude, in the number of false triggers from single-pulse events like fast radio bursts (FRBs). This difference arises primarily because the PC beam contains less red noise, as well as less radio frequency interference. The PC beam can also be more easily calibrated than the incoherent or phased array beams. We also discuss two different modes of PC beam formation: (1) by subtracting the incoherent beam from the coherent beam and (2) by phased addition of the visibilities. The computational costs for both these beam formation techniques, as well as their suitability for studies of pulsars and FRBs, are discussed. The techniques discussed here should be of interest for all upcoming surveys with interferometric arrays. Finally, we describe a time-domain survey with the GMRT using the PC beam formation as a case study. We find that PC beamforming will improve the current GMRT time-domain survey sensitivity by ∼2 times for pulsars with periods of few hundreds of milliseconds and by many-folds for even slower pulsars, making it one of the most sensitive surveys for pulsars and FRBs at low and mid radio frequencies.
Motivational Interviewing and Fat Consumption in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Stallings Devita T. , Kraenzle Schneider Joanne
Published: September 2018

Diets high in fat increase the risks for obesity and chronic diseases, even for older adults, the largest growing population in the United States. In the current study, a meta-analysis was performed to examine the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) dietary interventions on fat consumption in older adults. Electronic databases, journals, and unpublished literature were searched. Six primary studies were retrieved, providing seven comparisons between intervention and control groups and a total of 1,351 participants. MI had a moderate effect on fat intake in older adults (effect size = 0.354,p< 0.01). Studies with indicators of higher design quality showed greater MI effects. Nurses and providers can incorporate MI into health education and counseling to improve older adults' dietary health behaviors. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(11), 33–43.]