bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Zinc and Risk of Prostate Cancer in Spain: MCC-Spain Study
Authors: Gutiérrez-González Enrique , Castelló Adela , Fernández-Navarro Pablo , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Llorca Javier , Salas-Trejo Dolores , Salcedo-Bellido Inmaculada , Aragonés Nuria , Fernández-Tardón Guillermo , Alguacil Juan , Gracia-Lavedan Esther , García-Esquinas Esther , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Amiano Pilar , Romaguera Dora , Kogevinas Manolis , Pollán Marina , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz
Published: December 2018

Zinc is a key trace element in normal prostate cell metabolism, and is decreased in neoplastic cells. However, the association between dietary zinc and prostate cancer (PC) in epidemiologic studies is a conflicting one. Our aim was to explore this association in an MCC-Spain case-control study, considering tumor aggressiveness and extension, as well as genetic susceptibility to PC. 733 incident cases and 1228 population-based controls were included for this study. Dietary zinc was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and genetic susceptibility was assessed with a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-based polygenic risk score (PRS). The association between zinc intake and PC was evaluated with mixed logistic and multinomial regression models. They showed an increased risk of PC in those with higher intake of zinc (Odds Ratio (OR) tertile 3vs1: 1.39; 95% Confidence interval (CI):1.00–1.95). This association was mainly observed in low grade PC (Gleason = 6 RRR tertile 3vs1: 1.76; 95% CI:1.18–2.63) as well as in localized tumors (cT1-cT2a RRR tertile 3vs1: 1.40; 95% CI:1.00–1.95) and among those with higher PRS (OR tertile 3vs1: 1.50; 95% CI:0.89–2.53). In conclusion, a higher dietary zinc intake could increase the risk of low grade and localized tumors. Men with higher genetic susceptibility might also have a higher risk of PC associated with this nutrient intake.
Phytochemistry of Three Ecuadorian Lamiaceae: Lepechinia heteromorpha (Briq.) Epling, Lepechinia radula (Benth.) Epling and Lepechinia paniculata (Kunth) Epling
Authors: Gilardoni Gianluca , Ramírez Jorge , Montalván Mayra , Quinche Willan , León Jackeline , Benítez Lita , Morocho Vladimir , Cumbicus Nixon , Bicchi Carlo
Published: December 2018

In this research, the leaves of Lepechinia heteromorpha (Briq.) Epling, Lepechinia radula (Benth.) Epling and Lepechinia paniculata (Kunth) Epling have been collected in order to perform a phytochemical study. The first species was distilled to obtain a novel essential oil (EO), while the others were submitted to ethyl acetate extraction and secondary metabolite isolation. The chemical composition of the EO from L. heteromorpha has been investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography with Retention Indices (GC(RI)), identifying 25 constituents. A major compound, (−)-ledol (21.2%), and a minor compound, (−)-caryophyllene oxide (1.0%), were isolated from the EO and their structures confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Other major constituents of the EO were viridiflorene (27.3%), (E,E)-α-farnesene (1.4%), spirolepechinene and (E)-β-caryophyllene (7.1% each), allo-aromadendrene (6.1%), camphor (1.7%), limonene (1.3%) and β-phellandrene (4.6%). The enantiomeric composition of the EO monoterpene fraction was also studied, determining the enantiomeric excess and distribution of α-pinene, limonene, β-phellandrene and camphor. The ethyl acetate extract of L. radula and L. paniculata were fractionated by column chromatography. Spathulenol, angustanoic acid E and 5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxy flavone were isolated from L. radula extract; ledol, guaiol and (−)-carnosol were found in L. paniculata.
The Effect of Granular Commercial Fertilizers Containing Elemental Sulfur on Wheat Yield under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Bouranis Dimitris L. , Gasparatos Dionisios , Zechmann Bernd , Bouranis Lampros D. , Chorianopoulou Styliani N.
Published: December 2018

The demand to develop fertilizers with higher sulfur use efficiency has intensified over the last decade, since sulfur deficiency in crops has become more widespread. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fertilizers enriched with 2% elemental sulfur (ES) via a binding material of organic nature improve yield when compared to the corresponding conventional ones. Under the scanning electron microscope, the granules of the ES-containing fertilizer were found to be covered by a layer of crystal-like particles, the width of which was found to be up to 60 μm. Such a layer could not be found on the corresponding conventional fertilizer granules. Several fertilization schemes with or without incorporated ES were tested in various durum wheat varieties, cultivated in commercial fields. The P-Olsen content of each commercial field was found to be correlated with the corresponding relative change in the yields (YF/YFBES) with a strong positive relationship. The content of 8 ppm of available soil phosphorus was a turning point. At higher values the incorporation of ES in the fertilization scheme resulted in higher yield, while at lower values it resulted in lower yield, compared with the conventional one. The experimental field trials that established following a randomized block design, were separated in two groups: One with P-Olsen ranging between 18–22 ppm and the other between 12–15 ppm, the results of which corroborated the aforementioned finding. The use of ES in all portions of fertilization schemes provided higher relative yields. The coexistence of ES with sulfate in the granule was more efficient in terms of yield, when compared to the granule enriched with ES alone under the same fertilization scheme and agronomic practice. The application of fertilizer mixtures containing the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), ES and ammonium sulfate resulted in even higher relative yields. Yield followed a positive linear relationship with the number of heads per square meter. In this correlation, the P-Olsen content separated the results of the two groups of blocks, where the applied linear trend line in each group presented the same slope.
Charge Separating Microfiltration Membrane with pH-Dependent Selectivity
Authors: Breite Daniel , Went Marco , Prager Andrea , Kuehnert Mathias , Schulze Agnes
Published: December 2018

Membrane filters are designed for selective separation of components from a mixture. While separation by size might be the most common approach, other characteristics like charge can also be used for separation as presented in this study. Here, a polyether sulfone membrane was modified to create a zwitterionic surface. Depending on the pH value of the surrounding solution the membrane surface will be either negatively or positively charged. Thus, the charged state can be easily adjusted even by small changes of the pH value of the solution. Charged polystyrene beads were used as model reagent to investigate the pH dependent selectivity of the membrane. It was found that electrostatic forces are dominating the interactions between polystyrene beads and membrane surface during the filtration. This enables a complete control of the membrane’s selectivity according to the electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, differently charged beads marked with fluorescent dyes were used to investigate the selectivity of mixtures of charged components. These different components were successfully separated according to their charged state proving the selectivity of the invented membrane.
Energy Analysis of the S-CO2 Brayton Cycle with Improved Heat Regeneration
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Ehtisham , Almitani Khalid H.
Published: December 2018

Supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycles (BC) are promising alternatives for power generation. Many variants of S-CO2 BC have already been studied to make this technology economically more viable and efficient. In comparison to other BC and Rankine cycles, S-CO2 BC is less complex and more compact, which may reduce the overall plant size, maintenance, and the cost of operation and installation. In this paper, we consider one of the configurations of S-CO2 BC called the recompression Brayton cycle with partial cooling (RBC-PC) to which some modifications are suggested with an aim to improve the overall cycle’s thermal efficiency. The type of heat source is not considered in this study; thus, any heat source may be considered that is capable of supplying temperature to the S-CO2 in the range from 500 °C to 850 °C, like solar heaters, or nuclear and gas turbine waste heat. The commercial software Aspen HYSYS V9 (Aspen Technology, Inc., Bedford, MA, USA) is used for simulations. RBC-PC serves as a base cycle in this study; thus, the simulation results for RBC-PC are compared with the already published data in the literature. Energy analysis is done for both layouts and an efficiency comparison is made for a range of turbine operating temperatures (from 500 °C to 850 °C). The heat exchanger effectiveness and its influence on both layouts are also discussed.
The (Processed) Vegetal Body and Blood of the Markan Messiah
Authors: Jeong Dong Hyeon
Published: December 2018

Although the Eucharist is attested four times (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:15–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) in the New Testament, only two (Luke and 1 Corinthians) out of the four instances bespeak of commemorating this event (“Do this in remembrance of me”). Limiting the discussion to Mark’s iteration of this event, Mark’s version does not command to remember; rather he focuses on the ontological (“This is my body/blood”). This paper follows Stephen D. Moore’s vegetal reading of the Johannine Jesus (Gospel Jesuses and Other Nonhumans) that invites and acknowledges the animacy of the vegetal in affectively re-engaging the identity of the messiah. That is, (processed) plants/food are not there just to be symbolically equated with the body and blood of the messiah. They re-animate and re-define the nature of messiahship. This paper utilizes Jane Bennett’s vital materialism, Bruno Latour’s actants, and Michael Marder’s vegetality in arguing that Mark vegetally reconfigures the ontology of the messiah in the Eucharist/Last Supper scene (14:22–25). Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of assemblage will assist in elaborating how the vegetal could dismantle anthropocentric understanding of ontology. By doing so, this paper opens up the possibility to reimagine a messiah who finds his identity with the vegetal or those that are considered dispensable.
Comparison of SIFT Encoded and Deep Learning Features for the Classification and Detection of Esca Disease in Bordeaux Vineyards
Authors: Rançon Florian , Bombrun Lionel , Keresztes Barna , Germain Christian
Published: December 2018

Grapevine wood fungal diseases such as esca are among the biggest threats in vineyards nowadays. The lack of very efficient preventive (best results using commercial products report 20% efficiency) and curative means induces huge economic losses. The study presented in this paper is centered around the in-field detection of foliar esca symptoms during summer, exhibiting a typical “striped” pattern. Indeed, in-field disease detection has shown great potential for commercial applications and has been successfully used for other agricultural needs such as yield estimation. Differentiation with foliar symptoms caused by other diseases or abiotic stresses was also considered. Two vineyards from the Bordeaux region (France, Aquitaine) were chosen as the basis for the experiment. Pictures of diseased and healthy vine plants were acquired during summer 2017 and labeled at the leaf scale, resulting in a patch database of around 6000 images (224 × 224 pixels) divided into red cultivar and white cultivar samples. Then, we tackled the classification part of the problem comparing state-of-the-art SIFT encoding and pre-trained deep learning feature extractors for the classification of database patches. In the best case, 91% overall accuracy was obtained using deep features extracted from MobileNet network trained on ImageNet database, demonstrating the efficiency of simple transfer learning approaches without the need to design an ad-hoc specific feature extractor. The third part aimed at disease detection (using bounding boxes) within full plant images. For this purpose, we integrated the deep learning base network within a “one-step” detection network (RetinaNet), allowing us to perform detection queries in real time (approximately six frames per second on GPU). Recall/Precision (RP) and Average Precision (AP) metrics then allowed us to evaluate the performance of the network on a 91-image (plants) validation database. Overall, 90% precision for a 40% recall was obtained while best esca AP was about 70%. Good correlation between annotated and detected symptomatic surface per plant was also obtained, meaning slightly symptomatic plants can be efficiently separated from severely attacked plants.
Observations of a Coniferous Forest at 9.6 and 17.2 GHz: Implications for SWE Retrievals
Authors: Thompson Aaron , Kelly Richard
Published: December 2018

UWScat, a ground-based Ku- and X-band scatterometer, was used to compare forested and non-forested landscapes in a terrestrial snow accumulation environment as part of the NASA SnowEx17 field campaign. Field observations from Trail Valley Creek, Northwest Territories; Tobermory, Ontario; and the Canadian Snow and Ice Experiment (CASIX) campaign in Churchill, Manitoba, were also included. Limited sensitivity to snow was observed at 9.6 GHz, while the forest canopy attenuated the signal from sub-canopy snow at 17.2 GHz. Forested landscapes were distinguishable using the volume scattering component of the Freeman–Durden three-component decomposition model by applying a threshold in which values ≥50% indicated forested landscape. It is suggested that the volume scattering component of the decomposition can be used in current snow water equivalent (SWE) retrieval algorithms in place of the forest cover fraction (FF), which is an optical surrogate for microwave scattering and relies on ancillary data. The performance of the volume scattering component of the decomposition was similar to that of FF when used in a retrieval scheme. The primary benefit of this method is that it provides a current, real-time estimate of the forest state, it automatically accounts for the incidence angle and canopy structure, and it provides coincident information on the forest canopy without the use of ancillary data or modeling, which is especially important in remote regions. Additionally, it enables the estimation of forest canopy transmissivity without ancillary data. This study also demonstrates the use of these frequencies in a forest canopy application, and the use of the Freeman–Durden three-component decomposition on scatterometer observations in a terrestrial snow accumulation environment.
Sii-Mobility: An IoT/IoE Architecture to Enhance Smart City Mobility and Transportation Services
Authors: Badii Claudio , Bellini Pierfrancesco , Difino Angelo , Nesi Paolo
Published: December 2018

The new Internet of Things/Everything (IoT/IoE) paradigm and architecture allows one to rethink the way Smart City infrastructures are designed and managed, but on the other hand, a number of problems have to be solved. In terms of mobility the cities that embrace the sensoring era can take advantage of this disruptive technology to improve the quality of life of their citizens, also thanks to the rationalization in the use of their resources. In Sii-Mobility, a national smart city project on mobility and transportation, a flexible platform has been designed and here, in this paper, is presented. It permits one to set up heterogeneous and complex scenarios that integrate sensors/actuators as IoT/IoE in an overall Big Data, Machine Learning and Data Analytics scenario. A detailed and complex case-study has been presented to validate the solution in the context of a system that dynamically reverse the traveling direction of a road segment, with all the safety conditions in place. This case study composes several building blocks of the IoT platform, which demonstrate that a flexible and dynamic set-up is possible, supporting security, safety, local, cloud and mixed solutions.
Data Fusion Based on Subspace Decomposition for Distributed State Estimation in Multi-Hop Networks
Authors: Rodríguez del Nozal Álvaro , Millán Pablo , Orihuela Luis
Published: December 2018

This paper deals with the problem of estimating the distributed states of a plant using a set of interconnected agents. Each of these agents must perform a real-time monitoring of the plant state, counting on the measurements of local plant outputs and on the exchange of information with the rest of the network. These inter-agent communications take place within a multi-hop network. Therefore, the transmitted information suffers a delay that depends on the position of the sender and receiver in a communication graph. Without loss of generality, it is considered that the transmission rate and the plant sampling rate are both identical. The paper presents a novel data-fusion-based observer structure based on subspace decomposition, and addresses two main subproblems: the observer design to stabilize the estimation error, and an optimal observer design to minimize the estimation uncertainties when plant disturbances and measurements noises come into play. The performance of the proposed design is tested in simulation.
Hydrogel Formulation of Usnic Acid and Antibacterial Activity Test Against Propionibacterium acne
Authors: Fitriani Lili , Afifah  , Ismed Friardi , Bakhtiar Amri
Published: December 2018

Usnic acid is known for its remarkable antimicrobial activity. The aim of this research was to formulate hydrogel of usnic acid and evaluate the antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acne. Due to low solubility of usnic acid, solid dispersion was prepared using PVP K-30. In this study, intact usnic acid (UA) and usnic acid-solid dispersion (UA-SD) was formulated in hydrogel using several gelling agents: Aqupec HV-505, sodium alginate and HPMC K 100M. Concentration of each gelling agent was optimized for hydrogel base. All of hydrogel base showed homogenous gel, pH at range 5.37–6.33 and viscosity in range 259.07–10,759.00 cps. Hydrogel was prepared by dispersing 1% intact UA and 3% UA-SD in three different gelling agents. The hydrogel was evaluated for pH, viscosity, stability test for two months and microbiology test. The amount of usnic acid in hydrogel was determined by spectrophotometry UV-Vis. Hydrogel UA showed non-homogenous gel, while hydrogel usnic UA-SD was homogenous. The pH of all hydrogel was in range 5.5–6.4 and viscosity was 2,017.03–3,866.52 cps. All the hydrogel was stable and diameter inhibition of hydrogel was in a range 20–32 mm. The amount of usnic acid in hydrogel was in range 96.9–99.23%. In conclusion, hydrogel UA-SD is promising preparation in handling acne.
Analysis of Factors Associated to the Enrollment and Demand of Computing-Related Careers
Authors: Mata-López Walter Alexander , Tobón Sergio
Published: December 2018

Despite the great need for computer-related career professionals, some universities that offer specialties to develop professionals with knowledge to cover the mention need, present a decrease in enrollment, which can cause a wide variety of problems. That is why in this paper we set out to investigate what the main factors that directly or indirectly affect student enrollment in computer-related careers are, to establish a literature-based starting point, and to help select the best possible strategy to improve enrollment. To reach this goal, we did a documentary research, categorizing each one of the factors with its respective analysis. In the results, we explain several challenges that educators face, due to the evolution of society needs, two of them are: teaching-learning models and technology; besides, it became evident that the relevance of this academic programs remain available since there is a high demand for these professionals in Mexico, as well as in the world; finally, we showed some intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors that have an essential relevance at the time that a student chooses the career to study. On the other hand, we reflected that the perception of everything that involves the study of a Computing-related career is a factor to be considered in the selection of an educational program of higher education. This study could be a reference for universities that are facing decreasing enrollment concerns. In conclusion, we analyzed and identified the main factors that have an impact on the demand for a career related to engineering, providing possible lines of action for increasing school enrollment.
Spatial Association and Effect Evaluation of CO2 Emission in the Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration: Quantitative Evidence from Social Network Analysis
Authors: Song Jinzhao , Feng Qing , Wang Xiaoping , Fu Hanliang , Jiang Wei , Chen Baiyu
Published: December 2018

Urban agglomeration, an established urban spatial pattern, contributes to the spatial association and dependence of city-level CO2 emission distribution while boosting regional economic growth. Exploring this spatial association and dependence is conducive to the implementation of effective and coordinated policies for regional level CO2 reduction. This study calculated CO2 emissions from 2005–2016 in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration with the IPAT model, and empirically explored the spatial structure pattern and association effect of CO2 across the area leveraged by the social network analysis. The findings revealed the following: (1) The spatial structure of CO2 emission in the area is a complex network pattern, and in the sample period, the CO2 emission association relations increased steadily and the network stabilization remains strengthened; (2) the centrality of the cities in this area can be categorized into three classes: Chengdu and Chongqing are defined as the first class, the second class covers Deyang, Mianyang, Yibin, and Nanchong, and the third class includes Zigong, Suining, Meishan, and Guangan—the number of cities in this class is on the rise; (3) the network is divided into four subgroups: the area around Chengdu, south Sichuan, northeast Sichuan, and west Chongqing where the spillover effect of CO2 is greatest; and (4) the higher density of the global network of CO2 emission considerably reduces regional emission intensity and narrows the differences among regions. Individual networks with higher centrality are also found to have lower emission intensity.
The Usefulness of Accounting Information Derived by Applying the Percentage of Completion Method to Enhance Sustainable Business Practices: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Ji Hyun Mi
Published: December 2018

In South Korea, accounting fraud based on the recognition of revenue occurs frequently. The operating profit will be inaccurate if incorrect project completion rates are applied. In order to apply the percentage of completion method (PCM), the project completion rate should be calculated correctly. There has been much controversy regarding the accuracy of the progress rate and the usefulness of the revenue information calculated from the PCM. Therefore, this study investigated whether the quality level of operating profit information using the PCM is actually low in terms of information usefulness. The study period was from 2011 to 2017, the sample was 10,050 firm-year observations among the listed companies in the Korea Stock Exchange, and financial data from the KIS-Value database was used. Empirical analyses showed that investors evaluated the information value of the operating profit by applying the PCM. In other words, there was a low correlation between the stock price and the operating profit when the PCM was used. These results suggest that the practical application of reliable PCM standards and strict supervision by supervisory institutions are necessary. The limitation of this study is that the verification period, i.e., 2011–2017, is short. This is because Korea was obligated to apply the Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS) from 2011. Therefore, in order to ensure comparability of the sample period, only the period after the application of K-IFRS was examined.
Sustainable Urban Transport Planning Considering Different Stakeholder Groups by an Interval-AHP Decision Support Model
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Moslem Sarbast , Blaschke Thomas , Duleba Szabolcs
Published: December 2018

Sustainable urban transport requires smart and environmentally-friendly technical solutions. It also needs to meet the demands of different user groups, including current and potential future users, in order to avoid opposition of the citizens and to support sustainable development decisions. While these requirements are well-known, conducting full surveys of user needs and preferences are tedious and costly, and the interests of different user groups may be contradictory. We therefore developed a methodology based on the prevalent Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is capable of dealing with the inconsistencies and uncertainties of users’ responses by applying an Interval Analytic Hierarchy Process (IAHP) through comparing the results of passengers to reference stakeholder groups. For a case study in Mersin, a coastal city in southern Turkey with 1.7 Million inhabitants, three groups were surveyed with questionnaires: 40 users of the public transport system, 40 non-users, and 17 experts. Based on interval pairwise comparison matrices, consisting of whole judgments of all groups, the IAHP methodology could attain a consensual preference ranking for a future public transportation system between the three groups. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the factor ranking was very stable.
Optimization of Land-Use Structure Based on the Trade-Off Between Carbon Emission Targets and Economic Development in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Han Dang , Qiao Ruilin , Ma Xiaoming
Published: December 2018

The approach of choosing an effective low-carbon land-use structure by multi-objective methods is commonly used in land-use planning. A common methodology is to calculate carbon emissions and conduct scenario simulations for the future. However, most Chinese cities have not implemented the methods for monitoring carbon emissions proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), especially Shenzhen, which is one of the fastest-growing cities in China. This study first calculated the carbon emissions for a typical year in Shenzhen under the guidance of the IPCC. Second, nighttime light data were used to spatialize the gross domestic product to obtain the economic benefit coefficients of the various land types. Finally, a multi-objective linear programming model was used to optimize the land-use structure under different scenarios for 2020 and 2025. The results show that (i) energy consumption contributed the most to local carbon emissions in 2016, at 94.75%; (ii) carbon emissions from paddy fields, animals, and humans were the second most dominant source; (iii) the intensity of carbon emissions from different land types in 2016 was variable; and (iv) compared with the natural scenario, an optimized land-use structure could reduce carbon emissions by 5.97% by 2020 and 12.61% by 2025. Under ideal simulation conditions, the simulated land-use pattern could not only meet the requirements of economic and social development, but also could effectively reduce carbon emissions, which is of great value to land managers and decision-makers.
Social Psychological Theories and Sustainable Second Language Learning: A Model Comparison Approach
Authors: Kim Kyung Ja , Pae Tae-Il
Published: December 2018

The purposes of the present study are two-fold: (1) To examine whether social psychological variables, such as attitude and subjective norm, can predict South Korean English as a foreign language high school students’ intention to learn English, and (2) to identify the best social psychological model for sustainable second language learning in the context of South Korean English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. A total of 614 South Korean high school learners of English participated in the present study. Data collected from a survey questionnaire were analyzed using a structural equation modeling procedure. Results of the present study indicate that South Korean high school students’ attitudes toward learning English and subjective norms made a significant and independent contribution to the variance in their intention to study English. Among the three competing social psychological models examined in the current study, the theory of Planned Behavior and an expanded model of Gardner’s Socio-educational Model proved to be the most effective in terms of the strength of path coefficients and explanatory power. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are provided.
Suitability of Totora (Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Soják) for Its Use in Constructed Wetlands in Areas Polluted with Heavy Metals
Authors: Blanco Juan A.
Published: December 2018

Schoenoplectus californicus subsp. tatora (totora) is an endemic plant from wetlands in South America’s Altiplano region. In the endorheic Titicaca-Desaguadero-Poopó-Salar de Coipasa system (TDPS), totora can be found along rivers, lakes, and shallow ponds. Lake Uru-Uru is a minor lake placed upstream of Lake Poopó, and it gets water inflows from the Desaguadero River, the city of Oruro and several mining and metallurgic complexes. Polluted waters from these origins, together with natural high salinity and high presence of As and Pb, make Lake Uru-Uru an ideal location to search for plant species suitable to be used in constructed and restored wetlands under pollution stress, particularly in systems with high pH and salty waters. To test if totora could meet such requirements, healthy plants were collected at two sites in Lake Uru-Uru with different exposure to polluted inflows. Chemical composition of different organs (leaves, rhizomes and roots) were compared. Results indicated totora’s capacity to withstand high concentrations of a cocktail of multiple pollutants and heavy metals. Particularly, this research showed totora as a multi-hyperaccumulator (concentrations in shoots higher than 1000 mg kg−1) for As, Fe and Ni. These results, combined with totora’s intrinsic high rates of biomass production, slow decomposition rates and its value as raw material for local craftwork and industrial uses, support the recommendation to use totora in constructed or restored wetlands, particularly in sites polluted with heavy metals, and in waters with high salinity.
Urban Sprawl Sustainability of Mountainous Cities in the Context of Climate Change Adaptability Using a Coupled Coordination Model: A Case Study of Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Yiming , Xiang Pengcheng
Published: December 2018

In recent years, a noticeable contradiction has emerged between the disorderly sprawl and fragile climate environment of many cities, especially in mountainous cities. Therefore, this paper respectively constructed evaluation indicators for urban sprawl sustainability (USS) and climate change adaptability (CCA). Next, a coupling coordination degree model was used to measure the coordinated development of USS and CCA. Finally, this paper analyzed the coordinated development type of USS and CCA in the Chongqing metropolitan area from 2007 to 2017. The results of this paper show that USS and CCA have gradually shifted to coordinated development in the Chongqing metropolitan area during the study period. However, there were obvious regional differences in the type of coordinated development in the Chongqing metropolitan area. The coordinated development degree of USS and CCA in nine districts ranged from 0.635 to 0.721 in 2017. It can be divided into three types: slightly coordinated development with lagging CCA; slightly coordinated development with lagging USS; and moderately coordinated development with lagging CCA. Those districts should give priority to the use of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and multi-center and multi-group approaches to enhance the coordinated development between USS and CCA, which is also helpful for mountainous cities in China and other countries.
A Multi-Objective Hierarchical Model for Irrigation Scheduling in the Complex Canal System
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Zhang Fan , Zhang Chenglong , An Chunjiang , Wang Sufen , Guo Ping
Published: December 2018

Due to population growth, environmental pollution and climate change, the lack of water resources has become a critical factor which threatens sustainable agricultural development. Reasonable irrigation scheduling strategies can reduce the waste of water and enhance agricultural water-use efficiency. In the present study, the decomposition-coordination theory was adopted to analyze the hierarchical canal system. A novel nonlinear multi-level multi-objective optimization model for complex canal systems was established, taking account of the multiple demands from decision makers and realistic factors of canal operation. An interactive method of the technique for order preference using similarity algorithm and genetic algorithm was proposed to solve the developed model. The developed model was successfully applied for the operational strategy making of a canal system located in the arid area of northwest China. The results indicated that the optimization model could help shorten the operational duration by two days, achieve about 26% reduction of irrigation water consumption, and improve the efficiency of water delivery from 0.566 to 0.687. That will be very favorable for the promotion of the agricultural water productivity, the relief of water shortage crisis and the sustainable development of agriculture. The outcomes can provide a wide range of support for decision making and make irrigation decision-making more scientific and systematic.
Probabilistic Linguistic Preference Relation-Based Decision Framework for Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Krishankumar R. , Ravichandran K. S. , Ahmed M. Ifjaz , Kar Samarjit , Tyagi Sanjay K.
Published: December 2018

With trending competition in decision-making process, linguistic decision-making is gaining attractive attention. Previous studies on linguistic decision-making have neglected the occurring probability (relative importance) of each linguistic term which causes unreasonable ranking of objects. Further, decision-makers’ (DMs) often face difficulties in providing apt preference information for evaluation. Motivated by these challenges, in this paper, we set our proposal on probabilistic linguistic preference relation (PLPR)-based decision framework. The framework consists of two phases viz., (a) missing value entry phase and (b) ranking phase. In phase (a), the missing values of PLPR are filled using a newly proposed automatic procedure and consistency of PLPR is ensured using a consistency check and repair mechanism. Following this, in phase (b), objects are ranked using newly proposed analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method under PLPR context. The practicality of the proposal is validated by using two numerical examples viz., green supplier selection problem for healthcare and the automobile industry. Finally, the strength and weakness of the proposal are discussed by comparing with similar methods.
RabbitRun: An Immersive Virtual Reality Game for Promoting Physical Activities Among People with Low Back Pain
Authors: Alazba Amal , Al-Khalifa Hend , AlSobayel Hana
Published: December 2018

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common problems among adults. The usual physiotherapy treatment is to perform physical exercises. However, some LBP patients have false beliefs regarding their pain and they tend to avoid physical movements which might increase their pain and disability. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be an effective intervention in improving motor functions and reducing pain perception. Existing VR interventions for LBP rehabilitation were based on a non-immersive VR, whereas to effectively reduce the pain intensity, we need an immersive VR. In this paper, we introduce the development and evaluation of a serious game called RabbitRun with an immersive experience to engage the patients in a virtual environment and distract them from the pain while performing LBP exercises. The initial usability evaluation results suggest that RabbitRun game is enjoyable and acceptable. The game is easy to play and learn and most of the participants are willing to play the game at home. This solution will enhance the rehabilitation outcome since the patients who are suffering from LBP can use the system at their home and train more for long period of time using a smartphone and low-cost virtual reality device, such as Google Cardboard.
The Quantum Nature of Lorentz Invariance
Authors: Kerner Richard
Published: December 2018

If the reality underlying classical physics is quantum in nature, then it is reasonable to assume that the transformations of fields, currents, energy, and momentum observed macroscopically are the result of averaging of symmetry groups acting in the Hilbert space of quantum states of elementary constituents of which classical material bodies are formed. We show how Pauli’s exclusion principle based on the discrete Z 2 symmetry group generates the S L ( 2 , C ) symmetry of the space of states of an electron endowed with spin. Then, we generalize this reasoning in the case of quark colors and the corresponding Z 3 symmetry. A ternary generalization of Dirac’s equation is proposed, leading to self-confined quarks states. It is shown how certain cubic or quadratic combinations can form freely-propagating entangled states. The entire symmetry of the standard model, S U ( 2 ) × U ( 1 ) × S U ( 3 ) , is naturally derived, as well.
Mass and Energy Balance Estimation of Yala Glacier (2011–2017), Langtang Valley, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Anushilan , Kayastha Rijan Bhakta
Published: December 2018

Six-year glaciological mass balance measurements, conducted at the Yala Glacier between November 2011 and November 2017 are presented and analyzed. A physically-based surface energy balance model is used to simulate summer mass and energy balance of the Yala Glacier for the 2012–2014 period. Cumulative mass balance of the Yala Glacier for the 2011–2017 period was negative at −4.88 m w.e. The mean annual glacier-wide mass balance was −0.81 ± 0.27 m w.e. with a standard deviation of ±0.48 m w.e. The modelled mass balance values agreed well with observations. Modelling showed that net radiation was the primary energy source for the melting of the glacier followed by sensible heat and heat conduction fluxes. Sensitivity of mass balance to changes in temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, surface albedo and snow density were examined. Mass balance was found to be most sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation.
Hydrogeological Parameter Determination in the Southern Catchments of Taiwan by Flow Recession Method
Authors: Huang Chia-Chi , Yeh Hsin-Fu
Published: December 2018

The understanding of hydrogeological characteristics and groundwater flow processes in aquifers is crucial for the determination of sustainable groundwater resource development as well as hydrological management and planning. In the past, information on hydrogeological characteristics was mainly acquired through point field measurement such as borehole geophysical techniques and field aquifer hydraulic testing. However, in view of the cost limitations and scale applicability of these methods, low-flow recession analysis techniques that utilize streamflow data can be used as alternative low-cost methods to reversely back-calculate hydrogeological parameters based on the hydrological processes by which groundwater from aquifers is naturally discharged to rivers. We chose Southern Taiwan as the study area for the estimation of the recession index (K), which is representative of catchment discharge behavior during both the dry and wet seasons, to determine seasonal differences in the aquifer flow regime and to estimate the following three hydrogeological parameters: hydraulic conductivity (k), specific yield (Sy), and transmissivity (T). Based on the field test reports of the locations of groundwater observational wells on the Chianan and Pingtung plains, the study area was divided into the Chianan sub-area (Zengwun, Yanshui, and Erren river basins) and the Kaoping sub-area (Kaoping, Donggang, and Linbian river basins). The estimation results of the present study were compared to the field test results. The results showed significant differences in the recession index K between the dry and wet seasons. Slight differences between the estimated hydrogeological parameters and the field test results were also observed for the two sub-areas because of differences in scale. Furthermore, regional differences in the estimation results were found to be consistent with the distribution of geological structures, which indicates a high degree of feasibility in the application of flow recession methods for catchment-scale hydrogeological parameter determination.
A Model Study of the Discharges Effects of Kaidu River on the Salinity Structure of Bosten Lake
Authors: Liu Ying , Bao Anming , Chen Xi , Zhong Ruisen
Published: December 2018

The salinization of Bosten Lake, which is the largest lake in the arid or semi-arid region of Xinjiang, has increased. To study the effects of the inflow change of Kaidu River, the main recharge, on the salinity structure of Bosten Lake, the Estuarine, Coastal, and Ocean Modeling System with Sediments (ECOMSED), a basic three-dimensional numerical model, was used. The model is forced by realistic atmospheric forcing and river inflows, and verified by observational data. The model simulations can map the lake water movement processes and offer an understanding of the likely role of river runoff on the Bosten Lake salinity structure. The water mainly flows eastward at the surface and westward at the bottom. The river runoff of Kaidu River significantly affects the salinity structure of the southwestern part of the lake. The Kaidu River discharge mostly flowed northeastward along the west bank of the lake, so with decreasing Kaidu River discharge, the salinity of the region from the inlet of the river to its right (looking in the direction of the flow) subsequently increased. This study helps to the mastering of the dynamic change of salinity and provides some quantity information for controlling the salinization of Bosten Lake.
MAGiiCAT VI. The Mg ii Intragroup Medium Is Kinematically Complex
Authors: Nielsen Nikole M. , Kacprzak Glenn G. , Pointon Stephanie K. , Churchill Christopher W. , Murphy Michael T.
Published: December 2018

By comparing Mg ii absorption in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of group environments to isolated galaxies, we investigated the impact of environment on the CGM. An Mg ii absorber is associated with a group if there are two or more galaxies at the absorption redshift within a projected distance of D = 200 kpc from a background quasar and a line-of-sight velocity separation of 500 km s−1. We compiled a sample of 29 group environments consisting of 74 galaxies (two to five galaxies per group) at

. The group absorber median equivalent width (

Å) and covering fraction (

) are larger than isolated absorbers (1.27σ and 2.2σ, respectively), but median column densities are statistically consistent. A pixel-velocity two-point correlation function analysis shows that group environment kinematics are statistically comparable to isolated environments (0.8σ), but with more power for high velocity dispersions similar to outflow kinematics. Group absorbers display more optical depth at larger velocities. A superposition model in which multiple galaxies contribute to the observed gas matches larger equivalent width group absorbers but significantly overpredicts the kinematics owing to large velocity separations between member galaxies. Finally, galaxy–galaxy groups (similar member galaxy luminosities) may have larger absorber median equivalent widths (1.7σ) and velocity dispersions (2.5σ) than galaxy–dwarf groups (disparate luminosities). We suggest that the observed gas is coupled to the group rather than individual galaxies, forming an intragroup medium. Gas may be deposited into this medium by multiple galaxies via outflowing winds undergoing an intergalactic transfer between member galaxies or from tidal stripping of interacting members.
A 3D Voronoi+Gapper Galaxy Cluster Finder in Redshift Space to z ∼ 0.2. II. An Abundant Cluster Population Dominated by Late-type Galaxies Unveiled
Authors: Campusano Luis E. , Marinello Gabriel , Clowes Roger G. , Haines Christopher P. , Pereira Sebastián , Pizarro Daniel , Hitschfeld-Kahler Nancy , Söchting Ilona K.
Published: December 2018

We identify 1901 galaxy clusters (N

g
 ≥ 2) with the VoML+G algorithm (Paper I) on the Two-Degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey. We present the 341 clusters with at least 10 galaxies that are within 0.009 < z < 0.14 (the Catalog), of which 254 (∼75%) have counterparts in the literature (NED), with the remainder (87) plausibly “new” because of incompleteness of previous searches or unusual galaxy contents. The 207 clusters within z = 0.04–0.09 are used to study the properties of the galaxy systems in the nearby universe, including their galaxy contents parameterized by the late-type galaxy fractions (f

L
). For this nearly complete cluster subsample, we find the following: (i) 63% are dominated by early-type galaxies (i.e., the late-type-poor clusters, f

L
 < 0.5) with corresponding mean multiplicity and logarithmic virial mass (in units of M
⊙) of 22 ± 1 and 12.91 ± 0.04, respectively; and (ii) 37% are dominated by late-type galaxies (i.e., the late-type-rich clusters, f

L
 ≥ 0.5) with corresponding mean multiplicity and logarithmic virial mass (in units of M
⊙) of 15.7 ± 0.9 and 12.66 ± 0.07, respectively. The statistical analysis of the late-type fraction distribution supports, with a 3σ confidence level, the presence of two population components. It is suggested that the late-type-poor galaxy systems reflect and extend the class of Abell-APM-EDCC clusters and that the late-type-rich systems (∼one-third of the total) belong to a new, previously unappreciated class. The late-type-rich clusters, on average high mass-to-light ratio systems, appear to be more clustered on large scales than the late-type-poor clusters. A class of late-type-rich clusters is not predicted by current theory.
Neutrophilic Dermatosis in Pregnancy: An Uncommon Course
Authors: Villani Alessia , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Napolitano Maddalena , Costa Claudia , Megna Matteo , Ferrillo Maria
Published: December 2018

none
Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba from Soil Samples in Markazi Province, Iran
Authors: Meighani Mehri , Eslamirad Zahra , Hajihossein Reza , Ahmadi Azam , Saki Sassan
Published: December 2018

AIM: A previous study confirmed the contamination of water sources with this parasite in Arak, Markazi Province, Iran. The current study investigated soil sources and determined the predominant genotype of Acanthamoeba in this region of Iran.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight soil samples, collected from different regions of Arak, Markazi province, Iran, were evaluated in this study. The samples were processed and identified by culturing on a specific medium, performing PCR assay, and sequencing the PCR products. Finally, using the NCBI database, the genotypes were determined.
RESULTS: Of 48 soil samples, 33.3% and 31.25% were contaminated with Acanthamoeba according to the culture and molecular assays, respectively. The majority of these isolates belonged to the T4, T5 and T6 genotypes of Acanthamoeba.
CONCLUSION: The genotypes of most isolates from soil samples in Arak similar to other regions of Iran belong to T4 genotype of this parasite. New sequence accession numbers include MG066681 and MG298785-MG298794.