bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site Type Effect on Litter Decomposition Rates: A Three-Year Comparison of Decomposition Process between Spoil Heap and Forest Sites
Authors: Horodecki Paweł , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: April 2019

Research Highlights: Direct comparison of leaf litter decomposition rates between harsh soil conditions of degraded lands and adjacent “closer to natural” forest areas has not been done before. Background and Objectives: We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by determining the differences in amounts of carbon and nitrogen released by species-specific litter depending on decomposition rates in various stand and habitat conditions, which enables selection of the most ecologically and economically appropriate (for fast soil organic layer development) tree species for afforestation of reclaimed lands. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on the external spoil heap of the “Bełchatów” lignite mine (Central Poland) and adjacent forests. In December 2013, we established a litterbag experiment beneath the canopies of birch and pine stands. We used litter of Alnus glutinosa (Gaertn.), Betula pendula (Roth), Pinus sylvestris (L.), and Quercus robur (L.) collected ex situ, which we installed (after oven-drying) beneath the canopies of eight stands. The experiment lasted for three years (with sampling of three-month intervals). Results: Harsh soil conditions of degraded lands are unfavorable for litter mineralization. It was found that 23%–74% of decomposed materials were mineralized in spoil heap stands, whereas in forest stands these amounts ranged from 35%–83%. Litter of Q. robur in birch stands on the spoil heap is predicted to take 12 years longer for total decomposition than in forest stands of the same species. This hinders organic carbon turnover and could result in elongation of the time for full biological and economic reclamation of degraded lands. On the other hand, decomposition of relatively fast decomposable litter (A. glutinosa and B. pendula) in pine stands on the spoil heap was faster than in pine stands in forest sites (17% and 13% faster, respectively). We did not observe this trend for decomposition of more recalcitrant litter types of P. sylvestris and Q. robur. Conclusions: The results show the value of selective choice of tree species for afforestation of post-mining areas to accelerate the development of technogenic soil substrates. We recommend introducing all tree species studied in the cluster form of admixtures as all of them could bring some profits in ecological and economical reclamation.
Optimization of Diverse Carbon Sources and Cultivation Conditions for Enhanced Growth and Lipid and Medium-Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA) Production by Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Hussain Syed Ammar , Nazir Yusuf , Hameed Ahsan , Yang Wu , Mustafa Kiren , Song Yuanda
Published: April 2019

The effects of various carbon sources and cultivation conditions on the growth kinetics, lipid accumulation, and medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) production of Mucor circinelloides (MC) was investigated for 72 h in shake flask cultivation. Our previous investigation reported increments of 28 to 46% MCFAs among total cell lipids when the MC genome was genetically modified, in comparison to the wild-type. However, the growth of the engineered strain M65-TE-04 was adversely affected. Therefore, the current study was designed to enhance the growth, lipid production, and MCFA productivity of engineered M. circinelloides by optimizing the pH, agitation speed, temperature, and carbon sources. The findings for individual variables disclosed that the highest biomass (17.0 g/L) was obtained when coconut oil mixed with glucose was used as a carbon source under normal culture conditions. Additionally, the maximum lipid contents (67.5% cell dry weight (CDW)), MCFA contents (53% total fatty acid (TFA)), and overall lipid productivity (3.53 g/L·d) were attained at 26 °C, pH 6.0, and 150 rpm, respectively. The maximum biomass (19.4 g/L), TFA (14.3g/L), and MCFA (4.71 g/L) contents were achieved with integration of a temperature of 26 °C, pH 6.0, agitation speed 300 rpm, and coconut oil mixed medium as the carbon source. This work illustrates that biomass, TFA, and MCFA contents were increased 1.70–2.0-fold by optimizing the initial pH, agitation speed, temperature, and carbon sources in the M. circinelloides engineered strain (M65-TE-04) in comparison to initial cultivation conditions.
The Biochemical Role of the Human NEIL1 and NEIL3 DNA Glycosylases on Model DNA Replication Forks
Authors: Albelazi Mustafa S. , Martin Peter R. , Mohammed Soran , Mutti Luciano , Parsons Jason L. , Elder Rhoderick H.
Published: April 2019

Endonuclease VIII-like (NEIL) 1 and 3 proteins eliminate oxidative DNA base damage and psoralen DNA interstrand crosslinks through initiation of base excision repair. Current evidence points to a DNA replication associated repair function of NEIL1 and NEIL3, correlating with induced expression of the proteins in S/G2 phases of the cell cycle. However previous attempts to express and purify recombinant human NEIL3 in an active form have been challenging. In this study, both human NEIL1 and NEIL3 have been expressed and purified from E. coli, and the DNA glycosylase activity of these two proteins confirmed using single- and double-stranded DNA oligonucleotide substrates containing the oxidative bases, 5-hydroxyuracil, 8-oxoguanine and thymine glycol. To determine the biochemical role that NEIL1 and NEIL3 play during DNA replication, model replication fork substrates were designed containing the oxidized bases at one of three specific sites relative to the fork. Results indicate that whilst specificity for 5- hydroxyuracil and thymine glycol was observed, NEIL1 acts preferentially on double-stranded DNA, including the damage upstream to the replication fork, whereas NEIL3 preferentially excises oxidized bases from single stranded DNA and within open fork structures. Thus, NEIL1 and NEIL3 act in concert to remove oxidized bases from the replication fork.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Methodologies for Targeted and Untargeted Identification of Protein Covalent Adducts (Adductomics): Current Status and Challenges
Authors: Nunes João , Charneira Catarina , Morello Judit , Rodrigues João , Pereira Sofia A. , Antunes Alexandra M. M.
Published: April 2019

Protein covalent adducts formed upon exposure to reactive (mainly electrophilic) chemicals may lead to the development of a wide range of deleterious health outcomes. Therefore, the identification of protein covalent adducts constitutes a huge opportunity for a better understanding of events underlying diseases and for the development of biomarkers which may constitute effective tools for disease diagnosis/prognosis, for the application of personalized medicine approaches and for accurately assessing human exposure to chemical toxicants. The currently available mass spectrometry (MS)-based methodologies, are clearly the most suitable for the analysis of protein covalent modifications, providing accuracy, sensitivity, unbiased identification of the modified residue and conjugates along with quantitative information. However, despite the huge technological advances in MS instrumentation and bioinformatics tools, the identification of low abundant protein covalent adducts is still challenging. This review is aimed at summarizing the MS-based methodologies currently used for the identification of protein covalent adducts and the strategies developed to overcome the analytical challenges, involving not only sample pre-treatment procedures but also distinct MS and data analysis approaches.
Text Classification Algorithms: A Survey
Authors: Kowsari Kamran , Jafari Meimandi Kiana , Heidarysafa Mojtaba , Mendu Sanjana , Barnes Laura , Brown Donald
Published: April 2019

In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in the number of complex documents and texts that require a deeper understanding of machine learning methods to be able to accurately classify texts in many applications. Many machine learning approaches have achieved surpassing results in natural language processing. The success of these learning algorithms relies on their capacity to understand complex models and non-linear relationships within data. However, finding suitable structures, architectures, and techniques for text classification is a challenge for researchers. In this paper, a brief overview of text classification algorithms is discussed. This overview covers different text feature extractions, dimensionality reduction methods, existing algorithms and techniques, and evaluations methods. Finally, the limitations of each technique and their application in real-world problems are discussed.
A Ternary Nickel(II) Schiff Base Complex Containing Di-Anionic and Neutral Forms of a Dithiocarbazate Schiff Base
Authors: Yusof Enis Nadia Md , Nasri Nazhirah Muhammad , Ravoof Thahira B. S. A. , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: April 2019

The title NiII complex, Ni(L)(LH2) (1), where LH2 is S-2-methybenzyl-β-N-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylmethylene) dithiocarbazate, was isolated from the reaction of Ni(acetate)2·4H2O and two molar equivalents of LH2. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy (IR and UV) as well as by a single-crystal X-ray structure determination. The nickel(II) center is coordinated within a cis-NOS2 donor set that defines a square planar geometry. Three donor atoms, i.e., N, O, and S, are provided by a doubly deprotonated S-2-methybenzyl-β-N-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylmethylene) dithiocarbazate ligand while the fourth donor, i.e., a thione-S, comes from the neutral form of the dithiocarbazate ligand. In the LH2 ligand, an intramolecular hydroxy-O-H⋯N(imine) hydrogen bond is found. There is also an intra-ligand, charge assisted amine-N-H⋯O(phenoxide) hydrogen bond. A notable feature of the molecular packing is the formation of supramolecular chains sustained by π…π stacking interactions whereby the interacting rings are the five- and six-membered chelate and methoxybenzene rings. The chains are connected into a three-dimensional architecture by methyl-C-H⋯O(methoxy), methoxy-C-H⋯S(ester), and tolyl-C-H⋯π(tolyl) interactions.
Enhanced Open-Circuit Voltage in Perovskite Solar Cells with Open-Cage [60]Fullerene Derivatives as Electron-Transporting Materials
Authors: Castro Edison , Artigas Albert , Pla-Quintana Anna , Roglans Anna , Liu Fang , Perez Frank , Lledó Agustí , Zhu X.-Y. , Echegoyen Luis
Published: April 2019

The synthesis, characterization, and incorporation of open-cage [60]fullerene derivatives as electron-transporting materials (ETMs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an inverted planar (p-i-n) structure is reported. Following optical and electrochemical characterization of the open-cage fullerenes 2a–c, p-i-n PSCs with a indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/perovskite/fullerene/Ag structure were prepared. The devices obtained from 2a–b exhibit competitive power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and improved open-circuit voltage (Voc) values (>1.0 V) in comparison to a reference cell based on phenyl-C61-butyric-acid methyl-ester (PC61BM). These results are rationalized in terms of a) the higher passivation ability of the open-cage fullerenes with respect to the other fullerenes, and b) a good overlap between the highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO) levels of 2a–b and the conduction band of the perovskite.
Combined Effect of Pressure and Carbon Dioxide Activation on Porous Structure of Lignite Chars
Authors: Howaniec Natalia
Published: April 2019

Lignite is an important natural resource with the application potential covering present and future energy systems, including conventional power plants and gasification systems. Lignite is also a valuable precursor for the production of porous materials of tailored properties for various environmental applications, including the removal of contaminants from gaseous or liquid media. Although the lignite-based activated carbons are commercially available, various approaches to produce carbon materials of desired properties are still being reported, covering temperature, partial oxidation and chemical activation effects on surface and structural properties of these materials. Limited data is, however, available on the effects of pressure as the activation parameter in shaping the porous structure of carbonaceous materials, in particularly lignite-derived. In the study presented the combined effect of carbon dioxide activation and pressure in the range of 1–3 MPa at the temperature of 800 °C on the development of porous structure of lignite chars was reported. The study was also focused on poor-quality resources valorization by using a relatively low calorific value, low volatiles and high ash content lignite as a carbon material precursor. The results showed that the application of pressure in carbon dioxide-activation process at 800 °C results in generation of chars of comparable or higher specific surface area than the carbon materials previously received with demineralization and carbon dioxide activation of lignite. They also proved that the combined pressure and carbon dioxide activation may be effectively applied in conversion of low quality lignite into valuable porous materials.
Electromagnetic Forces in Continuous Casting of Steel Slabs
Authors: Cho Seong-Mook , Thomas Brian G.
Published: April 2019

This paper reviews the current state of the art in the application of electromagnetic forces to control fluid flow to improve quality in continuous casting of steel slabs. Many product defects are controlled by flow-related phenomena in the mold region, such as slag entrapment due to excessive surface velocity and level fluctuations, meniscus hook defects due to insufficient transport of flow and superheat to the meniscus region, and particle entrapment into the solidification front, which depends on transverse flow across the dendritic interface. Fluid flow also affects heat transfer, solidification, and solute transport, which greatly affect grain structure and internal quality of final steel products. Various electromagnetic systems can affect flow, including static magnetic fields and traveling fields which actively accelerate, slow down, or stir the flow in the mold or strand regions. Optimal electromagnetic effects to control flow depends greatly on the caster geometry and other operating conditions. Previous works on how to operate electromagnetic systems to reduce defects are discussed based on results from plant experiments, validated computational models, and lab scale model experiments.
Systematic Affiliation and Genome Analysis of Subtercola vilae DB165T with Particular Emphasis on Cold Adaptation of an Isolate from a High-Altitude Cold Volcano Lake
Authors: Villalobos Alvaro S. , Wiese Jutta , Imhoff Johannes F. , Dorador Cristina , Keller Alexander , Hentschel Ute
Published: April 2019

Among the Microbacteriaceae the species of Subtercola and Agreia form closely associated clusters. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated three major phylogenetic branches of these species. One of these branches contains the two psychrophilic species Subtercola frigoramans and Subtercola vilae, together with a larger number of isolates from various cold environments. Genomic evidence supports the separation of Agreia and Subtercola species. In order to gain insight into the ability of S. vilae to adapt to life in this extreme environment, we analyzed the genome with a particular focus on properties related to possible adaptation to a cold environment. General properties of the genome are presented, including carbon and energy metabolism, as well as secondary metabolite production. The repertoire of genes in the genome of S. vilae DB165T linked to adaptations to the harsh conditions found in Llullaillaco Volcano Lake includes several mechanisms to transcribe proteins under low temperatures, such as a high number of tRNAs and cold shock proteins. In addition, S. vilae DB165T is capable of producing a number of proteins to cope with oxidative stress, which is of particular relevance at low temperature environments, in which reactive oxygen species are more abundant. Most important, it obtains capacities to produce cryo-protectants, and to combat against ice crystal formation, it produces ice-binding proteins. Two new ice-binding proteins were identified which are unique to S. vilae DB165T. These results indicate that S. vilae has the capacity to employ different mechanisms to live under the extreme and cold conditions prevalent in Llullaillaco Volcano Lake.
Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production, Oxidative Stress Prevention, and Probiotic Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from the Human Vagina and Fermented Food
Authors: Kang Chang-Ho , Han Seul Hwa , Kim Jin-Seong , Kim YongGyeong , Jeong Yulah , Park Hye Min , Paek Nam-Soo
Published: April 2019

In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antioxidative and probiotic activities were isolated from the vaginas of Korean women and from fermented food. Among 34 isolated LAB strains, four strains (MG4221, MG4231, MG4261, and MG4270) exhibited inhibitory activity against nitric oxide production. The MG4221 and MG4270 strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, and MG4231 and MG4261 were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum. These strains were able to tolerate pepsin and pancreatin, which is required for probiotic potential. The antioxidant effects of culture filtrates obtained from selected strains included 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity. Most of the culture filtrates had effective DPPH scavenging activity.In conclusion, the selected strains have significant activities and are potentially applicable to the development of functional foods. These strains might also contribute to the prevention and control of several diseases associated with oxidative stress, when used as functional probiotics.
Red Beetroot and Betalains as Cancer Chemopreventative Agents
Authors: Lechner John F. , Stoner Gary D.
Published: April 2019

Carcinogenesis is the process whereby a normal cell is transformed into a neoplastic cell. This action involves several steps starting with initiation and followed by promotion and progression. Driving these stages are oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn encompasses a myriad of aberrant gene expressions, both within the transforming cell population and the cells within the surrounding lesion. Chemoprevention of cancer with bioreactive foods or their extracted/purified components occurs via normalizing these inappropriate gene activities. Various foods/agents have been shown to affect different gene expressions. In this review, we discuss whereby the chemoprevention activities of the red beetroot itself may disrupt carcinogenesis and the activities of the water-soluble betalains extracted from the plant.
Dual Carbonaceous Materials Synergetic Protection Silicon as a High-Performance Free-Standing Anode for Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Li Xing , Bai Yongshun , Wang Mingshan , Wang Guoliang , Ma Yan , Huang Yun , Zheng Jianming
Published: April 2019

Silicon is the one of the most promising anode material alternatives for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, the low electronic conductivity, unstable formation of solid electrolyte interphase, and the extremely high volume expansion (up to 300%) which results in pulverization of Si and rapid fading of its capacity have been identified as primary reasons for hindering its application. In this work, we put forward to introduce dual carbonaceous materials synergetic protection to overcome the drawbacks of the silicon anode. The silicon nanoparticle was coated by pyrolysed carbon, and meanwhile anchored on the surface of reduced graphene oxide, to form a self-standing film composite (C@Si/rGO). The C@Si/rGO film electrode displays high flexibility and an ordered porous structure, which could not only buffer the Si nanoparticle expansion during lithiation/delithiation processes, but also provides the channels for fast electron transfer and lithium ion transport. Therefore, the self-standing C@Si/rGO film electrode shows a high reversible capacity of 1002 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles and exhibits much better rate capability, validating it as a promising anode for constructing high performance lithium-ion batteries.
Emergency Contraception Counseling in California Community Pharmacies: A Mystery Caller Study
Authors: Ditmars Lindsay , Rafie Sally , Kashou Gellan , Cleland Kelly , Bayer Lisa , Wilkinson Tracey A.
Published: April 2019

This study was conducted to determine which emergency contraception (EC) methods are offered by community pharmacists in response to patient calls. Female mystery callers called all community pharmacies in two California cities using standardized scripts. The callers inquired about options available to prevent pregnancy after sex and whether that method was available at the pharmacy, using follow-up probes if necessary. A total of 239 calls were completed in San Diego (n = 127, 53%) and San Francisco (n = 112, 47%). Pharmacists indicated availability at most sites (n = 220, 92%) with option(s) reported as levonorgestrel only (LNG; n = 211, 88.3%), both ulipristal acetate (UPA) and LNG (n = 4, 1.6%), UPA only (n = 1, 0.4%), or non-specific EC (n = 4, 1.7%). Nineteen pharmacies (7.9%) did not have EC available on the day of the call. Following additional probing, some pharmacists discussed UPA (n = 49, 20.5%) or the copper intrauterine device (n = 1, 0.4%) as EC options. LNG EC products were available same-day in 90.1% of pharmacies, whereas UPA was available same-day in 9.6% of pharmacies. The majority of pharmacies called in this study offered and stocked at least one EC option, but the focus of discussions was on LNG and matched what was in stock and available.
Effects of Residence Time, Auto-Fertility and Pollinator Dependence on Reproductive Output and Spread of Alien and Native Asteraceae
Authors: Corli Anna , Sheppard Christine S.
Published: April 2019

Alien plants benefit from auto-fertility to spread over areas where the lack of co-evolved mutualists would otherwise limit invasion success. However, the widespread generalists among mutualists and their large geographical ranges allow alien plants to be integrated into networks. The role of residence time also has to be accounted for, as it takes time for a species to spread and adapt to a new area. We investigated how residence time, auto-fertility and pollinator dependence affect reproductive output and invasion success of Asteraceae in Germany. We conducted a multi-species common-garden experiment along an alien–native continuum including 42 species of natives, archaeophytes and neophytes (casual and established), subjecting plant individuals either to free access or exclusion of pollinators. Pollinator dependence does not play a crucial role in invasion success, with most Asteraceae being able to self-fertilize. Surprisingly, both established neophytes and natives showed higher abilities to self-fertilize, while archaeophytes and casual neophytes were more attractive to pollinators. In contrast to casual neophytes, the established neophytes’ strategy was associated with a large reproductive output. Yet, auto-fertility was not associated with range size, since archaeophytes reached the largest range sizes. Elucidating how breeding systems affect invasion success is crucial for predicting and managing invasions.
Surface-Controlled Molecular Self-Alignment in Polymer Actuators for Flexible Microrobot Applications
Authors: Jang Minsu , Kim Jun Sik , Kim Ji-Hun , Bae Do Hyun , Kim Min Jun , Son Donghee , Kim Yong-Tae , Um Soong Ho , Kim Yong Ho , Kim Jinseok
Published: April 2019

Polymer actuators are important components in lab-on-a-chip and micromechanical systems because of the inherent properties that result from their large and fast mechanical responses induced by molecular-level deformations (e.g., isomerization). They typically exhibit bending movements via asymmetric contraction or expansion with respect to changes in environmental conditions. To enhance the mechanical properties of actuators, a strain gradient should be introduced by regulating the molecular alignment; however, the miniaturization of polymer actuators for microscale systems has raised concerns regarding the complexity of such molecular control. Herein, a novel method for the fabrication of micro-actuators using a simple molecular self-alignment method is presented. Amphiphilic molecules that consist of azobenzene mesogens were located between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, which resulted in a splayed alignment. Thereafter, molecular isomerization on the surface induced a large strain gradient and bending movement of the actuator under ultraviolet-light irradiation. Moreover, the microelectromechanical systems allowed for the variation of the actuator size below the micron scale. The mechanical properties of the fabricated actuators such as the bending direction, maximum angle, and response time were evaluated with respect to their thicknesses and lengths. The derivatives of the polymer actuator microstructure may contribute to the development of novel applications in the micro-robotics field.
The Effects of Aluminium- and Ferric-Based Chemical Phosphorus Removal on Activated Sludge Digestibility and Dewaterability
Authors: Ojo Peter , Ifelebuegu Augustine Osamor
Published: April 2019

The uses of Al3+ and Fe3+ salts in chemical phosphorus removal (CPR) in activated sludge plants have increased considerably in recent years and their full impacts on downstream processes such as dewaterability and digestibility are not fully understood. In this research, the effects of CPR on sludge digestibility and dewaterability were investigated in laboratory-scale experiments using sludge samples from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. The results of the digestibility tests showed a 21% and 36% reduction in the biogas volume generated during anaerobic digestion of surplus activated sludge at 0.1 g/L doses of Al3+ and Fe3+ salts, respectively. This demonstrates that Al3+ dosing for CPR has less of a reduction effect compared with Fe3+ salts on biogas generation during anaerobic digestion of sludge. The dewaterability tests showed that primary sludge dewaterability was improved by up to 25% by Fe3+ and 16% by Al3+, while that of surplus activated sludge was reduced by 64% and 73%, respectively, at a metal salt dose of 50 mg/L. Consequently, a pre-precipitation process during CPR where phosphorus is removed in the primary tank would, therefore, enhance sludge dewaterability.
Concerns to Be Considered during Recycling Operations
Authors: Gudmestad Ove Tobias
Published: April 2019

Recycling should in principle be the goal in all aspects of society. There are, however, limitations, as any recycling task may lead to pollution in the ground, water or air. In the most extreme case, recycling may lead to threats to human life. In this paper, we take examples from key industries where recycling can be harmful and where closed and sealed dumps should have been used, rather than the attempt to recycle such as the oil and gas industry, the construction industry and farming. Reuse, hereby defined as use for another purpose without industrial processes, will be briefly discussed. The objectives of the paper are to remind key industries about their responsibility to recycle in a manner that does not harm the environment and to promote recycling in a sustainable way. It is suggested that a recommendation to key industries be made, to carefully assess all consequences of recycling could enhance the recycling industry’s contribution to a cleaner world. The paper is intended to serve as a reminder that recycling in all industries requires careful planning and engineering to represent a valuable contribution towards a sustainable society.
Numerical and Experimental Validation of the Prototype of a Bio-Inspired Piping Inspection Robot
Authors: Venkateswaran Swaminath , Chablat Damien , Boyer Frédéric
Published: April 2019

Piping inspection robots are of greater importance for industries such as nuclear, chemical and sewage. Mechanisms having closed loop or tree-like structures can be employed in such pipelines owing to their adaptable structures. A bio-inspired caterpillar type piping inspection robot was developed at Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes (LS2N), France. Using DC motors and leg mechanisms, the robot accomplishes the locomotion of a caterpillar in six-steps. With the help of Coulomb’s law of dry friction, a static force model was written and the contact forces between legs of robot and pipeline walls were determined. The actuator forces of the DC motors were then estimated under static phases for horizontal and vertical orientations of the pipeline. Experiments were then conducted on the prototype where the peak results of static force analysis for a given pipe diameter were set as threshold limits to attain static phases inside a test pipeline. The real-time actuator forces were estimated in experiments for similar orientations of the pipeline of static force models and they were found to be higher when compared to the numerical model.
Comparing Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI Imagery for Monitoring Selective Logging in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Lima Thaís Almeida , Beuchle René , Langner Andreas , Grecchi Rosana Cristina , Griess Verena C. , Achard Frédéric
Published: April 2019

Imagery from medium resolution satellites, such as Landsat, have long been used to map forest disturbances in the tropics. However, the Landsat spatial resolution (30 m) has often been considered too coarse for reliably mapping small-scale selective logging. Imagery from the recently launched Sentinel-2 sensor, with a resampled 10 m spatial resolution, may improve the detection of forest disturbances. This study compared the performance of Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 data for the detection of selective logging in an area located in the Brazilian Amazon. Logging impacts in seven areas, which had governmental authorization for harvesting timber, were mapped by calculating the difference of a self-referenced normalized burn ratio (ΔrNBR) index over corresponding time periods (2016–2017) for imagery of both satellite sensors. A robust reference dataset was built using both high- and very-high-resolution imagery. It was used to define optimum ΔrNBR thresholds for forest disturbance maps, via a bootstrapping procedure, and for estimating accuracies and areas. A further assessment of our approach was also performed in three unlogged areas. Additionally, field data regarding logging infrastructure were collected in the seven study sites where logging occurred. Both satellites showed the same performance in terms of accuracy, with area-adjusted overall accuracies of 96.7% and 95.7% for Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8, respectively. However, Landsat 8 mapped 36.9% more area of selective logging compared to Sentinel-2 data. Logging infrastructure was better detected from Sentinel-2 (43.2%) than Landsat 8 (35.5%) data, confirming its potential for mapping small-scale logging. We assessed the impacted area by selective logging with a regular 300 m × 300 m grid over the pixel-based results, leading to 1143 ha and 1197 ha of disturbed forest on Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 data, respectively. No substantial differences in terms of accuracy were found by adding three unlogged areas to the original seven study sites.
Spectral-Spatial Attention Networks for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Mei Xiaoguang , Pan Erting , Ma Yong , Dai Xiaobing , Huang Jun , Fan Fan , Du Qinglei , Zheng Hong , Ma Jiayi
Published: April 2019

Many deep learning models, such as convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN), have been successfully applied to extracting deep features for hyperspectral tasks. Hyperspectral image classification allows distinguishing the characterization of land covers by utilizing their abundant information. Motivated by the attention mechanism of the human visual system, in this study, we propose a spectral-spatial attention network for hyperspectral image classification. In our method, RNN with attention can learn inner spectral correlations within a continuous spectrum, while CNN with attention is designed to focus on saliency features and spatial relevance between neighboring pixels in the spatial dimension. Experimental results demonstrate that our method can fully utilize the spectral and spatial information to obtain competitive performance.
Heat and Drought Stress Advanced Global Wheat Harvest Timing from 1981–2014
Authors: Ren Shilong , Qin Qiming , Ren Huazhong , Sui Juan , Zhang Yao
Published: April 2019

Studying wheat phenology can greatly enhance our understanding of how wheat growth responds to climate change, and guide us to reasonably confront its influence. However, comprehensive global-scale wheat phenology–climate analysis is still lacking. In this study, we extracted the wheat harvest date (WHD) from 1981–2014 from satellite data using threshold-, logistic-, and shape-based methods. Then, we analyzed the effects of heat and drought stress on WHD based on gridded daily temperature and monthly drought data (the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI)) over global wheat-growing areas. The results show that WHD was generally delayed from the low to mid latitudes. With respect to variation trends, we detected a significant advancement of WHD in 32.1% of the world’s wheat-growing areas since 1981, with an average changing rate of −0.25 days/yr. A significant negative correlation was identified between WHD and the prior three months’ normal-growing-degree-days across 50.4% of the study region, which implies that greater preseason effective temperature accumulation may cause WHD to occur earlier. Meanwhile, WHD was also found to be significantly and negatively correlated with the prior three months’ extreme-growing-degree-days across only 9.6% of the study region (mainly located in northern South Asia and north Central-West Asia). The effects of extreme heat stress were weaker than those of normal thermal conditions. When extreme drought (measured by PDSI/SPEI) occurred in the current month, in the month prior to WHD, and in the second month prior to WHD, it forced WHD to advance by about 9.0/8.1 days, 13.8/12.2 days, and 10.8/5.3 days compared to normal conditions, respectively. In conclusion, we highlight the effects that heat and drought stress have on advancing wheat harvest timing, which should be a research focus under future climate change.
Determination of Bathing Water Quality Using Thermal Images Landsat 8 on the West Coast of Tangier: Preliminary Results
Authors: Cherif El Khalil , Salmoun Farida , Mesas-Carrascosa Francisco Javier
Published: April 2019

Bathing water quality has been monitored in the west coast of Tangier, Morocco due to increased urban and industrial discharge through the Boukhalef river, using in-situ bacteriological measurements which demand high economical and temporal costs. In this study, Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) images were used as an alternative to the classical method, for determining bathing water quality to help decision makers obtain up-to-date and cost-effective information for coastal environment protection. For this purpose, during spring and summer 2017, seven sampling points were examined in terms of bacteriological parameters: Total Coliforms (TC), Faecal Coliforms (FC), Intestinal Enterococci (IE) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Also, a spatial-temporal analysis was performed in this temporal window to detect temperature anomalies and their spatial distribution along the coastal bathing area. In addition, a relationship between in-situ bacteriological parameter measurements and temperature from satellite images was analyzed. The results of the water temperature distribution showed the highest values next to the Boukhalef river mouth, as well as the poorest water quality according to in-situ measurements, while lower values and better water quality status were observed moving away from the Boukhalef river mouth. The relationship between water temperature and bacterial concentration showed a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.85). Consequently, the model development approaches used may be useful in estimating bacterial concentration in coastal bathing areas and can serve to create a monitoring system to support decision makers in the protection actions of the coast.
New Equivalence Tests for Approximate Independence in Contingency Tables
Authors: Ostrovski Vladimir
Published: April 2019

We introduce new equivalence tests for approximate independence in two-way contingency tables. The critical values are calculated asymptotically. The finite sample performance of the tests is improved by means of the bootstrap. An estimator of boundary points is developed to make the bootstrap based tests statistically efficient and computationally feasible. We compare the performance of the proposed tests for different table sizes by simulation. Then we apply the tests to real data sets.
Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities for Sustainable Innovation: The Case of the Green Plastic Project
Authors: Beuter Júnior Nelson , Faccin Kadígia , Volkmer Martins Bibiana , Balestrin Alsones
Published: April 2019

A large number of recent studies show that sustainable innovation requires specific and new dynamic capabilities related to a new form of collaboration with suppliers, customers, research institutes and other related partners. These sources and external knowledges and competences require new skills in managing relationships and knowledge integration. Considering this gap, the purpose of this paper is to identify how knowledge-based dynamic capabilities (KBDCs) influence the process of developing sustainable innovations. To meet this objective, we use a procedural approach from the reconstruction of the green plastic project, in its R&D trajectory, from retrospective interviews and secondary data. Our results point to a set of practices (microfoundations) essential in the development process of sustainable innovations. We also identify the changes experienced in the knowledge capabilities of the company throughout the development of the project; this component provides the originality of this paper.
Unidirectional Rubber-Toughened Green Composites Based on PHBV
Authors: Zaidi Zain , Crosky Alan
Published: April 2019

The large-scale entry of bio-based polymers, such as poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), in applications commonly occupied by petroleum-based plastics is heavily limited by their poorer mechanical properties, thus, hindering efforts to reduce harmful plastic waste. Prior work to improve these properties has involved short natural fibre reinforcements, which do not produce substantial improvements. In this work, PHBV was simultaneously reinforced with unidirectional flax and toughened with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) or epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) to produce well-rounded composites. Toughened unidirectional composites were prepared by cryogenic grinding, powder layup and compression moulding. Unidirectional flax addition resulted in 4-fold increases in tensile properties, 3-fold increases in flexural properties and 20-fold increases in impact properties, whilst producing minimal change in the thermal properties. PBAT and ENR phases appeared well bonded to the PHBV within the composite. The addition of PBAT did not cause any significant changes in thermal or mechanical properties. The addition of ENR, however, reduced the tensile modulus and the flexural properties but produced a significant increase in impact strength, attributed to the coarse particle size of ENR. Unidirectional flax reinforcement of PHBV widens the scope of application of PHBV considerably where mechanical properties are of concern, while ENR has significant potential as a bio-based toughening agent for biocomposites.
Research on the Multi-Objective Cooperative Competition Mechanism of Jinsha River Downstream Cascade Reservoirs during the Flood Season Based on Optimized NSGA-III
Authors: Ni Xiaokuan , Dong Zengchuan , Xie Wei , Jia Wenhao , Duan Changgui , Yao Hongyi
Published: April 2019

This paper analyzes the complex relationship among flood control, power generation and ecological maintenance for the four cascade reservoirs located on the lower reaches of the Jinsha River, China. A weighted flood control index is incorporated and a constraining method consisting of the combination of a constrained corridor and a penalty function is proposed. A comprehensive utilization model is established in this paper based on the objectives of flood prevention, power generation, and ecological maintenance of the downstream cascade reservoir group of the Jinsha River during flood season. In addition, based on the coalescent selection of reference points and vector angles, an optimized non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (VA-NSGA-III) is proposed. The algorithm is applied to the constructed model to define the cooperative competition mechanisms among these three targets, resulting in a set of non-inferior scheduling schemes with more uniformity and better convergence acquired with VA-NSGA-III. The scheduling program shows that there is a non-linear competitive relationship between the power generation and ecological effects of the cascade reservoirs during flood season, and the competitiveness weakens as the power generation increases. Furthermore, when the flood control is at low risk, there exists a complex coupling relationship between competition and coordination of the flood control, power generation, and ecological maintenance. While the risk appears high, there is a competitive relationship between flood control and power generation, with flood control being in synergy with ecological maintenance.
The Patient-Held Active Record of Medication Status (PHARMS) study: a mixed-methods feasibility analysis
Authors: Walsh Elaine K , Sahm Laura J , Bradley Colin P , Dalton Kieran , O’Sullivan Kathleen , McCarthy Stephen , Connolly Eimear , Fitzgerald Ciara , Smithson William H , Kerins David , Byrne Derina , Kearney Patricia M
Published: April 2019

Background

Medication errors frequently occur as patients transition between hospital and the community, and may result in patient harm. Novel methods are required to address this issue.

Aim

To assess the feasibility of introducing an electronic patient-held active record of medication status device (PHARMS) at the primary–secondary care interface at the time of hospital discharge.

Design and setting

A mixed-methods study (non-randomised controlled intervention, and a process evaluation of qualitative interviews and non-participant observation) among patients >60 years in an urban hospital and general practices in Cork, Ireland.

Method

The number and clinical significance of errors were compared between discharge prescriptions of the intervention (issued with a PHARMS device) and control (usual care, handwritten discharge prescription) groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, junior doctors, GPs, and IT professionals, in addition to direct observation of the implementation process.

Results

In all, 102 patients were included in the final analysis (intervention n = 41, control n = 61). Total error number was lower in the intervention group (median 1, interquartile range [IQR] 0–3) than in the control group (median 8, IQR (4–13.5, P<0.001), with the clinical significance score in the intervention group also being lower than the control group (median 2, IQR 0–4 versus median 11, IQR 5–20, P<0.001). The PHARMS device was found to be technically implementable using existing information technology infrastructure, and acceptable to all key stakeholders.

Conclusion

The results suggest that using PHARMS devices within existing systems in general practice and hospitals is feasible and acceptable to both patients and doctors, and may reduce medication error.
РЕЛІГІЙНА ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ В УСТАНОВАХ ВИКОНАННЯ ПОКАРАНЬ: БЛАГОЧИННІСТЬ, ДУХОВНА ПІДТРИМКА ТА КРОК ЗАСУДЖЕНИХ НА ШЛЯХУ ДО РЕСОЦІАЛІЗАЦІЇ
Authors: Пальченкова В.
Published: April 2019

У статті на основі статистичних даних проаналізовано стан релігійності засуджених в установах кримінально-виконавчої системи України порівняно з рівнем релігійності українського суспільства. Показано перспективні та найбільш важливі напрями реформаторських змін при реалізації права засуджених на свободу совісті в установах виконання покарань, зокрема можливі наслідки розширення правового статусу тюремного капелана.
Teaching Politeness Strategies
Authors: Petrovska Irina
Published: April 2019

This paper deals with the politeness strategies potential in subject specific fields and highlights the role of learning politeness strategies as a powerful cognitive tool fundamental to further enhancing the second language learner’s ability to cope with this specialized verbal characteristic in hospitality industry discourse. The paper explores the close interplay between social (extra-linguistic) and structural (linguistic) factors shaping the linguistic idiosyncrasies of English and Macedonian politeness strategies in hospitality industry discourse.

It has been argued that the awareness of cross-cultural differences concerning politeness strategies may be exploited as a valuable teaching resource for classroom interaction.
Detecting Intrusions in Cyber-Physical Systems of Smart Cities
Authors: Butun Ismail , Österberg Patrik
Published: April 2019

Interfacing the smart cities with cyber-physical systems (CPSs) improves cyber infrastructures while introducing security vulnerabilities that may lead to severe problems such as system failure, privacy violation, and/or issues related to data integrity if security and privacy are not addressed properly. In order for the CPSs of smart cities to be designed with proactive intelligence against such vulnerabilities, anomaly detection approaches need to be employed. This chapter will provide a brief overview of the security vulnerabilities in CPSs of smart cities. Following a thorough discussion on the applicability of conventional anomaly detection schemes in CPSs of smart cities, possible adoption of distributed anomaly detection systems by CPSs of smart cities will be discussed along with a comprehensive survey of the state of the art. The chapter will discuss challenges in tailoring appropriate anomaly detection schemes for CPSs of smart cities and provide insights into future directions for the researchers working in this field.
Threats and Security Issues in Smart City Devices
Authors: Jayapandian N.
Published: April 2019

The main objective of this chapter is to discuss various security and privacy issues in smart cities. The development of smart cities involves both the private and public sectors. The theoretical background is also discussed in future growth of smart city devices. Thus, the literature survey part discusses different smart devices and their working principle is elaborated. Cyber security and internet security play a major role in smart cities. The primary solution of smart city security issues is to find some encryption methods. The symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithm is analyzed and given some comparative statement. The final section discusses some possible ways to solve smart city security issues. This chapter showcases the security issues and solutions for smart city devices.
A Study on Conflict-Related Migrations Within the Context of Public Policy
Authors: Yemen Öcal Aysun
Published: April 2019

The aims of the chapter are to explore how migration as a result of wars affects Turkey's public policymaking processes and to put forward the current situation in this regard. First, there will be focus on concepts such as the causes of war and wars, the phenomenon of migration, and the relationship between migration and wars. Then, in the theoretical level, major concepts such as public policy and public policy making process will be discussed. Finally, Turkey's digital media reports published on the migration experienced in neighboring countries and public policies related to migration will be examined. Public policies, particularly policies on migration, to put forward Turkey's current situation, assessment of the target situation, which should be in fact and understanding of social transformation are thought to be important steps in terms of establishing a model for other countries.