bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random-Noise Denoising and Clutter Elimination of Human Respiration Movements Based on an Improved Time Window Selection Algorithm Using Wavelet Transform
Authors: Shikhsarmast Farnaz Mahmoudi , Lyu Tingting , Liang Xiaolin , Zhang Hao , Gulliver Thomas Aaron
Published: December 2018

This paper considers vital signs (VS) such as respiration movement detection of human subjects using an impulse ultra-wideband (UWB) through-wall radar with an improved sensing algorithm for random-noise de-noising and clutter elimination. One filter is used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of these VS signals. Using the wavelet packet decomposition, the standard deviation based spectral kurtosis is employed to analyze the signal characteristics to provide the distance estimate between the radar and human subject. The data size is reduced based on a defined region of interest (ROI), and this improves the system efficiency. The respiration frequency is estimated using a multiple time window selection algorithm. Experimental results are presented which illustrate the efficacy and reliability of this method. The proposed method is shown to provide better VS estimation than existing techniques in the literature.
A Sensing Peak Identification Method for Fiber Extrinsic Fabry–Perot Interferometric Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Yang Bowen , Yang Biyao , Zhang Ji , Yin Yiheng , Niu Yanxiong , Ding Ming
Published: December 2018

A novel sensing peak identification method for high accuracy refractive index (RI) sensing is proposed. The implementation takes the intensity of interference maximum as the characteristic to distinguish interference peaks, tracking the sensing peak continually during a RI changes, with high measurement accuracy and simple computation. To verify the effect of the method, the extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer (EFPI) sensor has been fabricated using the large lateral offset splicing technique. In the RI range from 1.346 to 1.388, the measurement range of the EFPI with the proposed method reaches at least 6 times larger than that of EFPI with the wavelength tracking method and the largest measurement error is −4.47 × 10−4. The EFPI refractive index (RI) sensor identified the sensing peak is believed to play an important role in RI, concentration and density sensing, etc., for superior performance.
Distributed Optimal Random Access Scheme for Energy Harvesting Devices in Satellite Communication Networks
Authors: Li Pengxu , Cui Gaofeng , Wang Weidong
Published: December 2018

This paper considers satellite communication networks where each satellite terminal is equipped with energy harvesting (EH) devices to supply energy continuously, and randomly transmits bursty packets to a geostationary satellite over a shared wireless channel. Packet replicas combined with a successive iteration cancellation scheme can reduce the negative impact of packet collisions but consume more energy. Hence, appropriate energy management policies are required to mitigate the adverse effect of energy outages. Although centralized access schemes can provide better performance on the networks’ throughput, they expend extra signallings to allocate the resources, which leads to non-negligible communication latencies, especially for the satellite communication networks. In order to reduce the communication overhead and delay, a distributed random access (RA) scheme considering the energy constraints is studied. Each EH satellite terminal (EH-ST) decides whether to transmit the packet and how many replicas are transmitted according to its local energy and EH rates to maximize the average long-term network throughput. Owing to the nonconvexity of this problem, we adopted a game theoretic method to approximate the optimal solution. By forcing all the EH-STs to employ the same policy, we characterized and proved the existence and uniqueness of the symmetric Nash equilibrium (NE) of the game. Moreover, an efficient algorithm is proposed to calculate the symmetric NE by combining a policy iteration algorithm and the bisection method. The performance of the proposed RA scheme was investigated via numerous simulations. Simulation results showed that the proposed RA scheme is applicable to the EH devices in the future low-cost interactive satellite communication system.
Pre-Bed Casein Protein Supplementation Does Not Enhance Acute Functional Recovery in Physically Active Males and Females When Exercise is Performed in the Morning
Authors: Apweiler Eva , Wallace David , Stansfield Sarah , Allerton Dean M. , Brown Meghan A. , Stevenson Emma J. , Clifford Tom
Published: December 2018

This study examined whether consuming casein protein (CP) pre-sleep could accelerate acute recovery following muscle-damaging exercise. Thirty-nine active males and females performed 100 drop jumps in the morning, consumed their habitual diet during the day, and then within 30 min pre-bed consumed either ~40 g of CP (n = 19) or ~40 g of a carbohydrate-only control (CON) (n = 20). Maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVC), countermovement jumps (CMJ), pressure-pain threshold (PPT), subjective muscle soreness and the brief assessment of mood adapted (BAM+) were measured pre, 24 and 48 h following the drop jumps. MIVC decreased in CP and CON post-exercise, peaking at 24 h post (CP: −8.5 ± 3.5 vs. CON: −13.0 ± 2.9%, respectively); however, no between-group differences were observed (p = 0.486; ηp2 =0.02). There were also no group differences in the recovery of CMJ height, PPT and BAM+ (p > 0.05). Subjective muscle soreness increased post-exercise, but no group differences were present at 24 h (CP: 92 ± 31 mm vs. CON: 90 ± 46 mm) or 48 h (CP: 90 ± 44 mm vs. CON: 80 ± 58 mm) (p > 0.05). These data suggest that pre-bed supplementation with ~40 g of CP is no more beneficial than CON for accelerating the recovery following muscle-damaging exercise.
Different Pathways Leading up to the Same Futsal Competition: Individual and Inter-Team Variability in Loading Patterns and Preseason Training Adaptations
Authors: Teixeira Anderson , Nunes Renan , Yanci Javier , Izzicupo Pascal , Forner Flores Lucinar , Romano João , Guglielmo Luiz , Nakamura Fabio
Published: December 2018

During the preseason, futsal players deal with large internal load, which may result in a reduction in physical performance. The aims of this study were to compare the session rating of perceived exertion training load (s-RPE TL) during the preseason between two teams; and to analyze the changes on the delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), aerobic- and speed-power characteristics in players accumulating different s-RPE TL (Low (LTL) vs. High (HTL)). Twenty-eight players (Team A, n = 15; Team B, n = 13) were recruited. The s-RPE TL was monitored throughout the preseason phase (five weeks) in both teams. The coaches of each team planned the activities that comprised their training programs, without any interference from the researchers. Team A evaluated countermovement jumps (CMJ) and DOMS weekly. Team B performed squat jumps (SJ), CMJ, 5 m and 15 m sprints, and a futsal intermittent endurance test (PVFIET) before and after the preseason. Team B accumulated an almost-certainly greater s-RPE TL than Team A. In Team A, the CMJ height was likely to almost certainly improved for the HTL group from week 3. In Team B, the 5 m and 15 m sprint likely decreased after the preseason. Changes in 5 m (r = −0.61) and 15 m (r = −0.56) were correlated with total s-RPE TL. Changes in PVFIET were positively associated with changes in sprint, but inversely related to the baseline. s-RPE TL differed between both teams, and substantial gains in neuromuscular performance were observed for the HTL group in Team A. Slower and faster players in Team B showed distinct intermittent-endurance and speed adaptive responses during the high-volume preseason.
Simulation of Regulation Policies for Fertilizer and Pesticide Reduction in Arable Land Based on Farmers’ Behavior—Using Jiangxi Province as an Example
Authors: Liu Guiying , Xie Hualin
Published: December 2018

A multi-agent model for the simulation of arable land management based on the complex adaptive system theory and a Swarm platform was constructed. An empirical application of the model was carried out to investigate the pollution of arable land in Jiangxi Province. Two sets of policies—a fertilizer tax and an ecological compensation scheme—were designed and simulated, and the analysis focused on the control of polluting inputs, mainly chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The environmental effects of each policy were evaluated by simulating farmers’ self-adaptive behaviours in response to the policy in the artificial village of the model. The results showed the following: (1) Both the fertilizer tax policy and the ecological compensation policy somewhat alleviated the negative impact of input factors, such as fertilizers and pesticides, on arable land; (2) if the fertilizer tax policy is implemented, the medium tax rate scheme should be given priority—the effect does not necessarily improve as the tax rate increases, and a high-tax policy will threaten food security in the long term; and (3) if an ecological compensation policy is implemented, high-government-compensation scenarios are better than low-government-compensation scenarios, and the differential-government-compensation scenario is better than the equal-government-compensation scenario, and the differential-government-compensation scenario can lighten the burden on the government.
Performance Evaluation of a Water Seed Drill
Authors: Noor Rana Shahzad , Wang Zhi , Umair Muhammad , Ameen Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Sun Yong
Published: December 2018

Water content plays a crucial role in seed development, particularly at the seed sowing stage, and it ensures good seed germination. A water seed drill was designed and developed to provide an optimum quantity of water that is required for the soil in the same furrow, right after seed placement. This soil moistening method not only improves the moisture level in the field, but it also saves a large amount of water by applying the needed water quantity in the line of sowing after seed placement. The water seed drill consisted of a wheat seed drill, a water application system, and a tank with 400 L capacity. The water seed drill yielded a 48% higher germination count than when wheat is planted through a conventional method. The data recorded also showed that the water seed drill raised the soil moisture to 24% from the existing 13% soil moisture content. The total operational cost of the water seed drill was 2.57-fold greater than the conventional seed drill, but the output cost of the water seed drill was 2.15 times (49,000 Rs/ha) more than that of the conventional seed drill.
A Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Urban Parkland Expansion in China and Practical Implications to Enhance Urban Sustainability
Authors: Luo Wenbin , Su Mingming
Published: December 2018

In response to serious environmental and socio-cultural challenges brought about by fast urbanization, the concept of a sustainable city emphasizes the quality of life of urban residents, assuring the importance of parkland provision in urban development. Despite China’s fast urban expansion in recent decades, scant attention has been paid to the development pattern of urban parkland in China and its implications toward urban sustainability. Engaging official data from government sources, this study conducted a spatial-temporal analysis of urban parkland in China. Results support the overall fast increase of urban parkland provision in China with a clear regional disparity. Moreover, the shift of development momentum from the east to the west has been identified in the recent decade. The status of economic development, the progress of urbanization, and the level of urban development investments are identified as key influential factors influencing the temporal changes of urban parkland in China. With the increasing demand for urban parkland and its important role in ensuring urban sustainability, recommendations to improve urban park development in China are proposed, including integrating urban parkland in urban land use management with specific planning guidelines, establishing a dynamic urban parkland monitoring system, incorporating both national and regional policy frameworks catering for both national standards and regional preferences, and shifting urban development investments with more emphasis on urban maintenance expenditure.
Toward Sustainable Development? A Bibliometric Analysis of PPP-Related Policies in China between 1980 and 2017
Authors: Chen Cheng , Li Dan , Man Caixia
Published: December 2018

This article aims to fill the void in the literature regarding the sustainable development of public–private partnerships (PPPs) by answering the following research questions: (1) Between 1980 and 2017, what were the PPP-related policy priorities in the three different historical phases of the Chinese national agenda that we have identified herein? (2) Have the PPP-related policies shown a pattern of moving toward sustainable development, and if so, to what extent? Against a criteria framework of evaluating how PPP-related policies could contribute to sustainable development, this article conducted a quantitative bibliometric analysis of 299 PPP-related policy documents issued by the Chinese central government between 1980 and 2017. By visualizing the networks of policy keywords and policy-issuing departments, this article identified the PPP-related policy priorities in the following three distinct historical phases: Phase I (1980–1997), the encouragement of foreign investment in the public infrastructure; Phase II (1998–2008), the encouragement of the marketization of the urban public utilities; and Phase III (2009–2017), the intensive institutionalization and extensive application of PPPs for solving the local debt problem. Corresponding to the abovementioned policy priorities, this article found that the pattern of PPP-related policies has shifted from the total absence of sustainable development policies in Phase I, to a few sustainable development policy attempts in Phase II, and finally, to a tendency toward policies favoring sustainable development in Phase III.
3D Virtual Itinerary in the Geological Heritage from Natural Areas in Salamanca-Ávila-Cáceres, Spain
Authors: Martínez-Graña Antonio Miguel , Goy José Luis , González-Delgado José Ángel , Cruz Raquel , Sanz Juana , Cimarra Carmen , De Bustamante Irene
Published: December 2018

From a large database generated from the geological heritage of more than 100 geosites in four natural areas of Salamanca, Ávila, and Cáceres provinces (Spain), the 13 most representative sites were selected, and their scientific, educational, and tourist/cultural interest values were determined. The natural park of Batuecas-Sierra de Francia-Candelario presents the highest values and is followed by the natural park of Arribes del Duero. Using geomatic tools, digital information was compiled from different thematic layers, and, together with photographs, diagrams, and descriptive cards, was incorporated to produce didactic resources. By interacting with digital information using the free Google Earth platform, 3D virtual flights, which can be followed in real time, were established and implemented in different formats (mpeg, avi, wma, etc.). These are reproducible in different multimedia systems, which increases the possibility of educational and tourism use by broad layers of the population. Therefore, this favors the sustainable development of the area.
Evaluation of Cleaner Production for Gold Mines Employing a Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach
Authors: Liang Weizhang , Luo Suizhi , Zhao Guoyan
Published: December 2018

Implementing cleaner production (CP) is effective to resolve the contradiction between economic growth and environmental crisis. To avoid destroying the ecological environment in the exploitation process of mineral resources, CP has been developed in many gold mines to achieve the goal of sustainable development. Thus, this paper aims to propose a favorable approach to assess CP for gold mines. First, according to the specific characteristics of gold mines, an evaluation criteria system of CP is established. Meanwhile, considering the diversity of evaluation information, crisp numbers and probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are adopted to indicate the quantitative and qualitative information, respectively. Subsequently, a modified experts grading method based on PLTSs is proposed to calculate the sub-criteria weights’ values. Following this, an extended Tomada de Decisão Interativa Multicritério (TODIM) method with hybrid evaluation values is presented to obtain the ranking order. Finally, the hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach is applied to a case of assessing CP for gold mines to demonstrate its feasibility. Furthermore, the robustness and advantages of this approach are justified by sensitivity and comparison analyses. The results show that the proposed approach is feasible to solve such kinds of evaluation problems with hybrid decision making information and can provide some managerial suggestions for government and enterprises.
How does the Built Environment Influence Public Transit Choice in Urban Villages in China?
Authors: Yu Le , Xie Binglei , Chan Edwin H. W.
Published: December 2018

With growing traffic congestion and environmental issues, the interactions between travel behaviour and the built environment have drawn attention from researchers and policymakers to take effective measures to encourage more sustainable travel modes and to curb car trips, especially in urbanising areas where travel demand is very complicated. This paper presents how built environmental factors affect public transit choice behaviour in urban villages in China, where a large population of low-income workers are accommodated. This location had a high demand for public transit and special built environmental characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to examine both the determinants and magnitude of their influence. The results indicate that the impacts of built environments apply particularly in urban villages compared to those in formal residences. In particular, mixed land use generates an adverse effect on public transit choice, a surprising outcome which is contrary to previous common conclusions. This study contributes by addressing a special type of neighbourhood in order to narrow down the research gap in this domain. The findings help to suggest effective measures to satisfy public transit demand efficiently and also provide a new perspective for urban regeneration.
Exploring Marine Environments for the Identification of Extremophiles and Their Enzymes for Sustainable and Green Bioprocesses
Authors: Di Donato Paola , Buono Andrea , Poli Annarita , Finore Ilaria , Abbamondi Gennaro Roberto , Nicolaus Barbara , Lama Licia
Published: December 2018

Sea environments harbor a wide variety of life forms that have adapted to live in hard and sometimes extreme conditions. Among the marine living organisms, extremophiles represent a group of microorganisms that attract increasing interest in relation to their ability to produce an array of molecules that enable them to thrive in almost every marine environment. Extremophiles can be found in virtually every extreme environment on Earth, since they can tolerate very harsh environmental conditions in terms of temperature, pH, pressure, radiation, etc. Marine extremophiles are the focus of growing interest in relation to their ability to produce biotechnologically useful enzymes, the so-called extremozymes. Thanks to their resistance to temperature, pH, salt, and pollutants, marine extremozymes are promising biocatalysts for new and sustainable industrial processes, thus representing an opportunity for several biotechnological applications. Since the marine microbioma, i.e., the complex of microorganisms living in sea environments, is still largely unexplored finding new species is a central issue for green biotechnology. Here we described the main marine environments where extremophiles can be found, some existing or potential biotechnological applications of marine extremozymes for biofuels production and bioremediation, and some possible approaches for the search of new biotechnologically useful species from marine environments.
Optimal Maintenance Decision Method for Urban Gas Pipelines Based on as Low as Reasonably Practicable Principle
Authors: Zhang Peng , Qin Guojin , Wang Yihuan
Published: December 2018

In the transportation process of urban gas pipelines, there are various uncontrollable risks and uncertainties possibly leading to the failure of gas pipelines and thereby serious consequences, such as city gas shutdown, nearby casualties, and environmental pollution. To avoid these hazards, numerous studies have been performed in identifying and evaluating the occurrence of risks and uncertainties to pipelines. However, discussions on risk reduction and other maintenance work are scarce; therefore, a scientific method to guide decision making is non-existent, thereby resulting in excessive investment in maintenance and reduced maintenance cost of other infrastructures. Therefore, the as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) principle combined with optimization theory is used to discuss pipeline maintenance decision-making methods in unacceptable regions and ALARP regions. This paper focuses on the analysis of pipeline risk reduction in the ALARP region and proposes three optimization decision models. The case study shows that maintenance decision making should consider the comprehensive impact of maintenance cost to reduce risk and loss cost caused by pipeline failure, and that the further cost–benefit analysis of measures should be performed. The proposed pipeline maintenance decision-making method is an economical method for pipeline operators to make risk decisions under the premise of pipeline safety, which can improve the effectiveness of the use of maintenance resources.
Astrophysical Sites that Can Produce Enantiomeric Amino Acids
Authors: Famiano Michael , Boyd Richard , Kajino Toshitaka , Onaka Takashi , Mo Yirong
Published: December 2018

Recent work has produced theoretical evidence for two sites, colliding neutron stars and neutron-star–Wolf–Rayet binary systems, which might produce amino acids with the left-handed chirality preference found in meteorites. The Supernova Neutrino Amino Acid Processing (SNAAP) model uses electron antineutrinos and the magnetic field from source objects such as neutron stars to preferentially destroy one enantiomer over another. Large enantiomeric excesses are predicted for isovaline and alanine; although based on an earlier study, similar results are expected for the others. Isotopic abundances of 13 C and 15 O in meteorites provide a new test of the SNAAP model. This presents implications for the origins of life.
A Coupled Model for Simulating Water and Heat Transfer in Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum with Crop Growth
Authors: Yang Weicai , Mao Xiaomin , Yang Jian , Ji Mengmeng , Adeloye Adebayo J.
Published: December 2018

Crop growth is influenced by the energy partition and water–heat transfer in the soil and canopy, while crop growth affects the land surface energy distribution and soil water-heat dynamics. In order to simulate the above processes and their interactions, a new model, named CropSPAC, was developed considering both the growth of winter wheat and the water–heat transfer in Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum (SPAC). In CropSPAC, the crop module depicts the dynamic changes of leaf area index (LAI), crop height, and the root distribution and outputs them to the SPAC module, while the latter outputs soil moisture conditions for the crop module. CropSPAC was calibrated and validated by field experiment of winter wheat in Yongledian, Beijing, with five levels of irrigation treatments, namely W0 (0 mm), W1 (60 mm), W2 (110 mm), W3 (170 mm), and W4 (230 mm). Results show that CropSPAC could predict the soil water and temperature distribution, and winter wheat growth with acceptable accuracy. For example, for the 0–1 m soil water storage, the R2 for W0, W1, W2, W3, and W4 is 0.90, 0.88, 0.90, 0.91, and 0.79, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is 17.24 mm, 27.65 mm, 20.47 mm, 22.35 mm, and 12.88 mm, respectively. For soil temperature along the soil profile, the R2 ranges between 0.96 and 0.98, and the RMSE between 1.22 °C and 1.94 °C. For LAI, the R2 varied from 0.76 to 0.96, and the RMSE from 0.52 to 0.67. We further compared the simulation results by CropSPAC and its two detached modules, i.e., crop and the SPAC modules. Results demonstrate that the coupled model could better reflect the interactions between crop growth and soil moisture condition, more suitable to be used under deficit irrigation conditions.
An Applied Destination Resilience Model
Authors: Basurto-Cedeño Estefania M. , Pennington-Gray Lori
Published: December 2018

Destinations around the world are adopting a resilience framework to deal with the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters affecting the tourism industry. However, agreed upon measures and models of resilience by the tourism industry have yet to be determined. This article proposes
a scalable resilience model for tourism destinations, extending the application of the Regional Tourism Adaptation Framework (RTAF) to diverse types of risks and different size destinations. Specifically, it addresses gaps with the RTAF model and extends the model to address these gaps. As
such, the article uses theories from the resilience literature as well as knowledge about the tourism industry to build out a more scalable and generalizable model. It further discusses limitations of the model that need to be tested in future studies.
Consumption of Luxury Hotel Experience in Contemporary China: Causality Model for Conspicuous Consumption
Authors: Hung Kam
Published: December 2018

China plays a preeminent role in luxury consumption in the global arena. However, the antecedents, attributes, and outcomes of conspicuous consumption among the Chinese, as well as how such a consumption preference can influence hospitality practices, are not yet fully understood. This study intends to address these issues. Through the discussions of five focus groups that consist of 38 hospitalityrelated Chinese practitioners, this study debunks the myth of conspicuous consumption among the Chinese in general and hospitality settings by identifying the characteristics of experiential conspicuous consumption in hotels as well as those in general settings. This study also theoretically conceptualizes conspicuous consumption by proposing a causality model on the basis of research findings. The characteristics of experiential conspicuous consumption in hotels are aligned with those of general settings for clear understanding of such a behavior in Chinese society. Strategies for constructing conspicuous consumption experience in hotels are derived accordingly.
The Complementary Effect of National Park Fee Increases on Visitor Spending in Gateway Communities
Authors: Sage Jeremy , Nickerson Norma , Miller Zachary D. , Ocanas Alex , Thomsen Jennifer
Published: December 2018

In 2017, the US National Park Service faced a nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog. To address this backlog, they announced plans to increase entrance fees in 17 of the most visited parks. As fees are a component of the travel cost, we consider price change effects on demand for park entry. Demand for the 17 parks is shown to be inelastic. Recognizing that spending in gateway communities is complementary to national park visitation, we use Yellowstone National Park as a case study on entrance fee increase effects on gateway communities. We estimate a $3.4 million annual loss in gateway community spending by visitors as a result of reduced visitation by those visitors who choose not to purchase a 7-day pass. Acknowledging the diminishing effect of the fee increase on travel costs, we further explore alternative means of structuring fees based on examples of other countries.
Ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts with monodentate unsymmetrical NHC ligands
Authors: Paradiso Veronica , Costabile Chiara , Grisi Fabia
Published: December 2018

An overview on the catalytic properties of ruthenium complexes for olefin metathesis bearing monodentate unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic diaminocarbene ligands is provided. The non-symmetric nature of these NHC architectures strongly influences activity and selectivity of the resulting catalysts. The main achievements that have been accomplished in significant areas of olefin metathesis up to the current state of research are discussed.
PROBLEMS OF URBAN GREEN AREAS AND THEIR SOCIAL FUNCTION
Authors: Jakovlevas-Mateckis Konstantinas
Published: December 2018

The town is a complicated system the main components of which are the community and its environment. Therefore, town planning and formation of green area should be performed taking into consideration the community’s activities and needs. Favorable conditions must be created for people to live, work, study and rest. Solving these social tasks a great role falls on urban public areas and green areas. The town’s community, municipality and investors have to take an active part in solving this task. Urban green areas have to be formed systematically. In this system we can distinguish three groups of green areas which are very important for the community: a natural frame, green areas for territories of a general use (parks, town gardens, squares, etc), and green areas integrated into territories of various purposes (dwelling, industrial and commercial activities, learning, etc). They have to be planned and formed taking into account the activities and needs of the local community. The author’s analysis shows that there are a lot of gaps in this sphere. In order to eliminate its shortcomings, it is necessary to pass a law regulating urban green areas as soon as possible, and on this basis to prepare rules and normative standards for green area planning, paying a great attention to the social function of green areas.
TOWARDS CLASSIFICATION OF SACRAL ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Buivydas Rimantas , Jurevičienė Jūratė
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the method of scientific investigation of sacral architecture in the frontier region of Lithuania with Byelorussia and Poland. It also reveals the achieved results and highlights guidelines for future research. The investigation was supported by Lithuanian Science and Studies Foundation and completed in 2005.

The paper describes the established criteria of architectural evaluation and prepared digital database of the main sacral structures. The present work covers the analysed features: the interaction of confessional building traditions, the influence of professional architecture on local architecture, the peculiarities of territorial dispersion of sacral buildings.

Architectural and material composition, interaction of buildings with their environment and other sacral structures, symbolism and authenticity of 106 objects were investigated. The results of the investigation could be applied in recording of cultural properties and preparing of cultural heritage preservation projects.
STYLISTIC PRECONDITIONS FOR EVALUATING SOVIET ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Petrulis Vaidas
Published: December 2018

The paper analyses the Lithuanian architecture of the soviet period through the prism of stylistic development and history of architectural ideas. The main task of the work is to determine the heritage values of the soviet period from the point of view of architectural history. Before going into deeper analysis of separate stylistic aspects some key problems of the soviet time heritage evaluation are discussed. Particular attention is given to the need of separation of the soviet time architectural history from the political history as well as to the problem of integration of the soviet heritage into contemporary city life. Three main approaches on the architecture of the soviet period are pointed out: socialist realism, soviet industrial modernism and plurality of stylistic attitudes during the last decades of the soviet period. The paper follows an assumption that some characteristic buildings of each architectural outlook should be saved in order to have an example of authentic way of development in the Lithuanian architecture during the 20th century.
PECULIARITIES OF GENESIS, DEVELOPMENT AND VALUES OF HISTORIC SUBURBS IN LITHUANIAN TOWNS (KAUNAS, KLAIPĖDA, KĖDAINIAI)
Authors: Dijokienė Dalia
Published: December 2018

The object of investigation is the historic suburbs of Kaunas, Klaipėda and Kėdainiai. The investigation includes an analysis of the following urban structure elements of the suburbs: the network of streets; the structure of land holdings; the type of building–up of squares, streets and land holdings; complexes and ensembles of buildings; peculirities of natural setting; panoramas and silhouettes; compositional links with the old town’s kernel; urban and architectural pecularities of the studied historic suburbs preserved up to now. The investigation also provides the reasons of the genesis of the suburbs and a summarized description of their formation period, singles out factors that determined urban peculirities of the suburbs and sets out their types. The dispersion of the most valuable elements of the urban structure of the historic suburbs, that have preserved the highest number of authentic features, is illustrated.
LANDSCAPE ADAPTATION AND RECONSTRUCTION DURING KAUNAS FORTRESS CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Steponaitytė Nijolė
Published: December 2018

In spring of 2005 Kaunas city became a partner in the project “Baltic Fort Route“ of the program INTERREG IIIB BSR financed by the European Union. The aim of the project is preservation and effective adaptation of fortress territories for tourism. On the other hand, it should be observed that free land areas in Kaunas and around it are being intensively assimilated what may do damage to the defence objects of Kaunas Fortress and thus deteriorate their visual significance. The limits of landscape modifications should be clearly determined.

During the construction process of the Fortress the peculiarities of the geomorphological system and hydrographic net of Kaunas environs were well explored and considered. The whole landscape of Kaunas environs was reconstructed according to the needs of the Fortress.

The defence objects of the Fortress still have a great effect on the landscape of the city and its surrounding territories. Major part of the territories of the Fortress objects were turned into the areas of green plantation. According to the visual influence of the forts and fortifications on the environment, the mentioned objects may be divided into groups. The author presents proposals on the management of the defence objects and areas of green plantation of the Fortress that could provide for maximal possibilities in respecting their authentic view.
Monitoring riverine fish communities through eDNA metabarcoding: determining optimal sampling strategies along an altitudinal and biodiversity gradient
Authors: Bylemans Jonas , Gleeson Dianne M. , Lintermans Mark , Hardy Christopher M. , Beitzel Matthew , Gilligan Dean M. , Furlan Elise M.
Published: December 2018

Monitoring aquatic biodiversity through DNA extracted from environmental samples (eDNA) combined with high-throughput sequencing, commonly referred to as eDNA metabarcoding, is increasing in popularity within the scientific community. However, sampling strategies, laboratory protocols and analytical pipelines can influence the results of eDNA metabarcoding surveys. While the impact of laboratory protocols and analytical pipelines have been extensively studied, the importance of sampling strategies on eDNA metabarcoding surveys has not received the same attention. To avoid underestimating local biodiversity, adequate sampling strategies (i.e. sampling intensity and spatial sampling replication) need to be implemented. This study evaluated the impact of sampling strategies along an altitudinal and biodiversity gradient in the upper section of the Murrumbidgee River (Murray-Darling Basin, Australia). An eDNA metabarcoding survey was used to determine the local fish biodiversity and evaluate the influence of sampling intensity and spatial sampling replication on the biodiversity estimates. The results show that optimal eDNA sampling strategies varied between sites and indicate that river morphology, species richness and species abundance affect the optimal sampling intensity and spatial sampling replication needed to accurately assess the fish biodiversity. While the generality of the patterns will need to be confirmed through future studies, these findings provide a basis to guide future eDNA metabarcoding surveys in river systems.
Visian Collamer Phakic Intraocular Lens in High Myopic Asian Eyes
Authors: Chang John S , Meau Andy Y
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Implantable Collamer Lens (Visian), a phakic intraocular lens (PIOL), in the correction of high myopia in Asian eyes.

METHODS: This prospective study comprised 61 eyes in 40 Chinese patients with mean preoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction of -14.54±3.61 diopters (D) (range: -7.00 to -24.75 D) who underwent Visian PIOL implantation from May 2002 to December 2004. The anatomical differences between Asian and Caucasian eyes were compared.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 13.67±8.51 months (range: 1 to 32 months). Predictability of the manifest spherical equivalent refraction to within ±1.00 D was achieved in 88% of eyes and ±0.50 D in 72.5% of eyes. The mean postoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction was -0.10±0.74 D, with 97% of eyes maintaining or gaining ≥1 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). Two eyes lost 1 line of BSCVA. Retinal detachment developed in 1 eye 15 months after initial surgery. Because of the statistical differences in anterior chamber depth and white-to-white distance between Caucasian and Chinese eyes, the Visian PIOL size was more accurate if the calculation was modified so that 0.5 mm was added to the white-to-white measurement if the anterior chamber depth was ≤3.0 mm and 1.0 mm to the white-to-white measurement if the anterior chamber depth was >3.0 mm. Initial incorrect sizing using the original nomogram led to the only cataract in our series.

CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of the Visian PIOL for correcting moderate to high myopia in Asian eyes shows similar safety and efficacy to the FDA clinical trial of Caucasian eyes. Proper sizing of the Visian PIOL is important and differs slightly in Asian eyes. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:17-25.]
Surface Wave Elastometry of the Cornea in Porcine and Human Donor Eyes
Authors: Dupps William J , Netto Marcelo V , Herekar Satish , Here Ronald R
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To introduce a nondestructive technique for characterization of corneal stiffness, determine measurement precision, and investigate comparative stiffness values along central, radial, and circumferential vectors in porcine corneas. The effects of epithelial debridement, relaxing incisions, and crosslink-mediated stiffening on surface wave velocity are also studied.

METHODS: A handheld prototype system was used to measure ultrasound surface wave propagation time between two fixed-distance transducers along a ten-position map. Repeatability was assessed with replicate measurements in 6 porcine corneas. In 12 porcine globes with controlled intraocular pressure (IOP), serial measurements were performed before and after epithelial removal, then after 250- and 750-µm-deep relaxing incisions. In human globes with constant intravitreal pressure, central wave velocity and transcorneal IOP measurements were compared before and after collagen cross-linking.

RESULTS: Measurement repeatability across all regions was between 2.2% and 8.1%. Epithelial removal resulted in increases in measured stiffness in 67% of eyes, but statistical power was insufficient to detect a systematic change. Wave velocity across a central incision decreased significantly after 250-µm keratotomy (P<.001), but did not undergo a significant further decrease with deeper keratotomy. Meridional stiffness changes consistent with coupling effects were detected after keratotomy. Surface wave velocity and transcorneal IOP measurements increased markedly after collagen cross-linking despite maintenance of a constant IOP

CONCLUSIONS: Handheld corneal elastometry provides a repeatable measure of regional stiffness changes after relaxing incisions and collagen cross-linking in in vitro experiments. Surface wave elastometry allows focal assessment of corneal biomechanical properties that are relevant in refractive surgery, ectatic disease, and glaucoma. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:66-75.]
Corneal Hysteresis, Resistance Factor, Topography, and Pachymetry After Corneal Lamellar Flap
Authors: Gatinel Damien , Chaabouni Slim , Adam Pierre-Alexandre , Munck Jacques , Puech Michel , Hoang-Xuan Thanh
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To measure prospectively the early changes in corneal hysteresis, topography, and pachymetry after the creation of a stromal flap cut without laser photoablation.

METHODS: A 37-year-old man was referred for a bioptic procedure to correct for compound myopic astigmatism in the left eye. A 159-µm-thick 8×8.5-mm superior hinged flap was created with a mechanical microkeratome in the left cornea. Changes in the corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, Goldmann correlated intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal compensated IOP, anterior and posterior topography, and optical and ultrasound pachymetry were monitored prospectively before and at 1 hour, 1 day, 5 days, and 25 days after flap creation. The right eye served as a control.

RESULTS: In the left eye, corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor decreased immediately after the flap cut and remained lower than preoperatively at 1 hour, 1 day, 5 days, and 25 days. Corneal compensated IOP varied significantly less than Goldmann correlated IOP in both eyes. Central flattening of the horizontal meridians was observed on the difference topography maps. The values of the left eye posterior best fit sphere increased after the flap cut. Increased central corneal thickness occurred immediately after the flap cut and decreased over time without returning to its preoperative value.

CONCLUSIONS: The creation of a stromal flap can modify the biomechanical properties of the cornea, including a reduction in corneal hysteresis. The topographic changes were consistent with previously reported cases of flap cut in normal corneas. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:76-84.]
How Might Corneal Elasticity Help Us Understand Diabetes and Intraocular Pressure?
Authors: Krueger Ronald R , Ramos-Esteban Jerome C
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine how changes in corneal elasticity/stiffness might influence intraocular pressure (IOP) readings in diabetic patients.

METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to understand the conflicting relationship between diabetes, elevated IOP, and glaucoma progression.

RESULTS: Diabetic patients have been found to have statistically significant higher IOP readings in some population-based studies compared to non-diabetics. Insulin resistance states, hyperglycemia and glycosylated hemoglobin have been correlated with higher IOP (1 mmHg) measurements in diabetic patients. In the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS), a self reported history of diabetes was found to be protective against the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma. Small differences in IOP measurements in diabetic patients may be due to corneal stiffening, as demonstrated by the protective effect of glucose-mediated collagen cross-linking against the manifestation and keratometric progression of keratoconus. Different collagen cross-linking agents may induce different degrees of corneal stiffening, which can result in differences in measured IOP.

CONCLUSIONS: Glucose-mediated corneal stiffening due to collagen cross-linking might be responsible for IOP overestimation in diabetic patients. Corneal stiffening might explain why diabetic eyes tend to have higher IOP readings in large population-based studies and why those with ocular hypertension have a reduced risk for glaucoma progression. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:85-88.]
Corneal Ectasia After Hyperopic LASIK
Authors: Randleman J Bradley , Banning Christopher S , Stulting R Doyle
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report two cases of corneal ectasia, which developed after hyperopic LASIK.

METHODS: Preoperative pellucid marginal corneal degeneration was observed in patient 1. Patient 2 had no preoperative risk factors.

RESULTS: Patient 1, a 47-year-old man, developed corneal ectasia in his right eye 6 months after unilateral hyperopic LASIK. Preoperative manifest refraction was +2.00 +1.50 × 178 in the right eye and +1.00 sphere in the left eye. Corneal thickness was 585 µm and 575 µm (right and left eye, respectively). Preoperative topography of the right eye demonstrated inferior steepening in the far periphery, suggestive of early pellucid marginal corneal degeneration. Patient 2, a 35-year-old man, developed corneal ectasia in his right eye >3 years after bilateral LASIK. Preoperative manifest refraction was +2.50 sphere and +3.25 sphere (right and left eye, respectively), and corneal thickness was 556 µm in both eyes. Preoperative topography was normal in both eyes with no evidence of asymmetry, steepening, or irregularity.

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal ectasia can occur after hyperopic LASIK in patients with or without recognized preoperative risk factors. Although uncommon, patients with pellucid marginal corneal degeneration can have hyperopic refractions and are at high risk for developing corneal ectasia after LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:98-102.]
Topography-guided Ablation for Treatment of Patients With Irregular Astigmatism
Authors: Toda Ikuko , Yamamoto Takahiro , Ito Mitsutoshi , Hori-Komai Yoshiko , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the customized aspheric treatment zone (CATz) topography-guided ablation for the correction of irregular astigmatism induced by initial corneal refractive surgery or corneal injury.

METHODS: CATz ablation was performed on 32 eyes of 28 patients. Each procedure was performed by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or LASIK using a NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. The eyes had decentered ablations, small optical zones, decreased best spectaclecorrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and asymmetrical astigmatism. Subjective symptoms, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), BSCVA, refraction, corneal topography, and higher order aberrations were measured. Mean follow-up was 161.9± 129.9 days (range: 90 to 492 days).

RESULTS: Data obtained at final postoperative followup show that UCVA and BSCVA increased by >2 lines after CATz ablation in 17 and 11 eyes and decreased in 4 and 2 eyes, respectively. Higher order aberrations were decreased in 16 eyes and increased in 1 eye. Topographical maps were improved with decreased surface regularity index (20 eyes) and surface asymmetry index (22 eyes). Seven eyes required further enhancement for residual refractive errors. Thirteen patients (15 eyes) claimed they were satisfied with the outcome, 6 patients (7 eyes) stated that the outcome was lower than expected, and 4 patients (4 eyes) stated they were dissatisfied.

CONCLUSIONS: CATz topographic ablation effectively improves the quality of vision and symptoms in the majority of patients with irregular corneal astigmatism from previous excimer laser refractive surgery. However, residual or induced refractive errors may need to be corrected with a second operation after CATz. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:118-125.]