bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme Rainfall and Flooding over Central Kenya Including Nairobi City during the Long-Rains Season 2018: Causes, Predictability, and Potential for Early Warning and Actions
Authors: Kilavi Mary , MacLeod Dave , Ambani Maurine , Robbins Joanne , Dankers Rutger , Graham Richard , Titley Helen , Salih Abubakr , Todd Martin
Published: November 2018

The Long-Rains wet season of March–May (MAM) over Kenya in 2018 was one of the wettest on record. This paper examines the nature, causes, impacts, and predictability of the rainfall events, and considers the implications for flood risk management. The exceptionally high monthly rainfall totals in March and April resulted from several multi-day heavy rainfall episodes, rather than from distinct extreme daily events. Three intra-seasonal rainfall events in particular resulted in extensive flooding with the loss of lives and livelihoods, a significant displacement of people, major disruption to essential services, and damage to infrastructure. The rainfall events appear to be associated with the combined effects of active Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) events in MJO phases 2–4, and at shorter timescales, tropical cyclone events over the southwest Indian Ocean. These combine to drive an anomalous westerly low-level circulation over Kenya and the surrounding region, which likely leads to moisture convergence and enhanced convection. We assessed how predictable such events over a range of forecast lead times. Long-lead seasonal forecast products for MAM 2018 showed little indication of an enhanced likelihood of heavy rain over most of Kenya, which is consistent with the low predictability of MAM Long-Rains at seasonal lead times. At shorter lead times of a few weeks, the seasonal and extended-range forecasts provided a clear signal of extreme rainfall, which is likely associated with skill in MJO prediction. Short lead weather forecasts from multiple models also highlighted enhanced risk. The flood response actions during the MAM 2018 events are reviewed. Implications of our results for forecasting and flood preparedness systems include: (i) Potential exists for the integration of sub-seasonal and short-term weather prediction to support flood risk management and preparedness action in Kenya, notwithstanding the particular challenge of forecasting at small scales. (ii) We suggest that forecasting agencies provide greater clarity on the difference in potentially useful forecast lead times between the two wet seasons in Kenya and East Africa. For the MAM Long-Rains, the utility of sub-seasonal to short-term forecasts should be emphasized; while at seasonal timescales, skill is currently low, and there is the challenge of exploiting new research identifying the primary drivers of variability. In contrast, greater seasonal predictability of the Short-Rains in the October–December season means that greater potential exists for early warning and preparedness over longer lead times. (iii) There is a need for well-developed and functional forecast-based action systems for heavy rain and flood risk management in Kenya, especially with the relatively short windows for anticipatory action during MAM.
Geographical Classification of Tannat Wines Based on Support Vector Machines and Feature Selection
Authors: Costa Nattane Luíza , Llobodanin Laura Andrea García , Castro Inar Alves , Barbosa Rommel
Published: November 2018

Geographical product recognition has become an issue for researchers and food industries. One way to obtain useful information about the fingerprint of wines is by examining that fingerprint’s chemical components. In this paper, we present a data mining and predictive analysis to classify Brazilian and Uruguayan Tannat wines from the South region using the support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm with the radial basis kernel function and the F-score feature selection method. A total of 37 Tannat wines differing in geographical origin (9 Brazilian samples and 28 Uruguayan samples) were analyzed. We concluded that given the use of at least one anthocyanin (peon-3-glu) and the radical scavenging activity (DPPH), the Tannat wines can be classified with 94.64% accuracy and 0.90 Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC). Furthermore, the combination of SVM and feature selection proved useful for determining the main chemical parameters that discriminate with regard to the origin of Tannat wines and classifying them with a high degree of accuracy. Additionally, to our knowledge, this is the first study to classify the Tannat wine variety in the context of two countries in South America.
Audiovisual Lexical Retrieval Deficits Following Left Hemisphere Stroke
Authors: Hanna-Pladdy Brenda , Choi Hyun , Herman Brian , Haffey Spenser
Published: November 2018

Binding sensory features of multiple modalities of what we hear and see allows formation of a coherent percept to access semantics. Previous work on object naming has focused on visual confrontation naming with limited research in nonverbal auditory or multisensory processing. To investigate neural substrates and sensory effects of lexical retrieval, we evaluated healthy adults (n = 118) and left hemisphere stroke patients (LHD, n = 42) in naming manipulable objects across auditory (sound), visual (picture), and multisensory (audiovisual) conditions. LHD patients were divided into cortical, cortical–subcortical, or subcortical lesions (CO, CO–SC, SC), and specific lesion location investigated in a predictive model. Subjects produced lower accuracy in auditory naming relative to other conditions. Controls demonstrated greater naming accuracy and faster reaction times across all conditions compared to LHD patients. Naming across conditions was most severely impaired in CO patients. Both auditory and visual naming accuracy were impacted by temporal lobe involvement, although auditory naming was sensitive to lesions extending subcortically. Only controls demonstrated significant improvement over visual naming with the addition of auditory cues (i.e., multisensory condition). Results support overlapping neural networks for visual and auditory modalities related to semantic integration in lexical retrieval and temporal lobe involvement, while multisensory integration was impacted by both occipital and temporal lobe lesion involvement. The findings support modality specificity in naming and suggest that auditory naming is mediated by a distributed cortical–subcortical network overlapping with networks mediating spatiotemporal aspects of skilled movements producing sound.
Sex Differences in Context-Driven Reinstatement of Methamphetamine Seeking is Associated with Distinct Neuroadaptations in the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Takashima Yoshio , Tseng Joyee , Fannon McKenzie J. , Purohit Dvijen C. , Quach Leon W. , Terranova Michael J. , Kharidia Khush M. , Oliver Robert J. , Mandyam Chitra D.
Published: November 2018

The present study examined differences in operant responses in adult male and female rats during distinct phases of addiction. Males and females demonstrated escalation in methamphetamine (0.05 mg/kg, i.v.) intake with females showing enhanced latency to escalate, and bingeing. Following protracted abstinence, females show reduced responses during extinction, and have greater latency to extinguish compared with males, indicating reduced craving. Females demonstrated lower context-driven reinstatement compared to males, indicating that females have less motivational significance to the context associated with methamphetamine. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell neurons (GCNs) were performed in acute brain slices from controls and methamphetamine experienced male and female rats, and neuronal excitability was evaluated from GCNs. Reinstatement of methamphetamine seeking reduced spiking in males, and increased spiking in females compared to controls, demonstrating distinct neuroadaptations in intrinsic excitability of GCNs in males and females. Reduced excitability of GCNs in males was associated with enhanced levels of neural progenitor cells, expression of plasticity-related proteins including CaMKII, and choline acetyltransferase in the DG. Enhanced excitability in females was associated with an increased GluN2A/2B ratio, indicating changes in postsynaptic GluN subunit composition in the DG. Altered intrinsic excitability of GCNs was associated with reduced mossy fiber terminals in the hilus and pyramidal projections, demonstrating compromised neuroplasticity in the DG in both sexes. The alterations in excitability, plasticity-related proteins, and mossy fiber density were correlated with enhanced activation of microglial cells in the hilus, indicating neuroimmune responses in both sexes. Together, the present results indicate sexually dimorphic adaptive biochemical changes in excitatory neurotransmitter systems in the DG and highlight the importance of including sex as a biological variable in exploring neuroplasticity and neuroimmune changes that predict enhanced relapse to methamphetamine-seeking behaviors.
Age-Related Deficits in Memory Encoding and Retrieval in Word List Free Recall
Authors: Cadar Dorina , Usher Marius , Davelaar Eddy J.
Published: November 2018

Although ageing is known to affect memory, the precise nature of its effect on retrieval and encoding processes is not well understood. Here, we examine the effect of ageing on the free recall of word lists, in which the semantic structure of word sequences was manipulated from unrelated words to pairs of associated words with various separations (between pair members) within the sequence. We find that ageing is associated with reduced total recall, especially for sequences with associated words. Furthermore, we find that the degree of semantic clustering (controlled for chance clustering) shows an age effect and that it interacts with the distance between the words within a pair. The results are consistent with the view that age effects in memory are mediated both by retrieval and by encoding processes associated with frontal control and working memory.
Propylene Glycol Stabilizes the Linear Response of Glutamate Biosensor: Potential Implications for In-Vivo Neurochemical Monitoring
Authors: Rocchitta Gaia , Bacciu Andrea , Arrigo Paola , Migheli Rossana , Bazzu Gianfranco , Serra Pier Andrea
Published: November 2018

L-glutamate is one the most important excitatory neurotransmitter at the central nervous system level and it is implicated in several pathologies. So, it is very important to monitor its variations, in real time in animal models’ brain. The present study aimed to develop and characterize a new amperometric glutamate biosensor design that exploits the selectivity of Glutamate Oxidase (GluOx) for l-glutamate, and the capability of a small molecule as propylene glycol (PG), never used before, to influence and extend the stability and the activity of enzyme. Different designs were evaluated by modifying the main components in their concentrations to find the most suitable design. Moreover, enzyme concentrations from 100 U/mL up to 200 U/mL were verified and different PG concentrations (1%, 0.1% and 0.05%) were tested. The most suitable selected design was Ptc/PPD/PEI(1%)2/GlutOx5/PG(0.1%) and it was compared to the same already described design loading PEDGE, instead of PG, in terms of over-time performances. The PG has proved to be capable of determining an over-time stability of the glutamate biosensor in particular in terms of linear region slope (LRS) up to 21 days.
Emergent Scale Invariance and Climate Sensitivity
Authors: Rypdal Martin , Fredriksen Hege-Beate , Myrvoll-Nilsen Eirik , Rypdal Kristoffer , Sørbye Sigrunn H.
Published: November 2018

Earth’s global surface temperature shows variability on an extended range of temporal scales and satisfies an emergent scaling symmetry. Recent studies indicate that scale invariance is not only a feature of the observed temperature fluctuations, but an inherent property of the temperature response to radiative forcing, and a principle that links the fast and slow climate responses. It provides a bridge between the decadal- and centennial-scale fluctuations in the instrumental temperature record, and the millennial-scale equilibration following perturbations in the radiative balance. In particular, the emergent scale invariance makes it possible to infer equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) from the observed relation between radiative forcing and global temperature in the instrumental era. This is verified in ensembles of Earth system models (ESMs), where the inferred values of ECS correlate strongly to estimates from idealized model runs. For the range of forcing data explored in this paper, the method gives best estimates of ECS between 1.8 and 3.7 K, but statistical uncertainties in the best estimates themselves will provide a wider likely range of the ECS.
Preparation and Characterization of Bioplastics from Grass Pea Flour Cast in the Presence of Microbial Transglutaminase
Authors: Giosafatto C. Valeria L. , Al-Asmar Asmaa , D’Angelo Antonio , Roviello Valentina , Esposito Marilena , Mariniello Loredana
Published: November 2018

The aim of this work was to prepare bioplastics, from renewable and biodegradable molecules, to be used as edible films. In particular, grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) flour was used as biopolymer source, the proteins of which were structurally modified by means of microbial transglutaminase, an enzyme able to catalyze isopeptide bonds between glutamines and lysines. We analyzed, by means of Zeta-potential, the flour suspension with the aim to determine which pH is more stable for the production of film-forming solutions. The bioplastics were produced by casting and they were characterized according to several technological properties. Optical analysis demonstrated that films cast in the presence of the microbial enzyme are more transparent compared to the untreated ones. Moreover, the visualization by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the enzyme-modified films possessed a more compact and homogeneous structure. Furthermore, the presence of microbial transglutaminase allowed to obtain film more mechanically resistant. Finally, digestion experiments under physiological conditions performed in order to obtain information useful for applying these novel biomaterials as carriers in the industrial field, indicated that the enzyme-treated coatings might allow the delivery of bioactive molecules in the gastro-intestinal tract.
Effects of Island-Coated PVdF-HFP Composite Separator on the Performance of Commercial Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Junhua , Hu Qin , Wang Jun , Zhang Pinjie , Zhu Youliang , Wu Guoqiang , Lv Yanwen , Lv Liang , Zhao Yongjin , Yang Meiting
Published: November 2018

The widespread industrialization of high-energy density commercial lithium-ion batteries has long been challenged by issues of safety and efficiency stemming from uncontrollable lithium dendritic growths. Here, an island-coated composite separator has been fabricated using a pre-swelling process with water-based dispersions to address the issue of dendrite growth. The pre-swelling of the polymer particle surface balances the contradiction between the high crystallinity and electrolyte compatibility showing high electrolyte wettability and electrolyte uptake ability. Furthermore, the point-to-point surface structure can balance the high interfacial adhesion of electrodes and anti-deformation ability well, which is beneficial for preventing ripple-shaped and pot-shaped deformation, smoothing the solid particle morphology of the electrode and achieving a steady interfacial structure for lithium diffusion in cells. This new strategy constructs a non-continuous novel structure, achieving greatly improved dendrite growth suppressing and cell interface stabilization. This paper has opened up a new method for the development of low cost, simple process and easy industry of the lithium-ion pouch cell with improved quality and efficiency.
Comparison of Corrosion Resistance and Cytocompatibility of MgO and ZrO2 Coatings on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Formed via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
Authors: Wang Shimeng , Fu Lingxia , Nai Zhenggang , Liang Jun , Cao Baocheng
Published: November 2018

In this work, one coating is comprised of ZrO2 and the other consists of MgO as main phase composition was produced on AZ31 magnesium alloy using one-step plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The purpose of this work was to study the corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of the above-coated AZ31 magnesium alloys in order to provide a basis for AZ31 Mg alloy’s clinical applications of biomedical use. The morphology and phase composition of the coatings were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion properties were examined using electrochemical testing, hydrogen evolution measurements, and immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Compared with bare magnesium and the MgO coating, the ZrO2-containing coating exhibited an improved corrosion resistance. Cell proliferation assays and cell morphology observations showed that the ZrO2-containing coating was not toxic to the L-929 cells. The ZrO2 coating was much denser and more homogeneous than the MgO coating, hence the corrosion resistance of the ZrO2-coated AZ31 Mg alloy was superior and more stable than the MgO-coated AZ31 Mg alloy, and ZrO2/AZ31 did not induce a cytotoxic reaction to L-929 cells and promote cell growth.
Tunnel Junctions for III-V Multijunction Solar Cells Review
Authors: Colter Peter , Hagar Brandon , Bedair Salah
Published: November 2018

Tunnel Junctions, as addressed in this review, are conductive, optically transparent semiconductor layers used to join different semiconductor materials in order to increase overall device efficiency. The first monolithic multi-junction solar cell was grown in 1980 at NCSU and utilized an AlGaAs/AlGaAs tunnel junction. In the last 4 decades both the development and analysis of tunnel junction structures and their application to multi-junction solar cells has resulted in significant performance gains. In this review we will first make note of significant studies of III-V tunnel junction materials and performance, then discuss their incorporation into cells and modeling of their characteristics. A Recent study implicating thermally activated compensation of highly doped semiconductors by native defects rather than dopant diffusion in tunnel junction thermal degradation will be discussed. AlGaAs/InGaP tunnel junctions, showing both high current capability and high transparency (high bandgap), are the current standard for space applications. Of significant note is a variant of this structure containing a quantum well interface showing the best performance to date. This has been studied by several groups and will be discussed at length in order to show a path to future improvements.
The Red Alien vs. the Blue Destructor: The Eradication of Cherax destructor by Procambarus clarkii in Latium (Central Italy)
Authors: Mazza Giuseppe , Scalici Massimiliano , Inghilesi Alberto Francesco , Aquiloni Laura , Pretto Tobia , Monaco Andrea , Tricarico Elena
Published: November 2018

Cherax destructor is a crayfish endemic to south-eastern Australia and one of the last alien crayfish to be introduced in Italy. In the Laghi di Ninfa Natural Reserve (Latium region, Central Italy), the species was probably introduced in 1999, but only reported for the first time in 2008. Nearby this area, the most widespread alien crayfish is the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. In the Natural Reserve, between 2008 and 2013 and during spring and summer, crayfish sampling was carried out with baited traps to assess the distribution of C. destructor and its possible relationship with P. clarkii. Cherax destructor was first recorded in 2008; few P. clarkii were detected in the cultivation ponds where C. destructor was present in 2012 and 2013. Moreover, crayfish plague analyses evidenced a positive result in two out of the 12 sampled P. clarkii. Cherax destructor is now completely absent from the Natural Reserve, while P. clarkii has spread in the area and was probably responsible for this eradication since C. destructor is vulnerable to crayfish plague which was also detected in the area. An ecosystem restoration project in the area favoured the spread of. P. clarkii; the implications of this intervention are discussed.
Imaging as a Personalized Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification
Authors: Gennaro Kyle H. , Porter Kristin K. , Gordetsky Jennifer B. , Galgano Samuel J. , Rais-Bahrami Soroush
Published: November 2018

Biomarkers provide objective data to guide clinicians in disease management. Prostate-specific antigen serves as a biomarker for screening of prostate cancer but has come under scrutiny for detection of clinically indolent disease. Multiple imaging techniques demonstrate promising results for diagnosing, staging, and determining definitive management of prostate cancer. One such modality, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), detects more clinically significant disease while missing lower volume and clinically insignificant disease. It also provides valuable information regarding tumor characteristics such as location and extraprostatic extension to guide surgical planning. Information from mpMRI may also help patients avoid unnecessary biopsies in the future. It can also be incorporated into targeted biopsies as well as following patients on active surveillance. Other novel techniques have also been developed to detect metastatic disease with advantages over traditional computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which primarily rely on defined size criteria. These new techniques take advantage of underlying biological changes in prostate cancer tissue to identify metastatic disease. The purpose of this review is to present literature on imaging as a personalized biomarker for prostate cancer risk stratification.
Analytical Assessment for System Peak Reduction by Demand Responsive Resources Considering Their Operational Constraints in Wholesale Electricity Market
Authors: Lee Seungmi , Kim Jinho
Published: November 2018

It has been four years since the introduction of the Demand Response (DR) market in Korea. Although the DR market has been steadily increasing resource capacity and payments for demand resources, it cannot efficiently utilize DR resources under the current domestic policy system. In addition, research on the level at which the demand resource capacity registered in the DR market contributes to the reduction of peak demand is scarce. In this article, an algorithm that calculates the annual peak demand reduction contribution is developed considering the operational characteristics of DR resources in order to utilize the demand resources at a meaningful level. Also the peak demand reduction contribution is simulated for the next 15 years based on the historical electricity demand pattern in Korea and analyze the sensitivity of policy variables that affect the contribution of peak reduction. Finally, the critical policy constraint that affects the contribution of DR resources is identified and a method is proposed to improve the peak reduction contribution of DR resources. Related departments that operate the demand market can use this research as a reference for market operations.
A New Hybrid Technique for Minimizing Power Losses in a Distribution System by Optimal Sizing and Siting of Distributed Generators with Network Reconfiguration
Authors: Abd El-salam Mirna Fouad , Beshr Eman , Eteiba Magdy B.
Published: November 2018

Transformations are taking place within the distribution systems to cope with the congestions and reliability concerns. This paper presents a new technique to efficiently minimize power losses within the distribution system by optimally sizing and placing distributed generators (DGs) while considering network reconfiguration. The proposed technique is a hybridization of two metaheuristic-based algorithms: Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimizer (PSO), which solve the network reconfiguration problem by optimally installing different DG types (conventional and renewable-based). Case studies carried out showed the proposed hybrid technique outperformed each algorithm operating individually regarding both voltage profile and reduction in system losses. Case studies are carried to measure and compare the performance of the proposed technique on three different works: IEEE 33-bus, IEEE 69-bus radial distribution system, and an actual 78-bus distribution system located at Cairo, Egypt. The integration of renewable energy with the distribution network, such as photovoltaic (PV) arrays, is recommended since Cairo enjoys an excellent actual record of irradiance according to the PV map of Egypt.
Cocoa and Climate Change: Insights from Smallholder Cocoa Producers in Ghana Regarding Challenges in Implementing Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Ameyaw Lord K. , Ettl Gregory J. , Leissle Kristy , Anim-Kwapong Gilbert J.
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the knowledge and perception of smallholder cocoa farmers on the potential impacts of climate change on cocoa production in Ghana. It addresses opinions on the inclusion of climate change mitigation strategies (such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation—REDD+) into cocoa production, and potential obstacles and roles of stakeholders in ensuring community acceptance of such strategies in a unique multiple land use area—the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. Data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency and through survey of 205 cocoa farmers were assessed with Mann-Kendall, Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Farmers’ perceptions of changes in climate were notably diverse and did not always match historic weather data, but accurately described increases in temperature and drought which are linked to cocoa productivity. Farmers appreciate the importance of tree maintenance for ecosystem services but were skeptical of financially rewarding climate change strategies which favor tree protection. Cultural practices associated with cocoa production encourage carbon release and may pose a threat to the objectives of REDD+. Farmers’ experience on the land, interactions with other farmers, government extension agents and cocoa buyers all influence cocoa agroforestry practices in the area, and communication through existing entities (particularly extension agents) presents a pathway to community acceptance of climate change mitigation strategies. The study recommends reforms in REDD+ strategies to adopt flexible and participatory frameworks to facilitate adoption and acceptability due to pronounced heterogeneity in community perceptions and knowledge of climate change and related issues.
Effect of Stand Structure and Number of Sample Trees on Optimal Management for Scots Pine: A Model-Based Study
Authors: Ahtikoski Anssi , Siipilehto Jouni , Salminen Hannu , Lehtonen Mika , Hynynen Jari
Published: November 2018

This study presents an attempt to discover the effect of sample size on the financial outcome derived by stand-level optimization with individual tree modeling. The initial stand structure was altered to reflect sparse, average, and dense Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. The stands had varying numbers of stems but identical weighted median diameters and stand basal areas. The hypothetical Weibull diameter distributions were solved according to the parameter recovery method. The trees were systematically sampled with respect to the tree basal area corresponding to sample sizes of 10, 20, or 40 trees. We optimized the stand management with varying numbers of sample trees and with varying stand structures and compared the optimal solutions with respect to the objective function value (maximum net present value) and underlying management schedule. The results for the pine stands in southern and central Finland indicated that the variations in the objective function value relating to sample size were minor (<2.6%) in the sparse and average stand densities but exceeded 3% in the dense stands. Generally, the stand density is not always known, and thus, we may need to generalize the average density for all cases in question. This assumption, however, resulted in overestimations with respect to the optimal rotation period and financial performance in this study. The overestimations in the net present value decreased along with the increasing sample size, from 22% to 14% in the sample sizes of 10 and 40 trees, respectively.
Highly Conductive Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Electronic Box: Out-Of-Autoclave Manufacturing for Space Applications
Authors: Martins Marta , Gomes Rui , Pina Luís , Pereira Celeste , Reichmann Olaf , Teti Daniele , Correia Nuno , Rocha Nuno
Published: November 2018

One of the main advantages of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) electronic housings, when compared with traditionally used aluminum ones, is the potential for mass savings. In recent years, the power consumption of electronics has been growing, resulting in the need for higher thermal dissipation of electronic housings, requiring the use of highly thermally conductive materials. In this work, the manufacturing of a highly conductive CFRP electronic housing is reported. With a view to reducing total energy costs on manufacturing, an out-of-the autoclave manufacturing process was followed. Due to the inherent low thermal conductivity of typical raw materials for composite materials, strategies were evaluated to increase its value by changing the components used. The use of pitch-based carbon fibers was found to be a very promising solution. In addition, structural, thermal and manufacturing simulations were produced in the design phase. Improved performance was demonstrated from materials manufacturing to final breadboard testing. The results indicate potential gains of around 23% in mass reduction when compared to conventional aluminum electronic boxes. Moreover, the proposed design and the manufactured breadboard showed good compliance with mechanical and electrical requirements for spacecraft structures. The thermal balance results showed a performance slightly below to what would be expected from the detailed design.
Characterization of Eucalyptus, Chestnut and Heather Honeys from Portugal Using Multi-Parameter Analysis and Chemo-Calculus
Authors: Karabagias Ioannis K. , Maia Miguel , Karabagias Vassilios K. , Gatzias Ilias , Badeka Anastasia V.
Published: November 2018

The present study was conducted to evaluate the quality and bio-functional properties of Portuguese honeys of different botanical and geographical origins. Quality parameter analyses included the determination of palynological (predominant, secondary, minor and isolated pollen percentage), physicochemical (°Brix, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, total dissolved solids, salinity, vitamin C content and specific weight) including colour-metrics (CIELAB, Pfund and colour intensity determinations), along with volatile compounds identification using solid phase micro-extraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Bio-activity parameter analysis included the determination of in vitro antioxidant activity and total phenolic content using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl and Folin-Ciocalteu assays, respectively. Melissopalynological analysis showed that Portuguese honeys were classified as eucalyptus, chestnut and heather, recording significant variations (p < 0.05) among physicochemical, volatile and bio-activity parameter analyses according to both: botanical and geographical origin. Based on the multi-parameter analysis data Portuguese honeys could be characterized by a distinctive colour, a characteristic aroma, whereas conform to the European legislation relating to honey identity and quality. Specific attention should be given in the case of heather honey which showed the highest in vitro antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Parameters that were also highly correlated using bivariate statistics.
Is There a Polarization Horizon?
Authors: Hill Alex S.
Published: November 2018

Modern radio spectrometers make measurement of polarized intensity as a function of Faraday depth possible. I investigate the effect of depolarization along a model line of sight. I model sightlines with two components informed by observations: a warm ionized medium with a lognormal electron density distribution and a narrow, denser component simulating a spiral arm or Hii region, all with synchrotron-emitting gas mixed in. I then calculate the polarized intensity from 300–1800 MHz and calculate the resulting Faraday depth spectrum. The idealized synthetic observations show far more Faraday complexity than is observed in Global Magneto-Ionic Medium Survey observations. In a model with a very nearby Hii region observed at low frequencies, most of the effects of a “depolarization wall” are evident: the Hii region depolarizes background emission, and less (but not zero) information from beyond the Hii region reaches the observer. In other cases, the effects are not so clear, as significant amounts of information reach the observer even through significant depolarization, and it is not clear that low-frequency observations sample largely different volumes of the interstellar medium than high-frequency observations. The observed Faraday depth can be randomized such that it does not always have any correlation with the true Faraday depth.
Genetic Diversity within Snap Beans and Their Relation to Dry Beans
Authors: Wallace Lyle , Arkwazee Haidar , Vining Kelly , Myers James R.
Published: November 2018

Two hundred forty-six snap bean genotypes and 49 dry beans representing both centers of domestication and six bean races with materials from Europe, Asia, and the Americas were genotyped using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. The data was analyzed for expected heterozygosity, K-means clustering, principal components, phylogenetic relationships, and population substructure. When all gene pools of snap bean were assembled, the expected heterozygosity was roughly equivalent to a carefully chosen panel of dry beans representing all bean races and centers of domestication demonstrating the genetic richness of snap materials in total. K-means clustering and K = 2 structure analysis showed significant mixing of gene pools in the European and American commercial snap materials and the dominance of the Andean center of domestication among commercial contemporary snap beans. Conversely, the same analysis showed that Chinese, Iberian, and heirloom materials were underrepresented in contemporary materials. Further, Structure analysis revealed eight distinct groups within snap beans. Two showed strong kinship to the Middle American center of domestication, three to the Andean center of domestication, and three showed admixture between the two centers. Snap beans may have been independently derived from dry beans more than once and from both centers. Overall, we identified eight potential germplasm pools for snap bean.
Trade in Zambian Edible Orchids—DNA Barcoding Reveals the Use of Unexpected Orchid Taxa for Chikanda
Authors: Veldman Sarina , Kim Seol-Jong , Van Andel Tinde R. , Bello Font Maria , Bone Ruth E. , Bytebier Benny , Chuba David , Gravendeel Barbara , Martos Florent , Mpatwa Geophat , Ngugi Grace , Vinya Royd , Wightman Nicholas , Yokoya Kazutoma , De Boer Hugo J.
Published: November 2018

In Zambia, wild edible terrestrial orchids are used to produce a local delicacy called chikanda, which has become increasingly popular throughout the country. Commercialization puts orchid populations in Zambia and neighbouring countries at risk of overharvesting. Hitherto, no study has documented which orchid species are traded on local markets, as orchid tubers are difficult to identify morphologically. In this study, the core land-plant DNA barcoding markers rbcL and matK were used in combination with nrITS to determine which species were sold in Zambian markets. Eighty-two interviews were conducted to determine harvesting areas, as well as possible sustainability concerns. By using nrITS DNA barcoding, a total of 16 orchid species in six different genera could be identified. Both rbcL and matK proved suitable to identify the tubers up to the genus or family level. Disa robusta, Platycoryne crocea and Satyrium buchananii were identified most frequently and three previously undocumented species were encountered on the market. Few orchid species are currently listed on the global International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Local orchid populations and endemic species could be at risk of overharvesting due to the intensive and indiscriminate harvesting of chikanda orchids, and we therefore encourage increased conservation assessment of terrestrial African orchids.
Phase Evolution and Textural Changes during the Direct Conversion and Storage of CO2 to Produce Calcium Carbonate from Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: Liu Meishen , Gadikota Greeshma
Published: November 2018

The increasing use of energy resources recovered from subsurface environments and the resulting carbon imbalance in the environment has motivated the need to develop thermodynamically downhill pathways to convert and store CO2 as water-insoluble calcium or magnesium carbonates. While previous studies extensively explored aqueous routes to produce calcium and magnesium carbonates from CO2, there is limited scientific understanding of the phase evolution and textural changes during the direct gas–solid conversion routes to produce calcium carbonate from calcium hydroxide, which is one of the abundant constituents of alkaline industrial residues. With increasing interest in developing integrated pathways for capturing, converting, and storing CO2 from dilute flue gases, understanding the composition of product phases as they evolve is essential for evaluating the efficacy of a given processing route. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the phase evolution and the corresponding textural changes as calcium hydroxide is converted to calcium carbonate under the continuous flow of CO2 at an ambient pressure of 1 atm with continuous heating from 30 °C to 500 °C using in-operando wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements.
The Application of Buried Soil Properties for Reconstruction of Various Stages of Early Habitation at Archaeological Sites in Moscow Kremlin
Authors: Golyeva Alexandra , Khokhlova Olga , Engovatova Asia , Koval Vladimir , Aleshinskaya Anna , Kochanova Maria , Makeev Aleksandr , Puzanova Tatiana , Kurbanova Fatima
Published: November 2018

Combined archaeological and pedogenetic study allows reconstructing the history of early habitation in Moscow Kremlin (Moscow, Russia). The area is confined to the third terrace of Moskva River with Podzols as native soils formed in fluvioglacial sandy deposits under virgin broad-leaved forests with conifers. From the Early Iron Age (1500–2000 BP) to the 12th century, alternating stages of agricultural land use and abandonment resulted in human-induced transformation of natural ecosystems into agricultural landscapes. Agricultural land use provoked soil erosion that lead to truncation of the upper soil horizons. Sediments deposited due to slope erosion and mineral materials transported by ancient people enhanced initial lithic discontinuity of soil parent material. Ancient agricultural practices included melioration of soils by mineral and organic fertilizers. During the Early Iron Age the pasture was fertilized by ash and limed by crushed dolomite. Melioration of the 12th century included not only ash and dolomite but also crushed bones, manure and household waste. A change from the agricultural to urban land use after 15th century resulted in the accumulation of cultural layers. A few interruptions in their accumulation, which were caused by accidental fires or other phenomena, were accompanied by regeneration of natural vegetation cover and the formation of shallow soils imprinted on cultural layers.
The Effect of Environment and Nutrients on Hydroponic Lettuce Yield, Quality, and Phytonutrients
Authors: Sublett William L. , Barickman T. Casey , Sams Carl E.
Published: November 2018

A study was conducted with green and red-leaf lettuce cultivars grown in a deep-water culture production system. Plants were seeded in rockwool and germinated under greenhouse conditions at 25/20 °C (day/night) for 21 days before transplanting. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of cultivar and nutrient treatments that consisted of six replications. Treatments consisted of two lettuce genotypes, (1) green (Winter Density) and (2) red (Rhazes), and three nutrient treatments containing electroconductivity (EC) levels of (1) 1.0; (2) 2.0; and (3) 4.0 mS·cm−1. After 50 days, plants were harvested, processed, and analyzed to determine marketable yield, biomass, plant height, stem diameter, phenolics, and elemental nutrient concentrations. An interaction between growing season and lettuce cultivar was the predominant factor influencing yield, biomass, and quality. Nutrient solution EC treatment significantly affected biomass and water content. EC treatments significantly impacted concentrations of 3-O-glucoside and uptake of phosphorous, potassium, iron, boron, zinc, and molybdenum. Effects of growing season and cultivar on leafy lettuce yield and quality were more pronounced than the effect of nutrient solution EC treatment. Thus, greenhouse production of green and red-leaf lettuce cultivars in the south-eastern United States should be conducted in the spring and fall growing seasons with elevated nutrient solution EC of ≈4.0 mS·cm−1 to maximize yield and quality.
Utilization of Formal and Informal Care by Community-Living People with Dementia: A Comparative Study between Sweden and Italy
Authors: Chiatti Carlos , Rodríguez Gatta Danae , Malmgren Fänge Agneta , Scandali Valerio , Masera Filippo , Lethin Connie ,   On behalf of the UP-TECH and TECH@HOME research groups
Published: November 2018

Background: Dementia is a public health priority with a dramatic social and economic impact on people with dementia (PwD), their caregivers and societies. The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge on how utilization of formal and informal care varies between Sweden and Italy. Methods: Data were retrieved from two trials: TECH@HOME (Sweden) and UP-TECH (Italy). The sample consisted of 89 Swedish and 317 Italian dyads (PwD and caregivers). Using bivariate analysis, we compared demographic characteristics and informal resource utilization. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze factors associated with time spent on care by the informal caregivers. Results: Swedish participants utilized more frequently health care and social services. Informal caregivers in Italy spent more time in caregiving than the Swedish ones (6.3 and 3.7 h per day, respectively). Factors associated with an increased time were country of origin, PwD level of dependency, living situation, use of formal care services and occupation. Conclusions: Care and service utilization significantly varies between Sweden and Italy. The level of formal care support received by the caregivers has a significant impact on time spent on informal care. Knowledge on the factors triggering formal care resources utilization by PwD and their caregivers might further support care services planning and delivery across different countries.
One-Year Follow-Up Examination of the Impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program on Healthy Food Availability, Purchases, and Consumption
Authors: Jilcott Pitts Stephanie B. , Wu Qiang , Truesdale Kimberly P. , Haynes-Maslow Lindsey , McGuirt Jared T. , Ammerman Alice , Bell Ronny , Laska Melissa N.
Published: November 2018

We examined the short-term impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (HFSRP), a legislatively appropriated bill providing funding up to $25,000 to small food retailers for equipment to stock and promote healthier foods, on store-level availability and purchase of healthy foods and beverages, as well as customer dietary patterns, one year post-policy implementation. We evaluated healthy food availability using a validated audit tool, purchases using customer bag-checks, and diet using self-reported questionnaires and skin carotenoid levels, assessed via Veggie Meter™, a non-invasive tool to objectively measure fruit and vegetable consumption. Difference-in-difference analyses were used to examine changes in HFSRP stores versus control stores after 1 year. There were statistically significant improvements in healthy food supply scores (availability), with the Healthy Food Supply HFS score being −0.44 points lower in control stores and 3.13 points higher in HFSRP stores pre/post HFSRP (p = 0.04). However, there were no statistically significant changes in purchases or self-reported consumption or skin carotenoids among customers in HFSRP versus control stores. Additional time or other supports for retailers (e.g., marketing and promotional materials) may be needed for HFSRP implementation to influence purchase and consumption.
The Role of Vitamin D and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Norris Keith C. , Olabisi Opeyemi , Barnett M. Edwina , Meng Yuan-Xiang , Martins David , Obialo Chamberlain , Lee Jae Eun , Nicholas Susanne B.
Published: November 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major non-communicable disease associated with high rates of premature morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (deficiency of 25(OH)D or 25D) is greater in racial/ethnic minorities and in patients with CKD than the general population. Low 25D is associated with bone and mineral disorders as well as immune, cardiometabolic and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Thus, it has been suggested that low 25D contributes to the poor outcomes in patients with CKD. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D rises progressively with advancing severity of kidney disease with over 30% of patients with CKD stage 3 and 70% patients with CKD stage 5 estimated to have low levels of 25D. This report describes several of the abnormal physiologic and counter-regulatory actions related to low 25D in CKD such as those in oxidative stress and inflammatory systems, and some of the preclinical and clinical evidence, or lack thereof, of normalizing serum 25D levels to improve outcomes in patients with CKD, and especially for the high risk subset of racial/ethnic minorities who suffer from higher rates of advanced CKD and hypovitaminosis D.
An Architecture for Mobile Outdoors Augmented Reality for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Panou Chris , Ragia Lemonia , Dimelli Despoina , Mania Katerina
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we present the software architecture of a complete mobile tourist guide for cultural heritage sites located in the old town of Chania, Crete, Greece. This includes gamified components that motivate the user to traverse the suggested interest points, as well as technically challenging outdoors augmented reality (AR) visualization features. The main focus of the AR feature is to superimpose 3D models of historical buildings in their past state onto the real world, while users walk around the Venetian part of Chania’s city, exploring historical information in the form of text and images. We examined and tested registration and tracking mechanisms based on commercial AR frameworks in the challenging outdoor, sunny environment of a Mediterranean town, addressing relevant technical challenges. Upon visiting one of three significant monuments, a 3D model displaying the monument in its past state is visualized onto the mobile phone’s screen at the exact location of the real-world monument, while the user is exploring the area. A location-based experience was designed and integrated into the application, enveloping the 3D model with real-world information at the same time. The users are urged to explore interest areas and unlock historical information, while earning points following a gamified experience. By combining AR technologies with location-aware and gamified elements, we aim to promote the technologically enhanced public appreciation of cultural heritage sites and showcase the cultural depth of the city of Chania.