bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoid and Antioxidant Capacity of Propolis Prediction Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Betances-Salcedo Eddy , Revilla Isabel , Vivar-Quintana Ana , González-Martín M.
Published: July 2017

The use of propolis as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in different food products is increasing, due to its antioxidant and bactericidal properties. These nutritional properties directly depend on its phenolic composition. For this reason, this study analysed the total contents of flavones and flavonols, flavanones and dihydroflavonols, and the antioxidant capacity by using the methods of ABTS and linoleic acid/β-carotene in 99 samples of propolis from Spain and Chile. A rapid method was developed for quantifying these parameters in raw propolis using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with a remote reflectance fibre-optic probe applied directly to the ground-up sample. The models developed allow for the determination of the total flavones and flavonols (0–183 mg quercetin/g propolis and 0–72 mg rutin/g propolis), of the total flavanones and dihydroflavonols (9–109 mg pinocembrin/g propolis extract), and of its antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method based on the reduction of the 2.2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation(0–3212.6 nmol Trolox/mg of propolis) and of linoleic acid/β-carotene (22–86% inhibition). The NIR spectroscopy models were applied in external validation to different samples of the calibration group, which led to the conclusion that the methods developed provide significantly identical data to the initial chemical data of reference.
Hydrostatic Pressure and Temperature Measurements Using an In-Line Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Based on a Two-Mode Highly Birefringent Microstructured Fiber
Authors: Statkiewicz-Barabach Gabriela , Olszewski Jacek , Mergo Pawel , Urbanczyk Waclaw.
Published: July 2017

We present a comprehensive study of an in-line Mach-Zehnder intermodal interferometer fabricated in a boron-doped two-mode highly birefringent microstructured fiber. We observed different interference signals at the output of the interferometer, related to the intermodal interference of the fundamental and the first order modes of the orthogonal polarizations and a beating of the polarimetric signal related to the difference in the group modal birefringence between the fundamental and the first order modes, respectively. The proposed interferometer was tested for measurements of hydrostatic pressure and temperature for different alignments of the input polarizer with no analyzer at the output. The sensitivities to hydrostatic pressure of the intermodal interference signals for x- and y-polarizations had an opposite sign and were equal to 0.229 nm/MPa and −0.179 nm/MPa, respectively, while the temperature sensitivities for both polarizations were similar and equal 0.020 nm/°C and 0.019 nm/°C. In the case of pressure, for the simultaneous excitation of both polarization modes, we observed a displacement of intermodal fringes with a sensitivity depending on the azimuth of the input polarization state, as well as on the displacement of their envelope with a sensitivity of 2.14 nm/MPa, accompanied by a change in the fringes visibility. Such properties of the proposed interferometer allow for convenient adjustments to the pressure sensitivity of the intermodal fringes and possible applications for the simultaneous interrogation of temperature and pressure.
Detection of Guanine and Adenine Using an Aminated Reduced Graphene Oxide Functional Membrane-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Li Di , Yang Xiao-Lu , Xiao Bao-Lin , Geng Fang-Yong , Hong Jun , Sheibani Nader , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali
Published: July 2017

A new electrochemical sensor based on a Nafion, aminated reduced graphene oxide and chitosan functional membrane-modified glassy carbon electrode was proposed for the simultaneous detection of adenine and guanine. Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical methods were utilized for the additional characterization of the membrane materials. The prepared electrode was utilized for the detection of guanine (G) and adenine (A). The anodic peak currents to G and A were linear in the concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 120 μM and 0.2 to 110 μM, respectively. The detection limits were found to be 0.1 μM and 0.2 μM, respectively. Moreover, the modified electrode could also be used to determine G and A in calf thymus DNA.
Effect of Yang-Style Tai Chi on Gait Parameters and Musculoskeletal Flexibility in Healthy Chinese Older Women
Authors: Zou Liye , Wang Chaoyi , Tian Zuguo , Wang Huiru , Shu Yankai
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Yang-style Tai chi (TC) on gait parameters and musculoskeletal flexibility in healthy Chinese female adults. Sixty-six female adults aged >65 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (67.9 ± 3.2 years of age) receiving three 90-min simplified 24-form TC sessions for eight weeks, or a control group (67.4 ± 2.9 years of age) who maintained their daily lifestyles. All study participants were instructed to perform a selected pace walking for recording gait parameters (stride length, gait speed, swing cycle time, stance phase, and double support times) at both baseline and after the experiment. Low-limb flexibility and range of motion at specific musculoskeletal regions (hip flexion, hip extension, and plantar flexion, as well as anterior and lateral pelvic tilts, pelvic rotation, and joint range of motion (hip, knee, and ankle)) were also assessed in the present study. Multiple separate 2 × 2 Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were used to examine the effects of TC on the abovementioned outcomes between baseline and posttest in the two groups. When compared to those in the control group, older female adults who experienced the 8-week Tai chi intervention demonstrated significant improvements in most of the outcome measures. More specifically, positive changes in the TC group were found, including gait parameter (p < 0.001 for all; stride length (1.12 to 1.24, +8.6%), gait speed (1.06 to 1.21, +13.9%), stance phase (66.3 to 61.8, −5.5%), swing phase (33.7 to 38.4, +10.1%), double support time (0.33 to 0.26, −21.1%)), flexibility-related outcomes (hip flexion (90.0 to 91.9, 22.6%, p < 0.0001), single hip flexor (6.0 to 2.0, −61.5%, p = 0.0386), and plantar flexion (41.6 to 49.7, +17.5%, p < 0.0001)), and range of motion (anterior pelvic tilt (9.5 to 6.2, −34.7%, p < 0.0001), lateral pelvic tilt (6.6 to 8.3, +23.8%, p = 0.0102), pelvic rotation (10.3 to 14.7, 28.2%, p < 0.0001), hip range of motion (29.8 to 32.9, +13.5%, p = 0.001), and ankle range of motion (28.0 to 32.6, +11.1%, p < 0.0001)). The present study supports the notion that the practice of TC has a positive effect on healthy older female adults in improving gait parameters and flexibility, counteracting the normal functional degeneration due to age.
Experimental Analysis of the Effect of Geometry and Façade Materials on Urban District’s Equivalent Albedo
Authors: Morini Elena , Castellani Beatrice , Presciutti Andrea , Anderini Elisabetta , Filipponi Mirko , Nicolini Andrea , Rossi Federico
Published: July 2017

Urban Heat Island (UHI) is influenced by urban form, geometry, and the properties of surfaces. Retroreflective (RR) materials have been proposed as a countermeasure to UHI, thanks to their optical property of reflecting most of the incident solar energy back towards the same direction. In this paper, the effect of RR materials on urban districts was investigated. They were applied on building façades of urban districts with different urban forms and orientations. To this aim, an experimental model resembling urban districts with different geometries was built and RR materials on vertical surfaces were tested and compared to conventional construction materials with similar global reflectance. The trend of the instantaneous albedo was monitored during the day and a new parameter called “equivalent albedo” was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the RR materials. The comparative analysis shows that the RR façades lead to an increase of the equivalent albedo for all of the investigated urban patterns. For a block pattern, the equivalent albedo increase is equal to 3%, while for canyon patterns it is equal to 7%. Results of energy evaluations show that the energy savings obtainable with the use of RR materials is comparable to the values of anthropogenic heat emissions in residential areas.
Researching the Professional-Development Needs of Community-Engaged Scholars in a New Zealand University
Authors: Shephard Kerry , Brown Kim , Guiney Tess
Published: July 2017

We explored the processes adopted by university teachers who engage with communities with a focus on asking how and why they became community-engaged, and an interest in what promotes and limits their engagement and how limitations may be addressed. As part of year-long research project we interviewed 25 community-engaged colleagues and used a general inductive approach to identify recurring themes within interview transcripts. We found three coexisting and re-occurring themes within our interviews. Community-engaged scholars in our institution tended to emphasise the importance of building enduring relationships between our institution and the wider community; have personal ambitions to change aspects of our institution, our communities, or the interactions between them and identified community engagement as a fruitful process to achieve these changes; and identified the powerful nature of the learning that comes from community engagement in comparison with other more traditional means of teaching. Underlying these themes was a sense that community engagement requires those involved to take risks. Our three themes and this underlying sense of risk-taking suggest potential support processes for the professional development of community-engaged colleagues institutionally.
An Energy-Efficient Virtualization-Based Secure Platform for Protecting Sensitive User Data
Authors: Lim Kyung-Soo , Park Jinho , Park Jong
Published: July 2017

Currently, the exchange cycles of various computers, smartphones, tablets, and others have become shorter, because new high-performance devices continue to roll out rapidly. However, existing legacy devices are not old-fashioned or obsolete to use. From the perspective of sustainable information technology (IT), energy-efficient virtualization can apply a way to increase reusability for special customized devices and enhance the security of existing legacy devices. It means that the virtualization can customize a specially designed purpose using the guest domain from obsolete devices. Thus, this could be a computing scheme that keeps energy supplies and demands in balance for future sustainable IT. Moreover, energy-efficient virtualization can be the long-term and self-sustainable solution such as cloud computing, big data and so forth. By separating the domain of the host device based on virtualization, the guest OS on the segmented domain can be used as a Trusted Execution Environment to perform security features. In this paper, we introduce a secure platform to protect sensitive user data by domain isolation utilizing virtualization. The sensitive user data on our secure platform can protect against the infringement of personal information by malicious attacks. This study is an effective solution in terms of sustainability by recycling them for special purposes or enhancing the security of existing devices.
Collaboration for Sustainability in the Food Supply Chain: A Multi-Stage Study in Italy
Authors: León-Bravo Verónica , Caniato Federico , Caridi Maria , Johnsen Thomas
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study is twofold. Firstly, to analyze sustainability practices adopted in collaboration, including vertical collaboration i.e., with other actors or stages upstream or downstream in the supply chain, and horizontal collaboration i.e., with actors such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Secondly, to identify the sustainability performance expected from sustainability practices implemented in different supply chain stages. The study reports on a set of case studies representing four different food supply chain (FSC) stages: breeding/growing, processing, distribution and retail. The findings indicate that each stage selects different collaboration schemes for sustainability practices’ implementation, prioritizing relations with upstream actors, namely grower/breeder, as these are key actors responsible for ensuring product quality and safety. In addition, the type of collaborative relationship is shown to be predominantly transactional for environmental and community practices, especially for solving specific short-term issues. Finally, varied areas of environmental and social sustainability performance are recognized, upstream and downstream, as a result of collaborative practices applied in different FSC stages, showing the diverse sustainability objectives pursued along the chain.
Accelerating Transition Dynamics in City Regions: A Qualitative Modeling Perspective
Authors: Valkering Pieter , Yücel Gönenç , Gebetsroither-Geringer Ernst , Markvica Karin , Meynaerts Erika , Frantzeskaki Niki
Published: July 2017

In this article, we take stock of the findings from conceptual and empirical work on the role of transition initiatives for accelerating transitions as input for modeling acceleration dynamics. We applied the qualitative modeling approach of causal loop diagrams to capture the dynamics of a single transition initiative evolving within its regional context. In doing so, we aim to address two key challenges in transition modeling, namely conceptualization, and the framing of empirical insights obtained for various case study regions in a consistent modeling framework. Our results show that through this systematic approach one can translate conceptual and qualitative empirical work into a transition model design. Moreover, the causal loop diagrams can be used as discussion tools to support dialogue among researchers and stakeholders, and may support a comparison of transition dynamics across case-study regions. We reflect on main limitations related to empirical model validation (lack of data) and to model structure (high level of aggregation), and describe next steps for moving from a qualitative single transition initiative to a quantitative multiple transition initiatives model.
The Effects of Greenbelt Policies on Land Development: Evidence from the Deregulation of the Greenbelt in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Authors: Han Haoying , Huang Chen , Ahn Kun-Hyuck , Shu Xianfan , Lin Liyun , Qiu Derong
Published: July 2017

Greenbelt policies are important urban containment policies. On the one hand, they can effectively control the disorderly growth of a city; on the other hand, they can cause other social problems because of their strict control over land development. This paper uses data from 2000 and 2010 and the difference-in-differences (DID) method to evaluate the effects of greenbelt deregulation policies on urban land development in the Seoul metropolitan area (SMA) through a quasi-natural experiment. The results show that first, the deregulation of the greenbelt has significantly furthered urban land development that was not caused by economic development or other factors. Second, the greenbelt deregulation had no significant effects on urban land development in the city centers, but has furthered urban land development near the boundary of Seoul City and greenbelt boundaries. Third, in terms of the effects on land development, the greenbelt deregulation has resulted in regional heterogeneity. Specifically, the greenbelt deregulation has had a significant impact on the urban land development in the southern section of the Han River, whereas the effects of the greenbelt deregulation in the northern area of the Han River are not as obvious.
Determined Slum Upgrading: A Challenge to Participatory Planning in Nanga Bulik, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Purwanto Edi , Sugiri Agung , Novian Rony
Published: July 2017

Indonesia has committed to accomplish “cities without slum” target in 2019 through the national program of Action Planning for Preventing and Improving the Quality of Urban Slum Settlements (RP2KPKP) launched in 2015. Nanga Bulik town in Kabupaten (Regency) Lamandau of Central Kalimantan Province is among those included in the program; the RP2KPKP of which has been completed in 2016. This paper focuses on how participatory approach has been applied in the planning process. The planning has employed mostly qualitative approach with documents study, field observation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving all stakeholders, complemented with quantitative one especially in the aspects of urban and architectural design. The findings have suggested that the community participation in Nanga Bulik case has gone beyond the requirement commanded by the Indonesian laws on development planning and spatial management to ensure the target achievement in 2019. It is crucial because a higher level of the plan implementability would ensure more sustainability of the slum improvement. Essential lessons can be learned from this real participatory planning, which could be the beginning of the third generation of planning in Indonesia.
Cosine Measures of Neutrosophic Cubic Sets for Multiple Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Lu Zhikang , Ye Jun
Published: July 2017

The neutrosophic cubic set can contain much more information to express its interval neutrosophic numbers and single-valued neutrosophic numbers simultaneously in indeterminate environments. Hence, it is a usual tool for expressing much more information in complex decision-making problems. Unfortunately, there has been no research on similarity measures of neutrosophic cubic sets so far. Since the similarity measure is an important mathematical tool in decision-making problems, this paper proposes three cosine measures between neutrosophic cubic sets based on the included angle cosine of two vectors, distance, and cosine functions, and investigates their properties. Then, we develop a cosine measures-based multiple attribute decision-making method under a neutrosophic cubic environment in which, from the cosine measure between each alternative (each evaluated neutrosophic cubic set) and the ideal alternative (the ideal neutrosophic cubic set), the ranking order of alternatives and the best option can be obtained, corresponding to the cosine measure values in the decision-making process. Finally, an illustrative example about the selection problem of investment alternatives is provided to illustrate the application and feasibility of the developed decision-making method.
Minimal-Entanglement Entanglement-Assisted Quantum Error Correction Codes from Modified Circulant Matrices
Authors: Nguyen Duc Manh , Kim Sunghwan
Published: July 2017

In this paper, new construction methods of entanglement-assisted quantum error correction code (EAQECC) from circulant matrices are proposed. We first construct the matrices from two vectors of constraint size, and determine the isotropic subgroup. Then, we also propose a method for calculation of the entanglement subgroup based on standard forms of binary matrices to satisfy the constraint conditions of EAQECC. With isotropic and entanglement subgroups, we determine all the parameters and the minimum distance of the EAQECC. The proposed EAQECC with small lengths are presented to explain the practicality of this construction of EAQECC. Comparison with some earlier constructions of EAQECC shows that the proposed EAQECC is better.
The Occurrence of Zearalenone in South Korean Feedstuffs between 2009 and 2016
Authors: Chang Hansub , Kim Woori , Park Ju-Hee , Kim Dongho , Kim Choong-Ryeol , Chung Soohyun , Lee Chan
Published: July 2017

Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium plant pathogen species have harmful effects on humans and livestock by natural contamination in food and feed. Zearalenone, one of the well-known Fusarium mycotoxins, causes hyperestrogenism and toxicosis resulting in reproductive dysfunction in animals. This study investigated the occurrence of zearalenone in feedstuffs (compound feeds, feed ingredients) between 2009 and 2016 in South Korea to obtain information on zearalenone contamination in feeds for management. A total of 653 animal feed samples (494 compound feeds, 159 feed ingredients) produced domestically were sampled five times from 2009 to 2016 (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016) from feed factories in South Korea. The levels of zearalenone were analyzed every year by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after pretreatment with an immunoaffinity column showing limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1–3 μg/kg and 0.3–8 μg/kg, respectively. Four feed samples out of 494 compound feeds exceeded the EU and South Korea commission regulations over the eight-year test period, and no feed ingredients exceeded the guidelines.
Differences in Genetic Background Contribute to Pseudomonas Exotoxin A-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Chiu Chien-Chao , Wang Yu-Chih , Huang Wen-Ching , Chen Yi-Hsun , Hung Shao-Wen , Huang Yen-Te , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Chang Yi-Chih
Published: July 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PEA) causes severe hepatotoxicity in experimental animals and is useful in investigations of immune-mediated liver injury. However, strain differences in the sensitivity to PEA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats remains be elucidated. In this study, we determined the severity of PEA-induced hepatotoxicity in six genetically different rat strains. Male LE (Long Evans), Wistar, F344, WKY, BN/SsN and LEW rats were administered a single intravenous injection of PEA (20 μg/kg). Significantly elevated serum ALT and AST levels, massive necrosis and hemorrhage, and numerous TUNEL-positive hepatocytes were observed in BN/SsN rats. In contrast, low levels of ALT and AST as well as mild changes in liver histopathology were observed in Wistar and F344 rats. Moderate levels of hepatic injuries were observed in LE, WKY, and LEW rats. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6 serum levels were markedly increased in BN/SsN rats compared to Wistar and F344 rats. However, the hepatic levels of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which functions as the PEA receptor, were not significantly different in each strain. Taken together, we suggest that BN/SsN is the most sensitive rat strain, whereas Wistar and F344 were the most resistant rat strains to PEA-induced liver damage. The different genetic background of rat strains plays an important role in the susceptibility to PEA-induced epatotoxicity that may depend on immune-regulation but not LRP receptor levels.
Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus sensu lato and Staphylococcus aureus Isolates and Associated Enterotoxin Production Dynamics in Milk or Meat-Based Broth
Authors: Walker-York-Moore Laura , Moore Sean , Fox Edward
Published: July 2017

Bacillus cereus sensu lato species, as well as Staphylococcus aureus, are important pathogenic bacteria which can cause foodborne illness through the production of enterotoxins. This study characterised enterotoxin genes of these species and examined growth and enterotoxin production dynamics of isolates when grown in milk or meat-based broth. All B. cereus s. l. isolates harboured nheA, hblA and entFM toxin genes, with lower prevalence of bceT and hlyII. When grown at 16 °C, toxin production by individual B. cereus s. l. isolates varied depending on the food matrix; toxin was detected at cell densities below 5 log10(CFU/mL). At 16 °C no staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC) production was detected by S. aureus isolates, although low levels of SED production was noted. At 30 °C all S. aureus isolates produced detectable enterotoxin in the simulated meat matrix, whereas SEC production was significantly reduced in milk. Relative to B. cereus s. l. toxin production, S. aureus typically required reaching higher cell numbers to produce detectable levels of enterotoxin. Phylogenetic analysis of the sec and sel genes suggested population evolution which correlated with animal host adaptation, with subgroups of bovine isolates or caprine/ovine isolates noted, which were distinct from human isolates. Taken together, this study highlights the marked differences in the production of enterotoxins both associated with different growth matrices themselves, but also in the behaviour of individual strains when exposed to different food matrices.
On the Near-Horizon Canonical Quantum Microstates from AdS2/CFT1 and Conformal Weyl Gravity
Authors: Rodriguez Leo , Rodriguez Shanshan
Published: July 2017

We compute the full asymptotic symmetry group of black holes belonging to the same equivalence class of solutions within the conformal Weyl gravity formalism. We do this within an A d S 2 / C F T 1 correspondence and by performing a Robinson–Wilczek two-dimensional reduction, thus enabling the construction of effective quantum theory of the remaining field content. The resulting energy momentum tensors generate asymptotic Virasoro algebras to s-waves, with calculable central extensions. These centers, in conjunction with their proper regularized lowest Virasoro eigenmodes, yield the Bekenstein–Hawking black hole entropy via the statistical Cardy formula. We also analyze quantum holomorphic fluxes of the dual conformal field theories (CFTs) in the near horizon, giving rise to finite Hawking temperatures weighted by the central charges of the respective black hole spacetimes. We conclude with a discussion and outlook for future work.
Egg-Independent Influenza Vaccines and Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Manini Ilaria , Trombetta Claudia , Lazzeri Giacomo , Pozzi Teresa , Rossi Stefania , Montomoli Emanuele
Published: July 2017

Vaccination remains the principal way to control seasonal infections and is the most effective method of reducing influenza-associated morbidity and mortality. Since the 1940s, the main method of producing influenza vaccines has been an egg-based production process. However, in the event of a pandemic, this method has a significant limitation, as the time lag from strain isolation to final dose formulation and validation is six months. Indeed, production in eggs is a relatively slow process and production yields are both unpredictable and highly variable from strain to strain. In particular, if the next influenza pandemic were to arise from an avian influenza virus, and thus reduce the egg-laying hen population, there would be a shortage of embryonated eggs available for vaccine manufacturing. Although the production of egg-derived vaccines will continue, new technological developments have generated a cell-culture-based influenza vaccine and other more recent platforms, such as synthetic influenza vaccines.
Seasonal Variation in Spectral Response of Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes: A Case Study at Lake Starnberg (Germany)
Authors: Fritz Christine , Schneider Thomas , Geist Juergen
Published: July 2017

Submerged macrophytes are important structural components of freshwater ecosystems that are widely used as long-term bioindicators for the trophic state of freshwater lakes. Climate change and related rising water temperatures are suspected to affect macrophyte growth and species composition as well as the length of the growing season. Alternative to the traditional ground-based monitoring methods, remote sensing is expected to provide fast and effective tools to map submerged macrophytes at short intervals and over large areas. This study analyses interrelations between spectral signature, plant phenology and the length of growing season as influenced by the variable water temperature. During the growing seasons of 2011 and 2015, remote sensing reflectance spectra of macrophytes and sediment were collected systematically in-situ with hyperspectral underwater spectroradiometer at Lake Starnberg, Germany. The established spectral libraries were used to develop reflectance models. The combination of spectral information and phenologic characteristics allows the development of a phenologic fingerprint for each macrophyte species. By inversion, the reflectance models deliver day and daytime specific spectral signatures of the macrophyte populations. The subsequent classification processing chain allowed distinguishing species-specific macrophyte growth at different phenologic stages. The analysis of spectral signatures within the phenologic development indicates that the invasive species Elodea nuttallii is less affected by water temperature oscillations than the native species Chara spp. and Potamogeton perfoliatus.
Phosphorus Dynamics in Long-Term Flooded, Drained, and Reflooded Soils
Authors: Tian Juan , Dong Guiming , Karthikeyan Raghupathy , Li Lin , Harmel R.
Published: July 2017

In flooded areas, soils are often exposed to standing water and subsequent drainage, thus over fertilization can release excess phosphorus (P) into surface water and groundwater. To investigate P release and transformation processes in flooded alkaline soils, wheat-growing soil and vegetable-growing soil were selected. We flooded-drained-reflooded two soils for 35 d, then drained the soils, and 10 d later reflooded the soils for 17 d. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), soil inorganic P fractions, Olsen P, pH, and Eh in floodwater and pore water were analyzed. The wheat-growing soil had significantly higher floodwater DRP concentrations than vegetable-growing soil, and floodwater DRP in both soils decreased with the number of flooding days. During the reflooding period, DRP in overlying floodwater from both soils was less than 0.87 mg/L, which was 3–25 times less than that during the flooding period. Regardless of flooding or reflooding, pore water DRP decreased with flooding days. The highest concentration of pore water DRP observed at a 5-cm depth. Under the effect of fertilizing and flooding, the risk of vertical P movement in 10–50 cm was enhanced. P diffusion occurred from the top to the bottom of the soils. After flooding, Al-P increased in both soils, and Fe-P, O-P, Ca2-P decreased, while Fe-P, Al-P, and O-P increased after reflooding, When Olsen P in the vegetable-growing soil exceeded 180.7 mg/kg and Olsen P in the wheat-growing soil exceeded 40.8 mg/kg, the concentration of DRP in pore water increased significantly. Our results showed that changes in floodwater and pore water DRP concentrations, soil inorganic P fractions, and Olsen P are significantly affected by fertilizing and flooding; therefore, careful fertilizer management should be employed on flooded soils to avoid excess P loss.
The Limits of Water Pricing in a Developing Country Metropolis: Empirical Lessons from an Industrial City of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Shabbir , Ali Saleem , Mirza M. , Lotia Hina
Published: July 2017

This paper seeks to question the effectiveness of water pricing as a means of consumer behavioural change in urban centres of the Global South by analysing the domestic usage for water in a major industrial city of Pakistan. Using survey data of 1100 households from Faisalabad city, we estimate the price and income elasticities of water demand. Instrumental variable methods are applied to overcome the endogeneity issues of water pricing. The findings reflect that price and income elasticities vary across different groups. Price elasticities range from −0.43 to −0.71, and income elasticities vary between 0.01 and 0.12. These findings suggest that pricing policies may have limited scope to drive households’ water consumption patterns. However, these empirics may suggest that policy makers should design an appropriate tariff structure to increase revenues that can be invested to further improve the existing water infrastructure. The study findings also suggest that non-pricing instruments, such as water saving campaigns, may be helpful in driving an efficient use of water in rapidly growing cities in the developing world.
Membrane Bioreactor-Based Wastewater Treatment Plant in Saudi Arabia: Reduction of Viral Diversity, Load, and Infectious Capacity
Authors: Jumat Muhammad , Hasan Nur , Subramanian Poorani , Heberling Colin , Colwell Rita , Hong Pei-Ying
Published: July 2017

A membrane bioreactor (MBR)-based wastewater treatment plant in Saudi Arabia was assessed over a nine-month period for virus removal efficiency. Viral diversity was detected using omics-based approaches. Log reduction values (LRV) of Adenoviruses (AdV) and Enteroviruses (EV) were enumerated using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and assessed for infectivity using fluorescence-based infection assays. MBR treatment was successful in reducing viral diversity. Plant viruses remained abundant in the treated effluent. Human enteric viruses were present in lower abundance than plant viruses, and were reduced by MBR at varying LRV. AdV copy numbers were reduced by 3.7-log. Infectious AdV was not detected in the effluent. EV copy numbers were reduced by 1.7-log post MBR and infectious EV decreased by an average of 2.0-log. Infectious EV was detected in the chlorinated effluent, occasionally in concentrations that approximate to its 50% infectious dose. Overall, results indicated that a MBR-based wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effectively reduces viral diversity, viral load, and infectious capacity by up to 4-logs. These findings suggest potential concerns associated with plant and human enteric viruses for reuse events in this country. Local guidelines for assessment of treated water quality should take into consideration both infectious viral concentration and LRV.
HYDRUS Simulation of Sustainable Brackish Water Irrigation in a Winter Wheat-Summer Maize Rotation System in the North China Plain
Authors: He Kangkang , Yang Yonghui , Yang Yanmin , Chen Suying , Hu Qiuli , Liu Xiaojing , Gao Feng
Published: July 2017

Freshwater resources in the North China Plain (NCP) are near depletion due to the unceasing overexploitation of deep groundwater, by far the most significant source of freshwater in the region. To deal with the deepening freshwater crisis, brackish water (rich but largely unused water in agriculture) is increasingly being used in irrigation in the region. However, inappropriate irrigation with brackish water could lead to soil salinization and cropland degradation. To evaluate such negative impacts, the HYDRUS-1D model was used to simulate soil salt transport and accumulation under 15 years of irrigation with brackish water. The irrigation scenarios included brackish water irrigation during the wintering and jointing stages of winter wheat and then freshwater irrigation just before the sowing of summer maize. Freshwater irrigation was done to leach out soil salts, which is particularly vital in dry years. For the littoral region of the plain, HYDRUS-ID was used to simulate the irrigated cropping system stated above for a total period of 15 years. The results showed that it was feasible to use brackish water twice in one year, provided freshwater irrigation was performed before sowing summer maize. Freshwater irrigation, in conjunction with precipitation, leached out soil salts from the 100 cm root-zone depth. The maximum salt accumulation was in the 160–220 cm soil layer, which ensured that root-zone soil was free of restrictive salinity for crop growth. Precipitation was a critical determinant of the rate and depth leaching of soil salt. Heavy rainfall (>100 mm) caused significant leaching of soluble salts in the 0–200 cm soil profile. Salt concentration under brackish water irrigation had no significant effect on the variations in the trend of soil salt transport in the soil profile. The variations of soil salinity were mainly affected by hydrological year type, for which the buried depth of soil salt was higher in wet years than in dry years. The study suggested that 15 years of irrigation with brackish water is a reliable and feasible mode of crop production in coastal regions with a thick soil column above the water table. The scheme proposed in this study allowed the use of brackish water in irrigation without undue salinization of the crop soil layer, an intuitive way of resolving the deepening water crisis in the NCP study area and beyond.
GPs’ mental wellbeing and psychological resources: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Murray Marylou Anna , Cardwell Chris , Donnelly Michael
Published: July 2017

Background

The negative impact of work has been the traditional focus of GP surveys. We know little about GP positive mental health and psychological resources.

Aim

To profile and contextualise GP positive mental health and personal psychological resources.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional survey of GPs working in Northern Ireland (NI).

Method

A questionnaire comprising the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) and measures of resilience, optimism, self-efficacy, and hope, and sociodemographic information was posted to 400 GPs randomly selected from a publicly available GP register.

Results

The response rate was 55% (n = 221 out of 400). Mean value for GP wellbeing (WEMWBS) was 50.2 (standard deviation [SD] 8) compared to UK vets 48.8 (SD 9), UK teachers 47.2 (SD 9), and the population of NI 50.8 (SD 9). After adjustment for confounding, mean WEMWBS was 2.4 units (95% CI = 0.02 to 4.7) higher in female GPs than males (P= 0.05), and 4.0 units (95% CI = 0.8 to 7.3) higher in GPs ≥55 years than GPs ≤44 years (P= 0.02). Optimism was 1.1 units higher in female GPs than male GPs (95% CI = 0.1 to 2.0), and 1.56 units higher in GPs ≥55 years (95% CI = 0.2 to 2.9) than in those ≤44 years. Hope was 3 units higher in GPs ≥55 years (95% CI = 0.4 to 5.7) than in those aged 45–54 years. Correlation between WEMWBS and psychological resources was highest with hope (r= 0.65,P< 0.001).

Conclusion

GPs have levels of positive mental health that are comparable to the local population and better than other occupational groups, such as vets and teachers. Male and younger GPs may have most to gain from wellbeing interventions.
A speedy route to sterically encumbered, benzene-fused derivatives of privileged, naturally occurring hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinoline
Authors: Bakulina Olga , Ivanov Alexander , Suslonov Vitalii , Dar’in Dmitry , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: July 2017

A series of 15 benzene-fused hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolonic acids with substantial degree of steric encumbrance has been prepared via a novel variant of the Castagnoli–Cushman reaction of homophthalic anhydride (HPA) and various indolenines. The employment of a special kind of a cyclic imine component reaction allowed, for the first time, isolating a Mannich-type adduct between HPA and an imine component which has been postulated but never obtained in similar reactions.
Profile of Patients with Penile Neoplasms Who Have Undergone Penectomy
Authors: Figueiroa Maria das Neves , De Menezes Maria Lúcia Neto , Tavares Leonardo Nogueira , Maciel Andre Frederico Franklin , Gomes Laurecir
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Penile cancer accounts for 10% to 20% of the male urogenital tumors. In Brazil, the North and Northeast regions have the highest rates.
Objective: Analytical, retrospective, and cross-sectional study addressing the profile of individuals with penile neoplasms who have undergone penectomy in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Methods: The population of this study consisted of 305 men who underwent penectomy at the Pernambuco State Cancer Hospital (HCP), from 2000 to 2009. There was prevalence of elderly, low-schooling and low-income men, as well as individuals from municipalities outside the Metropolitan Region of Recife.
Results: Poor hygiene, smoking, and phimosis were the main risk factors identified. Patients showed epidermoid carcinoma (type I) and metastasis. The early signs and symptoms were tumor and painful ulcer.
Conclusion: Most of the individuals have undergone partial penectomy.
Keywords: Penile Neoplasms; Epidemiology; Hygiene; Phimosis; Brazil.
Comparative Climates of the Trappist-1 Planetary System: Results from a Simple Climate-vegetation Model
Authors: Alberti Tommaso , Carbone Vincenzo , Lepreti Fabio , Vecchio Antonio
Published: July 2017

The recent discovery of the planetary system hosted by the ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 could open new paths for investigations of the planetary climates of Earth-sized exoplanets, their atmospheres, and their possible habitability. In this paper, we use a simple climate-vegetation energy-balance model to study the climate of the seven TRAPPIST-1 planets and the climate dependence on various factors: the global albedo, the fraction of vegetation that could cover their surfaces, and the different greenhouse conditions. The model allows us to investigate whether liquid water could be maintained on the planetary surfaces (i.e., by defining a “surface water zone (SWZ)”) in different planetary conditions, with or without the presence of a greenhouse effect. It is shown that planet TRAPPIST-1d seems to be the most stable from an Earth-like perspective, since it resides in the SWZ for a wide range of reasonable values of the model parameters. Moreover, according to the model, outer planets (f, g, and h) cannot host liquid water on their surfaces, even with Earth-like conditions, entering a snowball state. Although very simple, the model allows us to extract the main features of the TRAPPIST-1 planetary climates.
Hub-filament System in IRAS 05480+2545: Young Stellar Cluster and 6.7 GHz Methanol Maser
Authors: Dewangan L. K. , Ojha D. K. , Baug T.
Published: July 2017

To probe the star formation (SF) process, we present a multi-wavelength study of IRAS 05480+2545 (hereafter I05480+2545). Analysis of Herschel data reveals a massive clump (M
clump ∼ 1875

peak N(H2) ∼ 4.8 × 1022 cm−2; A

V
∼ 51 mag) containing the 6.7 GHz methanol maser and I05480+2545, which is also depicted in a temperature range of 18–26 K. Several noticeable parsec-scale filaments are detected in the Herschel 250 μm image and seem to be radially directed to the massive clump. It resembles more of a “hub-filament” system. Deeply embedded young stellar objects (YSOs) have been identified using the 1–5 μm photometric data, and a significant fraction of YSOs and their clustering are spatially found toward the massive clump, revealing the intense SF activities. An infrared counterpart (IRc) of the maser is investigated in the Spitzer 3.6–4.5 μm images. The IRc does not appear as a point-like source and is most likely associated with the molecular outflow. Based on the 1.4 GHz and Hα continuum images, the ionized emission is absent toward the IRc, indicating that the massive clump harbors an early phase of a massive protostar before the onset of an ultracompact H ii region. Together, the I05480+2545 is embedded in a very similar “hub-filament” system to those seen in the Rosette Molecular Cloud. The outcome of the present work indicates the role of filaments in the formation of the massive star-forming clump and cluster of YSOs, which might help channel material to the central hub configuration and the clump/core.
An Evolving GeV Spectrum from Prompt to Afterglow: The Case of GRB 160509A
Authors: Tam Pak-Hin Thomas , He Xin-Bo , Tang Qing-Wen , Wang Xiang-Yu
Published: July 2017

We present the high-energy emission properties of GRB 160509A, from its prompt mission to late afterglow phase. GRB 160509A contains two emission episodes: 0–40 s and 280–420 s after the burst onset (

). The relatively high fluence of GRB 160509A allows us to establish an evolving spectrum above 100 MeV. During the first emission episode, the >100 MeV spectrum is soft with Γ ≥ 3.0, which can be smoothly connected to keV energies with a Band function with or without a high-energy cutoff. The >100 MeV spectrum rapidly changes to a hard spectrum with Γ ≤ 1.5 after

s. The existence of very energetic photons, e.g., a 52 GeV that arrives at

s and a 29 GeV that arrives at

ks, is hard to reconcile by the synchrotron emission from forward-shock electrons, but is likely due to an inverse-Compton (IC) mechanism (e.g., synchrotron self-Compton emission). A soft spectrum (Γ ∼ 2) between 300 and 1000 s after the burst onset is also found at a significance of about 2 standard deviations, which suggests a different emission mechanism at work for this short period of time. GRB 160509A represents the latest example where IC emission has to be taken into account in explaining the afterglow GeV emission, which had been suggested long before the launch of the Fermi Large Area Telescope.
Virtuel 2.O
Authors: Champenois Émilie
Published: July 2017

Après un rappel théorique de la pensée de Lacan à propos de la topique de l’imaginaire et de l’expérience dite du bouquet renversé, l’auteur développe cette présentation optique du stade du miroir, condition de la constitution du moi par l’autre et de la relation d’un sujet à son image. Prenant appui sur une clinique moderne et des exemples actuels cinématographiques, elle aborde tour à tour, l’image virtuelle, la perception et l’impression de réalité d’un point de vue freudien. Il y est aussi question de jeux vidéo, de « réalité augmentée » et de « simulateur de vie ». Elle termine par l’idée que le toujours-plus visible, symptôme de nos sociétés, produit un hors-scène : une défenestration « hors-écran », posant la question que cet appétit féroce de voir a peut-être fini par élever la réalité virtuelle au rang de nouvelle « société du spectacle ».
Virtuel, écrans et adolescents
Authors: Pannetier Thibaut , Essadek Aziz , Shadili Gérard
Published: July 2017

Les auteurs font œuvre d’un large survol des questions et des idées préconçues autour du virtuel et des écrans. Faut-il condamner les jeux pour les adolescents quand les adultes y jouent également ? Le jeu vidéo ne permet-il pas aussi de tester son idéal du moi sans le danger de la relation brutale à l’autre ? La création d’avatar n’est-elle pas autant un risque qu’un mode d’expérimentation ? Les auteurs concluent que les jeux vidéo sont davantage un révélateur de mal-être que le réel déclencheur de pathologies.
La poésie, cette belle insulaire
Authors: Nabert Nathalie
Published: July 2017

La poésie relève de la singularité de l’acte créateur rétif à toute forme d’évaluation. Elle connaît une véritable désaffection de la part des temps modernes, tant auprès des éditeurs que du grand public. Et pourtant, elle accueille l’inédit pour le métamorphoser en vérité et donner de l’homme le reflet changeant de sa réalité transcendante. Elle fut le souffle premier de l’homme, capable d’exprimer l’instant et l’ineffable et elle demeure, malgré les obstacles et les réticences d’une société de consommation marquée par la facilité et l’éphémère, une réponse unique à l’histoire de l’humanité.
L’efficacité des formes architecturales
Authors: Klasen Bernard
Published: July 2017

L’architecture des églises contemporaines tend parfois à la prouesse tout comme celle des musées ou des stades. Que signifie cela ? Y a-t-il une expérience chrétienne du « beau en espace » ? Outre le fait que toute architecture porte en elle les vertus de la mémoire, il nous faut chercher quelques autres critères d’ajustement pour les formes de nos églises.
Pourquoi j’estime que la théologie présente aujourd’hui un intérêt renouvelé
Authors: Doré Joseph
Published: July 2017

La théologie ne peut que gagner en intérêt dans le monde d’aujourd’hui. À deux conditions précises : 1) qu’elle se mette résolument au service de la foi ; 2) qu’elle n’entende pas cette foi d’emblée comme un corps de doctrines (si autorisées qu’elles soient), mais comme la fides Ecclesiae viventis , faite de l’ensemble des témoignages et pratiques, des rites et institutions qui expriment et proposent la foi des chrétiens. L’article montre que c’est par la foi comme acte (la décision de croire) que, dans la foi comme fait (le corps historico-social chrétien), la foi comme discours (la réflexion théologique) peut effectivement être une manière authentique de se rapporter à la foi comme objet , à savoir la Réalité même de Dieu, de son Christ, et de leur Église.