bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Green Space Quality and Accessibility—Evidence from a Southern European City
Authors: Hoffimann Elaine , Barros Henrique , Ribeiro Ana
Published: August 2017

Background: The provision of green spaces is an important health promotion strategy to encourage physical activity and to improve population health. Green space provision has to be based on the principle of equity. This study investigated the presence of socioeconomic inequalities in geographic accessibility and quality of green spaces across Porto neighbourhoods (Portugal). Methods: Accessibility was evaluated using a Geographic Information System and all the green spaces were audited using the Public Open Space Tool. Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficients and ordinal regression were used to test whether socioeconomic differences in green space quality and accessibility were statistically significant. Results: Although the majority of the neighbourhoods had an accessible green space, mean distance to green space increased with neighbourhood deprivation. Additionally, green spaces in the more deprived neighbourhoods presented significantly more safety concerns, signs of damage, lack of equipment to engage in active leisure activities, and had significantly less amenities such as seating, toilets, cafés, etc. Conclusions: Residents from low socioeconomic positions seem to suffer from a double jeopardy; they lack both individual and community resources. Our results have important planning implications and might contribute to understanding why deprived communities have lower physical activity levels and poorer health.
Event-Driven Distributed Information Resource-Focusing Service for Emergency Response in Smart City with Cyber-Physical Infrastructures
Authors: Xiao Changjiang , Chen Nengcheng , Gong Jianya , Wang Wei , Hu Chuanbo , Chen Zeqiang
Published: August 2017

The smart city has become a popular topic of investigation. How to focus large amounts of distributed information resources to efficiently cope with public emergencies and provide support for personalized decision-making is a vitally important issue in the construction of smart cities. In this paper, an event-driven focusing service (EDFS) method that uses cyber-physical infrastructures for emergency response in smart cities is proposed. The method consists of a focusing service model at the top level, an informational representation of the model and a focusing service process to operate the service model in emergency response. The focusing service method follows an event-driven mechanism that allows the focusing service process to be triggered by public emergencies sensed by wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and mobile crowd sensing, and it integrates the requirements of different societal entities with regard to response to emergencies and information resources, thereby providing comprehensive and personalized support for decision-making. Furthermore, an EDFS prototype system is designed and implemented based on the proposed method. An experiment using a real-world scenario—the gas leakage in August 2014 in Taiyuan, China—is presented demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed method for assisting various societal entities in coping with and efficiently responding to public emergencies.
A Novel Approach for Publishing Linked Open Geodata from National Registries with the Use of Semantically Annotated Context Dependent Web Pages
Authors: Iwaniak Adam , Leszczuk Marta , Strzelecki Marek , Harvey Francis , Kaczmarek Iwona
Published: August 2017

Many of the standards used to build spatial data infrastructure (SDI), such as Web Map Service (WMS) or Web Feature Service (WFS), have become outdated. They do not follow current web technology development and do not fully exploit its capabilities. Spatial data often remains available only through application programming interfaces (APIs), reflecting the persistence of organizational silos. The potential of the web for discovering knowledge hidden in data and discoverable through integration and fusion remains very difficult. This article presents a strategy to take advantage of these newer semantic web technologies for SDI. We describe the implementation of a public registry in the age of Web 3.0. Our goal is to convert existing geographic information systems (GIS) data into explicit knowledge that can be easily used for a variety of purposes. This turns SDI into a framework to utilize the many advantages of the web. In this paper we present the working prototype system developed for the province of Mazowieckie in Poland and describes the underlying concepts. Further development of this approach comes from using linked data (LD) with expert systems to support analysis functions and tasks.
Optogenetic Investigation of Arousal Circuits
Authors: Tyree Susan , De Lecea Luis
Published: August 2017

Modulation between sleep and wake states is controlled by a number of heterogeneous neuron populations. Due to the topological proximity and genetic co-localization of the neurons underlying sleep-wake state modulation optogenetic methods offer a significant improvement in the ability to benefit from both the precision of genetic targeting and millisecond temporal control. Beginning with an overview of the neuron populations mediating arousal, this review outlines the progress that has been made in the investigation of arousal circuits since the incorporation of optogenetic techniques and the first in vivo application of optogenetic stimulation in hypocretin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. This overview is followed by a discussion of the future progress that can be made by incorporating more recent technological developments into the research of neural circuits.
Dietary Supplementation of Honey Bee Larvae with Arginine and Abscisic Acid Enhances Nitric Oxide and Granulocyte Immune Responses after Trauma
Authors: Negri Pedro , Ramirez Leonor , Quintana Silvina , Szawarski Nicolás , Maggi Matías , Le Conte Yves , Lamattina Lorenzo , Eguaras Martin
Published: August 2017

Many biotic and abiotic stressors impact bees’ health, acting as immunosupressors and contribute to colony losses. Thus, the importance of studying the immune response of honey bees is central to develop new strategies aiming to enhance bees’ fitness to confront the threats affecting them. If a pathogen breaches the physical and chemical barriers, honey bees can protect themselves from infection with cellular and humoral immune responses which represent a second line of defense. Through a series of correlative studies we have previously reported that abscisic acid (ABA) and nitric oxide (NO) share roles in the same immune defenses of Apis mellifera (A. mellifera). Here we show results supporting that the supplementation of bee larvae’s diet reared in vitro with l-Arginine (precursor of NO) or ABA enhanced the immune activation of the granulocytes in response to wounding and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.
Characteristics and Performance of CAUTO (CAssino hUmanoid TOrso) Prototype
Authors: Cafolla Daniele , Ceccarelli Marco
Published: August 2017

An artificial torso is a fundamental part of a humanoid robot for imitating human actions. In this paper, a prototype of CAUTO (CAssino hUmanoid TOrso) is presented. Its design is characterized by artificial vertebras actuated by cable-driven parallel manipulators. The design was conceived by looking at the complex system and functioning of the human torso, in order to develop a solution for basic human-like behavior. The requirements and kinematic structure are introduced to explain the peculiarities of the proposed mechanical design. A prototype is presented, and built with low-cost and high-performance features. Tests results are reported to show the feasibility and the characteristics in replicating human torso motions. In addition, the power consumption has been measured during the tests to prove the efficiency of the Li-Po battery supply, employed for a fully portable solution of the designed torso.
Study of CeO2 Modified AlNi Mixed Pillared Clays Supported Palladium Catalysts for Benzene Adsorption/Desorption-Catalytic Combustion
Authors: Li Jingrong , Zuo Shufeng , Yang Peng , Qi Chenze
Published: August 2017

A new functional AlNi-pillared clays (AlNi-PILC) with a large surface area and pore volume was synthesized. The performance of adsorption/desorption-catalytic combustion over CeO2-modified Pd/AlNi-PILC catalysts was also studied. The results showed that the d001-value and specific surface area (SBET) of AlNi-PILC reached 2.11 nm and 374.8 m2/g, respectively. The large SBET and the d001-value improved the high capacity for benzene adsorption. Also, the strong interaction between PdCe mixed oxides and AlNi-PILC led to the high dispersion of PdO and CeO2 on the support, which was responsible for the high catalytic performance. Especially, 0.2% Pd/12.5% Ce/AlNi-PILC presented high performance for benzene combustion at 240 °C and high CO2 selectivity. Also, the combustion temperatures were lower compared to the desorption temperatures, which demonstrated that it could accomplish benzene combustion during the desorption process. Furthermore, its activity did not decrease after continuous reaction for 1000 h in dry air, and it also displayed good resistance to water and the chlorinated compound, making it a promising catalytic material for the elimination of volatile organic compounds.
The Degree of Temporal Synchronization of the Pulse Oscillations from a Gain-Switched Multimode Semiconductor Laser
Authors: Wada Kenji , Kitagawa Naoaki , Matsuyama Tetsuya
Published: August 2017

Langevin noise leads to inhibition of the temporal synchronization of the pulse oscillations from a gain-switched multimode semiconductor laser, resulting in the power reduction in optical beat detection. In this paper, the degree of the temporal synchronization of the pulse oscillations was examined by numerically estimating the output energy in THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) using multimode semiconductor laser rate equations that include Langevin noise. The degree was estimated to be 95.5% from the ratio of the averaged THz-TDS output energy for the case where Langevin noise was included to that for when Langevin noise was excluded. Therefore, a gain-switched multimode semiconductor laser can be regarded as equivalent to optical pulses oscillating simultaneously in all modes in actual applications including optical beat detection.
A Continuum Damage Mechanics Model for the Static and Cyclic Fatigue of Cellular Composites
Authors: Diel Sergej , Huber Otto
Published: August 2017

The fatigue behavior of a cellular composite with an epoxy matrix and glass foam granules is analyzed and modeled by means of continuum damage mechanics. The investigated cellular composite is a particular type of composite foam, and is very similar to syntactic foams. In contrast to conventional syntactic foams constituted by hollow spherical particles (balloons), cellular glass, mineral, or metal place holders are combined with the matrix material (metal or polymer) in the case of cellular composites. A microstructural investigation of the damage behavior is performed using scanning electron microscopy. For the modeling of the fatigue behavior, the damage is separated into pure static and pure cyclic damage and described in terms of the stiffness loss of the material using damage models for cyclic and creep damage. Both models incorporate nonlinear accumulation and interaction of damage. A cycle jumping procedure is developed, which allows for a fast and accurate calculation of the damage evolution for constant load frequencies. The damage model is applied to examine the mean stress effect for cyclic fatigue and to investigate the frequency effect and the influence of the signal form in the case of static and cyclic damage interaction. The calculated lifetimes are in very good agreement with experimental results.
Combination of Poly(lactic) Acid and Starch for Biodegradable Food Packaging
Authors: Muller Justine , González-Martínez Chelo , Chiralt Amparo
Published: August 2017

The massive use of synthetic plastics, in particular in the food packaging area, has a great environmental impact, and alternative more ecologic materials are being required. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and starch have been extensively studied as potential replacements for non-degradable petrochemical polymers on the basis of their availability, adequate food contact properties and competitive cost. Nevertheless, both polymers exhibit some drawbacks for packaging uses and need to be adapted to the food packaging requirements. Starch, in particular, is very water sensitive and its film properties are heavily dependent on the moisture content, exhibiting relatively low mechanical resistance. PLA films are very brittle and offer low resistance to oxygen permeation. Their combination as blend or multilayer films could provide properties that are more adequate for packaging purposes on the basis of their complementary characteristics. The main characteristics of PLA and starch in terms of not only the barrier and mechanical properties of their films but also of their combinations, by using blending or multilayer strategies, have been analyzed, identifying components or processes that favor the polymer compatibility and the good performance of the combined materials. The properties of some blends/combinations have been discussed in comparison with those of pure polymer films.
Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Potential of Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis: Findings in Caenorhabditis elegans Indicate a New Utilization for Roasted Seeds of Guarana
Authors: Peixoto Herbenya , Roxo Mariana , Röhrig Teresa , Richling Elke , Wang Xiaojuan , Wink Michael
Published: August 2017

Background: Roasted seeds of Amazonian guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis; Sapindaceae) are popular in South America due to their stimulant activity on the central nervous system (CNS). Rich in purine alkaloids, markedly caffeine, the seeds are extensively used in the Brazilian beverage industry for the preparation of soft drinks and as additives in energy drinks. Methods: To investigate the putative anti-aging and antioxidant activity of guarana, we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Chemical analyses were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Results: When tested in the model system Caenorhabditis elegans, the water extract from roasted guarana seeds enhanced resistance against oxidative stress, extended lifespan and attenuated aging markers such as muscle function decline and polyQ40 aggregation. Conclusions: In the current study, we demonstrate that guarana extracts can work as a powerful antioxidant in vivo; moreover, guarana extracts exhibit anti-aging properties. Our results suggest that the biological activities of guarana go beyond the extensively reported CNS stimulation.
Polymeric and Lipid Membranes—From Spheres to Flat Membranes and vice versa
Authors: Saveleva Mariia S. , Lengert Ekaterina V. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Parakhonskiy Bogdan V. , Skirtach Andre G.
Published: August 2017

Membranes are important components in a number of systems, where separation and control of the flow of molecules is desirable. Controllable membranes represent an even more coveted and desirable entity and their development is considered to be the next step of development. Typically, membranes are considered on flat surfaces, but spherical capsules possess a perfect “infinite” or fully suspended membranes. Similarities and transitions between spherical and flat membranes are discussed, while applications of membranes are also emphasized.
Application of Solution NMR to Structural Studies on α-Helical Integral Membrane Proteins
Authors: Sim Dae-Won , Lu Zhenwei , Won Hyung-Sik , Lee Seu-Na , Seo Min-Duk , Lee Bong-Jin , Kim Ji-Hun
Published: August 2017

A large portion of proteins in living organisms are membrane proteins which play critical roles in the biology of the cell, from maintenance of the biological membrane integrity to communication of cells with their surroundings. To understand their mechanism of action, structural information is essential. Nevertheless, structure determination of transmembrane proteins is still a challenging area, even though recently the number of deposited structures of membrane proteins in the PDB has rapidly increased thanks to the efforts using X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and solid and solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Among these technologies, solution NMR is a powerful tool for studying protein-protein, protein-ligand interactions and protein dynamics at a wide range of time scales as well as structure determination of membrane proteins. This review provides general and useful guideline for membrane protein sample preparation and the choice of membrane-mimetic media, which are the key step for successful structural analysis. Furthermore, this review provides an opportunity to look at recent applications of solution NMR to structural studies on α-helical membrane proteins through some success stories.
A Unique and Simple Approach to Improve Sensitivity in 15N-NMR Relaxation Measurements for NH3+ Groups: Application to a Protein-DNA Complex
Authors: Nguyen Dan , Lokesh Ganesh , Volk David , Iwahara Junji
Published: August 2017

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for research on protein dynamics. In the past decade, there has been significant progress in the development of NMR methods for studying charged side chains. In particular, NMR methods for lysine side-chain NH3+ groups have been proven to be powerful for investigating the dynamics of hydrogen bonds or ion pairs that play important roles in biological processes. However, relatively low sensitivity has been a major practical issue in NMR experiments on NH3+ groups. In this paper, we present a unique and simple approach to improve sensitivity in 15N relaxation measurements for NH3+ groups. In this approach, the efficiency of coherence transfers for the desired components are maximized, whereas undesired anti-phase or multi-spin order components are purged through pulse schemes and rapid relaxation. For lysine side-chain NH3+ groups of a protein-DNA complex, we compared the data obtained with the previous and new pulse sequences under the same conditions and confirmed that the 15N relaxation parameters were consistent for these datasets. While retaining accuracy in measuring 15N relaxation, our new pulse sequences for NH3+ groups allowed an 82% increase in detection sensitivity of 15N longitudinal and transverse relaxation measurements.
Type 1 Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: When Should We Be Concerned? A Nationwide Study in Brazil
Authors: Barros Bianca , Conte Santos Deborah , Haas Pizarro Marcela , Melo Laura , Brito Gomes Marilia
Published: August 2017

Obesity is increasing worldwide, affecting even patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A higher prevalence of associated comorbidities is expected, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This paper reports a cross-sectional multicenter study on a population with T1D (n = 1662), which aimed to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), a known risk factor for NAFLD, and to investigate predisposing factors associated with MS, as well as factors associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as it correlates to liver fat content. Patients were from 14 public clinics of 10 cities from all geographical regions of Brazil. A high prevalence of MS was found, especially among adults (32.3%), and this was related to age, female gender, acid uric levels, and the presence of acanthosis nigricans. ALT above the normal range was associated with triglyceride levels (especially above 129.5 mg/dL), serum uric acid, age, male gender, HbA1c, and non-Caucasian ethnicity. Patients with T1D, metabolic syndrome, and the aforementioned factors may be at a higher risk of NAFLD and should be referred to ultrasound for NAFLD evaluation. Further studies are necessary to establish the prevalence of NAFLD in individuals with T1D and to determine the disease’s progression in these patients.
The Healthy Eating Agenda in Australia. Is Salt a Priority for Manufacturers?
Authors: Lindberg Rebecca , Nichols Tyler , Yam Chrystal
Published: August 2017

Many nation states have endorsed and acted on the World Health Organization’s target of a 30% reduction in global salt consumption by 2025. In Australia, new government-led voluntary measures were initiated in 2009, consisting of public–private partnerships, front-of-pack labelling, and food reformulation targets (which include reduced salt). How Australia’s private sector has responded to this healthy eating agenda has been investigated in a limited way, particularly with regards to manufacturers which produce processed foods considered significant sources of sodium. In this study we asked: have Australia’s largest food manufacturers made “…positive (nutrition) changes to their product portfolios” as disclosed in their public policies, priorities, and communications? And, is salt reduction a priority for processed food manufacturers? A systematic search and critical content-analysis of grey literature published by food manufacturers was conducted. The results suggest half of the sample publically describe some salt reduction activities but the scale and efficacy of these changes is unclear from the available literature. The Australian Government’s Healthy Food Partnership could capitalise on current documented activities in salt reduction, and implement a more comprehensive healthy eating agenda moving forward. In light of the increasing rates of hypertension, population salt consumption and diet-related disease, more could be done.
Translating Carlyle: Ruminating on the Models of Metafiction at the Emergence of an Emersonian Vernacular
Authors: LaRocca David
Published: August 2017

Given the exemplary studies of Thomas Carlyle’s influence on the Boston intelligentsia of the 1830s and 1840s, for instance by Robert D. Richardson and Barbara L. Packer, we may wonder if there are other questions to ask on the subject—and then, not so much as a point of disagreement or divergence, but rather in a spirit of seeking what may come to light given that so many elemental aspects have been so well digested by others. Avoiding a rehearsal of expert observations, much less a rote re-treading of key insights, I wish to focalize the present investigation by asking how, in particular, a single book—Sartor Resartus—affected Emerson’s conception of what might be possible for him to think about literary, religious, and philosophical expression in terms of humor, satire, genre, and translation (specifically cultural translation); thus, I am asking about the interaction between form and content, and specifically how the form and content of Sartor Resartus makes itself known and available to Emerson. Borrowing from George Eliot, the foregoing notes resolve themselves into the query that guides the present investigation: how was reading Sartor Resartus an “epoch in the history of” Emerson’s mind?
The Forgotten Islands: Monitoring Tourist Numbers and Managing Tourism Impacts on New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands
Authors: Stewart Emma , Espiner Stephen , Liggett Daniela , Taylor Zac
Published: August 2017

Situated to the south of New Zealand in the Southern Ocean are the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, comprising the Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Snares and Bounty Islands. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Forgotten Islands’, these island groups are among the most remote and hostile within New Zealand waters. Yet, as they harbour some of the country’s most unique biodiversity and contain some of the world’s least modified landforms, they were recognized in 1998 with the designation of World Heritage Area status. It is not surprising therefore that the Islands have long appealed to visitors wishing to explore and understand the Islands’ rich natural and cultural environments. Typically, fare-paying tourists arrive by sea in small- to medium-sized expedition-style cruise vessels, although in recent years, the number of small vessels, such as yachts and sail boats, has increased. The most recent Conservation Management Strategy (2016) proposes developing and implementing a visitor monitoring programme to determine the effects of visitors on the natural and cultural environment, as well as on the visitor experience itself. However, there is only piecemeal data published on visitor numbers (especially since the mid-1990s) upon which to base visitor monitoring, and there is only limited evidence regarding the range of possible impacts visitors may have, including direct and indirect impact on wildlife, soils, and vegetation. In order to address this gap in knowledge, this case study draws on stakeholder interviews (n = 4), and a range of secondary sources (including visitor statistics from the Department of Conservation, tour operators and other published works) to provide an overview and update on visitation to the Islands, including site-specific data, an assessment of tourist impacts, and how impacts are currently monitored and managed.
A Novel Method of Change Detection in Bi-Temporal PolSAR Data Using a Joint-Classification Classifier Based on a Similarity Measure
Authors: Zhao Jinqi , Yang Jie , Lu Zhong , Li Pingxiang , Liu Wensong , Yang Le
Published: August 2017

Accurate and timely change detection of the Earth’s surface features is extremely important for understanding the relationships and interactions between people and natural phenomena. Owing to the all-weather response capability, polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) has become a key tool for change detection. Change detection includes both unsupervised and supervised methods. Unsupervised change detection is simple and effective, but cannot detect the type of land cover change. Supervised change detection can detect the type of land cover change, but is easily affected and depended by the human interventions. To solve these problems, a novel method of change detection using a joint-classification classifier (JCC) based on a similarity measure is introduced. The similarity measure is obtained by a test statistic and the Kittler and Illingworth (TSKI) minimum-error thresholding algorithm, which is used to automatically control the JCC. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by the use of bi-temporal PolSAR images acquired by RADARSAT-2 over Wuhan, China. The experimental results show that the proposed method can identify the different types of land cover change and can reduce both the false detection rate and false alarm rate in the change detection.
Hitchhiking Robots: A Collaborative Approach for Efficient Multi-Robot Navigation in Indoor Environments
Authors: Ravankar Abhijeet , Ravankar Ankit , Kobayashi Yukinori , Emaru Takanori
Published: August 2017

Hitchhiking is a means of transportation gained by asking other people for a (free) ride. We developed a multi-robot system which is the first of its kind to incorporate hitchhiking in robotics, and discuss its advantages. Our method allows the hitchhiker robot to skip redundant computations in navigation like path planning, localization, obstacle avoidance, and map update by completely relying on the driver robot. This allows the hitchhiker robot, which performs only visual servoing, to save computation while navigating on the common path with the driver robot. The driver robot, in the proposed system performs all the heavy computations in navigation and updates the hitchhiker about the current localized positions and new obstacle positions in the map. The proposed system is robust to recover from `driver-lost’ scenario which occurs due to visual servoing failure. We demonstrate robot hitchhiking in real environments considering factors like service-time and task priority with different start and goal configurations of the driver and hitchhiker robots. We also discuss the admissible characteristics of the hitchhiker, when hitchhiking should be allowed and when not, through experimental results.
Temperature Estimation for Photovoltaic Array Using an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Bassam A. , May Tzuc O. , Escalante Soberanis M. , Ricalde L. , Cruz B.
Published: August 2017

Module temperature is an important parameter of photovoltaic energy systems since their performance is affected by its variation. Several cooling controllers require a precise estimation of module temperature to reduce excessive heating and power losses. In this work, an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system technique is developed for temperature estimation of photovoltaic systems. For the learning process, experimental measurements comprising six environmental variables (temperature, irradiance, wind velocity, wind direction, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure) and one operational variable (photovoltaic power output) were used as training parameters. The proposed predictive model comprises a zero-order Sugeno neuro fuzzy system with two generalized bell-shaped membership functions per input and 128 fuzzy rules. The model is validated with experimental information from an instrumented photovoltaic system with a fitness correlation parameter of R = 95%. The obtained results indicate that the proposed methodology provides a reliable tool for estimation of modules temperature based on environmental variables. The developed algorithm can be implemented as part of a cooling control system of photovoltaic modules to reduce the efficiency losses.
What Leads to Lunch—How Social Practices Impact (Non-)Sustainable Food Consumption/Eating Habits
Authors: Pfeiffer Cynthia , Speck Melanie , Strassner Carola
Published: August 2017

The field of nutrition will face numerous challenges in coming decades; these arise from global consumption patterns and lead to a high use of resources. Actors in the catering sector face difficulties in promoting their solutions for a more sustainable situation in their field, one of them being the lack of acceptance from consumers. We must ask the question of how to influence consumer behavior and bring forth a transition towards more sustainable food consumption. This paper presents results of a qualitative assessment of eating practices. A group of ten consumers participated in problem-centered interviews and provided data on their eating-out behavior over the course of two weeks. Using the theoretical approach of practice theory, the data gathered in this study were used to form an understanding of the practice of eating out with a focus on the daily routines that influence consumer choices. The results indicate that the practice of eating out is highly dependent on external factors. Busy lifestyles, mobility routines and a perceived lack of time prompt the decision to eat out. Consumers consciously do so to save time and effort and to streamline their schedules. Mobility seems to be an important driver for eating out. Participants try to limit the ways they undertake eating out yet often stop for a meal in-between appointments spontaneously. Findings suggest that nutrition knowledge and sustainable mindsets have little influence on the eating decisions away from home: Participants show a high level of distrust towards quality claims and put their health concerns aside eating out. We can conclude that the act of eating out is strongly influenced by daily routines and those practices that precede or succeed it. Changes in work and mobility patterns are very likely to have an impact on the way consumers eat away from home.
The Future of Sustainable Urbanism: Society-Based, Complexity-Led, and Landscape-Driven
Authors: Roggema Rob
Published: August 2017

This article discusses the question: where to with sustainable urbanism? It includes a historic review of the concept of sustainable urbanism and reviews of recent literature in the field of eco-cities. Through these reviews, it deliberately interrogates new pathways for sustainable urbanism. The result of this investigation is the insight that there are six design principles that are required to create a sustainable city: a design in which cycles are closed, redundancy is built in, anti-fragility is created, citizens are seen as (design) experts, the landscape is used as the basis, and innovative, rule-breaking designs are developed. These six design principles are then captured in three comprehensive concepts, which together support the design of a sustainable city: the design approach needs to be a (1) society-based; (2) complexity-led, and (3) landscape-driven design approach.
Coverage and Rate Analysis for Location-Aware Cross-Tier Cooperation in Two-Tier HetNets
Authors: Guo Lili , Cong Shanya
Published: August 2017

Heterogeneous networks (HetNets) are regarded as a promising approach to handle the deluge of mobile data traffic. With the co-channel deployment of small cells, the coverage and capacity of the network will be improved. However, the conventional maximum-received-power (MRP) user association scheme and cross-tier interference issue significantly diminish the performance gain provided by small cells. In this paper, we propose a novel location-aware cross-tier cooperation (LA-CTC) scheme for jointly achieving load balancing and interference mitigation in two-tier HetNets. In detail, we define an inner region for each macro base station (MBS) where the femto base stations (FBSs) will be deactivated, and thereby the users within the inner region will only be served by the MBS. Subsequently, for the users located in the outer region, the proposed scheme only uses coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission by two tiers of BSs to eliminate the excessive cross-tier interference suffered by offloaded users, whereas users with good locations are served directly by either a MBS or a FBS. Using tools of stochastic geometry, we derived the analytical expressions for the coverage probability and average rate of a randomly chosen user. Meanwhile, the analytical results were validated through Monte Carlo simulations. The numerical results show that the proposed scheme can improve the performance of networks significantly. Moreover, we compare the performance of the proposed scheme with that of the conventional MRP scheme, the cell range expansion (CRE) scheme and the location-aware cross-tier CoMP transmission (LA-CTCT) scheme in the literature. Numerical comparisons revealed that the proposed LA-CTC scheme outperforms the other three schemes.
Multi-objective Fuzzy Bi-matrix Game Model: A Multicriteria Non-Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xing Yumei , Qiu Dong
Published: August 2017

A multi-objective bi-matrix game model based on fuzzy goals is established in this paper. It is shown that the equilibrium solution of such a game model problem can be translated into the optimal solution of a multi-objective, non-linear programming problem. Finally, the results of this paper are demonstrated through a numerical example.
Watershed Variability in Streambank Erodibility and Implications for Erosion Prediction
Authors: Enlow Holly , Fox Garey , Guertault Lucie
Published: August 2017

Two fluvial erosion models are commonly used to simulate the erosion rate of cohesive soils: the empirical excess shear stress model and the mechanistic Wilson model. Both models include two soil parameters, the critical shear stress (τc) and the erodibility coefficient (kd) for the excess shear stress model and b0 and b1 for the Wilson model. Jet erosion tests (JETs) allow for in-situ determination of these parameters. JETs were completed at numerous sites along two streams in each the Illinois River and Fort Cobb Reservoir watersheds. The objectives were to use JET results from these streambank tests to investigate variability of erodibility parameters on the watershed scale and investigate longitudinal trends in streambank erodibility. The research also determined the impact of this variability on lateral retreat predicted by a process-based model using both the excess shear stress model and the Wilson model. Parameters derived from JETs were incorporated into a one-dimensional process-based model to simulate bank retreat for one stream in each watershed. Erodibility parameters varied by two to five and one to two orders of magnitude in the Illinois River watershed and Fort Cobb Reservoir watershed, respectively. Less variation was observed in predicted retreat by a process-based model compared to the input erodibility parameters. Uncalibrated erodibility parameters and simplified applied shear stress estimates failed to match observed lateral retreats suggesting the need for model calibration and/or advanced flow modeling.
Improved Medium- and Long-Term Runoff Forecasting Using a Multimodel Approach in the Yellow River Headwaters Region Based on Large-Scale and Local-Scale Climate Information
Authors: Chu Haibo , Wei Jiahua , Li Jiaye , Qiao Zhen , Cao Jiongwei
Published: August 2017

Medium- and long-term runoff forecasting is essential for hydropower generation and water resources coordinated regulation in the Yellow River headwaters region. Climate change has a great impact on runoff within basins, and incorporating different climate information into runoff forecasting can assist in creating longer lead-times in planning periods. In this paper, a multimodel approach was developed to further improve the accuracy and reliability of runoff forecasting fully considering of large-scale and local-scale climatic factors. First, with four large-scale atmospheric oscillations, sea surface temperature, precipitation, and temperature as the predictors, multiple linear regression (MLR), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), and support vector regression (SVR) models were built. Next, a Bayesian model averaging (BMA)-based multimodel was developed using weighted MLR, RBFNN, and SVR models, and the performance of the BMA-based multimodel was compared to those of the MLR, RBFNN, and SVR models. Finally, the high-runoff performance of these four models was further analyzed to prove the effectiveness of each model. The BMA-based multimodel performed better than those of the other models, as well as high-runoff forecasting. The results also revealed that the performance of the forecasting models with multiple climatic factors were generally superior to that without climatic factors. The BMA-based multimodel with climatic factors not only provides a promising, reliable method for medium- and long-term runoff forecasting, but also facilitates uncertainty estimation under different confidence intervals.
Symptom response to antibiotic prescribing strategies in acute sore throat in adults: the DESCARTE prospective cohort study in UK general practice
Authors: Moore Michael , Stuart Beth , Hobbs FD Richard , Butler Chris C , Hay Alastair D , Campbell John , Delaney Brendan C , Broomfield Sue , Barratt Paula , Hood Kerenza , Everitt Hazel A , Mullee Mark , Williamson Ian , Mant David , Little Paul
Published: August 2017

Background

A delayed or ‘just in case’ prescription has been identified as having potential to reduce antibiotic use in sore throat.

Aim

To determine the symptomatic outcome of acute sore throat in adults according to antibiotic prescription strategy in routine care.

Design and setting

A secondary analysis of the DESCARTE (Decision rule for the Symptoms and Complications of Acute Red Throat in Everyday practice) prospective cohort study comprising adults aged ≥16 years presenting with acute sore throat (≤2 weeks’ duration) managed with treatment as usual in primary care in the UK.

Method

A random sample of 2876 people from the full cohort were requested to complete a symptom diary. A brief clinical proforma was used to collect symptom severity and examination findings at presentation. Outcome details were collected by notes review and a detailed symptom diary. The primary outcome was poorer ‘global’ symptom control (defined as longer than the median duration or higher than median symptom severity). Analyses controlled for confounding by indication (propensity to prescribe antibiotics).

Results

A total of 1629/2876 (57%) of those requested returned a symptom diary, of whom 1512 had information on prescribing strategy. The proportion with poorer global symptom control was greater in those not prescribed antibiotics 398/587 (68%) compared with those prescribed immediate antibiotics 441/728 (61%) or delayed antibiotic prescription 116/197 59%); adjusted risk ratio (RR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]): immediate RR 0.87 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.96), P = 0.006; delayed RR 0.88 (95% CI = 0.78 to 1.00), P = 0.042.

Conclusion

In the routine care of adults with sore throat, a delayed antibiotic strategy confers similar symptomatic benefits to immediate antibiotics compared with no antibiotics. If a decision is made to prescribe an antibiotic, a delayed antibiotic strategy is likely to yield similar symptomatic benefit to immediate antibiotics
GPs’ knowledge, use, and confidence in national physical activity and health guidelines and tools: a questionnaire-based survey of general practice in England
Authors: Chatterjee Robin , Chapman Tim , Brannan Mike GT , Varney Justin
Published: August 2017

Background

Physical activity (PA) brief advice in health care is effective at getting individuals active. It has been suggested that one in four people would be more active if advised by a GP or nurse, but as many as 72% of GPs do not discuss the benefits of physical activity with patients.

Aim

To assess the knowledge, use, and confidence in national PA and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) health guidelines and tools among GPs in England.

Design and setting

Online questionnaire-based survey of self-selecting GPs in England that took place over a 10-day period in March 2016.

Method

The questionnaire consisted of six multiple-choice questions and was available on the Doctors.net.uk (DNUK) homepage. Quotas were used to ensure good regional representation.

Results

The final analysis included 1013 responses. Only 20% of responders were broadly or very familiar with the national PA guidelines. In all, 70% of GPs were aware of the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ), but 26% were not familiar with any PA assessment tools, and 55% reported that they had not undertaken any training with respect to encouraging PA.

Conclusion

The majority of GPs in England (80%) are unfamiliar with the national PA guidelines. Awareness of the recommended tool for assessment, GPPAQ, is higher than use by GPs. This may be because it is used by other clinical staff, for example, as part of the NHS Health Check programme. Although brief advice in isolation by GPs on PA will only be a part of the behaviour change journey, it is an important prompt, especially if repeated as part of routine practice. This study highlights the need for significant improvement in knowledge, skills, and confidence to maximise the potential for PA advice in GP consultations.
Oxidative dehydrogenation of C–C and C–N bonds: A convenient approach to access diverse (dihydro)heteroaromatic compounds
Authors: Hati Santanu , Holzgrabe Ulrike , Sen Subhabrata
Published: August 2017

Nitrogen heteroarenes form an important class of compounds which can be found in natural products, synthetic drugs, building blocks etc. Among the diverse strategies that were developed for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles, oxidative dehydrogenation is extremely effective. This review discusses various oxidative dehydrogenation strategies of C–C and C–N bonds to generate nitrogen heteroarenes from their corresponding heterocyclic substrates. The strategies are categorized under stoichiometric and catalytic usage of reagents that facilitate such transformations. The application of these strategies in the synthesis of nitrogen heteroarene natural products and synthetic drug intermediates are also discussed. We hope this review will arouse sufficient interest among the scientific community to further advance the application of oxidative dehydrogenation in the synthesis of nitrogen heteroarenes.
The Peculiar Light Curve of J1415+1320: A Case Study in Extreme Scattering Events
Authors: Vedantham H. K. , Readhead A. C. S. , Hovatta T. , Koopmans L. V. E. , Pearson T. J. , Blandford R. D. , Gurwell M. A. , Lähteenmäki A. , Max-Moerbeck W. , Pavlidou V. , Ravi V. , Reeves R. A. , Richards J. L. , Tornikoski M. , Zensus J. A.
Published: August 2017

The radio light curve of J1415+1320 (PKS 1413+135) shows time-symmetric and recurring U-shaped features across the centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave bands. The symmetry of these features points to lensing by an intervening object as the cause. U-shaped events in radio light curves in the centimeter-wave band have previously been attributed to Extreme scattering events (ESE). ESEs are thought to be the result of lensing by compact plasma structures in the Galactic interstellar medium, but the precise nature of these plasma structures remains unknown. Since the strength of a plasma lens evolves with wavelength λ as

, the presence of correlated variations at over a wide wavelength range casts doubt on the canonical ESE interpretation for J1415+1320. In this paper, we critically examine the evidence for plasma lensing in J1415+1320. We compute limits on the lensing strength and the associated free–free opacity of the putative plasma lenses. We compare the observed and model ESE light curves, and also derive a lower limit on the lens distance based on the effects of parallax due to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. We conclude that plasma lensing is not a viable interpretation for J1415+1320's light curves and that symmetric U-shaped features in the radio light curves of extragalactic sources do not present prima facie evidence for ESEs. The methodology presented here is generic enough to be applicable to any plasma-lensing candidate.
Patient Acceptable Symptom State in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Succeeds Across Different Patient-reported Outcome Measures Assessing Physical Function, But Fails Across Other Dimensions and Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Mahler Elien A.M. , Boers Nadine , Bijlsma Johannes W.J. , van den Hoogen Frank H.J. , den Broeder Alfons A. , van den Ende Cornelia H.M.
Published: August 2017

Objective.

The aims of this study are (1) to establish the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) cutoff values of different patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) assessing physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and (2) to assess the influence of sex, age, duration of symptoms, and presence of depressive feelings on being in PASS.

Methods.

Patients fulfilling the clinical American College of Rheumatology knee OA criteria received standardized nonsurgical treatment and completed different questionnaires at baseline and 3 months assessing physical function: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lequesne Algofunctional Index, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, numerical rating scale, and the physical function subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. PASS values were defined as the 75th percentile of the score of questionnaires for those patients who consider their state acceptable.

Results.

Of the 161 included patients, 62% were women with a mean age of 59 years (SD 9) and body mass index of 30 kg/m2 (SD 5). Standardized PASS values (95% CI) for different questionnaires for physical function varied between 48 (44–54) and 54 (50–56). Female patients and patients feeling depressed were found to have a lower probability to be in PASS for physical function, with OR (95% CI) varying from 0.45 (0.23–0.91) to 0.50 (0.26–0.97) and from 0.27 (0.14–0.55) to 0.38 (0.19–0.77), respectively.

Conclusion.

PASS cutoff values for physical function are robust across different PROM in patients with knee OA. Our results indicate that PASS values are not consistent across dimensions and rheumatic diseases, and that the use of a generic PASS value for patients with OA or even patients with other rheumatic diseases might not be justifiable.