bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Nilai Kerja Dan Kesesuaian Nilai Kerja Individu Terhadap Organizational Citizenship Behavior Dan Kepuasan Kerja
Authors: Ardianingrum Vivi , Nurbiyati Titik
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to determine the influence of work value and work congruence on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and job satisfaction. The study was conducted on non medical staff, nurses and general practitioners of Yogyakarta Islamic Hospital PDHI. This study uses the population as a sample. Cluster sampling method sampling technique. The number of respondents in this study was 119 people consisting of 72 percent of men and 28 percent of women. The data analysis used multiple linear regression analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics 22 as an analytical tool. The result of the research there is significant effect of work value to job satisfaction partially. There was no significant effect on the wark congruence to job satisfaction partially. There was a significant effect on the value of work, work congruence to job satisfaction simultaneously. There was no significant effect of work value to OCB partially. There was a significant effect on the work congruence to OCB partially. There was significant influence of work value, work congruence to OCB simultaneously. There was a significant negative effect of job satisfaction on OCB partially.
Effectiveness Of Fish Hypofisa Mas (Cyprinus Carpio) And Fish Lele Dumbo (Clarias Gariepenus) On Fishing Of Lele Dumbo Fish (Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Ahmad Nasir
Published: October 2018

The aim of this research is to know the efficiency of hypofisa gland on spawning catfish. This research was conducted in March-July 2014, at Manggis I, RT / RW. 18/09 50, Kelurahan Dusun Besar, Gading Cempaka Subdistrict, Bengkului City. The design used was complete randomized design (RAL) with 2 treatments and 6 replications and to see the difference was done t test. The treatment consisted of P1 = Spawning dumbo catfish using hypofisa gland Goldfish, P2 = Spawning dumbo catfish using hypofisa gland Fish catfish dumbo. The use of different hypofisa glands has no significant effect on spawning time, hatchability, and the survival of dumbo catfish seeds in the hatchery of dumbo catfish. The use of one type of hypophysis gland with the most efficient recipient fish compared to the hypofisa gland is universal.
Community-Based screening and triage versus standard referral of Aboriginal children
Authors: Young Nancy L. , Wabano Mary Jo , Jacko Diane , Barbic Skye P. , Boydell Katherine , Thavorn Kednapa , Roy-Charland Annie , Momoli Franco , Anderson Marnie , Trudeau Trisha , Peltier Shanna , Mushquash Christopher , Szatmari Peter , Williamson Pam , Dénommée Jessica
Published: October 2018

Health solutions for Aboriginal children should be guided by their community and grounded in evidence. This manuscript presents a prospective cohort study protocol, designed by a community-university collaborative research team. The study’s goal is to determine whether community-based screening and triage lead to earlier identification of children’s emotional health needs, and to improved emotional health 1 year later, compared to the standard referral process. We are recruiting a community-based sample and a clinical sample of children (ages 8 to 18 years) within one Canadian First Nation. All participants will complete the Aboriginal Children’s Health and Well-being Measure (ACHWM)© and a brief triage assessment with a local mental health worker. All participants will be followed for 1 year. Children with newly identified health concerns will be immediately connected to local services, generating a new opportunity to improve health. The development of the research design and its execution were impacted by several events (e.g., disparate worldviews, loss of access to schools). This manuscript describes lessons learned that are important to guide future community-based research with First Nations people. The optimal research design in an Aboriginal context is one that responds directly to local decision makers’ needs and respectfully integrates Aboriginal ways of knowing with Western scientific principles. Such an approach is critical because it will generate meaningful results that will be rapidly adopted, thus reducing the knowledge-to-action gap.
Rediscovering the ‘Noble Savage’: The Rewilding Movement and the Re-Enchantment of the Scottish Highlands
Authors: Bone John
Published: October 2018

This paper focuses on an exploration of an emerging and controversial trend in animal/environmental activism, the rewilding movement, and in particular issues arising from the identification of the Scottish Highlands as a suitable site for rewilding. The rewilding movement contrasts with traditional conservationism in asserting that environmental revitalisation is best achieved through returning designated rural areas to a state broadly approximating that which existed prior to large scale human intervention, as opposed to merely conserving existing plants and fauna. Moreover, a key aspect of this process involves the reintroduction of ‘missing species’, in the form of apex predators such as Lynx, Boar and Wolf, where the latter are suggested to play a critical role in restoring ‘natural’ environments, largely through predation to control the activities and numbers of ungulate species whose grazing inhibits the growth of woodland and, hence, the restoration of ecosystems. The paper addresses various political and socio-economic issues raised by proposals for rewilding in the Scottish Highlands, in terms of tensions with traditional conservationism and, not least, the challenges presented to policymakers and publics with respect to predatory species reintroduction, including perceptions of risk to livestock and, indeed, humans. With respect to the latter, more fundamental theoretical questions are also addressed, including the way in which discourses around rewilding have been constructed by both advocates and critics of this phenomenon.
Turnover of Minerals and Organics in the Postharvest Herbage of Annuals and Perennials: Winter Wheat and Goldenrod
Authors: Gramss Gerhard , Voigt Klaus-Dieter
Published: October 2018

Crossing annual cereals, legumes, and oilseeds with wild rhizomatous relatives is used to create perennial lines that fruit over 2–3 seasons. Contrary to annual crops, the year-round vegetation cover should contribute to carbon sequestration, soil formation, and root mineral preservation. Soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and labor expenses may be reduced. While deep-rooted grasses actually inhibit nitrate leaching, advantages in nutrient storage and soil formation are not yet shown. Therefore, the turnover of organics and minerals in the perennial goldenrod was compared with that of winter wheat between blooming and resprouting (28 February) by gravimetry and ICP-MS. From blooming (23 August) to harvest (13 November), goldenrod stalks of 10,070 (given in kg ha−1) lost 23% by dry weight (DW) and released 14.9/9.6/65.7 in NPK and 2193 in water-soluble organics via leaching and root exudation. Apart from a transient rise of 28.8 in N around 13 November, the stubble/rhizome system held CaKMg(N)P stable at a level avoiding metal stress from 23 August to 28 February. Filling seeds in wheat excluded net losses of minerals and organics from anthesis to harvest (23 July). Stubbles (16 cm) and spilt grains of 2890 represented 41.8/2.91/62.5 in NPK and lost 905 in biomass with 25.4/1.8/59.8 in NPK to the soil by 28 February. In wheat-maize rotations, ploughing was avoided until early March. Weeds and seedlings emerged from spilt grains replaced losses in stubble biomass, N, and P but left 40.5 in K unused to the soil. In wheat-wheat rotations, organics and minerals lost by the down-ploughed biomass were replenished by the next-rotation seedlings that left only 18.3 in K to the soil. In summary, off-season goldenrod rhizomes did not store excess minerals. The rate of mineral preservation corresponded with the quantity of the biomass irrespective of its perennial habit. Released water-soluble organics should foster microbial carbon formation and CO2 efflux while soil improving gains in humate C should depend on the lignin content of the decaying annual or perennial biomass. Clues for NPK savings by perennials were not found.
Effects of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL Inhibitors on Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Rybka Vladyslava , Suzuki Yuichiro J. , Shults Nataliia V.
Published: October 2018

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease without satisfactory therapeutic options. By the time patients are diagnosed with this disease, the remodeling of pulmonary arteries has already developed due to the abnormal growth of pulmonary vascular cells. Therefore, agents that reduce excess pulmonary vascular cells have therapeutic potential. Bcl-2 is known to function in an antioxidant pathway to prevent apoptosis. The present study examined the effects of inhibitors of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. ABT-263 (Navitoclax), ABT-199 (Venetoclax), ABT-737, and Obatoclax, which all promoted the death of cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Further examinations using ABT-263 showed that Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibition indeed promoted apoptotic programmed cell death. ABT-263-induced cell death was inhibited by antioxidants. ABT-263 also promoted autophagy; however, the inhibition of autophagy did not suppress ABT-263-induced cell death. This is in contrast to other previously studied drugs, including anthracyclines and proteasome inhibitors, which were found to mediate autophagy to induce cell death. The administration of ABT-263 to rats with PAH in vivo resulted in the reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Thus, promoting apoptosis by inhibiting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL effectively kills pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells and reverses pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Correction: Barmparesos et al. Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Conditions in a Primary School with a Green Roof System. Atmosphere, 2018, 9, 75
Authors: Barmparesos Nikolaos , Assimakopoulos Margarita , Assimakopoulos Vasiliki , Loumos Nikolaos , Sotiriou Maria , Koukoumtzis Athanasios
Published: October 2018

The authors would like to correct the published article [1] concerning acknowledgments as follows [...]
Interannual Relationship between ENSO and Atlantic Storm Track in Spring Modulated by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: Liao Chenfei , Xu Haiming , Deng Jiechun , Zhang Leying
Published: October 2018

It has been well documented that storm track activity are closely related to the weather and short-term climate variability in the extratropics, which is affected by sea surface temperature anomalies over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. Interannual relationship between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Atlantic storm track (AST) in spring modulated by the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) was investigated using reanalysis data and model simulations in this study. The meridional displacement of the AST is significantly correlated with ENSO during negative AMO phase, while no significant relationship is found during positive AMO phase. This may be due to the difference of 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies induced by ENSO in different AMO phases. For an El Niño event during the negative AMO phase, an anomalous 500-hPa wave train propagates eastward across the North American continent, with positive height anomalies at the high latitudes, extending from South Canada to Newfoundland. Thus, easterly wind anomalies appear over central North America, upstream of the negative AST anomaly. Accordingly, the local eddy growth rate (EGR) and baroclinic energy conversion (BC) are obviously reduced, which weaken (strengthen) the southern (northern) part of the climatological AST. As a result, the AST is shifted northward significantly. During the positive AMO phase, the ENSO-related anomalous wave train at 500 hPa only propagates northeastward and is largely suppressed over Northwest Canada, with positive height anomalies confined to the northwest of North America. Therefore, no significant changes of the westerly jet, EGR and BC are found in the upstream region of the AST, and the meridional location of the AST generally remains unchanged. Most previous studies investigate AST variabilities in winter, and few focus on AST in spring. This work may be helpful in understanding more about the interannual and interdecadal variations of springtime AST and in further studying the weather and short-term climate changes caused by AST.
Short-Term Association between Black Carbon Exposure and Cardiovascular Diseases in Pakistan’s Largest Megacity
Authors: Malashock Daniel , Khwaja Haider A. , Fatmi Zafar , Siddique Azhar , Lu Yi , Lin Shao , Carpenter David
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the association between black carbon (BC) exposure and hospital admissions (HAs) and outpatient department/emergency room (OPD/ER) visits for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among residents of Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. We measured daily concentrations of BC in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and collected records of HAs and OPD/ER visits for CVD from 2 major tertiary care hospitals serving Karachi for 6 weeks continuously during each quarter over 1 year (August 2008–August 2009). We subsequently analyzed daily counts of hospital and BC data over 0–3 lag days. Daily mean BC concentrations varied from 1 to 32 µg/m3. Results suggest that BC concentrations are associated with CVD HAs and OPD/ER visits. However, associations were generally only observed when modeled with BC from Tibet Center, the commercial-residential site, as compared to Korangi, the industrial-residential site. Overall, low statistical significance suggests that while BC may be a valuable indicator for CVD health risks from combustion-derived particles, further evaluation of the constituents of PM2.5 and their relative contributions to CVD health impacts is necessary.
Fullerene-to-MWCNT Structural Evolution Synthesized by Arc Discharge Plasma
Authors: Roslan Muhammad Sufi , Abd Rahman Misbahul Muneer , Jofri Muhamad Hanif , Chaudary Kashif Tufail , Mohamad Azam , Ali Jalil
Published: October 2018

The growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been extensively studied using electron microscopy. The ex situ structural behavior was examined to investigate the growth of the MWCNTs under different environments and pressures using electron microscopy. The arc discharge plasma technique was applied to synthesize the MWCNTs by evaporating carbon through the arc plasma between two cylindrical graphite rods, with a background pressure of 10−2 to 102 mbar, inside a vacuum chamber under different ambient environments. The results showed that long MWCNT structures were successfully grown. We suggest that the mechanism involves: (i) fullerene formation; (ii) the elongation of fullerenes; and (iii) the growth of MWCNTs. Agglomeration with other structures then forms MWCNT bundles. We note that the pressure and environment in the vacuum chamber can affect the structure of the MWCNTs.
Solid-Phase Photocatalytic Degradation of Polyvinyl Borate
Authors: Koysuren Hafize Nagehan
Published: October 2018

In this study, polymer composites based on polyvinyl borate (PVB) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared through the condensation reaction of polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. The solid-phase photocatalytic degradation of the polymer composites under UV light irradiation was investigated and compared with that of the pure PVB with the aid of weight loss measurements. The introduction of the photocatalyst nanoparticles in PVB enhanced the solid-phase photocatalytic degradation of the polymer matrix under UV light irradiation. The structural and morphological properties of PVB/TiO2 composites were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed that PVB synthesis was successfully carried out in the presence of the photocatalyst nanoparticles. According to the morphological analyses, TiO2 nanoparticles were well dispersed in the PVB matrix.
The Association of XRCC1 Gene Polymorphisms and Chronic Hepatitis C Induced Insulin Resistance in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Abo El-khair Salwa M. , Arafa Mona , Besheer Tarek , El-Eraky Ahmed M. , Elsamanoudy Ayman Z.
Published: October 2018

Chronic hepatitis C is implicated in insulin resistance (IR) susceptibility. An X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 gene (XRCC1) is proposed to be a candidate gene for a study of IR susceptibility. So, this study aims to investigate the possible association of the XRCC1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of IR related to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egyptian patients. In a case-control study, a total of 210 subjects, including 140 chronic HCV patients (87 patients with IR and 53 without IR) and 70 healthy controls, were included. Two genetic polymorphisms (c.1254C > T and c.1517G > C) of the XRCC1 gene were genotyped via the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The result of the current study revealed that these two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have statistically significant influences on susceptibility to IR in chronic HCV infected Egyptian patients. It could be concluded that c.1254C > T, the TT genotype, CT/CC carriers as well as c.1517G > C, the CC genotype and GC/GG carriers might be associated with increased IR susceptibility. Moreover, T-allele of c.1254C > T and the C-allele of c.1517G > C genetic variants might influence the susceptibility.
Biodiversity of Kelp Forests and Coralline Algae Habitats in Southwestern Greenland
Authors: Schoenrock Kathryn M. , Vad Johanne , Muth Arley , Pearce Danni M. , Rea Brice R. , Schofield J. Edward , Kamenos Nicholas A.
Published: October 2018

All marine communities in Greenland are experiencing rapid environmental change, and to understand the effects on those structured by seaweeds, baseline records are vital. The kelp and coralline algae habitats along Greenland’s coastlines are rarely studied, and we fill this knowledge gap for the area around Nuuk, west Greenland. Using subtidal swath surveys, photo-quadrats, and grab samples, we characterised the diversity of floral and faunal assemblages in kelp forests and coralline algae beds. The most abundant herbivore assemblages and the most diverse communities occur in the interstitial habitats of rhodolith beds. In kelp forests, species diversity is higher in epi-benthic (photo-quadrat) and mid-water (swath) surveys. These habitats are not mutually exclusive; Agarum clathratum is prominent in coralline algal habitats, while crustose coralline algae cover the bedrock under kelp holdfasts. Overall, the suite of surveys used capture the diverse communities within kelp forests and coralline algae in Greenland and their differing role in the life history of the inhabitants. Furthermore, coralline algae beds are an important carbonate store, with CaCO3 concentrations ranging from 28.06 to 103.73 g·m−3. Our research sets the baseline for continued investigations and monitoring of these important habitats and their supported fisheries.
CRC806-KB: A Semantic MediaWiki Based Collaborative Knowledge Base for an Interdisciplinary Research Project
Authors: Willmes Christian , Viehberg Finn , Esteban Lopez Sarah , Bareth Georg
Published: October 2018

In the frame of an interdisciplinary research project that is concerned with data from heterogeneous domains, such as archaeology, cultural sciences, and the geosciences, a web-based Knowledge Base system was developed to facilitate and improve research collaboration between the project participants. The presented system is based on a Wiki that was enhanced with a semantic extension, which enables to store and query structured data within the Wiki. Using an additional open source tool for Schema–Driven Development of the data model, and the structure of the Knowledge Base, improved the collaborative data model development process, as well as semi-automation of data imports and updates. The paper presents the system architecture, as well as some example applications of a collaborative Wiki based Knowledge Base infrastructure.
How Is Smartphone Addiction Related to Interaction Anxiety of Prospective Teachers?
Authors: Konan Necdet , Durmuş Emine , Türkoğlu Duygu , Ağıroğlu Bakır Aslı
Published: October 2018

The main purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between prospective teachers’ smartphone addiction and interaction anxiety. For this purpose, quantitative research was carried out within the relational screening model. The population of the research was composed of senior students and pedagogical formation students from Inonu University Faculty of Education in Turkey. The sample consisted of a total of 330 prospective teachers, including 117 Faculty of Education and 213 pedagogical formation students. Data of the study were obtained via The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and The Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS). As a result of the research, it was seen that the scores of prospective teachers’ on smartphone use was at the lower level and the scores of interaction anxiety were close to the lower level of anxiety. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between prospective teachers’ smartphone addiction and interaction anxiety.
One-Hour Prediction of the Global Solar Irradiance from All-Sky Images Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Crisosto Cristian , Hofmann Martin , Mubarak Riyad , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: October 2018

We present a method to predict the global horizontal irradiance (GHI) one hour ahead in one-minute resolution using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). A feed-forward neural network with Levenberg–Marquardt Backpropagation (LM-BP) was used and was trained with four years of data from all-sky images and measured global irradiance as input. The pictures were recorded by a hemispheric sky imager at the Institute of Meteorology and Climatology (IMuK) of the Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany (52.23° N, 09.42° E, and 50 m above sea level). The time series of the global horizontal irradiance was measured using a thermopile pyranometer at the same site. The new method was validated with a test dataset from the same source. The irradiance is predicted for the first 10–30 min very well; after this time, the length of which is dependent on the weather conditions, the agreement between predicted and observed irradiance is reasonable. Considering the limited range that the camera and the ANN can “see”, this is not surprising. When comparing the results to the persistence model, we observed that the forecast accuracy of the new model reduced both the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of the one-hour prediction by approximately 40% compared to the reference persistence model under various weather conditions, which demonstrates the high capability of the algorithm, especially within the first minutes.
A Process Approach to Mainstreaming Civic Energy
Authors: McGovern Gerard , Klenke Thomas
Published: October 2018

Civic energy has developed to become a key driver of a transition of the energy system to a locally-sourced, renewables-based economy whereby individual civic energy initiatives exhibit highly diverse forms and agency characteristics. Together they challenge the incumbent corporate, fossil-based energy system and its underlying techno-economic paradigm. For civic energy to meet this challenge, we argue that the potential for process optimization needs to be systematically assessed and propose a civic energy process design as a continuous improvement process in order to address the need for professionalization and capture the synergies presented by process standardization. The resulting Civic Energy Cycle deploys elements of creative destruction to identify alternative value propositions. The Cycle comprises Initiation, Planning, Roll-Out, Refection and Adoption phases, and a total of eleven process stages that extend beyond standardized technical and business processes; in addition to economic process objectives, the targeted social-economic and community benefits play a key role in shaping the process. The civic energy process is presented as a social transition framework that makes the shift in energy patterns manageable and acts as a mechanism that serves community needs.
Improved Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with TiO2 Nanoparticles/Zn-Doped TiO2 Hollow Fiber Photoanodes
Authors: Arifin Zainal , Suyitno Suyitno , Hadi Syamsul , Sutanto Bayu
Published: October 2018

In this study, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using double-layer photoanodes consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and Zn-doped TiO2 hollow fibers (HFs). The TiO2 HFs were prepared by co-axial electrospinning and used as the light-scattering layer in the DSSC. The thickness variations of the TiO2 NP and Zn-doped TiO2 HF photoanode layers affect the performance of the DSSC, especially the short-circuit photocurrent density. The thickness of the TiO2 NP layer significantly affected the absorbance of photons and N719 dye molecules in the double-layer photoanode, while that of the Zn-doped TiO2 HF layer affected the scattering of light, as indicated by the low light transmittance in the photoanode. Conventional DSSCs consist of single-layer photoanodes, and exhibit relatively low efficiency, i.e., 1.293% and 0.89% for TiO2 NP and Zn-doped TiO2 HF, respectively. However, herein, the highest efficiency of the DSSC (3.122%) was achieved with a 15 μm NP-5 μm HF photoanode, for which the short-circuit photocurrent density, open-circuit photovoltage, and fill factor were 15.81 mA/cm2, 0.566 V, and 34.91%, respectively.
Effects of Coal Deformation on Different-Phase CO2 Permeability in Sub-Bituminous Coal: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Zhang Beining , Liang Weiguo , Ranjith Pathegama Gamage , He Wei , Li Zhigang , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2018

Coal deformation is one of the leading problems for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in coal seams especially with respect to different-phase CO2 injection. In this paper, a series of core flooding tests were conducted under different confining stresses (8–20 MPa), injection pressures (1–15 MPa), and downstream pressures (0.1–10 MPa) at 50 °C temperature to investigate the effects of coal deformation induced by adsorption and effective stress on sub-critical, super-critical, and mixed-phase CO2 permeability. Due to the linear relationship between the mean flow rate and the pressure gradient, Darcy Law was applied on different-phase CO2 flow. Experimental results indicate that: (1) Under the same effective stress, sub-critical CO2 permeability > mixed-phase CO2 permeability > super-critical CO2 permeability. (2) For sub-critical CO2 flow, the initial volumetric strain is mainly attributed to adsorption-induced swelling. A temporary drop in permeability was observed. (3) For super-critical CO2 flow, when the injection pressure is over 10 MPa, effective-stress-generated deformation is dominant over the adsorption-induced strain and mainly contributes to the volumetric strain change. Thus, there is a linear increase of the volumetric strain with mean pore pressure and super-critical CO2 permeability increased with volumetric strain. (4) For mixed-phase CO2 flow, coupling effects of adsorption-induced swelling and effective stress on the volumetric strain were observed but effective stress made more of a contribution. CO2 permeability consistently increased with the volumetric strain. This paper reveals the swelling mechanism of different-phase CO2 injections and its effect on coal permeability.
Value Chain of Charcoal Production and Implications for Forest Degradation: Case Study of Bié Province, Angola
Authors: Chiteculo Vasco , Lojka Bohdan , Surový Peter , Verner Vladimir , Panagiotidis Dimitrios , Woitsch Jiří
Published: October 2018

Forest degradation and forest loss threaten the survival of many species and reduce the ability of forests to provide vital services. Clearing for agriculture in Angola is an important driver of forest degradation and deforestation. Charcoal production for urban consumption as a driver of forest degradation has had alarming impacts on natural forests, as well as on the social and economic livelihood of the rural population. The charcoal impact on forest cover change is in the same order of magnitude as deforestation caused by agricultural expansion. However, there is a need to monitor the linkage between charcoal production and forest degradation. The aim of this paper is to investigate the sequence of the charcoal value chain as a systematic key to identify policies to reduce forest degradation in the province of Bié. It is a detailed study of the charcoal value chain that does not stop on the production and the consumption side. The primary data of this study came from 330 respondents obtained through different methods (semi-structured questionnaire survey and market observation conducted in June to September 2013–2014). A logistic regression (logit) model in IBM SPSS Statistics 24 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to analyze the factors influencing the decision of the households to use charcoal for domestic purposes. The finding indicates that 21 to 27 thousand hectares were degraded due to charcoal production. By describing the chain of charcoal, it was possible to access the driving factors for charcoal production and to obtain the first-time overview flow of charcoal from producers to consumers in Bié province. The demand for charcoal in this province is more likely to remain strong if government policies do not aim to employ alternative sources of domestic energy.
Inter- and Intraspecific Patterns in Resprouting of Trees in Undisturbed Natural Forests along an Elevational Gradient in Central Japan
Authors: Umeki Kiyoshi , Kawasaki Mitsuru , Shigyo Nobuhiko , Hirao Toshihide
Published: October 2018

Resprouting is an important functional trait for determining community dynamics and the persistence of individuals and populations. However, community-wide research on resprouting has primarily focused on severely damaged trees. We investigated resprouting from trees in a range of undisturbed natural forests along an elevational gradient in central Japan and analyzed the data at inter- and intraspecific levels. First, we formulated interspecific relationships among resprout production, parent stem growth, multi-stemmedness, and dominance in forest communities using a structural equation model (SEM). Second, we analyzed intraspecific variation in the resprout number per stem for nine resprouting species using a hierarchical Bayesian method. We found that resprout production and parent stem growth were negatively correlated; resprouting resulted in multi-stemmed adult forms, and species with multi-stemmed forms tended to be less dominant in undisturbed forest communities. We observed various intraspecific resprouting responses to parental and environmental factors. For example, soil temperature had generally positive effects for most species, whereas dbh appeared to have only weak effects on a few species. Our SEM summarized well the direct and indirect relationships of species’ traits, including resprout production, in the undisturbed forests. The observed intraspecific patterns in the resprouting responses can serve as a starting point for understanding species’ traits within this context.
On the Behaviour of Living Cells under the Influence of Ultrasound
Authors: Rubin David M. , Anderton Nicole , Smalberger Charl , Polliack Jethro , Nathan Malavika , Postema Michiel
Published: October 2018

Medical ultrasound technology is available, affordable, and non-invasive. It is used to detect, quantify, and heat tissue structures. This review article gives a concise overview of the types of behaviour that biological cells experience under the influence of ultrasound only, i.e., without the presence of microbubbles. The phenomena are discussed from a physics and engineering perspective. They include proliferation, translation, apoptosis, lysis, transient membrane permeation, and oscillation. The ultimate goal of cellular acoustics is the detection, quantification, manipulation and eradication of individual cells.
Hydrological Hazard: Analysis and Prevention
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso
Published: October 2018

As a result of the considerable impacts of hydrological hazard on water resources, on natural environments and human activities, as well as on human health and safety, climate variability and climate change have become key issues for the research community. In fact, a warmer climate, with its heightened climate variability, will increase the risk of hydrological extreme phenomena, such as droughts and floods. The Special Issue “Hydrological Hazard: Analysis and Prevention” presents a collection of scientific contributions that provides a sample of the state-of-the-art and forefront research in this field. In particular, innovative modelling methods for flood hazards, regional flood and drought analysis, and the use of satellite and climate data for drought analysis were the main topics and practice targets that the papers published in this Special Issue aimed to address.
Full in-Office Guided Surgery with Open Selective Tooth-Supported Templates: A Prospective Clinical Study on 20 Patients
Authors: Mangano Francesco Guido , Hauschild Uli , Admakin Oleg
Published: October 2018

Background: Guided implant surgery appears to have several benefits, such as the possibility of inserting flapless implants in a prosthetically driven manner, avoiding dangerous anatomical structures. However, to date, only a few surgeons routinely use guided surgery in partially edentulous patients. Aim: To present the results obtained with tooth-supported surgical templates characterized by an innovative open design with selective support, and manufactured via a full in-office procedure with a low-cost desktop 3D printer. Methods: Over a two-year period (2016–2018), all partially edentulous patients with one to three missing teeth (in maxilla and/or mandible), referred to a private dental practice for restoration with dental implants, were considered for inclusion in this prospective clinical study. An intraoral scanner (CS 3600®, Carestream Dental) and cone beam computed tomography (CS 9300®, Carestream Dental) were used to acquire the 3D information on the patients. Guided surgery software (SMOP®, Swissmeda) was used to plan the surgeries and to design open, selective, tooth-supported templates that were fabricated with a stereolithographic (SLA) desktop 3D printer (XFAB2000®, DWS). Guided implant surgeries were performed and patients were followed for a period of one year. The study outcomes were fit and stability of surgical templates, duration (time) of surgery, intra and post-operative complications, and implant stability and survival. Results: Twenty (20) partially edentulous patients (9 males, 11 females; mean age 54.4 ± 9.4 years) were included in the study; 28 open, selective, tooth-supported templates were designed with the aim of inserting 38 implants. Among the surgical templates, 24 had optimal fit and stability, three had optimal fit and sufficient stability, and only one had inadequate fit and unsatisfactory stability and was therefore not suitable for clinical use. The average time of the intervention was 15.7 ± 5.2 min per template. No intra-operative complications were reported, but one implant was not stable at placement and had to be removed. In total, 36 implants were restored with 10 two-unit fixed partial prostheses and 16 single crowns. All implants were successfully functioning at one year, even if, in two single crowns, minor prosthetic complications (abutment screw loosening) occurred. Conclusions: Full in-office guided surgery with open, selective, tooth-supported templates seem to represent a clinically predictable surgical procedure to restore partially edentulous patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these positive outcomes.
Hybrid Metaheuristics to the Automatic Selection of Features and Members of Classifier Ensembles
Authors: Feitosa Neto Antonino A. , Canuto Anne M. P. , Xavier-Junior João C.
Published: October 2018

Metaheuristic algorithms have been applied to a wide range of global optimization problems. Basically, these techniques can be applied to problems in which a good solution must be found, providing imperfect or incomplete knowledge about the optimal solution. However, the concept of combining metaheuristics in an efficient way has emerged recently, in a field called hybridization of metaheuristics or, simply, hybrid metaheuristics. As a result of this, hybrid metaheuristics can be successfully applied in different optimization problems. In this paper, two hybrid metaheuristics, MAMH (Multiagent Metaheuristic Hybridization) and MAGMA (Multiagent Metaheuristic Architecture), are adapted to be applied in the automatic design of ensemble systems, in both mono- and multi-objective versions. To validate the feasibility of these hybrid techniques, we conducted an empirical investigation, performing a comparative analysis between them and traditional metaheuristics as well as existing existing ensemble generation methods. Our findings demonstrate a competitive performance of both techniques, in which a hybrid technique provided the lowest error rate for most of the analyzed objective functions.
Low Blood ALT Activity and High FRAIL Questionnaire Scores Correlate with Increased Mortality and with Each Other. A Prospective Study in the Internal Medicine Department
Authors: Irina Gringauz , Refaela Cohen , Adi Brom , Avia Davidi , Liron Hofstetter , Chen Avaki , Gad Segal
Published: October 2018

Background: Low blood ALT, Alanine aminotransferase activity and high FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss of Weight) questionnaire scores were previously shown to be associated with frailty and increased risk of mortality. We aimed to correlate these tools with mortality and each other in patients hospitalized in an internal medicine department. Methods: This is a prospective study in a large tertiary hospital. We assessed the predictive value for clinical outcomes of both low ALT blood activity and the pre-frail and frail categories of the “FRAIL” questionnaire. Results: During a 15 months study, 179 consecutive patients were recruited, of whom 20 died. When all study participants were divided to three groups according to admission ALT levels (below 10 IU/L, 11 to 19 IU/L and above 20 IU/L) we found a statistically significant difference in the rate of mortality: 4 patients died within the group of ALT < 10 IU/L, 14 patients died in the group of 10 IU/L < ALT < 19 IU/L and in the group of patients with ALT > 20 IU/L, only 2 patients died (p = 0.042). A higher score on the FRAIL questionnaire was associated, with statistical significance, with higher risk of mortality (p = 0.029). There was a significant correlation (p = 0.038) between blood ALT activity and the pre-frailty and frailty classifications by the FRAIL Questionnaire. Conclusions: Both the FRAIL questionnaire and blood ALT activity are simple and practical tools for frailty assessment and risk stratification of patients hospitalized in the internal medicine department. Both tool’s results also correlate with each other.
Hyers-Ulam Stability of Lagrange’s Mean Value Points in Two Variables
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo , Kim Ji-Hye
Published: October 2018

Using a theorem of Ulam and Hyers, we will prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of two-dimensional Lagrange’s mean value points ( η , ξ ) which satisfy the equation, f ( u , v ) − f ( p , q ) = ( u − p ) f x ( η , ξ ) + ( v − q ) f y ( η , ξ ) , where ( p , q ) and ( u , v ) are distinct points in the plane. Moreover, we introduce an efficient algorithm for applying our main result in practical use.
On Comon’s and Strassen’s Conjectures
Authors: Casarotti Alex , Massarenti Alex , Mella Massimiliano
Published: October 2018

Comon’s conjecture on the equality of the rank and the symmetric rank of a symmetric tensor, and Strassen’s conjecture on the additivity of the rank of tensors are two of the most challenging and guiding problems in the area of tensor decomposition. We survey the main known results on these conjectures, and, under suitable bounds on the rank, we prove them, building on classical techniques used in the case of symmetric tensors, for mixed tensors. Finally, we improve the bound for Comon’s conjecture given by flattenings by producing new equations for secant varieties of Veronese and Segre varieties.
Impulsive Supply of Volatile-Rich Magmas in the Shallow Plumbing System of Mt. Etna Volcano
Authors: Perinelli Cristina , Mollo Silvio , Gaeta Mario , De Cristofaro Serena Pia , Palladino Danilo Mauro , Scarlato Piergiorgio
Published: October 2018

Magma dynamics at Mt. Etna volcano are frequently recognized as the result of complex crystallization regimes that, at shallow crustal levels, unexpectedly change from H2O-undersaturated to H2O-saturated conditions, due to the impulsive and irregular arrival of volatile-rich magmas from mantle depths. On this basis, we have performed hydrous crystallization experiments for a quantitative understanding of the role of H2O in the differentiation of deep-seated trachybasaltic magmas at the key pressure of the Moho transition zone. For H2O = 2.1–3.2 wt %, the original trachybasaltic composition shifts towards phonotephritic magmas never erupted during the entire volcanic activity of Mt. Etna. Conversely, for H2O = 3.8–8.2 wt %, the obtained trachybasalts and basaltic trachyandesites reproduce most of the pre-historic and historic eruptions. The comparison with previous low pressure experimental data and natural compositions from Mt. Etna provides explanation for (1) the abundant release of H2O throughout the plumbing system of the volcano during impulsive ascent of deep-seated magmas; (2) the upward acceleration of magmas feeding gas-dominated, sustained explosive eruptions; (3) the physicochemical changes of gas-fluxed magmas ponding at shallow crustal levels; and (4) the huge gas emissions measured at the summit craters and flank vents which result in a persistent volcanic gas plume.
Physicochemical Conditions of Formation for Bismuth Mineralization Hosted in a Magmatic-Hydrothermal Breccia Complex: An Example from the Argentine Andes
Authors: Testa Francisco J. , Zhang Lejun , Cooke David R.
Published: October 2018

The San Francisco de los Andes breccia-hosted deposit (Frontal Cordillera, Argentina) is characterized by complex Bi–Cu–Pb–Zn–Mo–As–Fe–Ag–Au mineralization. After magmatic-hydrothermal brecciation, tourmaline and quartz partially cemented open spaces, followed by quiescent periods where Bi–Cu–Pb–Zn ore formed. Bismuth ore precipitation is characterized by Bi-sulfides, sulfosalts, and tellurosulfide inclusions, which temporally co-exist with Ag-telluride inclusions and chalcopyrite. Three distinct Bi mineralizing stages have been defined based on the following mineral assemblages: (1) Bismuthinite (tetradymite–hessite inclusions); (2) Bismuthinite (tetradymite–hessite inclusions) + cosalite (tetradymite inclusions) + chalcopyrite; and (3) Cosalite (tetradymite inclusions) + chalcopyrite. Overall, Ag-poor bismuthinite hosts both Bi-tellurosulfide and Ag-telluride inclusions, whereas Ag-rich cosalite only hosts tetradymite inclusions.
Structural Control on the Formation of Pb-Zn Deposits: An Example from the Pyrenean Axial Zone
Authors: Cugerone Alexandre , Oliot Emilien , Chauvet Alain , Gavaldà Bordes Jordi , Laurent Angèle , Le Goff Elisabeth , Cenki-Tok Bénédicte
Published: October 2018

Pb-Zn deposits and specifically Sedimentary-Exhalative (SEDEX) deposits are frequently found in deformed and/or metamorphosed geological terranes. Ore bodies structure is generally difficult to observe and its relationships to the regional structural framework is often lacking. In the Pyrenean Axial Zone (PAZ), the main Pb-Zn mineralizations are commonly considered as Ordovician SEDEX deposits in the literature. New structural field analyzes focusing on the relations between mineralization and regional structures allowed us to classify these Pb-Zn mineralizations into three types: (I) Type 1 corresponds to minor disseminated mineralization, probably syngenetic and from an exhalative source. (II) Type 2a is a stratabound mineralization, epigenetic and synchronous to the Variscan D1 regional deformation event and (III) Type 2b is a vein mineralization, epigenetic and synchronous to the late Variscan D2 regional deformation event. Structural control appears to be a key parameter in concentrating Pb-Zn in the PAZ, as mineralizations occur associated to fold hinges, cleavage, and/or faults. Here we show that the main exploited type 2a and type 2b Pb-Zn mineralizations are intimately controlled by Variscan tectonics. This study demonstrates the predominant role of structural study for unraveling the formation of Pb-Zn deposits especially in deformed/metamorphosed terranes.
Small Molecule Inhibitors of HSF1-Activated Pathways as Potential Next-Generation Anticancer Therapeutics
Authors: Sharma Chiranjeev , Seo Young Ho
Published: October 2018

Targeted therapy is an emerging paradigm in the development of next-generation anticancer drugs. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) has been identified as a promising drug target because it regulates several pathways responsible for cancer cell growth, metastasis, and survival. Studies have clearly demonstrated that HSF1 is an effective drug target. Herein, we provide a concise yet comprehensive and integrated overview of progress in developing small molecule inhibitors of HSF1 as next-generation anticancer chemotherapeutics while critically evaluating their potential and challenges. We believe that this review will provide a better understanding of important concepts helpful for outlining the strategy to develop new chemotherapeutic agents with promising anticancer activities by targeting HSF1.
Emulsion Stabilization with Functionalized Cellulose Nanoparticles Fabricated Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Ojala Jonna , Visanko Miikka , Laitinen Ossi , Österberg Monika , Sirviö Juho Antti , Liimatainen Henrikki
Published: October 2018

In this experiment, the influence of the morphology and surface characteristics of cellulosic nanoparticles (i.e., cellulose nanocrystals [CNCs] and cellulose nanofibers [CNFs]) on oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion stabilization was studied using non-modified or functionalized nanoparticles obtained following deep eutectic solvent (DES) pre-treatments. The effect of the oil-to-water ratio (5, 10, and 20 wt.-% (weight percent) of oil), the type of nanoparticle, and the concentration of the particles (0.05–0.2 wt.-%) on the oil-droplet size (using laser diffractometry), o/w emulsion stability (via analytical centrifugation), and stabilization mechanisms (using field emission scanning electron microscopy with the model compound—i.e., polymerized styrene in water emulsions) were examined. All the cellulosic nanoparticles studied decreased the oil droplet size in emulsion (sizes varied from 22.5 µm to 8.9 µm, depending on the nanoparticle used). Efficient o/w emulsion stabilization against coalescence and an oil droplet-stabilizing web-like structure were obtained only, however, with surface-functionalized CNFs, which had a moderate hydrophilicity level. CNFs without surface functionalization did not prevent either the coalescence or the creaming of emulsions, probably due to the natural hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles and their instability in water. Moderately hydrophilic CNCs, on the other hand, distributed evenly and displayed good interaction with both dispersion phases. The rigid structure of CNCs meant, however, that voluminous web structures were not formed on the surface of oil droplets; they formed in flat, uniform layers instead. Consequently, emulsion stability was lower with CNCs, when compared with surface-functionalized CNFs. Tunable cellulose nanoparticles can be used in several applications such as in enhanced marine oil response.