bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change of position within the German government as an arena of rivalling public interest groups—The case of the German buyer's premium as regulatory instrument for the purchase of electric cars in Germany
Authors: Pütz Johannes
Published: June 2019

The present article deals with the role of the German federal government on promoting the increased production of electric cars in Germany. It shows the changing positions of different stakeholders in the Berlin arena, their interests, positions, and alliances. It examines the question of why and how the stakeholders, especially within the government, change their positions in the arena of electromobility. The paper refers to the principal‐agent theory associated with the empirical field of arena analysis. The empirical basis of this study comprises five high‐level expert interviews with key‐decision players in the electromobility arena: two former federal state secretaries of the Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), Mr. Bomba, and the Ministry of Economy and Energie (BMWi), Mr. Machnig; the acting state secretary in the Ministry of Finance (BMF), Mr. Gatzer, and, in addition, the head of the Berlin representative office of a major German automobile manufacturer and the chairman of the National Platform on Electric Mobility. In addition to these interviews, a lot of participating observation was done between 2012 and 2013, as a major German automobile manufacturer provided insights into the group's representation in Berlin, the decision‐making process between the corporate headquarters and the public affairs managers in Berlin and Brussels, and the cooperation with the ministries in Berlin. The paper tries to fill a research gap: Scholarly research on the impact of the German federal government as an arena of rivalling public interest groups is scarce in Germany. The leading view takes the federal government as a monolith, which view is more based on “how it should act” as on empirical evidence (“how it acts”). Inductive evidence shows that the government does not exist, as it is a subarena of itself. The consequences of this observation for the theorization of the role of the government in the larger society, as being only one out of many players, are discussed in the text.
Listen to us: How Dutch subnational governments together use public affairs to create a favorable position in the national and European political arenas
Authors: Figee Edward L. , Gosselt Jordy F. , De Jong Menno D.T.
Published: June 2019

Because of the devolution of tasks and powers from the national political level to subnational levels, subnational governments such as municipalities and provinces are increasingly compelled to express their interests in the national and European arenas. However, to achieve substantial weight, authority, receptiveness, and success in both arenas, active cooperation with other subnational authorities is needed. The question is to what extent subnational authorities acknowledge this need for cooperation and how this cooperation is being organized and structured. More specifically, in this study, the function and role of collective public affairs (PA) activities are investigated. Qualitative interviews with 17 PA professionals and 24 PA practitioners, experienced in working for subnational authorities, were held to find out how subnational governments in the Netherlands together organize PA in both arenas. The results show that subnational cooperation is of ultimate importance for creating a favorable position in these arenas. Such cooperation is favorable if subnational authorities together constitute a clear profile and render thematic collaboration in which the citizen is seen as the most important stakeholder. Further, the level of knowledge concerning the national and European arenas should be optimal among all parties involved in which the PA professional serves as a liaison officer who connects the various stakeholders.
Investigation on the long‐term bactericidal effect and chemical composition of radical‐activated water
Authors: Iwata Naoyuki , Gamaleev Vladislav , Oh Jun‐Seok , Ohta Takayuki , Hori Masaru , Ito Masafumi
Published: June 2019

We treat deionized water using an atmospheric‐pressure radical source to investigate the role of neutral radicals in the bactericidal efficacy of radical‐activated water (RAW). The bactericidal efficacy of RAW is investigated using a colony‐forming unit assay with Escherichia coli. Both the bactericidal efficacy and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) concentration in stored RAW are investigated over a period of a month. E. coli was completely sterilized even in RAW stored for 7 days, indicating the strong bactericidal effect. However, deterioration of the bactericidal efficacy of RAW stored for 14 days is confirmed, which does not have a clear correlation with the time evolution of the RONS concentration. This result becomes a strong evidence that RAW has long‐term bactericidal efficacy.
Spatial‐temporal evolutions of surface discharge patterns generated on dielectric target interacted with a plasma jet
Authors: Wu Kaiyue , Ren Chenhua , Jia Boyu , Lin Xiaotong , Zhao Na , Jia Pengying , Li Xuechen
Published: June 2019

With increasing peak voltage applied to a plasma jet, surface discharge patterns are formed on the dielectric target, which include diffuse spot, single ring, and concentric triple rings. During the evolvement of these patterns, the number of positive current pulses increases and there is only one negative pulse per voltage cycle. Fast photography reveals that all of these patterns originate from temporal superposition of negative and positive surface discharges. The negative surface discharge is always diffused for each pattern. However, the positive surface discharges in a streamer regime are more complicated. The first positive streamer per voltage cycle is short, which propagates along radial spokes that are distributed symmetrically, resulting in a central spot of each pattern. The last positive streamer per voltage cycle is long, which propagates along a straight line at a lower peak voltage and bifurcates randomly at a higher peak voltage, resulting in diffuse background of each pattern. Other positive streamers also bifurcate after traveling certain distance from the center, and then propagate along an arc, leading to the formation of ring in patterns. The propagation behaviors of these positive streamers are discussed qualitatively by analyzing the influence of applied electric field, residual charges, and air diffusion.
Effects of biochar amendment to soils on stylet penetration activities by aphid Sitobion avenae and planthopper Laodelphax striatellus on their host plants
Authors: Chen Yong , Rong Xing , Fu Qiang , Li Baoping , Meng Ling
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

To understand why biochar amendment to soils has a negative effect on sap‐feeding insects on their host plants, we used the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to examine probing and feeding behaviors of the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae on wheat and the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus on rice; their food plants were cultured in soils receiving different treatments of biochar type (derived from three different types of feedstock: wheat, corn or rice straw) by amendment rate (four levels: 0, 1.5%, 3%, or 5%). In addition, we analyzed the contents of key nutrients in the wheat plant to explore their relevance to aphid feeding activities.

RESULTS

Biochar amendment to soils increased the number of events and duration of non‐probing and probing‐preparation activities while decreasing the duration of stylet penetrations in the phloem sieve by both S. avenae and L. striatellus. The effect varied depending on the biochar amendment rate in S. avenae and on both biochar type and amendment rate in L. striatellus. Biochar amendment decreased the content of sucking stimulatory nitrogen and increased that of sucking inhibitory silicon and potassium in wheat plants; this effect varied with biochar amendment rate and not with biochar type.

CONCLUSION

Biochar amendment can make stylet penetration activities less effective by S. avenae and L. striatellus on their host plants. Ineffective penetration may result from the alteration in the contents of penetration‐relevant nutrients in the host plant as a consequence of biochar amendment to soils. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The Cancer Drug Fraction of Metabolism Database
Authors: Hua Liyan , Chiang Chien‐Wei , Cong Wang , Li Jin , Wang Xueying , Cheng Lijun , Feng Weixing , Quinney Sara K. , Wang Lei , Li Lang
Published: June 2019

This study aims to create a database for quantifying the fraction of metabolism of cytochrome P450 isozymes for cancer drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. A reproducible data collection protocol was developed to extract essential information, including both substrate‐depletion and metabolite‐formation data from publicly available in vitro selective cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition studies. We estimated the fraction of metabolism from the curated data. To demonstrate the utility of this database, we conducted an in vitro drug interaction prediction for the 42 cancer drugs. In the drug–drug interaction prediction, we identified 31 drug pairs with at least one cancer drug in each pair that had predicted area under concentration ratios > 2. We further found clinical drug interaction pieces of evidence in the literature to support 20 of these 31 drug–drug interaction pairs.
Time‐to‐Event Modeling of Peripheral Neuropathy: Platform Analysis of Eight Valine‐Citrulline‐Monomethylauristatin E Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Kågedal Matts , Samineni Divya , Gillespie William R. , Lu Dan , Fine Bernard M. , Girish Sandhya , Li Chunze , Jin Jin Y.
Published: June 2019

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common long‐term debilitating toxicity of antimicrotubule agents. PN was the most frequent adverse event resulting in dose modifications and/or discontinuation of treatment for valine‐citrulline‐monomethylauristatin E antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) developed at Genentech. A pooled time‐to‐event analysis across eight ADCs (~700 patients) was performed to evaluate the relationship between the ADC exposure and the risk for developing a clinically significant (grade ≥ 2) PN. In addition, the impact of demographic and pathophysiological risk factors on the risk for PN was explored. The time‐to‐event analysis suggested that the development of PN risk increased with ADC exposure, treatment duration, body weight, and previously reported PN. This model can be used to inform clinical strategies such as adaptations to dosing regimen and/or treatment duration as well as inform clinical eligibility to reduce the incidence of grade ≥ 2 PN.
Viral ecosystem: An epidemiological hypothesis
Authors: Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Yaghobi Ramin , Soleimanian Saeede
Published: June 2019

Viruses are incomplete elements that require other organisms to survive and multiply, hence constantly mutate during its evolution, resulting from adaptations in response to environmental changes such as the immune response of the host. In this line, they are responsible for many diseases, but today, there is evidence that viruses have many benefits and even have a unique ecosystem to control the different species or strain of themselves. While highlighting the benefits of some viruses and the undesirable effects of their eradication, the present review expresses the idea of the viral ecosystem and its importance, which has been supported in several studies. There are countless articles about virus‐related illnesses and the undesirable effects of therapeutic interventions in eliminating the less pathogenic viruses or manipulating viral ecosystems. By simulating the viral ecosystem with an ecosystem found among the snakes, it can be assumed that the viruses have concentric zones, which its inner zone includes the most dangerous viruses for humans and each zone is surrounded and controlled by an outer zone of less dangerous viruses for humans. The outermost zone consists of viruses that are least dangerous to humans such as common cold that protect humans and possibly other living organisms against more dangerous viruses in inner zone, causing the activation of immune system by playing a unique and pivotal role in the ecosystems. Therefore, manipulating the ecosystem and disrupting the balance might have epidemics and harmful consequences for the plants, animals, and human.
Construction of Single‐Iron‐Atom Nanocatalysts for Highly Efficient Catalytic Antibiotics
Authors: Huo Minfeng , Wang Liying , Zhang Haixian , Zhang Linlin , Chen Yu , Shi Jianlin
Published: June 2019

Bacterial infection caused by pathogenic bacteria has long been an intractable issue that threatens human health. Herein, the fact that nanocatalysts with single iron atoms anchored in nitrogen‐doped amorphous carbon (SAF NCs) can effectively induce peroxidase‐like activities in the presence of H2O2, generating abundant hydroxyl radicals for highly effective bacterial elimination (e.g., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), is reported. In combination with the intrinsic photothermal performance of the nanocatalysts, noticeable bacterial‐killing effects are extensively investigated. Especially, the antibacterial mechanism of critical cell membrane destruction induced by SAF NCs is unveiled. Based on the bactericidal properties of SAF NCs, in vivo bacterial infections propagated at wounds by E. coli and S. aureus pathogens can be effectively eradicated, resulting in better wound healing. Collectively, the present study highlights the highly efficient in vitro antibacterial and in vivo anti‐infection performances by the single‐iron‐atom‐containing nanocatalysts.
Greatly Enhanced Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction on TiO2 via V Doping
Authors: Wu Tongwei , Kong Wenhan , Zhang Ya , Xing Zhe , Zhao Jinxiu , Wang Ting , Shi Xifeng , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: June 2019

As a sustainable alternative technology to the Haber–Bosch process, electrochemical N2 reduction offers the hope of directly converting N2 to NH3 at ambient conditions. However, its efficiency greatly depends on screening high‐active electrocatalysts for the N2 reduction reaction (NRR). Here, the recent experimental finding that V is an effective dopant to greatly improve the NRR performances of TiO2 toward ambient N2‐to‐NH3 fixation with excellent selectivity is reported. In 0.5 m anhydrous lithium perchlorate, V‐doped TiO2 nanorods attain a high Faradic efficiency of 15.3% and a large NH3 yield of 17.73 µg h−1 mgcat.−1 at −0.40 and −0.50 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, rivaling the performances of most reported aqueous‐based NRR electrocatalysts. Density function theory (DFT) calculations are performed to gain further insight into the catalytic mechanism.
Eisen und Stahl – Baumaterial der Moderne
Authors: Zimmermann Gerd , Werner Frank
Published: June 2019

Bauhaus, Moderne und die Leistung der Ingenieure

Das Eisen, der Stahl sind der dominante Werkstoff der industriellen Revolution und die entscheidenden Insignien der Moderne. Manche Autoren lassen die Moderne in dem Moment beginnen, an dem die industrielle Revolution und mit ihr die Technikwelt der Ingenieurbauten auf den Plan tritt – ein markantes Datum stellt die Gründung der ersten Ingenieurschule der Welt, der École des Ponts et Chaussées, in Paris 1747 dar.

Hier soll beispielhaft gezeigt werden, wie Eisen und Stahl technologisch und symbolisch zum Medium der gesellschaftlichen Umbrüche und der Architektur in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts werden.

Von der „Kathedrale” des Eisenbaus im 19. Jahrhundert, dem Kristallpalast der Weltausstellung in London 1851, ist es ein beeindruckender, wenn auch nicht unbedingt geradliniger Weg zu den Stahlbauten der Moderne im 20. Jahrhundert. Es existiert noch häufig eine markante Kluft zwischen den neuen Technologien, vorangetrieben von den Ingenieuren und einer Architektur, die ihre Repräsentation und ihre Sprache aus dem Gebrauch historischer Stilformen beziehen will. Seit Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts jedoch gelingt es einer Avantgarde, mit dem Bekenntnis zu den modernen Technologien und Materialien, prominent hier der Stahl, eine neue Architektur zu entwickeln – mit neuen Konstruktions‐ und Raumkonzepten.
Bemessung im Grenzbereich – Potenzial von Großversuchen für eine effiziente Auslegung
Authors: Collmann Mareike , Kohlmeier Martin , Widerspan Viktor , Schenk Alexander
Published: June 2019

Tragstrukturen von Windenergieanlagen sind längst Serienprodukte. Allein in der deutschen Nord‐ und Ostsee sind mittlerweile etwa 1 350 Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen (OWEA) installiert. Die großen Dimensionen, die hohen dynamischen Beanspruchungen und die spezifischen Umgebungsbedingungen offshore sind besonders herausfordernd und im Grenzbereich dessen, was Bemessungsvorschriften abdecken. Dennoch treten an Tragstrukturen bisher wenige schwerwiegende Schäden auf. Dies ist selbstredend positiv, bedeutet auf der anderen Seite aber auch, dass möglicherweise Potenzial besteht, die Strukturen schlanker auszulegen. Der Kostendruck erfordert es, diese Traglastreserven genauer zu quantifizieren und Potenziale aufzuzeigen. Insbesondere großmaßstäbliche Versuche bieten die Möglichkeit, Konstruktion und Auslegung individueller und damit effizienter zu gestalten. Seit 2014 werden im Testzentrum Tragstrukturen Hannover (TTH) großmaßstäblich Komponenten und Bauteile analysiert, geprüft und damit Berechnungsgrundlagen validiert. In diesem Beitrag werden wesentliche Ergebnisse aus der Projektbearbeitung der jüngeren Vergangenheit vorgestellt. Die betrachteten Projekte adressieren die Erarbeitung von Turmkonzepten in Stahlbauweise für große Nabenhöhen, die Untersuchung des Ermüdungsverhaltens dickwandiger Schweißkonstruktionen auch unter dem Aspekt des Korrosionsschutzes und die Untersuchung eines Structural‐Health‐Monitoring‐Systems zur Überwachung der Zuverlässigkeit von Grout‐Verbindungen.
Erschütterungsemissionen von Windenergieanlagen
Authors: Nagel Sven , Zieger Toni , Luhmann Birger , Knödel Peter , Ritter Joachim , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: June 2019

Durch die Windanströmung werden auf die Rotorblätter von Windenergieanlagen (WEA) Kräfte ausgeübt, die den Rotor in Rotation versetzen. Über die Nabe und ggf. ein Getriebe wird diese Drehbewegung auf den zur Stromerzeugung notwendigen Generator übertragen. Alle rotierenden Komponenten weisen erhebliche Massen auf, sitzen am Kopf einer schlanken, elastischen Turmtragstruktur und rufen in dieser dynamische Effekte hervor. Die dynamisch angeregte Turmstruktur leitet diese durch die Kopfanregung provozierten Schwingungen modifiziert über die Gründung in den Baugrund ein. Mithilfe von Breitbandseismometern können Bodenschwinggeschwindigkeiten nicht nur im direkten Anlagenumfeld, sondern auch in größeren geometrischen Abständen aufgezeichnet werden. Windenergiegegner sehen in der Bodenanregung ein Potenzial für gesundheitsbeeinträchtigende Schwingungseffekte. Im Rahmen dieses Aufsatzes werden die am Fundament einer 2‐MW‐Windenergie‐Beispielanlage gemessenen seismischen Anregungen mithilfe von numerischen Simulationen analysiert und deren physikalische Hintergründe erklärt. Bislang werden die gemessenen Bodenschwinggeschwindigkeiten meist ausschließlich den Anregungsfrequenzen aus dem Rotor zugeschrieben. Die hier vorgestellten Untersuchungen verdeutlichen, dass die strukturellen Eigenschaften der Turmstruktur die Art und Intensität der in den Boden eingebrachten Schwingungen erheblich beeinflussen und die in den Baugrund eingebrachte Bodenbewegungsamplitude dominieren. Abschließend wird gezeigt, dass ein gezielter Einsatz von Schwingungstilgern eine Reduktion der in den Baugrund übertragenen Schwingungsamplituden bewirken kann.
Long‐Term Planning for Technology in Literacy Instruction
Authors: Beschorner Beth , Woodward Lindsay
Published: June 2019

Literacy teachers often feel underprepared to provide instruction that integrates technology in meaningful ways. Yet, there is evidence that teachers can be supported to overcome this barrier through professional development using a framework for instructional planning. Although efforts to support teachers' short‐term technology integration have been documented, little is known about teachers' individual longer term efforts. The authors describe two teachers' experiences in implementing a long‐term technology integration plan with different levels of professional development support. The long‐range plans that the teachers created, as well as their barriers and successes and the modifications they made to their plans, are shared. Suggestions for professional development related to teachers seeking to create a long‐term technology integration plan to support their literacy instruction are discussed.
Assessment of inertial and primary frequency control from wind power plants in the Mexican electric power grid
Authors: Ramírez‐González Miguel , Castellanos‐Bustamante Rafael , Calderón‐Guizar Jorge G. , Malik Om P.
Published: June 2019

Large‐scale integration of converter‐based renewable energy sources into power systems, such as wind generation, can lead to frequency stability issues due to the variable nature and lack of inertia of these technologies in combination with the gradual replacement of conventional generating units. However, wind turbine generators (WTGs) can be exploited to provide frequency support and keep system frequency stability requirements. A case study considering the Mexican Electric Power System is presented in this study to highlight both the impact of large‐scale deployment of inverter‐interfaced wind energy generation on system frequency response, and the participation of WTGs in inertial and primary frequency control (IPFC) as a mitigation approach. By incorporating synthetic inertia and droop control functions into the active power control loop of WTG converters, IPFC by wind generation is assessed for several wind shares, different active power modulation strategies based on the rate of change of frequency and frequency deviation, and several IPFC contribution levels under critical contingencies for generation outage. Simulation results show the combination of increasing share of wind energy generation in the study system and retirement of conventional generation has a clearly negative impact on system frequency dynamics. However, the incorporation of IPFC functions into wind power generators of the sample system, with appropriate control gain values, may contribute to effectively achieve an improved system performance in terms of grid frequency response under high wind power penetration scenarios.

This article is characterized under:

Wind Power > Science and Materials

Wind Power > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Soft clustering
Authors: Ferraro Maria Brigida , Giordani Paolo
Published: June 2019

Clustering is one of the most used tools in data analysis. In the last decades, due to the increasing complexity of data, soft clustering has received a great deal of attention. There exist different approaches that can be considered as soft. The most known is the fuzzy approach that consists in assigning objects to clusters with membership degrees, depending on the dissimilarities between each object and all the prototypes, ranging in the unit interval. Closely related to the fuzzy approach, there is the possibilistic one that, differently from the previous one, relaxes some constraints on the membership degrees. In particular, the objects are assigned to clusters with degrees of typicalities, depending just on the dissimilarities between each object and the closest prototype. A further soft approach is the rough one. In this case, there are not degrees ranging between 0 and 1 but objects with intermediate features belong to the boundary region and are assigned to more than one cluster. Even if it is not universally recognized in the scientific community as an approach of soft clustering, from our point of view, the model‐based approach can also be considered as such. Model‐based clustering methods also produce a soft partition of the objects and the posterior probability of a component membership may play a role similar to the membership degree. The four approaches are critically described from a theoretical point of view and an empirical comparative analysis is carried out.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Exploratory Data Analysis
Mixed control of vibrational systems
Authors: Nakić Ivica , Tomljanović Zoran , Truhar Ninoslav
Published: June 2019

We consider new performance measures for vibrational systems based on the H2 norm of linear time invariant systems. New measures will be used as an optimization criterion for the optimal damping of vibrational systems. We consider both theoretical and concrete cases in order to show how new measures stack up against the standard measures. The quality and advantages of new measures as well as the behaviour of optimal damping positions and corresponding damping viscosities are illustrated in numerical experiments.
Functional Biodiversity and the Concept of Ecological Function
Authors: Dussault Antoine C.
Published: June 2019

This chapter argues that the common claim that the ascription of ecological functions to organisms in functional ecology raises issues about levels of natural selection is ill-founded. This claim, I maintain, mistakenly assumes that the function concept as understood in functional ecology aligns with the selected effect theory of function advocated by many philosophers of biology (sometimes called “The Standard Line” on functions). After exploring the implications of Wilson and Sober’s defence of multilevel selection for the prospects of defending a selected effect account of ecological functions, I identify three main ways in which functional ecology’s understanding of the function concept diverges from the selected effect theory. Specifically, I argue (1) that functional ecology conceives ecological functions ascontext-basedrather thanhistory-basedproperties of organisms; (2) that it attributes to the ecological function concept the aim of explaining ecosystem processes rather than that of explaining the presence of organisms within ecosystems; and (3) that it conceives the ecological functions of organisms asuseandservicefunctions rather thandesignfunctions. I then discuss the extent to which the recently proposed causal role and organizational accounts of ecological functions better accord with the purposes for which the function concept is used in functional ecology.
Integrating Ecology and Evolutionary Theory: A Game Changer for Biodiversity Conservation?
Authors: Di Marco Silvia
Published: June 2019

Currently, one of the central arguments in favour of biodiversity conservation is that it is essential for the maintenance of ecosystem services, that is, the benefits that people receive from ecosystems. However, the relationship between ecosystem services and biodiversity is contested and needs clarification. The goal of this chapter is to spell out the interaction and reciprocal influences between conservation science, evolutionary biology, and ecology, in order to understand whether a stronger integration of evolutionary and ecological studies might help clarify the interaction between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning as well as influence biodiversity conservation practices. To this end, the eco-evolutionary feedback theory proposed by David Post and Eric Palkovacs is analysed, arguing that it helps operationalise niche construction theory and develop a more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Finally, it is proposed that by deepening the integration of ecological and evolutionary factors in our understanding of ecosystem functioning, the eco-evolutionary feedback theory is supportive of an “evolutionary-enlightened management” of biodiversity within the ecosystem services approach.
Measures of Biological Diversity: Overview and Unified Framework
Authors: Crupi Vincenzo
Published: June 2019

A variety of statistical measures of diversity have been employed across biology and ecology, including Shannon entropy, the Gini-Simpson index, so-called effective numbers of species (aka Hill’s measures), and more besides. I will review several major options and then present a comprehensive formalism in which all these can be embedded as special cases, depending on the setting of two parameters, labelled degree and order. This mathematical framework is adapted from generalized information theory. A discussion of the theoretical meaning of the parameters in biological applications provides insight into the conceptual features and limitations of current approaches. The unified framework described also allows for the development of a tailored solution for the measurement of biological diversity that jointly satisfies otherwise divergent desiderata put forward in the literature.
Why a Species-Based Approach to Biodiversity Is Not Enough. Lessons from Multispecies Biofilms
Authors: Marques da Silva Jorge , Casetta Elena
Published: June 2019

In recent years, we have assisted to an impressive effort to identify and catalogue biodiversity at the microbial level across a wide range of environments, human bodies included (e.g., skin, oral cavity, intestines). This effort, fostered by the decreasing cost of DNA sequencing, highlighted not only the vast diversity at the microbial level but also the importance of cells’ social interactions, potentially leading to the emergence of novel diversity. In this contribution, we shall argue that entities other than species, and in particular multispecies biofilms, might play a crucial—and still underestimated—role in increasing biodiversity as well as in conserving it. In particular, after having discussed how microbial diversity impacts ecosystems (Sect. 9.1), we argue (Sect. 9.2) that multispecies biofilms may increase biodiversity at both the genetic and phenotypic level. In Sect. 9.3 we discuss the possibility that multispecies biofilms, both heterotrophic and autotrophic, are evolutionary individuals, i.e. units of selection. In the conclusion, we highlight a major limitation of the traditional species-based approach to biodiversity origination and conservation.
Contemporary Portuguese Migration Experiences in Brazil: Old Routes, New Trends
Authors: Rosales Marta Vilar , Machado Vânia Pereira
Published: June 2019

This chapter discusses the contemporary migration of the Portuguese to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo – destinations that are far from being new to Portuguese emigrants. However, contemporary migration movements do exhibit some novel features: the social composition of these groups and their positioning strategies differ from those of previous movements. These novel features deserve to be analysed in the light of current economic, political and cultural conditions. By examining the profiles, projects and expectations of a group of 50 Portuguese migrants and their families residing in Rio and São Paulo, the chapter aims to contribute to our understanding of this new migratory flow. It further seeks to frame and situate this particular wave in the long Portuguese experience of migration – as well as to contribute to debates about its impact on the relationships between the two countries. We argue that, in spite of the differences between this group and earlier waves of Portuguese migration, there are significant factors linked to the colonial and post-colonial relationships between the two countries that continue to structure the main representations of Brazil as a migration destination for the Portuguese population.
“I Was Enthused When I ‘Returned’ to Portugal, But I’m Leaving Disillusioned”: Portuguese Migrant Descendant Returnees from Canada and Narratives of Return, Re-return and Twice Migration
Authors: Sardinha João
Published: June 2019

From the early 1980s to the mid-2000s, increased globalisation, development and modernization led to the return of numerous Portuguese migrant descendants back to Portugal. From the mid-2000s onwards, however, owing to the economic crisis that hit Portugal, many individuals once again become mobile, either re-returning to the countries they came from, or opting to twice migrate to a third country.

This article looks at the stories, experiences and expressed opinions of six migrant descendant returnees from Canada who re-returned or twice migrated from Portugal. Via the examination of narratives collected through in-depth interviews and casual conversations from 2008 to 2015, the article first sets out to observe the issues of attraction to and settlement in Portugal, and to discuss processes of integration into Portuguese society. Secondly, acts of re-return/twice migration will be examined, with discussion centering on the impacts of the recent economic crisis. Thirdly, the transnational resources possessed by participants when re-returning or moving to another country will be analysed.

The study’s results reveal that although initial acts of return were, above all, acts of self-discovery, emigrants integrated cautiously, always maintaining transnational links ready to be activated in case further mobility became necessary.
A New Skilled Emigration Dynamic: Portuguese Nurses and Recruitment in the Southern European Periphery
Authors: Pereira Cláudia
Published: June 2019

Philippine and Indian nurses have been emigrating for many years, but Portuguese nurses and other South and East Europeans have recently started to replace them in the UK. This study focuses on the recent migration of Portuguese nurses – both as emigrants and immigrants – within the European area.

The research mixes extensive and intensive methodologies. Health agencies started to recruit heavily among Portuguese nurses after 2008, which often led to their decision to leave the country with a guaranteed job abroad. In turn, this dynamic of emigration being motived by institutional and recruitment networks was caused by a structural factor: the barriers erected in 2010 by UK immigration policies against the contracting of nurses from outside the EU, which led the job agencies to search for nurses inside Europe. The chapter’s main finding is that although the push factor of economic recession and increased unemployment that hit the European periphery after the 2008 financial crisis played a role in the outflow of Portuguese nurses, it was the pull factor that was more significant. The second finding is that this new mass emigration of nurses is not just a Portuguese phenomenon but rather is in keeping with other Southern and East European peripheral countries.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 supersymmetric extensions of relativistic Toda lattice
Authors: Galajinsky Anton
Published: June 2019

Abstract

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supersymmetric extensions of both the periodic and non-periodic relativistic Toda lattice are built within the framework of the Hamiltonian formalism. A geodesic description in terms of a non-metric connection is discussed.
Generalized fishnets and exact four-point correlators in chiral CFT4
Authors: Kazakov Vladimir , Olivucci Enrico , Preti Michelangelo
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We study the Feynman graph structure and compute certain exact four-point correlation functions in chiral CFT4 proposed by Ö. Gürdŏgan and one of the authors as a double scaling limit of γ-deformed

$$ \mathcal{N}\mathrm{Unknown}\ \mathrm{character}\ \left(0\mathrm{x}\mathrm{F}700\right)\ \mathrm{from}\ "\mathrm{Euclid}\ \mathrm{Math}\ \mathrm{One}"\ \left(0\mathrm{x}3\mathrm{D}\right) = 4 $$

N

Unknown

character

0
x
F
700

from

"
Euclid

Math

One
"

0
x
3
D

=
4

SYM theory. We give full description of bulk behavior of large Feynman graphs: it shows a generalized “dynamical fishnet” structure, with a dynamical exchange of bosonic and Yukawa couplings. We compute certain four-point correlators in the full chiral CFT4, generalizing recent results for a particular one-coupling version of this theory — the bi-scalar “fishnet” CFT. We sum up exactly thecorresponding Feynman diagrams, including both bosonic and fermionic loops, by Bethe-Salpeter method. This provides explicit OPE data for various twist-2 operators with spin, showing a rich analytic structure, both in coordinate and coupling spaces.
Tensions and Struggles in Tackling Bribery at the Firm Level: Perspectives from Buddhist-Enacted Organizational Leaders
Authors: Vu Mai Chi
Published: June 2019

This study explores the role of an informal institution—engaged Buddhism—in leadership responses to issues of bribery at the firm level in the context of Vietnam. In-depth interviews were carried out in Vietnam with 26 organizational leaders who were Buddhist practitioners. The leaders expressed a Buddhist-enacted utilitarian approach based on three context-associated mechanisms: karmic consequences, community and social well-being, and total detachment. These mechanisms manifest in leadership approaches based on the Middle Way, Skillful Means, and Emptiness. They are involved in forming leaders’ perceptions about bribery issues and their enacting of contextual approaches to balance organizational means and ends in tackling ethical issues associated with bribery. The study also sheds light on moral struggles involved in the process of shaping and enacting a Buddhist-enacted utilitarian approach.
Drivers and Inhibitors of Internet Privacy Concern: A Multidimensional Development Theory Perspective
Authors: Hong Weiyin , Chan Frank K. Y. , Thong James Y. L.
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the drivers and inhibitors of Internet privacy concern. Applying the Multidimensional Development Theory to the online environment, we identify the important factors under four dimensions—i.e., environmental, individual, information management, and interaction management. We tested our model using data from an online survey of 2417 individuals in Hong Kong. The results show that the factors under all four dimensions are significant in the formation of Internet privacy concern. Specifically, familiarity with government legislation, Internet knowledge, benefit of information disclosure, privacy protection, and social presence reduce Internet privacy concern, while individuals’ previous privacy invasion experience, risk avoidance personality, and sensitivity of information requested by websites increase Internet privacy concern. We conducted an analysis of unobserved heterogeneity to confirm the significance of these factors. A follow-up moderation analysis shows that the individual factors (i.e., previous privacy invasion experience, risk avoidance personality, and Internet knowledge) moderate the effects of the information management factor (i.e., information sensitivity) and the interaction management factors (i.e., privacy protection and social presence). The findings provide an integrated understanding of the formation of Internet privacy concern.
Calibration for Epistemic Causality
Authors: Williamson Jon
Published: June 2019

The epistemic theory of causality is analogous to epistemic theories of probability. Most proponents of epistemic probability would argue that one’s degrees of belief should be calibrated to chances, insofar as one has evidence of chances. The question arises as to whether causal beliefs should satisfy an analogous calibration norm. In this paper, I formulate a particular version of a norm requiring calibration to chances and argue that this norm is the most fundamental evidential norm for epistemic probability. I then develop an analogous calibration norm for epistemic causality, argue that it is theonlyevidential norm required for epistemic causality, and show how an epistemic account of causality that incorporates this norm can be used to analyse objective causal relationships.
Return to Work after Shoulder Replacement for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis is Similar when Hemiarthroplasty is Compared to Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Joseph N. , Garcia Grant H. , Gowd Anirudh K. , Mahony Gregory , Sinatro Alec , Wu Hao Hua , Dines David M. , Warren Russell F. , Gulotta Lawrence V.
Published: June 2019

Background

Return to work after shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) is an important consideration for an aging workforce.

Questions/Purposes

The aim of this study was to compare the shoulder function, pain levels, and rate of return to work in patients treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) versus humeral hemiarthroplasty (HHA).

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive HHA patients was performed of our institution's shoulder arthroplasty registry. Inclusion criteria were pre-operative diagnosis of end-stage OA and more than 2 years’ follow-up. HHA patients were statistically matched to aTSA patients and then screened for pre-operative work status; 26 HHA and 23 aTSA patients worked before surgery. There was no difference in average age (HHA, 62.4 years; aTSA, 61.7 years) or follow-up (HHA, 67.5 months; aTSA, 66.9 months).

Results

Average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores (HHA, 37.6 to 70.3; aTSA, 35.6 to 80.1) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain scores (HHA, 6.1 to 2.3; aTSA, 6.5 to 0.6) improved in both groups. However, HHA patients had worse final VAS scores, and aTSA patients were more satisfied (100% vs 77%); 61.5% of HHA patients returned to work post-operatively versus 87.0% of aTSA patients. There was no difference in time to return to work (HHA, 1.9 ± 2.3 months; aTSA, 1.3 ± 1.0 months).

Conclusion

Patients with shoulder OA undergoing aTSA have higher rates of return to work, function, and satisfaction than those undergoing HHA.
Role of Steel Plate Thickness on the Residual Stress Formation and Cracking Behavior During Flame Cutting
Authors: Jokiaho Tuomas , Santa-aho Suvi , Peura Pasi , Vippola Minnamari
Published: June 2019

Thick wear-resistant steel plates are utilized in challenging applications, which require a high hardness and toughness. However, utilization of the thick plates is problematic as they often have nonuniform mechanical properties along the thickness direction due to the manufacturing-induced segregations. In addition, the processing of thick plates commonly involves flame cutting, which causes several challenges. Flame cutting forms a heat-affected zone and generates high residual stresses during the cutting process. In the worst case, flame cutting causes cracking of the cut edge. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of plate thickness on the residual stress formation and cracking behavior when utilizing flame cutting. Residual stress profiles are measured by X-ray diffraction, plates and cut edges and are mechanically tested and characterized by electron microscopy. The results show that thicker plates generate more unfavorable residual stress state during flame cutting. Thick plates also contain segregations, which have decreased mechanical properties. The combination of high residual tensile stresses and segregations increase the risk of cracking during flame cutting. To prevent the cracking, the residual stresses should be lowered by lower cutting speeds and preheating. In addition, manufacturing practices should be aimed at lowering segregation formation in thick plates.
Association between body fat mass and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents in Bucaramanga, Colombia
Authors: Serrano Norma C. , Suarez Diana Paola , Silva Adriana Robles , Gamboa-Delgado Edna , Quintero-Lesmes Doris Cristina
Published: June 2019

Background

Obesity is common among children and teenagers and is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in the adult age. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the association between the percentage of body fat and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Material and Methods

About 494 children and adolescents aged 10–20 years were studied. Laboratory tests were made for analyzing cardiovascular risk factors and anthropometric measurements. Percentage body fat was determined with Slaughter equation. Lineal regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between cardiometabolic risk factors and the percentage body fat.

Results

Prevalence of percentage body fat (>26%) was 46.1%. Variables associated with percentage body fat were HOMA-IR – insulin resistance, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.

Conclusions

Increase in percentage body fat is significantly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents in Bucaramanga. Early identification and intervention of this population at risk is fundamental.
How AI and biometrics are driving next-generation authentication
Authors: Brostoff George
Published: June 2019

We are entering a new era of fast and secure authentication enabled by a perfect digital storm: the convergence of AI and biometrics. As with many innovative breakthroughs, this transformation is not down to the advancement of one single technology – several hardware and software developments are connecting to create a new and powerful paradigm.
Why the biometrics industry needs anti-spoofing standards
Authors: Cook Steve
Published: June 2019

The first publicly available biometric fingerprint reader in a mobile device debuted in 2011 in the technologically ambitious Motorola Atrix. Since then, security-related biometrics for consumers have enjoyed explosive growth, mostly due to the mass integration of biometric hardware in smartphones.
A basic malware analysis method
Authors: Kara Ilker
Published: June 2019

With the development and spread of information technologies in recent years, malware has started to manifest itself as a widespread threat that can affect large networks rather than being confined to small attacks. 1 2 3 4 5 As long as the Internet and its connected devices are used, there is the possibility of encountering malicious software every day. And while end-user awareness is increasing in the fight against malware, it is not sufficient to stop malware production and attackers who use malicious software because of vulnerabilities found in systems, errors in the software used and connected networks, and subsequent security vulnerabilities. 6, 7

Malware is a widespread threat and it increases in volume every day. It's essential to understand how it works and how it is evolving.

Examining malware and determining how it functions and what its capabilities are is a complex task, made harder by the attackers’ use of anti-forensic features. Dr Ilker Kara of Hacettepe University, Turkey, offers an overview of malware types and forms of attack, and proposes a novel approach to malware analysis, explaining how it works through an example using a real malware attack.
Path following of Nano quad-rotors using a novel disturbance observer-enhanced dynamic inversion approach
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zheng Xiangming
Published: June 2019

The model of Nano quad-rotors contains many uncertainties such as an external disturbance from a wind field, highly non-linear strong coupling between variables and body measurement errors. To deal with these uncertainties and control the Nano quad-rotors, a novel data-based disturbance observer (DO) is firstly proposed to observe disturbances from a wind field and perturbations from errors of parameter estimation. Then the DO is used to improve the conventional dynamic inversion (DI) method to obtain an enhanced dynamic inversion (EDI) method, which relies only on roughly estimated geometrical parameters, thus eliminating the largest flaw of conventional DI, namely depending on detailed plant information. Simulation results show that the method proposed achieved good trajectory tracking with only roughly estimated geometrical values under wind field; the DO proposed can accurately estimate disturbance from a wind field and perturbation from error of parameter estimation.