bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Electricity Price-Aware Open-Source Smart Socket for the Internet of Energy
Authors: Blanco-Novoa Óscar , Fernández-Caramés Tiago , Fraga-Lamas Paula , Castedo Luis
Published: March 2017

The Internet of Energy (IoE) represents a novel paradigm where electrical power systems work cooperatively with smart devices to increase the visibility of energy consumption and create safer, cleaner and sustainable energy systems. The implementation of IoE services involves the use of multiple components, like embedded systems, power electronics or sensors, which are an essential part of the infrastructure dedicated to the generation and distribution energy and the one required by the final consumer. This article focuses on the latter and presents a smart socket system that collects the information about energy price and makes use of sensors and actuators to optimize home energy consumption according to the user preferences. Specifically, this article provides three main novel contributions. First, what to our knowledge is the first hardware prototype that manages in a practical real-world scenario the price values obtained from a public electricity operator is presented. The second contribution is related to the definition of a novel wireless sensor network communications protocol based on Wi-Fi that allows for creating an easy-to-deploy smart plug system that self-organizes and auto-configures to collect the sensed data, minimizing user intervention. Third, it is provided a thorough description of the design of one of the few open-source smart plug systems, including its communications architecture, the protocols implemented, the main sensing and actuation components and the most relevant pieces of the software. Moreover, with the aim of illustrating the capabilities of the smart plug system, the results of different experiments performed are shown. Such experiments evaluate in real-world scenarios the system’s ease of use, its communications range and its performance when using HTTPS. Finally, the economic savings are estimated for different appliances, concluding that, in the practical situation proposed, the smart plug system allows certain energy-demanding appliances to save almost €70 per year.
Ultratrace Detection of Histamine Using a Molecularly-Imprinted Polymer-Based Voltammetric Sensor
Authors: Akhoundian Maedeh , Rüter Axel , Shinde Sudhirkumar
Published: March 2017

Rapid and cost-effective analysis of histamine, in food, environmental, and diagnostics research has been of interest recently. However, for certain applications, the already-existing biological receptor-based sensing methods have usage limits in terms of stability and costs. As a result, robust and cost-effective imprinted polymeric receptors can be the best alternative. In the present work, molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs) for histamine were synthesized using methacrylic acid in chloroform and acetonitrile as two different porogens. The binding affinity of the MIPs with histamine was evaluated in aqueous media. MIPs synthesized in chloroform displayed better imprinting properties for histamine. We demonstrate here histamine MIPs incorporated into a carbon paste (CP) electrode as a MIP-CP electrode sensor platforms for detection of histamine. This simple sensor format allows accurate determination of histamine in the sub-nanomolar range using an electrochemical method. The sensor exhibited two distinct linear response ranges of 1 × 10−10–7 × 10−9 M and 7 × 10−9–4 × 10−7 M. The detection limit of the sensor was calculated equal to 7.4 × 10−11 M. The specificity of the proposed electrode for histamine is demonstrated by using the analogous molecules and other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, etc. The MIP sensor was investigated with success on spiked serum samples. The easy preparation, simple procedure, and low production cost make the MIP sensor attractive for selective and sensitive detection of analytes, even in less-equipped laboratories with minimal training.
Proof of Concept: Development of Snow Liquid Water Content Profiler Using CS650 Reflectometers at Caribou, ME, USA
Authors: Pérez Díaz Carlos , Muñoz Jonathan , Lakhankar Tarendra , Khanbilvardi Reza , Romanov Peter
Published: March 2017

The quantity of liquid water in the snowpack defines its wetness. The temporal evolution of snow wetness’s plays a significant role in wet-snow avalanche prediction, meltwater release, and water availability estimations and assessments within a river basin. However, it remains a difficult task and a demanding issue to measure the snowpack’s liquid water content (LWC) and its temporal evolution with conventional in situ techniques. We propose an approach based on the use of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) and CS650 soil water content reflectometers to measure the snowpack’s LWC and temperature profiles. For this purpose, we created an easily-applicable, low-cost, automated, and continuous LWC profiling instrument using reflectometers at the Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center-Snow Analysis and Field Experiment (CREST-SAFE) in Caribou, ME, USA, and tested it during the snow melt period (February–April) immediately after installation in 2014. Snow Thermal Model (SNTHERM) LWC simulations forced with CREST-SAFE meteorological data were used to evaluate the accuracy of the instrument. Results showed overall good agreement, but clearly indicated inaccuracy under wet snow conditions. For this reason, we present two (for dry and wet snow) statistical relationships between snow LWC and dielectric permittivity similar to Topp’s equation for the LWC of mineral soils. These equations were validated using CREST-SAFE in situ data from winter 2015. Results displayed high agreement when compared to LWC estimates obtained using empirical formulas developed in previous studies, and minor improvement over wet snow LWC estimates. Additionally, the equations seemed to be able to capture the snowpack state (i.e., onset of melt, medium, and maximum saturation). Lastly, field test results show advantages, such as: automated, continuous measurements, the temperature profiling of the snowpack, and the possible categorization of its state. However, future work should focus on improving the instrument’s capability to measure the snowpack’s LWC profile by properly calibrating it with in situ LWC measurements. Acceptable validation agreement indicates that the developed snow LWC, temperature, and wetness profiler offers a promising new tool for snow hydrology research.
Ethical Climate and Job Attitude in Fashion Retail Employees’ Turnover Intention, and Perceived Organizational Sustainability Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Stacy , Ha-Brookshire Jung
Published: March 2017

The relationship between the fashion retail industry’s working environment and the high rate of employee turnover has been highlighted as one of the key concerns for negative organizational performance in both the short and long term. This relationship creates a need to investigate the ethical climate within fashion retail businesses, employees’ attitudes toward their jobs, and employees’ turnover intention, as these factors can influence organizations’ performance including their likelihood of achieving the triple bottom lines of sustainability. Based on social exchange and human and social capital theories, this study investigated how employees’ ethical climate and turnover intention are affected by both individual- and organizational-level factors, and their impact on the triple bottom lines of organizational sustainability performance. This study empirically tested a structural model based on the survey responses from 278 U.S. fashion retail employees. The findings show that an ethical climate can enhance employees’ job attitude as well as all three dimensions of organizational sustainability performance—financial, social, and environmental. Creating an ethical climate in an organization can decrease employees’ turnover intention, but also employees’ attitudes towards their jobs lowers their turnover intention. The study’s findings reveal that not only can employees’ attitudes toward their jobs impact organizational sustainability performance, but creating an ethical working environment is another important way to improve organizational sustainability performance.
Effects of Major Grassland Conservation Programs Implemented in Inner Mongolia since 2000 on Vegetation Restoration and Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances to Their Success
Authors: Shao Liqun , Chen Haibin , Zhang Chen , Huo Xuexi
Published: March 2017

Several grassland conservation programs aiming to relieve grazing pressure have been implemented in Inner Mongolia since 2000 to reverse grassland degradation and protect local and regional environments. Previous studies on the effects of these programs usually used small-scale data generated from field experiments and household surveys, inhibiting the discovery of large-scale effects due to spatial heterogeneity. For a typical study region in Xilingol League, we used fixed-effects models and a panel dataset at the county level from 1998 to 2013 to examine the effects of two programs, namely, the Beijing–Tianjin Wind/Sand Source Control Program and the Ecological Subsidy and Award System and other drivers on vegetation rehabilitation. The modeling results suggested that the programs had a positive but delayed impact on grassland vegetation rehabilitation. Enrollment in the two programs in a specific year was predicted to increase the vegetation index value by amounts equivalent to 186 mm and 98 mm more annual precipitation after two years, respectively (p < 0.01). Fixed effects (including site factors and land use history) had a greater effect, hence the design and implementation of government conservation policies should be context-based.
Characteristics of Pollutants and Microbial Communities Obtained in Simulated Lysimeters of Swine Carcasses
Authors: Choi Jae-Min , Han Sun-Kee , Lee Chae-Young
Published: March 2017

This study was performed to investigate the characteristics of pollutants and microbial communities obtained in simulated lysimeters and to evaluate the effects of anaerobic sludge and water on the biodegradation of swine carcasses. The leachate production rates of Lysimeters 2 and 3 with the addition of anaerobic sludge were higher than that of Lysimeter 1 (control). The methane production rate of Lysimeter 3 with anaerobic sludge addition and increased water content was higher than those of other lysimeters. The result of microbial community analysis revealed that the relative abundances of Proteobacteria including pathogens in Lysimeter 3 were lower than those in other lysimeters. Overall, this study demonstrated that the proper operating conditions of lysimeters accelerated the stabilization of swine carcasses and could contribute to sustainable land use.
Studies directed toward the exploitation of vicinal diols in the synthesis of (+)-nebivolol intermediates
Authors: Devi Runjun , Das Sajal Kumar
Published: March 2017

While the exploitation of the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the source of chirality in the synthesis of acyclic molecules and saturated heterocycles has been tremendous, its synthetic utility toward chiral benzo-annulated heterocycles is relatively limited. Thus, in the search for wider applications of Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation-derived diols for the synthesis of benzo-annulated heterocycles, we report herein our studies in the asymmetric synthesis of (R)-1-((R)-6-fluorochroman-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol, (R)-1-((S)-6-fluorochroman-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol and (S)-6-fluoro-2-((R)-oxiran-2-yl)chroman, which have been used as late-stage intermediates for the asymmetric synthesis of the antihypertensive drug (S,R,R,R)-nebivolol. Noteworthy is that a large number of racemic and asymmetric syntheses of nebivolol and their intermediates have been described in the literature, however, the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation has never been employed as the sole source of chirality for this purpose.
The Anglo-Australian Planet Search. XXV. A Candidate Massive Saturn Analog Orbiting HD 30177
Authors: Wittenmyer Robert A. , Horner Jonathan , Mengel M. W. , Butler R. P. , Wright D. J. , Tinney C. G. , Carter B. D. , Jones H. R. A. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Bailey J. , O’Toole Simon J.
Published: March 2017

We report the discovery of a second long-period giant planet orbiting HD 30177, a star previously known to host a massive Jupiter analog (HD 30177b: a = 3.8 ± 0.1 au, m sin i = 9.7 ± 0.5 M
Jup). HD 30177c can be regarded as a massive Saturn analog in this system, with a = 9.9 ± 1.0 au and m sin i = 7.6 ± 3.1 M
Jup. The formal best-fit solution slightly favors a closer-in planet at a ∼ 7 au, but detailed n-body dynamical simulations show that configuration to be unstable. A shallow local minimum of longer period, lower eccentricity solutions was found to be dynamically stable, and hence we adopt the longer period in this work. The proposed ∼32 year orbit remains incomplete; further monitoring of this and other stars is necessary to reveal the population of distant gas giant planets with orbital separations a ∼ 10 au, analogous to that of Saturn.
UCAC5: New Proper Motions Using Gaia DR1
Authors: Zacharias N. , Finch C. , Frouard J.
Published: March 2017

New astrometric reductions of the US Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalog (UCAC) all-sky observations were performed from first principles using the TGAS stars in the 8–11 mag range as the reference star catalog. Significant improvements in the astrometric solutions were obtained, and the UCAC5 catalog of mean positions at a mean epoch near 2001 was generated. By combining UCAC5 with Gaia DR1 data, new proper motions were obtained for over 107 million stars on the Gaia coordinate system, with typical accuracies of 1–2 mas yr−1 (R = 11–15 mag) and about 5 mas yr−1 at 16th mag. Proper motions of most TGAS stars are improved over their Gaia data and the precision level of TGAS proper motions is extended to many millions more, fainter stars. External comparisons were made using stellar cluster fields and extragalactic sources. The TGAS data allow us to derive the limiting precision of the UCAC x, y data, which is significantly better than1/100 pixel.
Considerations for the Use of STEREO-HI Data for Astronomical Studies
Authors: Tappin S. J.
Published: March 2017

Recent refinements to the photometric calibrations of the Heliospheric Imagers (HI) on board the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) have revealed a number of subtle effects in the measurement of stellar signals with those instruments. These effects need to be considered in the interpretation of STEREO-HI data for astronomy. In this paper we present an analysis of these effects and how to compensate for them when using STEREO-HI data for astronomical studies. We determine how saturation of the HI CCD detectors affects the apparent count rates of stars after the on-board summing of pixels and exposures. Single-exposure calibration images are analyzed and compared with binned and summed science images to determine the influence of saturation on the science images. We also analyze how the on-board cosmic-ray scrubbing algorithm affects stellar images. We determine how this interacts with the variations of instrument pointing to affect measurements of stars. We find that saturation is a significant effect only for the brightest stars, and that its onset is gradual. We also find that degraded pointing stability, whether of the entire spacecraft or of the imagers, leads to reduced stellar count rates and also increased variation thereof through interaction with the on-board cosmic-ray scrubbing algorithm. We suggest ways in which these effects can be mitigated for astronomical studies and also suggest how the situation can be improved for future imagers.
Rotational Spectroscopy of the NH3–H2 Molecular Complex
Authors: Surin L. A. , Tarabukin I. V. , Schlemmer S. , Breier A. A. , Giesen T. F. , McCarthy M. C. , Avoird A. van der
Published: March 2017

We report the first high resolution spectroscopic study of the NH3–H2 van der Waals molecular complex. Three different experimental techniques, a molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometer, a millimeter-wave intracavity jet OROTRON spectrometer, and a submillimeter-wave jet spectrometer with multipass cell, were used to detect pure rotational transitions of NH3–H2 in the wide frequency range from 39 to 230 GHz. Two nuclear spin species, (o)-NH3–(o)-H2 and (p)-NH3–(o)-H2, have been assigned as carriers of the observed lines on the basis of accompanying rovibrational calculations performed using the ab initio intermolecular potential energy surface (PES) of Maret et al. The experimental spectra were compared with the theoretical bound state results, thus providing a critical test of the quality of the NH3–H2 PES, which is a key issue for reliable computations of the collisional excitation and de-excitation of ammonia in the dense interstellar medium.
Unifying Type II Supernova Light Curves with Dense Circumstellar Material
Authors: Morozova Viktoriya , Piro Anthony L. , Valenti Stefano
Published: March 2017

A longstanding problem in the study of supernovae (SNe) has been the relationship between the Type IIP and Type IIL subclasses. Whether they come from distinct progenitors or they are from similar stars with some property that smoothly transitions from one class to another has been the subject of much debate. Here, using one-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamic SN models, we show that the multi-band light curves of SNe IIL are well fit by ordinary red supergiants surrounded by dense circumstellar material (CSM). The inferred extent of this material, coupled with a typical wind velocity of

, suggests enhanced activity by these stars during the last ~months to ∼years of their lives, which may be connected with advanced stages of nuclear burning. Furthermore, we find that, even for more plateau-like SNe, dense CSM provides a better fit to the first

days of their light curves, indicating that the presence of such material may be more widespread than previously appreciated. Here we choose to model the CSM with a wind-like density profile, but it is unclear whether this just generally represents some other mass distribution, such as a recent mass ejection, thick disk, or even inflated envelope material. Better understanding the exact geometry and density distribution of this material will be an important question for future studies.
UVUDF: UV Luminosity Functions at the Cosmic High Noon
Authors: Mehta Vihang , Scarlata Claudia , Rafelski Marc , Gburek Timothy , Teplitz Harry I. , Alavi Anahita , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Finkelstein Steven , Gardner Jonathan P. , Grogin Norman , Koekemoer Anton , Kurczynski Peter , Siana Brian , Codoreanu Alex , de Mello Duilia F. , Lee Kyoung-Soo , Soto Emmaris
Published: March 2017

We present the rest-1500 Å UV luminosity functions (LF) for star-forming galaxies during the cosmic high noon—the peak of cosmic star formation rate at

. We use deep NUV imaging data obtained as part of the Hubble Ultra-Violet Ultra Deep Field (UVUDF) program, along with existing deep optical and NIR coverage on the HUDF. We select F225W, F275W, and F336W dropout samples using the Lyman break technique, along with samples in the corresponding redshift ranges selected using photometric redshifts, and measure the rest-frame UV LF at

, respectively, using the modified maximum likelihood estimator. We perform simulations to quantify the survey and sample incompleteness for the UVUDF samples to correct the effective volume calculations for the LF. We select galaxies down to

and fit a faint-end slope of

at

,

, and

, respectively. We compare the star formation properties of

galaxies from these UV observations with results from Hα and UV+IR observations. We find a lack of high-SFR sources in the UV LF compared to the Hα and UV+IR, likely due to dusty SFGs not being properly accounted for by the generic

relation used to correct for dust. We compute a volume-averaged UV-to-Hα ratio by abundance matching the rest-frame UV LF and Hα LF. We find an increasing UV-to-Hα ratio toward low-mass galaxies (

). We conclude that this could be due to a larger contribution from starbursting galaxies compared to the high-mass end.
Rotational Splitting and Asteroseismic Modeling of the δ Scuti Star EE Camelopardalis
Authors: Chen Xinghao , Li Yan
Published: March 2017

According to the rotational splitting law of g modes, the frequency spectra of EE Cam can be disentangled only with oscillation modes of ℓ = 0, 1, and 2. Fifteen sets of rotational splits were found, and they contain five sets of ℓ = 1 multiplets and 10 sets of ℓ = 2 multiplets. The rotational period of EE Cam is deduced to be

days. When we do model fittings, we use two nonradial oscillation modes (f
11 and f
32), and the fundamental radial mode f
1. The fitting results show that

of the best-fitting model is much smaller than those of other theoretical models. The physical parameters of the best-fitting model are M = 2.04 M
⊙, Z = 0.028, T
eff = 6433 K,

, R = 4.12 R
⊙,

, and

. Furthermore, we find that f
11 and f
32 are mixed modes, which mainly characterize the features of the helium core. The fundamental radial mode f
1 mainly restricts the features of the stellar envelope. Finally, the acoustic radius

and the period separation Π0 are determined to be 5.80 hr and 463.7 s, respectively, and the size of the helium core of EE Cam is estimated to be M
He = 0.181 M
⊙ and R
He = 0.0796 R
⊙.
Evaluating Optical Classification for Fermi Blazar Candidates with a Statistical Method Using Broadband Spectral Indices
Authors: Yi Ting-Feng , Zhang Jin , Lu Rui-Jing , Huang Rui , Liang En-Wei
Published: March 2017

We aim to test whether a blazar candidate of uncertain type (BCU) in the third Fermi catalog of active galactic nuclei (3LAC) can be potentially classified as a BL Lac object or a flat-spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) by performing a statistical analysis of its broadband spectral properties. We find that 34% of the radio-selected BCUs (583 BCUs) are BL Lac-like and 20% are FSRQ-like, at a 90% level of confidence. Similarly, 77.3% of the X-ray-selected BCUs (176 BCUs) are evaluated as BL Lac-like and 6.8% may be FSRQ-like sources. And 88.7% of the BL Lac-like BCUs that have synchrotron peak frequencies available are high synchrotron peaked BL Lacs in the X-ray-selected BCUs. The percentages are accordingly 62% and 7.3% in the sample of 124 optically selected BCUs. The high ratio of the number of BL Lac-like sources to the number of FSRQ-like BCUs in the X-ray-selected and optically selected BCU samples is due to selection effects. Examining the consistency between our evaluation and spectroscopic identification case by case with a sample of 78 radio-selected BCUs, it is found that the statistical analysis and its resulting classifications agree with the results of the optical follow-up spectroscopic observations. Our observation campaign for high-

BCUs selected with our method, i.e.,

, is ongoing.
A global map of saltmarshes
Authors: Mcowen Chris , Weatherdon Lauren , Bochove Jan-Willem , Sullivan Emma , Blyth Simon , Zockler Christoph , Stanwell-Smith Damon , Kingston Naomi , Martin Corinne , Spalding Mark , Fletcher Steven
Published: March 2017

Saltmarshes are extremely valuable but often overlooked ecosystems, contributing to livelihoods locally and globally through the associated ecosystem services they provide, including fish production, carbon storage and coastal protection. Despite their importance, knowledge of the current spatial distribution (occurrence and extent) of saltmarshes is incomplete. In light of increasing anthropogenic and environmental pressures on coastal ecosystems, global data on the occurrence and extent of saltmarshes are needed to draw attention to these critical ecosystems and to the benefits they generate for people. Such data can support resource management, strengthen decision-making and facilitate tracking of progress towards global conservation targets set by multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the United Nations' (UN's) Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Ramsar Convention.

Here, we present the most complete dataset on saltmarsh occurrence and extent at the global scale. This dataset collates 350,985 individual occurrences of saltmarshes and presents the first global estimate of their known extent.

The dataset captures locational and contextual data for saltmarsh in 99 countries worldwide. A total of 5,495,089 hectares of mapped saltmarsh across 43 countries and territories are represented in a Geographic Information Systems polygon shapefile. This estimate is at the relatively low end of previous estimates (2.2-40 Mha), however, we took the conservative approach in the mapping exercise and there are notable areas in Canada, Northern Russia, South America and Africa where saltmarshes are known to occur that require additional spatial data. Nevertheless, the most extensive saltmarsh worldwide are found outside the tropics, notably including the low-lying, ice-free coasts, bays and estuaries of the North Atlantic which are well represented in our global polygon dataset. Therefore, despite the gaps, we believe that, while incomplete, our global polygon data cover many of the important areas in Europe, the USA and Australia.
La loi grecque sur la surveillance électronique des justiciables. En-deçà de la naissance, un processus de création
Authors: Velentza Eleni
Published: March 2017

L’adoption, par la Grèce, le 30 octobre 2013, de la loi sur la surveillance électronique des justiciables, relève d’un processus relativement court qui a commencé pendant l’été 2012. La Grèce se trouve aujourd’hui au début de la mise en œuvre de la surveillance électronique, ce qui offre l’opportunité d’observer une réforme « en train de se faire ». Pour pouvoir retracer cette histoire courte et en tirer des enseignements, deux sources empiriques sont privilégiées : des entretiens avec, pour l’essentiel, des membres du Comité mandaté pour esquisser le projet de la loi et l’analyse des débats parlementaires qui se sont tenus entre avril 2013 et le vote de la loi.
Jeune professionnelle, le ressenti dans la rencontre à l’autre
Authors: Ruiz Coralie
Published: March 2017

Dans mon travail d’éducatrice de jeunes enfants, je mets l’accent sur le travail de la rencontre à l’autre. Rencontre qui ne pourrait avoir lieu sans émotions. Laissant place à la singularité de chacun dans la relation, l’important est de veiller à avoir conscience de ses propres émotions, pour pouvoir accompagner celles des autres. Ce sont ces convictions qui suscitent pour moi l’intérêt de travailler cela en équipe.
Cessons de les appeler « handicaps associés »
Authors: Le Capitaine Jean-Yves
Published: March 2017

Les dispositifs d’éducation et de scolarisation pour « jeunes avec handicaps associés » (ici de jeunes sourds) ont l’avantage de proposer des réponses inexistantes dans le milieu ordinaire. Mais ce faisant, ils assignent dans le même temps ces jeunes à une catégorisation excluante et à des représentations d’incapacités éloignées de la norme. Cela reste un défi pour les professionnels, les parents et les jeunes eux-mêmes de s’extraire de cette assignation.
Poutine et la mer. Forteresse « Eurasie » et stratégie océanique mondiale
Authors: Mongrenier Jean-Sylvestre
Published: March 2017

Vladimir Poutine manie des représentations géopolitiques qui font de la « Russie-Eurasie » l’archétype de la puissance continentale, engagée dans une confrontation avec les pays occidentaux, décrits comme des puissances marchandes et maritimes. Bref, la « nouvelle guerre froide » réitérerait le grand affrontement de la Terre et de la Mer, conformément aux théories géopolitiques de Mahan et Mackinder. A priori , ce système de pensée accorde peu de place à l’« océan mondial » dans la conception et la conduite de la grande stratégie russe. L’enjeu principal serait d’édifier une « forteresse eurasiatique ». Toutefois, les stratégies anti-accès en Baltique et en mer Noire ne sauraient occulter la volonté de Poutine de projeter puissance et influence au-delà des mers qui bordent la Russie-Eurasie, dans les « eaux bleues » (la haute mer). En cela, la composante navale de la grande stratégie russe met en évidence la dimension néosoviétique des conceptions et pratiques géopolitiques de Poutine.
Le scepticisme « raisonnable » ou le matérialisme athée de D’Alembert à l’aune de la question de la liberté
Authors: Le Ru Véronique
Published: March 2017

D’Alembert, à l’instar des encyclopédistes et des philosophes des Lumières, est loin d’être un chantre du progrès. Il est, c’est la thèse que nous voulons soutenir ici, un philosophe qui prend le masque d’un philosophe sceptique proche de Hume, mais qui s’avère être un matérialiste athée. Nous voudrions mesurer son scepticisme « raisonnable » à la manière dont il discute dans plusieurs textes la question de la liberté. Nous proposons d’analyser sa problématique de la liberté dans les Éléments de philosophie, dans un éclaircissement inédit sur la liberté, dans sa correspondance avec Frédéric II de Prusse et enfin dans trois articles de l’Encyclopédie.
Statistical Analysis of Housing Situation in EU Member States
Authors: Zimny Artur , Zawieja-Żurowska Karina
Published: March 2017

This chapter attempts to analyze the housing market. In particular, it attempts to modelling through a statistical analysis the housing market in member states of the European Union.
Incorporating Social Indicators of Sustainability in Public Policies for Environmentally Degraded Areas
Authors: Proikaki Marina , Jones Nikoleta , Nagopoulos Nikos , Chatziantoniou Maria , Kalantzi Olga-Ioanna , Skouloudis Antonis , Evangelinos Konstantinos
Published: March 2017

This chapter will discuss the incorporation of sustainability indicators in the formation of public policies. We will focus specifically on policies that aim to tackle environmental degradation from the industry sector with subsequent socio-economic consequences for the local community and will analyze the area of the Asopos River in Greece as a case study.
The Production of Cereals in Greece
Authors: Alexiadis Stilianos , Kokkidis Stilianos , Markou Maria
Published: March 2017

Although there have been numerous studies examining the process of regional economic development using the Shift-Share analysis, the agricultural sector has received far less attention. One important implication of this methodology is the possibility to detect groups of regions with certain growth characteristics. This paper contributes to the literature by applying the technique of Shift-Share over the period 2000-2015 using data for the production of cereals across the 13 regions of Greece. One important conclusion to emerge is that, in the case of Greek regions, applying the taxonomic procedure of Shift-Share analysis, it is possible to identify the necessary policies for the improvement of agricultural production in each region.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Glycerol Solution on TiO2 Nanotube Arrays (TNTA) Doped with C and N to Produce Hydrogen
Authors: Handana Ratnawati , Gunlazuardi Jarnuzi , Slamet Slamet
Published: March 2017

Carbon and Nitrogen-doped TNTA were synthesized by in-situ anodic oxidation of Ti using glycerol containing NH4F followed by annealing with 20% H2/Argon at 500 °C. Variation water content in the electrolyte solution (25 and 37.5 v%) and time of anodic oxidation (1, 2, 4 and 6 h) that influence the morphology of TNTA and H2 produced was examined. At water content 37.5 v% in the electrolyte solution, FESEM results indicated that the disorder with not vertically oriented of the tube were observed. For water content 25 v%, TNTA with average inner diameters of 81 to 105 nm, wall thicknesses from 15 to 27 nm and lengths from 882 to 1705 nm were synthesized for 1-6 h anodization. Morphology of TNTA such as well developed, vertically oriented, ordered and long could influence photon absorption and, therefore, influence the accumulative H2 production. The result indicated that the average inner diameter of the tubes increase as anodic oxidation time increased up to 6 h, on the other hand, the tube length reached the maximum at 4 h anodic oxidation. TNTA that anodized for 2 h, water content in the electrolyte solution 25 v% with average tube length 1570 nm showed the highest accumulative H2 production (47 mmol/m2photocatalyst).
Modified Synthetic Fibers a Treatment for Heavy Metal Removal in Aqueous
Authors: Racho Patcharin , Phalathip Pinitta , Dejtanon Warutai
Published: March 2017

In this study was evaluated a performance of chemically modified synthesis fiber for the heavy metal treatment. Four fibers sampled from textile industry were evaluated in this study including of polyester, nylon, rayon and polyester/cotton. The graft copolymerization is the first step of modification process using acrylic acid with and without a surfactant. Then, amino chelating group was prepared via soaked in ethylenediamine solution. The grafting percentage was found in about 30-54% and 12-138% respectively without and with a surfactant conditions, respectively.Since, 3 M of acrylic acid 0.1 g of BPO neither, a polyester/cotton fibers nor 4 M acrylic acid. Overall results showed that the amino chelating fibers had higher lead and hexavalent chromium removal efficiencies than non modified fibers. These indicated the chemically modified fibers that functionalized with acrylic acid and ethylenediamine had capable to improve to an adsorption capacity. The modified nylon fibers had the highest adsorption capacity within 48 mg/g for Pb2+ and Cr6+.
Effect of Degrading Transparent Oxo-Biodegradable Polyethylene Plastic Bags to Water Quality
Authors: Requejo Benedict , Pajarito Bryan B.
Published: March 2017

Polyethylene (PE) contributes largely to plastic wastes that exist in aquatic environments as a consequence of its widespread use. To address its low degradability, pro-oxidant fillers are incorporated into its polymer matrix, making it oxo-biodegradable. In this study, films from transparent oxo-biodegradable polyethylene plastic bags were immersed in deionized water at 50°C for 35 days. Indicators of water quality: pH, oxidation-reduction potential, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS), were monitored every 7 days. It was observed that pH initially rises and then slowly decreases with time, oxidation-reduction potential decreases below the control, and turbidity and total dissolved solids both increase steadily with time. Moreover, films of smaller thickness lead to a dramatic increase in turbidity and TDS. The results imply that degrading oxo-biodegradable PE plastic bags result to significant reduction of water quality.
Tensile Properties of Unidirectional Kenaf Polypropylene Composite at Various Temperatures and Orientations
Authors: Tholibon Dulina , Sulong Abu Bakar , Muhamad Norhamidi , Tharazi Izdihar , Ismail Nur Farhani , Tholibon Duratul Ain
Published: March 2017

The development of bio-composites as biodegradable and renewable materials for sustainable technology are advantageous in creating a green and healthy environment. However, the application of natural fiber as a bio-composite material have been found to be restricted especially as it has lower thermal resistance in comparison to synthetic fiber. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of fiber orientations on the tensile properties at various tensile temperatures for unidirectional kenaf polypropylene (PP) composite. Samples were prepared by hot pressing process. In this study, kenaf long fibers that are produced from water retting process is use as a reinforcement agent while PP as a polymer in the composite fabrication. A tensile test was carried out at different temperatures (30°C, 60°C, 90°C, 120°C) for various orientations (0°, 45° and 90°). It was found that an increase of temperature will reduce the modulus and tensile strength where the highest reduction occurred between 60°C to 120°C and most significantly on the orientation of 45° and 90°, which is lower than pure PP. This concludes that the application of kenaf PP composite is optimum between room temperature with a cut-off temperature at 60°C.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Film from Tacca leontopetaloides Starch Reinforced with Rice Husk Biochar
Authors: Amin Ainatul Mardhiah Mohd , Mohd Sauid Suhaila , So’aib Mohamad Sufian , Musa Mohibah , Ku Hamid Ku Halim
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of thermoplastic film (TPS) from Taccaleontopetaloides starch. T.leontopetaloides was opted as starch source due to its abundance in nature, cheap and non-staple food in Malaysia. Biochar from rice husk was incorporated with T. leontopetaloides starch as a novel idea to enhance the properties of the thermoplastic film and solving the agricultural waste disposal problem. The TPSs were developed through solution casting method. Incorporation of biochar into TPS (TPS-BChr) composite significantly improved the tensile strength and elongation at break (EAB) properties of TPS. Thermal analysis showed that TPS10%-BChr composite had the highest maximum degradation temperature and the highest amount of residue (23.94%) compared to other TPS’s compositions. These results showed that incorporation of biochar into TPS significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the TPS.
Development of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) Analysis with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in Sewage Sludge Matrix
Authors: Hadi Saptono , Bahadir Müfit
Published: March 2017

LC-MS methods have become a very important method for brominated flame retardants (BFRs) analysis and replaced the traditional GC-MS method. This method enables the combination of excellence LC separation column with the sensitivity and specificity of state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and also suitable for the analysis of thermolabile and polar BFRs. In this study, a LC-MS/MS method has been developed for several classes of BFRs in sewage sludge matrix by combining the optimized LEE extraction and GPC cleanup. The advantages of the method include low detection limits (pg range), and the absence of thermal degradation of BDE-209.
Study on the Preparation and Properties of Hybrid Lubricant for Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluids
Authors: Peng Shuang Lei , Jiang Guan Cheng , Yang Li Li , Li Xin Liang
Published: March 2017

A hybrid lubricant for invert emulsion drilling fluids (IEDFs), especially for high density (ρ>1.8 g/cm3) IEDFs, was synthesized with expanded graphitic oxide, 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and N,N-dimethylhexadecylamine in our laboratory. The characterization of the hybrid lubricant was studied through scanning electron microscope (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (1H NMR) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The results demonstrated that the structure of the hybrid lubricant was consistent with design. This lubricant can adhere to the wellbore and the string directionally and then form a dense protective lubricant film, which causes a drastic reduction of coefficient of friction (CoF) between the rotating drill string and the casing or the rock formation. Application tests in IEDFs with various density showed that 50-70% CoF reduction was observed with 1.0-1.5 w/v% hybrid lubricant. In contrast, CoF reduction of conventional lubricants was only 30-40% at the same condition. And the hybrid lubricant even performs well under high temperature up to 180oC in the drilling fluids with a high density of 2.5 g/cm3 and has little influence on the rheology of drilling fluids. Additionally, the hybrid lubricant is proved easily degradable.
Optimization of the Microstructure of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Anode
Authors: Wejrzanowski Tomasz , Cwieka Karol , Milewski Jarosław , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof Jan
Published: March 2017

Development of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells is strongly governed by improvement of durability and efficiency of the main components. This can only be achieved by defining the relationships between structure and properties of materials for MCFC. Present work introduces the results of optimization of the manufacturing process parameters and characterization of materials obtained herewith. Tape-casting manufacturing technique based on forming of a slurry with strictly defined composition and properties was used. The influence of slurry composition and further heat treatment conditions are correlated with structural parameters such as porosity and pore morphology in final products.
Effects of SPEEK/Cloisite Concentration as Electrospinning Parameter on Proton Exchange Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Awang N. , Jaafar Juhana , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , A Rahman Mukhlis
Published: March 2017

In this study, a fine fibers mat were produced from SPEEK/Cloisite solution and the effect of the dope concentration on the fibers morphology was performed.The electrospun fibers were denoted as e-spunCL and fabricated as dense membrane (SP/e-spunCL) by immersing electrospun fibers into half-solidified SPEEK solution The fiber’s mechanical stability study was also conducted. The fibers diameters and morphology were observed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).While the mechanical properties of the fibers was observed via tensile strength test. The results showed that as the concentration increased (0.05 wt%, 0.10 wt%, 0.17 wt%, 0.25 wt% and 0.30 wt%), the fibers diameters become larger which varies from 9.257 μm to 495.4 nm. The highest tensile strength among all fibers was recorded from SP/e-SpunCL17 which was found to be 19.96882±1.49458MPa. SP/e-spunCL17 showed the most promising physico chemical properties with the highest water uptake and proton conductivity of 25.87±1.9827 %, 12.12±0.2837 mScm-1 and the lowest methanol permeability with 1.22±0.3748 x10-8 cm2s-1.
Desorption Behavior of Epoxy/Amine-Coated Polyester Triangular Bar Composites Pre-Exposed to Acid Environment
Authors: Pajarito Bryan B. , Dang-Awan Danzen , Felipe Mikhael Anthony , Handa Kevin
Published: March 2017

Epoxy/amine-coated polyester triangular bar composites were fabricated and exposed to 5 wt% hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution at 40 °C. The weight loss characteristics of pre-exposed composites in heated air at 40 °C under forced convection were studied as function of size, spacing, alignment, and orientation of triangular bars. The diffusion coefficient of composites during desorption increases when the bars are oriented flat and are aligned in parallel. The same result is observed when the size of triangular bars is increased, and when spacing between bars is decreased. These results are attributed to the presence of epoxy/polyester interphase regions, which are more accessible when the triangular bars are oriented flat and aligned parallel, have larger size, and have smaller spacing. These interphase regions are preferred conduits of water during desorption of composites. The diffusion coefficients of composites being higher than the values of epoxy and polyester resins further confirm the effect of interphase regions. Among the factors, orientation of triangular bars has the highest influence on the desorption behavior of epoxy composites.
Preparation and Properties of CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 Glass-Ceramics from Granite Wastes
Authors: Kang Jun Feng , Cheng Jin Shu , Wang Jing , Hou Yan Sheng , Qian Shao Yang
Published: March 2017

Granite process industry generates a large amount of wastes, which pollute and damage the environment. This work aims to investigate the possibilities of using the granite sawing wastes in the production of glass-ceramics. Granite wastes with other components were used to prepare glass-ceramics. The crystallization behavior and properties of the glass-ceramics were investigated. The results showed that the activation energy for crystallization (Ec) was 463 kJ/mol and Avrami parameter (n) was 2.68, suggested a two dimension crystal growth mechanism. The main crystalline phase of all the obtained glass-ceramics was diopside. With the increase of heat treatment temperature, the diffraction peak intensity of diopside firstly increased and then decreased slightly. The minor crystalline phases spinel and Mg4Al2Ti9O25 were observed above 970°C. When heated at 970 °C for 1h, the sample exhibited the highest Vicker's hardness and bending strength values, 7.3 GPa and 151 MPa, respectively. And the glass-ceramics showed better acid resistant than alkali resistant.
Development, Manufacturing and Characterization of a New Composite Prepared from Cyperus corymbosus Rotth and Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
Authors: Bootkul Duangkhae , Bootkul Thammanun , Intarasiri Saweat
Published: March 2017

This research was focused on the study of the synthesis process, and the physical and mechanical properties, of the composite material prepared from Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and natural fiber extracted from reed, scientific namely Cyperus corymbosus Rotth, leading to the development of a new type of low cost material for the furniture function. Reed is chosen to be a source of natural fiber due to its ease of finding and ease of growth along water reservoir which can provide a cheap material for composite production. In the study, the samples were divided into four groups based on the addition of reed powder loading, ranged from a weight ratio of 0%, 20, 40 to 50%, respectively. The composite materials were pre-mixed, using white oil as coupling agent, by the single screw extruder, and the wood plastic was produced by compression molding method. The flat plate panels were tested by several standard techniques, including impact testing, bending testing and tensile testing. Morphology of the fracture surfaces and the dispersion of filler particles were observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The testing measurement revealed the decreasing of impact strength, tensile strength and flexural strength in all WPCs in comparison with pure PVC. This negative effect may be ascribed to the poor compatibility between the fibers and polymer matrix.
High Strain Rate Compressive Behaviour of Selective Laser Melted Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Ramezani Maziar , Flores-Johnson Emmanuel , Shen Lu Ming , Neitzert Thomas
Published: March 2017

Ti-6Al-4V alloy is one of the most important engineering alloys, combining attractive properties with inherent workability. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of strain rate on the compressive mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V alloy manufactured by a selective laser melting process. The mechanical tests were performed by means of a compression split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus under high strain rate ranging from 1400 s-1 to 4500 s-1. The true stress-strain curves obtained from static and dynamic compressive tests show strain rate sensitivity from quasi-static (peak strength 1300MPa) to high strain rate (peak 1500 MPa). Within the high strain rate range tested, the strain rate sensitivity is not remarkable. The fractographic analysis shows a relatively smooth and smeared fractured surface along with a dimple like structure. The observation of elongated dimples confirms the operation of a dynamic shear failure mechanism for the additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts.