bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le teck (Tectona grandis L.) en plantation dans la région de Kinshasa République du Zaire
Authors: Pieters A. , De Maerschalk J.
Published: July 2016

Studies on a teak plantation of the Kinshasa region (Zaire) – A teak plantation established in part in 1935 and in 1947 in  the vicinity of Kinshasa was assessed both from the point of view of  dendrometry and silviculture. Compared to other teak plantations that can be  found elsewhere in Africa and whose yield is actually known, the Kinshasa  plantation looks promising. The standing volume projected at the end of the  rotation would amount to about 200 m3 /ha based on the present state of  development and maintenance of the forest.
Growth and development of stands of Corsican pine (Pinus nigra Arn. calabrica Schn.) on coarse sands
Authors: Coppin P. , Lust N.
Published: July 2016

-
Acidity and chemical characteristics of direct precipitation under forest cover in the winter-phenophase
Authors: Van Miegroet M. , Dua V.
Published: July 2016

From  November 1983 to March 1984,samples of direct rainfall were collected at 5  locations and for a total of 12 different situations (urban zone, free field,  under forest canopy ) in East-Flanders/Belgium. The overall mean pH values of  rainwater collected under a forest canopy are lower than in the adjacent free  field. The highest pH values are measured in urban zones. The lowest pH  values are found under beech and Scots pine, whereas pH under ash, alder, oak  and in the free field are greatly comparable. Important variations in time,  following the same pattern in all cases, exist, proving the importance of  external influences. The chemical analyses of the rainwater also indicates  important variations and differences. The highest concentration of S04, Na,  K, Ca and Mg, is found in water collected under forest canopy. Maximal values  are typical for stands of Scots pine. More research is needed to explain this  phenomenon.
Evaluation of conversion of tree species and liming as measures to decrease soil compaction in a beech forest on loamy soil
Authors: Muys B.
Published: July 2016

A  comparative study in the forest of Zoniën (Belgium) found that conversion of  tree species and liming can be worthwhile operations in order to decrease  soil compaction in beech monocultures on loamy soil. The soil restoration  after introducing oak and maple can be explained to an important extent by an  amelioration of the soil biological activity and the humus quality. The  restoration after liming is clearly due to an increased earthworm activity.  Since this action is limited by the species available at the site, it is  proposed to experiment in the future with liming combined with the  introduction of deep-burrowing earthworm species.
Entwicklung der immergruenen Oekosysteme nach Waldbrand in Athos
Authors: Zagas TH.
Published: July 2016

Development of the evergreen broadleaved ecosystems after a  forest fire in Athos. - The peninsula of Athos is  the third eastern peninsula of Chalkidiki in Central Macedonia (N. Greece)  and it constitutes a self-governed region in the Hellenic State. Its  organized monastic history begins in the 10th century and continues  uninterruptedly until today. The monastery of Simonopetra, one of the 20  monasteries of Athos, represents a continuous historic life of seven  centruries from its establishment, during the 13th century and constitutes  the most during edifice on Mount Athos, a miracle of the byzantine and  post-byzantine architecture.     The territory of Simonopetra on Mount Athos, occupies an area of 1265 ha.  The destructive forest fire on Mount Athos which started on August 14, 1990,  was extinguished 14 days later. During this period, it caused heavy damage to  the forests on the peninsula and destroyed a number of historical buildings.  Most of the damage occured in the area of the Sacred Monastery Simonopetra,  where 855 ha of the total of 1265 ha were burned.     The greatest part of the burned forest area, about 665 ha, they were  evergreen broadleaved forests. The ecosystems of the evergreen broadleaved  forests are perscribed as well as their development after the forest fire.  After the fire, all species which appear in this zone, begun to coppice  sprout in a few weeks and after two years, the coppicing sprouts exceeded in  height 0,5 - 2 metres depended on the species and site quality. Two years  after the fire the vegetation was restored and covered 30 - 76% of the area.      The only measure taken in certain positions was the removal of the standing  dead material.
Growth of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings on blendsubstrates based on consolidated brackish sludge
Authors: Luyssaert S. , Mertens J. , Speleers L. , Vervaeke P. , Leyman A. , Lust N.
Published: July 2016

Either  in its pure form or as a base for a blend-substrate, brackish sludge can be  used as a growth    medium for trees. The objectives of the experiment were (1) to evaluate the  quality of consolidated brackish sludge as a growth medium, (2) to assess the influence of substrate blending on tree growth    (leaf area, tree height, biomass), and (3) to evaluate the need for  substrate blending.    Germinated acorns of the same mother tree were planted in containers and  grown under controlled    conditions. The substrate consisted of pure brackish sludge or of brackish  sludge blended with peat,    sand or wood chips, in stages of 25 volume percentage.    Chemical analysis of the brackish sludge showed a neutral pH, a conductivity  of 3.60 mS/cm and a    sufficient amount of macro elements. The addition of sand contributed to an  accelerated desalination    of the substrate.    The treatments with 100 % sludge and 25 % peat yielded a leaf area, a tree  height and a biomass    which were among the top three growing results. The growing results of the  treatments with 25%    sand and 50% peat were consistently among the top five.    The blending of peat in brackish sludge had no influence on leaf area, tree  height and biomass of    seedlings. The use of wood chips or of more than 25 % sand resulted in a  significant decrease of    these three growth parameters.    Foliage analyses of the trees grown on a substrate containing more than 50%  sand or wood chips    revealed deficits in available nutrients. These deficits manifested  themselves in a loss of leaf area,    tree height and biomass production.    The nutritional status and the growth parameters of oak seedlings on  brackish sludge were    favourable. No influence of the salt and the heavy metal concentrations on  growth was observed.    Consolidated brackish sludge is a suitable growth medium for trees.
A monetáris politika eltérő hatása az USA-ban és az eurózónában – azaz gondolatok az eltérő kibocsátási reakcióról
Authors: Herczeg Bálint
Published: July 2016

Angeloni és szerzőtársai 2003-as tanulmányukban kvantitatív módszerekkel nem találták a választ arra kérdésre, hogy miért reagál az Egyesült Államokban érzékenyebben a fogyasztás egy monetáris politikai lépésre, mint az eurózóna országaiban. E dolgozatban kvalitatív módon vázol fel egy lehetséges választ a fenti problémára. A szerző elsősorban a pénzügyi közvetítőrendszer, az ebből következő pénzügyi vagyonszerkezet és az erre épülő transzmissziós mechanizmusok különbségében látja a lehetséges megoldást. Módszerünkkel nem tudunk választ adni arra a kérdésre, hogy a felvázolt strukturális eltérésekből következő érzékenységkülönbség megmagyarázza az Angeloni és szerzőtársai által kimutatott mértéket.Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: E21, E44, E52, G20
A személyiség és a képességek szerepe az egyetemi sikerességben
Authors: Kun András , Kiss Marietta , Kotsis Ágnes , Lőrinczi Krisztián
Published: July 2016

Tanulmányunk azt a kérdést járja körül, hogy milyen befolyással bír a tanulmányi eredmények alakulására az értelmi és érzelmi intelligencia, valamint a személyiségstílus. Mindezt a Debreceni Egyetem közgazdász hallgatói körében végzett felmérések segítségével vizsgáljuk meg. Elemzésünkben főként regreszszióanalízisre támaszkodtunk. Az eredmények segítségével két kérdésre kívánunk választ kapni. Egyrészt arra, milyen kapcsolat van az említett változók és a vizsgált szakon való sikeres szereplés közt, másrészt, hogy rendelkezik-e a felsőoktatás tisztán információs (szűrő) funkcióval is, vagy csupán termelékenységet növel. Kapott eredményeink az egyes felmérések esetében némileg eltérnek, de általában elmondhatjuk, hogy az egyetemi eredményességet szignifikánsan befolyásolja a hallgató neme, szüleinek végzettsége, értelmi intelligenciája, intro- vagy extrovertáltsága, gondolkodó vagy észlelő személyiségstílusa, valamint a minták egy részénél érzelmi intelligenciája és észlelő vagy ítélkező személyiségstílusa. Mivel ezek nem mindegyike függ a felsőoktatás hatásától, elmondhatjuk, hogy bizonyítékot találtunk a felsőoktatás szűrő funkciójának jelenlétére.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: I21, J24
Adósságválságtól a NAFTA első évtizedéig – Mexikó gazdaságfejlődésének kérdőjelei
Authors: Erdey Laszlo
Published: July 2016

Az 1982-es adósságválság végett vetett Mexikó csaknem negyven éven át tartó, dinamikus gazdasági növekedéssel jellemezhető fejlődési korszakának. A krízis Mexikót fejlesztési stratégiájának átgondolására és orientációjának megváltoztatására kényszerítette, kezdetét kellett vennie egy olyan fájdalmas, de szükséges folyamatnak, melynek célja egyrészt az előző évtizedekben kialakult makroökonómiai egyensúlytalanságok leépítése, másrészt az állam által irányított importhelyettesítésre alapozó fejlesztési politikától, mikroökonómiai reformok sorával, a piaci erők szabadabb érvényesülésével a gazdasági szerkezet racionalizálása felé való elmozdulás volt. Az ország az 1980-as évek első generációs reformjait követően, az 1990-es évek elmaradó második generációs reformjainak hiányában azonban nem tudta megváltoztatni azt a gazdasági és külkereskedelmi szerkezetet, amely már az „elveszett” évtized végére kialakult, és amely csak kevés növekedési impulzust tudott adni a gazdaság többi részének. A kezdeti alacsony fejlettségi szint miatt és az 1990-es években elmaradó további reformok hiányában Mexikó csak korlátozott mértékben tudta kihasználni a NAFTA-ból származó potenciális és előzetesen nagyon várt előnyöket.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: F15, O54.
A holland betegség gyanúja Oroszországban
Authors: Borko Tamas
Published: July 2016

A tanulmány központi felvetése az a gyanú, mely szerint az orosz gazdaság hordozhatja a holland betegségnek nevezett gazdasági jelenség tüneteit. Ez elsősorban a reáleffektív árfolyam gyorsuló

felértékelődésében, a feldolgozóipari teljesítmény romlásában, a szolgáltató szektor erősödésében és a nemzetgazdasági reálbérek alakulásában mutatkozott meg. Azonban ezek a fejlemények más, a

tanulmányban említett és hasonlóan nehezen kimutatható okokra is visszavezethetők, így a következtetéseket megfelelő óvatossággal kell kezelni. Mivel a nyersanyagátoknak nevezett jelenség okai

között a holland betegség csak egy a számtalan közgazdasági és politikai gazdaságtani magyarázat között, ezért az orosz gazdaság jövőjét illetően más tényező is szerepet játszhat. Többek között a folyamatos jelentős mértékű korrupció, a demokratikus politikai berendezkedés gyengeségei, a protekcionista gazdaságpolitika, valamint az energiaszektor versenyének alacsony foka. A nyersanyagátok jelensége mögött fennálló mindeme tényezők és köztük a holland betegség káros hatásai elsősorban nem a jelen, hanem az orosz gazdasági növekedés jövőbeli, hosszútávú teljesítménye szempontjából lesznek relevánsak.

 

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kódok: F31, L60, L72, Q32, Q33
Külön út - külön siker
Authors: Vass Kitti
Published: July 2016

Tanulmányomban az Európai Unió egyik tagállamát, a korporatív gazdaság egyik példájának tekinthető Ausztria kis, nyitott, föderális berendezkedésű államát veszem górcső alá. Az osztrák gazdaságban a második világháború utáni újjáépítési periódust viharos gazdasági expanzió jellemezte; az olajválságot követően pedig a fejlett tőkés országok között egyedülálló módon alacsony infláció és alacsony munkanélküliség, valamint az átlagosnál dinamikusabb gazdasági növekedés állította az országot a figyelem központjába. A felfokozott külső gazdaságpolitikai érdeklődés miatt ekkor került széles körű vizsgálat alá az osztrák modell, azaz az osztrák gazdaságpolitika és az intézményrendszer. Az 1980 as évek elején azonban a gazdaságban strukturális problémák jelentkeztek, melynek eredményeként a növekedési ütem jelentős mértékben lelassult, míg a 2000-ben bekövetkező politikai változások végre ismét kedvező gazdaságpolitikai fordulatot hoztak. Az alábbiakban elsőként a második világháború utáni újjáépítés során kialakult gazdasági helyzetet mutatom be, majd az osztrák társadalmi partnerség kialakulását, változásait és szerepét vizsgálom. Ezt követően napjaink Ausztriáját elemzem a fenntarthatóan kiegyensúlyozott államháztartás szempontjából, fókuszálva az államháztartás helyzetére és a szövetségi berendezkedésből adódó komplex fiskális kapcsolatokra.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL): H62, H63
Az európai jog beáramlása a magyar jogrendbe
Authors: Voros Imre
Published: July 2016

Az EU-hoz való csatlakozással az európai jog a magyar jogrend része lett, mégpedig úgy, hogy alkalmazása elsőbbséget élvez a magyar jogrend hasonló tárgyú, de azzal ellentétes szabályaival szemben. A rendes bíróságok ezért kétség esetén alkalmazzák is az európai jogot. E jogszabály-anyag beáramlása a magyar jogba mindazonáltal nem problémamentes: az Alkotmánybíróság csapdába került, mivel rá az európai jog elsőbbségének tétele nem vonatkozik, így csak a magyar Alkotmányon mérheti le egy akár európai jogból eredő magyar jogszabály alkotmányosságát. A jogalkotónak pedig folyamatos kötelezettsége a magyar jogrendnek „eurokonform”-állapotban tartása, azaz a jogharmonizáció. Ez igen precíz, átgondolt jogalkotást kíván, ám a jogalkotó gyakran egyszerűen „átmásolja” az európai jogszabályokat átültetés címén a magyar jogba, szétverve ezzel a korábbi magyar jogszabály belső logikáját, konzisztenciáját. A gondok mögött az európai jog mint jogterület rendszertani átgondolatlansága, egyfajta monstrumkénti fejlődése áll.
Intra- and interprovenance variations in leaf morphometric traits in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
Authors: Stojnic Srdjan , Orlovic Sasa , Miljkovic Danijela , von Wuehlisch
Published: July 2016

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most important tree species
in Europe. Due to substantial genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity,
beech has successfully adapted to different environments within its natural
range. Provenance tests provide a good basis for studying within- and
between-provenance genetic variation, due to homogeneous within-trial
environmental conditions. The aim of the present study was to determine the
within- and between-provenance genetic variability of certain leaf
morphological traits among eleven beech provenances, grown in a common garden
experiment. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for
differences among the studied beech provenances. Principal component analysis
(PCA) allowed a complex assessment of the relationships among the provenances
and an estimation of multivariate relations among the analyzed characters.
The results of the study revealed the existence of substantial variability
among provenances (p<0.001). Likewise, high genetic variability was observed
at the intra-provenance level (p<0.001). The first three principal components
(PC1-PC3) explained approximately 81% of the total variance among the
European beech provenances tested. The highest contribution on PC1
corresponded to variables related to leaf size: leaf area (-0.882) and leaf
width (-0.876). Based on the position of provenances on a PCA scatter plot,
it could be assumed that European beech is characterized by a more ecotypic
pattern of genetic variation rather than by clinal variation. Also, the
presence of considerable genetic diversity within provenances will be
important in the light of climate change impact on beech, since it could
potentially facilitate rapid adaptation.
Platelet function and activation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with subclinical chronic valvular heart disease
Authors: Tong Linda J. , Hosgood Giselle L. , French Anne T. , Irwin Peter J. , Shiel Robert E.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE To assess platelet closure time (CT), mean platelet component (MPC) concentration, and platelet component distribution width (PCDW) in dogs with subclinical chronic valvular heart disease.

ANIMALS 89 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) and 39 control dogs (not CKCSs).

PROCEDURES Platelet count, MPC concentration, PCDW, and Hct were measured by use of a hematology analyzer, and CT was measured by use of a platelet function analyzer. Murmur grade and echocardiographic variables (mitral valve regurgitant jet size relative to left atrial area, left atrial-to-aortic diameter ratio, and left ventricular internal dimensions) were recorded. Associations between explanatory variables (sex, age, murmur grade, echocardiographic variables, platelet count, and Hct) and outcomes (CT, MPC concentration, and PCDW) were examined by use of multivariate regression models.

RESULTS A model with 5 variables best explained variation in CT (R2, 0.74), with > 60% of the variance of CT explained by mitral valve regurgitant jet size. The model of best fit to explain variation in MPC concentration included only platelet count (R2, 0.24). The model of best fit to explain variation in PCDW included platelet count and sex (R2, 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, a significant effect of mitral valve regurgitant jet size on CT was consistent with platelet dysfunction. However, platelet activation, as assessed on the basis of the MPC concentration and PCDW, was not a feature of subclinical chronic valvular heart disease in CKCSs.
Are Respiratory Viruses Involved in Preseasonal Symptoms or Severity in Japanese Cedar Pollinosis?
Authors: Otsuka Hirokuni , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Kimura Hirokazu , Takanashi Ikuo , Okubo Kimihiro
Published: July 2016

Background

Respiratory virus infections are involved in asthma exacerbations. However, there are no reports of the relationship between respiratory virus infections and Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Objective

We studied the relationship between respiratory viral infection and the appearance of preseasonal symptoms and the severity of seasonal symptoms in Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Methods

In 36 patients with asthma and with no symptoms (PreAsyP) and 54 patients with asthma and with symptoms (PreSyP) before the cedar pollen shedding commenced (preseason), and 37 patients with mild-to-moderate severity (InMild/Mod) and 45 patients with severe to extreme severity (InSev/Ext) after cedar shedding commenced (in season), the occurrence of respiratory viruses and nasal smear cytology were examined.

Results

In total, seven infections with respiratory viruses were detected among the subjects. Human rhinovirus (HRV) C infection was detected in one subject in each of the PreAsyP and PreSyP groups, and one HRVA infection occurred in the InMild/Mod group. In the InSev/Ext group, one HRVA, one HRVC, one respiratory syncytial virus, and one human metapneumovirus were detected. There was no significant difference in the rate of detection of viral infections between the PreAsyP and the PreSyP groups (p = 0.077), and between the InMild/Mod group and the InSev/Ext group (p = 0.24, Wilcoxon rank sum test). When cells types in nasal smears were identified and their abundance examined, the rate of neutrophilia in the subjects in the PreSyP group was 54%, which was statistically higher (p < 0.01) than the subjects in the PreAsyP group (25%). Interestingly, in the subjects in the InSev/Ext group, the proportion of eosinophils (40%) was larger (p < 0.05) than in the subjects in the InMild/Mod group (19%).

Conclusion

These results provided no evidence that respiratory virus infections contributed to preseasonal symptoms and severity in season of Japanese cedar pollinosis. Nasal neutrophilia was related to preseasonal symptoms, whereas nasal eosinophilia was related to severity of symptoms during the pollen season.
Incidence of Snake bites in Dhanusha District of Nepal: a study in tertiary care centre
Authors: Mandal RN , Ahmed Z , Mishra A , Das RC
Published: July 2016

Background and Objectives: Envenomation by poisonous snakes is considered as an occupational hazard. Snake bite is a common medical emergency and one of the important causes of mortality and morbidity in tropical region.Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in the emergency department of JMCTH. All the patients admitted to JMCTH from April 2014 to November 2014 with snake bite were followed up from the time of admission to throughout their stay in hospital. The data was obtained from hospital case records, direct interrogation from relatives, friends, person accompanying the patients. The information was collected in a pre-formed Proforma. Data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.Results: The victims of snake bite predominantly were male. Maximum numbers of snake bite cases were between the age group of 31 to 40 yrs and of low socio-economic status. 67.34 % cases were from rural areas and farmers were the most common victim (69.38 %).Conclusion: Maximum cases occurred during the summer and pre-monsoon months, during daytime and involved the lower limbs. Ptosis was the chief neurotoxic feature followed by dysarthria.Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol. 3 (1):52-55
Evaluation of the Impact of Travel Time Reliability on Urban Expressway Traffic Safety
Authors: Shi Qi , Abdel-Aty Mohamed
Published: July 2016

In urban areas, toll expressways have been constructed to provide motorists with safe, efficient, and reliable trips. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between safety and efficiency. However, there has been only a limited focus on how traffic safety and reliability are related. In this study, multiple travel time reliability indicators were developed on the basis of an automatic vehicle identification system installed on the expressway of interest. The effects of travel time reliability on crash frequency were evaluated within the Bayesian hierarchical Poisson lognormal framework. It was confirmed that the reduction of travel time reliability caused by late arrivals would lead to more crashes. Nevertheless, the effects of travel time reliability were more significant on multivehicle crashes than on single-vehicle crashes. In addition, the necessity of using direct reliability measurement in safety analysis was assessed by calibrating models with only traditional traffic flow variables and structural equation models in which the effects of travel time reliability were modeled by latent variables. Comparison results showed that to understand better the effects of travel time reliability on safety, inclusion of direct reliability measurement would be more efficient. In conclusion, this study suggests that improvement of travel time reliability by providing estimated travel times to drivers in real-time might not only be beneficial to better travel experience, but might also improve safety on urban expressways.
Application of a Network Safety Management Tool in Urban Areas: Zurich, Switzerland, Case Study
Authors: Rothenfluh Marco , Menendez Monica
Published: July 2016

Because of the economic and social cost of traffic accidents, it is essential for road administrators to evaluate where infrastructure investments are necessary to improve the system. Network safety management (NSM) is an analysis tool typically used on freeways and other interurban roads to identify the locations with the highest potential for infrastructure improvements from a safety perspective. A study was done on how this tool could also be used to identify such locations within an urban environment. The area of study was the city of Zurich, Switzerland, and the accident data were for the period 2009 to 2013. The aim was to investigate the application of NSM in urban environments, illustrate it with a real case study, evaluate the results obtained, and test robustness of the results for different input parameters. To do this, georeferenced data were required to have explicit distinctions between the three road network elements used: primary road segments, intersections, and residential zones. On the basis of different accident cost rates, a prioritization of the individual network elements was made. Results show that mostly network elements with numerous conflict points have the highest safety potential. Further tests reveal that traffic volume is the most influential parameter within the model. Additionally, more differentiated cost rates are presented, and a comparison with the road safety tool Black Spot Management is employed to verify the detected accident clusters. The findings are used to make pragmatic recommendations on the use of NSM in an urban context.
Numerical Descriptions of Hot Flow Behaviors across β Transus for as-Forged Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al Alloy by LHS-SVR and GA-SVR and Improvement in Forming Simulation Accuracy
Authors: Quan Guo-Zheng , Zhang Zhi-Hua , Zhang Le , Liu Qing
Published: July 2016

Hot compression tests of as-forged Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy in a wide temperature range of 948–1123 K and a strain rate range of 0.001–10 s−1 were conducted by a servo-hydraulic and computer-controlled Gleeble-3500 machine. In order to accurately and effectively model the non-linear flow behaviors, support vector regression (SVR), as a machine learning method, was combined with Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and genetic algorithm (GA) to respectively characterize the flow behaviors, namely LHS-SVR and GA-SVR. The significant characters of LHS-SVR and GA-SVR are that they, with identical training parameters, can maintain training accuracy and prediction accuracy at stable levels in different attempts. The study abilities, generalization abilities and modelling efficiencies of the mathematical regression model, artificial neural network (ANN), LHS-SVR and GA-SVR were compared in detail by using standard statistical parameters. After comparisons, the study abilities and generalization abilities of these models were shown as follows in ascending order: the mathematical regression model < ANN < GA-SVR < LHS-SVR. The modeling efficiencies of these models were shown as follows in ascending order: mathematical regression model < ANN < LHS-SVR < GA-SVR. The flow behaviors outside experimental conditions were predicted by the well-trained LHS-SVR, which improves the simulation precision of the load-stroke curve.
Properties of LiGa0.5In0.5Se2: A Quaternary Chalcogenide Crystal for Nonlinear Optical Applications in the Mid-IR
Authors: Isaenko Ludmila , Yelisseyev Alexander , Lobanov Sergei , Vedenyapin Vitaliy , Krinitsyn Pavel , Petrov Valentin
Published: July 2016

LiGaSe2 (LGSe) and LiInSe2 (LISe) are wide band-gap nonlinear crystals transparent in the mid-IR spectral range. LiGa0.5In0.5Se2 (LGISe) is a new mixed crystal, a solid solution in the system LGSe–LISe, which exhibits the same orthorhombic structure (mm2) as the parent compounds in the same time being more technological with regard to the growth process. In comparison with LGSe and LISe its homogeneity range is broader in the phase diagram. About 10% of the Li ions in LGISe occupy octahedral positions (octapores) with coordination number of 3. The band-gap of LGISe is estimated to be 2.94 eV at room temperature and 3.04 eV at 80 K. The transparency at the 0-level extends from 0.47 to 13 µm. LGISe crystals exhibit luminescence in broad bands centered near 1.7 and 1.25 eV which is excited most effectively by band-to-band transition. From the measured principal refractive indices and the fitted Sellmeier equations second-harmonic generation from 1.75 to 11.8 μm (fundamental wavelength) is predicted. The nonlinear coefficients of LGISe have values between those of LGSe and LISe. 6LGISe crystals are considered promising also for detection of thermal neutrons.
Expected Logarithm of Central Quadratic Form and Its Use in KL-Divergence of Some Distributions
Authors: Habib Zadeh Pourya , Hosseini Reshad
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we develop three different methods for computing the expected logarithm of central quadratic forms: a series method, an integral method and a fast (but inexact) set of methods. The approach used for deriving the integral method is novel and can be used for computing the expected logarithm of other random variables. Furthermore, we derive expressions for the Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence of elliptical gamma distributions and angular central Gaussian distributions, which turn out to be functions dependent on the expected logarithm of a central quadratic form. Through several experimental studies, we compare the performance of these methods.
Acoustic Entropy of the Materials in the Course of Degradation
Authors: Kahirdeh Ali , Khonsari M.
Published: July 2016

We report experimental observations on the evolution of acoustic entropy in the course of cyclic loading as degradation occurs due to fatigue. The measured entropy is a result of the materials’ microstructural changes that occur as degradation due to cyclic mechanical loading. Experimental results demonstrate that maximum acoustic entropy emanating from materials during the course of degradation remains similar. Experiments are shown for two different types of materials: Aluminum 6061 (a metallic alloy) and glass/epoxy (a composite laminate). The evolution of the acoustic entropy demonstrates a persistent trend over the course of degradation.
Wearable Multimodal Skin Sensing for the Diabetic Foot
Authors: Coates James , Chipperfield Andrew , Clough Geraldine
Published: July 2016

Ulceration of the diabetic foot is currently difficult to detect reliably in a timely manner causing undue suffering and cost. Current best practice is for daily monitoring by those living with diabetes coupled to scheduled monitoring by the incumbent care provider. Although some metrics have proven useful in the detection or prediction of ulceration, no single metric can currently be relied upon for diagnosis. We have developed a prototype multivariate extensible sensor platform with which we demonstrate the ability to gather acceleration, rotation, galvanic skin response, environmental temperature, humidity, force, skin temperature and bioimpedance signals in real time, for later analysis, utilising low cost Raspberry Pi and Arduino devices. We demonstrate the utility of the Raspberry Pi computer in research which is of particular interest to this issue of electronics—Raspberry Pi edition. We conclude that the hardware presented shows potential as an adaptable research tool capable of gathering synchronous data over multiple sensor modalities. This research tool will be utilised to optimise sensor selection, placement and algorithm development prior to translation into a sock, insole or platform diagnostic device at a later date. The combination of a number of clinically relevant parameters is expected to provide greater understanding of tissue state in the foot but requires further volunteer testing and analysis beyond the scope of this paper which will be reported in due course.
An Event-Based Resource Management Framework for Distributed Decision-Making in Decentralized Virtual Power Plants
Authors: Zhang Jianchao , Seet Boon-Chong , Lie Tek
Published: July 2016

The Smart Grid incorporates advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) in power systems, and is characterized by high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). Whether it is the nation-wide power grid or a single residential building, the energy management involves different types of resources that often depend on and influence each other. The concept of virtual power plant (VPP) has been proposed to represent the aggregation of energy resources in the electricity market, and distributed decision-making (DDM) plays a vital role in VPP due to its complex nature. This paper proposes a framework for managing different resource types of relevance to energy management for decentralized VPP. The framework views VPP as a hierarchical structure and abstracts energy consumption/generation as contractual resources, i.e., contractual offerings to curtail load/supply energy, from third party VPP participants for DDM. The proposed resource models, event-based approach to decision making, multi-agent system and ontology implementation of the framework are presented in detail. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is then demonstrated through an application to a simulated campus VPP with real building energy data.
Assessing the Contribution of the Environmental Parameters to Eutrophication with the Use of the “PaD” and “PaD2” Methods in a Hypereutrophic Lake
Authors: Hadjisolomou Ekaterini , Stefanidis Konstantinos , Papatheodorou George , Papastergiadou Evanthia
Published: July 2016

Lake Pamvotis (Greece) is a shallow hypereutrophic lake with a natural tendency to eutrophication. Several restoration measures were applied, but with no long-term success. To examine the causes for this an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was created in order to simulate the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) levels and to investigate the role of the associated environmental parameters. The ANN managed to simulate with good correlation the simulated Chl-a and can be considered as a reliable predictor. The relative importance of the environmental parameters to the simulated Chl-a was calculated with the use of the “Partial Derivatives” (“PaD”) sensitivity method. The water temperature (WT) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) had the highest relative importance, with values of 50% and 17%, respectively. The synergistic effect of the paired parameters was calculated with the use of the “PaD2” algorithm. The SRP-WT paired parameter was the most influential, with a relative contribution of 22%. The ANN showed that Lake Pamvotis is prone to suffer the effects of climatic change, because of the major contribution of WT. The ANN also revealed that combined nutrients reduction would improve water quality status. The ANN findings can act as an advisory tool regarding any restoration efforts.
A Female-Biased Odorant Receptor from Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) Tuned to Some Plant Odors
Authors: Zhang Zhixiang , Zhang Meiping , Yan Shuwei , Wang Guirong , Liu Yang
Published: July 2016

Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a serious pest of cotton, jujube, grape and many other crops around the world. Understanding how olfactory information directs this insect to its host plants may provide environment-friendly approaches to the control of its population in agriculture. In our study, we cloned an odorant receptor gene, AlucOR46, that was specifically expressed in antennae and female-biased. Functional expression of AlucOR46 in Xenopus oocytes showed that it is tuned to six plant volatiles (S)-(−)-Limonene, (R)-(+)-Limonene, (E)-2-Hexenal, (E)-3-Hexenol, 1-Heptanol and (1R)-(−)-Myrtenol. Electroantennogram (EAG) recordings revealed that all six compounds could elicit electrophysiological responses from the antennae of A. lucorum, higher in females. Our results are in agreement with previous reports showing that (E)-2-Hexenal could attract female A. lucorum in behavior experiments. These results suggest that AlucOR46 might play an important role in locating the host plants of A. lucorum and therefore represents a suitable target for green pest control.
A Cooperative MAC Protocol for a M2M Heterogeneous Area Network
Authors: Khan Jamil , Chen Dong , Brown Jason
Published: July 2016

With the increasing demand of Machine to Machine (M2M) communications and Internet of Things (IoT) services it is necessary to develop a new network architecture and protocols to support cost effective, distributed computing systems. Generally, M2M and IoT applications serve a large number of intelligent devices, such as sensors and actuators, which are distributed over large geographical areas. To deploy M2M communication and IoT sensor nodes in a cost-effective manner over a large geographical area, it is necessary to develop a new network architecture that is cost effective, as well as energy efficient. This paper presents an IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.4 standards-based heterogeneous network architecture to support M2M communication services over a wide geographical area. For the proposed heterogeneous network, we developed a new cooperative Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) medium access control (MAC) protocol to transmit packets using a shared channel in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. One of the key problems of the IEEE 802.11/802.15.4 heterogeneous network in a dense networking environment is the coexistence problem in which the two protocols interfere with each other causing performance degradation. This paper introduces a cooperative MAC protocol that utilizes a new signaling technique known as the Blank Burst (BB) to avoid the coexistence problem. The proposed MAC protocol improves the network QoS of M2M area networks. The developed network architecture offers significant energy efficiency, and operational expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) advantages over 3G/4G cellular standards-based wide area networks.
Synthesis of a New Titanate Coupling Agent for the Modification of Calcium Sulfate Whisker in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Composite
Authors: Yuan Wenjin , Lu Yunhua , Xu Shiai
Published: July 2016

A new titanate coupling agent synthesized from polyethylene glycol (PEG), isooctyl alcohol, and phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) was used for the modification of calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) and the preparation of high-performance CSW/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites. The titanate coupling agent (sTi) and the modified CSWs (sTi–CSW) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and heat resistant properties and thermostability of sTi–CSW/PVC and CSW/PVC composites were compared. The results show that sTi–CSW/PVC composite with 10 wt. % whisker content has the best performance, and its tensile strength, Young’s modulus, elongation at break, break strength, and impact strength are 67.2 MPa, 1926 MPa, 233%, 51.1 MPa, and 12.75 KJ·m−2, with an increase of 20.9%, 11.5%, 145.3%, 24.6%, and 65.4% compared to that of CSW/PVC composite at the same whisker content. As the whisker content increases, the storage modulus increases, the Vicat softening temperature decreases slightly, and the glass transition temperature increases at first and then decreases.
Microstructure and Antiwear Property of Laser Cladding Ni–Co Duplex Coating on Copper
Authors: Wang Yiyong , Liang Zhipeng , Zhang Junwei , Ning Zhe , Jin Hui
Published: July 2016

Ni–Co duplex coatings were cladded onto Cu to improve the antiwear properties of Cu products. Prior to laser cladding, n-Al2O3/Ni layers were introduced as interlayers between laser cladding coatings and Cu substrates to improve the laser absorptivity of these substrates and ensure defect-free laser cladding coatings. The structure and morphology of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy, and the phases of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Their hardness was measured using a microhardness tester. Experimental results showed that defect-free composite coatings were obtained and that the coatings were metallurgically bonded to the substrates. The surface of the Ni–Co duplex coatings comprised a Co-based solid solution, Cr7C3, (Fe,Ni)23C6, and other strengthening phases. The microhardness and wear resistance of the duplex coatings were significantly improved compared with the Cu substrates. The average microhardness of the cladded coatings was 845.6 HV, which was approximately 8.2 times greater than that of the Cu substrates (102.6 HV). The volume loss of the Cu substrates was approximately 7.5 times greater than that of the Ni–Co duplex coatings after 60 min of sliding wear testing. The high hardness of and lack of defects in the Ni–Co duplex coatings reduced the plastic deformation and adhesive wear of the Cu substrates, resulting in improved wear properties.
Organ-Tumor-on-a-Chip for Chemosensitivity Assay: A Critical Review
Authors: Kashaninejad Navid , Nikmaneshi Mohammad , Moghadas Hajar , Kiyoumarsi Oskouei Amir , Rismanian Milad , Barisam Maryam , Saidi Mohammad , Firoozabadi Bahar
Published: July 2016

With a mortality rate over 580,000 per year, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, the emerging field of microfluidics can potentially shed light on this puzzling disease. Unique characteristics of microfluidic chips (also known as micro-total analysis system) make them excellent candidates for biological applications. The ex vivo approach of tumor-on-a-chip is becoming an indispensable part of personalized medicine and can replace in vivo animal testing as well as conventional in vitro methods. In tumor-on-a-chip, the complex three-dimensional (3D) nature of malignant tumor is co-cultured on a microfluidic chip and high throughput screening tools to evaluate the efficacy of anticancer drugs are integrated on the same chip. In this article, we critically review the cutting edge advances in this field and mainly categorize each tumor-on-a-chip work based on its primary organ. Specifically, design, fabrication and characterization of tumor microenvironment; cell culture technique; transferring mechanism of cultured cells into the microchip; concentration gradient generators for drug delivery; in vitro screening assays of drug efficacy; and pros and cons of each microfluidic platform used in the recent literature will be discussed separately for the tumor of following organs: (1) Lung; (2) Bone marrow; (3) Brain; (4) Breast; (5) Urinary system (kidney, bladder and prostate); (6) Intestine; and (7) Liver. By comparing these microchips, we intend to demonstrate the unique design considerations of each tumor-on-a-chip based on primary organ, e.g., how microfluidic platform of lung-tumor-on-a-chip may differ from liver-tumor-on-a-chip. In addition, the importance of heart–liver–intestine co-culture with microvasculature in tumor-on-a-chip devices for in vitro chemosensitivity assay will be discussed. Such system would be able to completely evaluate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) of anticancer drugs and more realistically recapitulate tumor in vivo-like microenvironment.
Coffee Consumption and Oxidative Stress: A Review of Human Intervention Studies
Authors: Martini Daniela , Del Bo’ Cristian , Tassotti Michele , Riso Patrizia , Del Rio Daniele , Brighenti Furio , Porrini Marisa
Published: July 2016

Research on the potential protective effects of coffee and its bioactives (caffeine, chlorogenic acids and diterpenes) against oxidative stress and related chronic disease risk has been increasing in the last years. The present review summarizes the main findings on the effect of coffee consumption on protection against lipid, protein and DNA damage, as well as on the modulation of antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes in human studies. Twenty-six dietary intervention studies (involving acute and chronic coffee intake) have been considered. Overall, the results suggest that coffee consumption can increase glutathione levels and improve protection against DNA damage, especially following regular/repeated intake. On the contrary, the effects of coffee on plasma antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes, as well as on protein and lipid damage, are unclear following both acute and chronic exposure. The high heterogeneity in terms of type of coffee, doses and duration of the studies, the lack of information on coffee and/or brew bioactive composition, as well as the choice of biomarkers and the methods used for their evaluation, may partially explain the variability observed among findings. More robust and well-controlled intervention studies are necessary for a thorough understanding of the effect of coffee on oxidative stress markers in humans.
Dietary Interventions and Changes in Cardio-Metabolic Parameters in Metabolically Healthy Obese Subjects: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Stelmach-Mardas Marta , Walkowiak Jarosław
Published: July 2016

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of diet on changes in parameters describing the body size phenotype of metabolically healthy obese subjects. The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Knowledge and Embase were searched for clinical studies carried out between 1958 and June 2016 that reported the effect of dietary intervention on BMI, blood pressure, concentration of fasting triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting glucose level, the homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) in metabolically healthy, obese subjects. Twelve clinical studies met inclusion criteria. The combined analyzed population consists of 1827 subjects aged 34.4 to 61.1 with a BMI > 30 kg/m2. Time of intervention ranged from eight to 104 weeks. The baseline characteristics related to lipid profile were more favorable for metabolically healthy obese than for metabolically unhealthy obese. The meta-analyses revealed a significant associations between restricted energy diet and BMI (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.88, −0.19), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (SBP): −4.73 mmHg; 95% CI: −7.12, −2.33; and diastolic blood pressure (DBP): −2.75 mmHg; 95% CI: −4.30, −1.21) and TG (−0.11 mmol/l; 95% CI: −0.16, −0.06). Changes in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR and hsCRP did not show significant changes. Sufficient evidence was not found to support the use of specific diets in metabolically healthy obese subjects. This analysis suggests that the effect of caloric restriction exerts its effects through a reduction in BMI, blood pressure and triglycerides in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) patients.