bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of Amphiboles in the Tremolite–Ferro–Actinolite Series by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Bersani Danilo , Andò Sergio , Scrocco Laura , Gentile Paolo , Salvioli-Mariani Emma , Fornasini Laura , Lottici Pier Paolo
Published: August 2019

Amphiboles are an important family of rock forming minerals, whose identification is crucial in provenance studies as well as in many other fields of geology, archaeology and environmental sciences. This study is aimed to find a quick way to characterize Ca-amphiboles in the tremolite (Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2)–ferro–actinolite (Ca2Fe5Si8O22(OH)2) series. Raman spectroscopy is established as technique to perform non-destructive and quick analysis, with micrometric resolution, able to give the composition in terms of Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) ratio. To exploit the method, a preliminary characterization is performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-dispersed X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Two independent methods to evaluate the composition from the Raman data (aiming to an accuracy of about 5%), using the low-wavenumbers part of the spectrum and the OH stretching bands, are developed. The application of the proposed method to micro-Raman mappings and the possible use of handheld Raman spectroscopy to have compositional information on Ca-amphiboles are discussed.
The Early Silurian Sedimentary Environment of Middle-Upper Yangtze: Lithological and Palaeontological Evidence and Impact on Shale Gas Reservoir
Authors: Qu Xiaorong , Zhu Yanming , Wang Yang , Shang Fuhua
Published: August 2019

The organic-enriched thick shale at the bottom of Longmaxi Formation is laterally continuous distributed and has been proven to be of good production capability in Fuling of Upper Yangtze. Uplifts that developed during the sedimentation influenced the reservoir characteristics by taking control of the sedimentary environment and provenance. The sedimentary environments are mainly deep-water shelf, shallow-water shelf, and tidal flat. By analyzing reservoir characteristic of these three environments, the deep-water shelf, which dominated the early stage of sedimentation, formed a high-quality reservoir with high TOC (Total Organic Carbon) content, porosity, and brittleness, while the environment was maintained around the basin centre until the Early Silurian. The shales deposited under the shallow-water environment were of low porosity because of the increasing calcareous and argillaceous contents. Sediments which formed on the tidal flat were arenaceous and of the lowest TOC content as the organic preservation conditions deteriorated. The good correlation of graptolite abundance and TOC content, and high porosity within graptolite fossils emphasize the importance of palaeontological development. The argillaceous cap over the Longmaxi shale is of good sealing capability, and the continuous sedimentation zone along southern Sichuan–eastern Chongqing is the best optimized hydrocarbon-bearing system. However, a weak interface on the discontinuity is the potential lateral pathway for gas diffusion at Northern Guizhou and Western Hunan, but on the southeast margin where the dark shale and the tidal sandstone contact, it promises to form a tight gas reservoir.
New Sesquiterpenoids from the Fermented Broth of Termitomyces albuminosus and Their Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Activity
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Qian , Cheng Shimian , Li Shanren , Zheng Yongbiao
Published: August 2019

Termitomyces albuminosus is the symbiotic edible mushroom of termites and cannot be artificially cultivated at present. In the project of exploring its pharmaceutical metabolites by microbial fermentation, four new selinane type sesquiterpenoids—teucdiol C (1), D (2), E (3), and F (4), together with two known sesquiterpenoids teucdiol B (5) and epi-guaidiol A (6)—were obtained from its fermented broth of T. albuminosus. Their structures were elucidated by the analysis of NMR data, HR Q-TOF MS spectral data, CD, IR, UV, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Epi-guaidiol A showed obvious anti-acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The experimental results displayed that T. albuminosus possess the pharmaceutical potential for Alzheimer’s disease, and it was an effective way to dig new pharmaceutical agent of T. albuminosus with the microbial fermentation technique.
Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside Ro on the Growth of B16F10 Melanoma via Its Metabolites
Authors: Zheng Si-wen , Xiao Sheng-yuan , Wang Jia , Hou Wei , Wang Ying-ping
Published: August 2019

Ginsenoside Ro (Ro), a major saponin derived and isolated from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, exerts multiple biological activities. However, the anti-tumour efficacy of Ro remains unclear because of its poor in vitro effects. In this study, we confirmed that Ro has no anti-tumour activity in vitro. We explored the anti-tumour activity of Ro in vivo in B16F10 tumour-bearing mice. The results revealed that Ro considerably suppressed tumour growth with no significant side effects on immune organs and body weight. Zingibroside R1, chikusetsusaponin IVa, and calenduloside E, three metabolites of Ro, were detected in the plasma of Ro-treated tumour-bearing mice and showed excellent anti-tumour effects as well as anti-angiogenic activity. The results suggest that the metabolites play important roles in the anti-tumour efficacy of Ro in vivo. Additionally, the haemolysis test demonstrated that Ro has good biocompatibility. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate that Ro markedly suppresses the tumour growth of B16F10-transplanted tumours in vivo, and its anti-tumour effects are based on the biological activity of its metabolites. The anti-tumour efficacy of these metabolites is due, at least in part, to its anti-angiogenic activity.
Crude Heparin Preparations Unveil the Presence of Structurally Diverse Oversulfated Contaminants
Authors: Mendes Aline , Meneghetti Maria C. Z. , Palladino Marcelly Valle , Justo Giselle Zenker , Sassaki Guilherme L. , Fareed Jawed , Lima Marcelo A. , Nader Helena B.
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, pharmaceutical heparin is purified from porcine and bovine intestinal mucosa. In the past decade there has been an ongoing concern about the safety of heparin, since in 2008, adverse effects associated with the presence of an oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) were observed in preparations of pharmaceutical porcine heparin, which led to the death of patients, causing a global public health crisis. However, it has not been clarified whether OSCS has been added to the purified heparin preparation, or whether it has already been introduced during the production of the raw heparin. Using a combination of different analytical methods, we investigate both crude and final heparin products and we are able to demonstrate that the sulfated contaminants are intentionally introduced in the initial steps of heparin preparation. Furthermore, the results show that the oversulfated compounds are not structurally homogeneous. In addition, we show that these contaminants are able to bind to cells in using well known heparin binding sites. Together, the data highlights the importance of heparin quality control even at the initial stages of its production.
Study on the Material Basis of Neuroprotection of Myrica rubra Bark
Authors: Shen Shengnan , Zhao Mengjun , Li Chenchen , Chang Qi , Liu Xinmin , Liao Yonghong , Pan Ruile
Published: August 2019

Background: Increasing attention has been given to the search for neuroprotective ingredients from natural plants. Myrica rubra bark (MRB) has been used in traditional oriental medicine for over thousand years and has potential neuroprotection. Methods and Results: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to identify the compounds in MRB extract, and the MTT assay was performed to evaluate the neuroprotection of six major compounds from MRB against glutamate-induced damage in PC12 cells. The result displayed nineteen compounds were identified, and myricitrin and myricanol 11-sulfate were shown to have neuroprotection, which prevented cell apoptosis through alleviating oxidative stress by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde, as well as by enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase. Conclusions: Several active compounds from MRB may offer neuroprotection and have the potential for the development of new drugs against central nervous system diseases.
Fish Scale Valorization by Hydrothermal Pretreatment Followed by Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Gelatin Hydrolysate Production
Authors: Zhang Yiqi , Tu Dan , Shen Qing , Dai Zhiyuan
Published: August 2019

Protein hydrolysates from fish by-products have good process suitability and bioavailability in the food industry. The objective of this work was to develop a method for protein recovery from fish scales and evaluate the hydrolysis of the scale protein. The effect of the hydrothermal process on protein recovery, degree of hydrolysis (DH) and structural properties of the hydrolysates was investigated. Results showed that hydrothermal treatment could enhance protein recovery of tilapia scales without demineralization and dramatically improve the DH of the hydrolysates. The hydrothermal treated scales showed a better protein recovery (84.81%) and DH (12.88%) and released peptides more efficiently than that of the conventional treated samples. The obtained gelatin hydrolysates mainly distributed in the range of 200–2000 Da with an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) IC50 value of 0.73 mg/mL. The ACE inhibitory activity of gelatin hydrolysates was stable under high temperature, pH and gastrointestinal proteases. Hydrothermal treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis offers a potential solution for preparation of gelatin hydrolysates for food ingredients from fish processing by-products.
Purification and Identification of Antioxidant Peptides from Schizochytrium Limacinum Hydrolysates by Consecutive Chromatography and Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hu Xiao , Yang Xianqing , Wu Qiong , Li Laihao , Wu Yanyan , Chen Shengjun , Li Ruijie , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: August 2019

Schizochytrium limacinum residue was hydrolyzed with various proteases (papain, trypsin, Flavourzyme, Protamex, and Alcalase 2.4L) to obtain antioxidative peptides. The results showed that the S. limacinum hydrolysates (SLHs) prepared with compound proteases (Protamex and Alcalase 2.4L) had the highest antioxidant activity, which was measured using methods such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability (IC50 = 1.28 mg/mL), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (IC50 = 1.66 mg/mL), and reducing power (1.42 at 5.0 mg/mL). The hydrolysates were isolated and purified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Through analysis of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer (ESI-MS/MS), the purified antioxidant peptide was identified as Pro-Tyr-Lys (406 Da). Finally, the identified peptide was synthesized for evaluating its antioxidant activity. The •OH scavenging ability and reducing power of Pro-Tyr-Lys were comparable to those of reduced L-glutathione (GSH). These results demonstrated that the antioxidant peptides from SLHs could potentially be used as effective antioxidants.
Review of Alternative Solvents for Green Extraction of Food and Natural Products: Panorama, Principles, Applications and Prospects
Authors: Chemat Farid , Abert Vian Maryline , Ravi Harish Karthikeyan , Khadhraoui Boutheina , Hilali Soukaina , Perino Sandrine , Fabiano Tixier Anne-Sylvie
Published: August 2019

In recent years, almost all extraction processes in the perfume, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food ingredients, nutraceuticals, biofuel and fine chemical industries rely massively on solvents, the majority of which have petroleum origins. The intricate processing steps involved in the industrial extraction cycle makes it increasingly difficult to predict the overall environmental impact; despite the tremendous energy consumption and the substantial usage of solvents, often the yields are indicated in decimals. The ideal alternative solvents suitable for green extraction should have high solvency, high flash points with low toxicity and low environmental impacts, be easily biodegradable, obtained from renewable (non-petrochemical) resources at a reasonable price and should be easy to recycle without any deleterious effect to the environment. Finding the perfect solvent that meets all the aforementioned requirements is a challenging task, thus the decision for the optimum solvent will always be a compromise depending on the process, the plant and the target molecules. The objective of this comprehensive review is to furnish a vivid picture of current knowledge on alternative, green solvents used in laboratories and industries alike for the extraction of natural products focusing on original methods, innovation, protocols, and development of safe products.
Method to Convert Stem Cells into Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Afify Said M. , Chen Ling , Yan Ting , Sanchez Calle Anna , Nair Neha , Murakami Chikae , Zahra Maram H. , Okada Nobuhiro , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Seno Akimasa , Seno Masahura
Published: August 2019

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis suggests that tumors are sustained exclusively by a small population of the cells with stem cell properties. CSCs have been identified in most tumors and are responsible for the initiation, recurrence, and resistance of different cancers. In vitro CSC models will be of great help in revisiting the mechanism of cancer development, as well as the tumor microenvironment and the heterogeneity of cancer and metastasis. Our group recently described the generation of CSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which were reprogrammed from normal cells, and/or embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This procedure will improve the understanding of the essential niche involved in cancer initiation. The composition of this cancer-inducing niche, if identified, will let us know how normal cells convert to malignant in the body and how, in turn, cancer prevention could be achieved. Further, once developed, CSCs demonstrate the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and other phenotypes establishing the CSC niche. These will be good materials for developing novel cancer treatments. In this protocol, we describe how to handle mouse iPSCs/ESCs and how to choose the critical time for starting the conversion into CSCs. This CSC generation protocol is essential for understanding the role of CSC in cancer initiation and progress.
Comparison of Sample Preparation Methods for Multielements Analysis of Olive Oil by ICP-MS
Authors: Damak Fadwa , Asano Maki , Baba Koji , Ksibi Mohamed , Tamura Kenji
Published: August 2019

Elemental analysis of olive oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is challenging because of the high organic load in olive oil samples and the low analyte concentrations. However, conflicting operating procedures in the preparation of oils prior to analysis by ICP-MS have been reported to overcome these difficulties. This study compared three methods of inorganic elements’ extraction from olive oils: The two commonly used microwave-assisted, acid digestion, and liquid–liquid, ultrasound-assisted extraction methods; and an optimized method: The combined microwave digestion-evaporation. Overall, microwave digestion-based methods did not compare opportunely, and ultrasound-assisted extraction was found to provide the best accord between simplicity of use, detection limits and precision improvement. The detection limits were in the range of 0.3–160 µg·kg-1, 0.012–190 µg·kg−1 and 0.00061–1.5 µg·kg−1, while repeatabilities were in the range of 5–21%, 5.4–99% and 5.1–40% for the microwave digestion, the combined digestion-evaporation and the ultrasound assisted extraction, respectively. The ultrasound-assisted extraction is therefore recommended as a preparation method for olive oils prior to analysis by ICP-MS. The broader range of elements that can be accurately detected is expected to help increase the discriminatory power and performance of geographical traceability models.
Hydrophilic Silver Nanoparticles Loaded into Niosomes: Physical–Chemical Characterization in View of Biological Applications
Authors: Rinaldi Federica , del Favero Elena , Moeller Johannes , Hanieh Patrizia Nadia , Passeri Daniele , Rossi Marco , Angeloni Livia , Venditti Iole , Marianecci Carlotta , Carafa Maria , Fratoddi Ilaria
Published: August 2019

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used as antibacterial agents and anticancer drugs, but often their low stability limits their mass production and broad applications. The use of niosomes as a carrier to protect and envelop AgNPs gives a new perspective to solve these problems. In this study, AgNPs were functionalized with sodium 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate (3MPS) to induce hydrophilic behavior, improving loading in Tween 20 and Span 20 niosomes (NioTw20 and NioSp20, respectively). Entrapment efficiency was evaluated by UV analyses and is around 1–4%. Dimensions were investigated by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS) (<2RH> = 140 ± 4 nm and <2RH> = 251 ± 1 nm respectively for NioTw20 + AgNPs and NioSp20 + AgNPs) and were compared with those by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and small angle X ray scattering (SAXS) analyses. Stability was assessed in water up to 90 days, and both in bovine serum and human serum for up to 8 h. In order to characterize the local structure of niosomes, SAXS measurements have been performed on Tween 20 and Span 20 empty niosomes and loaded with AgNPs. The release profiles of hydrophilic probe calcein and lipophilic probe Nile Red were performed in HEPES buffer and in human serum. All these features contribute to conclude that the two systems, NioTw20 + AgNPs and NioSp20 + AgNPs, are suitable and promising in the field of biological applications.
The Rooting of Stem Cuttings and the Stability of uidA Gene Expression in Generative and Vegetative Progeny of Transgenic Pear Rootstock in the Field
Authors: Lebedev Vadim
Published: August 2019

Adventitious rooting plays an important role in the commercial vegetative propagation of trees. Adventitious root formation is a complex biological process, but knowledge of the possible unintended effects induced by both the integration/expression of transgenes and in vitro conditions on the rooting is limited. The long-term stability of transgene expression is important both for original transformants of woody plants and its progeny. In this study, we used field-grown pear rootstock GP217 trees transformed with the reporter ß-glucuronidase (uidA) genes with and without intron and re-transformed with the herbicide resistance bar gene as model systems. We assessed the unintended effects on rooting of pear semi-hardwood cuttings and evaluated the stability of transgene expression in progeny produced by generative (seedlings) and vegetative (grafting, cutting) means up to four years. Our investigation revealed that: (1) The single and repeated transformations of clonal pear rootstocks did not result in unintended effects on adventitious root formation in cuttings; (2) stability of the transgene expression was confirmed on both generative and vegetative progeny, and no silenced transgenic plants were detected; (3) yearly variation in the gene expressions was observed and expression levels were decreased in extremely hot and dry summer; (4) the intron enhanced the expression of uidA gene in pear plants approximately two-fold compared to gene without intron. The current study provides useful information on transgene expression in progeny of fruit trees under natural environmental conditions.
GWAS for Starch-Related Parameters in Japonica Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Biselli Chiara , Volante Andrea , Desiderio Francesca , Tondelli Alessandro , Gianinetti Alberto , Finocchiaro Franca , Taddei Federica , Gazza Laura , Sgrulletta Daniela , Cattivelli Luigi , Valè Giampiero
Published: August 2019

Rice quality is mainly related to the following two starch components, apparent amylose content (AAC) and resistant starch (RS). The former affects grain cooking properties, while RS acts as a prebiotic. In the present study, a Genome Wide Association Scan (GWAS) was performed using 115 rice japonica accessions, including tropical and temperate genotypes, with the purpose of expanding the knowledge of the genetic bases affecting RS and AAC. High phenotypic variation was recorded for the two traits, which positively correlated. Moreover, both the parameters correlated with seed length (positive correlation) and seed width (negative correlation). A correlational selection according to human preferences has been hypothesized for the two starch traits and grain size. In addition, human selection has been proposed as the causal agent even for the different phenotypes related to starch and grain size showed by the tropical and temperate japonica accessions utilized in this study. The present GWAS led to the identification of 11 associations for RS on seven chromosomes and five associations for AAC on chromosome 6. Candidate genes and co-positional relationships with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) previously identified as affecting RS and AAC were identified for 6 associations. The candidate genes and the new RS- and/or AAC-associated regions detected provide valuable sources for future functional characterizations and for breeding programs aimed at improving rice grain quality.
Reducing the Transition Hysteresis of Inductive Plasmas by a Microwave Ignition Aid
Authors: Gehring Tim , Jin Qihao , Denk Fabian , Eizaguirre Santiago , Karcher David , Kling Rainer
Published: August 2019

Inductive plasma discharge has been a part of continuous investigations since it was discovered. Especially the E- to H-mode transition and the hysteresis behavior have been topics of research in the last few decades. In this paper, we demonstrate a way to reduce the hysteresis behavior by the usage of a microwave ignition system. With this system, a significant decrease of the needed coil current for the ignition of the inductive driven plasma is realized. For the microwave generation, a magnetron as in a conventional microwave oven is used, which offers a relatively inexpensive way for microwave ignition aid. At the measured pressure of 7.5 Pa, it was possible to reduce the needed coil current for the inductive mode transition by a factor of 3.75 compared to the mode transition current without the ignition aid. This was achieved by initiating the transition by a few seconds of microwave coupling. The performed simulations suggested that the factor can be further increased at higher pressures. That is especially interesting for plasmas that are hard to ignite or for RF-sources that cannot deliver high enough currents or frequencies for the ignition.
Multivariable System Identification Method Based on Continuous Action Reinforcement Learning Automata
Authors: Jiang Meiying , Jin Qibing
Published: August 2019

In this work, a closed-loop identification method based on a reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. This method could be an attractive alternative solution to the problem that the current frequency-domain identification algorithms are usually dependent on the attenuation factor. With this method, after continuously interacting with the environment, the optimal attenuation factor can be identified by the continuous action reinforcement learning automata (CARLA), and then the corresponding parameters could be estimated in the end. Moreover, the proposed method could be applied to time-varying systems online due to its online learning ability. The simulation results suggest that the presented approach can meet the requirement of identification accuracy in both square and non-square systems.
The Centrality of Anti-Semitism in the Islamic State’s Ideology and Its Connection to Anti-Shiism
Authors: Rickenbacher Daniel
Published: August 2019

The Islamic State (ISIS) has repeatedly targeted Jews in terrorist attacks and incited against Jews in its propaganda. Anti-Semitism and the belief that Jews are engaged in a war against Islam has been central to Islamist thought since its inception. Islamist anti-Semitism exposes the influence of both Western conspiracy theories and Islamic traditions. This article studies the anti-Semitic themes propagated by ISIS and investigates their ideological foundations. It bases itself on an analysis of articles published in Dabiq, ISIS’ English language online magazine in the period 2014–2016. This study shows that ISIS’ relationship with Western-inspired anti-Semitic conspiracy theories is inconsistent, vacillating between rejection and acceptance. ISIS holds an apocalyptic, anti-Semitic worldview, which claims that the Shia denomination is a Jewish invention to sow disunity among Muslims and that Shia and Jews are working together to destroy Islam. ISIS’ anti-Semitism and anti-Shiism are thus inherently connected. It is vital to correctly assess the anti-Semitic ideological foundations of contemporary Islamism and Jihadism to best understand the movement. Learning about this will help lawmakers, scholars and practitioners develop strategies to deal with these movements and counter their message.
Redemption of ‘Fallen’ Hero-Athletes: Lance Armstrong, Isaiah, and Doing Good while Being Bad
Authors: Meyer Andrew R.
Published: August 2019

Lance Armstrong’s achievements in cycling will forever be overshadowed by his admittance of using unethical performance enhancing means to win. However, Armstrong’s positive social impact of raising awareness, hundreds of millions of dollars, and support for the cancer community are undeniably noteworthy. Clearly, Armstrong’s hero-savior athlete depiction in the media prior to his ‘fall’ was related to the social ‘good’ he was equally known for. This good stands in stark contrast to his demonization since. This dichotomy of Armstrong’s profiling offers a unique opportunity to consider how his rise and fall reflect biblical themes of a sport celebrity. This paper explores the theme of redemption specifically presented in the book of Isaiah, as I explore Armstrong’s media rendering as a fallen hero-athlete following his public acknowledgement of cheating. This manuscript provides a contextual comparison of Armstrong’s story to the redemption of exiled Jews as detailed in Isaiah. Throughout the paper, I present how Armstrong has received a more profound, though less obvious or common redemption through his lifetime ban from sport. Ultimately, this article provides an analysis of a contemporary hero-athletes redemption who cycled for good, while being bad.
A Practical Approach for Social Life Cycle Assessment in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Karlewski Hannah , Lehmann Annekatrin , Ruhland Klaus , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: August 2019

Identifying social impacts along the life cycle of their products is becoming increasingly important for companies. Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) as a possible tool has not been conducted so far within industries with complex international supply chains using mainly company-specific data. As a novelty, this work presents a practical SLCA approach along with the first case studies for the automotive industry, based on a previously developed indicator set and an extensive data collection. Social data was collected from companies along the life cycle of two specific car components, while analyzing data availability, validity and comparability. To obtain product references, both a top-down and a bottom-up approach for quantitative indicators based on time effort and data availability on the process level were devised. Also, two options were developed for how qualitative indicators (e.g., written principles for Corruption) can be applied together with quantitative performance indicators (e.g., number of accidents). The general practical applicability of the approach could be demonstrated by four quantitative and seven qualitative indicators. It is a first step towards analyzing the social performance of products with complex supply chains on a company level. Remaining challenges include social data availability and quality and obtaining data at the process level (allocation). These should be addressed in future studies.
Differences, Constraints and Key Elements of Providing Local Sharing Economy Services in Different-Sized Cities: A Hungarian Case
Authors: Czakó Katalin , Szabó Kinga , Tóth Marcell , Fekete Dávid
Published: August 2019

The business models of sharing economy services can differ from each other in different-sized cities. This paper provides a deeper understanding of the implementation of locally operating services for car, bicycle and office sharing in the urban environment. Our goal is to reveal the differences between the capital city and an economically well-developed city in order to provide beneficial findings to the development of the presently operating services, or to the possible implementation of future services. Methodology of the paper applies the Business Model Canvas approach (BMC). We introduce a comparative analysis using data from the Hungarian database, which records details of all the publicly visible sharing economy services countrywide. The results show that BMC can reflect the main differences, constraints and key elements in the business models of sharing economy services. We can say that, in the case of a bike sharing service operated in the non-capital city, there is more segmentation than seen in the same service in the capital. There are significant price differences, especially in the case of long-term tickets. The number of inhabitants and private capital remain the biggest constraints in the case of car-sharing services, but there is also a possibility of implementation in the non-capital cities by applying small-scale services with a good value proposition and segmentation.
Design and Analysis of a Combined Strain–Vibration–Temperature Sensor with Two Fiber Bragg Gratings and a Trapezoidal Beam
Authors: Yao Kun , Lin Qijing , Jiang Zhuangde , Zhao Na , Peng Gang-Ding , Tian Bian , Jia Wenyun , Yang Ping
Published: August 2019

A combined sensor to simultaneously measure strain, vibration, and temperature has been developed. The sensor is composed of two Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and a vibration gainer. One FBG is used to measure strain, while the other measures vibration and temperature. The gainer has a mass block which is used to increase its sensitivity to vibration. The main beam of the vibration gainer was designed as a trapezoid in order to reduce the strain gradient while sensing vibration. In addition, an interrogation method was used to eliminate interactions between measured parameters. Experiments were carried out to analyze the performance of the proposed sensor. For individual strain measurement in the range of 0–152 με, the sensitivity and nonlinearity error were 1.878 pm/με and 2.43% Full Scale (F.S.), respectively. For individual temperature measurement in the range of 50–210 °C, the sensitivity and nonlinearity error were 29.324 pm/°C and 1.88% F.S., respectively. The proposed sensor also demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.769 pm/m·s−2 and nonlinearity error of 1.83% F.S. for vibration measurement in the range of 10–55 m/s2. Finally, simultaneously measuring strain, temperature, and vibration resulted in nonlinearity errors of 4.23% F.S., 1.89% F.S., and 2.23% F.S., respectively.
OFBG-Based Smart Double-Skin Tubular Confined-Concrete Column with Basalt FRP-Steel Composite
Authors: Sasy Chan Yung William , Zhou Zhi , Liu Wanqiu , Ou Jinping
Published: August 2019

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been widely employed to design advanced structural columns such as the hybrid FRP–concrete–steel double-skin tubular column (hybrid DSTC) with potential benefits. To date, the safety and self-monitoring of the hybrid DSTCs are still a challenge to overcome due to the complex damage scenarios. This paper investigates the self-sensing performance of a newly developed smart double-skin tubular confined concrete column (smart BFST-DSTC) made of basalt FRP–steel composite with built-in optical fiber Bragg grating sensors (OFBGs). The design of the smart BFST-DSTC and sensing principle are firstly addressed, followed by an experimental investigation on the basic mechanical properties and strain-based sensing performance of ten scaled specimens under axial compression. The outcomes reveal the enhancement of the proposed column in terms of load-carrying capacity, confinement ratio, and axial stress-axial strain behavior, as well as failure and damage modes when compared with the hybrid DSTC. The self-sensing investigation demonstrates that the measurement range satisfies the requirement to monitor and evaluate the hoop strains of the FRP jackets and the health state of the inner tube. The smart BFST-DSTC can replace the hybrid DSTC with the ability to provide early failure warning and life cycle health monitoring.
An MIMO Radar System Based on the Sparse-Array and Its Frequency Migration Calibration Method
Authors: Ma Yue , Miao Chen , Zhao Yangying , Wu Wen
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar system based on a sparse-array is proposed. In order to reduce the side-lobe level, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the array arrangement. To reduce the complexity of the system, time-division multiplexing (TDM) technology is adopted. Since the signals are received in different periods, a frequency migration will emerge if the target is in motion, which will lead to the lower direction-of-arrival (DOA) performance of the system. To solve this problem, a stretching transformation method in the fast-frequency slow-time domain is proposed, in order to eliminate frequency migration. Only minor adjustments need to be implemented for the signal processing, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the DOA estimation will be reduced by about 90%, compared with the one of an uncalibrated system. For example, a uniform linear array (ULA) MIMO system with 2 transmitters and 20 receivers can be replaced by the proposed system with 2 transmitters and 12 receivers, achieving the same DOA performance. The calibration formulations are given, and the simulation results of the automotive radar system are also provided, which validate the theory.
Dynamic Walking of a Legged Robot in Underwater Environments
Authors: Portilla Gerardo , Saltarén Roque , Montero de Espinosa Francisco , R. Barroso Alejandro , Cely Juan , Yakrangi Oz
Published: August 2019

In this research, the dynamic walking of a legged robot in underwater environments is proposed. For this goal, the underwater zero moment point (Uzmp) is proposed in order to generate the trajectory of the centre of the mass of the robot. Also, the underwater zero moment point auxiliary (Uzmp aux.) is employed to stabilize the balance of the robot before it undergoes any external perturbations. The concept demonstration of a legged robot with hydraulic actuators is developed. Moreover, the control that was used is described and the hydrodynamic variables of the robot are determined. The results demonstrate the validity of the concepts that are proposed in this article, and the dynamic walking of the legged robot in an underwater environment is successfully demonstrated.
A Survey of Security Services, Attacks, and Applications for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs)
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Sameer , Liang Jun , Wang Wensong
Published: August 2019

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are an emerging type of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) with robust applications in intelligent traffic management systems. VANET has drawn significant attention from the wireless communication research community and has become one of the most prominent research fields in intelligent transportation system (ITS) because of the potential to provide road safety and precautionary measures for the drivers and passengers. In this survey, we discussed the basic overview of the VANET from the architecture, communication methods, standards, characteristics, and VANET security services. Second, we presented the threats and attacks and the recent state-of-the-art methods of the VANET security services. Then, we comprehensively reviewed the authentication schemes that can protect vehicular networks from malicious nodes and fake messages. Third, we discussed the latest simulation tools and the performance of the authentication schemes in terms of simulation tools, which was followed by the VANET applications. Lastly, we identified the open research challenges and gave future research directions. In sum, this survey fills the gap of existing surveys and summarizes the latest research development. All the security attacks in VANETs and their related countermeasures are discussed with respect to ensuring secure communication. The authentication schemes and comprehensive applications were introduced and analyzed in detail. In addition, open research challenges and future research directions were issued.
Trunk and Upper Body Fatigue Adversely Affect Running Economy: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial
Authors: Drum Scott N. , Rappelt Ludwig , Donath Lars
Published: August 2019

Trunk muscle fatigue and its negative relationship with running economy (RE) is frequently recognized by practitioners but lacks evidence-based support. Thus, this three-armed randomized controlled crossover pilot trial (RCT) examined the effects of trunk and upper body fatigue protocols on RE, trunk muscle isometric rate of force production, and lactate response in runners. Seven well-trained runners (2 males and 5 females) randomly underwent control (CON), trunk fatigue (TRK), and upper body fatigue (UPR) protocols on three different lab visits. Both workload-matched fatigue protocols—consisting of 24 min of a circuit weight routine—elicited comparable rates of perceived exertion, heart rate responses, and lactate accumulations. As expected, core muscle strength assessed with isometric testing immediately before and after both fatigue protocols, decreased notably. RE (VO2/kg bodyweight averaged for 1 min) was determined during a 15 min individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) run at 4, 9 and 14 min. The IAT (13.9 to 15.8 km/h) was determined on lab visit one using an incremental treadmill running protocol to volitional exhaustion. RE differed, although not significantly, between CON and both fatigue protocols by 0.75 (4th min) to 1.5 ml/min/kg (9th and 14th min) bodyweight (Time × Mode Interaction: p = 0.2, np2 = 0.40) with a moderate to large effect size. Despite no signficance, the largest RE differences were observed between TRK and CON (and underscored by the moderate to large effect size). This preliminary pilot RCT revealed that both UPR and TRK conditions might adversely impact running economy at a high intensity, steady state running pace. Future studies should elucidate if these findings are replicable in large scale trials and, in turn, whether periodized core training can beneficially preserve RE.
Responses of Microbial Communities and Interaction Networks to Different Management Practices in Tea Plantation Soils
Authors: Tan Lin , Gu Songsong , Li Shi , Ren Zuohua , Deng Ye , Liu Zhonghua , Gong Zhihua , Xiao Wenjun , Hu Qiulong
Published: August 2019

Soil microorganisms play important roles in the plant health and agricultural production. However, little is known about the complex responses of microbial communities and interaction networks to different agricultural management practices in tea plantation soils. In the present study, Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology and molecular ecological network (MEN) analysis were used to investigate the soil microbial diversity, community structure and composition, interaction networks of organic tea plantation (OTP), non-polluted tea plantation (NPTP) and conventional tea plantation (CTP). Alpha-diversity indices, Chao1 and richness, of OTP soil were significantly higher than those of NPTP and CTP soils. The beta-diversity analysis showed there were significant differences among bacterial community structures of OTP, NPTP and CTP soils. Composition analysis showed that Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi were the most dominant bacteria in all tea plantation soil samples under different management practices, and the beneficial community compositions of OTP soil were significantly different from NPTP and CTP soils at the phylum and genus levels. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and mantel test revealed that TOC and NO3-N contents as well as pH values were the key soil factors to affect the bacterial community structures of tea plantation soils. Furthermore, network analysis showed that the network of OTP soil possessed more functionally interrelated microbial modules than NPTP and CTP soils, indicating that OTP soil possessed the higher ecosystem multi-functionality. These results provided the theoretical basis and reference for improving soil microbial diversity and enhancing community multi-functionality in tea plantation soil ecosystems through effective agricultural management practices.
Impact of Managerial Influence Tactics on Job Creativity and Performance: A Focus on Korean Airline Service Employees
Authors: Shin Lip Ryan , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: August 2019

Little is known about the effectiveness of managerial influence tactics on job creativity and performance in the airline industry. Based on previous research, eleven hypotheses and a theoretical model was conducted under the assumption that individual influence tactics affect job creativity, job creativity has a positive influence on job performance, and job creativity mediates both influence tactics and job performance. This study implemented a quantitative method using multiple regression analysis, a three-step multiple regression analysis, and a Sobel test. According to an empirical method, among nine total influence tactics, inspirational appeals, ingratiation, exchange, and pressure acted as crucial drivers of job creativity, which had the greatest influence on job performance. Job creativity also had a mediating effect. On the other hand, the tactic of legitimating also positively influenced job creativity unlike previous studies. These findings may help managers by providing some insights for promoting job creativity and performance.
Is There a Kuznets Curve Effect for China’s Land-Driven Development Mode?
Authors: Zhang Weifan , Song Yan
Published: August 2019

This paper empirically investigates whether the contribution of land-driven development to economic growth has declined along with the Kuznets curve hypothesis by using a nonlinear dynamic model. Over the past 40 years, Chinese local governments have raised commercial–residential land prices, mortgaged reserve land to gain valuable funds to facilitate urban construction and then improve urbanization, and driven down industrial land prices to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and promote industrialization. By controlling the land market, this typical land-driven development mode has played a significant role in the process of local industrialization and urbanization. However, with the change in cities’ internal and external conditions, many problems hidden in this mechanism have begun to emerge. The results from the dynamic panel data method reveal that, at the national level, the effect of land supply on local economies initially indicates an increase and then a drop, which is an inverted U-shaped curve, or the Kuznets curve effect. The impact of land-driven development has declined in China’s economic transformation period, but at the regional level, in the eastern and mid-western regions, there is a different reason.
A Systems Approach to Establishing an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Institute
Authors: Harris Gregory , Caudle Lauren
Published: August 2019

Systems engineering is a methodology where an interdisciplinary approach is applied, using systems thinking, to the development of a system of interest. The systems engineering discipline has emerged as an effective way to guide the engineering of complex systems, but has been applied most readily in the realm of cyber physical systems. In some circles of the Federal Government, the mention of systems engineering processes immediately leads people to think of a long, inefficient effort due to an often applied bureaucratic approach, where the focus is on documentation rather than the development of the system of interest, which comes from a view that the product of the systems engineering effort is the document, not the system itself. In this paper, the authors describe the application of systems thinking and the systems engineering process to the design and creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII, part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation) established under Department of Defense (DoD) authority for the Office of the President, that was swift, efficient, and implemented without formality.
Choreographic Pattern Analysis from Heterogeneous Motion Capture Systems Using Dynamic Time Warping
Authors: Rallis Ioannis , Protopapadakis Eftychios , Voulodimos Athanasios , Doulamis Nikolaos , Doulamis Anastasios , Bardis Georgios
Published: August 2019

The convention for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO highlights the equal importance of intangible elements of cultural heritage to tangible ones. One of the most important domains of ICH is folkloric dances. A dance choreography is a time-varying 3D process (4D modelling), which includes dynamic co-interactions among different actors, emotional and style attributes, and supplementary elements, such as music tempo and costumes. Presently, research focuses on the use of depth acquisition sensors, to handle kinesiology issues. The extraction of skeleton data, in real time, contains a significant amount of information (data and metadata), allowing for various choreography-based analytics. In this paper, a trajectory interpretation method for Greek folkloric dances is presented. We focus on matching trajectories’ patterns, existing in a choreographic database, to new ones originating from different sensor types such as VICON and Kinect II. Then, a Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm is proposed to find out similarities/dissimilarities among the choreographic trajectories. The goal is to evaluate the performance of the low-cost Kinect II sensor for dance choreography compared to the accurate but of high-cost VICON-based choreographies. Experimental results on real-life dances are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed DTW methodology and the ability of Kinect II to localize dances in 3D space.
Effects of the Infill Density on the Mechanical Properties of Nylon Specimens Made by Filament Fused Fabrication
Authors: Terekhina Svetlana , Skornyakov Innokentiy , Tarasova Tatiana , Egorov Sergei
Published: August 2019

Additive manufacturing of polymer products over the past decade has become widespread in various areas of industry. Using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) method, one of the most technologically simple methods of additive manufacturing, it is possible to produce parts from a large number of different materials, including wear-resistant nylon. The novelty of the work is properties investigation of ±45° filling configuration with different filling degree for nylon, as well as calculating the effect of infill on the strength characteristics, excluding the shell. This article reflects the process of manufacturing samples from nylon using FFF technology with various internal topologies, as well as tensile tests. The analysis of the obtained results is performed and the relationship between the structure of the sample and the limit of its strength is established. To calculate real filling degree and the effect of internal filling on the strength characteristics of the specimen, it is proposed to use a method based on the geometric and mass parameters. The FFF method is promising for developing methods for producing a composite material. The results of this article can be useful in choosing the necessary manufacturing parameters.