bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The libraries’ transitioning to Russian software
Authors: Rozhnov Vladimir , Smirnov Yuri
Published: December 2018

Due to and as a result of the Russian policy of import substitution, which is also true for the IT-sphere, several problems have to be solved in the nearest future. The authors describe them, namely: developing Russian OS and related software, and user training due to changing procedures, developing software for Russian OS or the crossplatform software suitable for every OS. Further, they highlight the key software groups used in Russian libraries: system software, office software, library software, peripheral device drivers, security and financial accounting software, and examine the possibilities for transitioning from foreign to Russian software listed in the Unified Register of the Russian programs. The authors emphasize the existing Russian software in every group comply with standards and can perfectly replace foreign products. However, they warn of the problems with peripheral equipment due to some lacking drivers, though many suppliers have been now being remedy of the situation. They conclude that the switching to Russian software by the libraries is quite realistic and doable.
Training in machine-readable cataloguing within the specialization of "Library and information activities" at the Kemerovo State Institute of Culture
Authors: Taranenko Lubov , Sakova Olga , Merkulova Almira
Published: December 2018

Experience of training in machine-readable cataloguing at the Kemerovo State Institute of Culture is reviewed. Training in machine-readable cataloguing is implemented for specialization “Library information activities” (Chair of Document Communication Technologies). Within the profile of “Information Analysis” and “Technology of Integrated Library Information Systems” training in machine-readable cataloguing is provided within several courses, namely: "Analytic and synthetic information processing", "Library reference and information retrieval apparatus", "Local information needs support and services”, "Integrated library information systems”. Professional competences, knowledge and skills of machine-readable cataloguing required by the Federal State Standard 51.0.3.06 "Library and information activities" and the draft professional standard "Specialist in the sphere of library information activities" are discussed, along with their implementation in the above mentioned disciplines. The methodological support of the disciplines is characterized. The internship in machine-readable cataloging and corresponding certification for acquiring bachelor’s degree are also reviewed. The subject scope of research works in machine-readable cataloging for bachelor’s and master’s degrees is discussed. The authors emphasize that the education process, its theoretical and practical content, benefits from the close collaboration between Kemerovo State Institute of Culture and Siberian libraries, RF major library centers and specialized businesses.
Library and Information Services" - a new textbook under the science editorship of professor M. Ya. Dvorkina
Authors: Kalegina Olga
Published: December 2018

Review of the textbook "Library and Information Services" [in Russian, “Bibliotechno-informatsionnoye obsluzhivaniye”] under the science editorship of M. Ya. Dvorkina, recommended for university students studying in the field of "Library and Information Activity" (for "Bachelor" qualification). - St. Petersburg : Profession, 2016. - 240 p. The author analyzes the structure and contents of the new textbook "Library and Information Services". She focuses on the comprehensiveness, integrity, consistency and clarity of the contents to be comprehended by future bachelors. The reviewer points to the most appropriate chapters, namely those on library information services, their classification and technologies. Supplemented with comprehendible tables and appendices, the textbook can be used in practical training, too. The merits and drawbacks of several book chapters are discussed from the viewpoint of a longtime lecturer (the author teaches this discipline) who points to some questionable formulations of principles and service types. However, the textbook is highly needed, relevant, and takes into account the changes in the library information industry. As compared to previous editions, it defines clearly the role of libraries in the circumstances of growing information and communication technologies. The textbook refer to the current trends of library services, theoretical concepts of library science and education. The textbook is intended for the higher schools.
New approach to developing learning and teaching support materials for students of library information sphere
Authors: Adamyants Armen
Published: December 2018

Review of the monograph by Inna Nikolaevna Doronina (I. N. Doronina. Functional modelling of library information education systems: a scientific publication / I. N. Doronina. - Moscow: Pashkov dom, 2016. - 190 p.). The reviewer emphasizes the well-substantiated choice of the methods. Inna Doronina demonstrates how to implement the integrated complex of learning and teaching materials and to translate it into the competences and knowledge complying with the Federal State Education Standard of higher professional education. For the first time, the technology of building learning and teaching complex is applied to the humanities sphere. The technology is based on the principles of large-scale systems design, for instance, in telephone communications, manufacturing, and management. Based on the example of the competence-oriented learning cluster (“ Information system design” ) implementation, I. Doronina demonstrates that the quality of library professional training increases due to the technology. The reviewer characterizes the monograph sections and comments on its depth, and implementation possibility and viability. He also emphasizes that, to apply the functional modelling methods, the designers will have to master some fundamental knowledge, in particular, in higher mathematics and systems theory.
The higher education institution’s Scientific Library to play the role of an open archive
Authors: Vakhrushev Maxim
Published: December 2018

The role of the higher education institutions’ libraries in building and maintaining the institution’s open archives is highlighted. The author emphasize that open archives are demanded highly by the scientific community as the data is free. The open archive structured by disciplinary or interdisciplinary principle can become the base for informal associations (collaborations, consortia, etc.) around science schools or research centers (faculties, institutions, universities, research organizations). Expanded functionalities and instruments to get scientometric indicators are analyzed in detail. These functions make the alternative source for measuring scientific performance of organizations and individual researchers systematically and adequately. The librarians responsibilities related to collecting and preparing scientometric indicators are highlighted. The open archives, institutional repositories, e-libraries can provide both traditional scientometric indicators (impact factors, Hirsch index, etc.), and alternative metrics (publication web indicators). Scientometric data collection, accumulation, interpretation and preparation are continuously expanding processes and they enhance the librarians’ roles.
Library RFID systems: Designing general-purpose systems based on the international standards
Authors: Timoshenko Igor
Published: December 2018

The author analyzes the current status of RFID standards as related to library technologies. Main features and distinctions of the standards designed by the two international organizations: ISO/IEC JTC 1and EPCglobal. RFID standardization is to make the technology applicable to various fields. The prospects for further RFID development towards global control systems, among them integrated library systems through consolidating local systems and harmonizing standards for different frequency equipment, are analyzed. The standard approach towards RFID technology application in libraries is discussed. The author also examines prospects for designing RFID dual-frequency library systems for HF and UHF tags based on the effective international standards. He also emphasizes that introduction of these systems is hindered by the lack of equipment with relevant features - tags and readers, and by manufacturers unwillingness to invest in production due to the absence of market outlets.
The library and information education crisis, or For whom the bell tolls
Authors: Mazuritsky A. M.
Published: December 2018

The author explores the critical phenomena in modern library and information education which he regards as “ringing bells”. That is decrease of the state-financed openings in universities and specialized colleges of library and information studies; introduction of the Unified State Exam which has destroyed the system of occupational orientation at library departments; merging library departments with other departments; the problems of the faculty staffing. Arkady Sokolov identified these malignant processes as “the library school annihilation”.

The author puts forward the suggestions to change the situation: restitution of Moscow State Institute of Culture as a head of professional educational institute; summoning professional conference to develop a strategy and tactics of library education; building post-graduate program to prepare professors for regional professional higher schools and colleges. The author emphasizes the critical need for the national policy for the library industry and consolidation of resources, not only those of library university department and colleges, but also the educational centers to train and retrain librarians on the premises of several major libraries.
Collection development at academic libraries: Problems and solutions
Authors: Otstavnova I. V. , Shamatonova G. L.
Published: December 2018

The main aspects of university library collection development in changing education environment are discussed. The need for efficient management of building and using digital information resources is stressed. The focus is made on shaping the image of librarians and a professional guide, on transforming libraries’ role and exploring modern user demands in the information and technological environment. The increase in the library user number is explained by the two-level education system and new structures within the universities. The authors analyze and generalize on the university libraries practical experience. Methods and approaches toward building library collections at N. Ogarev Mordovian State University, P. G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl State Technical University are discussed. The authors emphasize that not only libraries are in charge of providing teaching aids to support university curricula but also faculty, administration and providers.

The legislation and regulations of academic libraries’ collection development are analyzed in the historical context. The authors conclude that the libraries have to adapt to continuous changes and transformations building their strategies and priority system, identifying their mission in the ever-changing world.
International Society for Knowledge Organization. Forty years of cooperation
Authors: Sukiasyan E. R.
Published: December 2018

The experience of the International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO), its tasks, current status, and main activities are discussed. The initiative of establishing ISKO belongs to Ingetraut Dahlberg, its first president. The part Russia takes in ISKO and that of the Russian ISKO section are discussed.

The author analyzes the ISKO portal structure, the content of its main divisions illuminating the mission, elected bodies, its history, national sections, events in reversed chronology, and publications. The international Encyclopedia is one of the dynamic ISKO projects and a nonexhaustive digital resource; the entry on the Russia’s national classification system, namely BBK (Library Bibliographic Classification) was added to the Encyclopedia in 2017. The history of the project and the difficulties of editing text for foreign users are discussed. The information and scientific importance of publishing the BBK entry in ISKO Encyclopedia is stressed.

The author concludes that, to cooperate efficiently with foreign colleagues, ISKO has to publish books, textbooks, monographs both in the Russian and English languages and to participate in IFLA activities.
Abstracting lexocigraphical works
Authors: Goncharova V. V.
Published: December 2018

The increasing interest towards abstracting as a type of analytical and synthetical information processing due to science globalization trend, is emphasized. The professionals who study this primary information compression are bibliographers, linguists, and information specialists. The author argues that modern professors and students all have to and must learn abstracting in accordance with the international standards for scientific, research, reference and instructional works.

The author points to the diversity of the national lexicographical studies and, based on the abstracts index obtained as a result of her study, characterizes the current trends in abstracting linguistic dictionaries. The key user groups are defined. Publishers’ abstracts of dictionaries are discussed and represented. The example of dictionary Internet-based abstract analysis is given (50 items). Based on the abstracts texts, main negative factors to impact information value of this secondary information source are revealed, that is: lacking data essential for users, incomplete description of targeted readership, etc.

The author introduces a model plan for digital guides of Russian lexicographical works and complements the plan with the systematic aspect analysis. She concludes that abstracting is an intellectually intensive process. It is underexplored as far as lexicographical works are concerned, and offers many possibilities for further studies.
The cognitive paradigm in the modern bibliographic studies
Authors: Astakhova L. V.
Published: December 2018

The bibliography cognitive paradigm is substantiated as essential for the modern society evolving from the being information to the cognitive one. The origins and development of the paradigm reflection in the library and bibliographic studies are discussed. The key components of the cognitive paradigm theoretical core of bibliography, namely mission, concept, terms, that make bibliography a cognitive social institution, are examined. The bibliography social mission is defined as overcoming the cognitive gap by individual and collective society actors during the transition from the information to the cognitive stage. The relevancy of bibliography would rise significantly if it increases its cognitive potential and proves to be fully fledged, independent generator and distributor of knowledge – the concept of bibliographic studies cognitive paradigm. The author demonstrates that bibliography is able to accomplish every process of knowledge transformation: its socialization, externalization, combining and internalization. Within the cognitive paradigm, bibliography is defined as a cognitive institution of the knowledge society with the purpose of knowledge generation and distribution it focuses on the system aspects of the documented knowledge conceptual content. The author also proves the need for enhancing cognitive character of library bibliographic activities and suggests tools and methods to intellectialize its cognitive and information activities.
The paradoxes of bibliometric tools
Authors: Tsvetkova Valentina , Mokhnacheva Yulia , Kalashnikova Galina
Published: December 2018

The authors argue that bibliometrics has become the most important instrument to assess scientific and research activities. However, the information resources often fail to supply correct bibliometric data. Some paradoxes of data retrieval in several bibliometric information systems are examined. Within the RSCI system, the works published before the authors were born sometimes are included into their publication lists. Within the Scopus system, when calculating Hirsch index, we found that for some reason this indicator differed and some publications at some point dropped out of the list. Besides, sometimes bibliographic description in the databases is incorrect: publications on researchers are described as if authored by these researchers. Other paradoxes due to the race to the top publication activity and related risks are also considered.
The method of Internet-resources formalized abstracting
Authors: Gendina Natalya , Kolkova Nadezhda
Published: December 2018

The problem of changing information technologies and libraries’ demand for new methods of information analytical and synthetical processing are discussed. The findings of 2000-2017 document flow examination are presented. The authors emphasize that there has been no studies in abstracting www-sites, portals, and blogs. The need for updating abstracting terminology is substantiated; the clarified definitions of the terms “Internet resources”, “Internet resource abstracting” “annotation” are given. The main types of annotations essential for designing digital guides are characterized, i.e. reference and recommendation, extended and concise, descriptive and abstractive types. The method of formalized www-site abstracting is suggested to improve designing library digital guides of Internet resources. The annotation structure comprises four blocks, namely identification, topical (content-driven), service, and chronological ones. The annotation depends on its type and purpose. The consequence of technological operations when annotating is described. The advantages of the formalized abstracting method are emphasized, i. e. less intellectual and time input, improvement of abstract quality.
The CIS libraries’ preserving cultural heritage: Regulations and documents
Authors: Igumnova Nataliya
Published: December 2018

The author speculates on the international cooperation in preservation of the world and national cultural heritage and book monuments. She argues that the CIS libraries make the global and national cultural heritage as they perform the memorial, information and educational activities. International, regional and national regulation documents along with the information technologies and multimedia make the basis for preservation and accessibility of cultural monuments. The UNESCO and CIS conventions determine the general principles, approaches and rules of international cooperation in the cultural monuments preservation and management. Preservation and Conservation and Memory of the World programs are intended, above all, to educate staff, to develop standards, guides and methods. The essential conditions to preserve book monuments are specified: implementation of new technologies, hard- and software, cooperation with foreign libraries, museums and archives. The activities of the Eurasian Library Assembly Preservation and Conservation section is reviewed, as well as the model law on book monuments developed within the framework of the CIS Library Code.
Noospheric lines in the document studies
Authors: Shvetsova-Vodka Galina
Published: December 2018

The author examines the concept of noosphere as applied in the document studies. In 1990ies, Kim Gelman-Vinogradov used in the document studies and introduced the concepts of the ‘noospheric document environment’ and noospheric document memory’. The author also demonstrates how Gelman-Vingradov’s ideas are related with A. V. Sokolov’s interpretation of documentosphere and definition of the document. The concept of nooinformation is examined as applied to the works by Yury Stolyarov and Roman Moltulsky, along with its relation to the documents as the object of library studies and to the concept of social (semantic) information. In the works of bibliography theorists: Galina Gordukalova, V. Fokeev, Alexandra Kumanova, the concept of noosphere is used to characterize document flows, document information, information modeling, and bibliographic compression of information. Arkady Sokolov’s proposal to develop noospherology, and his idea of the libraries; role in promoting the noospheric future and educating homo noospheric, is examined. The author also suggests that the noospheric approach will become a methodological instrument in documentospheric knowledge and will be of practical use for defining the role of libraries in the modern society.
Nanosecond volume discharge in air initiated by a picosecond runaway electron beam
Authors: Mesyats G A , Yalandin M I
Published: December 2018

A voltage pulse with an amplitude of 250 kV and duration of 1ns was used to study discharge in atmospheric air. The discharge commences with the emergence of a field emission current from a cathode field enhancer. Next, a beam of runaway electrons with an amplitude of 0.5 – 1 A and duration of 10−11 s appears. Interaction between the beam and the voltage pulse was investigated using the reflectometry method. The discharge event was identified by the reversal of the reflected pulse polarity. If the emergence of the runaway electron beam is delayed by a time interval Δt
1, polarity inversion is delayed by the time Δ
t
2
= Δ
t
1
= 200 ps. This is due to the small discharge formation time, 33 ps, as a result of the large number (about 108) of runaway electrons that initiate the discharge. The time interval between the beginning of the discharge and the voltage inversion is no longer than 100 ps. This process is theoretically estimated based on the concept of multielectron initiation of discharge. It is shown that what is observed in the experiment is the nanosecond multielectron-initiation discharge produced by runaway electrons of the discharge itself.
Synthesis, Analysis, and Design of a Novel Mechanism for the Trailing Edge of a Morphing Wing
Authors: Şahin Harun Levent , Yaman Yavuz
Published: December 2018

In the design and analysis of morphing wings, several sciences need to be integrated. This article tries to answer the question, “What is the most appropriate actuation mechanism to morph the wing profile?” by introducing the synthesis, analysis, and design of a novel scissor-structural mechanism (SSM) for the trailing edge of a morphing wing. The SSM, which is deployable, is created via a combination of various scissor-like elements (SLEs). In order to provide mobility requirements, a four-bar linkage (FBL) is assembled with the proposed SSM. The SSM is designed with a novel kinematic synthesis concept, so it follows the airfoil camber with minimum design error. In this concept, assuming a fully-compliant wing skin, various types of SLEs are assembled together, and emergent SSM provide the desired airfoil geometries. In order to provide the required aerodynamic efficiency of newly-created airfoil geometries and obtain pressure distribution over the airfoil, two-dimensional (2D) aerodynamic analyses have been conducted. The analyses show similar aerodynamic behavior with the desired NACA airfoils. By assigning the approximate link masses and mass centers, the dynamic force analysis of the mechanism has also been performed, and the required torque to drive the newly-developed SSM is estimated as feasible.
The Effect of Different Mixed Organic Solvents on the Properties of p(OPal-MMA) Gel Electrolyte Membrane for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Lanlan , Wang Mengkun , Xiong Lian , Guo Haijun , Huang Chao , Zhang Hairong , Chen Xinde
Published: December 2018

A solvent is a key factor during polymer membrane preparation, and it is directly related to application performance as a separator for lithium ion battery (LIB). In this study, different mixed solvents were employed to prepare polymer (p(OPal-MMA)) membranes by the phase inversion technique. The polymer membrane then absorbed liquid electrolytes to obtain gel electrolytes (GPEs). The surface morphologies and porosities of these membranes were investigated, and lithium ion transferences and electrochemical performances of these GPEs were also measured. The membrane displayed an interconnected three-dimensional framework structure with uniformly distributed pores when using DMF as a porogen. When combined with acetone as the component solvent, the prepared GPE displayed the largest lithium ion transference number (0.706), the highest porosity (42.6%) and ion conductivity (3.99 × 10−3 S/cm). Even when assembled as Li/GPE/LiFePO4 cell, it exhibited the highest initial specific capacity of 167 mAh/g and retained most capacity (162 mAh/g) after 50 cycles. The results presented here probably provide reference for choosing an appropriate mixed solvent in fabricating polymer membranes.
Statistical Analysis of Table-Tennis Ball Trajectories
Authors: Schneider Ralf , Lewerentz Lars , Lüskow Karl , Marschall Marc , Kemnitz Stefan
Published: December 2018

In this work, the equations of motion for table-tennis balls were numerically solved on graphics processing units (GPUs) using Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) for systematical statistical studies of the impact of ball size and weight, as well as of net height, on the distribution functions of successful strokes. Half a billion different initial conditions involving hitting location, initial spin, and velocities were analyzed to reach sufficient statistical significance for the different cases. In this paper, an advanced statistical analysis of the database generated by the simulation is presented.
Characteristics of Carbonaceous PM2.5 in a Small Residential City in Korea
Authors: Park Jong-Min , Han Young-Ji , Cho Sung-Hwan , Kim Hyun-Woong
Published: December 2018

PM2.5 has been a serious issue in South Korea not only in urban and industrial areas but also in rural and background areas. In this study, PM2.5 and its carbonaceous compounds including organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were collected and analyzed in a small residential city. The PM2.5 concentration frequently exceeded the national ambient air quality standard during the spring and the winter, which often occurred concurrently with fog and mist events. Over the whole sampling period, both OC and the OC/EC ratio were considerably higher than the ratios in other cities in Korea, which suggests that sources other than vehicular emissions were important. The top 10% of OC/EC ratio samples could be explained by regional and long-range transport because there was a strong correlation between primary and secondary organic carbon. However, biomass combustion was likely to account for the consistently high OC concentration due to a strong correlation between WSOC and primary OC as well as the diagnostic ratio results of PAHs.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
Authors: Pillay Smiley Natasha , Khatua Soumen
Published: December 2018

Pediatric Neuro-Oncology is a highly specialized field encompassing molecular biology, clinical acumen, evidence based medicine, cancer genetics and neuropsychological care for the diagnosis and treatment of children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. [...]
Erratum: Shibata S.; et al. Proton Beam Therapy without Fiducial Markers Using Four-Dimensional CT Planning for Large Hepatocellular Carcinomas. Cancers 2018, 10, 71
Authors: Shibata Satoshi , Takamatsu Shigeyuki , Yamamoto Kazutaka , Mizuhata Miu , Bou Sayuri , Sato Yoshitaka , Kawamura Mariko , Asahi Satoko , Tameshige Yuji , Maeda Yoshikazu , Sasaki Makoto , Kumano Tomoyasu , Kobayashi Satoshi , Tamamura Hiroyasu , Gabata Toshifumi
Published: December 2018

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Raman Spectroscopy as an Assay to Disentangle Zinc Oxide Carbon Nanotube Composites for Optimized Uric Acid Detection
Authors: Das Shawtik C. , Pandey Raja R. , Devkota Tuphan , Chusuei Charles C.
Published: December 2018

Refluxed zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and attached to carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWNTs) via sonication. Practical optimization of electrocatalysts using sonication to disentangle a carbon nanotube composite for monitoring uric acid (UA) is shown. Monitoring UA is important for the management of medical disorders. Selection of sonication time is a crucial step in producing the desired composite. We report, for the first time, the practical use of Raman spectroscopy to tune the sonication involved in tethering ZnO NPs to the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) surface. Maximum current for detecting UA, using chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry, correlated with the highest sp2-hybridized carbon signal, as seen in the integrated Raman G band peak areas denoting maximum COOH-MWNT disentanglement. An array of ZnO/COOH-MWNT composites were prepared ranging from 60 to 240 min sonication times. Optimum sonication (150 min) corresponded with both maximum measured current and MWNT disentanglement. The sensor was able to quantitatively and selectively measure UA at clinically relevant concentrations (100–900 μM) with rapid current response time (< 5 s).
Tribo-Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior Investigation of Anodized Ti–V Alloy
Authors: Han Bingrong , Zal Nezhad Erfan , Musharavati Farayi , Jaber Fadi , Bae Sungchul
Published: December 2018

In the work presented in this manuscript, a self-organized TiO2 nanotube array film was produced by electrochemical anodization of a Ti–V alloy in an electrolyte containing NH4F/H3PO4 and then annealed at different temperatures under different atmospheres. The effect of annealing temperature in different atmospheres on the morphology of the film was analyzed, and the tribo-mechanical property and corrosion behavior of TiO2 were investigated. The morphological features and phase compositions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. The results indicated that the TiO2 characteristic peaks did not appear after anodization because of the intrinsic amorphous feature. However, highly crystalline TiO2 (anatase and rutile) was produced after annealing from 200 to 600 °C. In addition, there was an improvement in the wear resistance of the Ti–V alloy due to the high hardness and low coefficient of friction of the TiO2 nanotubes’ coating. Moreover, the corrosion behaviors of TiO2 coated and uncoated substrates were evaluated in the synthetic medium, and it was confirmed that the corrosion resistance of the TiO2-coated Ti–V alloy, annealed at 200 °C in the atmosphere, was significantly higher when compared to the uncoated sample.
A Study of Controllable Synthesis and Formation Mechanism on Flower-Like TiO2 with Spherical Structure
Authors: Liu Haixia , Zhang Lunan , Li Tianduo
Published: December 2018

The development of photocatalytic materials with specific morphologies promises to be a good opportunity to discover geometrically relevant properties. Herein, this paper reported a facile hydrothermal method to directly synthesize TiO2 crystals with flower-like structures using tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) as a titanium source and ethylene glycol as an additive. We also proposed a reasonable growth mechanism by controlling reaction time in detail. The as-prepared samples were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for structure and morphology characterization. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm results showed that the surface area of flower-like TiO2 with 10 h reaction time can reach 297 m2/g. We evaluated the photocatalytic performance of samples by using the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) solution under UV-vis light. The TiO2 with 10 h reaction time exhibited a superior photocatalytic property than other samples in degrading MB under UV-vis light irradiation. More importantly, the catalyst could be reused many times. These results could benefit from the special morphology, high crystallinity and large specific surface area of the samples.
Spatial Heterogeneity in the Occurrence Probability of Rainstorms over China
Authors: Sang Yan-Fang
Published: December 2018

Detecting the spatial heterogeneity in the potential occurrence probability of water disasters is a foremost and critical issue for the prevention and mitigation of water disasters. However, it is also a challenging task due to the lack of effective approaches. In the article, the entropy index was employed and those daily rainfall data at 520 stations were used to investigate the occurrences of rainstorms in China. Results indicated that the entropy results were mainly determined by statistical characters (mean value and standard deviation) of rainfall data, and can categorically describe the spatial heterogeneity in the occurrence of rainstorms by considering both their occurrence frequencies and magnitudes. Smaller entropy values mean that rainstorm events with bigger magnitudes were more likely to occur. Moreover, the spatial distribution of entropy values kept a good relationship with the hydroclimate conditions, described by the aridity index. In China, rainstorms are more to likely occur in the Pearl River basin, Southeast River basin, lower-reach of the Yangtze River basin, Huai River basin, and southwest corner of China. In summary, the entropy index can be an effective alternative for quantifying the potential occurrence probability of rainstorms. Four thresholds of entropy value were given to distinguish the occurrence frequency of rainstorms as five levels: very high, high, mid, low and very low, which can be a helpful reference for the study of daily rainstorms in other basins and regions.
The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Profitability of the Banking Industry: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Erfani G. Rod , Vasigh Bijan
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the effects of the recent global financial crisis on efficiency and profitability of financial institutions were analyzed. In a comparative study, the impacts of the global financial crisis on the performance of Islamic and commercial banks were examined. The fundamental difference between Islamic and conventional banking is that Islamic banking is founded upon the ethical principles of Islamic tradition and law (Sharia). By utilizing a sample of eight Islamic banks and eleven commercial banks, the impact of the global financial crisis on efficiency and profitability of the banking sector was evaluated. This study covered the period from 2006 to 2013. The results of this research were obtained from the Altman Z-score model, ratio analysis, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, and the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model. The results show that during the study period, Islamic banks (IBs) managed to maintain their efficiency while most commercial banks (CBs) suffered a loss in their efficiency. Furthermore, this study found that the financial crisis did not have a significant impact on the profitability of Islamic banks.
Hybrid Density Functional Study of Au2Cs2I6, Ag2GeBaS4, Ag2ZnSnS4, and AgCuPO4 for the Intermediate Band Solar Cells
Authors: Rasukkannu Murugesan , Velauthapillai Dhayalan , Vajeeston Ponniah
Published: December 2018

We present a comprehensive investigation of the structural, electronic, mechanical, and optical properties of four promising candidates, namely Au2Cs2I6, Ag2GeBaS4, Ag2ZnSnS4, and AgCuPO4, for application in photovoltaic devices based on intermediate band (IB) cells. We perform accurate density functional theory calculations by employing the hybrid functional of Heyd, Scuseria, and Erhzerhof (HSE06). Calculations reveal that IBs are present in all proposed compounds at unoccupied states in the range of 0.34–2.19 eV from the Fermi level. The structural and mechanical stability of these four materials are also systematically investigated. Additional peaks are present in the optical spectra of these compounds, as characterised by a broadened energy range and high intensity for light absorption. Our findings, as reported in this work, may provide a substantial breakthrough on the understanding of these materials, and thus help the design of more efficient IB solar devices.
Air Release and Cavitation Modeling with a Lumped Parameter Approach Based on the Rayleigh–Plesset Equation: The Case of an External Gear Pump
Authors: Shah Yash Girish , Vacca Andrea , Dabiri Sadegh
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a novel approach for the simulation of cavitation and aeration in hydraulic systems using the lumped parameter method is presented. The presented approach called the Hybrid Rayleigh–Plesset Equation model is derived from the Rayleigh–Plesset Equation representative of bubble dynamics and overcomes several shortcomings present in existing lumped parameter based cavitation modeling approaches. Models based on static approximations do not consider the non-equilibrium effects of phase change on the system and incorrectly predict the system dynamics. On the other hand, the existing dynamic cavitation modeling strategies account for the non-equilibrium effects of phase change but express the evolution of phases through approximations of the Rayleigh–Plesset Equation (such as exclusion of nonlinear interactions in bubble dynamics), which often lead to physically unrealistic time-scales of bubble growth or dissolution. This paper presents a dynamic model for cavitation which is capable of predicting cavitation in hydraulic systems while preserving the nonlinear dynamics arising from the Rayleigh–Plesset Equation. The derived model determines the evolution of phases in terms of physically realizable parameters such as the bubble radius and the nuclei density, which can be estimated or determined experimentally. The paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the derived modeling approach with the help of numerical simulations of an External Gear Machine. Results from the simulations employing the proposed model are compared with an existing dynamic cavitation modeling approach and validated with experimental results over a range of dynamic parameters.
Single-Molecule Long-Read Sequencing of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. Transcriptome: Identification of Aroma-Related Genes
Authors: Tian Jieyun , Feng Shijing , Liu Yulin , Zhao Lili , Tian Lu , Hu Yang , Yang Tuxi , Wei Anzhi
Published: December 2018

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. is an economically important tree species that is resistant to drought and infertility, and has potential medicinal and edible value. However, comprehensive genomic data are not yet available for this species, limiting its potential utility for medicinal use, breeding programs, and cultivation. Transcriptome sequencing provides an effective approach to remedying this shortcoming. Herein, single-molecule long-read sequencing and next-generation sequencing approaches were used in parallel to obtain transcript isoform structure and gene functional information in Z. bungeanum. In total, 282,101 reads of inserts (ROIs) were identified, including 134,074 full-length non-chimeric reads, among which 65,711 open reading frames (ORFs), 50,135 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and 1492 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were detected. Functional annotation revealed metabolic pathways related to aroma components and color characteristics in Z. bungeanum. Unexpectedly, 30 transcripts were annotated as genes involved in regulating the pathogenesis of breast and colorectal cancers. This work provides a comprehensive transcriptome resource for Z. bungeanum, and lays a foundation for the further investigation and utilization of Zanthoxylum resources.
Structural Basis of DNMT1 and DNMT3A-Mediated DNA Methylation
Authors: Ren Wendan , Gao Linfeng , Song Jikui
Published: December 2018

DNA methylation, one of the major epigenetic mechanisms, plays critical roles in regulating gene expression, genomic stability and cell lineage commitment. The establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation in mammals is achieved by two groups of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs): DNMT3A and DNMT3B, which are responsible for installing DNA methylation patterns during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis, and DNMT1, which is essential for propagating DNA methylation patterns during replication. Both groups of DNMTs are multi-domain proteins, containing a large N-terminal regulatory region in addition to the C-terminal methyltransferase domain. Recent structure-function investigations of the individual domains or large fragments of DNMT1 and DNMT3A have revealed the molecular basis for their substrate recognition and specificity, intramolecular domain-domain interactions, as well as their crosstalk with other epigenetic mechanisms. These studies highlight a multifaceted regulation for both DNMT1 and DNMT3A/3B, which is essential for the precise establishment and maintenance of lineage-specific DNA methylation patterns in cells. This review summarizes current understanding of the structure and mechanism of DNMT1 and DNMT3A-mediated DNA methylation, with emphasis on the functional cooperation between the methyltransferase and regulatory domains.
DNA-Based Super-Resolution Microscopy: DNA-PAINT
Authors: Nieves Daniel J. , Gaus Katharina , Baker Matthew A. B.
Published: December 2018

Super-resolution microscopies, such as single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), allow the visualization of biomolecules at the nanoscale. The requirement to observe molecules multiple times during an acquisition has pushed the field to explore methods that allow the binding of a fluorophore to a target. This binding is then used to build an image via points accumulation for imaging nanoscale topography (PAINT), which relies on the stochastic binding of a fluorescent ligand instead of the stochastic photo-activation of a permanently bound fluorophore. Recently, systems that use DNA to achieve repeated, transient binding for PAINT imaging have become the cutting edge in SMLM. Here, we review the history of PAINT imaging, with a particular focus on the development of DNA-PAINT. We outline the different variations of DNA-PAINT and their applications for imaging of both DNA origamis and cellular proteins via SMLM. Finally, we reflect on the current challenges for DNA-PAINT imaging going forward.
Nostalgic Nuances in Media in the Red Book Magazine Version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Rich Boy”
Authors: Rodríguez Sieweke Lara
Published: December 2018

The present article attempts to contribute to both Fitzgerald scholarship and nostalgia studies by examining how text, illustration, and advertisement enter into dialogue in the original magazine format of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “The Rich Boy”. As research is still scarce on Fitzgerald’s stories as they were first published, this field may hold new, potential research paths for this canonical author, a few of which I endeavor to explore here. This paper suggests that this 1926 magazine version offers a unique nostalgic experience that differs from the reading of Fitzgerald’s text in an image-free anthology. It argues that, with some exceptions, these media generally interact in a cohesive way that echoes or reinforces a nostalgic mood. Niklas Salmose’s typology of nostalgic strategies will be used to draw out the nostalgia in these media, and an intermedial approach will be employed to investigate how they engage in nostalgic dialogue.
The Effect of Climate Change on Loss of Lake Volume: Case of Sedimentation in Central Rift Valley Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Gadissa Takele , Nyadawa Maurice , Behulu Fiseha , Mutua Benedict
Published: December 2018

Evaluating the impact of climate change on sediment yield has become one of the major topics in climate research. The purpose of this study was to investigate sediment yield contribution to lake volume change under changing climatic conditions in the Central Rift Valley Basin. The ensemble mean of five regional climate models (RCMs) in the coordinated regional climate downscaling experiment (CORDEX)-Africa was considered for the purpose of this study. The climate variables (precipitation, minimum and maximum temperatures) in RCMs were bias corrected against observed data (1985–2016) using linear scaling (LS), power transformation (PT), variance of scaling (VS), and quantile mapping (QM). Two emission scenarios, the Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, were considered for the future scenario period (2041–2070). Better results were obtained when the ensemble values of the bias correction methods were used. Hence, the projected values of climate variables after bias correction were used in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model to estimate the sediment yield contribution to lake volume change due to climate change. The results show that the average projected precipitation will decrease by 7.97% and 2.55% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. On average, the maximum temperature will increase by 1.73 °C and 2.36 °C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, while the minimum temperature will increase by 2.16 °C and 3.07 °C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. The average annual sediment yield contributions to Lake Ziway were 431.05 ton/km2 and 322.82 ton/km2 for the Meki and Ketar rivers, respectively, in the historical period (1985–2010). The study also reveals that the annual sediment yield that was estimated for the Meki River was 323 ton/km2 and 382 ton/km2 under RCP4.5 and under RCP8.5, respectively. The sediment estimations for the Ketar River were 157 ton/km2 and 211 ton/km2 under RCP4.5 under RCP8.5, respectively. This will decrease the rate of volume change in Lake Ziway by 38% under RCP4.5 and by 23% under RCP8.5. The results show that the life expectancy of the lake is likely to increase under climate change scenarios. This will help water resources managers make informed decisions regarding the planning, management, and mitigation of the river basins.
Response of Ruderal Species Diversity to an Urban Environment: Implications for Conservation and Management
Authors: Guo Peipei , Yu Fang , Ren Yuan , Liu Dong , Li Jia , Ouyang Zhiyun , Wang Xiaoke
Published: December 2018

Anthropogenic activities have weakened the invasion of ruderals and increased the number of non-native species in urban areas. Ruderals are an important component of urban plant diversity and are of great significance to the sustainable development of urban green space. We used the tessellation–randomized plot method to examine the composition and biodiversity of ruderal species among urban land use types (LUTs) in the built-up areas of Beijing. Soil samples from the surface to a depth of 10 cm were taken from each site to examine the impact of soil characteristics on ruderal species diversity. Results showed that a total of 120 ruderal species were observed, including 71 native and 49 non-native species. Among them, 90% were identified as Cosmopolitan. Native species accounted for the majority of ruderals across all the eight LUTs. Institutional, residential, and woodlot areas with coarser management had higher ruderal species richness than did commercial areas and roadside lawns. Allergenic species showed the highest proportions in municipal parks, and invasive species accounted for 20% of all ruderal species. Ruderal species diversity was related to distance from the urban center, pruning intensity, and soil characteristics. These results suggest that with ruderals playing an important role in urban grass species diversity, there is tremendous potential for more native species in Beijing lawns, which would contribute substantially to increasing the ecological system’s functional benefits. Ruderal species accustomed to the causal processes and environmental conditions of different LUTs should be used and conserved properly to improve the harsh conditions of different LUTs and to sustain ecosystem health.