bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening Potential Bioenergy Production of Tree Species in Degraded and Marginal Land in the Tropics
Authors: Borchard Nils , Bulusu Medha , Hartwig Ann-Michelle , Ulrich Matthias , Lee Soo Min , Baral Himlal
Published: September 2018

Bioenergy can produce at least 25% of the global energy demand to combat climate change through reducing emissions in the energy sector. However, information on the bioenergy production potential of woody species and their suitability for silviculture on various soils in the humid tropics is limited. This review aims to identify tree species suitable for bioenergy production under these conditions. Data were compiled from 241 publications and nine freely available databases to assess environmental and silvicultural information on tropical tree species. Energy outputs were derived from the estimated productivity of the reviewed species and ranged from 0.2 to 24.0 Mg biomass ha−1 yr−1, 0.1 to 9.0 Mg bio-oil ha−1 yr−1, and 0.2 to 20.0 Mg sugar ha−1 yr−1, equivalent to an energy yield between 2 and 444 GJ ha−1 yr−1. As such, these bioenergy yields are within the range reported for the lignocellulosic biomass of energy crops cultivated in Europe, the USA, and Brazil. Our review identified some high-yielding species (e.g., Dyera polyphylla (Miq.) Steenis, Metroxylon sagu (Rottb.), Pongamia pinnata (L.)) and leguminous species that could be beneficial in mixed stands (e.g., Elaeis oleifera (Kunth) and Pongamia pinnata) or are suitable species to grow on wet or re-wetted peatland (Dyera polyphylla). However, there are limitations to cultivate woody bioenergy species on wet peatland. Sustainable methods for managing and harvesting forests, particularly on wet or re-wetted peatland, need to be developed.
Care, Indifference and Anxiety—Attitudes toward Location Data in Everyday Life
Authors: Rzeszewski Michal , Luczys Piotr
Published: September 2018

Modern mobile devices are replete with advanced sensors that expand the array of possible methods of locating users. This can be used as a tool to gather and use spatial information, but it also brings with it the specter of “geosurveillance” in which the “location” becomes a product in itself. In the realm of software developers, space/place has been reduced and discretized to a set of coordinates, devoid of human experiences and meanings. To function in such digitally augmented realities, people need to adopt specific attitudes, often marked with anxiety. We explored attitudes toward location data collection practices using qualitative questionnaire surveys (n = 280) from Poznan and Edinburgh. The prevailing attitude that we identified is neutral with a strong undertone of resignation—surrendering personal location is viewed as a form of digital currency. A smaller number of people had stronger, emotional views, either very positive or very negative, based on uncritical technological enthusiasm or fear of privacy violation. Such a wide spectrum of attitudes is not only produced by interaction with technology but can also be a result of different values associated with space and place itself. Those attitudes can bring additional bias into spatial datasets that is not related to demographics.
Serpentinization: Connecting Geochemistry, Ancient Metabolism and Industrial Hydrogenation
Authors: Preiner Martina , Xavier Joana C. , Sousa Filipa L. , Zimorski Verena , Neubeck Anna , Lang Susan Q. , Greenwell H. Chris , Kleinermanns Karl , Tüysüz Harun , McCollom Tom M. , Holm Nils G. , Martin William F.
Published: September 2018

Rock–water–carbon interactions germane to serpentinization in hydrothermal vents have occurred for over 4 billion years, ever since there was liquid water on Earth. Serpentinization converts iron(II) containing minerals and water to magnetite (Fe3O4) plus H2. The hydrogen can generate native metals such as awaruite (Ni3Fe), a common serpentinization product. Awaruite catalyzes the synthesis of methane from H2 and CO2 under hydrothermal conditions. Native iron and nickel catalyze the synthesis of formate, methanol, acetate, and pyruvate—intermediates of the acetyl-CoA pathway, the most ancient pathway of CO2 fixation. Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) is central to the pathway and employs Ni0 in its catalytic mechanism. CODH has been conserved during 4 billion years of evolution as a relic of the natural CO2-reducing catalyst at the onset of biochemistry. The carbide-containing active site of nitrogenase—the only enzyme on Earth that reduces N2—is probably also a relic, a biological reconstruction of the naturally occurring inorganic catalyst that generated primordial organic nitrogen. Serpentinization generates Fe3O4 and H2, the catalyst and reductant for industrial CO2 hydrogenation and for N2 reduction via the Haber–Bosch process. In both industrial processes, an Fe3O4 catalyst is matured via H2-dependent reduction to generate Fe5C2 and Fe2N respectively. Whether serpentinization entails similar catalyst maturation is not known. We suggest that at the onset of life, essential reactions leading to reduced carbon and reduced nitrogen occurred with catalysts that were synthesized during the serpentinization process, connecting the chemistry of life and Earth to industrial chemistry in unexpected ways.
Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Metal-Ceramic Bond Strength of Co-Cr Dental Alloy Fabricated by Different Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Han Xingting , Sawada Tomofumi , Schille Christine , Schweizer Ernst , Scheideler Lutz , Geis-Gerstorfer Jürgen , Rupp Frank , Spintzyk Sebastian
Published: September 2018

Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy is a widely used base material for dental fixed prostheses. These restorations can be produced through casting technique, subtractive or additive manufacturing technologies. However, limited information is available regarding the influence of manufacturing techniques on the properties of Co-Cr alloy since most studies used different chemical compositions of Co-Cr alloy for different manufacturing methods. This study compares the mechanical properties, metal-ceramic bond strength, and microstructures of specimens produced by casting, milling, and selective laser melting (SLM) from one single Co-Cr alloy composition. The mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated by tensile and Vickers hardness tests, and metal-ceramic bond strength was determined by three-point bending. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with backscattered electron (BSE) images and optical microphotographs were used to analyze the surface microstructures. Compared with the casting and milling techniques, SLM Co-Cr alloy specimens indicated enhanced mechanical properties and comparable metal-ceramic bond strength. Besides, the microstructures of the SLM specimens showed finer grains with more second phase particles than the casting and milling specimens. The results of our study indicate that SLM might be superior to traditional techniques for the manufacturing of fixed dental restorations.
Key Parameters to Promote Granularization of Lath-Like Bainite/Martensite in FeNiC Alloys during Isothermal Holding
Authors: Ben Haj Slama Meriem , Gey Nathalie , Germain Lionel , Zhu Kangying , Allain Sébastien
Published: September 2018

The stability of lath-like microstructures during low-temperature isothermal ageing was analyzed in a Fe5Ni0.33C (in wt %) steel. The microstructures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). Advanced orientation data processing was applied to quantify the hierarchical and multiscale organization of crystallographic variants subdividing Prior Austenite Grains (PAG) into packets/blocks/sub-blocks. The result shows that ferrite laths of martensite or lower bainite are stable, whatever the ageing temperature (up to 380 °C). On the contrary, a granularization process is triggered when microstructures contain a fraction of upper bainite. This metallurgical evolution corresponds to a rapid and significant change of the ferrite matrix involving a disappearance of 60° disoriented blocks. The phenomenon affects in turn the mechanical properties. The final microstructures obtained after isothermal holding look like granular bainite, which raises some questions about the classification of bainite.
Micro and Nanoscale Characterization of Complex Multilayer-Structured White Etching Layer in Rails
Authors: Wu Jun , Petrov Roumen H. , Kölling Sebastian , Koenraad Paul , Malet Loic , Godet Stephane , Sietsma Jilt
Published: September 2018

Micro- to nano-scale characterization of the microstructures in the white etching layer (WEL), observed in a Dutch R260 Mn grade rail steel, was performed via various techniques. Retained austenite in the WEL was identified via electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), automatic crystallographic orientation mapping in transmission electron microscopy (ACOM-TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). EBSD and ACOM-TEM methods were used to quantify grains (size range: 50 nm–4 μm) in the WEL. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to identify complex heterogeneous microstructural morphologies in the WEL: Nano-twinning substructure with high dislocation density in the WEL close to the rail surface and untransformed cementite and dislocations in the WEL close to the pearlite matrix. Furthermore, atom probe tomography (APT) revealed a heterogeneous through-thickness distribution of alloying elements in the WEL. Accordingly, the WEL is considered a multi-layered martensitic microstructure. These findings are supported by the temperature calculations from the shape analysis of the manganese profile from APT measurements, related to manganese diffusion. The deformation characteristics of the WEL and the pearlite beneath the WEL are discussed based on the EBSD measurements. The role of deformation in the martensitic phase transformation for WEL formation is discussed.
Development of a Contactless Air Conveyor System for Transporting and Positioning Planar Objects
Authors: Chen Xirui , Zhong Wei , Li Chong , Fang Jiwen , Liu Fanghua
Published: September 2018

In this study, we developed a completely contactless air conveyor system for transporting and positioning planar objects. The air conveyor forms a thin film underneath the object for support and simultaneously generates a controlled airflow that results in viscous traction. It is potentially applicable in the manufacturing process for semiconductor wafer or flat foodstuffs, where mechanical contact is expected to be avoided during transportation of the products to minimize contamination. The air conveyor employs duplicated arrays of actuating cells that are square pockets with a surrounding dam. A simple model is proposed to characterize the viscous force. The theoretical analysis reveals that the total force is the composition of an actuating force generated in the pocket areas and the side areas and a drag force generated in the dam areas. Experimental investigations are conducted on the basic characteristics of the film pressure distribution and the viscous force. The results show that the air film pressure is symmetrically distributed in the width direction but nonsymmetrically distributed in the length direction. The viscous force increases if the suction flow rate is enlarged or the gap thickness is narrowed. Comparison of the experimental results and the calculated results indicates that the model can provide an accurate prediction. A proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is applied for 1D-position control and position tracking. The actuating direction is selected using fast switching valves and the amplitude of the actuating force is adjusted using a control valve to vary the suction flow rate. The simulated and the experimental results verify the feasibility of the air conveyor system and the control method.
Relevance of the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load for Body Weight, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Vega-López Sonia , Venn Bernard J. , Slavin Joanne L.
Published: September 2018

Despite initial enthusiasm, the relationship between glycemic index (GI) and glycemic response (GR) and disease prevention remains unclear. This review examines evidence from randomized, controlled trials and observational studies in humans for short-term (e.g., satiety) and long-term (e.g., weight, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes) health effects associated with different types of GI diets. A systematic PubMed search was conducted of studies published between 2006 and 2018 with key words glycemic index, glycemic load, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, body weight, satiety, and obesity. Criteria for inclusion for observational studies and randomized intervention studies were set. The search yielded 445 articles, of which 73 met inclusion criteria. Results suggest an equivocal relationship between GI/GR and disease outcome. The strongest intervention studies typically find little relationship among GI/GR and physiological measures of disease risk. Even for observational studies, the relationship between GI/GR and disease outcomes is limited. Thus, it is unlikely that the GI of a food or diet is linked to disease risk or health outcomes. Other measures of dietary quality, such as fiber or whole grains may be more likely to predict health outcomes. Interest in food patterns as predictors of health benefits may be more fruitful for research to inform dietary guidance.
Genetic Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Lung Function in Korean Men and Women: Data from KNHANES 2011–2012
Authors: Park Clara Yongjoo , Kwak So-Young , Jo Garam , Shin Min-Jeong
Published: September 2018

The association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D metabolic pathway and lung function is unknown. We examined the association between five SNPs on DHCR7, GC, CYP2R1, and CYP24A1 along with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and lung function in older Korean men (n = 758) and women (n = 837). Lung function was determined by forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from the data in the Korea Nutrition and Health Examination Survey 2011–2012. Genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated by the number of 25(OH)D-decreasing alleles of the five SNPs. Our results showed that increases in GRS were associated with reduced 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05 for both sexes). In the entire population, FVC and FEV1 were associated with both GRS and 25(OH)D levels. In women, FVC and FEV1 were negatively associated with GRS (β-coefficient (95% CI): −0.022 (−0.039, −0.005) and −0.020 (−0.035, −0.005), respectively; both p < 0.05), but not with 25(OH)D. However, in men, FVC and FEV1 were positively associated with 25(OH)D (β-coefficient (95% CI): 0.008 (0.001, 0.016) and 0.008 (0.002, 0.015), respectively; both p < 0.05), but not with GRS. In conclusion, lung function was associated with genetic variation in Korean women and with 25(OH)D in Korean men.
The Salt Content of Lunch Meals Eaten at Danish Worksites
Authors: Lassen Anne D. , Trolle Ellen , Bysted Anette , Knuthsen Pia , Andersen Elisabeth W.
Published: September 2018

Monitoring levels of sodium (salt) in meals consumed out-of-home is needed to support effective implementation of salt-reduction strategies. The objective of the study was to examine lunch salt intake at 15 worksite canteens and to compare with results from a comparable study conducted 10 years before. A duplicate-portion-technique with subsequent chemical analysis was used to quantify 240 customers’ lunch salt intake. Estimated mean salt intake was 2.6 g/meal (95% Cl: 2.2 to 3.0 g/meal) and 0.78 g/100 g (95% Cl: 0.69 to 0.88 g/100 g). Salt intake measured both as g per meal and per 100 g was found to be significantly higher for male compared with female participants (+0.10 g/100 g, 95% Cl: +0.02 to +0.17 g/100 g, p = 0.011). Compared with the study conducted 10 years before, there was a significantly lower estimated salt intake of 0.5 g/meal (95% CI: −0.8 to −0.2 g/meal, p = 0.001), suggesting a possible reduction in canteen lunch salt intake during a 10-year period. Still, 40% of the meals exceeded the Nordic Keyhole label requirements of maximum 0.8 g salt per 100 g for ready meals. A further reduction of salt intake is warranted to comply with salt reduction targets.
Momordica charantia Ethanol Extract Attenuates H2O2-Induced Cell Death by Its Antioxidant and Anti-Apoptotic Properties in Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-MC Cells
Authors: Kim Kkot Byeol , Lee SeonAh , Kang Inhae , Kim Jung-Hee
Published: September 2018

Oxidative stress, which is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), causes cellular damage which contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Momordica charantia (MC), a traditional medicinal plant, is known to have a variety of health benefits, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, it is unknown whether MC has protective effects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential action of MC on oxidative stress induced by H2O2. First, we tested whether the pretreatment of Momordica charantia ethanol extract (MCEE) attenuates H2O2-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells. MCEE pretreatment significantly improved cell viability and apoptosis that deteriorated by H2O2. Further, MCEE ameliorated the imbalance between intracellular ROS production and removal through the enhancement of the intracellular antioxidant system. Intriguingly, the inhibition of apoptosis was followed by the blockage of mitochondria-dependent cell death cascades and suppression of the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (MAPKs) pathway by MCEE. Taken together, MCEE was shown to be effective in protecting against H2O2-induced cell death through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.
Validation of the First Years of GPM Operation over Cyprus
Authors: Retalis Adrianos , Katsanos Dimitris , Tymvios Filippos , Michaelides Silas
Published: September 2018

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) high-resolution product is validated against rain gauges over the island of Cyprus for a three-year period, starting from April 2014. The precipitation estimates are available in both high temporal (half hourly) and spatial (10 km) resolution and combine data from all passive microwave instruments in the GPM constellation. The comparison performed is twofold: first the GPM data are compared with the precipitation measurements on a monthly basis and then the comparison focuses on extreme events, recorded throughout the first 3 years of GPM’s operation. The validation is based on ground data from a dense and reliable network of rain gauges, also available in high temporal (hourly) resolution. The first results show very good correlation regarding monthly values; however, the correspondence of GPM in extreme precipitation varies from “no correlation” to “high correlation”, depending on case. This study aims to verify the GPM rain estimates, since such a high-resolution dataset has numerous applications, including the assimilation in numerical weather prediction models and the study of flash floods with hydrological models.
Geocoding Error Correction for InSAR Point Clouds
Authors: Montazeri Sina , Rodríguez González Fernando , Zhu Xiao Xiang
Published: September 2018

Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) is an advanced multitemporal InSAR technique that is capable of retrieving the 3D coordinates and the underlying deformation of time-coherent scatterers. Various factors degrade the localization accuracy of PSI point clouds in the geocoding process, which causes problems for interpretation of deformation results and also making it difficult for the point clouds to be compared with or integrated into data from other sensors. In this study, we employ the SAR imaging geodesy method to perform geodetic corrections on SAR timing observations and thus improve the positioning accuracy in the horizontal components. We further utilize geodetic stereo SAR to extract large number of highly precise ground control points (GCP) from SAR images, in order to compensate for the unknown height offset of the PSI point cloud. We demonstrate the applicability of the approach using TerraSAR-X high resolution spotlight images over the city of Berlin, Germany. The corrected results are compared with a reference LiDAR point cloud of Berlin, which confirms the improvement in the geocoding accuracy.
Tomographic Imaging of Ionospheric Plasma Bubbles Based on GNSS and Radio Occultation Measurements
Authors: Dos Santos Prol Fabricio , Hernández-Pajares Manuel , Tadeu de Assis Honorato Muella Marcio , De Oliveira Camargo Paulo
Published: September 2018

Total electron content measurements given by the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) have successfully presented results to capture the signatures of equatorial plasma bubbles. In contrast, the correct reproduction of plasma depletions at electron density level is still a relevant challenge for ionospheric tomographic imaging. In this regard, this work shows the first results of a new tomographic reconstruction technique based on GNSS and radio-occultation data to map the vertical and horizontal distributions of ionospheric plasma bubbles in one of the most challenging conditions of the equatorial region. Twenty-three days from 2013 and 2014 with clear evidence of plasma bubble structures propagating through the Brazilian region were analyzed and compared with simultaneous observations of all-sky images in the 630.0 nm emission line of the atomic oxygen. The mean rate of success of the tomographic method was 37.1%, being more efficient near the magnetic equator, where the dimensions of the structures are larger. Despite some shortcomings of the reconstruction technique, mainly associated with ionospheric scintillations and the weak geometry of the ground-based GNSS receivers, both vertical and horizontal distributions were mapped over more than 30° in latitude, and have been detected in instances where the meteorological conditions disrupted the possibility of analyzing the OI 630 nm emissions. Therefore, the results revealed the proposed tomographic reconstruction as an efficient tool for mapping characteristics of the plasma bubble structures, which may have a special interest in Space Weather, Spatial Geodesy, and Telecommunications.
A System Dynamics Model to Evaluate Effects of Retailer-Led Recycling Based on Dual Chains Competition: A Case of e-Waste in China
Authors: Xue Renzheng , Zhang Fengbin , Tian Feng
Published: September 2018

China, as the largest electronic waste producer in the world, is facing a critical challenge to manage its negative impacts on the environment. Hence, e-waste management is crucial for sustainable Chinese economic development. In this paper, a system dynamics model is adopted to identify the effects of retailer-led recycling based on closed-loop dual chains competition. The influence of contracts made by manufacturers on different retail modes is also discussed. From the aspects of total revenue (TR), market share (MS) and market competitiveness (MC), this paper analyzes the impact of e-waste recycling coefficient (ERC) on supply chain and analyzes the equilibrium solution of total supply chain return. The research results show that the contract incentive mechanism can improve the retailer’s recycling enthusiasm, and the effect on the retail mode of executive shop is more obvious. When the ERC is adjusted to 44.3%, the TR of supply chain is optimal, and the MS and MC occupy an obvious advantage.
The Impact of Uremic Toxicity Induced Inflammatory Response on the Cardiovascular Burden in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Claro Ligia Maria , Moreno-Amaral Andrea N. , Gadotti Ana Carolina , Dolenga Carla J. , Nakao Lia S. , Azevedo Marina L.V. , De Noronha Lucia , Olandoski Marcia , De Moraes Thyago P. , Stinghen Andréa E. M. , Pécoits-Filho Roberto
Published: September 2018

Uremic toxin (UT) retention in chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects biological systems. We aimed to identify the associations between UT, inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers of the uremic cardiovascular response (BUCVR) and their impact on cardiovascular status as well as their roles as predictors of outcome in CKD patients. CKD patients stages 3, 4 and 5 (n = 67) were recruited and UT (indoxyl sulfate/IS, p-cresil sulfate/pCS and indole-3-acetic acid/IAA); inflammatory biomarkers [Interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble Fas (sFas)] and BUCVRs [soluble CD36 (sCD36), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), fractalkine] was measured. Patients were followed for 5.2 years and all causes of death was used as the primary outcome. Artery segments collected at the moment of transplantation were used for the immunohistochemistry analysis in a separate cohort. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), circulating UT, plasma biomarkers of systemic and vascular inflammation and BUCVR were strongly interrelated. Patients with plaque presented higher signs of UT-induced inflammation and arteries from CKD patients presented higher fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) tissue expression. Circulating IS (p = 0.03), pCS (p = 0.007), IL-6 (p = 0.026), sFas (p = 0.001), sCD36 (p = 0.01) and fractalkine (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of total mortality risk in CKD patients. Our results reinforce the important role of uremic toxicity in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in CKD patients through an inflammatory pathway.
Viruses.STRING: A Virus-Host Protein-Protein Interaction Database
Authors: Cook Helen Victoria , Doncheva Nadezhda Tsankova , Szklarczyk Damian , Von Mering Christian , Jensen Lars Juhl
Published: September 2018

As viruses continue to pose risks to global health, having a better understanding of virus–host protein–protein interactions aids in the development of treatments and vaccines. Here, we introduce Viruses.STRING, a protein–protein interaction database specifically catering to virus–virus and virus–host interactions. This database combines evidence from experimental and text-mining channels to provide combined probabilities for interactions between viral and host proteins. The database contains 177,425 interactions between 239 viruses and 319 hosts. The database is publicly available at viruses.string-db.org, and the interaction data can also be accessed through the latest version of the Cytoscape STRING app.
Impact of Uncertainty of Floodplain Digital Terrain Model on 1D Hydrodynamic Flow Calculation
Authors: Kiczko Adam , Mirosław-Świątek Dorota
Published: September 2018

This study investigates the effect of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) uncertainty effect on the output of a 1D flow model. The analysis is performed for the lowland river Biebrza, covered with dense wetland vegetation, with a high uncertainty of terrain elevations. The DTM uncertainty is modeled in two ways: (1) accounting for the uncertainty spatial dependency on the basis of the correlogram function and (2) neglecting the correlation of the elevation points. The model explanation of water levels improves when elevation uncertainty is being included. Without the elevation uncertainty, the model provided a good fit only for peak flows, with uncertainty also representation of lower flows is better. It was shown that the correlation of the elevation uncertainty had a noticeable effect on the modeling outcomes, especially for near bankfull flows, where for the uncorrelated case water levels were underestimated by 5 cm, comparing to the correlated case. The effect was also present for inundation extents, obtained by an interpolation of computed water levels. The correlation of the elevation uncertainty strongly affects estimates of standard deviations of computed water levels, which were almost twice smaller when correlation was neglected. In the result, only when the correlation of the elevation uncertainty was included, it was possible to obtain confidence bands that enclosed observation points.
Increasing Energy Efficiency in Water Collection Systems by Submersible PMSM Well Pumps
Authors: Beck Marcus , Sperlich Alexander , Blank Ricardo , Meyer Eckehard , Binz Ralf , Ernst Mathias
Published: September 2018

Water collection based on groundwater abstraction has a high energy consumption that depends primarily on the operation and performance of submersible well pumps. The fact of the matter is that these machines still work with a global energy efficiency of less than 50%, and further investigations of the energy aspects in well pumps are needed. The present study introduces measures to increase the global efficiency of submersible well pumps linked to electrical energy savings. Common submersible pumps with asynchronous motors (ASMs) were compared with innovative permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technology in real well fields in Berlin and Hamburg waterworks. This study confirms that PMSM pumps showed a 6.8%-points higher global efficiency compared to ASM pumps at optimal working points. The investigation of the impact of well field operation on local pump efficiency offers an additional increase in the global efficiency. In this context, the influence of variable speed control on the global efficiency and the energy consumption was analyzed. Global efficiencies of over 70%, and potential energy savings of up to 20%, were determined for the speed-controlled PMSM pump. This offers water suppliers new incentives to optimize their water collection systems for less energy consumption.
Effectiveness of Contour Farming and Filter Strips on Ecosystem Services
Authors: Gathagu John Ng’ang’a , Mourad Khaldoon A. , Sang Joseph
Published: September 2018

The failing ecosystem services in Thika-Chania catchment is manifested in the deterioration of water quality, sedimentation of reservoirs, and subsequent increase in water treatment costs due to high turbidity. The services can be restored by implementing relevant soil and water conservation practices to enhance flow regulation and control sediment yield. The impacts of contour farming and filter strips on water and sediment yield were evaluated using Soil Water and Assessment Tool (SWAT), Texas A&M University, USA. Sediment calibration and validation was achieved using data obtained from a bathymetric survey. Model parameters were adjusted to simulate the conservation impacts of contour farming and filter strips. Results indicated the average annual sediment yield as 22 t/ha at the outlet of the catchment and average annual surface runoff of 202 mm. The simulation results showed that filter strips of 5 m width would reduce the average annual sediment yield from the catchment by 54%. The efficacy of filter strips in reducing sediment yield was observed to increase with increasing filter width. Three-meter filter strips and contour farming reduced the average annual sediment yield at catchment outlet by 46% and 36%, respectively. It was concluded that the implementation of contour farming and filters strips reduced sediments by 63% from the base value. Water yield at the sub-basin level was only influenced by contour farming. The total water yield at the catchment outlet experienced no significant change.
Assessing Resilience and Sustainability of the Mississippi River Delta as a Coupled Natural-Human System
Authors: Xu Y. , Lam Nina , Liu Kam-biu
Published: September 2018

This book contains 14 articles selected from a special issue on the assessment of resilience and sustainability of the Mississippi River Delta as a coupled natural-human system. This effort is supported in part by a U. S. National Science Foundation grant. The goal of this book is to present some of the recent advances in research and research methodologies, major discoveries, and new understanding of the Mississippi River Delta, which represents one of the most challenging cases in finding the pathways for coastal resilience and sustainability because of the complexity of environmental and socioeconomic interactions. The articles are contributed by 39 researchers and they studied the deltaic system from five aspects including 1) riverine processes and sediment availability, 2) sediment deposition and land creation, 3) wetland loss, saltwater intrusion, and subsidence, 4) community resilience and planning, and 5) review and synthesis. As editors, by reviewing and putting these papers together, we have realized a major challenge in conducting an interdisciplinary assessment of resilience: How to identify a “Common Threshold” from different scientific disciplines for a highly nature-human intertwined river delta system? For instance, the threshold for sustaining a river delta in the view of physical sciences is different from that of social sciences. Such a common threshold would be a radical change and/or a collapse of a coupled natural-human delta system if nothing can be or will be done. Identifying the common threshold would help guide assessment and evaluation of the resilience of a CNH system as well as the feasibility and willingness of protecting the system’s resilience. We hope this book will be a first step toward inspiring researchers from different disciplines to work closely together to solve real problems in sustaining precious river delta ecosystems across the globe.
Considering Relationship of Proteins for Radiotherapy Prognosis of Bladder Cancer Cells in Small Data Set
Authors: Tsai Tung-I , Zhang Yaofeng , Chao Gy-Yi , Tsai Cheng-Chieh , Zhang Zhigang
Published: September 2018

Background: Radiotherapy has serious side effects and thus requires prudent and cautious evaluation. However, obtaining protein expression profiles is expensive and timeconsuming, making it necessary to develop a theoretical and rational procedure for predicting the radiotherapy outcome for bladder cancer when working with limited data.

Objective: A procedure for estimating the performance of radiotherapy is proposed in this research. The population domain (range of the population) of proteins and the relationships among proteins are considered to increase prediction accuracy.

Methods: This research uses modified extreme value theory (MEVT), which is used to estimate the population domain of proteins, and correlation coefficients and prediction intervals to overcome the lack of knowledge regarding relationships among proteins.

Results: When the size of the training data set was 5 samples, the mean absolute percentage error rate (MAPE) was 31.6200%; MAPE fell to 13.5505% when the number of samples was increased to 30. The standard deviation (SD) of forecasting error fell from 3.0609% for 5 samples to 1.2415% for 30 samples. These results show that the proposed procedure yields accurate and stable results, and is suitable for use with small data sets.

Conclusions: The results show that considering the relationships among proteins is necessary when predicting the outcome of radiotherapy.
Learning to Detect Cognitive Impairment through Digital Games and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Pérez-Rodriguez Roberto , Fernandez-Iglesias J. Manuel , Anido-Rifón Luis , Facal David , Rivas-Costa Carlos , Valladares-Rodriguez Sonia
Published: September 2018

Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent diseases among the adult population. The early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which may trigger AD, is essential to slow down the cognitive decline process.

Methods: This paper presents a suit of serious games that aims at detecting AD and MCI overcoming the limitations of traditional tests, as they are time-consuming, affected by confounding factors that distort the result and usually administered when symptoms are evident and it is too late for preventive measures. The battery, named Panoramix, assesses the main early cognitive markers (i.e., memory, executive functions, attention and gnosias). Regarding its validation, it has been tested with a cohort study of 16 seniors, including AD, MCI and healthy individuals.

Results: This first pilot study offered initial evidence about psychometric validity, and more specifically about construct, criterion and external validity. After an analysis using machine learning techniques, findings show a promising 100% rate of success in classification abilities using a subset of three games in the battery. Thus, results are encouraging as all healthy subjects were correctly discriminated from those already suffering AD or MCI.

Conclusions: The solid potential of digital serious games and machine learning for the early detection of dementia processes is demonstrated. Such a promising performance encourages further research to eventually introduce this technique for the clinical diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
Prediction of Sepsis and In-Hospital Mortality Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Tansakul Varisara , Li Xueping , Koszalinski Rebecca , Paiva William , Khojandi Anahita
Published: September 2018

Objectives: Our goal was to develop predictive models for sepsis and in-hospital mortality using electronic health records (EHRs). We showcased the efficiency of these algorithms in patients diagnosed with pneumonia, a group that is highly susceptible to sepsis.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the Health Facts® (HF) dataset to develop models to predict mortality and sepsis using the data from the first few hours after admission. In addition, we developed models to predict sepsis using the data collected in the last few hours leading to sepsis onset. We used the random forest classifier to develop the models.

Results: The data collected in the EHR system is generally sporadic, making feature extraction and selection difficult, affecting the accuracies of the models. Despite this fact, the developed models can predict sepsis and in-hospital mortality with accuracies of up to 65.26±0.33% and 68.64±0.48%, and sensitivities of up to 67.24±0.36% and 74.00±1.22%, respectively, using only the data from the first 12 hours after admission. The accuracies generally remain consistent for similar models developed using the data from the first 24 and 48 hours after admission. Lastly, the developed models can accurately predict sepsis patients (with up to 98.63±0.17% accuracy and 99.74%±0.13% sensitivity) using the data collected within the last 12 hours before sepsis onset. The results suggest that if such algorithms continuously monitor patients, they can identify sepsis patients in a manner comparable to current screening tools, such as the rulebased Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria, while often allowing for early detection of sepsis shortly after admission.

Conclusions: The developed models showed promise in early prediction of sepsis, providing an opportunity for directing early intervention efforts to prevent/treat sepsis.
Qui fixe la norme ? Le genre dans l’institutionnalisation d’une pratique sportive
Authors: Allamano-Kessler Renaud , Mione Anne
Published: September 2018

Dans cette contribution, nous analysons l’institutionnalisation du skateboard au prisme du genre. L’institutionnalisation correspond à l’émergence de règles admises, de figures reconnues et de pratiques généralisées qui définissent l’activité. L’officialisation en tant que sport olympique pour les Jeux de 2020 constitue à nos yeux un résultat emblématique de ce processus et nous le considérons en analysant systématiquement l’émergence et l’institutionnalisation de figures, de lieux et de styles nouveaux. Ce processus est étudié relativement au sexe des pratiquants : nous observons qui crée la norme et quel est l’impact des nouvelles normes sur l’aspect sexué des pratiquants. Une perspective historique longue et l’examen approfondi des sites, blogs, vlogs a permis d’identifier plusieurs phases de mixité ou non-mixité des pratiquants. Nous analysons les vecteurs de cette évolution. Certains sont spontanés, d’autres volontairement conçus pour ramener la diversité. Nous soulignons que la re-féminisation passe par la non-mixité des compétitions. CODES JEL : M
Les trajectoires du salafisme politique au Sahel. Le cas du Niger
Authors: Idrissa Rahmane
Published: September 2018

Au-delà de la violence du terrorisme et du djihadisme qui caractérisent certaines parties du Sahel, la région tout entière est confrontée à ce que nous désignons ici comme « la question de l’islam », c’est-à-dire les rapports tendus entre un État basé sur des principes démocratiques et séculiers, et une société où l’hégémonie culturelle de l’islam s’est affirmée, en particulier depuis les années 1990. Cette tension, soutient l’article, a servi de terreau propice à l’émergence d’une idéologie politique particulière, le salafisme politique. L’article illustre cette évolution en se servant du cas du Niger, pays central du Sahel qui paraît relativement épargné par la violence qui frappe ses voisins, mais dans lequel le salafisme politique a marqué des points contre son ennemi idéologique, le sécularisme. L’article montre également que les succès salafistes sont tempérés par les conditions – historiques, sociologiques, économiques – propres à ce contexte sahélien.
Une lecture de la radicalisation djihadiste en Somalie
Authors: Marchal Roland
Published: September 2018

Le Mouvement des jeunes combattants est actif depuis 15 ans en Somalie et, malgré des coups importants, reste capable de frapper les autorités somaliennes et la Force de l’Union africaine censée les protéger. Cette résilience oblige de s’interroger à différents niveaux sur la permanence de structures de radicalisation en revenant à une analyse du champ politique, des opportunités organisationnelles et des conditions d’engagement. Ce retour à l’histoire et à la théorie des mouvements sociaux souligne l’importance des transformations dans la guerre civile, avant la création du mouvement djihadiste, la radicalisation des politiques occidentales et régionales après le 11 septembre et la complexité de relations entre le salafisme politique et le djihadisme depuis une décennie.
« N’oubliez jamais que vous parlez à un avocat ». État, justice et économie de l’intermédiation judiciaire à Cotonou
Authors: Andreetta Sophie
Published: September 2018

La question des professionnels du droit sur le continent africain, et plus particulièrement des avocats, est rarement abordée par les chercheurs en sciences sociales. S’inspirant de l’ethnographie des administrations publiques en Afrique, de la sociologie des professions et de la socio-anthropologie du droit anglo-saxonne, cet article propose d’aborder le parcours professionnel et les pratiques des avocats de Cotonou. Sur la base d’entretiens biographiques et d’observations, il analyse la manière dont le barreau s’est construit, l’influence des réformes de la justice et des politiques d’accès à la profession sur le statut social des avocats et leurs relations avec leurs clients au quotidien. Ces éléments permettront de réfléchir au rôle des professions libérales dans le fonctionnement des services publics en Afrique, aux logiques qui sous-tendent leurs relations avec les usagers et à leurs conséquences sur la manière dont la justice est non seulement perçue, mais aussi « produite » au quotidien.
Devenir coach : un processus émancipatoire ? Une étude des récits de vie de huit coachs externes en appui sur Foucault
Authors: Moreau Fabien
Published: September 2018

Devenir coach représente-t-il un processus émancipatoire ? Correspondant à une bifurcation professionnelle de milieu de vie, les cadres optant pour ce métier quittent un dispositif de carrière pour un autre, celui du coaching. Dans cet article, nous nous appuyons sur les travaux de Foucault et une revue de littérature sur le coaching pour éclairer et approfondir notre question de recherche. Le coaching présente une possibilité subversive et de détournement des techniques de soi à leurs propres fins. Ainsi, le travail réflexif du coaching pourrait favoriser une subjectivation correspondant à une microémancipation, c’est-à-dire à une démarche de libération progressive et partielle vers un rapport à soi plus authentique. Nous situant dans une approche exploratoire, nous avons collecté les récits de vie de 8 managers devenus coachs externes. Nos résultats mettent en évidence une tension entre la promesse émancipatoire du coaching et le dispositif de pouvoir qu’il représente potentiellement. Une ambivalence vis-à-vis du management ressort des entretiens entre une critique des pratiques en entreprise, à l’origine du changement de carrière des coachs de l’étude, et leur approche humaniste de la performance. En discussion, après avoir analysé les limites et les apports de la perspective foucaldienne du pouvoir à l’étude des changements de carrière professionnelle, nous questionnons le caractère partiel et risqué de la promesse émancipatoire du coaching.
What are the research focuses regarding learning in the field of operations management in higher education? The case of Spain in 2017
Authors: Marin-Garcia Juan
Published: September 2018

Purpose: What are the current research topics being studied by higher education professors in the area of operations management in Spain with regard to the learning of their students? Are the approaches that support these investigations adequate?Design/methodology/approach: For the analysis, we have selected 25 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals published by Spanish authors in 2017, and we have encoded them using Atlas.ti.Findings: Most of the research centers on a very basic type of approach to learning, which reproduces the type of research typically conducted more than 40 years ago (type 1). For this reason, we propose an example of how to convert type 1 research questions into type 2 or 3 questions.Originality/value: This paper collects and summarizes the main works on learning research carried out by members of ACEDEDOT and published in 2017, identifying themes, methods, levels of teacher conception and focus on the type of student learning. We intend to use this information to create a map of the current situation and propose possible suggestions to implement evidence-based instruction on operations management.
Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Reaction Analysis on MHD Oldroyd-B Fluid with Cattaneo-Christov Heat Flux Model and Convective Heating
Authors: Eswaramoorthi Sheniyappan , Bhuvaneswari Marimuthu , Sivasankaran S. , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: September 2018

The impact of Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model for the MHD flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid on a stretching plate with convective heating and heterogeneous-homogeneous chemical reactions were analyzed. The governing PDE’s are converted into a nonlinear ODE’s with appropriate similarity variables and it is solved using homotopy analysis method (HAM). The graphical results of velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are presented(detailed). We found that the fluid velocity reduces with enhancing the injection/suction parameter. In addition, the fluid temperature boosted up when rising the Biot number and the solutal boundary layer thickness reduces both heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reaction parameters.
Effects of Viscoelastic Oil-Based Nanofluids on a Porous Nonlinear Stretching Surface with Variable Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Etwire Christian John , Seini Ibrahim Yakubu , Musah Rabiu , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: September 2018

The effect of variable heat source on viscoelastic fluid of CuO-oil based nanofluid over a porous nonlinear stretching surface is analyzed. The problem was modelled in the form of partial differential equations and transformed into a coupled fourth order ordinary differential equations by similarity techniques. It was further reduced to a system of first order ordinary differential equations and solved numerically using the fourth order Runge-Kutta algorithm with a shooting method. The results for various controlling parameters have been tabulated and the flow profiles graphically illustrated. The study revealed that the viscoelastic parameter has a decreasing effect on the magnitude of both the skin friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer from the surface. It enhanced the momentum boundary layer thickness whilst adversely affecting the thermal boundary layer thickness.