bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation-Based Exceedance Probability Curves to Assess the Economic Impact of Storm Surge Inundations due to Climate Change: A Case Study in Ise Bay, Japan
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Mori Nobuhito , Tatano Hirokazu , Yang Lijiao
Published: February 2019

Understanding storm surge inundation risk is essential for developing countermeasures and adaptation strategies for tackling climate change. Consistent assessment of storm surge inundation risk that links probability of hazard occurrence to distribution of economic consequence are scarce due to the lack of historical data and uncertainty of climate change, especially at local scales. This paper proposes a simulation-based method to construct exceedance probability (EP) curves for representing storm surge risk and identifying the economic impact of climate change in the coastal areas of Ise Bay, Japan. The region-specific exceedance probability curves show that risk could be different among different districts. The industry-specific exceedance probability curves show that manufacturing, transport and postal activities, electricity, gas, heat supply and water, and wholesale and retail trade are the most affected sectors in terms of property damage. Services also need to be of concern in terms of business interruption loss. Exceedance probability curves provide complete risk information and our simulation-based approach can contribute to a better understanding of storm surge risk, improve the quantitative assessment of the climate change-driven impacts on coastal areas, and identify vulnerable regions and industrial sectors in detail.
A Pick-Up Points Recommendation System for Ridesourcing Service
Authors: Zhu Wanqiu , Lu Jian , Li Yunxuan , Yang Yi
Published: February 2019

In the ridesourcing industry, drivers are often unable to quickly and accurately locate the waiting position of riders, but patrol or wait on the road, which will seriously affect the management of the road traffic order. It may be a good idea to provide an online virtual site for the taxi to facilitate convergence of the rider and driver. The concept of recommended pick-up point is presented in this paper. At present, ridesourcing service platforms on the market have similar functions, but they do not take into account whether the setting of the pick-up point is compatible with the actual traffic environment, resulting in some problems. We have invented a method to select the recommended pick-up point by integrating various traffic influencing factors, so as to ensure that the setting of the pick-up point is compatible with the actual traffic situation, which consists of three steps. Firstly, we studied the rider’s maximum tolerable waiting time and defined an attractive walking range for riders based on the huge amount of data. In the second step, we analyzed spatial distribution characteristics of the taxi demand hotspot and determined candidate pick-up locations. Lastly, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy method was used to select the recommended pick-up point that is most conducive to traffic management from multiple candidate points. A case study was conducted to validate the proposed approach and experimental evidence showed that recommended results based on the approach are in line with the actual situation of the road, and conducive to road traffic management. This recommendation method is based on real ridesourcing orders data.
Estimating the Preservation Value of World Heritage Site Using Contingent Valuation Method: The Case of the Li River, China
Authors: Jin Meilan , Juan Yuxian , Choi Youngjoon , Lee Choong-Ki
Published: February 2019

World Heritage Sites (WHSs) play an important role in sustaining community identity and enhancing local economic development through tourism. Although the Li River was designated as a WHS in 2014, severe damage to its ecosystem and environmental problems have been reported in recent years. Thus, the purpose of this study is to estimate residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the preservation of the Li River using a contingent valuation method. Moreover, a two-stage approach using hypothetical and real setting scenarios was utilized to reduce a hypothetical bias and overvaluation. Logit models were used to estimate the preservation value and compare factors influencing WTP between the hypothetical and real scenarios. The results of this study support the usefulness of a two-stage approach to avoid hypothetical bias and estimate a realistic preservation value. In the real setting scenario, WTP was 144.66–163.90 Yuan (USD 20.83–23.60) per capita per year, and the aggregate value was 721–818 million Yuan (USD 104–118 million) depending on mean WTP and truncated WTP. The study findings provide useful implication to support government’s fund and sustainable efforts to preserve the Li River.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Turnover Intention in Startups: Mediating Roles of Employees’ Job Embeddedness, Job Satisfaction and Affective Commitment
Authors: Yang Juan , Pu Bo , Guan Zhenzhong
Published: February 2019

Entrepreneurial leadership is critical for the sustainable development of start-ups and plays a key role in employees’ turnover intentions. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and turnover intentions of employees within enterprises established in the last five years. This paper explored this relationship through multiple serial mediators, specifically, employee affective commitment, job embeddedness, and job satisfaction. A quantitative approach was employed on a sample of 403 participants from 62 ventures. The results demonstrated that entrepreneurial leadership can reduce employee turnover intentions, and the impact is through job embeddedness, job satisfaction, and affective commitment, in series. This study is the first try of a three-serial-mediator model for the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and turnover intentions, and it leads to a better understanding of the significance of entrepreneurial leadership.
Sustainable Incremental Organizational Change—A Case of the Textile and Apparel Industry
Authors: Patora-Wysocka Zofia , Sułkowski Łukasz
Published: February 2019

The article is aimed at working out a comprehensive perspective on sustainable incremental change in organizations from a practice-based approach. That perspective presents everyday routine organizational practices as loci of sustainable organizational change. The research conducted reveals sustainability aspects that influence incremental change in the product development cycle in textile and apparel enterprises. The short life cycle of textile and apparel products challenges the multiplicity of sustainability aspects in that industry. The sequential procedure of mixing quantitative and qualitative methods was applied. A quantitative study was followed by qualitative research that was aimed at gaining an idiographic perspective. The statistical procedure was applied to determine the associative relationships between sustainable dynamizing factors and practice variability in textile and apparel enterprises. The influence factors were further explored as part of in-depth qualitative research. The qualitative research referred to three main aspects of sustainable practices at the initial production stage (sustainable water use), the last stages of the textile and garment life cycle (disposal and recycling of unwanted materials), and value (co)creation in the apparel industry. The results put emphasis on spontaneous vs. purposive activities in sustainable practice.
Urban Commercial Spatial Structure Optimization in the Metropolitan Area of Beijing: A Microscopic Perspective
Authors: Wang Fang , Niu Fang-qu
Published: February 2019

Urban commercial districts (UCDs) are the concentrated areas for commercial activities in a city, which provide shopping, leisure, business, and other functions. Urban planners usually face problems in how to plan and design UCDs. The layout of UCDs should not only be appropriately concentrated to realize economic benefits, but should also be properly dispersed to accommodate the distribution of the population. Using Beijing as a case study, this study conducted research into UCDs from a microscopic perspective by utilizing open source big data. A recognition and classification method of UCDs was proposed based on the data of POI and road networks. The proposed model combines Huff’s model and the Voronoi method to analyze how various UCDs should be distributed within a city according to the spatial pattern of the population. The results showed that different kinds of UCDs had different spatial distribution features. Problems were also found, for example, UCDs on the urban outskirts served a large population; there were limitations to the spatial distribution of UCDs in the downtown area; and there was incongruity between the UCD types and the population layout. Based on these findings, suggestions regarding the optimization of the urban commercial spatial structure were also put forward.
The Vote with the Wallet Game: Responsible Consumerism as a Multiplayer Prisoner’s Dilemma
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Salustri Francesco
Published: February 2019

Socially responsible consumers and investors are increasingly using their consumption and saving choices as a ‘vote with the wallet’ to award companies that are at vanguard in reconciling the creation of economic value with social and environmental sustainability. In our paper, we model the vote with the wallet as a multiplayer prisoner’s dilemma, outline equilibria and possible solutions to the related coordination failure problem in evolutionary games, apply our analysis to domains in which the vote with the wallet is empirically more relevant, and provide policy suggestions.
Small-Scale Public Rental Housing Development Using Modular Construction—Lessons learned from Case Studies in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Lee Jeong-hoon , Kim Jin-sung , Lee Hak-ju , Lee Young-Min , Kim Hyung-Geun
Published: February 2019

Modular construction, which involves factory-based modular unit manufacturing followed by installation at a construction site, has been recognized as one of the sustainable construction methods. Its advantages are known to be implemented through (1) standardized design, (2) standardized production method, and (3) large-scale development (mass production system). These three conditions are basic requirements for modular construction market expansion, but it is difficult to define that these conditions are a prerequisite for judging whether modular construction applied or not. Nevertheless, public development companies in regions or countries where modular construction has just begun thought that modular construction should meet all three conditions that are suitable for applying public construction projects. This is because it is difficult to compare conventional construction projects with similar conditions to modular construction projects. This paper analyzes the cost and duration data of three small-scale public construction rental housing (PCRH) projects involving modular construction in Korea. These cases presented herein include a public college student dormitory, public low-rise rental housing, and public mid-rise rental housing in small-scale development projects. Those were applied not standardized design (common design and regulation), but were reflected in each project’s demands (different design and regulation). To compare it, this paper analyzed 91 public housing provision projects’ construction data from 2011 to 2017 from one of the public rental housing provision companies in Korea. Among them, 19 small-scale public rental housing data were extracted for comparing with modular construction project data. The results show that, even if not standardized, the design and production process, and modular construction durations, were more effective—but costs were similar or expensive. Based on the conclusion drawn from three cases, this paper presents important considerations for the application of modular construction in other small-scale public construction rental housing projects from the perspective of public development companies.
Balanced Truncation Model Order Reduction in Limited Frequency and Time Intervals for Discrete-Time Commensurate Fractional-Order Systems
Authors: Rydel Marek , Stanisławski Rafał , Latawiec Krzysztof J.
Published: February 2019

In this paper we investigate an implementation of new model order reduction techniques to linear time-invariant discrete-time commensurate fractional-order state space systems to obtain lower dimensional fractional-order models. Since the models of physical systems correctly approximate the physical phenomena of the modeled systems for restricted time and frequency ranges only, a special attention is given to time- and frequency-limited balanced truncation and frequency-weighted methods. Mathematical formulas for calculation of the time- and frequency-limited, as well as frequency-weighted controllability and observability Gramians, are extended to fractional-order systems. An instructive simulation experiment corroborates the potential of the introduced methodology.
A Hybrid Fuzzy Group Multi-Criteria Assessment of Structural Solutions of the Symmetric Frame Alternatives
Authors: Turskis Zenonas , Urbonas Kęstutis , Daniūnas Alfonsas
Published: February 2019

Structural designers that design buildings use different criteria to select the frames’ materiality and structural solutions. Very often, the primary test is the cost of construction. Sometimes, solutions are determined by the terms of structure, architectural preferences, technological needs, fire safety requirements, environmental conditions, exploitation costs over the life of the building, ecological aspects, and experience, etc. This paper proposes an approach for analyzing the structural elements of buildings taking into account the impact on the environment using jointly incorporating subjective and objective aspects. The objective to combine the most important criteria into a single unit and carry out the overall assessment could be done by giving each variable a weighted value and perform a so-called multi-criteria analysis. This article shows the efficiency of the structural solution of the one-story building. The case study presents an investigation and comparison of five possible symmetrical structural solutions by multi-criteria assessment methods: The analysis of three steel frameworks differs majorly due to the beam-column characteristics, as well as precast RC frame structures case and combined steel beams and RC columns frame option. Possible solutions must meet all the essential requirements of the building, including mechanical resistance and stability. The obtained results show a broad assessment of the structural solutions of the building.
k-Hypergeometric Series Solutions to One Type of Non-Homogeneous k-Hypergeometric Equations
Authors: Li Shengfeng , Dong Yi
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we expound on the hypergeometric series solutions for the second-order non-homogeneous k-hypergeometric differential equation with the polynomial term. The general solutions of this equation are obtained in the form of k-hypergeometric series based on the Frobenius method. Lastly, we employ the result of the theorem to find the solutions of several non-homogeneous k-hypergeometric differential equations.
Using a Hybrid Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Technique to Identify Key Factors Influencing Microblog Users’ Diffusion Behaviors in Emergencies: Evidence from Generations Born after 2000
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Jin Chun , Qiu Jiangnan , Jiang Peng
Published: February 2019

Recently, some appalling events have attracted wide attention, such as the RYB (Red, Yellow and Blue) child abuse incident, the killing of stewardesses by online car-hailing, and the swine fever epidemic. With the development of mobile Internet, Microblog has accelerated the spread of emergencies. Diffusion behavior is affected by different motivations, and motivation theory declared that internal and external motivations are the direct influencing factors of users’ behavioral intention. Therefore, this study uses a hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, combining the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytical network process (ANP) to identify the key factors influencing user’s diffusion behaviors in emergencies. According to the results of empirical study, perceived usefulness, perceived emotionality, perceived accessibility, information timeliness, and information authoritativeness are identified as the key factors influencing user’s diffusion behaviors. Finally, we propose some managerial suggestions to help stakeholders control online public opinion effectively.
Fast Pig Detection with a Top-View Camera under Various Illumination Conditions
Authors: Sa Jaewon , Choi Younchang , Lee Hanhaesol , Chung Yongwha , Park Daihee , Cho Jinho
Published: February 2019

The fast detection of pigs is a crucial aspect for a surveillance environment intended for the ultimate purpose of the 24 h tracking of individual pigs. Particularly, in a realistic pig farm environment, one should consider various illumination conditions such as sunlight, but such consideration has not been reported yet. We propose a fast method to detect pigs under various illumination conditions by exploiting the complementary information from depth and infrared images. By applying spatiotemporal interpolation, we first remove the noises caused by sunlight. Then, we carefully analyze the characteristics of both the depth and infrared information and detect pigs using only simple image processing techniques. Rather than exploiting highly time-consuming techniques, such as frequency-, optimization-, or deep learning-based detections, our image processing-based method can guarantee a fast execution time for the final goal, i.e., intelligent pig monitoring applications. In the experimental results, pigs could be detected effectively through the proposed method for both accuracy (i.e., 0.79) and execution time (i.e., 8.71 ms), even with various illumination conditions.
Some New q-Congruences for Truncated Basic Hypergeometric Series
Authors: Guo Victor J. W. , Schlosser Michael J.
Published: February 2019

We provide several new q-congruences for truncated basic hypergeometric series, mostly of arbitrary order. Our results include congruences modulo the square or the cube of a cyclotomic polynomial, and in some instances, parametric generalizations thereof. These are established by a variety of techniques including polynomial argument, creative microscoping (a method recently introduced by the first author in collaboration with Zudilin), Andrews’ multiseries generalization of the Watson transformation, and induction. We also give a number of related conjectures including congruences modulo the fourth power of a cyclotomic polynomial.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Australia: From Known Known to Known Unknown
Authors: van den Hurk Andrew F. , Pyke Alyssa T. , Mackenzie John S. , Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Ritchie Scott A.
Published: February 2019

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major cause of neurological disease in Asia. It is a zoonotic flavivirus transmitted between water birds and/or pigs by Culex mosquitoes; humans are dead-end hosts. In 1995, JEV emerged for the first time in northern Australia causing an unprecedented outbreak in the Torres Strait. In this article, we revisit the history of JEV in Australia and describe investigations of JEV transmission cycles in the Australian context. Public health responses to the incipient outbreak included vaccination and sentinel pig surveillance programs. Virus isolation and vector competence experiments incriminated Culex annulirostris as the likely regional vector. The role this species plays in transmission cycles depends on the availability of domestic pigs as a blood source. Experimental evidence suggests that native animals are relatively poor amplifying hosts of JEV. The persistence and predominantly annual virus activity between 1995 and 2005 suggested that JEV had become endemic in the Torres Strait. However, active surveillance was discontinued at the end of 2005, so the status of JEV in northern Australia is unknown. Novel mosquito-based surveillance systems provide a means to investigate whether JEV still occurs in the Torres Strait or is no longer a risk to Australia.
Myeloid Cells during Viral Infections and Inflammation
Authors: Stegelmeier Ashley A. , van Vloten Jacob P. , Mould Robert C. , Klafuric Elaine M. , Minott Jessica A. , Wootton Sarah K. , Bridle Byram W. , Karimi Khalil
Published: February 2019

Myeloid cells represent a diverse range of innate leukocytes that are crucial for mounting successful immune responses against viruses. These cells are responsible for detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns, thereby initiating a signaling cascade that results in the production of cytokines such as interferons to mitigate infections. The aim of this review is to outline recent advances in our knowledge of the roles that neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes play in initiating and coordinating host responses against viral infections. A focus is placed on myeloid cell development, trafficking and antiviral mechanisms. Although known for promoting inflammation, there is a growing body of literature which demonstrates that myeloid cells can also play critical regulatory or immunosuppressive roles, especially following the elimination of viruses. Additionally, the ability of myeloid cells to control other innate and adaptive leukocytes during viral infections situates these cells as key, yet under-appreciated mediators of pathogenic inflammation that can sometimes trigger cytokine storms. The information presented here should assist researchers in integrating myeloid cell biology into the design of novel and more effective virus-targeted therapies.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Endornavirus Conferring Hypovirulence in Rice Sheath Blight Fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA Strain GD-2
Authors: Zheng Li , Shu Canwei , Zhang Meiling , Yang Mei , Zhou Erxun
Published: February 2019

The complete sequence and genome organization of a novel Endornavirus from the hypovirulent strain GD-2 of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight, were identified using a deep sequencing approach and it was tentatively named as Rhizoctonia solani endornavirus 1 (RsEV1). It was composed of only one segment that was 19,936 bp in length and was found to be the longest endornavirus genome that has been reported so far. The RsEV1 genome contained two open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1 and ORF2. ORF1 contained a glycosyltransferase 1 domain and a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain, whereas ORF2 encoded a conserved hypothetical protein. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that RsEV1 was phylogenetically a new endogenous RNA virus. A horizontal transmission experiment indicated that RsEV1 could be transmitted from the host fungal strain GD-2 to a virulent strain GD-118P and resulted in hypovirulence in the derivative isogenic strain GD-118P-V1. Metabolomic analysis showed that 32 metabolites were differentially expressed between GD-118P and its isogenic hypovirulent strain GD-118P-V1. The differential metabolites were mainly classified as organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and the intermediate products of energy metabolism. Pathway annotation revealed that these 32 metabolites were mainly involved in pentose and glucuronate interconversions and glyoxylate, dicarboxylate, starch, and sucrose metabolism, and so on. Taken together, our results showed that RsEV1 is a novel Endornavirus, and the infection of virulent strain GD-118P by RsEV1 caused metabolic disorders and resulted in hypovirulence. The results of this study lay a foundation for the biocontrol of rice sheath blight caused by R. solani AG1-IA.
Role of Type I Interferons on Filovirus Pathogenesis
Authors: Escudero-Pérez Beatriz , Muñoz-Fontela César
Published: February 2019

Filoviruses, such as Ebola and Marburg virus, encode viral proteins with the ability to counteract the type I interferon (IFN-I) response. These IFN-I antagonist proteins are crucial to ensure virus replication, prevent an antiviral state in infected and bystander cells, and impair the ability of antigen-presenting cells to initiate adaptive immune responses. However, in recent years, a number of studies have underscored the conflicting data between in vitro studies and in vivo data obtained in animal models and clinical studies during outbreaks. This review aims to summarize these data and to discuss the relative contributions of IFN-α and IFN-β to filovirus pathogenesis in animal models and humans. Finally, we evaluate the putative utilization of IFN-I in post-exposure therapy and its implications as a biomarker of vaccine efficacy.
Attitudes toward Animals and Their Welfare among Italian Veterinary Students
Authors: Pirrone Federica , Mariti Chiara , Gazzano Angelo , Albertini Mariangela , Sighieri Claudio , Diverio Silvana
Published: February 2019

As members of the public and the veterinary profession are increasingly concerned about animal welfare, there has been an increased scholarly interest in the attitudes of veterinarians and students toward animals, as these may impact human behavior, which ultimately impacts animal welfare. Here we investigated Italian veterinary students’ demographic data and perceptions about nonhuman animal welfare issues that might be predictive of their attitudes. A survey eliciting information about demographics, knowledge, experience, and perceptions regarding different categories of animals, and including the Animal Attitude Scale (AAS), was administered to undergraduate veterinary medicine students in three Italian universities. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 876 students completed the questionnaire, with females (75.1%) making up a majority of students in all years of the course. Although veterinary students showed pro-animal welfare attitudes (mean score = 64.20 ± 0.24 out of 100), the findings suggested that year of study, gender, and geographical location had a significant impact (p < 0.05). In this study, we found a set of factors that, either individually or combined, help predict a student’s attitude toward animal welfare issues, which will be useful in improving the curriculum strategy in veterinary education in Italy.
Salmonella Surveillance Systems in Swine and Humans in Spain: A Review
Authors: Martínez-Avilés Marta , Garrido-Estepa Macarena , Álvarez Julio , de la Torre Ana
Published: February 2019

Non-typhoid salmonellosis is a common and problematic foodborne zoonotic disease in which pork and pork products can be an important potential source of infection. To prevent this disease, important efforts to monitor the situation in the main source, livestock, are conducted in most developed countries. In the European Union, European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) compile information at the member-state level, even though important differences in production systems and surveillance systems exist. Here, Salmonella surveillance systems in one of the main sources of foodborne salmonellosis, swine, and humans in Spain were reviewed to identify potential gaps and discuss potential ways of integration under a “One-Health” approach. Despite the extensive information generated through the surveillance activities, source attribution can be only routinely performed through ad-hoc outbreak investigations, and national reports on human outbreaks do not provide sufficiently detailed information to gain a better understanding of the epidemiology of the pathogen. Human and animal monitoring of Salmonella would benefit from a better exchange of information and collaboration. Analysis of spatio-temporal trends in livestock and humans could help to identify likely sources of infection and to target surveillance efforts in areas with higher prevalence or where specific strains are found.
Uncertainty in Estimated Trends Using Gridded Rainfall Data: A Case Study of Bangladesh
Authors: Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Shahid Shamsuddin , Wang Xiaojun
Published: February 2019

This study assessed the uncertainty in the spatial pattern of rainfall trends in six widely used monthly gridded rainfall datasets for 1979–2010. Bangladesh is considered as the case study area where changes in rainfall are the highest concern due to global warming-induced climate change. The evaluation was based on the ability of the gridded data to estimate the spatial patterns of the magnitude and significance of annual and seasonal rainfall trends estimated using Mann–Kendall (MK) and modified MK (mMK) tests at 34 gauges. A set of statistical indices including Kling–Gupta efficiency, modified index of agreement (md), skill score (SS), and Jaccard similarity index (JSI) were used. The results showed a large variation in the spatial patterns of rainfall trends obtained using different gridded datasets. Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) data was found to be the most suitable rainfall data for the assessment of annual and seasonal rainfall trends in Bangladesh which showed a JSI, md, and SS of 22%, 0.61, and 0.73, respectively, when compared with the observed annual trend. Assessment of long-term trend in rainfall (1901–2017) using mMK test revealed no change in annual rainfall and changes in seasonal rainfall only at a few grid points in Bangladesh over the last century.
Spatial Variabilities of Runoff Erosion and Different Underlying Surfaces in the Xihe River Basin
Authors: Wang Ning , Yao Zhihong , Liu Wanqing , Lv Xizhi , Ma Mengdie
Published: February 2019

Runoff erosion capacity has significant effects on the spatial distribution of soil erosion and soil losses. But few studies have been conducted to evaluate these effects in the Loess Plateau. In this study, an adjusted SWAT model was used to simulate the hydrological process of the Xihe River basin from 1993 to 2012. The spatial variabilities between runoff erosion capacity and underlying surface factors were analyzed by combining spatial gradient analysis and GWR (Geographically Weighted Regression) analysis. The results show that the spatial distribution of runoff erosion capacity in the studying area has the following characteristics: strong in the north, weak in the south, strong in the west, and weak in the east. Topographic factors are the dominant factors of runoff erosion in the upper reaches of the basin. Runoff erosion capacity becomes stronger with the increase of altitude and gradient. In the middle reaches area, the land with low vegetation coverage, as well as arable land, show strong runoff erosion ability. In the downstream areas, the runoff erosion capacity is weak because of better underlying surface conditions. Compared with topographic and vegetation factors, soil factors have less impact on runoff erosion. The red clay and mountain soil in this region have stronger runoff erosion capacities compared with other types of soils, with average runoff modulus of 1.79 × 10−3 m3/s·km2 and 1.68 × 10−3 m3/s·km2, respectively, and runoff erosion power of 0.48 × 10−4 m4/s·km2 and 0.34 × 10−4 m4/s·km2, respectively. The runoff erosion capacity of the alluvial soil is weak, with an average runoff modulus of 0.96 × 10−3 m3/s·km2 and average erosion power of 0.198 × 10−4 m4/s·km2. This study illustrates the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of hydraulic erosion in the Xihe River Basin from the perspective of energy. It contributes to the purposeful utilization of water and soil resources in the Xihe River Basin and provides a theoretical support for controlling the soil erosion in the Hilly-gully region of the Loess Plateau.
Conformational signature of Ishikawa´s reagent using NMR information from diastereotopic fluorines
Authors: Andrade Laize A F , Zeoly Lucas A , Cormanich Rodrigo A , Freitas Matheus P
Published: February 2019

The active species of the Ishikawa´s reagent [N,N-diethyl-(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropyl)amine] is a fluorinating hexafluoropropylamine used to convert alcohols into alkyl fluorides. On the other hand, it is also an example of model compound useful to probe conformational preferences using spectroscopic information from diastereotopic fluorines. Moreover, the possibility of experiencing both the generalized anomeric and gauche effects makes the Ishikawa´s reagent an ideal choice to study the governing stereoelectronic interactions of the conformational equilibrium of organofluorine compounds. The conformational equilibrium of the Ishikawa´s reagent was analyzed using NMR 3JH,F coupling constant data in different solvents, since the orientation of the diastereotopic fluorines relative to H-2 and F-2 changes with the medium. In nonpolar cyclohexane solvent, the preferred conformation experiences a weaker steric and electrostatic repulsion. The conformational behavior changes in the more polar pyridine solution, where the double fluorine gauche effect takes place, since F-2 is preferably gauche to both diastereotopic fluorines. An analysis of the rotation around the N–C(F2) bond indicates the manifestation of anomeric interactions (nN → σ*C–F), which can be demonstrated by means of 19F chemical shifts. The results were rationalized with the aid of theoretical calculations and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, allowing for the evaluation of competing steric, electrostatic and hyperconjugative interactions.
IN-SITU INVESTIGATION OF CONCENTRATION OF STRAINS AROUND AN IMPLANTED BAR
Authors: Keras Valerijus , Roličius Jonas
Published: February 2019

For constructional purposes reinforcement bars or connecting elements (implants) of a stronger material are installed in concrete, plastic, timber or another similar material‐matrix. Structural concepts are being developed where implants are used both as reinforcing and connecting elements. The implants increase the strength and rigidity of structures. However, investigation of functioning of implants and generalisation of data obtained up to now have been premature. Moreover, they do not help us to understand some empiric facts. In the course of the above‐mentioned tests (data concerning the tests were presented in previously published works), steel bars‐implants with one meter thread were screwed and glued into timber and then attempts to extract them were made. During the test, the bars were screwed into holes in the timber filled with glue. The angle at which the implant was screwed through the layers of wood, the type of glue and some other factors were changed. Such characteristics as strength, strain, breakage and the process of deformation were analysed.
STRESS-STRAIN CONCENTRATIONS IN HIGH‐RISE STRUCTURE ELEMENTS AND MONOTONIC DISINTEGRATION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENT CONTAMINATION
Authors: Keras Valerijus , Valys Aurimas , Mockiene Jūrate
Published: February 2019

Abundance of metal masts and towers, their aging require to pay attention to corrosion phenomena and their after‐affects. Special attention should be paid to the changes of structural elements strength and strain (induced by the environment aggressiveness) and to the phenomena of viability exhaustion of the whole system (dissipation). In these respects more premises for developing the second limit state formation are found first of all in separate mast elements and local chains, later in the whole structure.The article deals with the premises of developing chemical and electromagnetic contamination, its forecast and processes which could result from the above‐mentioned pollution; it also analyses the destructive processes due to the pollution interaction with the material of structural elements as well as the consequences of aggressive contamination. Attention is also paid to the effect of the stress‐strain concentrations around the corroded spots and their influence on the destruction evolution.
ADJOINT APPROACH SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THIN‐WALLED BEAMS AND FRAMES
Authors: Kreja Ireneusz , Mikulski Tomasz , Szymczak Czeslaw
Published: February 2019

Sensitivity analysis of beams and frames assembled of thin‐walled members is presented within the adjoint approach. Static loads and structures composed of thin‐walled members with the bisymmetrical open cross‐section are considered. The analysed structure is represented by the one‐dimensional model consisting of thin‐walled beam elements based on the classical assumptions of the theory of thin‐walled beams of non‐deformable cross‐section together with superelements applied in place of location of structure nodes, restraints and stiffeners. The results of sensitivity analysis, obtained for the structure model described above, are compared with the results of the detailed FEM model, where the whole structure is discretised with the use of QUAD4 shell elements of the system MSC/NASTRAN.
Tuber pulchrosporum sp. nov., a black truffle of the Aestivum clade (Tuberaceae, Pezizales) from the Balkan peninsula
Authors: Polemis Elias , Konstantinidis Georgios , Fryssouli Vassiliki , Slavova Monica , Tsampazis Triantafyllos , Nakas Vasileios , Assyov Boris , Kaounas Vasileios , Zervakis Georgios I.
Published: February 2019

Knowledge on the diversity of hypogeous sequestrate ascomycetes is still limited in the Balkan Peninsula. A new species of truffle, Tuberpulchrosporum, is described from Greece and Bulgaria. Specimens were collected from habitats dominated by various oak species (i.e. Quercusilex, Q.coccifera, Q.robur) and other angiosperms. They are morphologically characterised by subglobose, ovoid to irregularly lobed, yellowish-brown to dark brown ascomata, usually with a shallow basal cavity and surface with fissures and small, dense, almost flat, trihedral to polyhedral warts. Ascospores are ellipsoid to subfusiform, uniquely ornamented, crested to incompletely reticulate and are produced in (1–)2–8-spored asci. Hair-like, hyaline to light yellow hyphae protrude from the peridium surface. According to the outcome of ITS rDNA sequence analysis, this species forms a distinct well-supported group in the Aestivum clade, with T.panniferum being the closest phylogenetic taxon.
Adaptive Strategies of Small Family Farms in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: El Amrani Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Climate change is now an accepted reality. It is felt globally through increased temperature and precipitation regime disruption and increased frequency of extreme events such as floods and droughts. In the absence of effective mitigation and adaptation actions, these changes could have significant negative impact on the sustainability of agriculture and the resilience of populations especially in areas with fragile ecology. However, these changes remain an issue that is difficult to grasp and still not well integrated into management strategies at the farm, sector, and territory levels. The objectives of this research are to describe the production systems, and to study the resilience strategies, perception, and adaptive practices of farms in the Tleta watershed in Northwest Morocco in the face of climate change and landscape dynamics. It describes farming systems and activities, attempts to analyze how farmers perceive global changes in their landscape, and adopts innovative strategies and practices to adapt to them. It also shows that the actions of institutional actors in the area that can contribute to the resilience of the populations are numerous but remain fragmentary and lack integration.
Decision Support Systems in Aeronautics and Aerospace Industries
Authors: Kashyap Ramgopal
Published: February 2019

The aim of this chapter is to utilize the upkeep hypothesis of on-condition, condition checking. It proposes support ideas: for example, advanced upkeep, proactive upkeep which is bolstered by solid checking and finding strategies to enhance the effectiveness of upkeep extraordinarily; so there must be decision support system framework to develop a present-day flying upkeep framework. Maintenance DSS can give powerful choice help to aeronautics support. It additionally makes strides in upkeep effectiveness and controls support costs. The flying MDSS still needs further research on the accompanying subjects. Since current airplanes have numerous frameworks and complex structures, numerous flight parameters need to be screened. Step-by-step instructions to assemble an effective database and research criteria for judging the adequacy of ongoing information should direct further research. Since continuous flight status information has cost issues, how to set up the data download criteria should direct further research.
AF 447 as a Paradigmatic Accident
Authors: Chialastri Antonio
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the author presents a human factors problem for automation: why, when, and how automation has been introduced in the aviation domain; what problems arise from different ways of operating; and the possible countermeasures to limit faulty interaction between humans and machines. This chapter is divided into parts: definition of automation, its advantages in ensuring safety in complex systems such as aviation; reasons for the introduction of on-board automation, with a quick glance at the history of accidents in aviation and the related safety paradigms; ergonomics: displays, tools, human-machine interaction emphasizing the cognitive demands in high tempo and complex flight situations; illustration of the AF 447 case, a crash happened in 2009, which causes are linked to faulty human-machine interaction.
Synthesis of the Laws of Motion Control of a UAV Group With Natural Obstacles
Authors: Kucherov Dmytro , Fu Minglei , Kozub Andrei
Published: February 2019

A solution is proposed for the task of controlling a group of UAVs moving along a given route. The group is considered as a limited-size formation consisting of n-agents moving relative to the leader, which allows us to treat the group as some aggregate with the center of motion. The quantitative composition of a group can change while maintaining the integrity of the group. The chapter proposes the use of smooth laws governing the motion of a group. The safety of motion is ensured by introducing into the law of control the components equivalent to the creation of attractive and repulsive fields.
Information Technologies for Learning Principles of Fault-Tolerant Systems
Authors: Bastida Juan Pablo Martínez , Havrylenko Olena , Chukhray Andrey
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the authors present a methodology for developing a model-tracing cognitive tutor. The methodology is based on Bayesian probabilistic networks for generating pedagogical interventions. The presented probabilistic model increases fidelity assessment due to its ability of independently diagnosing the degree of mastery for every knowledge component involved in students' actions; fidelity assessment in education is the ability to represent students' cognitive states as close as possible for analysis and evaluation. The cognitive tutor was developed to promote a self-regulated learning approach with an open learner model. The open learner model let students change the learning flow by changing the assigned tasks. The authors explain in detail the structural construction and employed algorithms for developing a model-tracing cognitive tutor in the domain of fault-tolerant systems. Preliminary results and future work are also discussed to assess effectiveness of the proposed approach and its implication in actual educational programs.
Applications of the Elementary Theory of Catastrophes in Aviation
Authors: Bondar Olha
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the author considers the connection between the mathematical theory of catastrophes and certain characteristics of the aviation system. The basis for this connection is the similarity of the concept of “catastrophe” in aviation and mathematics. With small perturbations of some systems, their state changes little. At small perturbations of other systems, a sharp transition occurs to another state. This transition is called a jump or a catastrophe. A catastrophe can also be called a loss of stability. Comparison of the notion of “stability” in aviation and mathematics is part of this study. The mathematical representation of the simplest aviation systems and their disasters is shown in elementary examples. It does not use a deep mathematical apparatus as well as special studies of aviation systems. The aim of the work is to direct the aviation specialist's eye to the mathematical theory of catastrophes, and to direct the mathematician's attention to the problems of aviation safety.
In Business It's Always Been About the Social Capital
Authors: Mackey Geoff W.
Published: February 2019

The author works within a corporate organization and critically evaluates the development of effective and valuable business relevant personal relationships and networks. Although this may not appear on balance sheets, they can have a significant impact on the bottom line – such relationships may even be an organization's unique selling point (USP) in its environment. Real work experiences have been and are reflected upon in relation to theoretical conceptualizations of social capital and social modes of knowledge production. Working managers need to develop from normal work situations and consider their added value. This chapter considers the development of social capital and its strategic nature in business along with action research and reflection as experiential management learning. It is lastly of note that although the implications of social capital is reflected upon and discussed, no definitive value or measurement for such relationships or management learning is proposed.
Human Capital Development
Authors: Lewis Anthony
Published: February 2019

This chapter is in the area of human capital development in United Kingdom (UK) enterprises and investigates innovative methods involving an evolutionary approach. The objective is to investigate the importance of human capital development in terms of employee recruitment and selection, engagement, and the management of human capital. The research question asks, How important are these themes to human capital development? The chapter presents a collection of 12 research studies in three themes of human capital development. These are Theme 1: new forms of recruitment and selection; Theme 2: employee engagement; and Theme 3: leadership and stress management. Several methodologies have been used in the studies reported and these include case study research, mixed methods, primary and secondary data, qualitative research, questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, statistical evaluations, and survey research. Findings presented in the 12 studies provide evidence of the importance of human capital development in terms of employee recruitment and selection, and engagement.
Measuring Social Capital
Authors: Murphy Lyndon John , Higgins David
Published: February 2019

This chapter will offer a unique insight to the existence of different forms of social capital at the Technium network. The exploration of the wider Technium network outcomes such as social capital is likely to be of benefit to private sector firms, innovation policymakers, and innovation program managers. As a result, this offers a distinctive insight to the desirable intangible facets of innovation policy. Arguably, activity at Technium centers contributes to less tangible objectives of creating virtuous circles of social capital. In particular, evidence of bridging social capital is exposed. The work helps to develop conceptual and theoretical foundations for identifying different forms of social capital. The chapter will offer a unique analysis of the Technium network. The analysis of technology policy via a measurement of resultant social capital has not been previously undertaken. As a result, this chapter offers a distinctive insight to some of the desirable intangible facets of technology policy.