bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitive and Selective Detection of Oxo-Form Organophosphorus Pesticides Based on CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Wei Jinchao , Cao Jiliang , Hu Hao , Yang Qing , Yang Fengqing , Wan Jianbo , Su Huanxing , He Chengwei , Li Peng , Wang Yitao
Published: August 2017

A rapid, sensitive and enzyme-based optical biosensor was applied for the determination of seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), including the oxo forms (malaoxon, paraoxon, dibrom, and dichlorvos), the thio forms (malathion and parathion) and the mixed form (demeton) in Panax ginseng. The principal of the proposed method is that the fluorescence quenching effect of quantum dots (QDs) can be observed by enzyme-generated H2O2. The active centers of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) could be inhibited in the presence of pesticides, which caused decrease of the generated H2O2. Then, the inhibition efficiency of pesticide to AChE activity could be evaluated by measuring the fluorescence changes. Different from biosensors based on immobilized enzyme or self-assembling technique, the proposed biosensor demonstrated a good selectivity for the detection of oxo forms of OPPs. In the present study, the important experimental conditions of the proposed biosensor were investigated. Under the optimized conditions (incubation temperature, 35 °C; incubation time, 20 min; pH value, 8.0; detection time, 30 min; AChE concentration, 40.9 U/L; and choline oxidase (ChOx) concentration, 637.5 U/L), the limit of detection for the investigated oxo-form OPPs was no more than 0.05 μM, which suggested that the proposed method could be used for sensitive and selective determination of trace amounts of OPPs residues in real samples with complex matrices.
Multienzyme Biosynthesis of Dihydroartemisinic Acid
Authors: Chen Xixian , Zhang Congqiang , Too Heng-Phon
Published: August 2017

One-pot multienzyme biosynthesis is an attractive method for producing complex, chiral bioactive compounds. It is advantageous over step-by-step synthesis, as it simplifies the process, reduces costs and often leads to higher yield due to the synergistic effects of enzymatic reactions. In this study, dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) pathway enzymes were overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and whole-cell biotransformation of amorpha-4,11-diene (AD) to DHAA was demonstrated. The first oxidation step by cytochrome P450 (CYP71AV1) is the main rate-limiting step, and a series of N-terminal truncation and transcriptional tuning improved the enzymatic activity. With the co-expression of artemisinic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1), which recycles NADPH, a significant 8-fold enhancement of DHAA production was observed. Subsequently, abiotic conditions were optimized to further enhance the productivity of the whole-cell biocatalysts. Collectively, approximately 230 mg/L DHAA was produced by the multi-step whole-cell reaction, a ~50% conversion from AD. This study illustrates the feasibility of producing bioactive compounds by in vitro one-pot multienzyme reactions.
Maternal Prenatal Folic Acid Supplementation Programs Offspring Lipid Metabolism by Aberrant DNA Methylation in Hepatic ATGL and Adipose LPL in Rats
Authors: Yang Xue , Huang Yifan , Sun Changhao , Li Jie
Published: August 2017

The effects of maternal prenatal folic acid supplementation (FAS) on offspring lipid metabolism in adulthood remains unclear, although prenatal FAS is compulsively suggested in many countries. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with control (CON) or FAS diets before and during pregnancy. Male offspring of CON and FAS dams were further divided into two groups at seven weeks for CON and high-fat (HF) diet interventions for eight weeks in adulthood (n = 10). The interactive effects of maternal prenatal FAS and offspring HF in adulthood on lipid metabolism and DNA methylation of genes involved in lipids metabolism were assessed. The male offspring of FAS dams had elevated serum and liver triglyceride level when fed with HF compared to the male offspring of CON dams. The mRNA and protein expression levels of hepatic ATGL and adipose LPL were significantly decreased in offspring of FAS dams than in offspring of CON dams. Furthermore, maternal prenatal FAS resulted in elevated DNA methylation levels in the promoter and first exon region of hepatic ATGL and adipose LPL in offspring. Maternal FAS exacerbated the adverse effects of HF on lipid metabolism in offspring through inducing aberrant DNA methylation levels of hepatic ATGL and adipose LPL.
Vitamin D Sufficiency of Canadian Children Did Not Improve Following the 2010 Revision of the Dietary Guidelines That Recommend Higher Intake of Vitamin D: An Analysis of the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Munasinghe Lalani , Willows Noreen , Yuan Yan , Ekwaru John , Veugelers Paul
Published: August 2017

In 2010, the dietary guidelines for vitamin D for Canadians and Americans aged 1–70 years were revised upward. It is unknown whether the vitamin D status of Canadian children improved after 2010. We compared the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency (25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of ≥50 nmol/L), 25(OH)D concentration and the frequency of consuming vitamin D-rich foods among children aged 6–18 years-old using data from the nationally representative 2007/2009 and 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Surveys. Associations of sociodemographic, anthropometric, seasonal, and regional variables with achieving vitamin D sufficiency, 25(OH)D concentration, and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods were assessed using multiple logistic and linear regression models. 79% and 68% of children in 2007/2009 and 2012/2013 respectively, were vitamin D sufficient. The main dietary source of vitamin D was milk. Between 2007/2009 and 2012/2013, the frequency of milk and fish consumption declined, but egg and red meat consumption was unchanged. Age, income, weight status, season and ethnicity were associated with 25(OH)D concentration and vitamin D sufficiency. Vitamin D status declined after the upward revision of dietary guidelines for vitamin D, consequently, dietary intake was inadequate to meet sufficiency. Public health initiatives to promote vitamin D-rich foods and supplementation for Canadian children are needed.
Can Magnesium Enhance Exercise Performance?
Authors: Zhang Yijia , Xun Pengcheng , Wang Ru , Mao Lijuan , He Ka
Published: August 2017

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in the human body. It takes part in the process of energy metabolism and assists the maintenance of normal muscle function. A number of studies evaluated the association between Mg status/supplementation and exercise performance and found that the need for Mg increased as individuals’ physical activity level went up. Animal studies indicated that Mg might improve exercise performance via enhancing glucose availability in the brain, muscle and blood; and reducing/delaying lactate accumulation in the muscle. The majority of human studies focused on physiological effects in blood pressure, heart rate and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), rather than direct functional performances. Some cross-sectional surveys demonstrated a positive association between Mg status and muscle performance, including grip strength, lower-leg power, knee extension torque, ankle extension strength, maximal isometric trunk flexion, rotation, and jumping performance. Additionally, findings from intervention studies showed that Mg supplementation might lead to improvements in functional indices such as quadriceps torque. Moreover, Mg supplementation could improve gait speed and chair stand time in elderly women. This comprehensive review summarized the literature from both animal and human studies and aimed to evaluate scientific evidence on Mg status/supplementation in relation to exercise performance.
Impact of Age and Race on Outcomes of a Program to Prevent Excess Weight Gain and Disordered Eating in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Burke Natasha , Shomaker Lauren , Brady Sheila , Reynolds James , Young Jami , Wilfley Denise , Sbrocco Tracy , Stephens Mark , Olsen Cara , Yanovski Jack , Tanofsky-Kraff Marian
Published: August 2017

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) prevents weight gain and reduces loss-of-control (LOC)-eating in adults. However, IPT was not superior to health-education (HE) for preventing excess weight gain and reducing LOC-eating over 1-year in adolescent girls at risk for excess weight gain and eating disorders. Limited data suggest that older and non-White youth may be especially responsive to IPT. In secondary analyses, we examined if age or race moderated weight and LOC-eating outcomes. The 113 participants (12–17 years; 56.6% White) from the original trial were re-contacted 3 years later for assessment. At baseline and follow-up visits through 3 years, we assessed BMI, adiposity by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and LOC-eating presence. In linear mixed models, baseline age moderated 3-year BMI outcome; older girls in IPT had the lowest 3-year BMI gain compared to younger girls in IPT and all girls in HE, p = 0.04. A similar pattern was observed for adiposity. Race moderated 3-year LOC-eating; non-White girls in IPT were most likely to abstain from LOC-eating at 3 years compared to all other girls, p = 0.04. This hypothesis-generating analysis suggests future studies should determine if IPT is especially efficacious at reducing LOC-eating in older, non-White adolescents.
Chemopreventive Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Luobuma Leaves (Apocynum venetum L.) in Androgen Insensitive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Huang Szu-Ping , Ho Tzu-Ming , Yang Chih-Wen , Chang Ya-Ju , Chen Jie-Fu , Shaw Ning-Sing , Horng Jia-Cherng , Hsu Shih-Lan , Liao Ming-Yuan , Wu Li-Chen , Ho Ja-an
Published: August 2017

Luobuma (Apocynum venetum L. (AVL)) is a popular beverage in Asia and has been reportedly to be associated with the bioactivities such as cardiotonic, diuretic, antioxidative, and antihypertensive. However, its biofunction as chemoprevention activity is seldom addressed. Herein, we aimed to characterize the anti-androgen-insensitive-prostate-cancer (anti-AIPC) bioactive compounds of Luobuma, and to investigate the associated molecular mechanisms. Activity-guided-fractionation (antioxidative activity and cell survivability) of Luobuma ethanolic extracts was performed to isolate and characterize the major bioactive compounds using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Plant sterols (lupeol, stigamasterol and β-sitosterol) and polyphenolics (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin) were identified. Lupeol, a triterpene found in the fraction (F8) eluted by 10% ethyl acetate/90% hexane and accounted for 19.3% (w/w) of F8, inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells. Both lupeol and F8 induced G2/M arrest, inhibition of β-catenin signaling, regulation of apoptotic signal molecules (cytochrome c, Bcl-2, P53, and caspase 3 and 8), and suppression DNA repair enzyme expression (Uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG)). To our knowledge, our study is the first report that lupeol inhibited the expression of UNG to elicit the cytotoxicity against androgen-insensitive-prostate-cancer cells. Collectively, Luobuma, which contains several antitumor bioactive compounds, holds the potential to be a dietary chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer.
Strawberries Improve Pain and Inflammation in Obese Adults with Radiographic Evidence of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Schell Jace , Scofield R. , Barrett James , Kurien Biji , Betts Nancy , Lyons Timothy , Zhao Yan , Basu Arpita
Published: August 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a significant public health burden in U.S. adults. Among its many risk factors, obesity is a key player, causing inflammation, pain, impaired joint function, and reduced quality of life. Dietary polyphenols and other bioactive compounds in berries, curcumin, and tea have shown effects in ameliorating pain and inflammation in OA, but few clinical studies have been reported. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of dietary strawberries on pain, markers of inflammation, and quality of life indicators in obese adults with OA of the knee. In a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial, adults with radiographic evidence of knee OA (n = 17; body mass index (BMI): (mean ± SD) 39.1 ± 1.5; age (years): 57 ± 7) were randomized to a reconstituted freeze-dried strawberry beverage (50 g/day) or control beverage daily, each for 12 weeks, separated by a 2-week washout phase (total duration, 26 weeks). Blood draws and assessments of pain and quality of life indicators were conducted using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS Pain), Measures of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP), and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) questionnaires, which were completed at baseline and at weeks 12, 14, and 26 of the study. Among the serum biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage degradation, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 were significantly decreased after strawberry vs. control treatment (all p < 0.05). Strawberry supplementation also significantly reduced constant, intermittent, and total pain as evaluated by the ICOAP questionnaire as well as the HAQ-DI scores (all p < 0.05). No effects of treatment were noted on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), nitrite, glucose, and lipid profiles. Dietary strawberries may have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in obese adults with established knee OA.
Community Pharmacists’ Involvement in Research in the United Kingdom
Authors: Crilly Philip , Patel Nilesh , Ogunrinde Abisola , Berko Doreen , Kayyali Reem
Published: August 2017

Puropse. To investigate the engagement of community pharmacists (CPs) with pharmacy research and identify barriers preventing them from doing so. In addition, to determine the training and research tools available to support CPs to take part in research. Methods. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to a sample of community pharmacies (n = 323) within five local authorities in England, and to a random sample of community pharmacies (n = 329) within Greater London in two stages. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data using Microsoft Excel. Following questionnaire completion, CPs were invited to take part in face-to-face and telephone interviews to further explore their views on research. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using coding and thematic analysis. Results. A total of 104 questionnaires were completed out of 652 distributed. Over half (56.7%) of respondents considered research to be important to their practice. Approximately 88% of respondents had completed some form of mandatory research in the past two years, while only 29% were involved in non-mandatory research. Over two-thirds (67.9%) wanted to engage with research in the future, with 22.2% of these being most interested in recruiting patients for research. Barriers to research included lack of time (90%) and lack of remuneration (60%). 20 community pharmacists were interviewed. Three themes were identified: 1. Interest in taking part in research; 2. Awareness, support and knowledge; 3. Resources as barriers. Conclusion. CPs recognise the importance of research in their current practice, however, the biggest barrier they face is time. Further training may be useful to ensure CPs are adequately prepared to undertake research activities.
The Racialization of Islam in the United States: Islamophobia, Hate Crimes, and “Flying while Brown”
Authors: Considine Craig
Published: August 2017

This paper explores the intersectionality of race and Islamophobia by using a set of empirical data relating to the experiences of American Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States. Through a multi-tiered methodology, the paper reveals how racialization processes interact with Islamophobic discourses and actions in American society. Specifically, the dataset is anchored in U.S. public perceptions of American Muslims, hate crime incidents against Muslims and non-Muslims, and the institutionalization of Islamophobia. The paper, which shows how race is endemic to Islamophobic incidents, appeals to the general U.S. public, especially community members from religious, political, academic, civil rights, and social justice backgrounds.
The Glorified Body: Corporealities in the Catholic Tradition
Authors: Labrecque Cory
Published: August 2017

The rise of new technologies—robotics, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology among them—gave the American computer scientist Bill Joy certain pause for deep concern; these, he cautioned, carry the very real potential to push humankind toward extinction. In this essay, I explore an often understated reference in conversations on the promises and shortcomings of said technologies: the disposability of the human body. The Catholic tradition, in particular, boasts a rich and extensive collection of teachings on the theology of the body, which addresses, among other things, the significance of the body for human identity, its relationship to the soul, our (restrained) rights and mastery over it, its (proper) uses over the course of life, its relationship with other bodies, the value of its limitations, and its postmortem fate. Here, I engage the Church’s understanding of the centrality of the body alongside currents in transhumanist philosophy which champion technologies that neglect, or intentionally seek to discard, the body in the name of progress.
Buying an Afterlife: Mapping the Social Impact of Religious Beliefs through Consumer Death Goods
Authors: Cann Candi
Published: August 2017

Choosing to have a body embalmed, the choice of interment locations and type, including the selection of a particular casket, are all deeply intertwined with various understandings of the afterlife, and views of the body after death. Consumer choices in these cases are often determined by imagined embodiment, and are determined in part by non-rational consumer choices based on religious upbringing and belief. In turn, diasporic and religious identity can be reinforced and solidified through consumer choices that then fulfill religious imaginations of post-death embodiment. This article traces the relationship of two consumer death goods—embalming and caskets—in the contemporary United States, examining both the implicit and explicit relationships these products have with religious worldviews, mapping the social impact of religious beliefs on consumer death choices.
The 2015 Surge of Hispar Glacier in the Karakoram
Authors: Paul Frank , Strozzi Tazio , Schellenberger Thomas , Kääb Andreas
Published: August 2017

The Karakoram mountain range is well known for its numerous surge-type glaciers of which several have recently surged or are still doing so. Analysis of multi-temporal satellite images and digital elevation models have revealed impressive details about the related changes (e.g., in glacier length, surface elevation and flow velocities) and considerably expanded the database of known surge-type glaciers. One glacier that has so far only been reported as impacted by surging tributaries, rather than surging itself, is the 50 km long main trunk of Hispar Glacier in the Hunza catchment. We here present the evolution of flow velocities and surface features from its 2015/16 surge as revealed from a dense time series of SAR and optical images along with an analysis of historic satellite images. We observed maximum flow velocities of up to 14 m d−1 (5 km a−1) in spring 2015, sudden drops in summer velocities, a second increase in winter 2015/16 and a total advance of the surge front of about 6 km. During a few months the surge front velocity was much higher (about 90 m d−1) than the maximum flow velocity. We assume that one of its northern tributary glaciers, Yutmaru, initiated the surge at the end of summer 2014 and that the variability in flow velocities was driven by changes in the basal hydrologic regime (Alaska-type surge). We further provide evidence that Hispar Glacier has surged before (around 1960) over a distance of about 10 km so that it can also be regarded as a surge-type glacier.
Fusion of SAR, Optical Imagery and Airborne LiDAR for Surface Water Detection
Authors: Irwin Katherine , Beaulne Danielle , Braun Alexander , Fotopoulos Georgia
Published: August 2017

The detection and monitoring of surface water and its extent are critical for understanding floodwater hazards. Flooding and undermining caused by surface water flow can result in damage to critical infrastructure and changes in ecosystems. Along major transportation corridors, such as railways, even small bodies of water can pose significant hazards resulting in eroded or washed out tracks. In this study, heterogeneous data from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite missions, optical satellite-based imagery and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) were fused for surface water detection. Each dataset was independently classified for surface water and then fused classification models of the three datasets were created. A multi-level decision tree was developed to create an optimal water mask by minimizing the differences between models originating from single datasets. Results show a water classification uncertainty of 4–9% using the final fused models compared to 17–23% uncertainty using single polarization SAR. Of note is the use of a high resolution LiDAR digital elevation model (DEM) to remove shadow and layover effects in the SAR observations, which reduces overestimation of surface water with growing vegetation. Overall, the results highlight the advantages of fusing multiple heterogeneous remote sensing techniques to detect surface water in a predominantly natural landscape.
TiO2-Based Nanoheterostructures for Promoting Gas Sensitivity Performance: Designs, Developments, and Prospects
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wu Tao , Zhou Yun , Meng Chuanmin , Zhu Wenjun , Liu Lixin
Published: August 2017

Gas sensors based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) have attracted much public attention during the past decades due to their excellent potential for applications in environmental pollution remediation, transportation industries, personal safety, biology, and medicine. Numerous efforts have therefore been devoted to improving the sensing performance of TiO2. In those effects, the construct of nanoheterostructures is a promising tactic in gas sensing modification, which shows superior sensing performance to that of the single component-based sensors. In this review, we briefly summarize and highlight the development of TiO2-based heterostructure gas sensing materials with diverse models, including semiconductor/semiconductor nanoheterostructures, noble metal/semiconductor nanoheterostructures, carbon-group-materials/semiconductor nano- heterostructures, and organic/inorganic nanoheterostructures, which have been investigated for effective enhancement of gas sensing properties through the increase of sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, decrease of optimal work temperature and response/recovery time, and minimization of detectable levels.
Deteriorated Water Quality of Agricultural Catchments in South China by Net Anthropogenic Phosphorus Inputs
Authors: Meng Cen , Wang Yi , Li Yuyan , Zhou Jiaogen , Li Yong , Wu Jinshui
Published: August 2017

Improper anthropogenic phosphorus (P) management is considered a major cause of water quality deterioration, however the relationship between anthropogenic P input and catchment water quality is rarely quantified in China. The study area encompassed eight small catchments with areas ranging from 58.6 to 13,442.4 ha in the subtropical region of South China. On-site observations of P concentrations, stream fluxes, and social investigation of P input were conducted over a 3-year period. The regional variations of net anthropogenic phosphorus inputs (NAPI) and responses of riverine P export were quantitatively analyzed. Results showed that the total NAPI of catchments varied from 11.04 to 40.52 kg P ha−1 year−1, where cropland systems (NAPIc) were the largest P sources, accounting for 47.7–67.7% in total. Meanwhile, net food and feed P input varied from 3.87 to 30.73 kg P ha−1 year−1, accounting for 35.0–75.8% in total, followed by fertilizer and non-food P input with 4.65–10.48 and 0.63–2.89 kg P ha−1 year−1, respectively. Riverine P export and the soil total P and Olsen–P contents in croplands were all positively related to NAPI (p < 0.05). A simple empirical model was simulated to predict the annual riverine total P fluxes using NAPIc with greater accuracy than with using NAPI or NAPI for residential land (NAPIr). Gray relational analysis suggested that livestock density was the most important influencing factor for NAPI. It is concluded from these results that, although the livestock accounted for the largest part of the NAPI, the cropland contributed the greatest to catchment riverine P export. This probably due to recycling of animal manure for plant cropping systems. Therefore, maintaining a reasonable scale of livestock production, and reducing the internal cycle of manure or replacing part of the chemical fertilizer should be a major approach in reducing NAPI and corresponding riverine P export in the study area.
What Is Behind Land Claims? Downsizing of a Conservation Area in Southeastern Ecuador
Authors: López Sandoval María , Gerique Andrés , Pohle Perdita
Published: August 2017

While an increase in the size and number of conservation areas is expected as part of global environmental commitments, at the same time, Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing, and Degazettement, or PADDD, is becoming more frequent worldwide. This paper analyzes the causal relationships between land claims and human settlements on the one hand and the downsizing process of a protective forest in southeastern Ecuador on the other. Industrial-scale commodity production, extraction, infrastructure development, and local land claims or existence of human settlements constitute the main drivers, but a deeper understanding of PADDD causality requires detailed documentation of the history of PA growth and loss. We analyzed official documents, conducted qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, and carried out a thematic analysis. We found that institutional and legal changes at the national level drive downsizing, and that local demands to land titles are a proximate cause. Our analysis demonstrates how driver and cause operate in an intertwined, multi-scalar relationship, and concludes that there is a need for more detailed understanding of PADDD causality, either to prevent such events or to define alternative tools, which can replace the idea of having areas with fixed borders to promote conservation, especially in inhabited zones.
Some Results on the Vulnerability Assessment of HAWTs Subjected to Wind and Seismic Actions
Authors: Avossa Alberto , Demartino Cristoforo , Contestabile Pasquale , Ricciardelli Francesco , Vicinanza Diego
Published: August 2017

The spread of the wind energy industry has caused the construction of wind farms in areas prone to high seismic activity. Accordingly, the analysis of wind turbine loading associated with earthquakes is of crucial importance for an accurate assessment of their structural safety. Within this topic, this paper presents some preliminary results of a probabilistic framework intended to be used for the estimation of the probability of failure of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine-supporting structures when subjected to the wind and seismic actions. In particular, the multi-hazard fragility curves of the wind turbine-supporting structure were calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. A decoupling approach consisting of aerodynamic analysis of the rigid rotor blade model and subsequent linear dynamic Finite Element analyses of the supporting structure, including aerodynamic damping, was used. The failure condition of the tower structure was estimated according to the stress design procedure proposed by EC3 for the buckling limit state assessment. Finally, the vulnerability assessment of HAWTs to wind and seismic actions was evaluated in terms of fragility curves describing the probability of failure of the supporting tower structure as a function of the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) for each parked and operational wind condition. In particular, the results highlight a probability of failure larger than 50% for high levels of seismic action (PGA greater than 0.7 g) combined with the rotor in parked condition (wind speed of 3 m/s) or in operational rated condition (wind speed of 11.4 m/s).
Types, Indications and Impact Evaluation of Sand and Dust Storms Trajectories in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Dousari Ali , Doronzo Domenico , Ahmed Modi
Published: August 2017

Dust is a common weather phenomenon in the Arabian Gulf, which has severely affected economy and health. Sand and dust storms (SDS) trajectories in the Arabian Gulf were temporally and spatially monitored from March 2000 to March 2017. Eight major SDS trajectories were detected from satellite images. The dust storms trajectories were categorized according to shape and size into three main types with 12 subtypes in the region. The annual transported dust amount into the Arabian Gulf was estimated by 89.1 million metric tons, which is about 10,330 metric tons per cubic kilometer of water volume. In comparison to other seas and oceans, the amount of dust deposited into the Arabian Gulf water body volume is the highest. Dust deposited in the coastal regions within the Arabian Gulf are originated from Mesopotamian Flood Plain (MFP), Ahwaz (HZ), Ahwar (HR) and Baluchistan Desert (BSH) and characterized by physical parameters and composition. Such physical characterization of the trajectories of SDS, and of the properties of particles transported in the Arabian Gulf can be helpful to assess and mitigate the environmental impact of future similar events.
The Relationship between Waste Management Expenditure and Waste Reduction Targets on Selected JSE Companies
Authors: Maleka Thabo , Nyirenda Gibson , Fakoya Michael
Published: August 2017

Waste generation and waste management are critical environmental issues faced by countries all over the world. Furthermore, there are greater environmental, economic, and social demands on firms to reduce the environmental impacts due to environmental problems brought about by their operating activities. There is a current debate as to the financial implications of waste management expenditure on waste reduction targets. This study examines the relationship between waste management expenditure on waste reduction targets, and the impact of waste reduction targets on firms’ profitability. This study used the quantitative method that utilizes the multiple regressions method to analyses data from selected South African Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) Socially Responsible Index (SRI) listed manufacturing and mining firms for ten years (2007–2016). The study tests if there is a relationship between waste management expenditure and waste reduction targets, as well as the impact of waste reduction targets on firms’ profitability. Results show that waste reduction targets have a positive, but insignificant, correlation on the profitability of firms, and also indicate that there is a relationship between waste management expenditure and waste reduction targets. The study recommends that firms should focus more on minimizing waste generation to reduce costs.
A Security Generic Service Interface of Internet of Things (IoT) Platforms
Authors: Kim Mi , Lee Nam , Park Jin
Published: August 2017

Internet of Things (IoT) platforms are the key for the development of scalable IoT applications and services that connect real and virtual worlds between objects, systems, and people. However, as the IoT platform market represents a truly new market segment that was almost non-existent a few years ago, the platforms are complex and changing quickly. These IoT platforms perform simple functions such as providing useful information, and others can provide services through collaborations with IoT devices. This situation needs a generic service interface, and results in a range of IoT architectures through not only the configuration setting of IoT devices and resources but also the varied environments of collaboration of each device. Due to these heterogeneities, it is quite challenging to develop applications working with diverse IoT services, and it is even more difficult to maintain such applications. Therefore, this paper presents a security generic service interface with the effective common characteristics of an IoT platform by defining a set of generic interfaces and adopting well-known design patterns. The generic interface solves the heterogeneity-driven problems and makes it possible to effectively adopt a platform-independent Generic Interface that could be operated in diverse IoT platforms.
Endpoint Security in Networks: An OpenMP Approach for Increasing Malware Detection Speed
Authors: Forain Igor , De Oliveira Albuquerque Robson , Sandoval Orozco Ana , García Villalba Luis , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: August 2017

Increasingly sophisticated antivirus (AV) software and the growing amount and complexity of malware demand more processing power from personal computers, specifically from the central processor unit (CPU). This paper conducted performance tests with Clam AntiVirus (ClamAV) and improved its performance through parallel processing on multiple cores using the Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP) library. All the tests used the same dataset constituted of 1.33 GB of data distributed among 2766 files of different sizes. The new parallel version of ClamAV implemented in our work achieved an execution time around 62% lower than the original software version, reaching a speedup of 2.6 times faster. The main contribution of this work is to propose and implement a new version of the ClamAV antivirus using parallel processing with OpenMP, easily portable to a variety of hardware platforms and operating systems.
Sinapic Acid Affects Phenolic and Trichothecene Profiles of F. culmorum and F. graminearum Sensu Stricto
Authors: Kulik Tomasz , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga , Bilska Katarzyna , Buśko Maciej , Ostrowska-Kołodziejczak Anna , Załuski Dariusz , Perkowski Juliusz
Published: August 2017

Plant-derived compounds for reducing the mycotoxin load in food and feed have become a rapidly developing research field of importance for plant breeding efforts and in the search for natural fungicides. In this study, toxigenic strains of Fusarium culmorum and F. graminearum sensu stricto were exposed to sinapic acid on solid YES media at levels close to those reported in wheat bran. Fusaria produced phenolic acids, whose accumulation was decreased by exogenous sinapic acid. Strains exposed to the lowest doses of sinapic acid showed more efficient reduction of phenolic acid production than fungi kept at higher concentrations of this compound. Fungi reduced exogenous sinapic acid, leading to the formation of syringic aldehyde. Treatment with sinapic acid led to a dramatic accumulation of its parent compound ferulic acid, presumably due to inhibition of the further conversion of this phenolic compound. Exogenous sinapic acid decreased the production of trichothecenes by fungi. Higher doses of sinapic acid resulted in more efficient reduction of mycotoxin accumulation in the media. Gene expression studies of Tri genes responsible for trichothecene biosynthesis (Tri4, Tri5 and Tri10) proved that the inhibition of mycotoxin production by sinapic acid occurred at the transcriptional level. Fusaria respond to sinapic acid by stimulation of ergosterol biosynthesis.
Modeling Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Habitat Connectivity to Identify Potential Corridors for Rabies Spread
Authors: Algeo Timothy , Slate Dennis , Caron Rosemary , Atwood Todd , Recuenco Sergio , Ducey Mark , Chipman Richard , Palace Michael
Published: August 2017

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program has conducted cooperative oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programs since 1997. Understanding the eco-epidemiology of raccoon (Procyon lotor) variant rabies (raccoon rabies) is critical to successful management. Pine (Pinus spp.)-dominated landscapes generally support low relative raccoon densities that may inhibit rabies spread. However, confounding landscape features, such as wetlands and human development, represent potentially elevated risk corridors for rabies spread, possibly imperiling enhanced rabies surveillance and ORV planning. Raccoon habitat suitability in pine-dominated landscapes in Massachusetts, Florida, and Alabama was modeled by the maximum entropy (Maxent) procedure using raccoon presence, and landscape and environmental data. Replicated (n = 100/state) bootstrapped Maxent models based on raccoon sampling locations from 2012–2014 indicated that soil type was the most influential variable in Alabama (permutation importance PI = 38.3), which, based on its relation to landcover type and resource distribution and abundance, was unsurprising. Precipitation (PI = 46.9) and temperature (PI = 52.1) were the most important variables in Massachusetts and Florida, but these possibly spurious results require further investigation. The Alabama Maxent probability surface map was ingested into Circuitscape for conductance visualizations of potential areas of habitat connectivity. Incorporating these and future results into raccoon rabies containment and elimination strategies could result in significant cost-savings for rabies management here and elsewhere.
Regulation of Apoptosis during Flavivirus Infection
Authors: Okamoto Toru , Suzuki Tatsuya , Kusakabe Shinji , Tokunaga Makoto , Hirano Junki , Miyata Yuka , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: August 2017

Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death that regulates cellular homeostasis by removing damaged or unnecessary cells. Its importance in host defenses is highlighted by the observation that many viruses evade, obstruct, or subvert apoptosis, thereby blunting the host immune response. Infection with Flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV) has been shown to activate several signaling pathways such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress and AKT/PI3K pathway, resulting in activation or suppression of apoptosis in virus-infected cells. On the other hands, expression of some viral proteins induces or protects apoptosis. There is a discrepancy between induction and suppression of apoptosis during flavivirus infection because the experimental situation may be different, and strong links between apoptosis and other types of cell death such as necrosis may make it more difficult. In this paper, we review the effects of apoptosis on viral propagation and pathogenesis during infection with flaviviruses.
Geometry Defeaturing Effects in CFD Model-Based Assessment of an Open-Channel-Type UV Wastewater Disinfection System
Authors: Bak Jeong-Gyu , Hwang Woochul , Cho Jinsoo
Published: August 2017

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a popular tool in the water industry for assessing ultraviolet (UV) reactor performance. However, due to the size of open-channel-type UV reactor systems, the CFD model requires significant computational time. Thus, most evaluations have been conducted using very simplified models. In order to ensure the reliability of this simplified CFD model, precise numerical modeling and validation by measurements are necessary considering the geometry defeaturing level. Therefore, simplified geometries in four defeatured levels were prepared for the CFD model, and simulations were performed to determine the level of geometric simplicity required to derive reliable results. A bioassay test was also conducted for a pilot-scale open-channel-type UV reactor that has the same geometrical configuration as the CFD model. Good agreement was observed between the bioassay test and CFD model results. It was found that the reduction equivalent dose (RED) is not significantly affected by geometry defeaturing under the assumption that the inlet flow conditions are relatively uniform. In multiple bank operation, the addition of banks yields a linear increment of the RED in the CFD model, however, a lower RED than the measured value was presented, especially for serial bank addition. The related aspects of the detailed flow physics and disinfection characteristics were also presented. These results are expected to provide useful information for CFD modeling, reactor design, and the assessment of the open-channel-type UV reactors.
Ni nanoparticles on RGO as reusable heterogeneous catalyst: effect of Ni particle size and intermediate composite structures in C–S cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Sengupta Debasish , Bhowmik Koushik , De Goutam , Basu Basudeb
Published: August 2017

The present work demonstrates the C–S cross-coupling reaction between aryl halides and thiols using nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) supported on reduced graphene oxide (Ni/RGO) as a heterogeneous catalyst. It is observed that the uniformly dispersed Ni NPs supported on RGO could exhibit excellent catalytic activity in C–S cross-coupling reactions and the catalytic application is generalized with diverse coupling partners. Although the electron-rich planar RGO surface helps in stabilizing the agglomeration-free Ni NPs, the catalytic process is found to occur involving Ni(II) species and the recovered catalyst containing both Ni(0)/Ni(II) species is equally efficient in recycle runs. A correlation of loading of Ni species, size of NPs and the intermediate Ni-related heterostructures formed during the catalytic process has been established for the first time, and found to be best in the C–S cross-coupling reaction for Ni(0) and Ni(II) NPs of the average sizes 11–12 nm and 4 nm, respectively.
COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SME LOANS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE VISEGRAD COUNTRIES
Authors: RAHMAN Ashiqur , BELAS Jaroslav , KLIESTIK Tomas , TYLL Ladislav
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of collateral for small and medium enterprises (smes) in the context of Visegrad countries: Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary and Poland. The data set for this paper was obtained from the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS), which was conducted by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) from 2012–2014. A binary logistic regression model with different specifications was employed to examine the effect of independent variables on the incidence of collateral. The results show that risky borrowers need to pledge collateral and the reduction of asymmetric information can lower the incidence of collateral for smes. Moreover, we find that female borrowers are more likely to pledge collateral than male borrowers are. The results also suggest that loans with a longer maturity are more likely to be collateralized than short-term loans. We find evidence that bank-borrower proximity can alleviate the incidence of collateral whereas bank concentration may increase collateral requirements. Policy makers may consider these results to implement policies that can promote bank competition and can lower collateral requirements for female borrowers. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the determinants of collateral.
Mystery mushroom malingerers: Megaselia marquezi Hartop et al. 2015 (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: Brown Brian , Hartop Emily
Published: August 2017

A mysterious female phorid fly, known for many years to be associated with fungal sporophores ("mushrooms") is identified as Megaselia marquezi Hartop et al. 2015. Male and female flies were collected emerging from the fungus Psathyrella candolleana (Fr.) Maire, and females were observed swarming over the sporophores.
A new species of the subgenus Scymnus from Pakistan (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)
Authors: Rashid Azad , Chen Xiaosheng , Qiu Baoli , Wang Xingmin
Published: August 2017

A new species, Scymnus (Scymnus) contortubus Rashid, Chen & Wang, sp. n., is described and illustrated from Pakistan. A diagnosis, remarks, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided of the new species and its most similar congener, S. (S..) nubilus Mulsant.
Evidence for two types of nrDNA existing in Chinese medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Authors: Chen Chih-Sheng , Huang Ching-Tsan , Hseu Ruey-Shyang
Published: August 2017

Nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequences are widely used in the molecular classification of fungi. Previous phylogenetic studies of highly-valued traditional Chinese medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis were mostly based on 18S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2) of nrDNA. However, the disparity manifest in the low sequences identities between different O. sinensis isolates has led to argumentative hypotheses for this phenomenon, such as the “species complex” or “cryptic species” hypotheses. In the present study, four types of nrDNA (GC, AT-1, AT-2, and T) were identified using four primer pairs to amplify the nrDNA of six O. sinensis isolates. We demonstrate that each O. sinensis isolate contained two types of nrDNA, the omnipresent GC-type and a coexistent type alternating between the remaining three. This crucial discovery challenges the established notion of one type of nrDNA per species. We therefore propose that the composition of nrDNA types should be taken into consideration in studies of fungal genetics and classification.
Developing a Project-Based CALL Environment with Technical Communication in an Exploratory 3D Printing Context
Authors: Roy Debopriyo
Published: August 2017

Involving EFL students in 3D printing in a language classroom introduces the idea of project-based CALL, where different technology interfaces engage students in complex technical writing activities and social interactions in a fluid language-learning environment. This paper took an instructional approach to explaining how project-based CALL environment could be created with 3D printing based practices, combining technical communication with systems thinking, online research, 3D scanning, computer-aided design, sketch boarding and concept mapping, prototyping, and digital content management. Class performance in this collaborative, autonomous and social language-learning environment suggested that students were able to produce technical writing, prepare documentation, demonstrated critical thinking and brainstorming, and develop design and implementation strategies while handling 3D printing-enabled processes. Results and patterns of student engagement with technology indicated that project-based learning (PBL) approach in TC classroom is engaging, unique, realistic and feasible.
A Growing Neural Gas Approach to Classify Vehicles in Traffic Environments
Authors: Molina-Cabello Miguel A. , Luque-Baena Rafael Marcos , López-Rubio Ezequiel , Ortiz-de-Lazcano-Lobato Juan Miguel , Domínguez Enrique
Published: August 2017

Automated video surveillance presents a great amount of applications and one of them is traffic monitoring. Vehicle type detection can provide information about the characteristics of the traffic flow to human traffic controllers in order to facilitate their decision-making process. A video surveillance system is proposed in this work to execute such classification. First of all, a foreground detection and tracking object process has been carried out. Once the vehicles are detected, a feature extraction method obtains the most significant features of this detected vehicles. When the extraction process is done, the vehicle types are determined by employing a set of Growing Neural Gas neural networks. The performance of the proposal has been analyzed from a qualitative and quantitative point of view by using a set of benchmark traffic video sequences, with acceptable results.