bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daytime/Nighttime Event-Based PI Control for the pH of a Microalgae Raceway Reactor
Authors: Rodríguez-Miranda Enrique , Beschi Manuel , Guzmán José Luis , Berenguel Manuel , Visioli Antonio
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a new solution to improve the traditional control operation of raceway microalgae reactors is presented. The control strategy is based on an event-based method that can be easily coupled to a classical time-driven proportional-integral controller, simplifying the design process approach. The results of a standard Proportional-Integral (PI) controller, as well as of two event-based architectures, are presented in simulation and compared with each other and with traditional On/Off control. It is demonstrated that the event-based PI controller—operating during the whole day instead of only during daytime—achieves a better performance by reducing the actuator effort and saving costs related to gas consumption.
Public-Private Sector Involvement in Providing Efficient Solid Waste Management Services in Nigeria
Authors: Olukanni David O. , Nwafor Christiana O.
Published: April 2019

This paper reviews the partnership between the public and the private sectors in providing efficient solid waste management (SWM) services. While the responsibility of providing SWM services lies with the public sector, the sector has not been able to meet the demand for efficient service delivery, especially in developing countries. In a bid to increase efficiency and lower costs incurred in rendering these services, the involvement of the private sector has been sought. With a focus on major Nigerian cities, partnerships between the local government and private operators in SWM have been analysed based on the level to which the partnership has improved the SWM services. This paper provides an understanding that the success of any public-private partnership relies on the extent to which all stakeholders perform their duties. If the public sector is slack in monitoring and supervising the activities of the private operators, the latter may focus on profit generation while neglecting efficient service delivery. Also, legislation is an important part of SWM. Without the right legislation and enforcement, waste generators will not be mandated to dispose their waste properly. The public sector as a facilitator is responsible for creating an environment for private operators to function, particularly through legislation, enforcement and public sensitization.
Contemporary Religious Changes in the U.S.: Responses to the Fracturing of Religious Life
Authors: Ehret Verna Marina
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this essay is to explore the changing religious landscape of the United States in relation to social and political changes and how scholars of religion ought to respond to those changes. These changes are being evaluated through recent developments in theological narratives of the last 15 years in light of the data provided by the Pew Forum’s Religious Landscape Survey from 2007 and 2014. Special attention is paid to the impact of the 2016 election on social and political narratives and their impact on religious life and religious narratives. The essay argues that scholars of religion have an important voice in this changing landscape to provide tools for building community in diversity and challenging narratives of exclusion that seek to dominate the religious landscape of the United States.
How Avoiding the Religion–Politics Divide Plays out in Sikh Politics
Authors: Singh Pashaura
Published: April 2019

This article looks at the intersection of religion and politics in the evolution of the Sikh tradition in the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods in the Indian subcontinent. The Sikh notion of sovereignty is at the heart of the intersection of religious and secular domains, and this relationship is examined empirically and theoretically. In particular, the conception of mīrī-pīrī is presented as a possible explanation for understanding the ‘new developments’ in contemporary Sikh politics in India.
Strangers in the Sacred Grove: The Changing Meanings of Okinawan Utaki
Authors: Rots Aike P.
Published: April 2019

This article discusses the changing significance of sacred groves (utaki) in contemporary Okinawa. Until recently, utaki were the domain of female ritual practitioners (kaminchu or noro), and men were not allowed to set foot in them. In many places, such taboos have faded away, if not disappeared altogether, and utaki have acquired new meanings in the context of mass tourism, heritage conservation, and environmental degradation. Although there are several studies of the ritual system of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879), little research has been conducted on the postwar and contemporary significance of utaki. This article begins by describing the current situation, using examples from the southeastern part of the island. It then identifies three main issues for the study of sacred groves in Okinawa today: the claim, made by leading Japanese scholars, that these are sites of primordial “nature worship”, supposedly similar to ancient Shinto; the recent popularization of utaki as sites of spiritual power, so-called “powerspots”, among tourists; and, finally, the emerging realization of their potential significance for biodiversity conservation.
Integrating Multitemporal Sentinel-1/2 Data for Coastal Land Cover Classification Using a Multibranch Convolutional Neural Network: A Case of the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Feng Quanlong , Yang Jianyu , Zhu Dehai , Liu Jiantao , Guo Hao , Bayartungalag Batsaikhan , Li Baoguo
Published: April 2019

Coastal land cover classification is a significant yet challenging task in remote sensing because of the complex and fragmented nature of coastal landscapes. However, availability of multitemporal and multisensor remote sensing data provides opportunities to improve classification accuracy. Meanwhile, rapid development of deep learning has achieved astonishing results in computer vision tasks and has also been a popular topic in the field of remote sensing. Nevertheless, designing an effective and concise deep learning model for coastal land cover classification remains problematic. To tackle this issue, we propose a multibranch convolutional neural network (MBCNN) for the fusion of multitemporal and multisensor Sentinel data to improve coastal land cover classification accuracy. The proposed model leverages a series of deformable convolutional neural networks to extract representative features from a single-source dataset. Extracted features are aggregated through an adaptive feature fusion module to predict final land cover categories. Experimental results indicate that the proposed MBCNN shows good performance, with an overall accuracy of 93.78% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.9297. Inclusion of multitemporal data improves accuracy by an average of 6.85%, while multisensor data contributes to 3.24% of accuracy increase. Additionally, the featured fusion module in this study also increases accuracy by about 2% when compared with the feature-stacking method. Results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively mine and fuse multitemporal and multisource Sentinel data, which improves coastal land cover classification accuracy.
Application of a Small Baseline Subset Time Series Method with Atmospheric Correction in Monitoring Results of Mining Activity on Ground Surface and in Detecting Induced Seismic Events
Authors: Milczarek Wojciech
Published: April 2019

The article presents the results of applying a Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) method to the monitoring of the influence of underground mining exploitation on terrain surface. Calculations were performed on the basis of two large SAR data sets. Calculations of time series additionally employed the Tymofyeyeva and Fialko empirical method for estimating atmospheric delay. A series of test calculations allowed verifying the potential of the method. The SBAS calculations were based on theoretical data prepared with the use of the Mogi model. This approach allowed simulating both underground mining exploitation and induced tremors. The results indicate that the model is useful in detecting sudden ground surface deformations. In such a situation, the image of a tremor can be observed in the atmospheric component. The actual data used in the analysis covered a region of underground copper ore extraction in southwest Poland. The calculations were based on SAR data obtained from the Sentinel 1A/B satellites, for the period between the end of 2014 and May 2018, from paths 22 and 73. In both cases, the total number of images exceeded 120. They served to calculate over 420 interferograms for each set. The results of ground surface displacements allowed precise identification of areas affected by underground mining activity. Over the acquisition period of six days, sufficient amount of SAR data was obtained to precisely monitor surface changes in the analyzed area. The employed empirical atmospheric delay reduction method was demonstrated to enable the detection of sudden ground surface changes due to mining tremors. This feature makes the method useful in detecting induced seismic events in areas characterized by intensive mining activity. It allows determining tremor locations in cases when acquisition dates are greater than the optimal value of 6–12 days (in the case of Sentinel 1A/B).
Miniaturized Multi-Port Microstrip Patch Antenna Using Metamaterial for Passive UHF RFID-Tag Sensor Applications
Authors: Zaid Jamal , E. Abdulhadi Abdulhadi , A. Denidni Tayeb
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a miniaturized Ultra High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification (UHF-RFID) tag-based sensor antenna using a magneto- dielectric substrate (MDS) for wireless identification and sensor applications is presented. Two models of RFID tag-based sensors are designed, fabricated and measured. The first model uses two RFID tags; both of the tags are incorporated with two RFID chips. A passive sensor is also integrated in one of the proposed tags to serve as a sensor node, while the other tag is used as a reference node. Based on the difference in the minimum power required to activate the reference and sensor nodes, the sensed data (temperature or humidity) can be determined. The magneto-dielectric substrate layer is placed underneath the patch antenna to reduce the size of the proposed sensor by about 75% compared to a conventional RFID tag-based sensor. The magneto-dielectric layer is thin enough to embed in the planer circuit. To reduce the size of the proposed sensor, a multi-port tag for including the reference and sensor node in one antenna is also presented. The proposed RFID tag-based sensors have several features such as small size, they are completely capable for two objectives at the same time and easy to integrate with a planer circuit.
Applications of Gas Chromatography for the Analysis of Tricyclic Antidepressants in Biological Matrices
Authors: Manousi Natalia , Samanidou Victoria F.
Published: April 2019

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs) are a main category of antidepressants, which are until today widely used for the treatment of psychological disorders due to their low cost and their high efficiency. Therefore, there is a great demand for method development for the determination of TCAs in biofluids, especially for therapeutic drug monitoring. Gas chromatography (GC) was the first chromatographic technique implemented for this purpose. With the recent development in the field of sample preparation, many novel GC applications have been developed. Herein, we aim to report the recent application of GC for the determination of tricyclic antidepressants in biofluids. Emphasis is given to novel extraction techniques and novel materials used for sample preparation.
Moving People in a Changing Climate: Lessons from Two Case Studies in Fiji
Authors: Piggott-McKellar Annah , McNamara Karen , Nunn Patrick , Sekinini Seci
Published: April 2019

High levels of vulnerability to climate change impacts are rendering some places uninhabitable. In Fiji, four communities have already initiated or completed the task of moving their homes and livelihoods to less exposed locations, with numerous more communities earmarked for future relocation. This paper documents people’s lived experiences in two relocated communities in Fiji—Denimanu and Vunidogoloa villages—and assesses the outcomes of the relocations on those directly affected. This study in particular seeks to identify to what extent livelihoods have been either positively or negatively affected by relocation, and whether these relocations have successfully reduced exposure to climate-related hazards. This study shows that planned climate-induced relocations have the potential to improve the livelihoods of affected communities, yet if these relocations are not managed and undertaken carefully, they can lead to unintended negative impacts, including exposure to other hazards. We find that inclusive community involvement in the planning process, regular and intentional monitoring and evaluation, and improving livelihoods through targeted livelihood planning should be accounted for in future relocations to ensure outcomes are beneficial and sustainable.
Daily Heart Rate Variability before and after Concussion in an American College Football Player
Authors: Flatt Andrew A. , Wilkerson Gary B. , Allen Jeff R. , Keith Clay M. , Esco Michael R.
Published: April 2019

This case report demonstrates the effects of sport-related concussion (SRC) on heart rate variability (HRV) in an American college football player. Daily measures of resting, ultra-short natural logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD), subjective wellbeing, and Player Load were obtained each training day throughout a 4-week spring camp and 4 weeks of preseason training. SRC occurred within the first 2 weeks of the preseason. During spring camp and preseason pre-SRC, the athlete demonstrated minimal day-to-day fluctuations in LnRMSSD, which increased post-SRC (LnRMSSD coefficient of variation pre-SRC ≤ 3.1%, post-SRC = 5.8%). Moderate decrements in daily-averaged LnRMSSD were observed post-SRC relative to pre-SRC (Effect Size ± 90% Confidence Interval = −1.12 ± 0.80), and the 7-day rolling average fell below the smallest worthwhile change for the remainder of the preseason. LnRMSSD responses to SRC appeared similar to trends associated with stress and training fatigue. Therefore, performance and sports medicine staff should maintain regular communication regarding player injury and fatigue status so that HRV can be interpreted in the appropriate context. Detection and monitoring of autonomic dysregulation post-SRC may require near-daily assessment, as LnRMSSD showed greater daily fluctuations rather than chronic suppression following the head injury.
The Rise of Elite Short-Course Triathlon Re-Emphasises the Necessity to Transition Efficiently from Cycling to Running
Authors: Walsh Joel A.
Published: April 2019

Transitioning efficiently between cycling and running is considered an indication of overall performance, and as a result the cycle–run (C–R) transition is one of the most researched areas of triathlon. Previous studies have thoroughly investigated the impact of prior cycling on running performance. However, with the increasing number of short-course events and the inclusion of the mixed relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, efficiently transitioning from cycle–run has been re-emphasised and with it, any potential limitations to running performance among elite triathletes. This short communication provides coaches and sports scientists a review of the literature detailing the negative effects of prior variable-cycling on running performance experienced among elite, short-course and Olympic distance triathletes; as well as discussing practical methods to minimise any negative impact of cycling on running performance. The current literature suggests that variable-cycling negatively effects running ability in at least some elite triathletes and that improving swimming performance, drafting during cycling and C–R training at race intensity could improve an athlete’s triathlon running performance. It is recommended that future research clearly define the performance level, competitive format of the experimental population and use protocols that are specific to the experimental population in order to improve the training and practical application of the research findings.
Exploring the Trend of New Zealand Housing Prices to Support Sustainable Development
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Mbachu Jasper , Liu Zhansheng
Published: April 2019

The New Zealand housing sector is experiencing rapid growth that has a significant impact on society, the economy, and the environment. In line with the growth, the housing market for both residential and business purposes has been booming, as have house prices. To sustain the housing development, it is critical to accurately monitor and predict housing prices so as to support the decision-making process in the housing sector. This study is devoted to applying a mathematical method to predict housing prices. The forecasting performance of two types of models: autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis are compared. The ARIMA and regression models are developed based on a training-validation sample method. The results show that the ARIMA model generally performs better than the regression model. However, the regression model explores, to some extent, the significant correlations between house prices in New Zealand and the macro-economic conditions.
Changes in Temperature and Moisture Content of an Extensive-Type Green Roof
Authors: Baryła Anna , Gnatowski Tomasz , Karczmarczyk Agnieszka , Szatyłowicz Jan
Published: April 2019

Green roofs ought to be perceived as ensuring a wide-ranging contribution to the sustainable urban environment. The aim of the study was; (1) to investigate and analyse the differences in the surface temperature between four models of green roofs of the extensive type and a conventional roof (covered with bitumen) under the conditions of a continental climate; (2) to assess the influence of environmental parameters (climatic water balance, air temperature, relative humidity, moisture content in the profile) on changes in the temperature of the extensive type green roof profile (substrate and vegetation mat). The study (1) was carried out during the period of June–December 2016 using a thermal imaging camera. As a result, the greatest differences in temperature were noted in June and July, with a maximum difference between the temporary surface temperature of a green roof and a conventional roof of up to 24 °C. The (2) study was conducted on a green roof profile with sedum plant vegetation. The measured parameters were: the temperature of the surface, the temperature and humidity at depths of 3 cm and 15 cm, and active radiation in the photosynthesis process (PAR). As the result, the range of daily changes in the surface temperatures and the vegetation mat were higher than the range of changes in the air temperature. Atmospheric precipitation decreased the thermal gradient in the soil, as well as the temperature fluctuations in the course of a day as a result of the increase in humidity following a rainfall. During the summer period, over the course of a day, the surface temperature was 5 °C higher than the air temperature. The largest correlation was obtained between the air temperature and the temperature of the surface as well as the temperature of the structural layers.
Community-Based Tourism in Developing Countries: A Framework for Policy Evaluation
Authors: Yanes Andrea , Zielinski Seweryn , Diaz Cano Marlenny , Kim Seong-il
Published: April 2019

Many developing countries have recognized the potential of their natural resources for the development of tourism. However, the policies designed to provide a framework for socially inclusive and ecologically sound tourism turn out to be weak in fostering community-based tourism (CBT). There is a spectrum of conditions that lead to success or failure of CBT initiatives that should be accounted for by national policies to ensure meaningful community engagement. This paper proposes a framework for the evaluation of tourism policy documents based on factors that facilitate and constrain CBT in developing countries. The framework was applied to seven tourism policy documents in Colombia using a content analysis approach. The results showed that the policies are weak in providing a base for community engagement in CBT. International experiences indicate that the barriers to CBT are similar throughout the world; thus, the framework is useful in the evaluation of policy documents in other developing countries.
Optimizing the Kaplan–Yorke Dimension of Chaotic Oscillators Applying DE and PSO
Authors: Silva-Juarez Alejandro , Rodriguez-Gomez Gustavo , de la Fraga Luis Gerardo , Guillen-Fernandez Omar , Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban
Published: April 2019

When a new chaotic oscillator is introduced, it must accomplish characteristics like guaranteeing the existence of a positive Lyapunov exponent and a high Kaplan–Yorke dimension. In some cases, the coefficients of a mathematical model can be varied to increase the values of those characteristics but it is not a trivial task because a very huge number of combinations arise and the required computing time can be unreachable. In this manner, we introduced the optimization of the Kaplan–Yorke dimension of chaotic oscillators by applying metaheuristics, e.g., differential evolution (DE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. We showed the equilibrium points and eigenvalues of three chaotic oscillators that are simulated applying ODE45, and the Kaplan–Yorke dimension was evaluated by Wolf’s method. The chaotic time series of the state variables associated to the highest Kaplan–Yorke dimension provided by DE and PSO are used to encrypt a color image to demonstrate that they are useful in implementing a secure chaotic communication system. Finally, the very low correlation between the chaotic channel and the original color image confirmed the usefulness of optimizing Kaplan–Yorke dimension for cryptographic applications.
Monitoring of Fusarium Species and Trichothecene Genotypes Associated with Fusarium Head Blight on Wheat in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Ji Lijing , Li Qiusheng , Wang Yajiao , Burgess Lester W , Sun Mengwei , Cao Keqiang , Kong Lingxiao
Published: April 2019

To clarify the changes in field populations of Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogens over a decade, Fusarium species and trichothecene genotypes associated with FHB on wheat were monitored in Hebei province during the periods 2005–2006 and 2013–2016. Fusarium species determination was carried out by morphological identification, species-specific amplification and partial translation elongation factor (TEF-1α) gene sequencing. Trichothecene genotype prediction was carried out by primers 3CON/3NA/3D15A/3D3 or Tri13F/Tri13R, Tri303F/Tri303R and Tri315F/Tri315R. A total of 778 purified Fusarium isolates were recovered from 42 sampling sites in 17 counties during the period 2005–2006 and 1002 Fusarium isolates were recovered from 122 sampling sites in 65 counties during the period 2013–2016. F. graminearum was the predominant pathogen recovered during the periods 2005–2006 and 2013–2016. However, the pathogen composition differed slightly between the two periods. In 2005–2006, 752 out of 778 (96.7%) of the isolates belonged to F. graminearum. Two were identified as F. culmorum. Five other Fusarium species were also recovered, F. equiseti, F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans and F. chlamydosporum, with lower recoveries of 0.4%, 0.8%, 0.8%, 0.1% and 1.0%, respectively. Trichothecene genotype prediction showed that all the 752 F. graminearum isolates were of the 15-ADON genotype. Five Fusarium species were recovered from samples collected over the period 2013–2016. F. graminearum was again the predominant pathogen with an isolation frequency of 97.6%. F. pseudograminearum, F. asiaticum, F. culmorum and F. negundis were also isolated at a recovery of 1.4%, 0.7%, 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. For the 2013–2016 isolates, 971 of the 978 F. graminearum strains were 15-ADON whereas seven isolates were of the 3-ADON type. All seven F. asiaticum isolates were of the NIV type and fourteen F. pseudograminearum isolates were classified as 3-ADON. F. pseudograminearum was first isolated from FHB in Hebei in 2013. Although the recovery of F. pseudograminearum is still low, it represents a small shift in the pathogen composition and trichothecene genotypes associated with FHB in Hebei province. As Fusarium crown rot of wheat caused by F. pseudograminearum is an increasing problem in Hebei province, it is appropriate to monitor the role of F. pseudograminearum in FHB in the future.
RNAseq Analysis Reveals Virus Diversity within Hawaiian Apiary Insect Communities
Authors: Brettell Laura E. , Schroeder Declan C. , Martin Stephen J.
Published: April 2019

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most abundant viral pathogen of honey bees and has been associated with large-scale colony losses. DWV and other bee-associated RNA viruses are generalists capable of infecting diverse hosts. Here, we used RNAseq analysis to test the hypothesis that due to the frequency of interactions, a range of apiary pest species would become infected with DWV and/or other honey bee-associated viruses. We confirmed that DWV-A was the most prevalent virus in the apiary, with genetically similar sequences circulating in the apiary pests, suggesting frequent inter-species transmission. In addition, different proportions of the three DWV master variants as indicated by BLAST analysis and genome coverage plots revealed interesting DWV-species groupings. We also observed that new genomic recombinants were formed by the DWV master variants, which are likely adapted to replicate in different host species. Species groupings also applied when considering other viruses, many of which were widespread in the apiaries. In social wasps, samples were grouped further by site, which potentially also influenced viral load. Thus, the apiary invertebrate community has the potential to act as reservoirs of honey bee-associated viruses, highlighting the importance of considering the wider community in the apiary when considering honey bee health.
Epidemiological, Molecular, and Clinical Features of Norovirus Infections among Pediatric Patients in Qatar
Authors: Mathew Shilu , Alansari Khalid , K. Smatti Maria , Zaraket Hassan , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: April 2019

Background: Norovirus (NoV) is recognized as the second most important etiological agent leading to acute gastroenteritis globally. In order to determine the burden and characteristics of NoV infections in children in Qatar, profiling of circulating genotypes and their correlation with demographics and clinical manifestations were evaluated. Methods: A total of 177 NoV-positive fecal samples were collected from children suffering from acute gastroenteritis (AGE) during two-year period between June 2016 and June 2018. The age of the subjects ranged between 3 months and 12 years (median of 15 months). Genotyping was performed by amplifying and sequencing parts of viral VP1 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) regions. Phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary relationships were performed using MEGA7.0. Fisher’s exact test was used to run statistical analysis for the clinical and demographical characteristics of circulating strains. Results: Overall, NoV infections were relatively higher in males than females with a ratio of 1.3:1 (p = 0.0073). Most of the NoV infections were reported in children between 1 and 3 years old (49.7%), followed by those <1 and >3 years of age (41.2% and 9.1%, respectively). NoV infections occurred throughout the year, with a noticeable increase in summer (36.6%) and drop in winter (25.4%). Nearly all (98.8%) NoV-infected children were positive for genogroup II (GII) compared to only two samples (1.2%) being positive for genogroup I (GI): GI.3 and GI.4. NoV genotype GII.4 (62.2%), GII.2 (15.8%), and GII.3 (13.5%) were predominant in our study. The detected strains shared >98% sequence homology with emerging recombinant strain of GII.P16-GII.4/RUS/Novosibirsk/2017 (MG892929), GII.P16-GII.4 Sydney/2012 (KY887601), GII.4 Sydney/2012, recombinant GII.P4 New Orleans /2009/GII.4 Sydney 2012 (MG585810.1), and the emerging strain GII.P16-GII.2 CHN/2017 (MH321823). Severe clinical illness (vesikari score >10) was reported in children infected with genotypes sharing homology with the above emerging strains. While GII.4 was reported in all age groups, NoV GII.3 infections were higher in children <1 year of age. Both genogroups (GII.4 and GII.3) in addition to GII.2 reported higher incidence in Qatari subjects compared to other nationalities (p = 0.034). Conclusion: This is the first report about NoV molecular epidemiology in Qatar. The most detected NoV strain was genogroup GII, which is the dominant genotype in the Middle East region. Further, we report GII.4, GII.2, and GII.3 as the most predominant NoV genotypes in our study. Moreover, disease severity scores were higher among children genotyped with genogroup GI (GI.4) and genogroup GII (GII.4, GII.2, GII.3, GII.6, and GII.7).
Phenotypic Consequence of Rearranging the N Gene of RABV HEP-Flury
Authors: Mei Mingzhu , Long Teng , Zhang Qiong , Zhao Jing , Tian Qin , Peng Jiaojiao , Luo Jun , Jiang He , Lin Yingyi , Lin Zhixiong , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: April 2019

Nucleoprotein (N) is a key element in rabies virus (RABV) replication. To further investigate the effect of N on RABV, we manipulated an infectious cDNA clone of the RABV HEP-Flury to rearrange the N gene from its wild-type position of 1 (N-P-M-G-L) to 2 (P-N-M-G-L), 3 (P-M-N-G-L), or 4 (P-M-G-N-L), using an approach that left the viral nucleotide sequence unaltered. Subsequently, viable viruses were recovered from each of the rearranged cDNA and examined for their gene expression levels, growth kinetics in cell culture, pathogenicity in suckling mice and protection in mice. The results showed that gene rearrangement decreased N mRNA transcription and vRNA replication. As a result, all viruses with rearranged genomes showed worse replication than that of rHEP-Flury in NA cells at a MOI of 0.01, but equivalent or slightly better replication levels at a MOI of 3. Consequently, the lethality in suckling mice infected with N4 was clearly attenuated compared with rHEP-Flury. However, the protection to mice was not enhanced. This study not only gives us insight into the understanding of the phenotype of RABV N gene rearrangement, but also helps with rabies vaccine candidate construction.
Combining TRIGRS and DEBRIS-2D Models for the Simulation of a Rainfall Infiltration Induced Shallow Landslide and Subsequent Debris Flow
Authors: Hsu Yu-Charn , Liu Ko-Fei
Published: April 2019

TRIGRS revealed the responses of the total pressure heads and factors of safety with a depth change under a rainfall infiltration occurring on the Daniao tribe’s hill. The depth distribution of the collapsed zone could be identified under the condition where the factors of safety Fs = 1, and the results could calculate the area and volume. Afterward, DEBRIS-2D used TRIGRS’s results to assess the hazard zone of the subsequent debris flow motion. In this study, the DTM variation analysis results from both of before and after the Daniao tribe’s landslide are used to validate TRIGRS’s simulation, the area and the volume of the collapse zone within 8% and 23% errors, respectively. The real disaster range was depicted from the aerial photo used to validate the hazard zone simulation of DEBRIS-2D within 25% errors. In spite of that, the hazard zone from the simulation still included the real disaster range. The combining method for a rainfall infiltration induced a shallow landslide and subsequent debris flow, which was well-matched on a real disaster range on the Daniao tribe’s hill. Therefore, we believe that the TRIGRS and DEBRIS-2D combining methods would provide a better solution for an assessment of a rainfall infiltration inducing shallow landslide and subsequent debris flow motion. TRIGRS could, therefore, provide the area and depth distribution of the collapsed zone, and DEBRIS-2D could use TRIGRS’s results for subsequent debris flow hazard assessment. Furthermore, these results would be of great help in the management of slope disaster prevention.
Strategy of Rainwater Discharge in Combined Sewage Intercepting Manhole Based on Water Quality Control
Authors: Wei Zhongqing , Huang Xiangfeng , Lu Lijun , Shangguan Haidong , Chen Zhong , Zhan Jiajun , Fan Gongduan
Published: April 2019

In view of problems such as the poor control effect of combined sewage pollution caused by traditional intercepting weir and the limited extension of the urban drainage model, which needs a large amount of basic data, this paper not only studied the characteristics of mixed-flow pollution via the urban drainage model but also simulated and optimized 6 interception control strategies and proposed a water quality interception strategy based on the pollution concentration of combined sewage. The results showed that, compared with the traditional interception weir, the interception control strategy of rainwater discharge based on the mixed pipe network model can obviously improve the control rate of various pollutants and reduce the interception amount required for pollution control. Through optimization of the interception based on water quality control by the combination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH4-N, the interception rate was improved by 10.9% to 56.1% in contrast to the traditional interception weir and the closure water volume was reduced by 1432–6154 m3, which effectively improved the reliability and economy of the interception.
Observation de plaquettes de pyrographite par diffraction des électrons lents et des rayons X
Authors: Goldsztaub Stanislas
Published: April 2019

Low energy electron diffraction patterns obtained from pyrographite samples correspond to a two-dimensional lattice. The same samples examined with X-rays exhibit patterns due to the three-dimensional structure.

This difference gives proof of the strong absorption of low energy electrons by matter.

In all cases a fibrous texture with axis c is brought to light.
Transformations polymorphiques des formiates Th(HCOO)4 et Ca(HCOO)2
Authors: Mentzen Bernard Frédéric
Published: April 2019

On étudie la transformation allotropique α → γ de Th (HCOO)₄ et on précise les variations des paramètres de maille de ces deux variétés en fonction de la température, au moyen d'une chambre Debye-Scherrer chauffante à déplacement continu du film. Ce dispositif permet également d'établir l'existence de deux nouvelles variétés polymorphiques γ et δ du formiate de calcium Ca (HCOO)₂.
Mesure de l'orientation d'une lame taillée dans un monocristal
Authors: Mérigoux Henri , Darces Jean-François
Published: April 2019

Sur une lame taillée dans un monocristal on mesure les angles que fait la normale géométrique avec trois directions particulières liées au cristal. Après changement de coordonnées, graphique ou numérique, on obtient les coordonnées angulaires de la normale dans le repère de la maille.

Avec le changement graphique de coordonnées la précision est de l'ordre du degré, avec l'autre elle atteint le 1 / 100 de degré.

Cette méthode applicable à tous les systèmes cristallins peut se substituer à la méthode de Laue.
Étude radiocristallographique de la surstructure de l'oxyde PbO1,570
Authors: Bousquet J. , Blanchard J.-M. , Mentzen Bernard Frédéric
Published: April 2019

La surstructure de l'oxyde PbO₁,₅₇₀ est confirmée. Les paramètres de la maille monoclinique à 21,0 C ont été déterminés :

a = 11,505₇ ± 0,0003 Å ; b = 10,836₂ ± 0,0003 Å ; c = 7,735₄ ± 0,0001 Å ; β = 90° 46' 8" ± 10".

Cet oxyde cristallise dans le groupe spatial P2₁/c (C₅[2h]) avec 24 unités formulaires par maille primitive.
Les apports terrigènes fins dans les dépôts du précontinent américain au large de la Floride (projet Joides)
Authors: Nesteroff Wladimir D. , Sabatier Germain , Oberlin Mathieu-Sicaud Agnès , du Besset Marguerite
Published: April 2019

The JOIDES drillings, positioned on the Floridian Shelf and on the Blake Plateau, were examined in order to try to find the nature and the origin of the fine non calcareous particles.

During a long time span, from the Paleocene to the Oligocene, the fine terrigenous imput remained remarkably constant on the shelf and on the deeper Blake Plateau. It comprised quartz and montmorillonite brought by the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico.

With the Miocene, the shelf emerged and was transformed in lagoons. There, the detritals and the dissolved elements washed from the continent were deposited as marl oozes comprising attapulgite, phosphates and dolomitic aggregates. During the same period, the Blake Plateau still received Gulf Stream imput.

Finally during the Pleistocene regressions a general revorking of the superficial deposits occured on the shelf.
Area-Level Income Disparities in Colorectal Screening in Canada: Evidence to Inform Future Surveillance
Authors: Blair A. , Gauvin L. , Ouédraogo S. , Datta Geetanjali D.
Published: April 2019

Background: Participation in colorectal screening remains low even in countries with universal health coverage. Area-level determinants of low screening participation in Canada remain poorly understood. Methods: We assessed the association between area-level income and two indicators of colorectal screening (having never been screened, having not been screened recently) by linking census-derived local area-level income data with self-reported screening data from urban-dwelling respondents to the Canadian Community Health Survey (50–75 years of age, cycles 2005 and 2007, n = 18,362) who reported no known risk factors for colorectal cancer. Generalized estimating equation Poisson models estimated the prevalence ratios and differences for having never been screened and having not been screened recently, adjusting for individual-level income, education, marital status, having a regular physician, age, and sex. Results: About 53% of the study population had never been screened. Among individuals who had ever been screened, 35% had been screened recently. Adjusting for covariates, lower area-level income was associated with having never been screened [covariate-adjusted prevalence ratios: 1.24 for quartile 1; 95% confidence limits (cl): 1.16, 1.34; 1.25 for quartile 2; 95% cl: 1.15, 1.33; 1.15 for quartile 3; 95% cl: 1.08, 1.23]. Among individuals who had been screened in their lifetime, area-level income was not associated with having not been screened recently. Conclusions: Lower area-level income is associated with having never been screened for colorectal cancer even after adjusting for individual socioeconomic factors. Those findings highlight the potential importance of socioeconomic contexts for colorectal screening initiation and merit attention in both future research and surveillance efforts.
Clinical Significance of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition–Related Molecules in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Y. , Wang L.F. , Gao J.H. , Li L. , Jiang P. , Lv X. , Yu L.X. , Yang J. , Li R.T. , Liu B.R.
Published: April 2019

Background: Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) refers to the biologic process in which epithelial cells are transformed into interstitial phenotypes by specific pathways. This transition plays an important biologic role in the process by which epithelium-derived malignant tumour cells acquire the ability to migrate and invade. We explored the relationship between EMT-associated molecules and patient-related clinical factors to determine whether any clinical characteristics could be used as biomarkers for EMT-related protein alterations in lung cancer—especially lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: Tumour specimens were collected from 80 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery or lung biopsy, with 4 patients being evaluated a 2nd time after re-biopsy. Expression of EMT-related proteins, including E-cadherin and vimentin, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and expression level of the EMT markers. Results: Positive expression of E-cadherin was observed in 63 patients (79%), and vimentin, in 46 patients (57.5%). No significant relationships between E-cadherin or vimentin expression and smoking history, sex, age, driving gene mutations, or cell differentiation were identified. A significant correlation was observed between vimentin expression and pathologic stage. Of the 4 patients who were evaluated a 2nd time after re-biopsy, 3 showed the same emt-related protein expression status as in the first analysis. In the remaining patient, E-cadherin had changed completely. Conclusions: Clinicopathologic factors in cancer patients did not help to diagnose emt status in lung adenocarcinoma; however, TNM stage might be associated with vimentin expression.
Estimating the Health Care Costs of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Saskatchewan Using Physician Billing Data
Authors: Tran D.A. , Coronado A.C. , Sarker S. , Alvi R.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Given the high occurrence and morbidity of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), its economic burden on the Canadian health care system is a cause for concern. Despite that relevance, few studies have used patient-level data to calculate the cost of NMSC. The objective of the present study was to use physician billing data to describe the health care costs and service utilization associated with NMSC in Saskatchewan. Methods: The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s cancer registry was used to identify patients diagnosed with NMSC between 2004 and 2008. Treatment services and costs were based on physician billing claims, which detail physician services performed in an outpatient setting. Total and annual outpatient costs for nmsc and mean outpatient cost per person were calculated by skin cell type, lesion site, and geographic location. Service utilization and costs by physician specialty were also explored. Results: Total outpatient costs grew 12.08% annually, to $845,954.98 in 2008 from $527,458.76 in 2004. The mean outpatient cost per person was estimated at $397.86. Differences in the cost-per-person estimates were observed when results were stratified by skin cell type ($403.41 for basal cell carcinoma vs. $377.85 for squamous cell carcinoma), lesion site ($425.27 for the face vs. $317.80 for an upper limb), and geographic location ($415.07 urban vs. $363.48 rural). Investigation of service utilization found that 92.14% of treatment was delivered by general practice and plastic surgery/otolaryngology physicians; dermatology delivered only 6.33% of services. Conclusions: Our results underestimate the direct costs of NMSC because inpatient services and non-physician costs were not included in the calculations. The present research represents a first step in understanding the cost burden of NMSC in Saskatchewan.
Patient Decision Aid for Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy for Use in the Consultation: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Squires J.E. , Stacey D. , Coughlin M. , Greenough M. , Roberts A. , Dorrance K. , Clemons M. , Caudrelier J.M. , Graham I.D. , Zhang J. , Varin M. Demery , Arnaout A.
Published: April 2019

Background: Rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) continue to rise internationally despite evidence-based guidance strongly discouraging its use in most women with unilateral breast cancer. The purpose of the present study was to develop and assess the feasibility of a knowledge translation tool [a patient decision aid (DA)] designed to enhance evidence-informed shared decision-making about CPM. Methods: A consultation DA was developed using the Ottawa Patient Decision Aid Development eTraining in consultation with clinicians and knowledge translation experts. The final DA was then assessed for feasibility with health care professionals and patients across Canada. The assessment involved a survey completed online (health care professionals) or by telephone (patients). Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for closed-ended questions and qualitative content analysis for open-ended questions. Results: The 51 participants who completed the survey included 39 health care professionals and 12 patients. The DA was acceptable; 88% of participants viewed it as having the right amount of information or slightly more or less information than they would like. Almost all participants (98%) felt that the DA would prepare patients to make better decisions. The aid was perceived to be usable, with 73% of participants stating that they would be willing to use or share the DA. Conclusions: The CPM patient DA developed for the present study was viewed by health care professionals and patients across Canada to be acceptable and usable during the clinical consultation. It holds promise as a knowledge translation tool to be used by clinicians in consultation with women who have unilateral breast cancer to enhance evidence-informed and shared decision-making with respect to undergoing CPM.
Fabrication, characterization and adsorption properties of cucurbit[7]uril-functionalized polycaprolactone electrospun nanofibrous membranes
Authors: Chen Changzhong , Liu Fengbo , Zhang Xiongzhi , Zhao Zhiyong , Liu Simin
Published: April 2019

The fabrication of electrospun nanofibers comprising cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is reported. Various techniques such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC and TG were utilized to characterize the morphology, composition and properties of the nanofibers. Uniform bead-free electrospun nanofibers were obtained from PCL/CB[7] mixed solutions and the average fiber diameter of the nanofibers increases with the increase of CB[7] content. The nanofibers are composed of a physical mixture of PCL and CB[7], and CB[7] itself is present in the PCL fiber matrix in an uncomplexed state. The static adsorption behavior of the PCL/CB[7] nanofibers towards methylene blue (MB) was also preliminary investigated. The results indicate that the adsorption of MB onto the nanofibrous membranes fits the second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.
The east railway ring in Brussels: a growth barrier in the 19th and 20th centuries? (1855-1950)
Authors: Sacré Alix
Published: April 2019

How did the development of the railways affect the urban morphology of the Brussels suburbs? In an attempt to provide a first answer to this broad question, this article examines the role of railway infrastructures of the east railway ring in Brussels (currently line 161). Above all, it proposes to demonstrate that, contrary to a preconceived and still widespread idea, the tremendous development of the rail network in the second half of the 19th century was sometimes a huge obstacle to the urbanisation of certain neighbourhoods, with what could be referred to as “growth barriers” being built in the middle of them. By comparing archives of different types - in particular cartographic (mainly from municipal archives) - and various works on the evolution of urban morphology, through the example of this ring line, this study shows that while stations have often promoted urban development as economic growth areas, the railways crossing the city have had the opposite impact, sometimes acting as obstacles to the growth of certain neighbourhoods.