bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stochastic Model Approach for Copper Heap Leaching through Bayesian Networks
Authors: Saldaña Manuel , González Javier , Jeldres Ricardo I. , Villegas Ángelo , Castillo Jonathan , Quezada Gonzalo , Toro Norman
Published: November 2019

Multivariate analytical models are quite successful in explaining one or more response variables, based on one or more independent variables. However, they do not reflect the connections of conditional dependence between the variables that explain the model. Otherwise, due to their qualitative and quantitative nature, Bayesian networks allow us to easily visualize the probabilistic relationships between variables of interest, as well as make inferences as a prediction of specific evidence (partial or impartial), diagnosis and decision-making. The current work develops stochastic modeling of the leaching phase in piles by generating a Bayesian network that describes the ore recovery with independent variables, after analyzing the uncertainty of the response to the sensitization of the input variables. These models allow us to recognize the relations of dependence and causality between the sampled variables and can estimate the output against the lack of evidence. The network setting shows that the variables that have the most significant impact on recovery are the time, the heap height and the superficial velocity of the leaching flow, while the validation is given by the low measurements of the error statistics and the normality test of residuals. Finally, probabilistic networks are unique tools to determine and internalize the risk or uncertainty present in the input variables, due to their ability to generate estimates of recovery based upon partial knowledge of the operational variables.
Microstructural Control of Fatigue Behaviour in a Novel α + β Titanium Alloy
Authors: Bache Martin , Davies Helen , Davey William , Thomas Matthew , Berment-Parr Iain
Published: November 2019

The novel titanium alloy TIMETAL® 407 (Ti-407) has been developed as an alternative to Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-6-4), for applications that demand relatively high ductility and energy absorption. Demonstrating a combination of lower strength and greater ductility, the alloy introduces a variety of cost reduction opportunities, including improved machinability. Thermo-mechanical processing and its effects on microstructure and subsequent mechanical performance are characterised, including a detailed assessment of the fatigue and crack propagation properties. Demonstrating relatively strong behaviour under high-cycle fatigue loading, Ti-407 is nevertheless susceptible to time-dependent fatigue effects. Its sensitivity to dwell loading is quantified, and the associated deformation and fracture mechanisms responsible for controlling fatigue life are explored. The intimate relationship between thermo-mechanical processing, micro-texture and fatigue crack initiation through the generation of quasi-cleavage facets is highlighted. Consistent fatigue crack growth kinetics are demonstrated, independent of local microstructure.
Effect of C Addition on as-Cast Microstructures of High Nb Containing TiAl Alloys
Authors: Liu Jinhu , Zhang Fuqiang , Nan Hai , Feng Xin , Ding Xianfei
Published: November 2019

Two high Nb-containing TiAl alloys, Ti46.6Al7.5Nb0.5Si0.2B (Alloy A) and Ti46.1Al7.4Nb5C0.5Si0.2B (Alloy B), were prepared by graphite mold casting. As-cast microstructures of the two alloys were characterized to clarify the effect of carbon addition. The results show that 5 at.% carbon addition can change the primary solidification phase from β phase to α phase. The as-cast microstructure of Alloy A consists of a fully α2 + γ lamellar structure and interdendritic eutectic silicide with a volume fraction of 2.3%. However, in Alloy B, the lamellar structure only forms in the dendritic stem and the massive γ is observed in the interdendritic regions. Two types of carbides,   Ti 2 AlC and TiC, are produced in Alloy B. A large number of randomly distributed primary Ti 2 AlC particles with volume fraction of 14.9% are observed in both the dendritic and interdendritic regions. Irregularly shaped TiC remains inside of the large Ti 2 AlC particle, suggesting TiC carbides transformed to Ti 2 AlC during cooling. The addition of carbon also changes the morphology of the silicides from a eutectic structure to a blocky structure in the massive γ matrix or at the interface of the Ti2AlC and the γ matrix. High level of niobium greatly increases the solid solution limit of carbon, since C content in the matrix is much higher than the solid solubility of that in the TiAl binary system. The hardness of the matrix increases from 325 HV to 917 HV caused by the addition of carbon.
A Study on the Effects of Bottom Electrode Designs on Aluminum Nitride Contour-Mode Resonators
Authors: Jung Soon In , Ryu Chaehyun , Piazza Gianluca , Kim Hoe Joon
Published: November 2019

This study presents the effects of bottom electrode designs on the operation of laterally vibrating aluminum nitride (AlN) contour-mode resonators (CMRs). A total of 160 CMRs were analyzed with varying bottom electrode areas at two resonant frequencies (f0) of about 230 MHz and 1.1 GHz. Specifically, we analyzed the impact of bottom electrode coverage rates on the resonator quality factor (Q) and electromechanical coupling (k2), which are important parameters for Radio Frequency (RF) and sensing applications. From our experiments, Q exhibited different trends to electrode coverage rates depending on the device resonant frequencies, while k2 increased with the coverage rate regardless of f0. Along with experimental measurements, our finite element analysis (FEA) revealed that the bottom electrode coverage rate determines the active (or vibrating) region of the resonator and, thus, directly impacts Q. Additionally, to alleviate thermoelastic damping (TED) and focus on mechanical damping effects, we analyzed the device performance at 10 K. Our findings indicated that a careful design of bottom electrodes could further improve both Q and k2 of AlN CMRs, which ultimately determines the power budget and noise level of the resonator in integrated oscillators and sensor systems.
Comparison of Clinical Manifestation, Diagnosis, and Outcomes of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Pulmonary Mucormycosis
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Wang I-Ting , Chang Che-Chia , Lee Wei-Chun , Liu Wei-Lun , Huang Yu-Chen , Chang Ko-Wei , Huang Hung-Yu , Hsiao Hsuan-Ling , Kao Kuo-Chin , Huang Chung-Chi , Dimopoulos George
Published: November 2019

Objects: Invasive pulmonary mold infection usually has devastating outcomes. Timely differentiation between invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) from pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is critical for treatment decision-making. However, information on IPA and PM differentiation is limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observational study, with proven and probable IPA and PM patients from January 2004 to December 2017. Demographics, clinical manifestations, image reports, histopathological findings, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 46 IPA (33 proven and 13 probable) and 19 PM (18 proven and one probable) cases were analyzed. The majority of tissues (81% in IPA and 61% in PM) were obtained using bronchoscopy. Prior influenza infection was a predisposing factor for IPA, and abscess formation in CT scan was associated with PM (p = 0.0491, p = 0.0454, respectively). The positive culture rate for PM was lower than that for IPA (37% vs. 67%, p = 0.0294). The galactomannan (GM) level from serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was significantly higher in IPA than in PM (3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 0.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.0361; 4.0 ± 0.6 vs. 0.59 ± 0.1, p = 0.0473, respectively). The overall mortality rate was 65%, which was similar among IPA and PM groups. Systemic steroid exposure and high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores on admission were independently correlated to mortality in IPA (p = 0.027, p = 0.026, respectively). However, there was no predictor for mortality found in PM patients. Conclusions: Influenza infection, abscess formation in CT scan, and GM level may help physicians to differentiate IPA and PM. Bronchoscopy-guided biopsy and lavage specimen provide timely and definite diagnosis. The prognosis of IPA is associated with systemic steroid exposure and higher APACHE II scores on admission.
Effect of a Small Amount of Iron Impurity in Sphalerite on Xanthate Adsorption and Flotation Behavior
Authors: Yu Jiang , Wu Xiqun , Zhao Zhiqiang , Zhu Yangge , Luo Sigang
Published: November 2019

Through industrial testing at the Huize lead-zinc mine, it was found that the floatability of sphalerite varied greatly with the iron impurity content. Three kinds of Huize sphalerites with iron contents of 2.30 wt.%, 3.20 wt.% and 4.66 wt.%, were used to study the influence of small amounts of iron impurity in the sphalerite on xanthate adsorption and flotation behavior. The flotation experiments showed that the flotation recovery increased with the increase in iron impurity content. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet–visible (UV-VIS) spectra showed that the adsorbed products of xanthate on the surface of three kinds of sphalerite were metal xanthate. The adsorption capacity measurements showed that the saturation absorption of xanthate on sphalerite increased with the increase in iron impurity content. The cyclic voltammetry curve and Tafel curve showed that with the increase in iron impurity content, sphalerite was more easily oxidized and the adsorption rate of xanthate on the surface of sphalerite increased obviously. To summarize, a small amount of iron impurity was beneficial to the recovery of sphalerite.
Anthocyanins and Their C6-C3-C6 Metabolites in Humans and Animals
Authors: Kalt Wilhelmina
Published: November 2019

Research on the bioavailability of anthocyanins has focused, historically, on the non-flavonoid (C6-Cn) products that arise from anthocyanins in vivo. However, this review focuses on the products of anthocyanins that still possess the flavonoid structure (C6-C3-C6). Described herein are aspects of the in vivo pool of C6-C3-C6 anthocyanin-derived intermediates. Properties related to molecular size, shape, and polarity conveyed by six major anthocyanidin structures are discussed. The presence of a glycoside or not, and a variety of possible phase 2 conjugates, gives rise to a chemically diverse pool of C6-C3-C6 intermediates. Chemical properties influence the in vivo stability of anthocyanin-derived products, as well as their suitability as a substrate for xenobiotic conjugation and transport, and their association with the biomatrix. The flavonoid structure is associated with bioactivity and the particular properties of these C6-C3-C6 products of anthocyanins determines their deposition in the body, which may influence in vivo processes and ultimately health outcomes.
Nutritional Qualities of Commercial Meal Kit Subscription Services in Australia
Authors: Gibson Alice A. , Partridge Stephanie R.
Published: November 2019

People are cooking at home less often and relying more on food prepared outside of the home, which is often of less nutritional value than home-cooked meals. The foodservice industry has endeavored to address barriers with the introduction of commercial meal kit subscription services (MKSSs). We aimed to assess and compare the nutritional qualities of MKSSs available in Australia. Average nutritional qualities per serve of 12 recipes (from four weekly boxes of three meals serving two people) were analyzed from five MKKSs (Dinnerly, HelloFresh™, MarleySpoon™, Pepper Leaf, Thomas Farms Kitchen). On average, MKSSs provided adequate serves of core foods, particularly of vegetables (2.3 ± 1.6–3.1 ± 1.8 serves per serve). Energy content ranged between 2891 ± 539 and 3904 kJ ± 890 per serve. All MKKSs were high in fat (39.5 ± 9.5–59.6 ± 11.2% of energy) and sodium (723 ± 404–1426 ± 688 mg per serve). All MKSSs met suggested dietary target level of dietary fiber for women, but none for men. If MKSS providers can modify recipes to reduce added salt and fat and increase dietary fiber, they have the potential to provide both men and women with nutritious meals that more closely align with the dietary guidelines for the prevention of chronic disease, especially if meals are used as an alternative to energy-dense nutrient-poor takeaway and convenience foods.
Challenges and Pitfalls in Human Milk Oligosaccharide Analysis
Authors: van Leeuwen Sander S.
Published: November 2019

Human milk oligosaccharides have been recognized as an important, functional biomolecule in mothers’ milk. Moreover, these oligosaccharides have been recognized as the third most abundant component of human milk, ranging from 10–15 g/L in mature milk and up to and over 20 g/L reported in colostrum. Initially, health benefits of human milk oligosaccharides were assigned via observational studies on the differences between breastfed and bottle fed infants. Later, pools of milk oligosaccharides were isolated and used in functional studies and in recent years more specific studies into structure–function relationships have identified some advanced roles for milk oligosaccharides in the healthy development of infants. In other research, the levels, diversity, and complexity of human milk oligosaccharides have been studied, showing a wide variation in results. This review gives a critical overview of challenges in the analysis of human milk oligosaccharides. In view of the myriad functions that can be assigned, often to specific structures or classes of structures, it is very relevant to assess the levels of these structures in the human milk correctly, as well as in other biological sample materials. Ultimately, the review makes a case for a comparative, inter-laboratory study on quantitative human milk oligosaccharide analysis in all relevant biological samples.
Gut Microbiota and Obesity: A Role for Probiotics
Authors: Abenavoli Ludovico , Scarpellini Emidio , Colica Carmela , Boccuto Luigi , Salehi Bahare , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Aiello Vincenzo , Romano Barbara , De Lorenzo Antonino , Izzo Angelo A. , Capasso Raffaele
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, obesity is one of the most prevalent human health problems. Research from the last 30 years has clarified the role of the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, unhealthy lifestyle, and genetic variability in the development of obesity. More recently, the composition and metabolic functions of gut microbiota have been proposed as being able to affect obesity development. Here, we will report the current knowledge on the definition, composition, and functions of intestinal microbiota. We have performed an extensive review of the literature, searching for the following keywords: metabolism, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, obesity. There is evidence for the association between gut bacteria and obesity both in infancy and in adults. There are several genetic, metabolic, and inflammatory pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the interplay between gut microbes and obesity. Microbial changes in the human gut can be considered a factor involved in obesity development in humans. The modulation of the bacterial strains in the digestive tract can help to reshape the metabolic profile in the human obese host as suggested by several data from animal and human studies. Thus, a deep revision of the evidence pertaining to the use probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics in obese patients is conceivable
Coffee Silverskin Extract: Nutritional Value, Safety and Effect on Key Biological Functions
Authors: Iriondo-DeHond Amaia , Rios Maria Belen , Herrera Teresa , Rodriguez-Bertos Antonio , Nuñez Fernando , San Andres Manuel Ignacio , Sanchez-Fortun Sebastian , del Castillo Maria Dolores
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to complete the scientific basis for the validation of a coffee silverskin extract (CSE) as a novel food ingredient according to European legislation. Nutritional value, safety, effects on biochemical biomarkers and excretion of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in vivo of CSE were assessed. Proteins, amino acids, fat, fatty acids, fiber, simple sugars and micronutrients were analyzed. For the first time, toxicological and physiological effects were evaluated in vivo by a repeated-dose study in healthy Wistar rats. Hormone secretion, antioxidant (enzymatic and no-enzymatic) and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, and dietary fiber fermentability of CSE (analysis of SCFAs in feces) were studied in biological samples. This unique research confirms the feasibility of CSE as a human dietary supplement with several nutrition claims: “source of proteins (16%), potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C, low in fat (0.44%) and high in fiber (22%)”. This is the first report demonstrating that its oral administration (1 g/kg) for 28 days is innocuous. Hormone secretion, antioxidant or anti-inflammatory biomarkers were not affected in heathy animals. Total SCFAs derived from CSE fiber fermentation were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in male treated rats compared to male control rats. All the new information pinpoints CSE as a natural, sustainable and safe food ingredient containing fermentable fiber able to produce SCFAs with beneficial effects on gut microbiota.
Production and Application of Multicistronic Constructs for Various Human Disease Therapies
Authors: Shaimardanova Alisa A. , Chulpanova Daria S. , Kitaeva Kristina V. , Abdrakhmanova Ilmira I. , Chernov Vladislav M. , Rutland Catrin S. , Rizvanov Albert A. , Solovyeva Valeriya V.
Published: November 2019

The development of multicistronic vectors has opened up new opportunities to address the fundamental issues of molecular and cellular biology related to the need for the simultaneous delivery and joint expression of several genes. To date, the examples of the successful use of multicistronic vectors have been described for the development of new methods of treatment of various human diseases, including cardiovascular, oncological, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disorders. The safety and effectiveness of the joint delivery of therapeutic genes in multicistronic vectors based on the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and self-cleaving 2A peptides have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as in clinical trials. Co-expression of several genes in one vector has also been used to create animal models of various inherited diseases which are caused by mutations in several genes. Multicistronic vectors provide expression of all mutant genes, which allows the most complete mimicking disease pathogenesis. This review comprehensively discusses multicistronic vectors based on IRES nucleotide sequence and self-cleaving 2A peptides, including its features and possible application for the treatment and modeling of various human diseases.
Doxorubicin-Loaded Delta Inulin Conjugates for Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery: Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Wang Lixin , Song Yunmei , Parikh Ankit , Joyce Paul , Chung Rosa , Liu Liang , Afinjuomo Franklin , Hayball John D. , Petrovsky Nikolai , Barclay Thomas G. , Garg Sanjay
Published: November 2019

Delta inulin, also known as microparticulate inulin (MPI), was modified by covalently attaching doxorubicin to its nanostructured surface for use as a targeted drug delivery vehicle. MPI is readily endocytosed by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and in this study, we sought to utilize this property to develop a system to target anti-cancer drugs to lymphoid organs. We investigated, therefore, whether MPI could be used as a vehicle to deliver doxorubicin selectively, thereby reducing the toxicity of this antibiotic anthracycline drug. Doxorubicin was covalently attached to the surface of MPI using an acid–labile linkage to enable pH-controlled release. The MPI-doxorubicin conjugate was characterized using FTIR and SEM, confirming covalent attachment and indicating doxorubicin coupling had no obvious impact on the physical nanostructure, integrity, and cellular uptake of the MPI particles. To simulate the stability of the MPI-doxorubicin in vivo, it was stored in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF, pH 4.5). Although the MPI-doxorubicin particles were still visible after 165 days in ALF, 53% of glycosidic bonds in the inulin particles were hydrolyzed within 12 days in ALF, reflected by the release of free glucose into solution. By contrast, the fructosidic bonds were much more stable. Drug release studies of the MPI-doxorubicin in vitro, demonstrated a successful pH-dependent controlled release effect. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies and flow cytometric analysis confirmed that when incubated with live cells, MPI-doxorubicin was efficiently internalized by immune cells. An assay of cell metabolic activity demonstrated that the MPI carrier alone had no toxic effects on RAW 264.7 murine monocyte/macrophage-like cells, but exhibited anti-cancer effects against HCT116 human colon cancer cells. MPI-doxorubicin had a greater anti-cancer cell effect than free doxorubicin, particularly when at lower concentrations, suggesting a drug-sparing effect. This study establishes that MPI can be successfully modified with doxorubicin for chemotherapeutic drug delivery.
Design of a Novel Oxygen Therapeutic Using Polymeric Hydrogel Microcapsules Mimicking Red Blood Cells
Authors: Cherwin Amanda , Namen Shelby , Rapacz Justyna , Kusik Grace , Anderson Alexa , Wang Yale , Kaltchev Matey , Schroeder Rebecca , O’Connell Kellen , Stephens Sydney , Chen Junhong , Zhang Wujie
Published: November 2019

The goal of this research was to develop a novel oxygen therapeutic made from a pectin-based hydrogel microcapsule carrier mimicking red blood cells. The study focused on three main criteria for developing the oxygen therapeutic to mimic red blood cells: size (5–10 μm), morphology (biconcave shape), and functionality (encapsulation of oxygen carriers; e.g., hemoglobin (Hb)). The hydrogel carriers were generated via the electrospraying of the pectin-based solution into an oligochitosan crosslinking solution using an electrospinning setup. The pectin-based solution was investigated first to develop the simplest possible formulation for electrospray. Then, Design-Expert® software was used to optimize the production process of the hydrogel microcapsules. The optimal parameters were obtained through the analysis of a total of 17 trials and the microcapsule with the desired morphology and size was successfully prepared under the optimized condition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the chemistry of the microcapsules. Moreover, the encapsulation of Hb into the microcapsule did not adversely affect the microcapsule preparation process, and the encapsulation efficiency was high (99.99%). The produced hydrogel microcapsule system shows great promise for creating a novel oxygen therapeutic.
Minimizing Medication Errors from Electronic Prescription Transmission—Digitizing Compounded Drug Preparations
Authors: Parrish Richard H. , Gilak Lucy , Bohannon Donna , Emrick Steven P. , Serumaga Brian , Guharoy Roy
Published: November 2019

Lack of standardization related to compounded drug preparations, especially in the transition of care situations, threatens patient safety by facilitating medication error. This paper outlines progress to-date from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Expert Panel on the Exchange of Compounded Drug Preparation Information in Health IT Systems. The work plan developed for the group is focused on proposing a set of encoding rules that would govern how compounded nonsterile drug preparations (CNSPs) are digitized and exchanged, including patient electronic health records (EHR), pharmacy systems, e-prescribing (eRx), and other Health IT (HIT) systems to ensure a seamless compounding process tailored to the needs of an individual patient. Included in this work are identifying authorized compounding monographs, surveying provider and end-user groups for information about data specificity during e-prescribing, and generating guidelines for the development of a compatible data model for clinical formulation identifiers (CF-IDs). This paper will also discuss how evolving nomenclature standards for CNSPs within HIT systems are part of a quality assurance system for comprehensive medication management (CMM) in children, thereby minimizing medication errors across the continuum of care. Finally, a network approach for the design of medication management systems for children and their families/caregivers is proposed.
Investigation of Mucoadhesion and Degradation of PCL and PLGA Microcontainers for Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Abid Zarmeena , Dalskov Mosgaard Mette , Manfroni Giorgio , Singh Petersen Ritika , Hagner Nielsen Line , Müllertz Anette , Boisen Anja , Sylvest Keller Stephan
Published: November 2019

Microfabricated devices have been introduced as a promising approach to overcome some of the challenges related to oral administration of drugs and, thereby, improve their oral bioavailability. In this study, we fabricate biodegradable microcontainers with different polymers, namely poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 50:50 and PLGA 75:25 by hot punching. The mucoadhesion of the microcontainers is assessed with an ex vivo retention model on porcine intestinal tissue. Finally, in vitro degradation studies of the biodegradable microcontainers are completed for six weeks in simulated intestinal medium with the addition of pancreatic enzymes. Through SEM inspection, the PLGA 50:50 microcontainers show the first signs of degradation already after two weeks and complete degradation within four weeks, while the other polymers slowly degrade in the medium over several weeks.
Preparation and Characterization of Soy Protein Isolate-Based Nanocomposite Films with Cellulose Nanofibers and Nano-Silica via Silane Grafting
Authors: Qin Zhiyong , Mo Liuting , Liao Murong , He Hua , Sun Jianping
Published: November 2019

Soy protein isolate (SPI) has attracted considerable attention in the field of packaging technology due to its easy processability, biodegradability, and good film-forming characteristics. However, SPI-based films often suffer from inferior mechanical properties and high moisture sensitivity, thus restricting their practical application. In the present study, herein, a biobased nanocomposite film was developed by cross-linking SPI matrix from the synergistic reinforcement of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and nano-silica (NS) particles. First, we functionalized the CNF with NS using a silane agent (KH560) as an efficient platform to enhance the interfacial interaction between SPI and CNF/NS, resulting from the epoxy-dominated cross-linking reaction. The chemical structure, thermal stability, and morphology of the resultant nanocomposite films were comprehensively investigated via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These results supported successful surface modification and indicated that the surface-tailored CNF/NS nanohybrid possesses excellent adhesion with SPI matrix through covalent and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The integration of CNF/NS into SPI resulted in nanocomposite films with an improved tensile strength (6.65 MPa), representing a 90.54% increase compared with the pristine SPI film. Moreover, the resulting composites had a significantly decreased water vapor permeation and a higher water contact angle (91.75°) than that of the unmodified film. The proposed strategy of synergistic reinforcements in the biobased composites may be a promising and green approach to address the critical limitations of plant protein-based materials in practical applications.
Disney’s Reel Doubling of Violent Desire in J. J. Abrams’ Mimetic The Force Awakens
Authors: McDowell John C.
Published: November 2019

Abrams’ spectacularly distended infantilising manipulation of the saga embeds a form of cognitive resonance with a state of perpetual war and a politically thanatising mythos fitted out as a politically containing moment within what cultural commentators are referring to as “post-9/11 American cinema”, a form of cinema reacting to a cultural trauma and that normalises a hegemonic political reactivity in a perceived ‘clash of civilizations’ in “the social embodied” in an age marked by what Terry Eagleton describes as “holy terror”. As cultural philosopher Douglas Kellner argues, movies of apocalyptic or catastrophe cinema can “be read as allegories of the disintegration of social life and civil society, and the emergence of a Darwinian nightmare where the struggle for survival occurs in a Hobbesian world where life is nasty, brutish, and short.” The contention is that if George Lucas developed Star Wars to struggle with, among other things, an America that had elected Richard Nixon and engaged in the culturally traumatic Vietnam War, Abrams and his co-writer Lawrence Kazdan have relocated the franchise in a context marked as “post 9/11 cinema”. It is unclear quite how The Force Awakens could offer a distinctively interrogatory function for conceiving political subjectivity in the contemporary fractured and self-assertive space of global geopolitics, expressing, as it does, the classificatory coding that figures innocent selfhood in a conflictual relation with the evil terrorist other. Abrams’ movie, accordingly, is ill equipped to refuse to naturalise the innocence of the politically regulative messianic monomyth of the exceptionalist nation that instils a sensitivity conducive to violence against the foreigner when it is perceived to be under threat. It is, in other words, ill-equipped to resist being captured by the Girardian framing of myth within an identification of “sacred violence”. Consequently, The Force Awakens provides a resource for the critic’s reflections on the cultural difficulties of learning about our learning, of the disciplining of desire through monomythic intensification, and of sustaining reaction to cultural trauma through the hostility of sacrificial disposal of the other that requires the instrumentalised rationality of the self-secure national subject.
Applicability of the MultiTemporal Coherence Approach to Sentinel-1 for the Detection and Delineation of Burnt Areas in the Context of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service
Authors: Donezar Uxue , De Blas Teresa , Larrañaga Arantzazu , Ros Fermín , Albizua Lourdes , Steel Alan , Broglia Marco
Published: November 2019

In the framework of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) Mapping Validation, the applicability of the MultiTemporal Coherence (MTC) technique using Sentinel-1 data and the software made available by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP), for the detection and delineation of burnt areas was tested. The main purpose of the study was to test a methodology that would benefit from the advantages of delineating burnt areas based on radar data with respect to optical data due to its capacity to acquire data both night and day and to avoid the interference of clouds and/or smoke. Moreover, the study aimed to acheive the delineation of the burnt areas using Sentinel-1 and SNAP in the frame of an emergency mapping where processing time is constrained due to the necessity of giving a quick response to the emergency. Four Sentinel-1 images were acquired over a mountainous area mainly covered by Mediterranean vegetation that suffered from massive forest fires in the summer of 2016. The burnt area delineation was obtained by an object-based image analysis (OBIA) of the resulting MTC image followed by a visual inspection. The effects of the polarization, the acquisition mode, and the incidence angle of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery were studied in order to assess the contribution of these sensor varaibles on the results. Results of the Sentinel-1 based delineation were compared to those using optical imagery, which is traditionally used for this application. Therefore, the fire delineation that was derived was compared to that derived using three optical images: pre- and post-event Sentinel-2 images and a post-event SPOT 6 image. The first two were used to calculate the differences of the burnt area index (dBAI), used to derive the burnt area delineation by OBIA and photo interpretation with the help of the SPOT 6 image. Results of the comparison showed the feasibility of using the MTC technique for burnt area delineation, as high overall accuracy values were observed when compared to the burnt area delineation derived from optical imagery. The importance of the incidence angle of the Sentinel-1 images was assessed as well, with lower angles resulting in higher overall accuracies. In addition, the availability of double polarization of the Sentinel-1 images, allowed us to give recommendations regarding which polarization gave the best results. The potential for the use of SAR data, obtaining equivalent results to those obtained from optical imagery, is significant in an emergency context given that radar sensors acquire images continuosly and in all weather conditions.
Online Signature Verification Based on a Single Template via Elastic Curve Matching
Authors: Hu Huacheng , Zheng Jianbin , Zhan Enqi , Tang Jing
Published: November 2019

Person verification using online handwritten signatures is one of the most widely researched behavior-biometrics. Many signature verification systems typically require five, ten, or even more signatures for an enrolled user to provide an accurate verification of the claimed identity. To mitigate this drawback, this paper proposes a new elastic curve matching using only one reference signature, which we have named the curve similarity model (CSM). In the CSM, we give a new definition of curve similarity and its calculation method. We use evolutionary computation (EC) to search for the optimal matching between two curves under different similarity transformations, so as to obtain the similarity distance between two curves. Referring to the geometric similarity property, curve similarity can realize translation, stretching and rotation transformation between curves, thus adapting to the inconsistency of signature size, position and rotation angle in signature curves. In the matching process of signature curves, we design a sectional optimal matching algorithm. On this basis, for each section, we develop a new consistent and discriminative fusion feature extraction for identifying the similarity of signature curves. The experimental results show that our system achieves the same performance with five samples assessed with multiple state-of-the-art automatic signature verifiers and multiple datasets. Furthermore, it suggests that our system, with a single reference signature, is capable of achieving a similar performance to other systems with up to five signatures trained.
A Decision Support System for Water Resources Management: The Case Study of Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, Uganda
Authors: Bettili Luisa , Pek Eva , Salman Maher
Published: November 2019

The greater competing demand for water requires an efficient use of water resources. Therefore, an optimum management is necessary in order to deal with the constraining factors. In African countries, irrigated agriculture is the largest user of surface water resources. Nevertheless, recent assessments in small-scale surface irrigation schemes resulted in poor performance indicators: Water use efficiency indicators of existing schemes are below 50 percent, owing to inadequate management modes. The paper sheds the light on the potential development of a decision-support system based knowledge with the Mapping System and Services for Canal Operation Techniques approach, merged with the MIKEHydro Basin model as a versatile and flexible framework conceived for a large variety of applications in small-scale irrigation. The model aims to improve water service, increase irrigation efficiency, comply with socio-economic objectives at country level. In order to address the prevailing heterogeneity of small-scale irrigation scheme, numerous variables are adjusted in the model, in terms of cropping patterns, climate data, and irrigation time. The evaluation of established water balance under different scenarios showed that tackling supply-driven scheduling and distributive issues significantly increases efficiency. Nevertheless, water allocation according to socio-economic objectives of food security and market security implies trading off the efficiency objectives.
Acquiring the Symplectic Operator Based on Pure Mathematical Derivation Then Verifying It in the Intrinsic Problem of Nanodevices
Authors: Nie Han , Gui Renzhou , Chen Tongjie
Published: November 2019

The symplectic algorithm can maintain the symplectic structure and intrinsic properties of the system, its cumulative error is small and suitable for multi-step calculation. At present, the widely accepted symplectic operators are obtained by solving the Hamilton equation based on artificial definitions and assumptions in advance. There are inevitable dispersion errors. We solve the equation by pure mathematical derivation without any artificial limitations and assumptions. The way to accurately obtain high-precision symplectic operators greatly reduces the dispersion error from the beginning. The numerical solution of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation for describing the intrinsic problem of nanodevices is used as an application environment to compare the total energy distribution of the particle wave function in the box, thus verifying the properties of the Symplectic Operator based on Pure Mathematical Derivation by comparing with Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) and the widely accepted symplectic operator.
Meta-Transcriptomic Comparison of the RNA Viromes of the Mosquito Vectors Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium in Northern Europe
Authors: Pettersson John H.-O. , Shi Mang , Eden John-Sebastian , Holmes Edward C. , Hesson Jenny C.
Published: November 2019

Mosquitoes harbor an extensive diversity of ‘insect-specific’ RNA viruses in addition to those important to human and animal health. However, because most studies of the mosquito virome have been conducted at lower latitudes, little is known about the diversity and evolutionary history of RNA viruses sampled from mosquitoes in northerly regions. Here, we compared the RNA virome of two common northern mosquito species, Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium, collected in south-central Sweden. Following bulk RNA-sequencing (meta-transcriptomics) of 12 libraries, comprising 120 specimens of Cx. pipiens and 150 specimens of Cx. torrentium, we identified 40 viruses (representing 14 virus families) of which 28 were novel based on phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein. Hence, we documented similar levels of virome diversity as in mosquitoes sampled from the more biodiverse lower latitudes. Many viruses were also related to those sampled on other continents, indicative of a widespread global movement and/or long host–virus co-evolution. Although the two mosquito species investigated have overlapping geographical distributions and share many viruses, several viruses were only found at a specific location at this scale of sampling, such that local habitat and geography may play an important role in shaping viral diversity in Culex mosquitoes.
Wave Forecasting in Shallow Water: A New Set of Growth Curves Depending on Bed Roughness
Authors: Pascolo Sara , Petti Marco , Bosa Silvia
Published: November 2019

Forecasting relationships have been recognized as an important tool to be applied together, or not, with complete numerical modelling in order to reconstruct the wave field in coastal areas properly when the available wave data is limited. In recent years, the literature has offered several comprehensive sets of field experiments investigating the form of the asymptotic, depth-limited wind waves. This has made it possible to reformulate the original deep water equations, taking into account the effects of water depth, if wind waves are locally generated in shallow and confined basins. The present paper is an initial attempt to further contribute to the shallow water forecasting curves which are currently available, also considering the role on the wave generation of a variable equivalent bottom roughness. This can offer the possibility of applying shallow growth curves to a broad variety of contexts, for which bed composition and forms can be different. Simple numerical tests have been conducted to reproduce the fully developed conditions of wave motion with variable roughness values. To validate the new set of equations, they have been applied to a real shallow lake for which both experimental and numerical wave data is available. The comparison of the obtained results is very encouraging in proceeding with this approach.
Advances in Deriving the Exact Distribution of Maximum Annual Daily Precipitation
Authors: De Michele Carlo
Published: November 2019

Maximum annual daily precipitation does not attain asymptotic conditions. Consequently, the results of classical extreme value theory do not apply to this variable. This issue has raised concerns about the frequent use of asymptotic distributions to model the maximum annual daily precipitation and, at the same time, has rekindled interest in deriving and testing its exact (or non-asymptotic) distribution. In this review, we summarize and discuss results to date about the derivation of the exact distribution of maximum annual daily precipitation, with attention on compound/superstatistical distributions.
Quantifying Water Quality Improvements through Use of Precision Herbicide Application Technologies in a Dry-Tropical, Furrow-Irrigated Cropping System
Authors: Davis Aaron M. , Neelamraju Catherine
Published: November 2019

This study compared water quality effects of using precision herbicide application technologies and traditional spraying approaches across several regulated ‘priority’ and alternative pre- and post-emergent herbicides in a northern Australian cane farming system. Use of herbicide banding spray technologies resulted in pre-emergent herbicide load reductions, extending substantially beyond simple proportionate decreases in the amount of herbicide ingredient applied to paddocks. Aquatic risk assessment from resultant chemical mixtures leaving paddocks, and upscaled to local catchment concentrations, highlighted that precision application technologies could markedly reduce the ecological risk of pre-emergent herbicides. These risk reductions were, however, often complicated by the additional toxicity of post-emergent herbicides in mixtures, some associated with the adoption of band-spraying weed treatments. While the currently regulated priority herbicide, diuron, posed the greatest risk to the environment, alternative herbicides could still pose significant environmental risks, although these relative risks were lower at more ecologically relevant concentrations, typically found in the local freshwater ecosystems. Results underline the need for a carefully considered approach to integrating alternative herbicides and precision application technologies into improved weed management by irrigating cane farmers. Recent government changes to the appraisal of water quality improvement progress, from load-based to ecosystem-based targets, involving a much broader suite of herbicides, also appear likely to complicate assessment of the environmental impacts of practice change adoption for the industry.
Impact Analysis of Karst Reservoir Construction on the Surrounding Environment: A Case Study for the Southwest of China
Authors: Shen Huan , Huang Yong , Tang Yuzhou , Qiu Huiyang , Wang Ping
Published: November 2019

With the rapid growth of the global demand for low-carbon energy, the development of hydropower has ushered in new development, but the ecological and environmental problems caused by this cannot be ignored. Taking the safe and efficient operation of water conservancy projects as the goal, this paper took the Maling Water Conservancy Project (MWCP) as an example to predict and evaluate the ecological environment risks of water conservancy projects. Based on the on-site geological surveys and experiments, the big well method and the long narrow horizontal tunnel method were used to estimate the water inflow from the underground caverns. The contaminant migration model was used to predict and analyze the groundwater quality. The impact of the MWCP on the surrounding environment was systematically analyzed and evaluated. The results showed that the estimated water inflow from the underground powerhouse and the water conveyance pipeline was about 7403.6 m3/d during the construction period. The groundwater level in the reservoir area could recover after a short drop, which had little effect on the surrounding vegetation. The groundwater quality was affected obviously because the migration speed of contaminants was very fast under abnormal conditions. During the operation period, it had little effect on groundwater level and had certain influence on groundwater flow field in local area. The source of sewage was mainly a small amount of domestic sewage, which could be ignored after taking anti-seepage measures. After storing water in the reservoir area, there was a possibility of small-scale immersion on the right bank. Most of the reservoirs had good stability conditions but the stability of the upper fault valley was poor; however, the possibility of leakage was very small. Overall, the project had little impact on the surrounding environment. The research results could also provide some references for other hydroelectric projects within the basin.
Flood Inundation Mapping at Ungauged Basins Using Coupled Hydrometeorological–Hydraulic Modelling: The Catastrophic Case of the 2006 Flash Flood in Volos City, Greece
Authors: Papaioannou George , Varlas George , Terti Galateia , Papadopoulos Anastasios , Loukas Athanasios , Panagopoulos Yiannis , Dimitriou Elias
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, as extreme weather increasingly threatens human health and economy, early warning system approaches are critical for timely preparedness and response. Towards the implementation of a multi-model forecasting system for flood hazards, this study presents a coupled application of three (3) models: The WRF-ARW weather model, the WRF-Hydro hydrological model, and the HEC-RAS 2D hydraulic model. A flash flood event that occurred on 9 October 2006 in Volos city, Greece, is used as a case study to assess the accuracy of the integrated modelling approach to simulate the flood hydrograph and flood extent in Xerias ungauged catchment. The hydrometeorological simulation results indicated a severe persistent storm over Pelion mountain at the northeast of Volos, as the main factor of the major flash flood and extensive impacts. Historical flood records retrieved by several conventional and non-conventional sources are used to validate the flooded area. Compared to the collected data and prior studies, the generated inundation map of Xerias river is found to realistically capture highly impacted areas which experienced infrastructure damage and human rescues from inundated roads and buildings. Results from our analyses show that the proposed physically-based modelling approach can give reliable inputs into flood risk management.