bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Machine-Learning Approaches for Modeling the Charging/Discharging Proﬁles of Stationary Battery Systems with Non-Uniform Cell Aging
Authors: Kandasamy Nandha , Badrinarayanan Rajagopalan , Kanamarlapudi Venkata , Tseng King , Soong Boon-Hee
Published: June 2017

The number of Stationary Battery Systems (SBS) connected to various power distribution networks across the world has increased drastically. The increase in the integration of renewable energy sources is one of the major contributors to the increase in the number of SBS. SBS are also used in other applications such as peak load management, load-shifting, voltage regulation and power quality improvement. Accurately modeling the charging/discharging characteristics of such SBS at various instances (charging/discharging profile) is vital for many applications. Capacity loss due to the aging of the batteries is an important factor to be considered for estimating the charging/discharging profile of SBS more accurately. Empirical modeling is a common approach used in the literature for estimating capacity loss, which is further used for estimating the charging/discharging profiles of SBS. However, in the case of SBS used for renewable integration and other grid related applications, machine-learning (ML) based models provide extreme flexibility and require minimal resources for implementation. The models can even leverage existing smart meter data to estimate the charging/discharging profile of SBS. In this paper, an analysis on the performance of different ML approaches that can be applied for lithium iron phosphate battery systems and vanadium redox flow battery systems used as SBS is presented for the scenarios where the aging of individual cells is non-uniform.
An Overview of the Utilisation of Brewery By-Products as Generated by British Craft Breweries
Authors: Kerby Clare , Vriesekoop Frank
Published: June 2017

There is a wide range of information available on by-product disposal methods used by large national breweries. However, little information is available on the methods of by-product disposal used by craft breweries. An investigation was carried out in which 200+ British craft brewers were contacted, of which 90 craft brewers provided basic information about their brewery operations and by-product disposal. Representatives of eleven breweries were interviewed to provide an in-depth case study of their by-product disposal methods. The research found that urban craft brewers use a wider range of disposal methods compared to rural craft brewers; urban brewers dispose of more waste through sewage and landfill, as well as using external companies, such as bio-recycling and anaerobic digester plants, whereas rural brewers have relationships with farmers who dispose of the by-products in various ways. Craft brewers tend to have a direct relationship with the by-product users. Even though they do not have all disposal options available to them which the large industrial breweries have, due to their small scale of by-product production, craft brewers appear to find alternative means of sustainability.
The Gushing Experience—A Quick Overview
Authors: Mastanjević Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir , Krstanović Vinko
Published: June 2017

Beer lovers all over the world like to get their drink with a certain volume of stabile foam, which mainly depends on the beer style. However, sometimes this foam comes in form of a sudden, eruptive, and uncontrolled over-foaming (gushing) of beer. Gushing occurs after the bottle has been opened, without previously being treated inappropriately (exposure to high temperatures, shaking, or any other kind of agitation). According to recent scientific and professional literature, gushing may be induced by many factors, but fungal proteins are directly connected to this phenomenon. Gushing caused by fungal proteins—hydrophobins—is called primary gushing, and depends solely on raw material quality. Other reasons for extensive foaming after the bottle has been opened can be of chemical or technological nature in the course of the brewing process. This is called secondary gushing, which can be influenced and reduced by applying good manufacturing practice protocols.
Helical Arrangement of 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-Benzothiazole in Crystal Formation and Biological Evaluation on HeLa Cells
Authors: Cuevas-Hernández Roberto , Padilla-Martínez Itzia , Martínez-Cerón Sarai , Vásquez-Moctezuma Ismael , Trujillo-Ferrara José
Published: June 2017

Benzothiazoles are a set of molecules with a broad spectrum of biological applications. In particular, 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-benzothiazole is a potential breast cancer cell suppressor whose mechanism of action has been previously reported. In the present work, the title compound was synthesized, crystallized, and its biological activity on HeLa cells was evaluated. Its molecular structure was compared to that obtained by molecular modeling. Theoretical calculations suggest that the syn-rotamer is the most stable form and correlates very well with crystallographic data. The crystal structure adopts a helical arrangement formed through O13—H13∙∙∙N3 intermolecular hydrogen bonding that propagates in the (14 -1 -3) plane. These results suggest that the title compound has the capacity to interleave into DNA and better explain its biological effects related to the increased CHIP expression through AhR recruitment. Finally, the biological experiments indicate that the title compound has the capacity to decrease the viability of HeLa cells with an IC50 = 2.86 μM.
Insights on Forest Structure and Composition from Long-Term Research in the Luquillo Mountains
Authors: Heartsill Scalley Tamara
Published: June 2017

The science of ecology fundamentally aims to understand species and their relation to the environment. At sites where hurricane disturbance is part of the environmental context, permanent forest plots are critical to understand ecological vegetation dynamics through time. An overview of forest structure and species composition from two of the longest continuously measured tropical forest plots is presented. Long-term measurements, 72 years at the leeward site, and 25 years at windward site, of stem density are similar to initial and pre-hurricane values at both sites. For 10 years post-hurricane Hugo (1989), stem density increased at both sites. Following that increase period, stem density has remained at 1400 to 1600 stems/ha in the leeward site, and at 1200 stems/ha in the windward site. The forests had similar basal area values before hurricane Hugo in 1989, but these sites are following different patterns of basal area accumulation. The leeward forest site continues to accumulate and increase basal area with each successive measurement, currently above 50 m2/ha. The windward forest site maintains its basal area values close to an asymptote of 35 m2/ha. Currently, the most abundant species at both sites is the sierra palm. Ordinations to explore variation in tree species composition through time present the leeward site with a trajectory of directional change, while at the windward site, the composition of species seems to be converging to pre-hurricane conditions. The observed differences in forest structure and composition from sites differently affected by hurricane disturbance provide insight into how particular forest characteristics respond at shorter or longer time scales in relation to previous site conditions and intensity of disturbance effects.
Short Rotations in Forest Plantations Accelerate Virulence Evolution in Root-Rot Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Soularue Jean-Paul , Robin Cécile , Desprez-Loustau Marie-Laure , Dutech Cyril
Published: June 2017

As disease outbreaks in forest plantations are causing concern worldwide, a clear understanding of the influence of silvicultural practices on the development of epidemics is still lacking. Importantly, silvicultural practices are likely to simultaneously affect epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of pathogen populations. We propose a genetically explicit and individual-based model of virulence evolution in a root-rot pathogenic fungus spreading across forest landscapes, taking the Armillaria ostoyae–Pinus pinaster pathosystem as reference. We used the model to study the effects of rotation length on the evolution of virulence and the propagation of the fungus within a forest landscape composed of even-aged stands regularly altered by clear-cutting and thinning operations. The life cycle of the fungus modeled combines asexual and sexual reproduction modes, and also includes parasitic and saprotrophic phases. Moreover, the tree susceptibility to the pathogen is primarily determined by the age of the stand. Our simulations indicated that the shortest rotation length accelerated both the evolution of virulence and the development of the epidemics, whatever the genetic variability in the initial fungal population and the asexuality rate of the fungal species
Haplotypes of the Ovine Adiponectin Gene and Their Association with Growth and Carcass Traits in New Zealand Romney Lambs
Authors: An Qingming , Zhou Huitong , Hu Jiang , Luo Yuzhu , Hickford Jon
Published: June 2017

Adiponectin plays an important role in energy homeostasis and metabolism in mammalian adipose tissue. In this study, the relationship between adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) haplotypes and variation in growth and carcass traits in New Zealand (NZ) Romney lambs was investigated using General Linear Models (GLMs). Eight haplotypes were found in these lambs and they were composed of the four previously reported promoter fragment sequences (A1–D1) and three previously reported intron 2–exon 3 sequences (A3–C3). The frequencies of the haplotypes ranged from 0.07% to 45.91%. The presence of A1–A3 was associated with a decreased pre-weaning growth rate (p = 0.037), and decreased leg lean-meat yield (p = 0.001), loin lean-meat yield (p = 0.018) and total lean-meat yield (p = 0.004). The presence of A1–C3 was associated with increased carcass fat depth over the 12th rib (V-GR; p = 0.001) and a decreased proportion of loin lean-meat yield (p = 0.045). The presence of B1–A3 was associated with an increased proportion of leg lean-meat yield (p = 0.016) and proportion of shoulder lean-meat yield (p = 0.030). No associations were found with birth weight, tailing weight and weaning weight. These results suggest that ovine ADIPOQ may have value as a genetic marker for NZ Romney sheep breeding.
Splice-Switching Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Meijboom Katharina , Wood Matthew , McClorey Graham
Published: June 2017

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder with severity ranging from premature death in infants to restricted motor function in adult life. Despite the genetic cause of this disease being known for over twenty years, only recently has a therapy been approved to treat the most severe form of this disease. Here we discuss the genetic basis of SMA and the subsequent studies that led to the utilization of splice switching oligonucleotides to enhance production of SMN protein, which is absent in patients, through a mechanism of exon inclusion into the mature mRNA. Whilst approval of oligonucleotide-based therapies for SMA should be celebrated, we also discuss some of the limitations of this approach and alternate genetic strategies that are currently underway in clinical trials.
The Role of Affect and Cognition in Processing Messages about Early Diagnosis for Alzheimer’s Disease by Older People
Authors: De Pelsmacker Patrick , Lewi Martine , Cauberghe Veroline
Published: June 2017

Through early diagnosis of symptoms, the Alzheimer’s disease process can be decelerated. The main concern is to encourage the population at risk to take responsible actions at the earliest stage of the onset of the disease. Persuasive communication is essential to achieve this. In an experimental study, the evaluation of awareness messages for early diagnosis containing weak and strong arguments and negative and positive images was performed on a sample of older Belgians. The mediating role of affective responses and message thoughts was explored. Strong arguments led to a more positive evaluation of the message than weak arguments directly and indirectly via the positive effect they had on message affect and thoughts, which, in turn, positively affected message evaluation. A negative message image led to a more positive message evaluation than a positive one. This effect was not mediated by either message affect or message thoughts.
A Conceptual Model for Delineating Land Management Units (LMUs) Using Geographical Object-Based Image Analysis
Authors: Gerçek Deniz
Published: June 2017

Land management and planning is crucial for present and future use of land and the sustainability of land resources. Physical, biological and cultural characteristics of land can be used to define Land Management Units (LMUs) that aid in decision making for managing land and communicating information between different research and application domains. This study aims to describe the classification of ecologically relevant land units that are suitable for land management, planning and conservation purposes. Relying on the idea of strong correlation between landform and potential landcover, a conceptual model for creating Land Management Units (LMUs) from topographic data and biophysical information is presented. The proposed method employs a multi-level object-based classification of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) to derive landform units. The sensitivity of landform units to changes in segmentation scale is examined, and the outcome of the landform classification is evaluated. Landform classes are then aggregated with landcover information to produce ecologically relevant landform/landcover assemblages. These conceptual units that constitute a framework of connected entities are finally enriched given available socio-economic information e.g., land use, ownership, protection status, etc. to generate LMUs. LMUs attached to a geographic database enable the retrieval of information at various levels to support decision making for land management at various scales. LMUs that are created present a basis for conservation and management in a biodiverse area in the Black Sea region of Turkey.
Friction-Induced Mitochondrial Dysregulation Contributes to Joint Deterioration in Prg4 Knockout Mice
Authors: Waller Kimberly , Zhang Ling , Jay Gregory
Published: June 2017

Deficiency of PRG4 (lubricin), the boundary lubricant in mammalian joints, contributes to increased joint friction accompanied by superficial and upper intermediate zone chondrocyte caspase-3 activation, as shown in lubricin-null (Prg4−/−) mice. Caspase-3 activity appears to be reversible upon the restitution of Prg4 either endogenously in vivo, in a gene trap mouse, or as an applied lubricant in vitro. In this study we show that intra-articular injection of human PRG4 in vivo in Prg4−/− mice prevented caspase-3 activation in superficial zone chondrocytes and was associated with a modest decrease in whole joint friction measured ex vivo using a joint pendulum method. Non-lubricated Prg4−/− mouse cartilage shows caspase cascade activation caused by mitochondrial dysregulation, and significantly higher levels of peroxynitrite (ONOO− and −OH) and superoxide (O−2) compared to Prg4+/+ and Prg4+/− cartilage. Enzymatic activity levels of caspase 8 across Prg4 mutant mice were not significantly different, indicating no extrinsic apoptosis pathway activation. Western blots showed caspase-3 and 9 activation in Prg4−/− tissue extracts, and the appearance of nitrosylated Cys163 in the active cleft of caspase-3 which inhibits its enzymatic activity. These findings are relevant to patients at risk for arthrosis, from camptodactyl-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome and transient lubricin insufficiency due to trauma and inflammation.
Full Dynamic Ball Bearing Model with Elastic Outer Ring for High Speed Applications
Authors: Wagner Christian , Krinner Andreas , Thümmel Thomas , Rixen Daniel
Published: June 2017

Ball bearings are commonly used in high speed turbomachinery and have a critical influence on the rotordynamic behavior. Therefore, a simulation model of the bearing to predict the dynamic influence is essential. The presented model is a further step to develop an accurate and efficient characterization of the ball bearing’s rotor dynamic parameters such as stiffness and deflections as well as vibrational excitations induced by the discrete rolling elements. To make it applicable to high speed turbomachinery, the model considers centrifugal forces, gyroscopic effects and ball spinning. The consideration of an elastic outer ring makes the bearing model suitable for integrated lightweight bearing constructions used in modern aircraft turbines. In order to include transient rotordynamic behavior, the model is built as a full dynamic multibody simulation with time integration. To investigate the influence of the elasticity of the outer ring, a comparison with a rigid formulation for several rotational speeds and loads is presented.
Analysis of the Light Transmission Ability of Reinforcing Glass Fibers Used in Polymer Composites
Authors: Hegedűs Gergely , Sarkadi Tamás , Czigány Tibor
Published: June 2017

This goal of our research was to show that E-glass fiber bundles used for reinforcing composites can be enabled to transmit light in a common resin without any special preparation (without removing the sizing). The power of the transmitted light was measured and the attenuation coefficient, which characterizes the fiber bundle, was determined. Although the attenuation coefficient depends on temperature and the wavelength of the light, it is independent of the power of incident light, the quality of coupling, and the length of the specimen. The refractive index of commercially available transparent resins was measured and it was proved that a resin with a refractive index lower than that of the fiber can be used to make a composite whose fibers are capable of transmitting light. The effects of temperature, compression of the fibers, and the shape of fiber ends on the power of transmitted light were examined. The measurement of emitted light can provide information about the health of the fibers. This can be the basis of a simple health monitoring system in the case of general-purpose composite structures.
In Situ Imaging during Compression of Plastic Bonded Explosives for Damage Modeling
Authors: Manner Virginia W. , Yeager John D. , Patterson Brian M. , Walters David J. , Stull Jamie A. , Cordes Nikolaus L. , Luscher Darby J. , Henderson Kevin C. , Schmalzer Andrew M. , Tappan Bryce C.
Published: June 2017

The microstructure of plastic bonded explosives (PBXs) is known to influence behavior during mechanical deformation, but characterizing the microstructure can be challenging. For example, the explosive crystals and binder in formulations such as PBX 9501 do not have sufficient X-ray contrast to obtain three-dimensional data by in situ, absorption contrast imaging. To address this difficulty, we have formulated a series of PBXs using octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) crystals and low-density binder systems. The binders were hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) or glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) cured with a commercial blend of acrylic monomers/oligomers. The binder density is approximately half of the HMX, allowing for excellent contrast using in situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging. The samples were imaged during unaxial compression using micro-scale CT in an interrupted in situ modality. The rigidity of the binder was observed to significantly influence fracture, crystal-binder delamination, and flow. Additionally, 2D slices from the segmented 3D images were meshed for finite element simulation of the mesoscale response. At low stiffness, the binder and crystal do not delaminate and the crystals move with the material flow; at high stiffness, marked delamination is noted between the crystals and the binder, leading to very different mechanical properties. Initial model results exhibit qualitatively similar delamination.
Influence of Controlled Cooling in Bimodal Scaffold Fabrication Using Polymers with Different Melting Temperatures
Authors: Lara-Padilla Hernan , Mendoza-Buenrostro Christian , Cardenas Diego , Rodriguez-Garcia Aida , Rodriguez Ciro
Published: June 2017

The combination of different materials and capabilities to manufacture at several scales open new possibilities in scaffold design for bone regeneration. This work is focused on bimodal scaffolds that combine polylactic acid (PLA) melt extruded strands with polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers. This type of bimodal scaffold offers better mechanical properties, compared to the use of PCL for the extruded strands, and provides potential a means for controlled drug and/or growth factor delivery through the electrospun fibers. The technologies of fused deposition modeling (FDM) and electrospinning were combined to create 3D bimodal constructs. The system uses a controlled cooling system allowing the combination of polymers with different melting temperatures to generate integrated scaffold architecture. The thermoplastic polymers used in the FDM process enhance the mechanical properties of the bimodal scaffold and control the pore structure. Integrated layers of electrospun microfibers induce an increase of the surface area for cell culture purposes, as well as potential in situ controlled drug and/or growth factor delivery. The proposed bimodal scaffolds (PLA extruded strands and PCL electrospun fibers) show appropriate morphology and better mechanical properties when compared to the use of PCL extruded strands. On average, bimodal scaffolds with overall dimensions of 30 × 30 × 2.4 mm3 (strand diameter of 0.5 mm, strand stepover of 2.5 mm, pore size of 2 mm, and layer height of 0.3 mm) showed scaffold stiffness of 23.73 MPa and compression strength of 3.85 MPa. A cytotoxicity assay based human fibroblasts showed viability of the scaffold materials.
Anderson Insulators in Self-Assembled Gold Nanoparticles Thin Films: Single Electron Hopping between Charge Puddles Originated from Disorder
Authors: Jiang Cheng-Wei , Ni I-Chih , Hsieh Yun-Lien , Tzeng Shien-Der , Wu Cen-Shawn , Kuo Watson
Published: June 2017

The Anderson insulating states in Au nanoparticle assembly are identified and studied under the application of magnetic fields and gate voltages. When the inter-nanoparticle tunneling resistance is smaller than the quantum resistance, the system showing zero Mott gap can be insulating at very low temperature. In contrast to Mott insulators, Anderson insulators exhibit great negative magnetoresistance, inferring charge delocalization in a strong magnetic field. When probed by the electrodes spaced by ~200 nm, they also exhibit interesting gate-modulated current similar to the multi-dot single electron transistors. These results reveal the formation of charge puddles due to the interplay of disorder and quantum interference at low temperatures.
The Understanding of the Metazoan Skeletal System, Based on the Initial Discoveries with Siliceous and Calcareous Sponges
Authors: Müller Werner , Schröder Heinz , Wang Xiaohong
Published: June 2017

Initiated by studies on the mechanism of formation of the skeletons of the evolutionary oldest still extant multicellular animals, the sponges (phylum Porifera) have provided new insights into the mechanism of formation of the Ca-phosphate/hydroxyapatite skeleton of vertebrate bone. Studies on the formation of the biomineral skeleton of sponges revealed that both the formation of the inorganic siliceous skeletons (sponges of the class of Hexactinellida and Demospongiae) and of the calcareous skeletons (class of Calcarea) is mediated by enzymes (silicatein: polymerization of biosilica; and carbonic anhydrase: deposition of Ca-carbonate). Detailed studies of the initial mineralization steps in human bone-forming cells showed that this process is also controlled by enzymes, starting with the deposition of Ca-carbonate bio-seeds, mediated by carbonic anhydrases-II and -IX, followed by non-enzymatic transformation of the formed amorphous Ca-carbonate deposits into amorphous Ca-phosphate and finally hydroxyapatite crystals. The required phosphate is provided by enzymatic (alkaline phosphatase-mediated) degradation of an inorganic polymer, polyphosphate (polyP), which also acts as a donor for chemically useful energy in this process. These new discoveries allow the development of novel biomimetic strategies for treatment of bone diseases and defects.
The Bronchiectasis Toolbox—A Comprehensive Website for the Management of People with Bronchiectasis
Authors: Nicolson Caroline , Holland Anne , Lee Annemarie
Published: June 2017

While the health burden of bronchiectasis is increasing worldwide, medical and physiotherapy treatment strategies have progressed significantly over the past decade. For this reason, clinicians require readily accessible current evidence based information on the management of this condition. E-learning is a suitable educational forum for the development and maintenance of professional skills, however a comprehensive, evidence based, multidisciplinary website for bronchiectasis was not available. The Bronchiectasis Toolbox at www.bronchiectasis.com.au was developed by a team of clinicians in Australia and New Zealand with extensive experience in bronchiectasis. The content of this website, based on national and international guidelines, is presented under the headings: ‘Bronchiectasis’, ‘Assessment’, ‘Physiotherapy’, ‘Indigenous’, ‘Paediatrics’, and ‘Resources’. Through a blend of multimedia resources, this website provides information to consolidate the knowledge and practical skills for health professionals caring for people with this condition. After launching in 2015 the website has received 64,549 hits from over 100 countries and the videos have been viewed 10,205 times in 89 countries. The Bronchiectasis Toolbox is a comprehensive multidisciplinary resource accessible to health professionals worldwide who manage people with bronchiectasis and is a unique solution to an educational need. Regular updates will ensure that the website continues to be relevant.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Induces Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone Oxidoreductase through Activation of Nrf2 in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bang Hye-Yoon , Park Sin-Aye , Saeidi Soma , Na Hye-Kyung , Surh Young-Joon
Published: June 2017

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an ω-3 fatty acid abundant in fish oils, has diverse health beneficial effects, such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and chemopreventive activities. In this study, we found that DHA induced expression of two representative antioxidant/cytoprotective enzymes, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), in human mammary epithealial (MCF-10A) cells. DHA-induced upregulation of these enzymes was accompanied by enhanced translocation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 into the nucleus and its binding to antioxidant response element. Nrf2 gene silencing by siRNA abolished the DHA-induced expression of HO-1 and NQO1 proteins. When MCF-10A cells were transfected with mutant constructs in which the cysteine 151 or 288 residue of Keap1 was replaced by serine, DHA-induced expression of HO-1 and NQO1 was markedly reduced. Moreover, DHA activated protein kinase C (PKC)δ and induced Nrf2 phosphorylation. DHA-induced phosphorylation of Nrf2 was abrogated by the pharmacological PKCδ inhibitor rottlerin or siRNA knockdown of its gene expression. The antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine and Trolox attenuated DHA-induced activation of PKCδ, phosphorylation of Nrf2, and and its target protein expression. In conclusion, DHA activates Nrf2, possibly through modification of critical Keap1 cysteine 288 residue and PKCδ-mediated phosphorylation of Nrf2, leading to upregulation of HO-1 and NQO1 expression.
Fibre-Related Dietary Patterns: Socioeconomic Barriers to Adequate Fibre Intake in Polish Adolescents. A Short Report
Authors: Krusinska Beata , Kowalkowska Joanna , Wadolowska Lidia , Wuenstel Justyna , Slowinska Malgorzata , Niedzwiedzka Ewa
Published: June 2017

There is no complete explanation for the association between socioeconomic status (SES), fibre, and whole diet described by dietary patterns. The aim of this short report was to increase the understanding of adolescent dietary patterns related to fibre in their social context. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1176 adolescents aged 13–18 years from central and north-eastern Poland. The overall SES was composed of five single factors: place of residence, self-declared economic situation of family, self-declared economic situation of household, paternal and maternal education. The consumption frequency of nine dietary fibre sources was collected using Block’s questionnaire and was expressed in points. Fibre dietary patterns (DPs) were drawn by cluster analysis and odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, sex, and BMI were calculated. Three fibre-related DPs were identified: “High-fibre” (mean frequency of total fibre intake 22.7 points; range: 0–36), “Average-fibre” (17.7 points), “Low-fibre” (14.6 points). The “High-fibre” DP was characterized by a relatively higher frequency consumption of white bread, fruit, fruit or vegetable juices, potatoes, green salad and prepared vegetables, and a moderate frequency consumption of high-fibre or bran cereals and wholegrain bread compared to the “Low-fibre” DP. The “Average-fibre” DP was characterized by a relatively higher frequency consumption of wholegrain bread and high-fibre or bran cereals and a moderate frequency consumption of fruit, fruit or vegetable juices, green salad and prepared vegetables compared to the “Low-fibre” DP. Less likely to adhere to the “High-fibre” DP were adolescents with low SES (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39–0.77) or average SES (0.58, 95% CI: 0.41–0.81) in comparison with high SES (reference) as a result of elementary or secondary paternal or maternal education, rural residence, and lower household economic situation. Similar associations were found for the “Average-fibre” DP. Low and average socioeconomic status resulting from lower parents’ education, rural residence, and lower economic situation were inversely associated with achieving a relatively high fibre intake in Polish adolescents. Consuming single high-fibre foods was not sufficient to achieve a high-fibre diet in Polish adolescents. These data suggest that the consumption of a wide variety of dietary fibre sources—both relatively high-fibre and low-fibre foods—may help Polish adolescents in achieving a relatively high-fibre diet.
Influence of Hot and Cold Environments on the Regulation of Energy Balance Following a Single Exercise Session: A Mini-Review
Authors: Charlot Keyne , Faure Cécile , Antoine-Jonville Sophie
Published: June 2017

Understanding the regulation of human food intake in response to an acute exercise session is of importance for interventions with athletes and soldiers, as well as overweight individuals. However, the influence of hot and cold environments on this crucial function for the regulation of body mass and motor performance has not been summarized. The purpose of this review was to exhaustively search the literature on the effect of ambient temperature during an exercise session on the subsequent subjective feeling of appetite, energy intake (EI) and its regulation. In the absence of stress due to environmental temperature, exercise-induced energy expenditure is not compensated by EI during an ad libitum meal following the session, probably due to decreased acylated ghrelin and increased peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) levels. No systematic analysis has been yet made for major alterations of relative EI in cold and hot environments. However, observed eating behaviors are altered (proportion of solid/liquid food, carbohydrate/fat) and physiological regulation appears also to be altered. Anorexigenic signals, particularly PYY, appear to further increase in hot environments than in those that are thermoneutral. Ghrelin and leptin may be involved in the observed increase in EI after exercise in the cold, in parallel with increased energy expenditure. The potential influence of ambient thermal environment on eating behaviors after an exercise session should not be neglected.
Trans-Resveratrol Supplementation and Endothelial Function during the Fasting and Postprandial Phase: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Overweight and Slightly Obese Participants
Authors: Made Sanne , Plat Jogchum , Mensink Ronald
Published: June 2017

Studies on the effects of the long-term intake of trans-resveratrol on vascular function are conflicting. In addition, postprandial effects of long-term trans-resveratrol intake on endothelial function are not known. We therefore supplemented 45 overweight and slightly obese volunteers (25 men and 20 women) with a mean (±SD) age of 61 ± 7 years and body mass index of 28.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2 in random order trans-resveratrol (2 × 75 mg/day) or placebo capsules for 4 weeks, separated by a washout period of at least 4 weeks. At the end of each intervention period, brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was measured before and after meal consumption. Plasma biomarkers for endothelial function, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolism were also determined. Compared with the placebo, trans-resveratrol did not affect fasting FMD (2.9 ± 1.4% vs. 3.0 ± 1.9%; p = 0.69). After the postprandial test, changes in FMD (−0.7 ± 2.3% vs. 0.2 ± 2.6%; p = 0.13) were also not significantly different. Postprandial changes in biomarkers were also comparable. In conclusion, for overweight and slightly obese volunteers, a daily intake of 150 mg of trans-resveratrol for 4 weeks does not change plasma biomarkers of endothelial function or inflammation in the fasting state or postprandial phase.
Religion and Violence: Thinking again about the Link
Authors: Moore James
Published: June 2017

This article is a contribution to a Special Issue on religion and genocide edited by Dr. Steven Jacobs. The aim of the article is to suggest a dimension of research not often considered to be part of the discussion. Because genocidal events have happened in conjunction with religious holidays, the article suggests that researchers must consider the role that worship and the texts of worship play in shaping the context for genocide.
Evaluating the Role of CSR and SLO in Ecotourism: Collaboration for Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Arctic Resources
Authors: Bickford Nate , Smith Lindsey , Bickford Sonja , Bice Matthew R. , Ranglack and Dustin H.
Published: June 2017

Abstract: Major biophysical, economic, and political changes in the Arctic regions during the past two decades has grown business opportunities in the Arctic countries, such as tourism. More specifically, with a focus on sustainability of resources, the industry of ecotourism has emerged and become the fastest growing area within tourism. Ecotourism is a travel experience that embraces environmental conservation and the sustainability of local resources and culture. Ecotourism and related businesses must practice ethical behavior to obtain both government and social permission to conduct and carry out their operations. Government and community acceptance, or gaining a social license to operate (SLO) is key. Being accepted as a part of the community is not a formal agreement or document, but ongoing negotiations, practices, and acts of corporate social responsibility (CSR). For example, in many Arctic regions where tourism occurs, the land and resources have other designated uses such as agriculture, forestry, or fisheries. Added infrastructure grows a smaller community, as revenue generating opportunities bring an influx of people and use the resources and infrastructure, as well as have an impact on the local culture and traditions. Sustaining the local and traditional resources and lands, especially in the Arctic where damage can be unrepairable, becomes a key factor in decisions regarding tourism developments. Thus, the need for responsible businesses with a sustainability focus. The need for practices of CSR and SLO in ecotourism is undeniable. Understanding that businesses hold responsibility and play a role in society, the environment, and the life of the locals is very important.
High-Rise Building Layover Exploitation with Non-Local Frequency Estimation in SAR Interferograms
Authors: Zhu Jun , Ding Xiaoli , Li Zhiwei , Zhu Jianjun , Xu Bing
Published: June 2017

The wide application of high-resolution SAR data, such as TanDEM-X and TerraSAR-X, has resulted in an increase of the data processing difficulty of interferograms, especially in urban areas with serious layovers caused by high-rise buildings. In this paper, a new method based on frequency estimation is proposed to extract and compensate the building layover phase without considering the building structure. We use a non-local algorithm to estimate the high-accuracy frequency in the range direction, which is utilized to extract the layover areas of a building. Then, a two-step method for estimating local frequencies is used for layover phase removal. Efficient frequency estimation and building extraction is demonstrated on real data in comparison with traditional methods. The results of the removal approach with both simulated and real TanDEM-X and TerraSAR-X images are presented to prove the potential of the method.
Spatial and Spectral Hybrid Image Classification for Rice Lodging Assessment through UAV Imagery
Authors: Yang Ming-Der , Huang Kai-Siang , Kuo Yi-Hsuan , Tsai Hui , Lin Liang-Mao
Published: June 2017

Rice lodging identification relies on manual in situ assessment and often leads to a compensation dispute in agricultural disaster assessment. Therefore, this study proposes a comprehensive and efficient classification technique for agricultural lands that entails using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery. In addition to spectral information, digital surface model (DSM) and texture information of the images was obtained through image-based modeling and texture analysis. Moreover, single feature probability (SFP) values were computed to evaluate the contribution of spectral and spatial hybrid image information to classification accuracy. The SFP results revealed that texture information was beneficial for the classification of rice and water, DSM information was valuable for lodging and tree classification, and the combination of texture and DSM information was helpful in distinguishing between artificial surface and bare land. Furthermore, a decision tree classification model incorporating SFP values yielded optimal results, with an accuracy of 96.17% and a Kappa value of 0.941, compared with that of a maximum likelihood classification model (90.76%). The rice lodging ratio in paddies at the study site was successfully identified, with three paddies being eligible for disaster relief. The study demonstrated that the proposed spatial and spectral hybrid image classification technology is a promising tool for rice lodging assessment.
Assessment of the Daily Cloud-Free MODIS Snow-Cover Product for Monitoring the Snow-Cover Phenology over the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Wenfang , Ma Hanqing , Wu Donghai , Yuan Wenping
Published: June 2017

Snow cover plays a crucial role in surface hydrology and energy balance, especially in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). This study used 12 years (2000–2011) of ground-observed snow depth at 87 meteorological stations to assess and verify the accuracy of the daily cloud-free snow-cover product from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) over the QTP. On average, the daily cloud-free MODIS snow-cover product correctly identified the occurrence of snow cover with an accuracy of 90.74%, ranging from 54.39% to 99.07% among the 87 sites. The MODIS-derived data have large uncertainties in identifying the snow-cover phenology on the threshold of FSC >0 and FSC >50% (FSC, fractional snow cover). However, the MODIS-derived data can capture the interannual variability of the snow-cover phenology as compared with in situ observations. This study highlights the uncertainties in the daily snow-free MODIS snow-cover product to reflect snow-cover phenology over the QTP.
Geometry-Based Global Alignment for GSMS Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Zeng Dan , Fang Rui , Ge Shiming , Li Shuying , Zhang Zhijiang
Published: June 2017

Alignment of latitude and longitude for all pixels is important for geo-stationary meteorological satellite (GSMS) images. To align landmarks and non-landmarks in the GSMS images, we propose a geometry-based global alignment method. Firstly, the Global Self-consistent, Hierarchical, High-resolution Geography (GSHHG) database and GSMS images are expressed as feature maps by geometric coding. According to the geometric and gradient similarity of feature maps, initial feature matching is obtained. Then, neighborhood spatial consistency based local geometric refinement algorithm is utilized to remove outliers. Since the earth is not a standard sphere, polynomial fitting models are used to describe the global relationship between latitude, longitude and coordinates for all pixels in the GSMS images. Finally, with registered landmarks and polynomial fitting models, the latitude and longitude of each pixel in the GSMS images can be calculated. Experimental results show that the proposed method globally align the GSMS images with high accuracy, recall and significantly low computation complexity.
Road Detection by Using a Generalized Hough Transform
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Zhang Zhenqing , Li Shuying , Tao Dapeng
Published: June 2017

Road detection plays key roles for remote sensing image analytics. Hough transform (HT) is one very typical method for road detection, especially for straight line road detection. Although many variants of Hough transform have been reported, it is still a great challenge to develop a low computational complexity and time-saving Hough transform algorithm. In this paper, we propose a generalized Hough transform (i.e., Radon transform) implementation for road detection in remote sensing images. Specifically, we present a dictionary learning method to approximate the Radon transform. The proposed approximation method treats a Radon transform as a linear transform, which then facilitates parallel implementation of the Radon transform for multiple images. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, we conduct extensive experiments on the popular RSSCN7 database for straight road detection. The experimental results demonstrate that our method is superior to the traditional algorithms in terms of accuracy and computing complexity.
Compact Polarimetric Response of Rape (Brassica napus L.) at C-Band: Analysis and Growth Parameters Inversion
Authors: Zhang Wangfei , Li Zengyuan , Chen Erxue , Zhang Yahong , Yang Hao , Zhao Lei , Ji Yongjie
Published: June 2017

Growth parameters like biomass, leaf area index (LAI) and stem height play an import role for crop monitoring and yield prediction. Compact polarimetric (CP) SAR has shown great potential and similar performance to fully-polarimetric (FP) SAR in crop mapping and phenology retrieval, but its potential in growth parameters inversion has not been fully explored. In this paper, a time series of images of CP SAR was simulated from five FP SAR data gathered during the entire growth season of rape. CP response of 27 parameters, relying on Stokes parameters and their child parameters, decomposition parameters and backscattering coefficients, were extracted and investigated as a function of days after sowing (DAS) during the whole rape growth cycle to interpret their sensitivity to each growth parameter. Then, random forest (RF) was chosen as an automatic approach for the growth parameters inversion method, and its results were compared with traditional single-parameter regression models. Most of the CP parameters showed high sensitivity with growth parameters and great potential for growth parameters inversion. Among all of the regression models, the quadratic regression model showed the best performance for all of the growth parameters inversion, the best result for biomass inversion was the third component of the Stokes parameters (g3) with R2 of 0.765 and RMSE of 73.20 g/m2. For LAI and stem height was one of the Stokes child parameters, the circular polarization ratio (Uc), with R2 of 0.857 and 0.923 and RMSE of 0.66 and 18.71 cm, respectively. RF showed the highest accuracy and smallest RMSE for all of three growth parameters inversion; R2 for biomass, LAI and stem height were 0.93, 0.96 and 0.95, respectively; RMSE were 46.24 g/m2, 0.25 and 13.5 cm, respectively. However, there are also some CP parameters, which showed low sensitivity to growth parameters, that had high importance for RF inversion. The results confirmed the potential of CP data and the RF method in growth parameters inversion, but they also confirmed that it was difficult to give a physical interpretation for the RF inversion model.
Simulation of Ship-Track versus Satellite-Sensor Differences in Oceanic Precipitation Using an Island-Based Radar
Authors: Burdanowitz Jörg , Klepp Christian , Bakan Stephan , Buehler Stefan
Published: June 2017

The point-to-area problem strongly complicates the validation of satellite-based precipitation estimates, using surface-based point measurements. We simulate the limited spatial representation of light-to-moderate oceanic precipitation rates along ship tracks with respect to areal passive microwave satellite estimates using data from a subtropical island-based radar. The radar data serves to estimate the discrepancy between point-like and areal precipitation measurements. From the spatial discrepancy, two statistical adjustments are derived so that along-track precipitation ship data better represent areal precipitation estimates from satellite sensors. The first statistical adjustment uses the average duration of a precipitation event as seen along a ship track, and the second adjustment uses the median-normalized along-track precipitation rate. Both statistical adjustments combined reduce the root mean squared error by 0.24 mm h − 1 (55%) compared to the unadjusted average track of 60 radar pixels in length corresponding to a typical ship speed of 24–34 km h − 1 depending on track orientation. Beyond along-track averaging, the statistical adjustments represent an important step towards a more accurate validation of precipitation derived from passive microwave satellite sensors using point-like along-track surface precipitation reference data.
Using Specification and Description Language for Life Cycle Assesment in Buildings
Authors: Fonseca i Casas Pau , Fonseca i Casas Antoni
Published: June 2017

The definition of a Life Cycle Assesment (LCA) for a building or an urban area is a complex task due to the inherent complexity of all the elements that must be considered. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach is required due to the different sources of knowledge involved in this project. This multidisciplinary approach makes it necessary to use formal language to fully represent the complexity of the used models. In this paper, we explore the use of Specification and Description Language (SDL) to represent the LCA of a building and residential area. We also introduce a tool that uses this idea to implement an optimization and simulation mechanism to define the optimal solution for the sustainability of a specific building or residential.