bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Free-Farrowing Systems and a Conventional Farrowing Crate System with Special Regard to Air Hygiene
Authors: Lühken Eyke , Nicolaisen Thies , Risch Britta , Volkmann Nina , Schnier Sandra , Schulz Jochen , Kemper Nicole
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the air quality in two different commercially available free-farrowing systems in comparison with a conventional farrowing crate system. A group housing system for six lactating sows (GH) and a single loose-housing system (LH) were tested against systems with farrowing crates (FC) under similar conditions. In eight evaluated batches with 148 farrowings, measurements were performed at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the occupancy period of 33 days. The mean dust concentration was significantly higher in GH than in LH and FC at the mid-point. The mean ammonia concentration was significantly higher in GH compared to LH and FC at the beginning of occupancy. The mean concentration of endotoxins was significantly higher in FC than in LH and GH at the end of occupancy. Furthermore, the systems did not differ significantly from each other. Spearman’s analysis revealed correlations between dust and time of occupancy, between ammonia and carbon dioxide, and between ammonia and the inside temperature and outside temperature. The new husbandry systems offer animals more opportunities to move without endangering animal welfare through deteriorated air hygiene.
The Impact of Seasonal Environments in a Tropical Savanna Climate on Forking, Leaf Area Index, and Biomass of Cassava Genotypes
Authors: Phoncharoen Phanupong , Banterng Poramate , Vorasoot Nimitr , Jogloy Sanun , Theerakulpisut Piyada , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: January 2019

Information on the forking, leaf area index, and biomass of cassava for different growing seasons could help design appropriate management to improve yield. The objective was to evaluate the forking date, leaf growth, and storage root yield of different cassava genotypes grown at different planting dates. Four cassava genotypes (Kasetsart 50, Rayong 9, Rayong 11, and CMR38–125–77) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The cassava genotypes were planted on 20 April, 25 May, 30 June, 5 October, 10 November, and 15 December 2015, and 19 May and 3 November 2016. The soil properties prior to the planting, forking date, leaf area index (LAI), dry weights, harvest index (HI), starch content, and weather data were recorded. The forking date patterns for all of the growing seasons varied depending on the cassava genotypes. The weather caused occurring in the first forking for the Rayong 11 and CMR38–125–77 and the second forking for Rayong 11, but not for Kasetsart 50. The forking CMR38–125–77 had a higher LAI, leaf dry weight, biomass, and storage root dry weight than the non-forking Rayong 9. The higher storage root yields in Rayong 9 compared with Rayong 11 were due to an increased partitioning of the storage roots.
Influence of Temperature on the Development of Peach Fruit in a Subtropical Climate Region
Authors: Souza Filipe , Alves Eduardo , Pio Rafael , Castro Elisa , Reighard Gregory , Freire Ana Izabella , Mayer Newton Alex , Pimentel Róberson
Published: January 2019

Understanding the growing process and fruit size differences among peach cultivars is extremely important in the technological domain of the crop and can provide information to improve the proper crop management (thinning and harvesting seasons) and the crop breeding of fruits with a larger caliber. However, this information is still incipient in subtropical regions and requires further research, especially in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of temperature on the growing of four peach cultivars (Tropical, Aurora-2, Ouro Mel-4, and Biuti) under subtropical conditions of field cultivation. Fruit development was determined every two weeks throughout the cycle with 30 fruits from previously identified branches from six different plants of each cultivar. Regarding the thermal accumulation in growing degree-days (GDD), the cultivar ‘Tropical’ showed the lowest agronomic fruit properties (size and mass) and required a lower GDD accumulation during the development stages of the fruits, whereas the cultivar ‘Biuti’ showed higher thermal requirements and higher agronomic properties. The number of cells had greater influence on the final fruit size than the cell area.
Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging Evaluation in Physiotherapy: Piloting a Systematic Review
Authors: Fernández Carnero Samuel , Arias Buria José , Cuenca Zaldivar Juan , Leal Quiñones Alejandro , Calvo-Lobo Cesar , Martin Saborido Carlos
Published: January 2019

Background: Research of ultrasound use in physiotherapy and daily practice has led to its use as an everyday tool. Methods: The aims were: (1) Checking the proposed systematic review protocol methodology; (2) evaluating the evidence from the last five years; and (3) coordinating the work of the team of reviewers in performing a complete systematic review. Thus, this is a pilot study prior to a full systematic review. The findings in databases related to health sciences with the meta-search engine Discovery EBSCO, Covidence, and Revman were used. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were described for eligibility. Results: Search provided 1029 references regarding the lumbar region on ultrasound scans. Of these, 33 were duplicates. After Covidence, 996 studies were left for screening. A full-text reading brought one randomized clinical trial (RCT). Conclusions: Validity and reliability references were found. The most suitable points were novice versus expert, and ultrasound versus electromyography (EMG) with just one RCT cohort, and observational and case reports. The lines of investigation increasingly endorsed the validity of using ultrasound in physiotherapy. Post-acquisition image analysis could also be a future line of research.
Line Beam Scanning-Based Ultra-Fast THz Imaging Platform
Authors: Huang Huachuan , Liu Qiao , Zou Yi , Zhu Liguo , Li Zhenhua , Li Zeren
Published: January 2019

In order to realize rapid THz detecting and imaging, a line beam scanning-based ultra-fast THz imaging platform is designed combining simple optical components and lightweight mechanical system. The designed THz imaging platform has the resolution of 12 mm, the scanning angle range of ±10.5°, the scanning speed of 0.17 s/frame, and the scanning range of 2 m × 0.8 m; moreover, it can realize rapid human body THz imaging and distinguish metallic objects. Considering its high-quality performance in THz imaging and detecting, it is believed the proposed line beam scanning-based ultra-fast THz imaging platform can be used in the future in various safe screening applications.
Design of Synchronized Large-Scale Chaos Random Number Generators and Its Application to Secure Communication
Authors: Liao Teh-Lu , Wan Pei-Yen , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: January 2019

This paper is concerned with the design of synchronized large-scale chaos random number generators (CRNGs) and its application to secure communication. In order to increase the diversity of chaotic signals, we firstly introduce additional modulation parameters in the original chaotic Duffing map system to modulate the amplitude and DC offset of the chaotic states. Then according to the butterfly effect, we implement modulated Duffing map systems with different initial values by using the microcontroller and complete the design of large-scale CRNGs. Next, a discrete sliding mode scheme is proposed to solve the synchronization problem of the master-slave large-scale CRNGs. Finally, we integrate the aforementioned results to implement an innovative secure communication system.
Enhancing the Performance of Motive Power Lead-Acid Batteries by High Surface Area Carbon Black Additives
Authors: Hu Hai-Yan , Xie Ning , Wang Chen , Wu Fan , Pan Ming , Li Hua-Fei , Wu Ping , Wang Xiao-Di , Zeng Zheling , Deng Shuguang , Wu Marvin H. , Vinodgopal K. , Dai Gui-Ping
Published: January 2019

The effects of carbon black specific surface area and morphology were investigated by characterizing four different carbon black additives and then evaluating the effect of adding them to the negative electrode of valve-regulated lead–acid batteries for electric bikes. Low-temperature performance, larger current discharge performance, charge acceptance, cycle life and water loss of the batteries with carbon black were studied. The results show that the addition of high-performance carbon black to the negative plate of lead–acid batteries has an important effect on the cycle performance at 100% depth-of-discharge conditions and the cycle life is 86.9% longer than that of the control batteries. The excellent performance of the batteries can be attributed to the high surface area carbon black effectively inhibiting the sulfation of the negative plate surface and improving the charge acceptance of the batteries.
A Review: Thermal Stability of Methylammonium Lead Halide Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ava Tanzila Tasnim , Al Mamun Abdullah , Marsillac Sylvain , Namkoong Gon
Published: January 2019

Perovskite solar cells have achieved photo-conversion efficiencies greater than 20%, making them a promising candidate as an emerging solar cell technology. While perovskite solar cells are expected to eventually compete with existing silicon-based solar cells on the market, their long-term stability has become a major bottleneck. In particular, perovskite films are found to be very sensitive to external factors such as air, UV light, light soaking, thermal stress and others. Among these stressors, light, oxygen and moisture-induced degradation can be slowed by integrating barrier or interface layers within the device architecture. However, the most representative perovskite absorber material, CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), appears to be thermally unstable even in an inert environment. This poses a substantial challenge for solar cell applications because device temperatures can be over 45 °C higher than ambient temperatures when operating under direct sunlight. Herein, recent advances in resolving thermal stability problems are highlighted through literature review. Moreover, the most recent and promising strategies for overcoming thermal degradation are also summarized.
Leakage Detection of a Spherical Water Storage Tank in a Chemical Industry Using Acoustic Emissions
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad , Islam Manjurul , Kim Jaeyoung , Jeon Duck-Chan , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: January 2019

Spherical storage tanks are used in various industries to store substances like gasoline, oxygen, waste water, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Cracks in the storage tanks are unaccepted defects, as storage tanks can leak or spill the contained substance through these cracks. Leakage from contained hazardous substances storage tanks can contaminate the environment and may lead to fatal accidents. Therefore, the ability to detect cracks from spherical storage tanks is necessary to avoid damage to the environment and to ensure public safety. In this paper, we present a crack detection case study of a spherical tank. The detection was performed using time-domain statistical features and a machine learning algorithm. The proposed method consists of (1) extraction of statistical features from the acoustic emissions (AE) acquired from the spherical tank, and (2) classification of the nonlinear data using a support vector machine (SVM). We evaluate the proposed algorithm with AE data obtained from the spherical tank, demonstrating that the algorithm effectively discriminates between normal and crack conditions. These results show that the proposed algorithm is effective for detecting cracks in spherical storage tanks.
Effect of Shear Connector Layout on the Behavior of Steel-Concrete Composite Beams with Interface Slip
Authors: Zeng Xinggui , Jiang Shao-Fei , Zhou Donghua
Published: January 2019

In a steel-concrete composite beam (hereafter referred to as a composite beam), partial interaction between the concrete slab and the steel beam results in an appreciable increase in the beam deflections relative to full interaction behavior. Moreover, the distribution type of the shear connectors has a great impact on the degree of the composite action between the two components of the beam. To reveal the effect of shear connector layout in the performance of composite beams, on the basis of a developed one-dimensional composite beam element validated by the closed-form precision solutions and experimental results, this paper optimizes the layout of shear connectors in composite beams with partial interaction by adopting a stepwise uniform distribution of shear connectors to approximate the triangular distribution of the shear connector density without increasing the total number of shear connectors. Based on a comparison of all the different types of stepped rectangles distribution, this paper finally suggests the 3-stepped rectangles distribution of shear connectors as a reasonable and applicable optimal method.
Laboratory and Field Experiments on the Effect of Vinyl Acetate Polymer-Reinforced Soil
Authors: Song Zezhuo , Liu Jin , Bai Yuxia , Wei Jihong , Li Ding , Wang Qiongya , Chen Zhihao , Kanungo Debi Prasanna , Qian Wei
Published: January 2019

Soil stabilizer can enhance the soil properties, which can improve ecological environmental problems such as soil erosion and slope instability. This study investigates the water-related and mechanical properties of soil stabilization using a polymer soil stabilizer solution synthesized from vinyl acetate polymer. The water properties test, mechanical properties test, durability test and seed growth test were carried out in the laboratory. Also, the effect of vinyl acetate polymer was verified by field tests. The results revealed that vinyl acetate polymer can enhance the water-retaining property, anti-erosion resistance, strength property and durability of soil, all of which increase with the increase of polymer concentration. At the same time, the polymer also has a certain promoting effect on vegetation growth. In addition, field tests proved that vinyl acetate polymer has good effects on soil engineering. These results could be applied as a reference for vinyl acetate polymer-improved soil engineering.
Determination of Pigments in Virgin and Extra-Virgin Olive Oils: A Comparison between Two Near UV-Vis Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Borello Eleonora , Domenici Valentina
Published: January 2019

The colour of olive oil is due to the presence of natural pigments belonging to the class of carotenoids, chlorophylls, and their derivatives. These substances, other than being responsible for the colour, an important qualitative feature of the oil, have antioxidant and, more generally, nutraceutical properties and their quantification can be related to the product’s quality and authenticity. In this work, we have quantified the total amount of carotenoids and chlorophylls’ derivatives in several virgin and extra-virgin olive oils produced in Italy, by using two different methods that are based on near-ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. The first method defines two indexes, K670 and K470, related to absorbance values of oil at wavelengths of 670 and 470 nm, respectively. The second method is based on the mathematical deconvolution of the whole absorption spectrum of the oil to obtain the concentrations of four main pigments present in olive oils: β-carotene, lutein, pheophytin A, and pheophytin B. The concentrations of the total carotenoids and total chlorophylls’ derivatives, as obtained by the two spectroscopic methods, are compared and the results are discussed in view of the practical usefulness of spectroscopic techniques for a fast determination of pigments in olive oil.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the International Journal of Molecular Science in 2018
Authors:   International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
A Designer Synbiotic Attenuates Chronic-Binge Ethanol-Induced Gut-Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Roychowdhury Sanjoy , Glueck Bryan , Han Yingchun , Mohammad Mahmoud Ali , Cresci Gail A. M.
Published: January 2019

Gut dysbiosis and altered short-chain fatty acids are associated with ethanol-induced liver injury. SCFA are fermentation byproducts of the gut microbiota known to have many beneficial biological effects. We tested if a designer synbiotic could protect against ethanol-induced gut-liver injury. C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to chronic-binge ethanol feeding consisting of ethanol (5% vol/vol) for 10 days, followed by a single gavage (5 g/kg body weight) 6 h before euthanasia. A group of mice also received oral supplementation daily with a designer synbiotic, and another group received fecal slurry (FS); control animals received saline. Control mice were isocalorically substituted maltose dextran for ethanol over the entire exposure period. Ethanol exposure reduced expression of tight junction proteins in the proximal colon and induced hepatocyte injury and steatosis. Synbiotic supplementation not only mitigated losses in tight junction protein expression, but also prevented ethanol-induced steatosis and hepatocyte injury. Ethanol exposure also increased hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress, which was also attenuated by synbiotic supplementation. Mice receiving FS were not protected from ethanol-induced liver injury or steatosis. Results were associated with luminal SCFA levels and SCFA transporter expression in the proximal colon and liver. These results indicate supplementation with a designer synbiotic is effective in attenuating chronic-binge ethanol-induced gut-liver injury and steatosis in mice, and highlight the beneficial effects of the gut microbial fermentation byproducts.
Bamboo Stems (Phyllostachys nigra variety henosis) Containing Polyphenol Mixtures Activate Nrf2 and Attenuate Phenylhydrazine-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Injury
Authors: Yang Ji Hye , Choi Moon-Hee , Na Chang-Su , Cho Sam Seok , Kim Jae Hoon , Ku Sae Kwang , Cho Il Je , Shin Hyun-Jae , Ki Sung Hwan
Published: January 2019

This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of bamboo stems using in vitro and in vivo experimental liver damage models. Ethyl acetate fraction of 80% ethanol extract of Phyllostachys nigra stem (PN3) containing polyphenols had a higher NQO1-ARE reporter gene activity as monitored by the activity of the NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway in cells in comparison to extracts from other species and under other conditions. The Nrf2 was translocated from the cytosol to the nucleus in response to PN3, followed by induction of the Nrf2 target gene expression, including HO-1, GCL, and NQO-1 in HepG2 cells. Phosphorylation of Nrf2 in HepG2 cells was enhanced in PN3, which was mediated by PKCδ, ERK, and p38 MAPK. Consequently, PN3 inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-induced reactive oxygen species generation and glutathione depletion, and, thus, highlighted their role in cytotoxicity. Treatment with major polyphenols of PN3, including catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid, also improved AA + iron-mediated oxidative stress and, thus, improved cell viability. Treatment with phenylhydrazine in mice, i.e., the iron overload liver injury model, increased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and changed histological features in mice—a response that was almost completely blocked by PN3 administration. Moreover, PN3 extract mitigated phenylhydrazine-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Conclusively, PN3 can exert a hepatoprotective effect against iron overload-induced acute liver damage due to its antioxidant properties.
Juvenile Arthritis Patients Suffering from Chronic Inflammation Have Increased Activity of Both IDO and GTP-CH1 Pathways But Decreased BH4 Efficacy: Implications for Well-Being, Including Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Korte-Bouws Gerdien A. H. , Albers Eline , Voskamp Marije , Hendriksen Hendrikus , De Leeuw Lidewij R. , Güntürkün Onur , De Roock Sytze , Vastert Sebastiaan J. , Korte S. Mechiel
Published: January 2019

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represents joint inflammation with an unknown cause that starts before the age of 16, resulting in stiff and painful joints. In addition, JIA patients often report symptoms of sickness behavior. Recent animal studies suggest that proinflammatory cytokines produce sickness behavior by increasing the activity of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and guanosinetriphosphate–cyclohydrolase-1 (GTP–CH1). Here, it is hypothesized that inflammation in JIA patients enhances the enzymatic activity of IDO and GTP-CH1 and decreases the co-factor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). These compounds play a crucial role in the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. The aim of our study was to reveal whether inflammation affects both the GTP-CH1 and IDO pathway in JIA patients. Serum samples were collected from twenty-four JIA patients. In these samples, the concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), tyrosine (TYR), neopterin, and phenylalanine (PHE) were measured. An HPLC method with electrochemical detection was developed to quantify tryptophan, kynurenine, and tyrosine. Neopterin and phenylalanine were quantified by ELISA. The KYN/TRP ratio was measured as an index of IDO activity, while the PHE/TYR ratio was measured as an index of BH4 activity. Neopterin concentrations were used as an indirect measure of GTP-CH1 activity. JIA patients with high disease activity showed higher levels of both neopterin and kynurenine, and a higher ratio of both KYN/TRP and PHE/TYR and lower tryptophan levels than clinically inactive patients. Altogether, these data support our hypothesis that inflammation increases the enzymatic activity of both IDO and GTP-CH1 but decreases the efficacy of the co-factor BH4. In the future, animal studies are needed to investigate whether inflammation-induced changes in these enzymatic pathways and co-factor BH4 lower the levels of the brain neurotransmitters glutamate, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin, and consequently, whether they may affect fatigue, cognition, anxiety, and depression. Understanding of these complex neuroimmune interactions provides new possibilities for Pharma-Food interventions to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic inflammation.
An Unusual Case of Vomiting Caused by Myeloid Sarcoma
Authors: Goodoory Vivek Chand , Triantafyllopoulou Diana , Gkikas Ioannis , Alani Fouad , Bin Ayub Ali , Mellor Stuart , Adiyodi Jagdish , Sahasrabudhe Neil , Saxton Matthew , Cowburn Hazel
Published: January 2019

Myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary mass consisting of myeloblasts that may present simultaneously or precede a bone marrow disorder. It has been reported to occur without a known preexisting diagnosis of acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or a myeloproliferative neoplasm and this is known as primary myeloid sarcoma. Here, we report a case of an 80-year-old male who presented with intermittent vomiting and significant weight loss for 3 months. The imaging and histological findings were consistent with a mesenteric myeloid sarcoma encasing the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery, abutting and obstructing the proximal small bowel, causing subacute bowel obstruction. Systemic chemotherapy with low dose cytarabine achieved a reduction in the size of myeloid sarcoma and improved patient’s symptomatology but unfortunately our patient succumbed to progression 11 months later.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Risks in 2018
Authors:   Risks Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing. [...]
The Continental Impact of European Forest Conservation Policy and Management on Productivity Stability
Authors: Moreno Adam , Neumann Mathias , Mohebalian Phillip M. , Thurnher Christopher , Hasenauer Hubert
Published: January 2019

The ecological impact of continental scale land-use policies that influence forest management is often difficult to quantify. European forest conservation began in 1909 with a marked increase in designated areas with the inception of Natura 2000 in the early 1990s. It has been shown that increases in European forest mortality may be linked to climate variability. Measuring productivity response to climate variability may be a valid proxy indicating a forest’s ability to bear this disturbance. Net Primary Production (NPP) response to climate variability has also been linked to functional diversity within forests. Using a European specific annual MODIS NPP estimates, we assess the NPP response to climate variability differences between actively managed forests, which experience human interventions and conserved, Protected Area (PA) forests with minimal to no human impact. We found, on the continental scale, little to no differences in NPP response between managed and conserved forests. However, on the regional scale, differences emerge that are driven by the historic forest management practices and the potential speciation of the area. Northern PA forests show the same NPP response to climate variability as their actively managed counter parts. PA forests tend to have less NPP response to climate variability in the South and in older conserved forests. As the time a forest has been designated, as a PA, extends past its typically actively managed rotation length, greater differences begin to emerge between the two management types.
The Global Spatiotemporal Distribution of the Mid-Tropospheric CO2 Concentration and Analysis of the Controlling Factors
Authors: Cao Liangzhong , Chen Xi , Zhang Chi , Kurban Alishir , Qian Jin , Pan Tao , Yin Zuozhong , Qin Xiugong , Ochege Friday Uchenna , Maeyer Philippe De
Published: January 2019

The atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) provides a robust and accurate data source to investigate the variability of mid-tropospheric CO2 globally. In this paper, we use the AIRS CO2 product and other auxiliary data to survey the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of mid-tropospheric CO2 and the controlling factors using linear regression, empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), geostatistical analysis, and correlation analysis. The results show that areas with low mid-tropospheric CO2 concentrations (20°S–5°N) (384.2 ppm) are formed as a result of subsidence in the atmosphere, the presence of the Amazon rainforest, and the lack of high CO2 emission areas. The areas with high mid-tropospheric CO2 concentrations (30°N–70°N) (382.1 ppm) are formed due to high CO2 emissions. The global mid-tropospheric CO2 concentrations increased gradually (the annual average rate of increase in CO2 concentration is 2.11 ppm/a), with the highest concentration occurring in spring (384.0 ppm) and the lowest value in winter (382.5 ppm). The amplitude of the seasonal variation retrieved from AIRS (average: 1.38 ppm) is consistent with that of comprehensive observation network for trace gases (CONTRAIL), but smaller than the surface ground stations, which is related to altitude and coverage. These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of mid-tropospheric CO2 and related mechanisms.
Dominant Features of Global Surface Soil Moisture Variability Observed by the SMOS Satellite
Authors: Piles Maria , Ballabrera-Poy Joaquim , Muñoz-Sabater Joaquín
Published: January 2019

Soil moisture observations are expected to play an important role in monitoring global climate trends. However, measuring soil moisture is challenging because of its high spatial and temporal variability. Point-scale in-situ measurements are scarce and, excluding model-based estimates, remote sensing remains the only practical way to observe soil moisture at a global scale. The ESA-led Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, launched in 2009, measures the Earth’s surface natural emissivity at L-band and provides highly accurate soil moisture information with a 3-day revisiting time. Using the first six full annual cycles of SMOS measurements (June 2010–June 2016), this study investigates the temporal variability of global surface soil moisture. The soil moisture time series are decomposed into a linear trend, interannual, seasonal, and high-frequency residual (i.e., subseasonal) components. The relative distribution of soil moisture variance among its temporal components is first illustrated at selected target sites representative of terrestrial biomes with distinct vegetation type and seasonality. A comparison with GLDAS-Noah and ERA5 modeled soil moisture at these sites shows general agreement in terms of temporal phase except in areas with limited temporal coverage in winter season due to snow. A comparison with ground-based estimates at one of the sites shows good agreement of both temporal phase and absolute magnitude. A global assessment of the dominant features and spatial distribution of soil moisture variability is then provided. Results show that, despite still being a relatively short data set, SMOS data provides coherent and reliable variability patterns at both seasonal and interannual scales. Subseasonal components are characterized as white noise. The observed linear trends, based upon one strong El Niño event in 2016, are consistent with the known El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections. This work provides new insight into recent changes in surface soil moisture and can help further our understanding of the terrestrial branch of the water cycle and of global patterns of climate anomalies. Also, it is an important support to multi-decadal soil moisture observational data records, hydrological studies and land data assimilation projects using remotely sensed observations.
Studies of Internal Waves in the Strait of Georgia Based on Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Wang Caixia , Wang Xin , Da Silva Jose C. B.
Published: January 2019

This paper analyzes over 500 sets of internal waves in the Strait of Georgia (British Columbia, Canada) based on a large number of satellite remote sensing images. The spatial and temporal distribution of internal waves in the central region of the strait are discussed via statistical analysis. Possible generation origins of the observed internal waves are divided into three categories based on their different propagation directions and geographical locations: (1) the interaction between the narrow channels to the south of the Strait and the tidal currents, leading to the formation of mainly eastward and northward propagating waves; (2) the interaction between the tidal currents and the topography near Point Roberts, resulting in mainly westward propagating waves; (3) excitation by river plume, mainly near Fraser River mouth, leading to the formation of mainly westward waves along the direction of the river plume. The relation between the occurrence of internal waves in remote sensing images and wind or tide level is also discussed. It is found that most of the observed internal waves occur at low tides. However, due to the influence of the river, the eastward propagating internal waves near the river mouth seldom occur at the lowest tide. Also, internal waves are captured more easily by remote sensing images in summer due to the lower wind speed than winter and therefore the seasonal distribution of internal waves in remote sensing images may not be able to completely represent the real situation in the study area. Finally, combining the in situ measured data and model output data, the Benjamin-Ono equation is found to satisfyingly simulate the characteristic parameters of the studied internal waves.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Sensors in 2018
Authors:   Sensors Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing[...]
Extended Multiple Aperture Mapdrift-Based Doppler Parameter Estimation and Compensation for Very-High-Squint Airborne SAR Imaging
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , Li Yinghe , Wang Yan , Li Linghao , Zeng Tao
Published: January 2019

Doppler parameter estimation and compensation (DPEC) is an important technique for airborne SAR imaging due to the unpredictable disturbance of real aircraft trajectory. Traditional DPEC methods can be only applied for broadside, small- or medium-squint geometries, as they at most consider the spatial variance of the second-order Doppler phase. To implement the DPEC in very-high-squint geometries, we propose an extended multiple aperture mapdrift (EMAM) method in this paper for better accuracy. This advantage is achieved by further estimating and compensating the spatial variation of the third-order Doppler phase, i.e., the derivative of the Doppler rate. The main procedures of the EMAM, including the steps of sub-view image generation, sliding-window-based cross-correlation, and image-offset-based Doppler parameter estimation, are derived in detail, followed by the analyses for the EMAM performance. The presented approach is evaluated by both computer simulations and real airborne data.
Soil Security in Sustainable Development
Authors: Bouma Johan
Published: January 2019

The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an excellent channel to demonstrate the significance of soils when considering e.g., food production, water availability, climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation. For environmental sciences, including soil science, the SDGs provide “a point at the horizon” for future research. Progress to achieve the SDGs by 2030 will bureaucratically be monitored by targets and indicators but questions as to how effective research should be organized remain unanswered so far. The soil security concept, based on the five Cs (capability, condition, capital, connectivity and codification) can provide a clear guideline for soil science research, defining soil functions contributing to interdisciplinary ecosystem services that, in turn, can define measures to reach SDGs. A “storyline” is proposed linking the five Cs, emphasizing connectivity that becomes increasingly important in our modern “fact-free” world. The traditional linear research model does not apply when characterizing SDGs because of many conflicting interests that don’t allow definition of specific “solutions”. But different action-perspectives can be defined as a basis for decision making, creating much needed transparency in the decision process. Soil contributions are most effective when framed in the context of soil-water-atmosphere-plant models. Proper codification, including clear and candid communication with stakeholders, is essential to link science with society, a link that needs improvement.
Interurban Consumption Flows of Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River: A Network Approach
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Wenyi , Yuan Yueyun , Liu Chengliang
Published: January 2019

Network analysis through the lens of traffic flows is becoming the focus of urban-region research in the context of globalization. This study examines the network relationship among 31 cities in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River from the perspective of consumption flow that is serving as an increasingly important engine for China’s growth in general and regional momentum in particular. By tracing the directions and magnitudes of bank card transactions in 2016 as provided by Chinese UnionPay, this paper finds: (1) Three capital cities dominate both outward and inward flow networks and have net outflows, whereas others are featured with inward consumption flow; (2) Most interurban flows occur within provincial boundary, which leaves this whole region without a city-generating global impact; (3) Eight sub-networks composed of adjoining few cities can be further identified that have closer connections to the one containing capital city in that province. Based on these findings related to boundary effect, this paper concludes with a vision for more integrated consumption networks in the context of this region.
One Transformation Path Does Not Fit All—Insights into the Diffusion Processes of Education for Sustainable Development in Different Educational Areas in Germany
Authors: Singer-Brodowski Mandy , Etzkorn Nadine , Von Seggern Janne
Published: January 2019

While Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is increasingly being implemented in educational systems, monitoring projects which capture the status and diffusion processes of ESD are also gaining relevance. The article presents part of the national monitoring of ESD in Germany—a qualitative expert interview study—which aims to analyze the diffusion process of ESD in different educational areas (early childhood education, school education, vocational education and training, higher education, non-formal learning organizations, and local authorities). Its goal is to gain a systematic understanding of the diffusion process of ESD in the different areas of the German educational system. For the analysis of the 66 expert interviews, a qualitative content analysis was used. The overarching result of the study is that there is no single transformation path of ESD diffusion that fits all educational areas. Instead, characteristics of ESD as well as prevailing structural conditions, systemic goals, and the understanding of education within the respective educational area have an impact on the diffusion of ESD. The diffusion process of ESD evolves within this circular interplay of innovation and innovation system. A deeper understanding of it therefore has great potential for practitioners’ (self-) reflections and for further research projects.
Such a Shame! A Study on Self-Perception of Household Food Waste
Authors: Falasconi Luca , Cicatiello Clara , Franco Silvio , Segrè Andrea , Setti Marco , Vittuari Matteo
Published: January 2019

Reducing food waste is globally considered as a key challenge in developing sustainable food systems. Although most food waste is generated at the household level, consumers hardly recognize their responsibility, and the factors underpinning their perception of the quantity of food wasted at home are still unclear. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing the results of a large-scale survey conducted in Italy. The perceived quantity of household food waste was measured through a Likert scale and analyzed by means of a logistic regression against a set of predictors, including food waste motivations, perception of the effects of food waste, and sociodemographic variables. As expected, the perceived quantity of food waste declared by respondents was very low. Among the main determinants, food shopping habits and the level of awareness about the reasons why food is wasted played a key role. In contrast, the perception of the environmental effects of food waste seemed to be less important. Differences among subsamples recruited in different areas of Italy were detected, suggesting that further studies, as well as awareness-raising policies, should also consider context-related variables.
Implicit Secondary Authentication for Sustainable SMS Authentication
Authors: Ryu Gwonsang , Kim Seung-Hyun , Choi Daeseon
Published: January 2019

Short message service (SMS) is the most widely adopted multi-factor authentication method for consumer-facing accounts. However, SMS authentication is susceptible to vulnerabilities such as man-in-the-middle attack, smishing, and device theft. This study proposes implicit authentication based on behavioral pattern of users when they check an SMS verification code and environmental information of user proximity to detect device theft. User behavioral pattern is collected by using the accelerometer and gyroscope of a smart device such as a smartphone and smart watch. User environmental information is collected using device fingerprint, wireless access point, Bluetooth, and global positioning system information. To evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, we perform experiments using a total of 1320 behavioral and environmental data collected from 22 participants. The scheme achieves an average equal error rate of 6.27% when using both behavioral and environmental data collected from only a smartphone. Moreover, it achieves an average equal error rate of 0% when using both behavioral and environmental data collected from a smartphone and smart watch. Therefore, the proposed scheme can be employed for more secure SMS authentication.
Measurement of Regional Green Economy Sustainable Development Ability Based on Entropy Weight-Topsis-Coupling Coordination Degree—A Case Study in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wang Min , Zhao Xianli , Gong Qunxi , Ji Zhigeng
Published: January 2019

Traditional development models are being slowly replaced by green economic development models. This paper views regional green economic development as a large complex system and develops a conceptual DPSIR (drivers, pressures, state, impact, response model of intervention) to construct a regional green economy development measurement index system, after which an entropy weight-TOPSIS-coupling coordination degree evaluation model is developed to quantitatively horizontally and vertically analyze regional green economy sustainable development trends and the coupled coordination status of each subsystem. The evaluation model is then employed to analyze the sustainable development of the green economy in Shandong Province from 2010 to 2016. The analysis results were found to be in line with the actual green economy development situation in Shandong Province, indicating that the measurement model had strong practicability for regional green economy development. Meanwhile, this model can demonstrate clearly how those indicators impact on the regional green economy sustainable development and fill the absence of existing studies on regional green economy sustainable development.
Determining Local Economic Development in the Rural Areas of Romania. Exploring the Role of Exogenous Factors
Authors: Pavel Alexandru , Moldovan Octavian
Published: January 2019

Based on data collected for 398 communes from the North-West development region of Romania between 2007 and 2014, this article presents a local economic development (LED) index for rural communities and identifies the main factors which influence LED in these communities. Our results show that exogenous factors, such as location in the influence area of urban communities and the existence of a direct connection to the European Road Network, influence the level of LED. At the same time nor the aforementioned exogenous factors nor other exogenous factors, such as non-refundable investments programs in local core infrastructure (financed by the European Union and the Romanian Government) which were designed to accelerate/spur economic development, as well as direct connections to the National Roads Network, do not have any statistically significant influence on spurring/accelerating LED (at least in this short period of time).
Sustainable Urban Development System Measurement Based on Dissipative Structure Theory, the Grey Entropy Method and Coupling Theory: A Case Study in Chengdu, China
Authors: Gong Qunxi , Chen Min , Zhao Xianli , Ji Zhigeng
Published: January 2019

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, the sustainable development of the city has received more and more attention. The measurement of the sustainable development of a city can provide an important reference for the development of the city. Therefore, this paper firstly constructs an index system for five dimensions: society, the economy, the environment, resources, and technology. Then, a sustainable development measurement model is established based on dissipative structure theory, grey entropy and coupling theory, and the evolution trend and coordinated development of the city are measured. Finally, Chengdu, an important central city in the western region of China, is selected for sustainable development measurement research, from which it was found that the city became more sustainable and more orderly, the development level was constantly improving, and the coordination was continuously improving, which was consistent with the actual situation and indicated that the proposed measurement model could effectively measure and evaluate sustainable urban development.
On the Catalan Numbers and Some of Their Identities
Authors: Zhang Wenpeng , Chen Li
Published: January 2019

The main purpose of this paper is using the elementary and combinatorial methods to study the properties of the Catalan numbers, and give two new identities for them. In order to do this, we first introduce two new recursive sequences, then with the help of these sequences, we obtained the identities for the convolution involving the Catalan numbers.
Water Management in Urban Sprawl Typologies in the City of Alicante (Southern Spain): New Trends and Perception after the Economic Crisis?
Authors: Morote Álvaro-Francisco , Olcina Jorge , Rico Antonio-Manuel , Hernández María
Published: January 2019

In recent decades, territorial transformations have occurred on the Spanish Mediterranean coast due to the real estate bubble (1997–2008). The objectives of this research are: (1) to analyse the domestic water consumption trend in the study area (“Beach Sector” of the city of Alicante, Southern Spain) (2000–2017); and (2) explore water use and the characteristics of detached houses and how its residents have introduced water-saving measures to reduce consumption after the economic crisis in the study area. A review and analysis of data on housing and population has been carried out where this urban development type has been implemented. Moreover, surveys of the residents have been conducted in order to determine and analyse water consumption, and the perception and knowledge used to reduce water consumption in detached houses. The results show that consumption decreased between 2000 and 2017 due to different factors and there was no change in the water consumption trend at the end of the economic crisis. In view of the conclusions, it should be mentioned that this reduction has been associated with a greater environmental awareness of the need to save water, the installation of systems that use water more efficiently and water-saving devices. All of this is aimed at reducing the water bill that has been exacerbated by an increase in water prices seeing as this is the type of property that consumes the most water.
A Triple Amino Acid Substitution at Position 88/94/95 in Glycoprotein GP2a of Type 1 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV1) Is Responsible for Adaptation to MARC-145 Cells
Authors: Xie Jiexiong , Trus Ivan , Oh Dayoung , Kvisgaard Lise K. , Rappe Julie C. F. , Ruggli Nicolas , Vanderheijden Nathalie , Larsen Lars E. , Lefèvre François , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: January 2019

The Meat Animal Research Center-145 (MARC-145) cell line has been proven to be valuable for viral attenuation regarding vaccine development and production. Cell-adaptation is necessary for the efficient replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in these cells. Multiple sequence analysis revealed consistent amino acid substitutions in GP2a (V88F, M94I, F95L) of MARC-145 cell-adapted strains. To investigate the putative effect of these substitutions, mutations at either position 88, 94, 95, and their combinations were introduced into two PRRSV1 (13V091 and IVI-1173) infectious clones followed by the recovery of viable recombinants. When comparing the replication kinetics in MARC-145 cells, a strongly positive effect on the growth characteristics of the 13V091 strain (+2.1 log10) and the IVI-1173 strain (+1.7 log10) compared to wild-type (WT) virus was only observed upon triple amino acid substitution at positions 88 (V88F), 94 (M94I), and 95 (F95L) of GP2a, suggesting that the triple mutation is a determining factor in PRRSV1 adaptation to MARC-145 cells.