bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Are Your Employees Leaving the Organization? The Interaction Effect of Role Overload, Perceived Organizational Support, and Equity Sensitivity
Authors: Kim Cheol Young , Lee Joo Han , Shin Soo Young
Published: January 2019

Drawing on job demand-resources (JDR) theory, this study proposes that role overload and perceived organizational support have interaction effects on turnover intention. Further, we investigate the dynamics between role overload and turnover intention by considering differences in individuals’ reactions to inequity. We conducted several hierarchical regression analyses to test our hypotheses using data from 207 team members at 12 manufacturing companies in South Korea. The results reveal a positive relationship between role overload and turnover intention and a significant joint moderation effect of perceived organizational support and equity sensitivity. This study expands on JDR theory by simultaneously considering the buffer and strain hypotheses in the role overload–turnover relationship and its link to equity sensitivity.
Comparison of Approaches for Urban Functional Zones Classification Based on Multi-Source Geospatial Data: A Case Study in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
Authors: Cao Kai , Guo Hui , Zhang Ye
Published: January 2019

Accurate and timely classification and monitoring of urban functional zones prove to be significant in rapidly developing cities, to better understand the real and varying urban functions of cities to support urban planning and management. Many efforts have been undertaken to identify urban functional zones using various classification approaches and multi-source geospatial datasets. The complexity of this category of classification poses tremendous challenges to these studies especially in terms of classification accuracy, but on the opposite, the rapid development of machine learning technologies provides us with new opportunities. In this study, a set of commonly used urban functional zones classification approaches, including Multinomial Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest, are examined and compared with the newly developed eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, using the case study of Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China. The investigation is based on multi-variate geospatial data, including night-time imagery, geotagged Weibo data, points of interest (POI) from Gaode, and Baidu Heat Map. This study is the first endeavor of implementing the XGBoost model in the field of urban functional zones classification. The results suggest that the XGBoost classification model performed the best and was able to achieve an accuracy of 88.05%, which is significantly higher than the other commonly used approaches. In addition, the integration of night-time imagery, geotagged Weibo data, POI from Gaode, and Baidu Heat Map has also demonstrated their values for the classification of urban functional zones in this case study.
Active Citizens: Evaluation of a Community-Based Education Program
Authors: Simonova Petra , Cincera Jan , Kroufek Roman , Krepelkova Sarka , Hadjichambis Andreas
Published: January 2019

This study analyses the Active Citizens program conducted in seven Czech elementary schools in 2017/2018. The data were obtained in a mixed-design research study containing pre/post experimental/control groups (N = 114), eight focus groups with selected students (N = 56), and group interviews with teachers (N = 14). The mean age of the students was 13.8 years. The study focuses on the students’ and the teachers’ perception of the process, the program’s barriers and benefits, and on the impact of the program on the students’ self-efficacy and on perceived democratic school culture. The analysis revealed that while the participants felt empowered because of their experience, they started to perceive their school environment as less democratic than before the program. The program also likely influenced girls more than boys as the latter seem to have been unaffected. Finally, the implications of the findings for the practice are discussed.
Building Consumer-Oriented CSR Differentiation Strategy
Authors: Li Jinhua , Zhang Fang , Sun Shiwei
Published: January 2019

In a fierce competitive industry, firms conducting a corporate social responsibility (CSR) differentiation strategy can build a relative advantage. However, there is lack of literature to discuss the approach to identifying companies’ CSR differentiation conditions. Based on the theoretical foundations of consumers’ responses to CSR differentiation strategies, this paper proposes a consumer-oriented approach to identify CSR differentiation by using the best–worst scaling approach. In the context of the mobile phone industry, CSR activities were prioritized according to the extent to which they were valued by consumers. Consumers’ perceptions of the CSR activities of Huawei and Apple were also assessed in this study. Finally, the CSR differentiation conditions between the two companies was evaluated. The findings include the following: (1) the consumer priorities for different CSR activities vary greatly, and it is essential for firms to adopt a CSR differentiation strategy; (2) it is feasible to adopt a proper CSR premium in product pricing to build a socially responsible company; and (3) the lack of CSR communication between companies and consumers leads to consumers’ perceived distortion. The results provide implications for firms’ CSR practice.
Monitoring and Assessment of Protected Areas’ Management Capacities in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Banjac Nikola , Maksimović Rado , Dragaš Katarina , Ivetić Jelena
Published: January 2019

The necessity to measure the effectiveness of the management of protected areas has been widely recognized. This paper aims to show a realistic state of affairs in protected area management in the Republic of Serbia on the basis of the results of managers’ monitoring and their obligations stipulated by law. It will also answer questions on which form of management is optimal, by means of a proposed assessment model. The research has been performed on a sample of 30 sensu stricto protected areas, managed by 21 different managers. For the purpose of ranking and comparing the degree of protected area management effectiveness, the use of a normalized aggregate function (scoring) has been introduced. Results show that about half of the analyzed protected areas have no adequate management in terms of legally prescribed management criteria, as well as that management effectiveness is related to several external factors. The authors conclude that meeting all criteria stipulated by law, and the existence of professional staff represent fundamental factors for the effective management of protected areas.
Trade Credit as a Sustainable Resource during an SME’s Life Cycle
Authors: Canto-Cuevas Francisco-Javier , Palacín-Sánchez María-José , Di Pietro Filippo
Published: January 2019

Inadequate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can present a major impediment to SMEs’ contribution towards driving sustainable economic growth. The aim of this article is to investigate the role of life cycle on SME financing decisions while focusing on trade credit. To this end, we study whether trade credit and its firm-factor determinants differ depending on the stage of life cycle of the SMEs. For the empirical analysis, a sample is employed of manufacturing SMEs operating in 12 European Union countries over the period 2008–2014 and a panel data model with fixed effects is applied. We find that the business life cycle influences trade credit and that this influence is stronger in young firms, although this relation is non-linear across the firms’ life cycle. We further show that the impact of firm-factor determinants on trade credit differs across the business life cycle in terms of magnitude levels. Our results demonstrate that the business life cycle matters when analysing trade credit, and it should therefore be considered when managers and policymakers strive to solve the financial problems of an SME and to consequently incorporate the SME into the sustainable economy.
The Impact of Selected Pretreatment Procedures on Iron Dissolution from Metallic Iron Specimens Used in Water Treatment
Authors: Hu Rui , Ndé-Tchoupé Arnaud Igor , Lufingo Mesia , Xiao Minhui , Nassi Achille , Noubactep Chicgoua , Njau Karoli N.
Published: January 2019

Studies were undertaken to determine the reasons why published information regarding the efficiency of metallic iron (Fe0) for water treatment is conflicting and even confusing. The reactivity of eight Fe0 materials was characterized by Fe dissolution in a dilute solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na2–EDTA; 2 mM). Both batch (4 days) and column (100 days) experiments were used. A total of 30 different systems were characterized for the extent of Fe release in EDTA. The effects of Fe0 type (granular iron, iron nails and steel wool) and pretreatment procedure (socking in acetone, EDTA, H2O, HCl and NaCl for 17 h) were assessed. The results roughly show an increased iron dissolution with increasing reactive sites (decreasing particle size: wool > filings > nails), but there were large differences between materials from the same group. The main output of this work is that available results are hardly comparable as they were achieved under very different experimental conditions. A conceptual framework is presented for future research directed towards a more processed understanding.
Alleviating Financing Constraints of SMEs through Supply Chain
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Xuezheng , Gu Jing , Fujita Hamido
Published: January 2019

Small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in sustaining economic development in both developed economies and developing economies, however, many of them suffer from chronic and structural difficulties in accessing external financing. In this paper, we develop a theoretical framework to illustrate how information structures work in the strategic interactions between banks and firms in a supply chain, and why the transaction information in a supply chain may serve to reduce information asymmetry and improve SMEs’ access to external financing. We find that under incomplete information, the transactions between SMEs and suppliers can serve as signals for banks, which may help banks access the private information of SMEs, thus reducing information asymmetry between them. To maximize profit, banks should dynamically adjust both their interest rate policies and risk management strategies when providing financing services to SMEs, according to the structure of the financial market. The improvement of the external financial environment for SMEs may benefit the entire supply chain, thus facilitating its sustainable development and the growth of SMEs. Our framework sheds light on how SMEs in a supply chain may enhance their survivability and facilitate their development through appropriate strategies to improve business performances and manage credit risks.
Evaluating Comparative Research: Mapping and Assessing Current Trends in Built Heritage Studies
Authors: Mualam Nir , Barak Nir
Published: January 2019

The question leading this research is: what are the attributes and scales of comparative research that applies to built heritage studies? The paper begins by recognizing the interrelatedness of built heritage protection and sustainable urban development. While comparative research into built heritage studies analyses and documents existing practices, policies and impacts, its generalizable capacities are often lacking and therefore less applicable to policy-makers. In an attempt to further the potential contribution of such studies, the paper maps comparative built heritage research based on a critical review of over 100 articles and books. The analysis of these sources relies on an evaluative categorization of comparative built heritage studies. This categorization consists of four criteria: the number of compared cases, their geographic location, the scope of comparison and its degree of structuredness. The findings suggest that heritage studies compare a relatively small number of cases; they are quite structured; focus on local as well as national-level analysis; and lean towards Western-centered comparisons. The paper concludes by suggesting that built heritage studies can contribute to sustainable urban development policies by taking on comparative research that has a large enough N, expanding non-Eurocentric and Anglo-American research, comparing local jurisdictions in more than one country and by utilizing highly structured categories for comparison.
Color Characteristics of Red False Heartwood and Mature Wood of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Determining by Different Chromacity Coordinates
Authors: Klement Ivan , Vilkovská Tatiana
Published: January 2019

Structure of wood can affect intensity of color change in remarkable ways. This article was focused on the analysis of the color changes red false heartwood and mature wood by different methods such as ΔE* (Total color difference), h* (Hue angle), C*ab (Color saturation) and Sab (Saturation). The aim of this study was to evaluate the color properties of red false heartwood and mature wood by using different chromacity coordinates. Our observations suggested that the density in the absolute dry state was equal between the red false heartwood and mature wood. The biggest difference was in the area of the free water domain, thus from an initial MC value to the fiber saturation point (FSP). The shorter drying time of the red false heartwood samples was caused by their lower initial MC. Due to the different MC, the temperature created a different color intensity of the compared samples. Mature wood samples achieved more saturated color in the drying process than did the samples of red false heartwood.
The Impact of the Community Built Environment on the Walking Times of Residents in a Community in the Downtown Area of Fuzhou
Authors: Zhao Lizhen , Shen Zhenjiang , Zhang Yanji , Ma Yan
Published: January 2019

By means of on-site and network investigation, we collected data relevant to residents of communities, point of interest (POI) data, and land-use data of Fuzhou. We set traffic walking time and leisure walking time as an independent variable, built environment as dependent variable, and gender, age, education level and income level as control variables. Six linear regression models were established using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The results showed that in the 5D (i.e., Density, Diversity, Design, Destination and Distance) elements of the built environment, the density was negatively correlated with the traffic walking time, whereas other elements were positively correlated with the walking time, but the degree of influence was different.
Finite-Difference Numerical Simulation of Dewatering System in a Large Deep Foundation Pit at Taunsa Barrage, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , Tayyab Muhammad , Zaman Muhammad , Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Dong Xiaohua
Published: January 2019

This study investigates a large deep foundation pit of a hydraulic structure rehabilitation program across the Indus river, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The total area of the construction site was 195,040 m2. Two methods, constant head permeability test and Kozeny–Carman equation, were used to determine the hydraulic conductivity of riverbed strata, and numerical simulations using the three-dimensional finite-difference method were carried out. The simulations first used hydraulic conductivity parameters obtained by laboratory tests, which were revised during model calibration. Subsequently, the calibrated model was simulated by different aquifer hydraulic conductivity values to analyze its impact on the dewatering system. The hydraulic barrier function of an underground diaphragm wall was evaluated at five different depths: 0, 3, 6, 9, and 18 m below the riverbed level. The model results indicated that the aquifer drawdown decreases with the increase in depth of the underground diaphragm wall. An optimal design depth for the design of the dewatering system may be attained when it increases to 9 m below the riverbed level.
Forecasting Coal Consumption in India by 2030: Using Linear Modified Linear (MGM-ARIMA) and Linear Modified Nonlinear (BP-ARIMA) Combined Models
Authors: Li Shuyu , Yang Xuan , Li Rongrong
Published: January 2019

India’s coal consumption is closely related to greenhouse gas emissions and the balance of supply and demand in energy trading markets. Most existing research on India focuses on total energy, renewable energy and energy intensity. To fill this gap, this study used two single forecasting models: the metabolic grey model (MGM) and the Back-Pro-Pagation Network (BP) to make predictions. In addition, based on these two single models, this study also developed the ARIMA correction principle and derived two combined models: the metabolic grey model, the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (MGM-ARIMA) and Back-Pro-Pagation Network; and the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (BP-ARIMA). After fitting India’s coal consumption during 1995–2017, the average relative errors of the four models were 2.28%, 1.53%, 1.50% and 1.42% respectively. The forecast results show that coal consumption in India will continue to increase at an average annual rate of 2.5% during the period from 2018–2030.
Temporal-Spatial Variations and Influencing Factor of Land Use Change in Xinjiang, Central Asia, from 1995 to 2015
Authors: Liu Qun , Yang Zhaoping , Wang Cuirong , Han Fang
Published: January 2019

In this study, we analyzed the temporal-spatial variations of the characteristics of land use change in central Asia over the past two decades. This was conducted using four indicators (change rate, equilibrium extent, dynamic index, and transfer direction) and a multi-scale correlation analysis method, which explained the impact of recent environmental transformations on land use changes. The results indicated that the integrated dynamic degree of land use increased by 2.2% from 1995 to 2015. The areas of cropland, water bodies, and artificial land increased, with rates of 1047 km2/a, 39 km2/a, and 129 km2/a, respectively. On the other hand, the areas of forest, grassland, and unused land decreased, with rates of 54 km2/a, 803 km2/a, and 359 km2/a, respectively. There were significant increases in cropland and water bodies from 1995 to 2005, while the amount of artificial land significantly increased from 2005 to 2015. The increased areas of cropland in Xinjiang were mainly converted from grassland and unused land from 1995 to 2015, while the artificial land increase was mainly a result of the conversion from cropland, grassland, and unused land. The area of cropland rapidly expanded in south Xinjiang, which has led to centroid position to move cropland in Xinjiang in a southwest direction. Economic development and the rapid growth of population size are the main factors responsible for the cropland increases in Xinjiang. Runoff variations have a key impact on cropland changes at the river basin scale, as seen in three typical river basins.
An Empirical Comparison of Machine-Learning Methods on Bank Client Credit Assessments
Authors: Munkhdalai Lkhagvadorj , Munkhdalai Tsendsuren , Namsrai Oyun-Erdene , Lee Jong Yun , Ryu Keun Ho
Published: January 2019

Machine learning and artificial intelligence have achieved a human-level performance in many application domains, including image classification, speech recognition and machine translation. However, in the financial domain expert-based credit risk models have still been dominating. Establishing meaningful benchmark and comparisons on machine-learning approaches and human expert-based models is a prerequisite in further introducing novel methods. Therefore, our main goal in this study is to establish a new benchmark using real consumer data and to provide machine-learning approaches that can serve as a baseline on this benchmark. We performed an extensive comparison between the machine-learning approaches and a human expert-based model—FICO credit scoring system—by using a Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) data. As the SCF data is non-synthetic and consists of a large number of real variables, we applied two variable-selection methods: the first method used hypothesis tests, correlation and random forest-based feature importance measures and the second method was only a random forest-based new approach (NAP), to select the best representative features for effective modelling and to compare them. We then built regression models based on various machine-learning algorithms ranging from logistic regression and support vector machines to an ensemble of gradient boosted trees and deep neural networks. Our results demonstrated that if lending institutions in the 2001s had used their own credit scoring model constructed by machine-learning methods explored in this study, their expected credit losses would have been lower, and they would be more sustainable. In addition, the deep neural networks and XGBoost algorithms trained on the subset selected by NAP achieve the highest area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy, respectively.
Dynamics of Life Satisfaction Among Rural Elderly in China: The Role of Health Insurance Policies and Intergenerational Relationships
Authors: Yin Xiuxia , Abruquah Lucille Aba , Ding Ya
Published: January 2019

The pursuit of achieving Goal 3 of the 2030 United Nations agenda for Sustainable Development, “ensuring healthy lives, achieving universal health coverage and promoting wellbeing for all”, has been a cardinal concern of governments and policy makers. The rural–urban divide in China has resulted in equality of health care distribution. To address this anomaly, the government of China has put in place the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS). This intervention aims at ensuring the equitable distribution and affordability of health care in rural areas. Despite this measure, certain drawbacks in its implementation affect overall life satisfaction. Rural–urban migration resulting in age distribution gaps has also been generally identified by a plethora of literature to hamper intergenerational interaction, which is essential to overall life satisfaction especially for the elderly. However, little is known about the extent to which the NCMS, coupled with its drawbacks and intergenerational interaction, affect the overall life satisfaction of the rural elderly in China. Using an ordered response model, this study presents a thorough analysis on the life satisfaction of rural elderly making comparison across age groups and residence status sub-samples using a panel data from the two waves, 2011 and 2013, from China’s Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. The empirical results indicate that though the NCMS is indeed beneficial to promoting health and overall life satisfaction of rural elderly, there are some attendant limitations. We also find that intergenerational interaction in the form of frequent communication and financial assistance from children who fall within the non-cohabiting category promotes life satisfaction of the rural elderly. The degree of importance however varies across the aforementioned groups.
Evolution of Farming Systems in the Mediterranean High Mountain: The Case of the Alpujarra Alta (Spain)
Authors: Calatrava Javier , Sayadi Samir
Published: January 2019

In mountainous Mediterranean areas, even at high elevations, the landscapes are generally strongly transformed by humans. Agriculture is a key factor in this because, until very recent times, farming has been the main occupation of its inhabitants and has dominated their history and culture. This study examines the evolution of agroecosystems in the Alpujarra Alta (a set of mountain valleys and ravines, located in south-eastern Spain, within the Penibetic Range), from the Neolithic revolution and the Roman period until the present emphasizing the eight centuries under Muslim rule and the serious agrarian crisis induced by the expulsion of the Moorish from the area in the last third of the 16th century. This provoked profound transformations leading to the so-called “evolved farming system” in the early nineteenth century. This system continued until the middle of the twentieth century, when a massive rural exodus, prompted by the industrialization of the country, made farming unfeasible, triggering a phase of gradual system degradation. Finally, the current situation is discussed, resulting from the degradation of the established system as well as from new opportunities arising from the processes of endogenous local development induced in the area during the last quarter of a century.
Symbiotic Co-Culture of Scenedesmus sp. and Azospirillum brasilense on N-Deficient Media with Biomass Production for Biofuels
Authors: Contreras-Angulo Jose R. , Mata Teresa M. , Cuellar-Bermudez Sara P. , Caetano Nidia S. , Chandra Rashmi , Garcia-Perez J. Saul , Muylaert Koenraad , Parra-Saldivar Roberto
Published: January 2019

The treatment of nitrogen-deficient agriculture wastewater, arising from the vegetable and fruit processing, is a significant problem that limits the efficiency of its biological treatment. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the symbiotic co-culture of Azospirillum brasilense and Scenedesmus sp., under two nitrogen levels (8.23 mg L−1 and 41.17 mg L−1) and mixing systems (aeration and magnetic stirring), aiming to simultaneously use the N-deficient media for their growth while producing biomass for biofuels. Microalgae growth and biomass composition, in terms of protein, carbohydrate and fatty acid contents, were evaluated at the end of the exponential growth phase (15 days after inoculation). Results show that the symbiotic co-culture of microalgae-bacteria can be effectively performed on nitrogen-deficient media and has the potential to enhance microalgae colony size and the fatty acid content of biomass for biofuels. The highest biomass concentration (103 ± 2 mg·L−1) was obtained under aeration, with low nitrogen concentration, in the presence of A. brasilense. In particular, aeration contributed to, on average, a higher fatty acid content (48 ± 7% dry weight (DW)) and higher colony size (164 ± 21 µm2) than mechanical stirring (with 39 ± 2% DW and 134 ± 21 µm2, respectively) because aeration contribute to better mass transfer of gases in the culture. Also, co-culturing contributed in average, to higher colony size (155 ± 21 µm2) than without A. brasilense (143 ± 21 µm2). Moreover, using nitrogen deficient wastewater as the culture media can contribute to decrease nitrogen and energy inputs. Additionally, A. brasilense is approved and already extensively used in agriculture and wastewater treatment, without known environmental or health issues, simplifying the biomass processing for the desired application.
Power Spectrum and Diffusion of the Amari Neural Field
Authors: Salasnich Luca
Published: January 2019

We study the power spectrum of a space-time dependent neural field which describes the average membrane potential of neurons in a single layer. This neural field is modelled by a dissipative integro-differential equation, the so-called Amari equation. By considering a small perturbation with respect to a stationary and uniform configuration of the neural field we derive a linearized equation which is solved for a generic external stimulus by using the Fourier transform into wavevector-freqency domain, finding an analytical formula for the power spectrum of the neural field. In addition, after proving that for large wavelengths the linearized Amari equation is equivalent to a diffusion equation which admits space-time dependent analytical solutions, we take into account the nonlinearity of the Amari equation. We find that for large wavelengths a weak nonlinearity in the Amari equation gives rise to a reaction-diffusion equation which can be formally derived from a neural action functional by introducing a dual neural field. For some initial conditions, we discuss analytical solutions of this reaction-diffusion equation.
Generalized Random α-ψ-Contractive Mappings with Applications to Stochastic Differential Equation
Authors: Kongban Chayut , Kumam Poom , Martínez-Moreno Juan , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: January 2019

The main purpose in this paper is to define the modification form of random α -admissible and random α - ψ -contractive maps. We establish new random fixed point theorems in complete separable metric spaces. The interpretation of our results provide the main theorems of Tchier and Vetro (2017) as directed corollaries. In addition, some applications to second order random differential equations are presenred here to interpret the usability of the obtained results.
Interweaving the Numerical Kinematic Symmetry Principles in School and Introductory University Physics Courses
Authors: Ben-Abu Yuval , Yizhaq Hezi , Eshach Haim , Wolfson Ira
Published: January 2019

The “super-gun” class of weaponry has been around for a long time. However, its unusual physics is largely ignored to this day in mainstream physics. We study an example of such a “super gun”, the “Paris gun”. We first look into the historic accounts of the firing distance of such a gun and try to reconcile it with our physical understanding of ballistics. We do this by looking into the drag component in the equations of motion for ballistic movement, which is usually neglected. The drag component of the equations of motion is the main reason for symmetry breaking in ballistics. We study ballistics for several air density profiles and discuss the results. We then proceed to look into the effects of muzzle velocity as well as mass and ground temperature on the optimal firing angle and firing range. We find that, even in the simplest case of fixed air density, the effects of including drag are far reaching. We also determine that in the “sensible” range of projectile mass, the muzzle velocity is the most important factor in determining the maximal firing range. We have found that even the simplest of complications that include air density, shifts the optimal angle from the schoolbook’s 45-degree angle, ground temperature plays a major role. While the optimal angle changes by a mere two degrees in response to a huge change in ground temperature, the maximal distance is largely affected. Muzzle velocity is perhaps the most influential variable when working within a sensible projectile mass range. In the current essay, this principle is described and examples are provided where students can apply them. For each problem, we provide both the force consideration solution approach and the energy consideration solution approach.
Transcriptomic Insights into Benzenamine Effects on the Development, Aflatoxin Biosynthesis, and Virulence of Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Yang Mingguan , Lu Laifeng , Li Shuhua , Zhang Jing , Li Zhenjing , Wu Shufen , Guo Qingbin , Liu Huanhuan , Wang Changlu
Published: January 2019

Aspergillus flavus is a soilborne pathogenic fungus that poses a serious public health threat due to it contamination of food with carcinogenic aflatoxins. Our previous studies have demonstrated that benzenamine displayed strong inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of A. flavus. In this study, we systematically investigated the inhibitory effects of benzenamine on the development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and virulence in A. flavus, as well as the underlying mechanism. The results indicated that benzenamine exhibited great capacity to combat A. flavus at a concentration of 100 µL/L, leading to significantly decreased aflatoxin accumulation and colonization capacity in maize. The transcriptional profile revealed that 3589 genes show altered mRNA levels in the A. flavus after treatment with benzenamine, including 1890 down-regulated and 1699 up-regulated genes. Most of the differentially expressed genes participated in the biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acid, purine metabolism, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Additionally, the results brought us to a suggestion that benzenamine affects the development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and pathogenicity of A. flavus via down-regulating related genes by depressing the expression of the global regulatory factor leaA. Overall, this study indicates that benzenamine have tremendous potential to act as a fumigant against pathogenic A. flavus. Furthermore, this work offers valuable information regarding the underlying antifungal mechanism of benzenamine against A. flavus at the level of transcription, and these potential targets may be conducive in developing new strategies for preventing aflatoxin contamination.
One Health—Its Importance in Helping to Better Control Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Collignon Peter J. , McEwen Scott A.
Published: January 2019

Approaching any issue from a One Health perspective necessitates looking at the interactions of people, domestic animals, wildlife, plants, and our environment. For antimicrobial resistance this includes antimicrobial use (and abuse) in the human, animal and environmental sectors. More importantly, the spread of resistant bacteria and resistance determinants within and between these sectors and globally must be addressed. Better managing this problem includes taking steps to preserve the continued effectiveness of existing antimicrobials such as trying to eliminate their inappropriate use, particularly where they are used in high volumes. Examples are the mass medication of animals with critically important antimicrobials for humans, such as third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, and the long term, in-feed use of antimicrobials, such colistin, tetracyclines and macrolides, for growth promotion. In people it is essential to better prevent infections, reduce over-prescribing and over-use of antimicrobials and stop resistant bacteria from spreading by improving hygiene and infection control, drinking water and sanitation. Pollution from inadequate treatment of industrial, residential and farm waste is expanding the resistome in the environment. Numerous countries and several international agencies have now included a One Health Approach within their action plans to address antimicrobial resistance. Necessary actions include improvements in antimicrobial use, better regulation and policy, as well as improved surveillance, stewardship, infection control, sanitation, animal husbandry, and finding alternatives to antimicrobials.
A Pedagogical Introduction to the Lifshitz Regime
Authors: Pisarski Robert , Skokov Vladimir , Tsvelik Alexei
Published: January 2019

We give an elementary and pedagogical review of the phase diagrams which are possible in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Herein, emphasis is upon the appearance of a critical endpoint, where disordered and ordered phases meet. In many models, though, a Lifshitz point also arises. At a Lifshitz point, three phases meet: disordered, ordered, and one in which spatially inhomogeneous phases arise. At the level of mean field theory, the appearance of a Lifshitz point does not dramatically affect the phase diagram. We argue, however, that fluctuations about the Lifshitz point are very strong in the infrared and significantly alter the phase diagram. We discuss at length the analogy to inhomogeneous polymers, where the Lifshitz regime produces a bicontinuous microemulsion. We briefly mention the possible relevance to the phase diagram of QCD.
The ICARUS Experiment
Authors: Farnese Christian , on behalf of the ICARUS Collaboration
Published: January 2019

The 760-ton ICARUS T600 detector has completed a successful three-year physics run at the underground LNGS laboratories, searching for atmospheric neutrino interactions and, with the CNGS neutrino beam from CERN, performing a sensitive search for LSND-like anomalous ν e appearance, which contributed to constraining the allowed parameters to a narrow region around Δ m 2 ∼ eV 2 , where all the experimental results can be coherently accommodated at 90% C.L. The T600 detector underwent a significant overhaul at CERN and has now been moved to Fermilab, to be soon exposed to the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) to search for sterile neutrinos within the SBN program, devoted to definitively clarifying the open questions of the presently-observed neutrino anomalies. This paper will address ICARUS’s achievements, its status, and plans for the new run and the ongoing analyses, which will be finalized for the next physics run at Fermilab.
Science Spaces as ‘Ethnoscapes’: Identity, Perception and the Production of Locality
Authors: Valler Dave , Phelps Nicholas , Miao Julie Tian , Benneworth Paul , Eckardt Franziska
Published: January 2019

Science and technology spaces around the world are, simultaneously, major physical, technological and symbolic forms, key elements of economic strategy, and sites of international labour movements and knowledge transfer. They are thus the product of multiple imaginations, with multiple, potentially divergent, objectives. In this paper, we compare three international science spaces as ‘ethnoscapes’, emphasising the distinctive perceptions, cultures and identities amongst international science and technology migrants and visitors at these sites. This, we contend, sharpens a sense of the ‘international-ness’ of science spaces in various dimensions, given the particular experiences of scientific migrants and visitors moving into different nations, locations and facilities, their roles in constructing international communities, and their navigation of alternative spaces. It also offers insight into the production of contextual (rather than spatial or physical) localities, as international scientists and technologists experience and constitute larger formations, building on their perceptions of varied and interacting science ’scapes.
Solving Traffic Congestion through Street Renaissance: A Perspective from Dense Asian Cities
Authors: Wen Liang , Kenworthy Jeff , Guo Xiumei , Marinova Dora
Published: January 2019

Traffic congestion is one of the most vexing city problems and involves numerous factors which cannot be addressed without a holistic approach. Congestion cannot be narrowly tackled at the cost of a city’s quality of life. Focusing on transport and land use planning, this paper examines transport policies and practices on both the supply and demand sides and finds that indirect travel demand management might be the most desirable solution to this chronic traffic ailment. The concept of absorption of traffic demand through the renaissance of streets as a way for traffic relief is introduced from two perspectives, with some examples from dense Asian urban contexts to demonstrate this. Firstly, jobs–housing balance suggests the return of production activities to residential areas and sufficient provision of diverse space/housing options to deal with work-related traffic. The second approach is to promote the street as a multi-activity destination rather than a thoroughfare to access dispersed daily needs, and to advocate more street life to diminish non-commuting traffic. Based on this, suggestions for better transport planning policies are put forward.
Characterization of Host and Bacterial Contributions to Lung Barrier Dysfunction Following Co-infection with 2009 Pandemic Influenza and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nickol Michaela E. , Ciric Justine , Falcinelli Shane D. , Chertow Daniel S. , Kindrachuk Jason
Published: January 2019

Influenza viruses are a threat to global public health resulting in ~500,000 deaths each year. Despite an intensive vaccination program, influenza infections remain a recurrent, yet unsolved public health problem. Secondary bacterial infections frequently complicate influenza infections during seasonal outbreaks and pandemics, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is frequently associated with these co-infections, including the 2009 influenza pandemic. Damage to alveolar epithelium is a major contributor to severe influenza-bacterial co-infections and can result in gas exchange abnormalities, fluid leakage, and respiratory insufficiency. These deleterious manifestations likely involve both pathogen- and host-mediated mechanisms. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the mechanisms (pathogen- and/or host-mediated) underlying influenza-bacterial co-infection pathogenesis. To address this, we characterized the contributions of viral-, bacterial-, and host-mediated factors to the altered structure and function of alveolar epithelial cells during co-infection with a focus on the 2009 pandemic influenza (pdm2009) and MRSA. Here, we characterized pdm2009 and MRSA replication kinetics, temporal host kinome responses, modulation of MRSA virulence factors, and disruption of alveolar barrier integrity in response to pdm2009-MRSA co-infection. Our results suggest that alveolar barrier disruption during co-infection is mediated primarily through host response dysregulation, resulting in loss of alveolar barrier integrity.
Anishinabek Women’s Nibi Giikendaaswin (Water Knowledge)
Authors: Chiblow (Ogamauh annag qwe) Susan
Published: January 2019

This paper springs from conversations and my life experiences with Anishinabek Elders and practitioners, which includes my understanding of my life journey in re-searching for Anishinabe qwe (woman) giikendaaswin (knowledge, information, and the synthesis of our personal teachings). Anishinabek women have giikendaaswin about nibi (water) that can transform nibi (water) governance. Re-searching for giikendaaswin is directly linked to inclusive decision-making. This paper describes how Anishinabek understand and construct giikendaaswin based on Anishinabek ontology and epistemology, which includes nibi (water) giikendaaswin. This supports what Anishinabek know, how we come to know, how we know it to be true, and ultimately why we seek giikendaaswin.
How to Sustain Fisheries: Expert Knowledge from 34 Nations
Authors: Nilsson Jessica A. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Johnson Craig R. , Haward Marcus
Published: January 2019

Ensuring productive and sustainable fisheries involves understanding the complex interactions between biology, environment, politics, management and governance. Fisheries are faced with a range of challenges, and without robust and careful management in place, levels of anthropogenic disturbance on ecosystems and fisheries are likely to have a continuous negative impact on biodiversity and fish stocks worldwide. Fisheries management agencies, therefore, need to be both efficient and effective in working towards long-term sustainable ecosystems and fisheries, while also being resilient to political and socioeconomic pressures. Marine governance, i.e., the processes of developing and implementing decisions over fisheries, often has to account for socioeconomic issues (such as unemployment and business developments) when they attract political attention and resources. This paper addresses the challenges of (1) identifying the main issues in attempting to ensure the sustainability of fisheries, and (2) how to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and governance of marine systems. Utilising data gained from a survey of marine experts from 34 nations, we found that the main challenges perceived by fisheries experts were overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change and a lack of political will. Measures suggested to address these challenges did not demand any radical change, but included extant approaches, including ecosystem-based fisheries management with particular attention to closures, gear restrictions, use of individual transferable quotas (ITQs) and improved compliance, monitoring and control.
Systematic Analysis of Geothermal Resources in the Coastal Bedrock Area of Chunxiao Town (China) by Using Geochemistry and Geophysics Methods
Authors: Zhao Wei , Lin Yanzhu , Zhou Pengpeng , Wang Guangcai
Published: January 2019

Geochemical and geophysical investigations were carried out to obtain more evidence of the potential of geothermal resources in Chunxiao Town (China). Hydrochemical data indicate the possible existence of mixing process between deep geothermal water and shallow groundwater. Analysis with SiO2 geothermometer shows that the geothermal reservoir temperature was estimated around 40–60 °C. In addition, combination investigations with CSAMT, radioactive radon, and soil thermal-released mercury detection reveal the specific location of the conduction fractures for thermal water circulation. Furthermore, the drilling work shows the deep thermal water temperature of >55 °C and the thermal water yield of 300 m3/d. All these results could provide important guidance for the scientific exploration and effective utilization of geothermal resources in coastal area.
A Water Quality Appraisal of Some Existing and Potential Riverbank Filtration Sites in India
Authors: Sandhu Cornelius , Grischek Thomas , Börnick Hilmar , Feller Jörg , Sharma Saroj
Published: January 2019

There is a nationwide need among policy and decision makers and drinking water supply engineers in India to obtain an initial assessment of water quality parameters for the selection and subsequent development of new riverbank filtration (RBF) sites. Consequently, a snapshot screening of organic and inorganic water quality parameters, including major ions, inorganic trace elements, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and 49 mainly polar organic micropollutants (OMPs) was conducted at 21 different locations across India during the monsoon in June–July 2013 and the dry non-monsoon period in May–June 2014. At most existing RBF sites in Uttarakhand, Jammu, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar, surface and RBF water quality was generally good with respect to most inorganic parameters and organic parameters when compared to Indian and World Health Organization drinking water standards. Although the surface water quality of the Yamuna River in and downstream of Delhi was poor, removals of DOC and OMPs of 50% and 13%–99%, respectively, were observed by RBF, thereby rendering it a vital pre-treatment step for drinking water production. The data provided a forecast of the water quality for subsequent investigations, expected environmental and human health risks, and the planning of new RBF systems in India.
Voluntary Management of Residential Water Demand in Low and Middle-Low Income Homes: A Pilot Study of Soacha (Colombia)
Authors: Acosta Alarcón Rocío Acosta , Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Kua Harn Wei
Published: January 2019

The efficient use of water in urban contexts becomes a priority in the face of population growth and the potential vulnerability of water supply as a result of the impacts of climate change. This pilot study focuses on the use of educational strategies to promote the voluntary management of residential water demand. Three schools in the municipality of Soacha (Colombia) were involved, where students from 12 to 15 years old participated as promoters of water consumption educational campaigns within their families, covering a total of 120 low and middle-income families. Three intervention strategies (that is, a virtual platform, learning activities, and graphical tools) were carried out. The effects of these intervention strategies on changes in the water consumption were analyzed to establish the dependence of this variable with socio-demographic, economic, environmental and quality of life factors. Different information gathering tools were used, such as validated local water utility bills, surveys and self-reports. The graphical tools reduced consumption by 14%, but other strategies did not show significant reductions. However, according to self-reported data, all educational campaigns did have positive outcomes on the participants’ behavior. It was found that socioeconomic factors, such as type of housing, socioeconomic strata, living in a rented home, and quality of life variables (such as enjoying nature and culture, good and fluid family relationships, and material possessions) significantly affected the changes in water consumption behavior.