bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis on Cross-Shaped Array with Dynamic Transmit Focusing for Enhanced Volumetric Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Park Suhyun , Kang Hyun
Published: October 2016

Volumetric ultrasound imaging has been primarily used as a clinical tool to diagnose cardiac dysfunction. However, the modality still suffers from system complexity due to a large number of receive channels for volumetric reconstruction. The aim of the study was to numerically assess a cross-shaped sparse array with a dynamic transmit focusing method to reduce the system complexity and to compensate for the image quality of unfocused volumetric imaging. Analytical simulations with two-way point spread functions demonstrated that the cross-shaped sparse array entailed up to an 84% increase in side-lobes (up to 32 dB), thus leading to significant degradation of the point spread function in the diagonal plane. A dynamic transmit focusing method was able to vividly overcome the image degradation by transmitting more beams with tilting angles. This also yielded a comparable image sensitivity (65 dB) to that of the full array when 31 × 31 tilted waves were used. The proposed cross-shaped sparse array with the dynamic transit focusing method can be used to enhance the frame rate as well as the image quality for unfocused ultrasound imaging.
Measurement Parameters Optimized for Sequential Multilateration in Calibrating a Machine Tool with a DOE Method
Authors: Ezedine Fabien , Linares Jean-Marc , Chaves-Jacob Julien , Sprauel Jean-Michel
Published: October 2016

Improving volumetric error compensation is one of the machine tool user’s key objectives. Smart compensation is bound to calibration accuracy. Calibration quality depends largely on its setup factors. An evaluation criterion is thus required to test the quality of the compensation deduced from these setup factors. The residual error map, which characterizes post-compensation machine errors, is therefore chosen and then needs to be evaluated. In this study, the translation axes of a machine tool were calibrated with a multilateration tracking laser interferometer. In order to optimize such measurements, the residual error map was then characterized by two appliances: a laser interferometer and the tracking laser already employed for the calibration, using for that purpose the sequential multilateration technique. This research work thus aimed to obtain a smart setup of parameters of machine tool calibration analyzing these two residual error maps through the Design Of Experiment (DOE) method. To achieve this goal, the first step was to define the setup parameters for calibrating a compact machine tool with a multilateration tracking laser. The second step was to define both of the measurement processes that are employed to estimate the residual error map. The third step was to obtain the optimized setup parameters using the DOE method.
Impact of Soft Tissue Pathophysiology in the Development and Maintenance of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ)
Authors: Ziebart Thomas , Halling Frank , Heymann Paul , Neff Andreas , Blatt Sebastian , Jung Junho , Pabst Andreas , Righesso Leonardo , Walter Christian
Published: October 2016

Since the first description of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), numerous research groups have focused on possible pathological mechanisms including the suppression of the bone turnover of the jaw, antiangiogenic effects and soft tissue toxicity. In our review we focused on summarizing the role of the soft tissues in the development and progression of BRONJ. The biological behavior of fibroblasts can be significantly influenced by bisphosphonates (BP) such as a concentration dependent reduction of cell viability. High concentrations of BP can induce apoptosis and necrosis of the cells. Comparable effects could be detected for keratinocytes. Compared to non-nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, nitrogen-containing BP have worse effects on cell biology by blocking the mevalonate pathway. Further, the cell architecture and expression levels of several genes and proteins are significantly disturbed by BP. These inhibitory effects of BP are in accordance with BP-related reduced angiogenesis and neovascularization and could underline the hypothesis that inhibition of fibroblasts and keratinocytes results in delayed wound healing and can induce and trigger BRONJ.
Cooperative Energy Management of Hybrid DC Renewable Grid Using Decentralized Control Strategies
Authors: Beykverdi Mehrdad , Jalilvand Abolfazl , Ehsan Mehdi
Published: October 2016

This paper attempted to control a hybrid DC microgrid in islanded operation mode using decentralized power management strategies. Proposed adaptive I/V characteristic for hybrid photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) and wind turbine generator (WTG) adapts the distributed energy resources (DER) behavior independently in accordance with the load demand. Hence, the PV module can spend its maximum power on load demand and spend the extra power for charging the BESS, which will regulate DC bus voltage and maintain the power balance within the microgrid. When load demand is beyond the maximum generation power of PV unit, WTG will supply the energy shortage. The proposed control system was applied on the DC microgrid in order to achieve control objectives through a decentralized procedure, without telecommunication links. In order to validate the proposed strategies, the control system was implemented on a DC microgrid within MATLAB/SIMULINK, where the simulation results were analyzed and validated.
Energy Efficiency Strategies for Ecological Greenhouses: Experiences from Murcia (Spain)
Authors: Becerril Hilario , De los Rios Ignacio
Published: October 2016

There has been a continuous growth in ecological agriculture (EA) in recent years. It is recognized as a production system with rational energy use and low demand for fossil fuels. There are many studies relating to this subject, in contrast to the few studies regarding the use of energy and its impact on the environment in ecological greenhouses. This article analyzes the strategies adopted by a Transformational Agricultural Society (Sociedad Agraria de Transformación) in order to improve energy efficiency in ecological greenhouses, with regards to the use of fossil fuels. The methodology is based on the Working With People (WWP) Model, which involves social learning processes over 30 years in one of the largest regions of ecological crops in Spain. The results show that the measures taken to manage the greenhouses have achieved a decrease of over 80% in terms of fossil fuel consumption. The experience demonstrates that EA, as opposed to conventional agriculture (CA), is a system with great potential when it comes to reducing energy consumption and environmental improvements through various strategies.
iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of the Potentiated and Dormant Antler Stem Cells
Authors: Dong Zhen , Ba Hengxing , Zhang Wei , Coates Dawn , Li Chunyi
Published: October 2016

As the only known organ that can completely regenerate in mammals, deer antler is of real significance in the field of regenerative medicine. Recent studies have shown that the regenerative capacity of the antlers comes from the pedicle periosteum and the cells resident in the periosteum possess the attributes of stem cells. Currently, the molecular mechanism of antler regeneration remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the potentiated and dormant antler stem cells using isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling of the peptides, coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to compare the proteome profiles. Proteins were identified by searching against the NCBI nr database and our own Cervine transcriptome database, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Based on this searching strategy, we identified 169 differentially expressed proteins in total, consisting of 70 up- and 99 down-regulated in the potentiated vs. dormant antler stem cells. Reliability of the iTRAQ was confirmed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to measure the expression of selected genes. We identified transduction pathways through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, such as HIF-1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways that play important roles in regulating the regeneration of antlers. In summary, the initiation stage of antler regeneration, a process from dormant to potentiated states in antler stem cells, is regulated by multiple proteins and complicated signal networks.
Dynamic Reusable Workflows for Ocean Science
Authors: Signell Richard , Fernandes Filipe , Wilcox Kyle
Published: October 2016

Digital catalogs of ocean data have been available for decades, but advances in standardized services and software for catalog searches and data access now make it possible to create catalog-driven workflows that automate—end-to-end—data search, analysis, and visualization of data from multiple distributed sources. Further, these workflows may be shared, reused, and adapted with ease. Here we describe a workflow developed within the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) which automates the skill assessment of water temperature forecasts from multiple ocean forecast models, allowing improved forecast products to be delivered for an open water swim event. A series of Jupyter Notebooks are used to capture and document the end-to-end workflow using a collection of Python tools that facilitate working with standardized catalog and data services. The workflow first searches a catalog of metadata using the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Catalog Service for the Web (CSW), then accesses data service endpoints found in the metadata records using the OGC Sensor Observation Service (SOS) for in situ sensor data and OPeNDAP services for remotely-sensed and model data. Skill metrics are computed and time series comparisons of forecast model and observed data are displayed interactively, leveraging the capabilities of modern web browsers. The resulting workflow not only solves a challenging specific problem, but highlights the benefits of dynamic, reusable workflows in general. These workflows adapt as new data enter the data system, facilitate reproducible science, provide templates from which new scientific workflows can be developed, and encourage data providers to use standardized services. As applied to the ocean swim event, the workflow exposed problems with two of the ocean forecast products which led to improved regional forecasts once errors were corrected. While the example is specific, the approach is general, and we hope to see increased use of dynamic notebooks across geoscience domains.
Introduction: The Continued Importance of Smallholders Today
Authors: Vadjunec Jacqueline , Radel Claudia , Turner II B.
Published: October 2016

Smallholders remain an important part of human-environment research, particularly in cultural and political ecology, peasant and development studies, and increasingly in land system and sustainability science. This introduction to the edited volume explores land use and livelihood issues among smallholders, in several disciplinary and subfield traditions. Specifically, we provide a short history of smallholder livelihood research in the human-environment tradition. We reflect on why, in an age of rapid globalization, smallholder land use and livelihoods still matter, both for land system science and as a reflection of concerns with inequality and poverty. Key themes that emerge from the papers in this volume include the importance of smallholder farming and land-use practices to questions of environmental sustainability, the dynamic reality of smallholder livelihoods, the challenges of vulnerability and adaptation in contemporary human-environment systems, and the structural and relative nature of the term “smallholder.” Overall these contributions show that smallholder studies are more pertinent than ever, especially in the face of global environmental change. Additionally, we argue that questions of smallholder identity, social difference, and teleconnections provide fertile areas of future research. We conclude that we need to re-envision who the smallholder is today and how this translates into modern human-environment smallholder studies.
Deposition of Ultrathin Nano-Hydroxyapatite Films on Laser Micro-Textured Titanium Surfaces to Prepare a Multiscale Surface Topography for Improved Surface Wettability/Energy
Authors: Surmeneva Maria , Nikityuk Polina , Hans Michael , Surmenev Roman
Published: October 2016

The primary aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between topographical features and chemical composition with the changes in wettability and the surface free energy of microstructured titanium (Ti) surfaces. Periodic microscale structures on the surface of Ti substrates were fabricated via direct laser interference patterning (DLIP). Radio-frequency magnetron sputter deposition of ultrathin nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) films was used to form an additional nanoscale grain morphology on the microscale-structured Ti surfaces to generate multiscale surface structures. The surface characteristics were evaluated using atomic force microscopy and contact angle and surface free energy measurements. The structure and phase composition of the HA films were investigated using X-ray diffraction. The HA-coated periodic microscale structured Ti substrates exhibited a significantly lower water contact angle and a larger surface free energy compared with the uncoated Ti substrates. Control over the wettability and surface free energy was achieved using Ti substrates structured via the DLIP technique followed by the deposition of a nanostructured HA coating, which resulted in the changes in surface chemistry and the formation of multiscale surface topography on the nano- and microscale.
Rotor Unbalance Estimation with Reduced Number of Sensors
Authors: Ibn Shamsah Sami , Sinha Jyoti
Published: October 2016

The most common cause of the excessive vibration in rotating machines is the rotor mass unbalance. If a machine vibration due to mass unbalance exceeds the alarm limits, then it may lead to machine failure. Therefore, rotating machines should be regularly checked to ensure that they are properly balanced. Currently, industries use the influence coefficient (IC) balancing technique for in situ machine balancing. The accepted practice is to use the vibration measurements in both vertical and horizontal directions at the machine-bearing pedestals together with the tachometer signal to estimate the machine rotor unbalance (both mass and phase angle). It is generally believed that the use of the machine vibration measurements in the vertical and horizontal directions represents better machine dynamics, and hence the estimated unbalance is likely to be more accurate. However, this paper applies the same concept of the IC method but with a reduced number of vibration sensors (one sensor per bearing pedestal at 45° instead of two sensors at the vertical and horizontal directions). The use of one sensor per bearing pedestal at 45° from both vertical and horizontal directions is likely to have responses from both directions. The reduction in the number of sensors by half will definitely save the instruments and their maintenance cost and reduce the computational effort in the signal processing significantly. The proposed concept is applied on a small-size laboratory rig with two balancing planes. The paper presents the unbalance estimations by using the measured vibration responses in both the vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously and using vibration responses measured at 45°.
Correction: Chae, H.S.; et al. Atractylodin Inhibits Interleukin-6 by Blocking NPM-ALK Activation and MAPKs in HMC-1. Molecules 2016, 21, 1169
Authors: Chae Hee-Sung , Kim Young-Mi , Chin Young-Won
Published: October 2016

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1].[...]
Piceatannol Exerts Anti-Obesity Effects in C57BL/6 Mice through Modulating Adipogenic Proteins and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Tung Yen-Chen , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Chen Hong-Jhang , Chou Shen-Chieh , Cheng An-Chin , Kalyanam Nagabhushanam , Ho Chi-Tang , Pan Min-Hsiung
Published: October 2016

Obesity is a global health concern. Piceatannol (Pic), an analog of resveratrol (Res), has many reported biological activities. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effect of Pic in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese animal model. The results showed that Pic significantly reduced mouse body weight in a dose-dependent manner without affecting food intake. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and blood glucose (GLU) were significantly lowered in Pic-treated groups. Pic significantly decreased the weight of liver, spleen, perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat compared with the HFD group. Pic significantly reduced the adipocyte cell size of perigonadal fat and decreased the weight of liver. Pic-treated mice showed higher phosphorylated adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (pACC) protein levels and decreased protein levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein C/EBPα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARγ and fatty acid synthase (FAS), resulting in decreased lipid accumulation in adipocytes and the liver. Pic altered the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing Firmicutes and Lactobacillus and decreasing Bacteroidetes compared with the HFD group. Collectively, these results suggest that Pic may be a candidate for obesity treatment.
Herbal Formula HT048 Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity by Improving Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Obese Rats
Authors: Lee Yoon , Jin Bora , Lee Sung , Song MiKyung , Bae HyeonHui , Min Byung , Park Juyeon , Lee Donghun , Kim Hocheol
Published: October 2016

It is well established that obesity causes a variety of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Despite the diligent scientific efforts to find effective ways to lower the level of obesity, the size of obese population grows continuously around the world. Here we present the results that show feeding diet containing HT048, a mixture of the extracts of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and Citrus unshiu peel, two of the well-known traditional herbal medicines in Eastern Asia, decreases obesity in rats. We fed rats with five different diets for 10 weeks: chow diet (STD), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet with 0.04% orlistat, a drug to treat obesity (HFD + Orlistat), high-fat diet with 0.2% HT048 (w/w; HFD + 0.2% HT048), and high-fat diet with 0.6% HT048 (w/w; HFD + 0.6% HT048). It was found that both body and total white adipose tissue weight of HT048 groups significantly decreased compared to those of the HFD group. Moreover, HT048 decreased serum insulin levels in HFD-fed obese rats. At the molecular level, HT048 supplementation downregulated genes involved in lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and adipogenesis, while the expression level of β-oxidation genes was increased. Supplementation-drug interactions are not likely as HFD and HT048-containing diet did not significantly induce genes encoding CYPs. Collectively, this study suggests that HT048 taken as dietary supplement helps to decrease obesity and insulin resistance in HFD-fed obese rats.
Influence of Quantum Dot Concentration on Carrier Transport in ZnO:TiO2 Nano-Hybrid Photoanodes for Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Maloney Francis , Poudyal Uma , Chen Weimin , Wang Wenyong
Published: October 2016

Zinc oxide nanowire and titanium dioxide nanoparticle (ZnO:TiO2 NW/NP) hybrid films were utilized as the photoanode layer in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with a ZnS passivation layer were deposited on the ZnO:TiO2 NW/NP layer as a photosensitizer by successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). Cells were fabricated using a solid-state polymer electrolyte and intensity-modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopy (IMVS/PS) was carried out to study the electron transport properties of the cell. Increasing the SILAR coating number enhanced the total charge collection efficiency of the cell. The electron transport time constant and diffusion length were found to decrease as more QD layers were added.
Sedentary Behavior Is Independently Related to Fat Mass among Children and Adolescents in South China
Authors: Xue Hongmei , Tian Guo , Duan Ruonan , Quan Liming , Zhao Li , Yang Min , Libuda Lars , Muckelbauer Rebecca , Cheng Guo
Published: October 2016

We aim to explore the independent associations of sedentary behaviors (SB) with body mass distribution among Chinese children. Data on the screen-based sedentary time (television viewing and computer use) and doing homework, physical activities and dietary intake of 1586 Chinese children (50.3% girls) aged 7–15 years were obtained through validated questionnaires. Skin-fold thickness, body height, and weight were measured to calculate percent body fat (%BF), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Parental characteristics were collected by questionnaires. Among girls, time of SB (screen time or doing homework) was positively related to %BF, FMI, and FFMI (p < 0.03) after adjusting for maternal overweight, the average annual income of family, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity energy expenditure, and energy intake: Girls in the highest tertile of screen time/homework had 16.7%/23.3% higher relative FMI and 2.9%/2.9% higher relative FFMI than girls in the lowest tertile. Among boys, screen time was positively associated with FFMI (p < 0.003), but not related to %BF and FMI (p > 0.09), while time of doing homework was positively related to %BF and FMI (p = 0.03). Sedentary behaviors might be positively and independently related to fat mass among Chinese children, and were more pronounced in girls.
Replicable Interprofessional Competency Outcomes from High-Volume, Inter-Institutional, Interprofessional Simulation
Authors: Bambini Deborah , Emery Matthew , De Voest Margaret , Meny Lisa , Shoemaker Michael
Published: October 2016

There are significant limitations among the few prior studies that have examined the development and implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) experiences to accommodate a high volume of students from several disciplines and from different institutions. The present study addressed these gaps by seeking to determine the extent to which a single, large, inter-institutional, and IPE simulation event improves student perceptions of the importance and relevance of IPE and simulation as a learning modality, whether there is a difference in students’ perceptions among disciplines, and whether the results are reproducible. A total of 290 medical, nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy students participated in one of two large, inter-institutional, IPE simulation events. Measurements included student perceptions about their simulation experience using the Attitude Towards Teamwork in Training Undergoing Designed Educational Simulation (ATTITUDES) Questionnaire and open-ended questions related to teamwork and communication. Results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement across all ATTITUDES subscales, while time management, role confusion, collaboration, and mutual support emerged as significant themes. Results of the present study indicate that a single IPE simulation event can reproducibly result in significant and educationally meaningful improvements in student perceptions towards teamwork, IPE, and simulation as a learning modality.
Citizen Bio-Optical Observations from Coast- and Ocean and Their Compatibility with Ocean Colour Satellite Measurements
Authors: Busch Julia , Bardaji Raul , Ceccaroni Luigi , Friedrichs Anna , Piera Jaume , Simon Carine , Thijsse Peter , Wernand Marcel , Van der Woerd Hendrik , Zielinski Oliver
Published: October 2016

Marine processes are observed with sensors from both the ground and space over large spatio-temporal scales. Citizen-based contributions can fill observational gaps and increase environmental stewardship amongst the public. For this purpose, tools and methods for citizen science need to (1) complement existing datasets; and (2) be affordable, while appealing to different user and developer groups. In this article, tools and methods developed in the 7th Framework Programme of European Union (EU FP 7) funded project Citclops (citizens’ observatories for coast and ocean optical monitoring) are reviewed. Tools range from a stand-alone smartphone app to devices with Arduino and 3-D printing, and hence are attractive to a diversity of users; from the general public to more specified maker- and open labware movements. Standardization to common water quality parameters and methods allows long-term storage in regular marine data repositories, such as SeaDataNet and EMODnet, thereby providing open data access. Due to the given intercomparability to existing remote sensing datasets, these tools are ready to complement the marine datapool. In the future, such combined satellite and citizen observations may set measurements by the engaged public in a larger context and hence increase their individual meaning. In a wider sense, a synoptic use can support research, management authorities, and societies at large.
Vocalization Source Level Distributions and Pulse Compression Gains of Diverse Baleen Whale Species in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Wang Delin , Huang Wei , Garcia Heriberto , Ratilal Purnima
Published: October 2016

The vocalization source level distributions and pulse compression gains are estimated for four distinct baleen whale species in the Gulf of Maine: fin, sei, minke and an unidentified baleen whale species. The vocalizations were received on a large-aperture densely-sampled coherent hydrophone array system useful for monitoring marine mammals over instantaneous wide areas via the passive ocean acoustic waveguide remote sensing technique. For each baleen whale species, between 125 and over 1400 measured vocalizations with significantly high Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR > 10 dB) after coherent beamforming and localized with high accuracies (<10% localization errors) over ranges spanning roughly 1 km–30 km are included in the analysis. The whale vocalization received pressure levels are corrected for broadband transmission losses modeled using a calibrated parabolic equation-based acoustic propagation model for a random range-dependent ocean waveguide. The whale vocalization source level distributions are characterized by the following means and standard deviations, in units of dB re 1 μ Pa at 1 m: 181.9 ± 5.2 for fin whale 20-Hz pulses, 173.5 ± 3.2 for sei whale downsweep chirps, 177.7 ± 5.4 for minke whale pulse trains and 169.6 ± 3.5 for the unidentified baleen whale species downsweep calls. The broadband vocalization equivalent pulse-compression gains are found to be 2.5 ± 1.1 for fin whale 20-Hz pulses, 24 ± 10 for the unidentified baleen whale species downsweep calls and 69 ± 23 for sei whale downsweep chirps. These pulse compression gains are found to be roughly proportional to the inter-pulse intervals of the vocalizations, which are 11 ± 5 s for fin whale 20-Hz pulses, 29 ± 18 for the unidentified baleen whale species downsweep calls and 52 ± 33 for sei whale downsweep chirps. The source level distributions and pulse compression gains are essential for determining signal-to-noise ratios and hence detection regions for baleen whale vocalizations received passively on underwater acoustic sensing systems, as well as for assessing communication ranges in baleen whales.
Mapping Distinct Forest Types Improves Overall Forest Identification Based on Multi-Spectral Landsat Imagery for Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region
Authors: Connette Grant , Oswald Patrick , Songer Melissa , Leimgruber Peter
Published: October 2016

We investigated the use of multi-spectral Landsat OLI imagery for delineating mangrove, lowland evergreen, upland evergreen and mixed deciduous forest types in Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region and estimated the extent of degraded forest for each unique forest type. We mapped a total of 16 natural and human land use classes using both a Random Forest algorithm and a multivariate Gaussian model while considering scenarios with all natural forest classes grouped into a single intact or degraded category. Overall, classification accuracy increased for the multivariate Gaussian model with the partitioning of intact and degraded forest into separate forest cover classes but slightly decreased based on the Random Forest classifier. Natural forest cover was estimated to be 80.7% of total area in Tanintharyi. The most prevalent forest types are upland evergreen forest (42.3% of area) and lowland evergreen forest (21.6%). However, while just 27.1% of upland evergreen forest was classified as degraded (on the basis of canopy cover <80%), 66.0% of mangrove forest and 47.5% of the region’s biologically-rich lowland evergreen forest were classified as degraded. This information on the current status of Tanintharyi’s unique forest ecosystems and patterns of human land use is critical to effective conservation strategies and land-use planning.
A Low Noise CMOS Readout Based on a Polymer-Coated SAW Array for Miniature Electronic Nose
Authors: Wu Cheng-Chun , Liu Szu-Chieh , Chiu Shih-Wen , Tang Kea-Tiong
Published: October 2016

An electronic nose (E-Nose) is one of the applications for surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. In this paper, we present a low-noise complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) readout application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) based on an SAW sensor array for achieving a miniature E-Nose. The center frequency of the SAW sensors was measured to be approximately 114 MHz. Because of interference between the sensors, we designed a low-noise CMOS frequency readout circuit to enable the SAW sensor to obtain frequency variation. The proposed circuit was fabricated in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS process technology. The total chip size was nearly 1203 × 1203 μm2. The chip was operated at a supply voltage of 1 V for a digital circuit and 1.8 V for an analog circuit. The least measurable difference between frequencies was 4 Hz. The detection limit of the system, when estimated using methanol and ethanol, was 0.1 ppm. Their linearity was in the range of 0.1 to 26,000 ppm. The power consumption levels of the analog and digital circuits were 1.742 mW and 761 μW, respectively.
Electro-Mechanical Properties of Multilayer Graphene-Based Polymeric Composite Obtained through a Capillary Rise Method
Authors: Acquarelli Chiara , Paliotta Licia , Tamburrano Alessio , De Bellis Giovanni , Sarto Maria
Published: October 2016

A new sensor made of a vinyl-ester polymer composite filled with multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (MLG) is produced through an innovative capillary rise method for application in strain sensing and structural health monitoring. The new sensor is characterized by high stability of the piezoresistive response under quasi-static consecutive loading/unloading cycles and monotonic tests. This is due to the peculiarity of the fabrication process that ensures a smooth and clean surface of the sensor, without the presence of filler agglomerates acting as micro- or macro-sized defects in the composite.
One-Port Electronic Detection Strategies for Improving Sensitivity in Piezoelectric Resonant Sensor Measurements
Authors: Hu Zhongxu , Hedley John , Keegan Neil , Spoors Julia , Gallacher Barry , McNeil Calum
Published: October 2016

This paper describes a one-port mechanical resonance detection scheme utilized on a piezoelectric thin film driven silicon circular diaphragm resonator and discusses the limitations to such an approach in degenerate mode mass detection sensors. The sensor utilizes degenerated vibration modes of a radial symmetrical microstructure thereby providing both a sense and reference mode allowing for minimization of environmental effects on performance. The circular diaphragm resonator was fabricated with thickness of 4.5 µm and diameter of 140 µm. A PZT thin film of 0.75 µm was patterned on the top surface for the purposes of excitation and vibration sensing. The device showed a resonant frequency of 5.8 MHz for the (1, 1) mode. An electronic interface circuit was designed to cancel out the large static and parasitic capacitance allowing for electrical detection of the mechanical vibration thereby enabling the frequency split between the sense and reference mode to be measured accurately. The extracted motional current, proportional to the vibration velocity, was fed back to the drive to effectively increase the Q factor, and therefore device sensitivity, by more than a factor of 8. A software phase-locked loop was implemented to automatically track the resonant frequencies to allow for faster and accurate resonance detection. Results showed that by utilizing the absolute mode frequencies as an indication of sensor temperature, the variation in sensor temperature due to the heating from the drive electronics was accounted for and led to an ultimate measurement sensitivity of 2.3 Hz.
Classification of Anticipatory Signals for Grasp and Release from Surface Electromyography
Authors: Siu Ho , Shah Julie , Stirling Leia
Published: October 2016

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a technique for recording natural muscle activation signals, which can serve as control inputs for exoskeletons and prosthetic devices. Previous experiments have incorporated these signals using both classical and pattern-recognition control methods in order to actuate such devices. We used the results of an experiment incorporating grasp and release actions with object contact to develop an intent-recognition system based on Gaussian mixture models (GMM) and continuous-emission hidden Markov models (HMM) of sEMG data. We tested this system with data collected from 16 individuals using a forearm band with distributed sEMG sensors. The data contain trials with shifted band alignments to assess robustness to sensor placement. This study evaluated and found that pattern-recognition-based methods could classify transient anticipatory sEMG signals in the presence of shifted sensor placement and object contact. With the best-performing classifier, the effect of label lengths in the training data was also examined. A mean classification accuracy of 75.96% was achieved through a unigram HMM method with five mixture components. Classification accuracy on different sub-movements was found to be limited by the length of the shortest sub-movement, which means that shorter sub-movements within dynamic sequences require larger training sets to be classified correctly. This classification of user intent is a potential control mechanism for a dynamic grasping task involving user contact with external objects and noise. Further work is required to test its performance as part of an exoskeleton controller, which involves contact with actuated external surfaces.
Remediation in Situ of Hydrocarbons by Combined Treatment in a Contaminated Alluvial Soil due to an Accidental Spill of LNAPL
Authors: Trulli Ettore , Morosini Cristiana , Rada Elena , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: October 2016

Soil contamination represents an environmental issue which has become extremely important in the last decades due to the diffusion of industrial activities. Accidents during transport of dangerous materials and fuels may cause severe pollution. The present paper describes the criteria of the actions which were operated to remediate the potential risk and observed negative effects on groundwater and soil originating from an accidental spill of diesel fuel from a tank truck. With the aim to evaluate the quality of the involved environmental matrices in the “emergency” phase, in the following “safety” operation and during the remediation action, a specific survey on hydrocarbons, light and heavy, was carried out in the sand deposits soil. Elaboration of collected data allows us to observe the movement of pollutants in the unsaturated soil. The remediation action was finalized to improve the groundwater and soil quality. The former was treated by a so called “pump and treat” system coupled with air sparging. A train of three different technologies was applied to the unsaturated soil in a sequential process: soil vapour extraction, bioventing and enhanced bioremediation. Results showed that the application of sequential remediation treatments allowed us to obtain a state of quality in unsaturated soil and groundwater as required by Italian law.
Public Acceptability of Introducing a Biogas Mandate in Korea: A Contingent Valuation Study
Authors: Kim Ho-Young , Park So-Yeon , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: October 2016

Biogas (BG), a renewable form of energy, can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, unlike conventional gas. Thus, the Korean Government is considering the introduction of a BG mandate, in which the legal blend is 2% BG and 98% conventional gas (BG2), by 2020 to expand BG use. We should examine the public acceptability of the introduction, which will incur a rise in the gas price. This study attempts to assess the public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for introducing the BG2 program in Korea. The WTP data were obtained from a one-and-one-half-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey of 1000 households. Because a considerable number of the respondents (63.4%) gave a zero WTP response, we applied a spike model to treat the WTP data with zero observations. The yearly mean WTP was computed as 2539 Korean won (KRW) (USD 2.5) per household for the next 10 years, which is also statistically meaningful at the 1% level. Expanding the value to the national population gives us KRW 50.7 billion (USD 49.5 million) per year. The present value of the total public WTP amounts to KRW 372.7 billion (USD 368.4 million) using a social discount rate of 5.5%. We can conclude that gas consumers in Korea are ready to shoulder some of the financial burden of expanding the use of BG.
Experimentally Investigating the Effect of Temperature Differences in the Particle Deposition Process on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules
Authors: Jiang Yu , Lu Lin
Published: October 2016

This paper reports an experimental investigation of the dust particle deposition process on solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with different surface temperatures by a heating plate to illustrate the effect of the temperature difference (thermophoresis) between the module surface and the surrounding air on the dust accumulation process under different operating temperatures. In general, if the temperature of PV modules is increased, the energy conversion efficiency of the modules is decreased. However, in this study, it is firstly found that higher PV module surface temperature differences result in a higher energy output compared with those modules with lower temperature differences because of a reduced accumulation of dust particles. The measured deposition densities of dust particles were found to range from 0.54 g/m2 to 0.85 g/m2 under the range of experimental conditions and the output power ratios were found to increase from 0.861 to 0.965 with the increase in the temperature difference from 0 to 50 °C. The PV module with a higher temperature difference experiences a lower dust density because of the effect of the thermophoresis force arising from the temperature gradient between the module surface and its surrounding air. In addition, dust particles have a significant impact on the short circuit current, as well as the output power. However, the influence of particles on open circuit voltage can be negligible.
Les préfaces du droit international … ou ce qui est dit « avant »
Authors: Verhoeven Joe
Published: October 2016

This study is based on an examination of prefaces or forewords to handbooks and other textbooks of public international law published in french, in the main since the second half of the nineteenth century. some authors are omitted because their works are (very) difficult to find today. nor are all the editions of a work accounted for, either for the same reason or because the additions or other alterations are not significant enough… even so the material runs to well over a hundred pages. that said, these lines are not the conclusions of an academic study ; they merely reflect the impressions of a wanderer after ambling through the prefaces.
Côte d’Ivoire : l’impossible alternance pacifique
Authors: Cottereau Gilles
Published: October 2016

Depuis une dizaine d’années, la vie politique ivoirienne est si agitée que son instabilité justifie régulièrement l’emploi du chapitre VII de la Charte des Nations Unies ou l’intervention de l’Union Africaine (UA) et de la communauté économique des États d’Afrique de l’ouest (CEDEAO) voire le soutien de la France avec la Force Licorne. Le Conseil de Sécurité a créé en 2004 une opération multidimensionnelle, l’opération de maintien de la paix des Nations Unies en Côte d’Ivoire (ONUCI) et a entériné les accords de Linas-Marcoussis. depuis lors et jusqu’à la fin de l’année 2011 il a pris une quarantaine de résolutions, entériné deux autres accords (Pretoria et Ouagadougou), adopté des sanctions. En dépit d’une aussi longue période de préparation émaillée de nombreux incidents et mêmes de crimes, les résultats des élections favorables au président Ouattara, résultats certifiés par les nations unies, ont été contestés par la violence. L’ancien président Gbagbo, leader de cette contestation par les armes, est arrêté et sera jugé par la cour pénale internationale. Après les élections législatives de 2011, la situation reste préoccupante. la présence de l’ONUCI comme le maintien des sanctions restent programmés jusqu’en 2012.
L’intervention devant la Cour internationale de Justice à la lumière des décisions rendues en 2011 : lente asphyxie ou résurrection ?
Authors: Jacob Patrick
Published: October 2016

In 2011 the international court of Justice made three decisions on applications to intervene. In two judgments of 4 May it dismissed applications from Honduras and from Costa Rica to intervene in a territorial and maritime dispute between Nicaragua and Colombia, ruling that their interest of a legal nature was not at issue in the main proceedings. two months later, in an order of 4 July, it accepted Greece’s application in Jurisdictional Immunities of the State (Germany v. Italy) on the grounds that it might consider it necessary to examine the decisions of Greek courts and tribunals in determining whether, by declaring them enforceable on italian soil, Italy violated Germany’s jurisdictional immunity. In doing so, the court has not dissipated the paradoxes surrounding the institution of intervention.
Actualités de la convention sur la diversité biologique : science et politique, équité, biosécurité
Authors: Hermitte Marie-Angèle , Maljean-Dubois Sandrine , Truilhé-Marengo Eve
Published: October 2016

Relations between science and politics, bioequity, and biosafety, those are the three salient themes in the development of international law of biological diversity. While knowledge about biodiversity is patchy and little shared, an “ intergovernmental science-Policy Platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services” (iPbes) has been formed, with the hope of becoming the equivalent of the intergovernmental Panel on climate change. While sketchy at present, it will serve as a benchmark not just in the context of the convention on biological diversity, but for other international instruments. Within the framework of the convention, two Protocols were developed in 2010. the nagoya Protocol is intended to set out the context for sharing the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and the associated knowledge. leaving very great freedom to states parties, it is essentially procedural, and confirms the liberal economic vision of biodiversity. the supplementary Protocol to the Cartagena Protocol, known as the Kuala Lumpur Protocol, urges states to adopt rules and procedures on liability in the event of damage in connection with living modified organisms. Here again, states have an almost entirely free hand. these two instruments deal with important issues, but issues that are marginal relative to the core of the convention, the protection of biological diversity, which has barely moved forward. Rio+ 20 opens therefore in an unconvincing context.
TIDM : Responsabilités et obligations des États qui patronnent des personnes et des entités dans le cadre d’activités menées dans la Zone (avis consultatif 1er février 2011)
Authors: Robert-Cuendet Sabrina
Published: October 2016

The seabed disputes chamber of the international tribunal for the law of the sea gave its first advisory opinion on 1 february 2011. Asked to specify the obligations of states sponsoring persons and entities authorized to explore and exploit the Area’s resources, pursuant to the united nations convention on the law of the sea, and to clarify the circumstances in which the responsibility of those states might be implicated, the chamber provides valuable enlightenment not only as to the law of the sea, but also environment law and the law of international responsibility. The opinion allows the chamber, at the end of a balanced approach between caution and resolve, to pave the way for its own judicial policy.
Crise de l’euro : l’UEM contrainte de se réformer ?
Authors: Chemain Régis
Published: October 2016

The euro Zone is confronted with an unprecedented debt crisis that highlights the shortcomings of economic and Monetary union and that could threaten the euro. To protect the currency, the european union institutions and Member states have been forced to intervene and to seek out international support for those euro Zone states liable to default. Alongside this, far-reaching reforms have been undertaken to ensure the longterm viability of EMU ; will they be sufficient ? The considerations that follow relate to the measures implemented or contemplated ; they confirm the difficulties the european union and its members are having in drawing all the consequences from the introduction of the single currency
Le droit européen des migrations : exemple d’un droit en mouvement ?
Authors: Carlier Jean-Yves , Crépeau François
Published: October 2016

An effective european migration law, with ever more precise substantive rules, is slowly emerging. like international migration law, it accommodates numerous informal fora where soft law is being elaborated. However, contrary to the international framework, this european migration law contains formal provisions which can be judicially controlled or implemented in order to maintain a proper balance between competing interests : territorial sovereignty and human rights. there is need for Europe, as well as for the Global north in general, to associate countries of origin to a policy of migration management (and not simply repression), and for domestic judicial control to also be efficient.
Chalcolithic – Early Bronze Age I Transition in the Southern Levant: The Lithic perspective
Authors: Vardi Jacob , Gilead Isaac
Published: October 2016

Cet article procède à un examen comparatif des assemblages d’outils lithiques du Ghassoulien, culture principale du Chalcolithique, et de ceux des premières phases du Bronze ancien. Il a été proposé récemment que les lames cananéennes, qui représentent un type d’outil typique du Bronze ancien I, apparaissaient dès le Ghassoulien. Selon nous, cette thèse est invalidée par les différences importantes observées entre les assemblages d’outils lithiques de ces deux périodes, disparités qui reflètent des changements importants entre le Chalcolithique et le Bronze ancien.