bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Hexamethylene Diisocyanate-Modified Graphene Oxide as a Nanofiller Material on the Properties of Conductive Polyaniline
Authors: Luceño Sánchez José Antonio , Díez-Pascual Ana Maria , Peña Capilla Rafael , García Díaz Pilar
Published: June 2019

Conducting polymers like polyaniline (PANI) have gained a lot of interest due to their outstanding electrical and optoelectronic properties combined with their low cost and easy synthesis. To further exploit the performance of PANI, carbon-based nanomaterials like graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and their derivatives can be incorporated in a PANI matrix. In this study, hexamethylene diisocyanate-modified GO (HDI-GO) nanosheets with two different functionalization degrees have been used as nanofillers to develop high-performance PANI/HDI-GO nanocomposites via in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of HDI-GO followed by ultrasonication and solution casting. The influence of the HDI-GO concentration and functionalization degree on the nanocomposite properties has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests, zeta potential and four-point probe measurements. SEM analysis demonstrated a homogenous dispersion of the HDI-GO nanosheets that were coated by the matrix particles during the in situ polymerization. Raman spectra revealed the existence of very strong PANI-HDI-GO interactions via π-π stacking, H-bonding, and hydrophobic and electrostatic charge-transfer complexes. A steady enhancement in thermal stability and electrical conductivity was found with increasing nanofiller concentration, the improvements being higher with increasing HDI-GO functionalization level. The nanocomposites showed a very good combination of rigidity, strength, ductility and toughness, and the best equilibrium of properties was attained at 5 wt % HDI-GO. The method developed herein opens up a versatile route to prepare multifunctional graphene-based nanocomposites with conductive polymers for a broad range of applications including flexible electronics and organic solar cells.
Nanostructural Modification of PEDOT:PSS for High Charge Carrier Collection in Hybrid Frontal Interface of Solar Cells
Authors: Olivares Antonio J. , Cosme Ismael , Sanchez-Vergara Maria Elena , Mansurova Svetlana , Carrillo Julio C. , Martinez Hiram E. , Itzmoyotl Adrian
Published: June 2019

In this work, we propose poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) material to form a hybrid heterojunction with amorphous silicon-based materials for high charge carrier collection at the frontal interface of solar cells. The nanostructural characteristics of PEDOT:PSS layers were modified using post-treatment techniques via isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated conformational changes and nanostructural reorganization in the surface of the polymer in order to tailor hybrid interface to be used in the heterojunctions of inorganic solar cells. To prove this concept, hybrid polymer/amorphous silicon solar cells were fabricated. The hybrid PEDOT:PSS/buffer/a-Si:H heterojunction demonstrated high transmittance, reduction of electron diffusion, and enhancement of the internal electric field. Although the structure was a planar superstrate-type configuration and the PEDOT:PSS layer was exposed to glow discharge, the hybrid solar cell reached high efficiency compared to that in similar hybrid solar cells with substrate-type configuration and that in textured well-optimized amorphous silicon solar cells fabricated at low temperature. Thus, we demonstrate that PEDOT:PSS is fully tailored and compatible material with plasma processes and can be a substitute for inorganic p-type layers in inorganic solar cells and related devices with improvement of performance and simplification of fabrication process.
Fabrication of Graphene-Metal Transparent Conductive Nanocomposite Layers for Photoluminescence Enhancement
Authors: Huang Hongyong , Guo Zhiyou , Feng Sitong , Sun Huiqing , Yao Shunyu , Wang Xidu , Lu Dong , Zhang Yaohua , Li Yuan
Published: June 2019

In this work, the synthesis and characterization ofgraphene-metal nanocomposite, a transparent conductive layer, is examined. This transparent conductive layer is named graphene-Ag-graphene (GAG), which makes full use of the high electron mobility and high conductivity characteristics of graphene, while electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is induced by Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The nanocomposite preparation technique delivers three key parts including the transfer of the first layer graphene, spin coating of Ag NPs and transfer of the second layer of graphene. The GAG transparent conductive nanocomposite layer possess a sheet resistance of 16.3 ohm/sq and electron mobility of 14,729 cm2/(v s), which are superior to single-layer graphene or other transparent conductive layers. Moreover, the significant enhancement of photoluminescence can be ascribed to the coupling of the light emitters in multiple quantum wells with the surface plasmon Ag NPs and the EIT effect.
Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Stress and Anxiety among Young Japanese Adults: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Shirotsuki Kentaro , Uehara Saki , Adachi Shohei , Nakao Mutsuhiro
Published: June 2019

In the present study, we examined the effect of an internet cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) program on anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms in university students. Data were analyzed for 17 participants undergoing ICBT and 11 control group participants. An ANOVA of intention-to-treat analysis and per protocol (PP) analysis indicated that the interaction between group and measurement time was significant for the state–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) scores and that idiosyncratic anxiety was significantly improved. Through the results of PP, a moderate effect size for changes in STAI scores in the intervention group was observed (d = 0.62) based on Cohen’s (1988) classifications. A large effect was also observed for improvements in idiosyncratic anxiety (d = 0.91). Based on the results of the analyses, a significant interaction was observed for the STAI scores. In the intervention group, STAI scores and individual anxiety were significantly reduced after implementing the ICBT program. It was suggested that the ICBT program may positively influence thinking about anxiety and stress from an objective viewpoint.
Proposed Smooth-STC Algorithm for Enhanced Coverage Path Planning Performance in Mobile Robot Applications
Authors: Pham Hai Van , Moore Philip , Truong Dinh Xuan
Published: June 2019

Robotic path planning is a field of research which is gaining traction given the broad domains of interest to which path planning is an important systemic requirement. The aim of path planning is to optimise the efficacy of robotic movement in a defined operational environment. For example, robots have been employed in many domains including: Cleaning robots (such as vacuum cleaners), automated paint spraying robots, window cleaning robots, forest monitoring robots, and agricultural robots (often driven using satellite and geostationary positional satellite data). Additionally, mobile robotic systems have been utilised in disaster areas and locations hazardous to humans (such as war zones in mine clearance). The coverage path planning problem describes an approach which is designed to determine the path that traverses all points in a defined operational environment while avoiding static and dynamic (moving) obstacles. In this paper we present our proposed Smooth-STC model, the aim of the model being to identify an optimal path, avoid all obstacles, prevent (or at least minimise) backtracking, and maximise the coverage in any defined operational environment. The experimental results in a simulation show that, in uncertain environments, our proposed smooth STC method achieves an almost absolute coverage rate and demonstrates improvement when measured against alternative conventional algorithms.
From Archived Historical Aerial Imagery to Informative Orthophotos: A Framework for Retrieving the Past in Long-Term Socioecological Research
Authors: Pinto Ana Teresa , Gonçalves José A. , Beja Pedro , Pradinho Honrado João
Published: June 2019

Aerial photographs have been systematically collected from as early as the 1930s, providing a unique resource to describe changes in vegetation and land cover over extended periods of time. However, their use is often limited by technical constraints, such as the lack of ground control information and precise camera parameters, which hamper an accurate orthorectification of the raw imagery. Here, we describe the historical aerial photographs orthorectification (HAPO) workflow, based on a conventional photogrammetric procedure (the direct linear transformation (DLT) Method), integrated as a geographic information systems (GIS) procedure, in order to perform the image orientation and orthorectification, thereby converting historical aerial imagery into high-definition historical orthoimages. HAPO implementation is illustrated with an application to a rugged landscape in Portugal, where we aimed to produce land-cover maps using an aerial photograph coverage from 1947, as part of a study on long-term socioecological dynamics. We show that HAPO produces highly accurate orthoimages and discuss the wider usefulness of our framework in long-term socioecological research.
A Sub-Regional Extraction Method of Common Mode Components from IGS and CMONOC Stations in China
Authors: Wu Shuguang , Nie Guigen , Liu Jingnan , Wang Kezhi , Xue Changhu , Wang Jing , Li Haiyang , Peng Fengyou , Ren Xiaobin
Published: June 2019

There is always a need to extract more accurate regional common mode component (CMC) series from coordinate time series of Global Positioning System (GPS) stations, which would be of great benefit to describe the deformation features of the Earth’s surface with more reliability. For this purpose, this paper combines all 11 International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service (IGS) stations in China with over 70 stations selected from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) to compute CMC series of IGS stations by using a principal component analysis (PCA) method under cases of one whole region and eight sub-regions. The comparison results show that the percentage of first-order principal component (PC1) in North, East and Up components increase by 10.8%, 16.1% and 25.1%, respectively, after dividing the whole China region into eight sub-regions. Meanwhile, Root Mean Square (RMS) reduction rates of residual series that have removed CMC also improve obviously after partitioning. In addition, we compute displacements of these IGS stations caused by environmental loadings (including atmospheric pressure loading, non-tidal oceanic loading and hydrological loading) to analyze their contributions to the non-linear variation in GPS coordinate time series. The comparison result shows that the method we raise, PCA filtering in sub-regions, performs better than the environmental loading corrections (ELCs) in improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of GPS coordinate time series. This paper raises new criteria for selecting appropriate CMONOC stations around IGS stations when computing sub-regional CMC, involving three criteria of interstation distance, geology and self-condition of stations themselves. According to experiments, these criteria are implemental and effective in selecting suitable stations, by which to extract sub-regional CMC with higher accuracy.
Performance Impact of Parameter Tuning on the CCSDS-123.0-B-2 Low-Complexity Lossless and Near-Lossless Multispectral and Hyperspectral Image Compression Standard
Authors: Blanes Ian , Kiely Aaron , Hernández-Cabronero Miguel , Serra-Sagristà Joan
Published: June 2019

This article studies the performance impact related to different parameter choices for the new CCSDS-123.0-B-2 Low-Complexity Lossless and Near-Lossless Multispectral and Hyperspectral Image Compression standard. This standard supersedes CCSDS-123.0-B-1 and extends it by incorporating a new near-lossless compression capability, as well as other new features. This article studies the coding performance impact of different choices for the principal parameters of the new extensions, in addition to reviewing related parameter choices for existing features. Experimental results include data from 16 different instruments with varying detector types, image dimensions, number of spectral bands, bit depth, level of noise, level of calibration, and other image characteristics. Guidelines are provided on how to adjust the parameters in relation to their coding performance impact.
Interannual and Seasonal Vegetation Changes and Influencing Factors in the Extra-High Mountainous Areas of Southern Tibet
Authors: Ye Zu-Xin , Cheng Wei-Ming , Zhao Zhi-Qi , Guo Jian-Yang , Ding Hu , Wang Nan
Published: June 2019

The ecosystem of extra-high mountain areas is very fragile. Understanding local vegetation changes is crucial for projecting ecosystem dynamics. In this paper, we make a case for Himalayan mountain areas to explore vegetation dynamics and their influencing factors. Firstly, the interannual trends of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted by the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) algorithm and linear regression method. Moreover, the influence of environmental factors on interannual NDVI trends was assessed using the Random Forests algorithm and partial dependence plots. Subsequently, the time-lag effects of seasonal NDVI on different climatic factors were discussed and the effects of these factors on seasonal NDVI changes were determined by partial correlation analysis. The results show that (1) an overall weak upward trend was observed in NDVI variations from 1982 to 2015, and 1989 is considered to be the breakpoint of the NDVI time series; (2) interannual temperature trends and the shortest distance to large lakes were the most important factors in explaining interannual NDVI trends. Temperature trends were positively correlated with NDVI trends. The relationship between the shortest distance to large lakes and the NDVI trend is an inverted U-shaped; (3) the time-lags of NDVI responses to four climatic factors were shorter in Autumn than that in Summer. The NDVI responds quickly to precipitation and downward long-wave radiation; (4) downward long-wave radiation was the main climate factor that influenced NDVI changes in Autumn and the growing season because of the warming effect at night. This study is important to improve the understanding of vegetation changes in mountainous regions.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm for Path-Planning of Unmanned Surface Vehicle
Authors: Xin Junfeng , Zhong Jiabao , Yang Fengru , Cui Ying , Sheng Jinlu
Published: June 2019

The genetic algorithm (GA) is an effective method to solve the path-planning problem and help realize the autonomous navigation for and control of unmanned surface vehicles. In order to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional GA such as population premature and slow convergence speed, this paper proposes the strategy of increasing the number of offsprings by using the multi-domain inversion. Meanwhile, a second fitness evaluation was conducted to eliminate undesirable offsprings and reserve the most advantageous individuals. The improvement could help enhance the capability of local search effectively and increase the probability of generating excellent individuals. Monte-Carlo simulations for five examples from the library for the travelling salesman problem were first conducted to assess the effectiveness of algorithms. Furthermore, the improved algorithms were applied to the navigation, guidance, and control system of an unmanned surface vehicle in a real maritime environment. Comparative study reveals that the algorithm with multi-domain inversion is superior with a desirable balance between the path length and time-cost, and has a shorter optimal path, a faster convergence speed, and better robustness than the others.
Fog Computing Model to Orchestrate the Consumption and Production of Energy in Microgrids
Authors: Barros Eric Bernardes C. , Filho Dionísio Machado L. , Batista Bruno Guazzelli , Kuehne Bruno Tardiole , Peixoto Maycon Leone M.
Published: June 2019

Energy advancement and innovation have generated several challenges for large modernized cities, such as the increase in energy demand, causing the appearance of the small power grid with a local source of supply, called the Microgrid. A Microgrid operates either connected to the national centralized power grid or singly, as a power island mode. Microgrids address these challenges using sensing technologies and Fog-Cloudcomputing infrastructures for building smart electrical grids. A smart Microgrid can be used to minimize the power demand problem, but this solution needs to be implemented correctly so as not to increase the amount of data being generated. Thus, this paper proposes the use of Fog computing to help control power demand and manage power production by eliminating the high volume of data being passed to the Cloud and decreasing the requests’ response time. The GridLab-d simulator was used to create a Microgrid, where it is possible to exchange information between consumers and generators. Thus, to understand the potential of the Fog in this scenario, a performance evaluation is performed to verify how factors such as residence number, optimization algorithms, appliance shifting, and energy sources may influence the response time and resource usage.
“And Slowly, the Integration and the Growing and the Learning”: Nuanced Notions of Integration of Bhutanese Refugees in US Cities
Authors: Taccolini Pannagio Annie , Gonzalez Benson Odessa
Published: June 2019

Policy related to refugee integration focuses on economic factors, while integration is not clearly operationalized nor is it being systematically measured and tracked in policy implementation. This study poses the question, how can local-level integration be conceptualized based on the perspectives of resettled refugees, to add nuance to policy. Using a case study approach with a nation-wide scale, data include 40 interviews and five focus groups with leaders of Bhutanese refugee-run organizations in 35 cities across the United States. Findings illustrate the importance of bonds, bridges and links in non-linear, relational integration. Findings also suggest that better access to services and resources is the responsibility of policy-makers and would lead to stronger bridges over time. This complicates existing policy and implies that resettlement programming should remain individualized and contextual from the ground level to the national level.
Statistical and Electrical Features Evaluation for Electrical Appliances Energy Disaggregation
Authors: Schirmer Pascal , Mporas Iosif
Published: June 2019

In this paper we evaluate several well-known and widely used machine learning algorithms for regression in the energy disaggregation task. Specifically, the Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring approach was considered and the K-Nearest-Neighbours, Support Vector Machines, Deep Neural Networks and Random Forest algorithms were evaluated across five datasets using seven different sets of statistical and electrical features. The experimental results demonstrated the importance of selecting both appropriate features and regression algorithms. Analysis on device level showed that linear devices can be disaggregated using statistical features, while for non-linear devices the use of electrical features significantly improves the disaggregation accuracy, as non-linear appliances have non-sinusoidal current draw and thus cannot be well parametrized only by their active power consumption. The best performance in terms of energy disaggregation accuracy was achieved by the Random Forest regression algorithm.
Impacts of Agricultural Management Systems on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Highly Simplified Dryland Landscapes
Authors: Adhikari Subodh , Adhikari Arjun , Weaver David , Bekkerman Anton , Menalled Fabian
Published: June 2019

Covering about 40% of Earth’s land surface and sustaining at least 38% of global population, drylands are key crop and animal production regions with high economic and social values. However, land use changes associated with industrialized agricultural managements are threatening the sustainability of these systems. While previous studies assessing the impacts of agricultural management systems on biodiversity and their services focused on more diversified mesic landscapes, there is a dearth of such research in highly simplified dryland agroecosystems. In this paper, we 1) summarize previous research on the effects of farm management systems and agricultural expansion on biodiversity and biodiversity-based ecosystem services, 2) present four case studies assessing the impacts of management systems on biodiversity and ecosystem services across highly simplified dryland landscapes of the Northern Great Plains (NGP), USA, 3) discuss approaches to sustain biodiversity-based ecosystem services in drylands, and 4) present a conceptual framework for enhancing agricultural sustainability in the drylands through research, policy, economic valuation, and adaptive management. An analysis of the land use changes due to agricultural expansion within the Golden Triangle, a representative agricultural area in the NGP, indicated that the proportion of land conversion to agriculture area was 84%, 8%, and 7% from grassland, riparian, and shrubland habitats, respectively. Our results showed this simplification was associated with a potential reduction of pollination services. Also, our economic analysis projected that if 30% parasitism could be achieved through better management systems, the estimated potential economic returns to pest regulation services through parasitoids in Montana, USA alone could reach about $11.23 million. Overall, while dryland agroecosystems showed a significant loss of native biodiversity and its services, greater pest incidence, and a decrease in plant pollinator networks, these trends were moderately reversed in organically managed farming systems. In conclusion, although land use changes due to agricultural expansion and industrialized farming threaten the sustainability of dryland agroecosystems, this impact can be partially offset by coupling ecologically-based farming practices with adaptive management strategies.
The Case for Studying Non-Market Food Systems
Authors: Bliss Sam
Published: June 2019

Markets dominate the world’s food systems. Today’s food systems fail to realize the normative foundations of ecological economics: justice, sustainability, efficiency, and value pluralism. Drawing on empirical and theoretical literature from diverse intellectual traditions, I argue that markets, as an institution for governing food systems, hinder the realization of these objectives. Markets allocate food toward money, not hunger. They encourage shifting costs on others, including nonhuman nature. They rarely signal unsustainability, and in many ways cause it. They do not resemble the efficient markets of economic theory. They organize food systems according to exchange value at the expense of all other social, cultural, spiritual, moral, and environmental values. I argue that food systems can approach the objectives of ecological economics roughly to the degree that they subordinate market mechanisms to social institutions that embody those values. But such “embedding” processes, whether through creating state policy or alternative markets, face steep barriers and can only partially remedy food markets’ inherent shortcomings. Thus, ecological economists should also study, promote, and theorize non-market food systems.
Polish Urban Allotment Gardens as ‘Slow City’ Enclaves
Authors: Bartłomiejski Robert , Kowalewski Maciej
Published: June 2019

In this article, urban allotment gardens (UAGs) are discussed as one of the alternative urban development frameworks - Slow City. The UAG concept as well as the Slow City agenda aims to protect and enhance strong community relationships, decision making, civil engagement, group learning, and leisure practices for people of all ages in close proximity to green spaces. The authors argue that the statutory aims, organizational culture, and governance rules of UAGs are largely coherent with the formal Slow City agenda. The authors analyze the threats to sustainable cities and the alternative urban development agendas in the context of Polish allotment gardens. With increasing problems of soil pollution, abandoned gardens, informal housing, and limitation of access to the green areas of the UAGs for other inhabitants, the pressure to reduce the number of UAGs is reinforced.
Does Quality of Government Matter in Public Health?: Comparing the Role of Quality and Quantity of Government at the National Level
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Wang Jaesun
Published: June 2019

This study aims to examine the degree of direct or indirect impact of quality and quantity of government on public health. It is a very important topic in that previous studies did not consider the role of government; they focused on the impact of national economic, social, and political factors on public health, therefore, disregarding the governmental factors. We measured the quantity of government by public expenditure on heath (i.e., rate of share of government budget to gross domestic product (GDP)) and the quality of government by five variables such as corruption control, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, voice and accountability, and rule of law. Based on national-level panel data (three waves) that covered 148–194 countries, we examined how quality and quantity of government has an impact on four kinds of public health, i.e., infant mortality, under-five mortality, maternal mortality, and life expectancy. Results show that both the quality and quantity of government had a significant impact on public health. In the quality of government, government effectiveness has a positive impact on life expectancy and a negative influence on infant deaths. Moreover, the quality of government has a greater impact on public health than the quantity of government. Lastly, the quality of government plays a role in moderating the relationships between quantity of government and the predicted variables.
Collective Energy Practices: A Practice-Based Approach to Civic Energy Communities and the Energy System
Authors: Verkade Nick , Höffken Johanna
Published: June 2019

Civic energy communities (CECs) have emerged throughout Europe in recent years, developing a range of activities to promote, generate, and manage renewable energy within the community. Building on theories of Social Practice, we develop the notion of Collective Energy Practice to account for the activity of CECs. This expands the practice-based understanding of energy, which thus far has mostly focused on energy practices of the home. Additionally, we build on earlier practice-based thinking to come to our understanding of a ‘system of energy practices’. This view places the collective energy practices of CECs in a broader mesh of sites of practice, including policymaking, commercial activity, and grid management. Taking account of the enabling and/or restricting the influence of this broad system of energy practices is crucial in understanding the development of CECs’ practices. We accomplish this through the qualitative analysis of our long-term empirical research of five Dutch CEC sites, but also draw on our earlier fieldwork on smart grid projects in the Netherlands.
Qualitative Behavior of Solutions of Second Order Differential Equations
Authors: Cesarano Clemente , Bazighifan Omar
Published: June 2019

In this work, we study the oscillation of second-order delay differential equations, by employing a refinement of the generalized Riccati substitution. We establish a new oscillation criterion. Symmetry ideas are often invisible in these studies, but they help us decide the right way to study them, and to show us the correct direction for future developments. We illustrate the results with some examples.
Nucleosynthesis and Kilonovae from Strange Star Mergers
Authors: Horvath J. E. , Benvenuto O. G. , Bauer E. , Paulucci L. , Bernardo A. , Viturro H. R.
Published: June 2019

In this talk, we summarize the work in progress toward a full characterization of strange star–strange star (SS–SS) mergers related to the GW/GRB/kilonova events. In addition, we show that the a priori probability constructed from the observed neutron star mass distribution points toward an asymmetric binary system as the progenitor of the GW170817 event.
Accretion into Black Hole, and Formation of Magnetically Arrested Accretion Disks
Authors: Bisnovatyi-Kogan Gennady
Published: June 2019

The exact time-dependent solution is obtained for a magnetic field growth during a spherically symmetric accretion into a black hole (BH) with a Schwarzschild metric. Magnetic field is increasing with time, changing from the initially uniform into a quasi-radial field. Equipartition between magnetic and kinetic energies in the falling gas is supposed to be established in the developed stages of the flow. Estimates of the synchrotron radiation intensity are presented for the stationary flow. The main part of the radiation is formed in the relativistic region r ≤ 7 r g , where r g is a BH gravitational radius. The two-dimensional stationary self-similar magnetohydrodynamic solution is obtained for the matter accretion into BH, in a presence of a large-scale magnetic field, under assumption, that the magnetic field far from the BH is homogeneous and its influence on the flow is negligible. At the symmetry plane perpendicular to the direction of the distant magnetic field, the dense quasi-stationary disk is formed around BH, which structure is determined by dissipation processes. Solutions of the disk structure have been obtained for a laminar disk with Coulomb resistivity and for a turbulent disk. Parameters of the shock forming due to matter infall onto the disk are obtained. The radiation spectrum of the disk and the shock are obtained for the 10 M ⊙ BH. The luminosity of such object is about the solar one, for a characteristic galactic gas density, with possibility of observation at distances less than 1 kpc. The spectra of a laminar and a turbulent disk structure around BH are very different. The laminar disk radiates mainly in the ultraviolet, the turbulent disk emits a large part of its flux in the infrared. It may occur that some of the galactic infrared star-like sources are a single BH in the turbulent accretion state. The radiative efficiency of the magnetized disk is very high, reaching ∼ 0.5 M ˙ c 2 . This model of accretion was called recently as a magnetically arrested disk (MAD). Numerical simulations of MAD and its appearance during accretion into neutron stars, are considered and discussed.
Development of American-Lineage Influenza H5N2 Reassortant Vaccine Viruses for Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Chen Po-Ling , Hu Alan Yung-Chih , Lin Chun-Yang , Weng Tsai-Chuan , Lai Chia-Chun , Tseng Yu-Fen , Cheng Ming-Chu , Chia Min-Yuan , Lin Wen-Chin , Yeh Chia-Tsui , Su Ih-Jen , Lee Min-Shi
Published: June 2019

Novel low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H5N2 viruses hit poultry farms in Taiwan in 2003, and evolved into highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in 2010. These viruses are reassortant viruses containing HA and NA genes from American-lineage H5N2 and six internal genes from local H6N1 viruses. According to a serological survey, the Taiwan H5N2 viruses can cause asymptomatic infections in poultry workers. Therefore, a development of influenza H5N2 vaccines is desirable for pandemic preparation. In this study, we employed reverse genetics to generate a vaccine virus having HA and NA genes from A/Chicken/CY/A2628/2012 (E7, LPAI) and six internal genes from a Vero cell-adapted high-growth H5N1 vaccine virus (Vero-15). The reassortant H5N2 vaccine virus, E7-V15, presented high-growth efficiency in Vero cells (512 HAU, 107.6 TCID50/mL), and passed all tests for qualification of candidate vaccine viruses. In ferret immunization, two doses of inactivated whole virus antigens (3 μg of HA protein) adjuvanted with alum could induce robust antibody response (HI titre 113.14). In conclusion, we have established reverse genetics to generate a qualified reassortant H5N2 vaccine virus for further development.
Porcine HMGCR Inhibits Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Infection by Directly Interacting with the Viral Proteins
Authors: Ouyang Ting , Niu Guyu , Zhang Yifang , Liu Xiaohua , Zhang Xinwei , Zhang Shiqi , Geng Yulu , Pang Daxin , Ouyang Hongsheng , Ren Linzhu
Published: June 2019

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiological agent of porcine circovirus diseases and porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVDs/PCVADs). However, the pathogenesis of PCV2 is not fully understood. We previously found that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is negatively associated with PCV2 infection in vitro and in vivo. HMGCR inhibits the early stages of PCV2 infection, while PCV2 infection induces the phosphorylation of HMGCR to inactivate the protein. In this study, we investigated the possibility that adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) participate in HMGCR-mediated inhibition of PCV2 infection and the interaction of porcine HMGCR with PCV2 proteins. The results showed that AMPK activity fluctuated in cells during the early stage of PCV2 infection, while PP2A had little effect on PCV2 infection and HMGCR activity. Furthermore, PCV2 infection may enhance or maintain the level of phosphorylated HMGCR by directly interacting with the protein in PK-15 cells. These findings may provide a better understanding of PCV2 pathogenesis, and HMGCR may be a novel PCV2 antiviral target.
Nutrigenomic Effect of Saturated and Unsaturated Long Chain Fatty Acids on Lipid-Related Genes in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells: What Is the Role of PPARγ?
Authors: Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Zhao Wangsheng , Bionaz Massimo , Luo Jun , Loor Juan J.
Published: June 2019

A prior study in bovine mammary (MACT) cells indicated that long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) C16:0 and C18:0, but not unsaturated LCFA, control transcription of milk fat-related genes partly via the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). However, in that study, the activation of PPARγ by LCFA was not demonstrated but only inferred. Prior data support a lower response of PPARγ to agonists in goat mammary cells compared to bovine mammary cells. The present study aimed to examine the hypothesis that LCFA alter the mRNA abundance of lipogenic genes in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC) at least in part via PPARγ. Triplicate cultures of GMEC were treated with a PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone), a PPARγ inhibitor (GW9662), several LCFA (C16:0, C18:0, t10,c12-CLA, DHA, and EPA), or a combination of GW9662 with each LCFA. Transcription of 28 genes involved in milk fat synthesis was measured using RT-qPCR. The data indicated that a few measured genes were targets of PPARγ in GMEC (SCD1, FASN, and NR1H3) while more genes required a basal activation of PPARγ to be transcribed (e.g., LPIN1, FABP3, LPL, and PPARG). Among the tested LCFA, C16:0 had the strongest effect on upregulating transcription of measured genes followed by C18:0; however, for the latter most of the effect was via the activation of PPARγ. Unsaturated LCFA downregulated transcription of measured genes, with a lesser effect by t10,c12-CLA and a stronger effect by DHA and EPA; however, a basal activation of PPARγ was essential for the effect of t10,c12-CLA while the activation of PPARγ blocked the effect of DHA. The transcriptomic effect of EPA was independent from the activation of PPARγ. Data from the present study suggest that saturated LCFA, especially C18:0, can modulate milk fat synthesis partly via PPARγ in goats. The nutrigenomic effect of C16:0 is not via PPARγ but likely via unknown transcription factor(s) while PPARγ plays an indirect role on the nutrigenomic effect of polyunsaturated LCFA (PUFA) on milk fat related genes, particularly for CLA (permitting effect) and DHA (blocking effect).
Coupling Relationship between Urban Expansion and Lake Change—A Case Study of Wuhan
Authors: Wu Jing , Luo Jiameng , Tang Lin
Published: June 2019

With the development of urbanisation, the contradiction between urban expansion and lake protection becomes increasingly evident. Particularly, lake reclamation of urban construction causes serious damage to the water system and further affects the ecological environment of urban areas. On the basis of the interpretation and analysis of long time-series remote sensing images, this study evaluated the spatial pattern and dynamic changes of urban built-up areas and lakes in Wuhan from 1987–2018 and analysed the role of urban policies in this process. A coupling coordination degree model was used to analyse the correlation between them. Results show that with the continuous advancement of urban construction and renewal of urban policies, the coupling degree between urban expansion and lake change in Wuhan has been on the rise in the past 30 years. Moreover, the antagonistic relationship between urban construction and lake protection has gradually eased from severe imbalance to slightly balanced, and the negative impact of urban development on lake change has gradually decreased. The findings underscore the need for Wuhan to adhere to policies that promote lake protection. Lake supervision should be strengthened, and ecological restoration should be actively promoted. Furthermore, sustainable urban development policies should be maintained to improve the quality of urban development.
Research on Unsteady Hydraulic Features of a Francis Turbine and a Novel Method for Identifying Pressure Pulsation Transmission Path
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Liaojun , Yin Guojiang , Guan Chaonian
Published: June 2019

It is of significant value to understand the unsteady hydraulic features and pressure pulsation transmission path in the flow channel through a turbine for providing technical support for turbine design and optimization, as well as laying a foundation for analysis of the stability and the coupled vibration of the hydropower house. In this paper, a three-dimensional mechanics–hydraulics–concrete structure coupled numerical model was established to accurately simulate Francis hydraulic machinery, including the high-rotating turbine runner and fixed guide vane, the unsteady flowing water, the structure of the entire flow channel, as well as the dynamic interaction between them. Turbulent hydraulic features of flow condition and pressure pulsation in design operation were explored using the detached eddy simulation (DES) turbulence model. Then, a novel method was proposed to identify the fluid pressure pulsation transmission path based on the time-delayed transfer entropy method and wavelet theory. On basis of time and frequency analysis of pressure calculation results, investigation into identification of pressure pulsation transmission path was performed using the method of traditional transfer entropy and the method adopted in this paper. The pressure pulsation transmission features in the entire flow channel were revealed during operation of the large-scale Francis turbine. The research method and results could not only lay a basis for exploring the structural vibration regularity of the hydropower house but also provide a scientific reference for vibration reduction design of the hydropower house.
Evaluating the Functioning Mechanisms of ‘TANK Systems’ in Peri-Urban Areas of Chennai, India—Land Use Change as the Determinant
Authors: R. Harishankar Rukkumany , Vedamuthu Ranee
Published: June 2019

Ensuring the sustenance of water resources that act as sources of water for cities threatened by urbanization and developmental pressures is a crucial problem in peri-urban areas. The objective of this research was to establish the role of change in agricultural land use as a determinant in the evaluation of the existing water management system and to ascertain whether the control by the government or community management can be effective in ensuring the sustenance of water resources in peri-urban areas. The cases selected for the study were the water management systems present in two villages located in the peri-urban areas of Chennai, India. This research adopted a case study strategy with mixed methods of analyses. The analysis traces trajectories of change in the land use of agricultural lands and the common lands related to water management through methods, trend analysis, analysis of spatial patterns of change and the changes in the components of the community management. Results from the analysis indicated that under the context of intensive change from agricultural to nonagricultural land uses, the interlinkages within the traditional community management model had broken up, making community control improbable. The current management model of the government was also found to be inadequate. Results indicated that government agencies with trained personnel engaged in periodic maintenance activities, constant monitoring against encroachment, and pollution, and through the formation of user associations under their control can ensure the sustenance of water resources.
A New Flash Flood Warning Scheme Based on Hydrodynamic Modelling
Authors: Huang Wei , Cao Zhixian , Huang Minghai , Duan Wengang , Ni Yufang , Yang Wenjun
Published: June 2019

Flash flooding is one of the most severe natural hazards and commonly occurs in mountainous and hilly areas. Due to the rapid onset of flash floods, early warnings are critical for disaster mitigation and adaptation. In this paper, a flash flood warning scheme is proposed based on hydrodynamic modelling and critical rainfall. Hydrodynamic modelling considers different rainfall and initial soil moisture conditions. The critical rainfall is calculated from the critical hazard, which is based on the flood flow depth and velocity. After the critical rainfall is calculated for each cell in the catchment, a critical rainfall database is built for flash flood warning. Finally, a case study is presented to show the operating procedure of the new flash flood warning scheme.
OPPORTUNITIES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN LIGHTING DESIGN
Authors: Хомякова Ю. , Homyakova Yu. , Вовженяк П. , Vovzhenyak Polina
Published: June 2019

Light is an artistic tool that allows to create a unique collection of diverse images of a building. Purpose of the research: to identify opportunities of lighting design in the present, based on the commercially available lighting; to determine whether light sources are always used rationally, how to avoid ignorant operation. Research methods: the problem of multiple light pollution is identified by analyzing the light environment of Russian cities. The main reasons for this are the ignorance of modern specialists in the field of lighting design and the lack of regulation of the industry by the state. Research results: technical opportunities of lighting design in modern architecture are revealed; types of lighting to create commercially available lighting devices; ways to eliminate light pollution are proposed. The potential of lighting design is poorly disclosed in the streets of modern cities. Raising a new school of masters will allow cities around the world to be transformed, to please viewers in the evening, as the existing equipment can already provide such a magnificence.
O PENSAMENTO CULTURALISTA DE A. L. MACHADO NETO: CONTRIBUTOS PARA O EGOLOGISMO JURÍDICO
Authors: Soares Ricardo Maurício Freire , Silva Raissa Pimentel
Published: June 2019

A Teoria Egológica do Direito, de lavra do argentino Carlos Cossio, surgida no seio dos movimentos pós-positivistas, encontrou no jus filósofo baiano A. L. Machado Neto um dos seus maiores defensores e propagadores no orbe jurídico-acadêmico brasileiro. A partir da averbação de referências resultantes de pesquisa bibliográfica, historiográfica e documental, o presente escrito foi elaborado com o intuito de arregimentar as contribuições aditadas por A. L. Machado Neto à teoria do Direito. À guisa de atingir esse desiderato, serão consignadas, em caráter preparatório, as ideias nucleares que permeiam o egologismo jurídico, nos moldes propostos pelo seu precursor argentino, posicionando-o no contexto do culturalismo jurídico, bem como registradas as nuances da vida e obra do jusfilósofo baiano aqui reverenciado.
UM BREVE HISTÓRICO DA IMPLANTAÇÃO DO PROCESSO JUDICIAL ELETRÔNICO NO TRIBUNAL DE JUSTIÇA DO ESTADO DO TOCANTINS
Authors: Pereira Sinara Cristina da Silva' , Brito George Lauro Ribeiro de
Published: June 2019

A evolução tecnológica é fato marcante e constante no século XXI. Vendo as inúmeras vantagens, o Poder Judiciário Brasileiro resolveu encarar o desafio e se render à tecnologia como forma de oferecer ao cidadão uma prestação jurisdicional mais célere, transparente, eficiente. Para isso, foi promulgada a Lei nº 11.419, de 2006, que autorizou o uso de meio eletrônico na tramitação de processos judiciais e estipulou as regras para observância pelos órgãos. Neste trabalho, pretende-se discorrer sobre o contexto histórico acerca do processo eletrônico no Brasil, como se deu a trajetória da realidade brasileira até a promulgação da Lei nº 11.419, e as leis aprovadas ao longo dos anos que autorizavam algum tipo de meio tecnológico para facilitar os trâmites processuais. O trabalho também versa sobre a implantação do processo eletrônico no Brasil e suas consequências. Como objeto principal do estudo, será analisada a implantação do sistema processual eletrônico no estado do Tocantins; em segundo plano, buscar-se-á demonstrar a realidade do Poder Judiciário Tocantinense e o impacto da implantação do Processo Eletrônico nessa esfera de competência.
JUSTIÇA SOCIAL, POBREZA E DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Bittar Eduardo C.B.
Published: June 2019

Este artigo é escrito na conjuntura de crise política e econômica brasileira, e apresenta a postura da Filosofia Social do Direito em torno da justiça social, da erradicação da pobreza e da defesa dos direitos humanos, como condições para um processo de socialização democrático, inclusivo, socialmente justo, solidário e pacificador.
МОБІЛІЗАЦІЙНИЙ ПОТЕНЦІАЛ СУСПІЛЬСТВА РИЗИКУ: ПОЛІТОЛОГІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Безрук О. О.
Published: June 2019

The aspect of using the mobilization potential of society in the context of the problem of «society of risk» and the main concepts of «society of risk» as a specific state of modern societies in conditions of high degree of uncertainty is considered. It is stated that under present conditions, attempts to overcome risks create new risks and safety becomes a scarce resource for the existence of the individual and society as a whole, while socio-political instability erodes the traditional mechanisms of providing individual security, increases the uncertainty of the individual in his own security, spreads risk areas and threats. The main dimensions of individual security are presented: objective and subjective. It was emphasized that risk societies remain at the forefront of socio-political development, despite the increase of general instability. The mobilization potential of society as a tool for neutralizing the challenges and other dangers is described in order to preserve the main institutions and their own subsystems. The main components of the mobilization potential, in particular economic, demographic, and political, are offered. The manifestations of the features of a society of risk in Ukraine are analyzed. It is alleged that Ukraine is in special conditions of actualized danger and developmental risks, and mobilization potential serves as a substantial, existential asset, the basis for the preservation of statehood in a harsh confrontation. It is indicated that the operational reaction of the political system and civil society is the key to a rational search for an optimal solution to the crisis and the use of available opportunities. The main characteristics of the state of danger in Ukraine are presented. The main factors influencing the quality of the mobilization potential of Ukrainian society are revealed