bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Container and Duration of Storage on the Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Seeds
Authors: Sultana Razia , Chowdhury M Salahuddin M , Rafiqul Islam Md. , Akhter Khadija
Published: August 2016

A study was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Seed Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh during July 2013 to June 2014 to determine the effects of different storage containers and durations of storage on the quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds and seedling growth. After harvest, seeds were stored in earthen pots, plastic pots, plastic bags, gunny bags with and without polyethylene lining for the periods of 4, 8, and 12 months. The seeds stored in plastic container showed the lowest moisture content (8.03%) at 4 months of storage and those stored in gunny bag showed the maximum moisture content (17.63%) at 12 months of storage. Percentage of seeds infested with fungi was minimum in plastic container, where the prevalence of Fusarium spp., Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Curvularia spp. were 1.47, 8.03, 3.31, 3.31, 2.57 and 3.53%, respectively at 4 months of storage. Prevalence of fungi was maximum in seeds stored in gunny bag where the prevalence of Fusarium spp., Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Curvularia spp. were 4.87, 17.63, 4.41, 5.97, 84.86 and 5.19%, respectively at 12 months of storage. In contrast, treated seeds stored in plastic container showed the maximum germination (94.74%), longest shoot (20.76 cm) and root (11.52 cm), highest seed vigor index (3087.00), highest weight of dry seedlings (55.60 g) at 4 months of storage. However, seeds stored in gunny bag showed the lowest seed germination (45.08%), shoot length (11.49 cm), root length (6.34 cm), seedling vigor index (838.10), dry weight of seedlings (33.40 g) and field emergence (37.36%) at 12 months of storage. Plastic containers appeared to be the best for storage of okra seeds.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 63-72
Synergetic Hybrid Aerogels of Vanadia and Graphene as Electrode Materials of Supercapacitors
Authors: Fu Xuewei , Chen Yuming , Zhu Yu , Jana Sadhan
Published: August 2016

The performance of synergetic hybrid aerogel materials of vanadia and graphene as electrode materials in supercapacitors was evaluated. The hybrid materials were synthesized by two methods. In Method I, premade graphene oxide (GO) hydrogel was first chemically reduced by L-ascorbic acid and then soaked in vanadium triisopropoxide solution to obtain V2O5 gel in the pores of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hydrogel. The gel was supercritically dried to obtain the hybrid aerogel. In Method II, vanadium triisopropoxide was hydrolyzed from a solution in water with GO particles uniformly dispersed to obtain the hybrid gel. The hybrid aerogel was obtained by supercritical drying of the gel followed by thermal reduction of GO. The electrode materials were prepared by mixing 80 wt % hybrid aerogel with 10 wt % carbon black and 10 wt % polyvinylidene fluoride. The hybrid materials in Method II showed higher capacitance due to better interactions between vanadia and graphene oxide particles and more uniform vanadia particle distribution.
Hollow Palladium Nanoparticles Facilitated Biodegradation of an Azo Dye by Electrically Active Biofilms
Authors: Kalathil Shafeer , Chaudhuri Rajib
Published: August 2016

Dye wastewater severely threatens the environment due to its hazardous and toxic effects. Although many methods are available to degrade dyes, most of them are far from satisfactory. The proposed research provides a green and sustainable approach to degrade an azo dye, methyl orange, by electrically active biofilms (EABs) in the presence of solid and hollow palladium (Pd) nanoparticles. The EABs acted as the electron generator while nanoparticles functioned as the electron carrier agents to enhance degradation rate of the dye by breaking the kinetic barrier. The hollow Pd nanoparticles showed better performance than the solid Pd nanoparticles on the dye degradation, possibly due to high specific surface area and cage effect. The hollow cavities provided by the nanoparticles acted as the reaction centers for the dye degradation.
Preparative Separation of Phenolic Compounds from Chimonanthus praecox Flowers by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography Using a Stepwise Elution Mode
Authors: Li Huaizhi , Zhang Yongqing , Liu Qian , Sun Changlei , Li Jia , Yang Peng , Wang Xiao
Published: August 2016

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) has been successfully used for the separation of eight compounds from Chimonanthus praecox flowers. Firstly, the crude extract of Chimonanthus praecox flowers was dissolved in a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–methanol–H2O (5:5:3:7, v/v) and divided into two parts: the upper phase (part I) and the lower phase (part II). Then, HSCCC was applied to separate the phenolic acids from part I and part II, respectively. Considering the broad polarity range of target compounds in part I, a stepwise elution mode was established. Two optimal solvent systems of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–methanol–H2O–formic acid (FA) (5:5:3:7:0.02, 5:5:4.3:5.7:0.02, v/v) were employed in this separation. Five phenylpropanoids and two flavonoids were successfully separated from 280 mg of part I, including 8.7 mg of 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (a, 95.3% purity), 10.9 mg of protocatechualdehyde (b, 96.8% purity), 11.3 mg of p-coumaric acid (c, 98.9% purity), 12.2 mg of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (d, 95.9% purity), 24.7 mg of quercetin (e, 97.3% purity), 33.8 mg of kaempferol (f, 96.8% purity), and 24.6 mg of 4-hydroxylcinnamic aldehyde (g, 98.0% purity). From 300 mg of part II, 65.7 mg of rutin (h, 98.2% purity), 7.5 mg of 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (a, 77.4% purity), and 4.7 mg of protocatechualdehyde (b, 81.6% purity) were obtained using the solvent system EtOAc–n-butanol (n-BuOH)–FA–H2O (4:1:0.5:5, v/v). The structures of the eight pure compounds were confirmed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. To the best of our knowledge, compounds a–d and f were the first separated and reported from the Chimonanthus praecox flower extract.
Natural Phyto-Bioactive Compounds for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Inflammation as a Target
Authors: Gothai Sivapragasam , Ganesan Palanivel , Park Shin-Young , Fakurazi Sharida , Choi Dong-Kug , Arulselvan Palanisamy
Published: August 2016

Diabetes is a metabolic, endocrine disorder which is characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance due to insulin resistance. Extensive research has confirmed that inflammation is closely involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Patients with diabetes display typical features of an inflammatory process characterized by the presence of cytokines, immune cell infiltration, impaired function and tissue destruction. Numerous anti-diabetic drugs are often prescribed to diabetic patients, to reduce the risk of diabetes through modulation of inflammation. However, those anti-diabetic drugs are often not successful as a result of side effects; therefore, researchers are searching for efficient natural therapeutic targets with less or no side effects. Natural products’ derived bioactive molecules have been proven to improve insulin resistance and associated complications through suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways. In this review article, we described the extraction, isolation and identification of bioactive compounds and its molecular mechanisms in the prevention of diabetes associated complications.
Enhanced Anti-Ultraviolet and Thermal Stability of a Pesticide via Modification of a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)-Free Vinyl-Silsesquioxane in Desert Areas
Authors: Lin Derong , Kong Maozhu , Li Liangyu , Li Xindan , Zhang Xingwen
Published: August 2016

Due to the effect of severe environmental conditions, such as intense heat, blowing sand, and ultraviolet light, conventional pesticide applications have repeatedly failed to adequately control mosquito and sandfly populations in desert areas. In this study, a vinyl silsesquioxane (VS) was added to a pesticide (citral) to enhance residual, thermal and anti-ultraviolet properties via three double-bond reactions in the presence of an initiator: (1) the connection of VS and citral, (2) a radical self-polymerization of VS and (3) a radical self-polymerization of citral. VS-citral, the expected and main product of the copolymerization of VS and citral, was characterized using standard spectrum techniques. The molecular consequences of the free radical polymerization were analyzed by MALDITOF spectrometry. Anti-ultraviolet and thermal stability properties of the VS-citral system were tested using scanning spectrophotometry (SSP) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The repellency of VS-citral decreased over time, from 97.63% at 0 h to 72.98% at 1 h and 60.0% at 2 h, as did the repellency of citral, from 89.56% at 0 h to 62.73% at 1 h and 50.95% at 2 h.
Microscopic Dynamics and Topology of Polymer Rings Immersed in a Host Matrix of Longer Linear Polymers: Results from a Detailed Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study and Comparison with Experimental Data
Authors: Papadopoulos George , Tsalikis Dimitrios , Mavrantzas Vlasis
Published: August 2016

We have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of melt systems consisting of a small number of long ring poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) probes immersed in a host matrix of linear PEO chains and have studied their microscopic dynamics and topology as a function of the molecular length of the host linear chains. Consistent with a recent neutron spin echo spectroscopy study (Goossen et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 2015, 115, 148302), we have observed that the segmental dynamics of the probe ring molecules is controlled by the length of the host linear chains. In matrices of short, unentangled linear chains, the ring probes exhibit a Rouse-like dynamics, and the spectra of their dynamic structure factor resemble those in their own melt. In striking contrast, in matrices of long, entangled linear chains, their dynamics is drastically altered. The corresponding dynamic structure factor spectra exhibit a steep initial decay up to times on the order of the entanglement time τe of linear PEO at the same temperature but then they become practically time-independent approaching plateau values. The plateau values are different for different wavevectors; they also depend on the length of the host linear chains. Our results are supported by a geometric analysis of topological interactions, which reveals significant threading of all ring molecules by the linear chains. In most cases, each ring is simultaneously threaded by several linear chains. As a result, its dynamics at times longer than a few τe should be completely dictated by the release of the topological restrictions imposed by these threadings (interpenetrations). Our topological analysis did not indicate any effect of the few ring probes on the statistical properties of the network of primitive paths of the host linear chains.
A Novel One-Step Fabricated, Droplet-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Facile Biochemical Assays
Authors: Yao Yong , Zhang Chunsun
Published: August 2016

A simple, novel concept for the one-step fabrication of a low-cost, easy-to-use droplet-based electrochemical (EC) sensor is described, in which the EC reagents are contained in a droplet and the droplet assay is operated on a simple planar surface instead of in a complicated closed channel/chamber. In combination with an elegant carbon electrode configuration, screen-printed on a widely available polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, the developed sensor exhibits a stable solution-restriction capacity and acceptable EC response, and thus can be used directly for the detection of different analytes (including ascorbic acid (AA), copper ions (Cu2+), 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate (dGTP) and ferulic acid (FA)), without any pretreatment. The obtained, acceptable linear ranges/detection limits for AA, Cu2+, dGTP and FA are 0.5–10/0.415 mM, (0.0157–0.1574 and 0.1574–1.5736)/0.011 mM, 0.01–0.1/0.008 mM and 0.0257–0.515/0.024 mM, respectively. Finally, the utility of the droplet-based EC sensor was demonstrated for the determination of AA in two commercial beverages, and of Cu2+ in two water samples, with reliable recovery and good stability. The applicability of the droplet-based sensor demonstrates that the proposed EC strategy is potentially a cost-effective solution for a series of biochemical sensing applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and the developing world.
Towards a Climate-Responsive Vertical Pedestrian System: An Empirical Study on an Elevated Walkway in Shanghai China
Authors: Yang Feng , Qian Feng , Zhao Wanzhu
Published: August 2016

Elevated walkways can bring pedestrian-friendly urban space back to high-density urban centers that are planned largely for vehicle traffic—for instance, the Lujiazui CBD in Shanghai. Most studies on elevated walkways have focused on transportation planning, structural safety as well as urban form and design. Few have paid attention to thermal conditions and pedestrian comfort issues on elevated levels. Considering all of the environmental factors that influence human thermal comfort, one could claim that there will be more breezes on elevated levels compared to sidewalks at the ground levels, but they can be exposed to increased solar radiation and thus higher radiant temperatures, if not properly shaded. The overall effect of the change in elevation on human thermal comfort is thus unknown. This study attempts to investigate the microclimate and human thermal comfort of a recently completed Lujiazui Elevated Walkway (LEW) system in the Lujiazui CBD, Shanghai, under a hot-humid sub-tropical climate. Micrometeorological measurements and a guided questionnaire survey were carried out on peak summer days. The data analysis indicates that the LEW is thermally more uncomfortable than its ground level counterpart. Air temperature was higher, whereas wind velocity is lower on the skywalk level than on the ground level, which is counter-intuitive. The resultant physiological equivalent temperature (PET) indicates warm conditions on the ground level (with good shading) while there are hot conditions on the skywalk. Based on the empirical findings, design strategies are proposed to improve the thermal comfort conditions on the LEW, and to better support pedestrian activities in this typical high-rise high-density urban area.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Sustainable Development in China Based on the TOPSIS-Entropy Method
Authors: Ding Lin , Shao Zhenfeng , Zhang Hanchao , Xu Cong , Wu Dewen
Published: August 2016

The Chinese government started an important project “Geographical conditions monitoring (GCM)” in 2012, which aims at fully revealing the spatial pattern of natural resources, and economic and social development. Urban development assessment and analysis are an important topic of the comprehensive statistics in GCM project. This study quantitatively evaluates the sustainable development level of 287 cities at prefecture level and above in China and analyzes their spatial distribution. Both an index system of urban sustainable development (USI) constructed by three aspects, namely society, economy and environment, and the TOPSIS-Entropy method are adopted. The results show that the overall level of urban sustainable development in China is not high, and obvious differences in urban sustainable development among cities exist. The coordination of social, economic and environmental sustainable development in China is at a low level. In terms of spatial distribution, cities from eastern coastal areas of China are at relatively higher levels of sustainable development with central and northeastern cities ranking second and western ones lowest. Several spatial clusters of urban sustainable development can be found. The “High–High” clusters, in which cities have high levels of sustainable development, are distributed in urban agglomerations. Finally, some suggestions have been provided to achieve all-round sustainable development in China.
Effects of Water Management Strategies on Water Balance in a Water Scarce Region: A Case Study in Beijing by a Holistic Model
Authors: Peng Zhigong , Zhang Baozhong , Cai Xueliang , Wang Lei
Published: August 2016

Irrigation is facing increasing pressure from other competitive water users to reduce water consumption in a water scarce region. Based on the Basin-wide Holistic Integrated Water Assessment (BHIWA) model, the effects of water management strategies on water balance in the dry regions of North China were analyzed. The results show that, with the decrease of irrigation water supply reliability (IWSR) and the increase of irrigation water use efficiency (WUE), irrigation water use decreased significantly, leading to reduced agriculture water consumption, and sustained ground water levels. Compared with the increase of WUE, the decrease of IWSR contributes more to reducing irrigation water consumption and protecting groundwater. Sensitivity tests show that among various water cycle components, irrigation water use is most sensitive to changes, followed by agriculture water consumption, and then groundwater level. Reducing IWSR is an effective strategy to reduce irrigation water consumption and promote sustainable water resources management, which could be the support of basic data and theory for regional water resources planning.
Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Reporter Myxoviruses
Authors: Rostad Christina , Currier Michael , Moore Martin
Published: August 2016

The advent of virus reverse genetics has enabled the incorporation of genetically encoded reporter proteins into replication-competent viruses. These reporters include fluorescent proteins which have intrinsic chromophores that absorb light and re-emit it at lower wavelengths, and bioluminescent proteins which are luciferase enzymes that react with substrates to produce visible light. The incorporation of these reporters into replication-competent viruses has revolutionized our understanding of molecular virology and aspects of viral tropism and transmission. Reporter viruses have also enabled the development of high-throughput assays to screen antiviral compounds and antibodies and to perform neutralization assays. However, there remain technical challenges with the design of replication-competent reporter viruses, and each reporter has unique advantages and disadvantages for specific applications. This review describes currently available reporters, design strategies for incorporating reporters into replication-competent paramyxoviruses and orthomyxoviruses, and the variety of applications for which these tools can be utilized both in vitro and in vivo.
TMSBr-mediated solvent- and work-up-free synthesis of α-2-deoxyglycosides from glycals
Authors: Hsu Mei-Yuan , Liu Yi-Pei , Lam Sarah , Lin Su-Ching , Wang Cheng-Chung
Published: August 2016

The thio-additions of glycals were efficiently promoted by a stoichiometric amount of trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr) to produce S-2-deoxyglycosides under solvent-free conditions in good to excellent yields. In addition, with triphenylphosphine oxide as an additive, the TMSBr-mediated direct glycosylations of glycals with a large range of alcohols were highly α-selective.
SOFT X-RAY EXCESS FROM SHOCKED ACCRETING PLASMA IN ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI
Authors: Fukumura Keigo , Hendry Douglas , Clark Peter , Tombesi Francesco , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: August 2016

We propose a novel theoretical model to describe the physical identity of the soft X-ray excess that is ubiquitously detected in many Seyfert galaxies, by considering a steady-state, axisymmetric plasma accretion within the innermost stable circular orbit around a black hole (BH) accretion disk. We extend our earlier theoretical investigations on general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic accretion, which implied that the accreting plasma can develop into a standing shock under suitable physical conditions, causing the downstream flow to be sufficiently hot due to shock compression. We perform numerical calculations to examine, for sets of fiducial plasma parameters, the physical nature of fast magnetohydrodynamic shocks under strong gravity for different BH spins. We show that thermal seed photons from the standard accretion disk can be effectively Compton up-scattered by the energized sub-relativistic electrons in the hot downstream plasma to produce the soft excess feature in X-rays. As a case study, we construct a three-parameter Comptonization model of inclination angle θ
obs, disk photon temperature kT
in, and downstream electron energy kT

e
to calculate the predicted spectra in comparison with a 60 ks XMM-Newton/EPIC-pn spectrum of a typical radio-quiet Seyfert 1 active galactic nucleus, Ark 120. Our χ
2-analyses demonstrate that the model is plausible for successfully describing data for both non-spinning and spinning BHs with derived ranges of 61.3 keV ≲ kT

e
≲ 144.3 keV, 21.6 eV ≲ kT
in ≲ 34.0 eV, and 17.°5 ≲ θ
obs ≲ 42.°6, indicating a compact Comptonizing region of three to four gravitational radii that resembles the putative X-ray coronae.
EXPLORING SYSTEMATIC EFFECTS IN THE RELATION BETWEEN STELLAR MASS, GAS PHASE METALLICITY, AND STAR FORMATION RATE
Authors: Telford O. Grace , Dalcanton Julianne J. , Skillman Evan D. , Conroy Charlie
Published: August 2016

There is evidence that the well-established mass–metallicity relation in galaxies is correlated with a third parameter: star formation rate (SFR). The strength of this correlation may be used to disentangle the relative importance of different physical processes (e.g., infall of pristine gas, metal-enriched outflows) in governing chemical evolution. However, all three parameters are susceptible to biases that might affect the observed strength of the relation between them. We analyze possible sources of systematic error, including sample bias, application of signal-to-noise ratio cuts on emission lines, choice of metallicity calibration, uncertainty in stellar mass determination, aperture effects, and dust. We present the first analysis of the relation between stellar mass, gas phase metallicity, and SFR using strong line abundance diagnostics from Dopita et al. for ∼130,000 star-forming galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and provide a detailed comparison of these diagnostics in an appendix. Using these new abundance diagnostics yields a 30%–55% weaker anti-correlation between metallicity and SFR at fixed stellar mass than that reported by Mannucci et al. We find that, for all abundance diagnostics, the anti-correlation with SFR is stronger for the relatively few galaxies whose current SFRs are elevated above their past average SFRs. This is also true for the new abundance diagnostic of Dopita et al., which gives anti-correlation between Z and SFR only in the high specific star formation rate (sSFR) regime, in contrast to the recent results of Kashino et al. The poorly constrained strength of the relation between stellar mass, metallicity, and SFR must be carefully accounted for in theoretical studies of chemical evolution.
Emerging Trends of Space-Based Wireless Sensor Network and Its Applications
Authors: Kuruba Padmaja , Sutagundar A. V.
Published: August 2016

There is a great demand in space and earth observations applications. Traditional satellite missions have complex design architecture involving high cost in design, operation, launch and maintenance. Thus single large satellite is replaced by multiple, small satellites with distributed network, collaboratively performing the same functionality of large satellite. This has been motivated researchers to explore the application of terrestrial Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to space. The main objective of using space based WSN is to have full power of remote sensing capabilities at all the relevant time horizons and geographical scales with high performance and low cost. It also strives for an optimal solution that gratifies the standards, sizes, air interfaces, network architecture, access schemes, fault tolerance, operating system, hardware components of on-board diagnostics etc. This chapter discusses the characteristics and challenges of Space-Based Wireless Sensor Network (SWSN).
Sensor Localization in Three-Dimensional Space
Authors: Ammari Habib M. , Chen Angela J.
Published: August 2016

Thanks to key advances in wireless communication and electronics, sensors have emerged as an appealing technology for several interesting applications, such as civilian (health and environment monitoring), natural (disaster detection), military (battlefield surveillance), and agricultural (precision agriculture) applications, to name a few. When grouped together, these sensors form a network to measure and gather data of the surrounding environment with respect to a specific phenomenon. The sensors are battery-powered, tiny devices that possess all the characteristics of a traditional computer, including storage, processing, and communication capabilities. In addition, these sensors are capable of sensing the environment and collecting data regarding several parameters, such as temperature, light, sound, vibration, etc. Unfortunately, all the sensors' capabilities are limited due to their physical size. In particular, the sensors have limited battery power as usually they are equipped with AA/AAA batteries whose lifetime is short. Therefore, the main challenge in the design of this type of network is the sensors' battery power (or energy), which is a critical component for the operation of the whole network. Moreover, these sensors communicate (possibly) wirelessly with each other to collect sensed data and accomplish the goals of their missions. To this end, the sensors are required to know their locations and those of their neighbors. Therefore, sensor localization is a crucial aspect for the design and development of wireless sensor networks. Various algorithms and protocols have been developed for sensor localization in both two-dimensional and three- dimensional wireless sensor networks. However, the problem of sensor localization in a three-dimensional space has not been investigated in the literature as extensively as its counterpart in a two-dimensional space. In this book chapter, we propose to study the sensor localization problem in three-dimensional wireless sensor networks. More precisely, this book chapter's sole focus will be on three-dimensional sensor deployment, and it aims to provide an overview of the existing solutions to the localization problem in a three-dimensional space. Basically, it proposes a classification of localization algorithms, and discusses different three-dimensional sensor localization approaches along with their motivation and evaluation.
Diameter-Aggregation Delay Tradeoff for Data Gathering Trees in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: August 2016

We define the aggregation delay as the minimum number of time slots it takes for the data to be aggregated in a Data Gathering tree (DG tree) spanning all the nodes of the sensor network; the diameter of a DG tree is the maximum distance (number of hops) from a leaf node to the root node of the tree. We assume that intermediate nodes at the same level or different levels of a DG tree could simultaneously aggregate data from their respective child nodes using different CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) codes; but, an intermediate node has to schedule non-overlapping time slots (one for each of its child nodes) to aggregate data from its own child nodes. We employ an algorithm to determine the minimum aggregation delay at every intermediate node of the Bottleneck Node Weight (BNW) and Bottleneck Link Weight (BLW)-based DG trees. We observe the BNW-DG trees to incur a smaller tree diameter, but a significantly larger aggregation delay; on the other hand, the BLW-DG trees incur a larger tree diameter and a relatively lower aggregation delay, especially with increase in node density.
Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Rao Madhuri , Kamila Narendra Kumar
Published: August 2016

Wireless Sensor nodes are being employed in various applications like in traffic control, battlefield, and habitat monitoring, emergency rescue, aerospace systems, healthcare systems and in intruder tracking recently. Tracking techniques differ in almost every application of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), as WSN is itself application specific. The chapter aims to present the current state of art of the tracking techniques. It throws light on how mathematically target tracking is perceived and then explains tracking schemes and routing techniques based on tracking techniques. An insight of how to code localization techniques in matlab simulation tool is provided and analyzed. It further draws the attention of the readers to types of tracking scenarios. Some of the well established tracking techniques are also surveyed for the reader's benefit. The chapter presents with open research challenges that need to be addressed along with target tracking in wireless sensor networks.
Wireless Sensor Network for Underground Mining Services Applications
Authors: Mishra Pankaj Kumar , Kumar Subhash
Published: August 2016

Underground mines include a number of challenges due to their hostile milieu. Therefore, geotechnical and environmental monitoring mainly in underground coal mines have always been a critical task to ensure safe working conditions. If the monitoring device is cable based, then it requires an huge amount of cable deployment which can pose not only the high maintenance cost but difficulty in laying out the cable throughout the underground galleries. on the other hand, if it is direct wireless communication between sensing devices and the central processing unit, it is also not so feasible due to the crisscross, uneven and incline path. Therefore, Wireless Sensor Networks grab an opportunity to be deployed in such a hostile environment. Keeping in view, in the present chapter, attempts have been made to discuss the different aspects of wireless sensor network for underground coal mining services applications to overcome the various threats. Further, the best suited logical topology has been identified for the same.
Climate Change-Associated Conflict and Infectious Disease
Authors: Bowles Devin C.
Published: August 2016

One of the least appreciated mechanisms by which climate change will affect infectious diseases is via increased violent conflict. Climate change will diminish agricultural and pastoral resources and increase food scarcity in many areas, including already impoverished equatorial regions. Many in the defence and public health fields anticipate that climate change will increase conflict by fuelling competition over scarce resources. Already, some commentators argue that the conflicts in Darfur and Syria were partially caused or exacerbated by climate change. Conflict facilitates a range of conditions conducive to the spread of many infectious diseases, including malnutrition, forced migration, unhygienic living conditions and widespread sexual assault. Flight or killing of health personnel inhibits vaccination, vector control and disease surveillance programs. Emergence of new diseases may go undetected and discovery of outbreaks could be suppressed for strategic reasons. These conditions combine to increase the risk of pandemics.
Nanotechnology for Filtration-Based Point-of-Use Water Treatment
Authors: Nunnelley Kathryn Gwenyth , Smith James A
Published: August 2016

With significant infrastructure investments required for centralized water treatment, in home treatment technologies, known as point-of-use, have become a popular solution in the developing world. This review discusses current filtration-based point-of-use water treatment technologies in three major categories: ceramics, papers and textiles. Each of these categories has used silver for added antimicrobial effectiveness. Ceramics have had the most development and market infiltration, while filter papers are a new development. Textiles show promise for future research as a cheap, socially acceptable, and effective method. Also, a new method of silver incorporation in ceramics is explored.
Nanotechnology Applications for Sustainable Crop Production
Authors: Mishra Gaurav , Pandey Shailesh , Dutta Antara , Giri Krishna
Published: August 2016

Innovations in nanotechnology revolutionized the world in all sectors, including medicine, biotechnology, electronics, material science, energy sectors etc. In fact, the existing literature also points towards the potential application of nanotechnology in global food production and alarming situation of food scarcity. With the advancement of nanotechnology, use of nanofertilizers for yield enhancement, nanopesticides for insect pests and disease control and nanosensors to monitor soil and plant health becomes one of the most fascinating and promising lines of investigation to achieve sustainability. Furthermore, nanobiotechnology application enables gene transfer to expand the genetic base of crop varieties against different biotic and abiotic stresses. Some lacunas which may resist commercialization of nanotechnology are cost, industrial setup, and public attitude towards the health and food safety issues. Sincere attempts are required to answer these questions and develop suitable strategies to solve any problems, we might encounter in near future.
Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Emam Ahmed Nabile , Mansour Ahmed Sadek , Girgis Emad , Mohamed Mona Bakr
Published: August 2016

The recent extensive interest of nanostructure materials associated with their unique properties is motivated to develop new hybrid nanocomposites that couple two nano-components together in the form of Core/Shell, nanoalloys, and doped nanostructures. Hybrid nanostructure provides another opportunity for tuning the physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale. This opens the door for the discovery of new properties and potential for more applications. This chapter is devoted to present, and discuss the recent advances and progress relevance for Plasmonic hybrid nanocomposites. In addition, literature reviewed on different attempts to obtain high quality plasmonic nanocomposites via chemical routes, and their physico-chemical aspects for this class of novel nanomaterials. The authors presented their recent published work regarding Plasmonic hybrid nanostructure regarding plasmonic-semiconductor, plasmonic magnetic and plasmonic graphene nanocomposites.
Ecotoxicity and Toxicity of Nanomaterials with Potential for Wastewater Treatment Applications
Authors: Nogueira Verónica Inês Jesus Oliveira , Gavina Ana , Bouguerra Sirine , Andreani Tatiana , Lopes Isabel , Rocha-Santos Teresa , Pereira Ruth
Published: August 2016

Nanotechnology holds the promise of develop new processes for wastewater treatment. However, it is important to understand what the possible impacts on the environment of NMs. This study joins all the information available about the toxicity and ecotoxicity of NMs to human cell lines and to terrestrial and aquatic biota. Terrestrial species seems more protected, since effects are being recorded for concentrations higher than those that could be expected in the environment. The soil matrix is apparently trapping and filtering NMs. Further studies should focus more on indirect effects in biological communities rather than only on effects at the individual level. Aquatic biota, mainly from freshwater ecosystems, seemed to be at higher risk, since dose effect concentrations recorded were remarkable lower, at least for some NMs. The toxic effects recorded on different culture lines, also give rise to serious concerns regarding the potential effects on human health. However, few data exists about environmental concentrations to support the calculation of risks to ecosystems and humans.
Copper and Copper Nanoparticles Induced Hematological Changes in a Freshwater Fish Labeo rohita – A Comparative Study
Authors: Krishnapriya Kaliappan , Ramesh Mathan
Published: August 2016

In the present study, fish Labeo rohita were exposed to 20, 50 and 100 µg/L of both Cu NPs and copper sulphate (CuSO4, bulk copper) for 24 h and hematological profiles were estimated. A significant (P< 0.01) change in the hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), white blood cells (WBC) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) levels were observed in all the three concentrations of both bulk and Cu NPs treated fish when compared to control groups. However a non significant change in red blood cells (RBC) (20 and 50 µg/L Cu NPs) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (20 and 50 µg/L bulk Cu) were observed. The alteration in Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) value was found to be non significant both in bulk and Cu NPs treated fish. The alterations of these parameters can be used as a potential indicator to examine the health of fish in aquatic ecosystem contaminated with metal and metal based nanoparticles.
The potential of the pinhole as a visual aid in the developing world
Authors: Carlson Antony S. , Carlson Warren A. , Harris William F.
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Providing vision correction in communities where healthcare facilities are unavailable is problematic. Here, we explore the possibility of using pinholes as near visual aids in the developing world.Method: Uncompensated (without the pinhole) proximal visual acuities (VAs) were measured and recorded for one eye of 45 presbyopic subjects over the age of 50 years in photopic (250 lux) and scotopic (20 lux) conditions. The proximal VAs were then repeated while the subjects looked through nine different pinholes.Results: The VAs varied with the diameter of each pinhole. A comparative measure was devised to determine the relative performance of different diameter pinholes as a near visual aid. The results suggest an improvement of more than 40% in VA in about 67% of subjects in good lighting conditions and about 60% in poorer lighting conditions.Conclusion: By creating more awareness that there are other ways of improving vision that cost almost nothing, visual impairment can be reduced until spectacles become available.
Interactions between Internalizing Symptoms and Urgency in the Prediction of Alcohol Use and Expectancies among Low-Income, Minority Early Adolescents
Authors: Marmorstein Naomi R.
Published: August 2016

This study examined whether urgency, a disposition to rash action under conditions of strong emotion, moderates associations between internalizing symptoms and alcohol use and related expectancies. Data from the Camden Youth Development Study, a longitudinal, community-based study of early adolescents ( N = 144, mean age at intake = 11.9 years; 65% Hispanic, 30% African-American; 50% male), were used. Self-report questionnaire measures of depressive symptoms, social and generalized anxiety symptoms, urgency, alcohol use, and alcohol expectancies were used. Mixed models were used to examine the effects of internalizing symptoms, urgency, and their interaction on alcohol use and expectancy trajectories over time. Depressive symptoms interacted with urgency such that youth with high levels of both tended to have elevated levels of global positive alcohol expectancies. Social anxiety symptoms interacted with urgency to be associated with increasing levels of social behavior alcohol expectancies such that youth with high levels of both tended to experience particular increases in these expectancies over time. Generalized anxiety was not found to be associated with alcohol-related constructs. Therefore, high levels of urgency combine with depressive and social anxiety symptoms to be associated with particularly increased risk for alcohol expectancies that are associated with later alcohol use and problems, indicating particular risk for youth with these combinations of personality traits and psychopathology symptoms.
Different pathways of the formation of highly oxidized multifunctional
organic compounds (HOMs) from the gas-phase ozonolysis of β-caryophyllene
Authors: Richters Stefanie , Herrmann Hartmut , Berndt Torsten
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The gas-phase mechanism of the formation of highly oxidized multifunctional organic compounds (HOMs) from the ozonolysis of β-caryophyllene was investigated in a free-jet flow system at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 295 ± 2 K. Reaction products, mainly highly oxidized RO2 radicals containing up to 14 oxygen atoms, were detected using chemical ionization – atmospheric pressure interface – time-of-flight mass spectrometry with nitrate and acetate ionization. These highly oxidized RO2 radicals react with NO, NO2, HO2 and other RO2 radicals under atmospheric conditions forming the first-generation HOM closed-shell products. Mechanistic information on the formation of the highly oxidized RO2 radicals is based on results obtained with isotopically labelled ozone (18O3) in the ozonolysis reaction and from hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange experiments of acidic H atoms in the products. The experimental findings indicate that HOM formation in this reaction system is considerably influenced by the presence of a double bond in the RO2 radicals primarily formed from the β-caryophyllene ozonolysis. Three different reaction types for HOM formation can be proposed, allowing for an explanation of the detected main products: (i) the simple autoxidation, corresponding to the repetitive reaction sequence of intramolecular H-abstraction of a RO2 radical, RO2  →  QOOH, and subsequent O2 addition, next forming a peroxy radical, QOOH + O2  →  R′O2; (ii) an extended autoxidation mechanism additionally involving the internal reaction of a RO2 radical with a double bond forming most likely an endoperoxide and (iii) an extended autoxidation mechanism including CO2 elimination. The individual reaction steps of the reaction types (ii) and (iii) are uncertain at the moment. From the product analysis it can be followed that the simple autoxidation mechanism accounts only for about one-third of the formed HOMs. Time-dependent measurements showed that the HOM formation proceeds at a timescale of 3 s or less under the concentration regime applied here. The new reaction pathways represent an extension of the mechanistic understanding of HOM formation via autoxidation in the atmosphere, as recently discovered from laboratory investigations on monoterpene ozonolysis.
Is global dimming and brightening in Japan limited to urban areas?
Authors: Tanaka Katsumasa , Ohmura Atsumu , Folini Doris , Wild Martin , Ohkawara Nozomu
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Observations worldwide indicate secular trends of all-sky surface solar radiation on decadal time scale, termed global dimming and brightening. Accordingly, the observed surface radiation in Japan generally shows a strong decline till the end of the 1980s and then a recovery toward around 2000. Because a substantial number of measurement stations are located within or proximate to populated areas, one may speculate that the observed trends are strongly influenced by local air pollution and are thus not of large-scale significance. This hypothesis poses a serious question as to what regional extent the global dimming and brightening are significant: Are the global dimming and brightening truly global phenomena, or regional or even only local? Our study focused on 14 meteorological observatories that measured all-sky surface solar radiation, zenith transmittance, and maximum transmittance. On the basis of municipality population time series, historical land use maps, recent satellite images, and actual site visits, we concluded that eight stations had been significantly influenced by urbanization, with the remaining six stations being left pristine. Between the urban and rural areas, no marked differences were identified in the temporal trends of the aforementioned meteorological parameters. Our finding suggests that global dimming and brightening in Japan occurred on a large scale, independently of urbanization.
The effect of adding hydroxyl functional groups and increasing molar mass on the viscosity of organics relevant to secondary organic aerosols
Authors: Grayson James W. , Song Mijung , Evoy Erin , Upshur Mary Alice , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Geiger Franz M. , Thomson Regan J. , Bertram Allan K.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. In the following we determine the viscosity of four polyols (2-methyl-1,4-butanediol, 1,2,3-butanetriol, 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-butanetetrol, and 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol) and three saccharides (glucose, raffinose and maltohexaose) mixed with water. The polyol studies were carried out to quantify the relationship between viscosity and the number of hydroxyl (OH) functional groups in organic molecules, whilst the saccharide studies were carried out to quantify the relationship between viscosity and molar mass for highly oxidised organic molecules. Each of the polyols was of viscosity less than or equal to ≤ 6.5e2 Pa s, and a linear relationship was observed between log10 (viscosity) and the number of OH functional groups (R2 ≥ 0.99) for several carbon backbones. The linear relationship suggests that viscosity increases by 1–2 orders of magnitude with the addition of an OH functional group to a carbon backbone. For saccharide-water particles, studies at 28 % RH show an increase in viscosity of 3.6–6.0 orders of magnitude as the molar mass of the saccharide is increased from 180 to 342 g mol−1, and studies at 77–80 % RH, show an increase in viscosity 4.6–6.2 orders of magnitude as molar mass increases from 180 to 991 g mol−1. These results suggest oligomerisation of highly oxidised compounds in atmospheric SOM could lead to large increases in viscosity, and may be at least partially responsible for the high viscosities that are observed in some SOM. Finally, two quantitative structure-property relationship models were used to predict the viscosity of the four polyols studied. The model of Sastri and Rao (1992) was determined to over-predict the viscosity of each of the polyols, with the over-prediction being up to 19 orders of magnitude. The viscosities predicted by the model of Marrero-Morejón and Pardillo-Fontdevila (2000) were much closer to the experimental values, with no values differing by more than 1.3 orders of magnitude.
Fresh groundwater resources in a large sand replenishment
Authors: Huizer Sebastian , Oude Essink Gualbert H. P. , Bierkens Marc F. P.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The anticipation of sea-level rise and increases in extreme weather conditions has led to the initiation of an innovative coastal management project called the Sand Engine. In this pilot project a large volume of sand (21.5 million m3) – also called sand replenishment or nourishment – was placed on the Dutch coast. The intention is that the sand is redistributed by wind, current, and tide, reinforcing local coastal defence structures and leading to a unique, dynamic environment. In this study we investigated the potential effect of the long-term morphological evolution of the large sand replenishment and climate change on fresh groundwater resources. The potential effects on the local groundwater system were quantified with a calibrated three-dimensional (3-D) groundwater model, in which both variable-density groundwater flow and salt transport were simulated. Model simulations showed that the long-term morphological evolution of the Sand Engine results in a substantial growth of fresh groundwater resources, in all adopted climate change scenarios. Thus, the application of a local sand replenishment could provide coastal areas the opportunity to combine coastal protection with an increase of the local fresh groundwater availability.