bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Новые предпосылки интерпретации тембра тромбона в музыке второй половины ХХ – начала ХХІ веков.
Authors: Wei Zou
Published: July 2018

Статья посвящена актуальным вопросам формирования специфических черт тембра тромбона в современной музыке. Рассматриваются этапы становления тромбонового репертуара в ХХ – начале XXI веков. Анализируются новые тембровые, мелодические и драматургические возможности инструмента на примере творчества современных композиторов.Ключевые слова: музыка для тромбона, тембр, звук, эволюция тромбона, исполнительское искусство.
До питання розв’язку обернених задач економічного спрямування
Authors: Sinytskyi M. E.
Published: July 2018

В статті проаналізовано різнобічні варіанти побудови систем підтримки прийняття рішень при плануванні фінансово-виробничої діяльності підприємств на основі розв’язку обернених задач. Розглянуто їх недоліки та вказано на проблематику існуючих на сьогодні пропозицій. Показано, що для знаходження обернених рішень необхідно використовувати оптимізаційні методи на всіх рівнях декомпозиції цілей.
Working Documents of an Auditor and the Quality Control of Financial Reporting Made up on Foreign Investor’s Demand
Authors: Bondar V. P.
Published: July 2018

Specifics of using the working documents of an auditor when auditing the financial reporting made up on external user (foreign investor) demand are highlighted. It is demonstrated by statistical data that the foreign investment in Ukraine has been growing. It follows that investors need to have confidence that the financial information used by them for making decisions on the allocation of capital is authentic and reliable, which means that a foreign investor needs high quality audit. The abovementioned increases the responsibility of an auditor for the quality of audit conclusions made by the audit results. The commonly accepted quality criterion of audit is the requirements of the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) 2015, adopted in Ukraine as national ones. As ISA do not offer specific examples regarding the format of the auditor’s working documents, a practical example is taken to demonstrate the method for quality assurance of an auditor task using check lists (working documents) in the auditing practice. An example of check list and list to the company’s administrative personnel (the customer’s administration) on the audit results is shown. The list to the customer’s administration consists of the two parts: the address to administration and the section “Report on essential comments and defects identified in the process of audit”. This section reveals the auditor’s observations on the internal control and accounting system. An example of working document “cross control”, which is used in forming the auditor’s opinion and ensures the comparability of data obtained by an auditor, is given. Being the basis for forming the auditor’s opinion, the working documents of an auditor, once unified, will reduce the labor intensity of audit procedures. It is demonstrated that the standardized working documents allow for higher quality of audit and foreign investor’s confidence.
Intelligent Information Systems
Authors: Golshani Forouzan , Dietrich Suzanne W. , Urban Susan D.
Published: July 2018

Databases of the future must deal with the demands of the increasingly complex applications to which database technology is being applied. This challenge is being addressed by intelligent information systems, which successfully integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the database realm, resulting in a powerful synergism. This article focuses on the next generation of databases that are enhanced by the influence of artificial intelligence, including knowledge representation, object orientation, deductive capabilities, rule processing techniques, and knowledge discovery. This article also addresses the need for intelligent information systems to support nontraditional objects such as those found in multimedia systems. Representative application domains that can benefit from intelligent information systems are also presented.
Synthetic Discriminant Wiener Filter for In-Process Laser Cutting Quality Control
Authors: Chatwin C.R.
Published: July 2018

Characteristic spark-cone images are produced beneath the workpiece during reactive gas assisted laser cutting processes. Laser cutting quality is controlled using robust optical pattern recognition and classification of the spark-cone images. High irradiance fully formed spark cones are characteristic of a high quality dross-free cut, whereas a sparse cone indicates a poor quality cut with dross attachment to the lower surface of the workpiece. It was found that by incorporating both the out-of-class image, sparse spark cone, and the in-class image, fully formed spark cone into a Wiener filter construction, the discriminant ability of the imaging control system was significantly enhanced; three out-of-class images gave optimum performance. The Wiener filters formed from spark-cone images, recorded when cutting different thickness materials, were integrated into a synthetic discriminant function (SDF) filter. When spark-cone images of a laser cutting process were cross-correlated with the SDF, it gave high output peaks for a good quality cut, and a low output signal for a poor quality cut (Lugt, 1994; Wang, Chatwin, and Young, 1994; Braunecker, Hauk, and Lohmann, 1979; Casasent, 1984; Huang and Chatwin, 1994).
Interleukin-1β Protects Neurons against Oxidant-Induced Injury via the Promotion of Astrocyte Glutathione Production
Authors: Chowdhury Twinkle , Allen Matthew F. , Thorn Trista L. , He Yan , Hewett Sandra J.
Published: July 2018

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a key cytokine that drives neuroinflammation in the Central Nervous System (CNS), is enhanced in many neurological diseases/disorders. Although IL-1β contributes to and/or sustains pathophysiological processes in the CNS, we recently demonstrated that IL-1β can protect cortical astrocytes from oxidant injury in a glutathione (GSH)-dependent manner. To test whether IL-1β could similarly protect neurons against oxidant stress, near pure neuronal cultures or mixed cortical cell cultures containing neurons and astrocytes were exposed to the organic peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), following treatment with IL-1β or its vehicle. Neurons and astrocytes in mixed cultures, but not pure neurons, were significantly protected from the toxicity of t-BOOH following treatment with IL-1β in association with enhanced GSH production/release. IL-1β failed to increase the GSH levels or to provide protection against t-BOOH toxicity in chimeric mixed cultures consisting of IL-1R1+/+ neurons plated on top of IL-1R1−/− astrocytes. The attenuation of GSH release via block of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) transport also abrogated the protective effect of IL-1β. These protective effects were not strictly an in vitro phenomenon as we found an increased striatal vulnerability to 3-nitropropionic acid-mediated oxidative stress in IL-1R1 null mice. Overall, our data indicate that IL-1β protects neurons against oxidant injury and that this likely occurs in a non-cell-autonomous manner that relies on an increase in astrocyte GSH production and release.
Improvement of the Catalytic Efficiency of Butene Oligomerization Using Alkali Metal Hydroxide-Modified Hierarchical ZSM-5 Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ke Ming , Song Zhaozheng , Liu Yang , Shan Wenbo , Wang Qi , Xia Chengjie , Li Changchun , He Chunyu
Published: July 2018

Oligomerization of light olefin is an effective method to produce plentiful liquid fuels. However, oligomerization processes using microporous zeolites have severe problems due to steric hindrance. In this paper, oligomerization of butene using a series of new types of hierarchical HZSM-5 zeolite catalysts is studied. To obtain the modified HZSM-5 catalysts, HZSM-5 is treated with the same concentration of LiOH, NaOH, KOH, and CsOH aqueous solutions, respectively. It is demonstrated that the alkali treatment can effectively modify the acidity properties and hierarchical structure of the HZSM-5 catalyst, which is confirmed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Nitrogen Adsorption-desorption Measurements, Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigations (TEM), Ammonia Temperature-programmed Desorption Method (NH3-TPD), Pyridine FT-IR, and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The results show that hierarchical catalysts with interconnected open-mesopores, smaller crystal size, and suitable acidity can better prolong the catalyst lifetime during butene oligomerization. Particularly, the HZSM-5 catalysts treated with CsOH aqueous solution (ATHZ5-Cs) proved to be the most effective catalyst, resulting in approximately 99% conversion of butene and exhibiting C8+ selectivity of 85% within 12 h. Thus, an appropriate hierarchical catalyst can satisfy the oligomerization process and has the potential to be used as a substitute for the commercial ZSM-5 catalyst.
Weevils as Targets for Biological Control, and the Importance of Taxonomy and Phylogeny for Efficacy and Biosafety
Authors: Barratt Barbara , Cock Matthew , Oberprieler Rolf
Published: July 2018

Curculionidae are a large mainly herbivorous family of beetles, some of which have become crop pests. Classical biological control has been attempted for about 38 species in 19 genera, and at least moderate success has been achieved in 31 % of cases. Only two weevil species have been considered to be completely controlled by a biological control agent. Success depends upon accurately matching natural enemies with their hosts, and hence taxonomy and phylogeny play a critical role. These factors are discussed and illustrated with two case studies: the introduction of the braconid parasitoid Mictroctonus aethiopoides into New Zealand for biological control of the lucerne pest Sitona discoideus, a case of complex phylogenetic relationships that challenged the prediction of potential non-target hosts, and the use of a mymarid egg parasitoid, Anaphes nitens, to control species of the eucalypt weevil genus Gonipterus, which involves failure to match up parasitoids with the right target amongst a complex of very closely related species. We discuss the increasing importance of molecular methods to support biological control programmes and the essential role of these emerging technologies for improving our understanding of this very large and complex family.
A Review of Graph and Network Complexity from an Algorithmic Information Perspective
Authors: Zenil Hector , Kiani Narsis A. , Tegnér Jesper
Published: July 2018

Information-theoretic-based measures have been useful in quantifying network complexity. Here we briefly survey and contrast (algorithmic) information-theoretic methods which have been used to characterize graphs and networks. We illustrate the strengths and limitations of Shannon’s entropy, lossless compressibility and algorithmic complexity when used to identify aspects and properties of complex networks. We review the fragility of computable measures on the one hand and the invariant properties of algorithmic measures on the other demonstrating how current approaches to algorithmic complexity are misguided and suffer of similar limitations than traditional statistical approaches such as Shannon entropy. Finally, we review some current definitions of algorithmic complexity which are used in analyzing labelled and unlabelled graphs. This analysis opens up several new opportunities to advance beyond traditional measures.
Multi-Port Zero-Current Switching Switched-Capacitor Converters for Battery Management Applications
Authors: Fong Yat Chi , Cheng Ka Wai Eric , Raman S. Raghu , Wang Xiaolin
Published: July 2018

A novel implementation of multi-port zero-current switching (ZCS) switched-capacitor (SC) converters for battery management applications is presented. In addition to the auto-balancing feature offered by the SC technique, the proposed SC converter permits individual control of the charging or discharging current of the series-connected energy storage elements, such as the battery or super-capacitor cells. This approach enables advanced state control and accelerates the equalizing process by coordinated operation with the battery management system (BMS) and an adjustable voltage source, which can be implemented by a DC-DC converter interfaced to the energy storage string. Different configurations, including the single-input multi-output (SIMO), multi-input single-output (MISO) SC converters, and the corresponding altered circuits for string-to-cells, cells-to-string, as well as cells-to-cells equalizers, are discussed with a circuit analysis and derivation of the associated mathematical representation. The simulation study and experimental results indicated a significant increase in the balancing speed with the presence of BMS and closed-loop control of cell currents.
Patterns in Ectomycorrhizal Diversity, Community Composition, and Exploration Types in European Beech, Pine, and Spruce Forests
Authors: Rosinger Christoph , Sandén Hans , Matthews Bradley , Mayer Mathias , Godbold Douglas L.
Published: July 2018

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi are pivotal drivers of ecosystem functioning in temperate and boreal forests. They constitute an important pathway for plant-derived carbon into the soil and facilitate nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition. However, the mechanisms that drive ectomycorrhizal diversity and community composition are still subject to discussion. We investigated patterns in ectomycorrhizal diversity, community composition, and exploration types on root tips in Fagus sylvatica,Picea abies, and Pinus sylvestris stands across Europe. Host tree species is the most important factor shaping the ectomycorrhizal community as well as the distribution of exploration types. Moreover, abiotic factors such as soil properties, N deposition, temperature, and precipitation, were found to significantly influence EM diversity and community composition. A clear differentiation into functional traits by means of exploration types was shown for all ectomycorrhizal communities across the three analyzed tree species. Contact and short-distance exploration types were clearly significantly more abundant than cord- or rhizomorph-forming long-distance exploration types of EM fungi. Medium-distance exploration types were significantly lower in abundance than contact and short-distance types, however they were the most frequent EM taxa and constituted nearly half of the EM community. Furthermore, EM taxa exhibit distinct ecological ranges, and the type of soil exploration seemed to determine whether EM taxa have small or rather big environmental ranges.
Plant Hydraulic Trait Covariation: A Global Meta-Analysis to Reduce Degrees of Freedom in Trait-Based Hydrologic Models
Authors: Mursinna A. Rio , McCormick Erica , Van Horn Katie , Sartin Lisa , Matheny Ashley M.
Published: July 2018

Current vegetation modeling strategies use broad categorizations of plants to estimate transpiration and biomass functions. A significant source of model error stems from vegetation categorizations that are mostly taxonomical with no basis in plant hydraulic strategy and response to changing environmental conditions. Here, we compile hydraulic traits from 355 species around the world to determine trait covariations in order to represent hydraulic strategies. Simple and stepwise regression analyses demonstrate the interconnectedness of multiple vegetative hydraulic traits, specifically, traits defining hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to embolism with wood density and isohydricity. Drought sensitivity is strongly (Adjusted R2 = 0.52, p < 0.02) predicted by a stepwise linear model combining rooting depth, wood density, and isohydricity. Drought tolerance increased with increasing wood density and anisohydric response, but with decreasing rooting depth. The unexpected response to rooting depth may be due to other tradeoffs within the hydraulic system. Rooting depth was able to be predicted from sapwood specific conductivity and the water potential at 50% loss of conductivity. Interestingly, the influences of biome or growth form do not increase the accuracy of the drought tolerance model and were able to be omitted. Multiple regression analysis revealed 3D trait spaces and tradeoff axes along which species’ hydraulic strategies can be analyzed. These numerical trait spaces can reduce the necessary input to and parameterization of plant hydraulics modules, while increasing the physical representativeness of such simulations.
Unveiling the Multifaceted Mechanisms of Antibacterial Activity of Buforin II and Frenatin 2.3S Peptides from Skin Micro-Organs of the Orinoco Lime Treefrog (Sphaenorhynchus lacteus)
Authors: Muñoz-Camargo Carolina , Salazar Vivian A. , Barrero-Guevara Laura , Camargo Sandra , Mosquera Angela , Groot Helena , Boix Ester
Published: July 2018

Amphibian skin is a rich source of natural compounds with diverse antimicrobial and immune defense properties. Our previous studies showed that the frog skin secretions obtained by skin micro-organs from various species of Colombian anurans have antimicrobial activities against bacteria and viruses. We purified for the first time two antimicrobial peptides from the skin micro-organs of the Orinoco lime treefrog (Sphaenorhynchus lacteus) that correspond to Buforin II (BF2) and Frenatin 2.3S (F2.3S). Here, we have synthesized the two peptides and tested them against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, observing an effective bactericidal activity at micromolar concentrations. Evaluation of BF2 and F2.3S membrane destabilization activity on bacterial cell cultures and synthetic lipid bilayers reveals a distinct membrane interaction mechanism. BF2 agglutinates E. coli cells and synthetic vesicles, whereas F2.3S shows a high depolarization and membrane destabilization activities. Interestingly, we found that F2.3S is able to internalize within bacterial cells and can bind nucleic acids, as previously reported for BF2. Moreover, bacterial exposure to both peptides alters the expression profile of genes related to stress and resistance response. Overall, these results show the multifaceted mechanism of action of both antimicrobial peptides that can provide alternative tools in the fight against bacterial resistance.
Up-Regulation of miR-130b-3p Activates the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB Pathway to Defense against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HS Strain) Infection of Chicken
Authors: Yuan Bo , Zou Mengyun , Zhao Yabo , Zhang Kang , Sun Yingfei , Peng Xiuli
Published: July 2018

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the pathogen of chronic respiratory disease (CRD), hallmarked by vigorous inflammation in chickens, causing the poultry industry enormous losses. miRNAs have emerged as important regulators of animal diseases. Previous miRNA sequencing data has demonstrated that miR-130b-3p is up-regulated in MG-infected chicken embryo lungs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the function of miR-130b-3p in MG infection of chickens. RT-qPCR results confirmed that miR-130b-3p was up-regulated both in MG-infected chicken embryo lungs and chicken embryonic fibroblast cells (DF-1 cells). Furthermore, functional studies showed that overexpression of miR-130b-3p promoted MG-infected DF-1 cell proliferation and cell cycle, whereas inhibition of miR-130b-3p weakened these cellular processes. Luciferase reporter assay combined with gene expression data supported that phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was a direct target of miR-130b-3p. Additionally, overexpression of miR-130b-3p resulted in up-regulations of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase (AKT), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), whereas inhibition of miR-130b-3p led to the opposite results. Altogether, upon MG infection, up-regulation of miR-130b-3p activates the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, facilitates cell proliferation and cell cycle via down-regulating PTEN. This study helps to understand the mechanism of host response to MG infection.
Effect of Attentional Focus Instructions on Motor Learning and Performance of Patients with Central Nervous System and Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Systematic Review
Authors: Piccoli Alessandro , Rossettini Giacomo , Cecchetto Simone , Viceconti Antonello , Ristori Diego , Turolla Andrea , Maselli Filippo , Testa Marco
Published: July 2018

Exercise is one of the main rehabilitative interventions, commonly used to improve performance and motor learning. During the application of attentional focus strategies, External Focus of Attention (EFA) aiming at the movement effect has been reported to have more efficacy than Internal Focus of Attention (IFA) aiming at movement characteristics in healthy subjects. There are not many studies that compare the EFA and IFA instructions in people with Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Central Nervous System disorders (CNS). The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if IFA or EFA, in patients with CNS or MSK, may improve performance and have some effects on motor learning. Databases used for research: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro, PsycINFO, SCOPUS. Inclusion criteria: Randomized Controlled Trial, quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial, enrolled subjects with CNS or with MSK and compared the efficacy of EFA and IFA. The studies suggest that the EFA is better than IFA in affecting the movement execution in patients with MSK, while conflicted findings emerge in presence of CNS disorders. Studies included in the qualitative analysis showed heterogeneous methodological features in study design and conductance, so results must be interpreted with caution.
Dietary Manipulations Concurrent to Endurance Training
Authors: Rothschild Jeffrey , Earnest Conrad P.
Published: July 2018

The role of an athlete’s dietary intake (both timing and food type) goes beyond simply providing fuel to support the body’s vital processes. Nutritional choices also have an impact on the metabolic adaptations to training. Over the past 20 years, research has suggested that strategically reducing carbohydrate (CHO) availability during an athlete’s training can modify the metabolic responses in lieu of simply maintaining a high CHO diet. Several methods have been explored to manipulate CHO availability and include: Low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets, performing two-a-day training without glycogen restoration between sessions, and a “sleep-low” approach entailing a glycogen-depleting session in the evening without consuming CHO until after a morning training session performed in an overnight fasted state. Each of these methods can confer beneficial metabolic adaptations for the endurance athlete including increases in mitochondrial enzyme activity, mitochondrial content, and rates of fat oxidation, yet data showing a direct performance benefit is still unclear.
N-[2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-1-(5-thioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)ethyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide
Authors: Purushotham Nikil , Poojary Boja
Published: July 2018

N-[1-Hydrazinyl-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (1) on cyclization with carbon disulfide in ethanolic potassium hydroxide affords N-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-(5-thioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)ethyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (2) in 84% yield. The structure of compound 2 was supported by mass spectrometry, FT-IR and 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. To investigate the potential of compound 2 to act as antitubercular agent, it was docked against the enoyl reductase (InhA) enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The docking pose and non-covalent interactions gave insights on its plausible inhibitory action.
Filtration of Sub-3.3 nm Tungsten Oxide Particles Using Nanofibrous Filters
Authors: Givehchi Raheleh , Li Qinghai , Tan Zhongchao
Published: July 2018

This work aims to understand the effects of particle concentration on the filtration of nanoparticles using nanofibrous filters. The filtration efficiencies of triple modal tungsten oxide (WOx) nanoparticles were experimentally determined at three different concentrations for the size range of 0.82–3.3 nm in diameter. All tests were conducted using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nano-fibrous filters at an air relative humidity of 2.9%. Results showed that the filtration efficiencies of sub-3.3 nm nanoparticles depended on the upstream particle concentration. The lower the particle concentration was, the higher the filtration efficiency was.
Biocompatible and Implantable Optical Fibers and Waveguides for Biomedicine
Authors: Nazempour Roya , Zhang Qianyi , Fu Ruxing , Sheng Xing
Published: July 2018

Optical fibers and waveguides in general effectively control and modulate light propagation, and these tools have been extensively used in communication, lighting and sensing. Recently, they have received increasing attention in biomedical applications. By delivering light into deep tissue via these devices, novel applications including biological sensing, stimulation and therapy can be realized. Therefore, implantable fibers and waveguides in biocompatible formats with versatile functionalities are highly desirable. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in the exploration of advanced optical fibers and waveguides for biomedical applications. Specifically, we highlight novel materials design and fabrication strategies to form implantable fibers and waveguides. Furthermore, their applications in various biomedical fields such as light therapy, optogenetics, fluorescence sensing and imaging are discussed. We believe that these newly developed fiber and waveguide based devices play a crucial role in advanced optical biointerfaces.
A Comparative Study on the Addition Methods of TiO2 Sintering Aid to the Properties of Porous Alumina Membrane Support
Authors: Yang Yulong , Chang Qibing , Hu Zhiwen , Zhang Xiaozhen
Published: July 2018

TiO2 is usually used as a sintering aid to lower the sintering temperature of porous alumina membrane support. Two ways of the addition of TiO2 are chosen: in-situ precipitation and in-situ hydrolysis. The results show that the distribution status of TiO2 has an important effect on the property of porous alumina membrane support. In in-situ hydrolysis method, the nano-meter scale TiO2 distributes evenly on the alumina particles’ surface. The bending strength of the support increases sharply and the pore size distribution changes more sharply along with the content of TiO2 which slightly increases from 0.3 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%. The distribution of the nano-meter scale TiO2 is not so even added by in-situ precipitation method. Neither the bending strength nor the pore size distribution of the support is worse than that of the support added by in-situ hydrolysis even if the content of TiO2 is high to 2 wt.%. The permeating flux has a similar tendency. Consequently, the porous alumina membrane support has the porosity of 30.01% and the bending strength of 77.33 MPa after sintering at 1650 °C for 2 h with the optimized TiO2 content of 0.4 wt.% added by the in-situ hydrolysis method.
Final Heat Treatment as a Possible Solution for the Improvement of Machinability of Pb-Free Brass Alloys
Authors: Toulfatzis Anagnostis I. , Pantazopoulos George A. , David Constantine N. , Sagris Dimitrios S. , Paipetis Alkiviadis S.
Published: July 2018

Heat treatment was performed in order to improve the machinability of three lead-free extruded and drawn brasses, namely CuZn42 (CW510L), CuZn38As (CW511L), and CuZn36 (C27450), based on the concept of microstructural modification. The examined machinability criteria were the following: chip morphology, power consumption, cutting force, and surface roughness. All the above quality characteristics were studied in turning mode in “as received” and “heat treated” conditions for comparison purposes. The selected heat treatment conditions were set for CW510L (775 °C for 60 min), CW511L (850 °C for 120 min), and C27450 (850 °C for 120 min) lead-free brass alloys, according to standard specification and customer requirement criteria. The results are very promising concerning the chip breaking performance, since the heat treatment contributed to the drastic improvement of chip morphology for every studied lead-free brass. Regarding power consumption, heat treatment seems beneficial only for the CW511L brass, where a reduction by 180 W (from 1600 to 1420 W), in relation to the as-received condition, was achieved. Furthermore, heat treatment resulted in a marginal reduction by 10 N and 15 N in cutting forces for CW510L (from 540 to 530 N) and CW511L (from 446 to 431 N), respectively. Finally, surface roughness, expressed in terms of the average roughness value (Ra), seems that it is not affected by heat treatment, as it remains almost at the same order of magnitude. On the contrary, there is a significant improvement of maximum height (Rt) value of CW511L brass by 14.1 μm (from 40.1 to 26.0 μm), after heat treatment process performed at 850 °C for 120 min.
The Development of an Effective Bacterial Single-Cell Lysis Method Suitable for Whole Genome Amplification in Microfluidic Platforms
Authors: Liu Yuguang , Schulze-Makuch Dirk , De Vera Jean-Pierre , Cockell Charles , Leya Thomas , Baqué Mickael , Walther-Antonio Marina
Published: July 2018

Single-cell sequencing is a powerful technology that provides the capability of analyzing a single cell within a population. This technology is mostly coupled with microfluidic systems for controlled cell manipulation and precise fluid handling to shed light on the genomes of a wide range of cells. So far, single-cell sequencing has been focused mostly on human cells due to the ease of lysing the cells for genome amplification. The major challenges that bacterial species pose to genome amplification from single cells include the rigid bacterial cell walls and the need for an effective lysis protocol compatible with microfluidic platforms. In this work, we present a lysis protocol that can be used to extract genomic DNA from both gram-positive and gram-negative species without interfering with the amplification chemistry. Corynebacterium glutamicum was chosen as a typical gram-positive model and Nostoc sp. as a gram-negative model due to major challenges reported in previous studies. Our protocol is based on thermal and chemical lysis. We consider 80% of single-cell replicates that lead to >5 ng DNA after amplification as successful attempts. The protocol was directly applied to Gloeocapsa sp. and the single cells of the eukaryotic Sphaerocystis sp. and achieved a 100% success rate.
Leaching of Primary Copper Sulfide Ore in Chloride-Ferrous Media
Authors: Salinas Karina E. , Herreros Osvaldo , Torres Cynthia M.
Published: July 2018

Copper extraction from primary copper sulfide ore from a typical porphyry copper deposit from Antofagasta, Chile, was investigated after leaching with a chloride-ferrous media at two temperatures. The study focused on whether this chemical leaching system could be applied at an industrial scale. Leaching tests were conducted in columns loaded with approximately 50 kg of agglomerated ore; the ore was first cured for 14 days and then leached for 90 days. The highest copper extraction, 50.23%, was achieved at 32.9 °C with the addition of 0.6 kg of H2SO4 per ton of ore, 0.525 kg of NaCl per ton of ore, and 0.5 kg of FeSO4 per ton of ore. In respect to copper extraction, the most effective variables were temperature and the addition of NaCl.
Description of Child and Adolescent Beverage and Anthropometric Measures According to Adolescent Beverage Patterns
Authors: Marshall Teresa A. , Curtis Alexandra M. , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , VanBuren John M. , Warren John J. , Levy Steven M.
Published: July 2018

Our objective is to retrospectively describe longitudinal beverage intakes and anthropometric measures according to adolescent beverage patterns. Data were collected from Iowa Fluoride Study participants (n = 369) using beverage questionnaires at ages 2–17 years. Weight and height were measured at ages 5, 9, 13 and 17 years. Cluster analyses were used to identify age 13- to 17-year beverage patterns. Treating age and beverage cluster as explanatory factors, sex-specific generalized linear mixed models were used to identify when differences in beverage intakes and anthropometric measures began. Predominant beverage intakes were higher in each of the corresponding clusters by 9–12.5 years; females with high milk intakes during adolescence and males with high 100% juice or sugar-sweetened beverage intakes during adolescence reported higher intakes of that beverage beginning at 2–4.7 years. Females and males in the 100% juice cluster had lower weights than other clusters beginning at 13 years, while females and males in the neutral cluster were shorter beginning at 13 years. Females in the water/sugar-free beverage cluster had higher body mass indices (BMIs) beginning at 9 years. Females and males in the 100% juice cluster had lower BMIs beginning at 5 and 9 years, respectively. Childhood beverage intakes and growth patterns differ according to adolescent beverage patterns.
Glucoregulatory and Cardiometabolic Profiles of Almond vs. Cracker Snacking for 8 Weeks in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dhillon Jaapna , Thorwald Max , De La Cruz Natalie , Vu Emily , Asghar Syed Asad , Kuse Quintin , Diaz Rios L. Karina , Ortiz Rudy M.
Published: July 2018

The transition to nutritional independence makes new college students vulnerable to alterations in eating patterns, which can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the potential benefits of almond vs. cracker snacking in improving glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic profiles in new college students. A randomized controlled, parallel-arm, 8-week intervention of 73 college students (BMI: 18–41 kg/m2) with no cardiometabolic disorders was conducted. Participants were randomized into either an almond snack group (56.7 g/day; 364 kcal; n = 38) or Graham cracker control group (77.5 g/day; 338 kcal/d; n = 35). Chronic, static changes were assessed from fasting serum/plasma samples at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks. Acute, dynamic effects were assessed during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 8 weeks. Almond snacking resulted in a smaller decline in HDL cholesterol over 8 weeks (13.5% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.05), 13% lower 2-h glucose area under the curve (AUC), 34% lower insulin resistance index (IRI) and 82% higher Matsuda index (p < 0.05) during the OGTT, despite similar body mass gains over 8 weeks compared with the cracker group. In general, both almond and cracker snacking reduced fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol. Conclusions: Incorporating a morning snack in the dietary regimen of predominantly breakfast-skipping, first-year college students had some beneficial effects on glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic health. Almond consumption has the potential to benefit postprandial glucoregulation in this cohort. These responses may be influenced by cardiometabolic risk factor status.
Cheeses Made from Raw and Pasteurized Cow’s Milk Analysed by an Electronic Nose and an Electronic Tongue
Authors: Valente Nuno , Rudnitskaya Alisa , Oliveira João , Gaspar Elvira , Gomes M.
Published: July 2018

Cheese prepared from whole milk, raw and pasteurized, were analysed by an electronic nose based on piezoelectric quartz crystals and an electronic tongue based on potentiometric sensors, immediately after their preparation and along ripening (after 7 and 21 days). Whey was also analysed by the potentiometric electronic tongue. Results obtained by the electronic nose and tongue were found to be complementary, with the electronic nose being more sensitive to differences in the milk and the electronic tongue being more sensitive to milk pasteurization. Electronic tongue was able to distinguish cheeses made from raw and pasteurized milk, both analysing the whey or the curd, with correct classification rate of 96% and 84%, respectively. Besides, the electronic nose was more sensitive than the electronic tongue to the ripening process, with large differences between samples after 7 and 21 days, while the electronic tongue was only sensitive to the initial maturation stages, with large difference between freshly prepared cheese and with seven days of maturation.
Key Parameter Extraction for Fiber Brillouin Distributed Sensors Based on the Exact Model
Authors: Xu Zhiniu , Zhao Lijuan
Published: July 2018

Errors in the extracted key parameters directly influence the errors in the temperature and strain measured by fiber Brillouin distributed sensors. Existing key parameter extraction algorithms for Brillouin gain spectra are mainly based on simplified models, therefore, the extracted parameters may have significant errors. To ensure high accuracy in the extracted key parameters in different cases, and consequently to measure temperature and strain with high accuracy, a key parameter extraction algorithm based on the exact Voigt profile is proposed. The objective function is proposed using the least-squares method. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used to minimize the objective function and consequently extract the key parameters. The optimization process is presented in detail, at the same time the initial values obtainment method and the convergence criterion are given. The influences of the number of sample points in Gauss-Hermite quadrature on the accuracy and the computation time of the algorithm are investigated and a suggestion about the selection of the number of sample points is given. The direct algorithm, the random algorithm and the proposed algorithm are implemented in Matlab and are used to extract key parameters for abundant numerically generated and measured Brillouin gain spectral signals. The results reveal that the direct algorithm requires less computation time, but its errors are considerably larger than that of the proposed algorithm. The convergence rate of the random algorithm is about 80~90%. The proposed algorithm can converge in all cases. Even for the convergence cases, the computation time and the fitting error of the random algorithm are 1~2 times larger than those of the proposed algorithm.
A 3-D Meandered Probe-Fed Dual-Band Circularly Polarized Dielectric Resonator Antenna
Authors: Altaf Amir , Jung Jin-Woo , Yang Youngoo , Lee Kang-Yoon , Yi Sang-Hwa , Hwang Keum Cheol
Published: July 2018

A dual-band circularly polarized (CP) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) designed on multi-layer substrates is proposed. An asymmetric C-shaped metallic strip is also incorporated into the upper side of the top substrate in the proposed design. The hexagonal dielectric resonator (DR) is excited by the proposed 3-D meandered probe, which generates multiple orthogonal TE-modes. It is found that the lower CP band arises due to the pair of fundamental modes of the hexagonal DR. In the upper CP band, pairs of higher broadside and even modes of the hexagonal DR are combined with a CP band that is induced by the asymmetric C-shaped metallic strip to yield a wide 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW). A prototype of the proposed DRA is fabricated for experimental verification. The antenna exhibits a measured −10 dB reflection bandwidth of 56.43% (2.15–3.84 GHz). The far-field measurement shows measured 3 dB ARBWs of 7.56% (2.29–2.47 GHz) with a peak gain of 5.6 dBic and 16.47% (3.12–3.68 GHz) with a peak gain of 7.84 dBic in the lower and upper bands, respectively.
The U.S. Media’s Effect on Public’s Crime Expectations: A Cycle of Cultivation and Agenda-Setting Theory
Authors: Alitavoli Rayeheh , Kaveh Ehsan
Published: July 2018

This article discusses the effect of media on the American people’s rising fear of crime despite a gradual fall in crime statistics in the U.S. The article employs Gerbners cultivation theory, the agenda-setting theory and the social construction of reality to present the accumulative agenda effect model that explains how the U.S. public’s perception of crime can surpass actual crime statistics through constant media exposure of crime news.
Sense of Belonging in Computing: The Role of Introductory Courses for Women and Underrepresented Minority Students
Authors: Sax Linda J. , Blaney Jennifer M. , Lehman Kathleen J. , Rodriguez Sarah L. , George Kari L. , Zavala Christina
Published: July 2018

This study examines an aspect of gender and racial/ethnic gaps in undergraduate computing by focusing on sense of belonging among women and underrepresented minority (URM) introductory computing students. We examine change in sense of belonging during the introductory course as well as the predictors of belonging, with attention to conditional effects by gender and URM status. Results show that sense of belonging outcomes are a product of both incoming student characteristics and college environments and experiences, highlighting the important role the computing faculty play in fostering belonging. These and other findings are discussed, focusing on sense of belonging among women, URM students, and URM women.
ESG and Corporate Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from China’s Listed Power Generation Companies
Authors: Zhao Changhong , Guo Yu , Yuan Jiahai , Wu Mengya , Li Daiyu , Zhou Yiou , Kang Jiangang
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, listed companies around the world are shifting from short-term goals of maximizing profits to long-term sustainable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. People have come to realize that ESG has become an important source of the corporate risk and may affect the company’s financial performance and profitability. Recent research shows that good ESG performance could improve the financial performance in some countries. Yet, the question of “how does ESG affect financial performance” has not been thoroughly discussed and studied in China. In this article, we study China’s listed power generation groups to explore the relationship between ESG performance and financial indicators in the energy power market based on the panel regression model. The results show that good ESG performance can indeed improve financial performance, which has significant meanings for investors, company management, decisionmakers, and industry regulators.
A Cross-Country Investigation of Corporate Governance and Corporate Sustainability Disclosure: A Signaling Theory Perspective
Authors: Bae Seong Mi , Masud Md. Abdul Kaium , Kim Jong Dae
Published: July 2018

There is a dearth of research on corporate governance and total sustainability disclosure (economic, environmental, and social) in developing, particularly South Asian, countries. This is unique cross-country research on South Asian countries’ corporate governance elements and total sustainability disclosure practices. The study considers a set of insightful theories, namely, the signaling and agency theories of understanding the motives and drivers of sustainability reporting. Based on data from the Global Reporting Initiative database, the study analyzes Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. We have collected annual report and sustainability reports from the GRI database for the period between 2009 and 2016. Based on the signaling and agency theories, the study investigates how board and shareholding structures convey signals to the market and different stakeholders. Our empirical results find that total sustainability disclosure has a positive and significant relationship with foreign shareholding, institutional shareholding, board independence, and board size. On the other hand, we document that director shareholding is negatively but significantly associated with total sustainability disclosure. Therefore, we conclude that corporate governance elements have very strong influential power to send positive signals to the market that lead to reduced information asymmetry and ensuring honest signals from different stakeholders.
Game-Theoretic Solutions for Data Offloading in Next Generation Networks
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Khan Shafi Ullah , Ahmad Rashid , Singh Dhananjay
Published: July 2018

In recent years, global mobile data traffic has seen an unprecedented increase. This is due to worldwide usage of smart devices, availability of fast internet connections, and the popularity of social media. The Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are, therefore, facing problems in handling this huge traffic flow. Each type of traffic, including real-time video, audio, and text has its own Quality of Services (QoS) requirements which, if not met, may cause a sufficient loss of profit. Offloading of these traffics can be made more efficient so that values of QoS parameters are enhanced. In this work, we propose an incentive-based game-theoretic frame work for downloading data. The download of each type of data will get an incentive determined by the two-stage Stackelberg game. We model the communication among single Mobile Base Station (MBS) and multiple Access Points (APs) in a crowded metropolitan environment. The leader offers an economic incentive based on the traffic type and followers respond to the incentive and offload traffic accordingly. The model optimizes strategies of both the MBS and APs in order to make the best use of their utilities. For the analysis, we have used a combination of analytical and experimental methods. The numerical outcome characterized a direct process of the best possible offloading ratio and legalized the efficiency of the proposed game. Optimal incentives and optimal offloading was the achievement of our proposed game-theoretic approach. We have implemented the model in MATLAB, and the experimental results show a maximum payoff was achieved and the proposed scheme achieved Nash Equilibria.
A Framework for Assessing Democratic Qualities in Collaborative Economy Platforms: Analysis of 10 Cases in Barcelona
Authors: Fuster Morell Mayo , Espelt Ricard
Published: July 2018

The term “collaborative economy” or “collaborative economy platforms” refers to exchange, sharing, and collaboration in the consumption and production of capital and labor among distributed groups, supported by a digital platform. Collaborative economies’ use is growing rapidly and exponentially, creating high expectations of sustainability and their potential to contribute to the democratization of the economy. However, collaborative economy platforms lack a holistic framework to assess their sustainability and pro-democratization qualities. In addition, there is confusion about platforms which present themselves as collaborative when they actually are not, and similar uncertainties and ambiguities are associated with diverse models. To address this confusion, this article provides a framework for assessing the pro-democratic qualities of collaborative economy initiatives. It was applied to 10 cases in the context of the city of Barcelona. The methods used in this study include mapping and typifying 10 collaborative economy cases in the city, structured and in-depth interviews, and a co-creation session. The results indicate the presence of several modalities for favoring democratic values in a collaborative economy.
Avian Influenza A Virus Pandemic Preparedness and Vaccine Development
Authors: De Vries Rory D. , Herfst Sander , Richard Mathilde
Published: July 2018

Influenza A viruses can infect a wide range of hosts, creating opportunities for zoonotic transmission, i.e., transmission from animals to humans, and placing the human population at constant risk of potential pandemics. In the last hundred years, four influenza A virus pandemics have had a devastating effect, especially the 1918 influenza pandemic that took the lives of at least 40 million people. There is a constant risk that currently circulating avian influenza A viruses (e.g., H5N1, H7N9) will cause a new pandemic. Vaccines are the cornerstone in preparing for and combating potential pandemics. Despite exceptional advances in the design and development of (pre-)pandemic vaccines, there are still serious challenges to overcome, mainly caused by intrinsic characteristics of influenza A viruses: Rapid evolution and a broad host range combined with maintenance in animal reservoirs, making it near impossible to predict the nature and source of the next pandemic virus. Here, recent advances in the development of vaccination strategies to prepare against a pandemic virus coming from the avian reservoir will be discussed. Furthermore, remaining challenges will be addressed, setting the agenda for future research in the development of new vaccination strategies against potentially pandemic influenza A viruses.