bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water allocation analysis of the Zhanghe River basin using the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution with incomplete fuzzy preferences
Authors: Wu Nannan , Xu Yejun , Kilgour D.
Published: February 2019

An incomplete fuzzy preference framework for the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) is proposed to handle both complete and incomplete fuzzy preference information. Usually, decision makers’ (DMs’) fuzzy preferences are assumed to be complete fuzzy preference relations (FPRs). However, in real-life situations, due to lack of information or limited expertise in the problem domain, any DM’s preference may be an incomplete fuzzy preference relation (IFPR). An inherent advantage of the proposed framework for GMCR is that it can complete the IFPRs based on additive consistency, which is a special form of transitivity, a common property of preferences. After introducing the concepts of FPR, IFPR, and transitivity, we propose an algorithm to supplement IFPR, that is, to find an FPR that is a good approximation. To illustrate the usefulness of the incomplete fuzzy preference framework for GMCR, we demonstrate it using to a real-world conflict over water allocation that took place in the Zhanghe River basin of China.
The Role of Citizen Science in Conservation under the Telecoupling Framework
Authors: Yang Di , Wan Ho Yi , Huang Ta-Ken , Liu Jianguo
Published: February 2019

Citizen science is increasingly utilized to empower people to participate in conservation work and research. Despite the profusion of citizen science projects in conservation, many lacked a coherent analytical framework for understanding broad-scale transnational human–species interactions. The telecoupling framework provides a means to overcome this limitation. In this study, we use the monarch butterfly, a migratory species of high conservation value, to illustrate how citizen science data can be utilized in telecoupling research to help inform conservation decisions. We also address the challenges and limitations of this approach and provide recommendations on the future direction of citizen-based projects to overcome these challenges. The integration of citizen-based science and the telecoupling framework can become the new frontier in conservation because the applications of citizen science data in distant human–environment relationships have rarely been explored, especially from coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) perspectives.
Geobotanical Study of the Microforests of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. badia in the Central and Southern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Cano Eusebio , Musarella Carmelo M. , Cano-Ortiz Ana , Piñar Fuentes José C. , Rodríguez Torres Alfonso , Del Río González Sara , Pinto Gomes Carlos J. , Quinto-Canas Ricardo , Spampinato Giovanni
Published: February 2019

We have studied Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. badia (H.Gay) Debeaux in the central and southern Iberian Peninsula, where the macrobioclimate ranges from Mediterranean-pluviseasonal-oceanic to Mediterranean-pluviseasonal-continental, and the thermotype from the thermo- to the supramediterranean. The relevés were taken following the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological methodology. A statistical treatment was applied to establish a separation among Juniperus communities. To understand the presence of Juniperus communities in territories dominated by species in the Quercus genus, we applied Thornthwaite’s formula to calculate potential evapotranspiration. The general cluster analysis clearly distinguishes two groups of plant communities and separates the different associations in each group. All the plant communities growing on rocky crests and in extremely steep sloping areas are significantly influenced by the soil. The ombroclimatic index does not explain the presence of plant communities influenced by substrate, so we proposed a new ombroedaphoxeric index which explains the presence of Juniperus communities in territories with a thermotype between the thermo- and supramediterranean. The areas of distribution of Juniperus species are expanding due to the spread of rocky areas; this phenomenon causes an increase in edaphoxerophilous areas and a decrease in climatophilous ones. We propose four new plant associations, with updated structures and floristic compositions. Efficient conservation is possible in both the territories studied (Spain and Portugal) through the implementation of specific cross-border cooperation projects.
Urban Sustainability Strategies Guided by the SDGs—A Tale of Four Cities
Authors: Krellenberg Kerstin , Bergsträßer Hannah , Bykova Daria , Kress Nele , Tyndall Katharine
Published: February 2019

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, signed in 2015 and backed-up with its seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mentions cities as key players for evolving actively towards more sustainability. This underpins that living in the cities of the urban age is increasingly becoming the focus of sustainability discussions, which is particularly reflected in SDG 11 “Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. As urban sustainability strategies are playing a key role for the development of cities, this article sheds light on four cities’ sustainability strategies. The case studies highlight shortcomings, in terms of integrated visions, clear targets, and indicators in existing urban (sustainability) strategies. The article discusses these issues in light of an analytical framework, and stresses challenges and opportunities that SDG implementation involves.
Exploring Driving Forces of Green Growth: Empirical Analysis on China’s Iron and Steel Industry
Authors: Qin Xi , Wang Xiaoling , Xu Yusen , Wei Yawen
Published: February 2019

Green growth of sectors with extensive energy and environmental impacts represented by the iron and steel (IS) industry plays a critical role in fostering sustainable and inclusive development. This paper constructs an updated evaluation model for green growth estimation by combining a global Malmquist–Luenberger index and an epsilon-based measure. A comprehensive decomposition framework is further posited to reveal underlying determinants of green growth. Research findings based on empirical tests from the panel data of Chinese IS firms spanning 2010–2017 demonstrate that the green growth level increased by 0.80% annually and followed the east–central–west gradient distribution. Technology progress and scale efficiency are two main contributors to China’s IS industrial green growth, whereas managerial inefficiency and scale bias of technical change hinder the productivity gains. The aforementioned factors also play different roles in enhancing the green growth of divergent regions. In accordance, context-specific practical implications and suggestions are put forward based on the research findings to facilitate the green growth of China’s IS industry.
Numerical Simulation of Partial Differential Equations via Local Meshless Method
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Riaz Muhammad , Ayaz Muhammad , Arif Muhammad , Islam Saeed , Kumam Poom
Published: February 2019

In this paper, numerical simulation of one, two and three dimensional partial differential equations (PDEs) are obtained by local meshless method using radial basis functions (RBFs). Both local and global meshless collocation procedures are used for spatial discretization, which convert the given PDEs into a system of ODEs. Multiquadric, Gaussian and inverse quadratic RBFs are used for spatial discretization. The obtained system of ODEs has been solved by different time integrators. The salient feature of the local meshless method (LMM) is that it does not require mesh in the problem domain and also far less sensitive to the variation of shape parameter as compared to the global meshless method (GMM). Both rectangular and non rectangular domains with uniform and scattered nodal points are considered. Accuracy, efficacy and ease implementation of the proposed method are shown via test problems.
Algebraic Construction of a Strongly Consistent, Permutationally Symmetric and Conservative Difference Scheme for 3D Steady Stokes Flow
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Gerdt Vladimir , Blinkov Yury
Published: February 2019

By using symbolic algebraic computation, we construct a strongly-consistent second-order finite difference scheme for steady three-dimensional Stokes flow and a Cartesian solution grid. The scheme has the second order of accuracy and incorporates the pressure Poisson equation. This equation is the integrability condition for the discrete momentum and continuity equations. Our algebraic approach to the construction of difference schemes suggested by the second and the third authors combines the finite volume method, numerical integration, and difference elimination. We make use of the techniques of the differential and difference Janet/Gröbner bases for performing related computations. To prove the strong consistency of the generated scheme, we use these bases to correlate the differential ideal generated by the polynomials in the Stokes equations with the difference ideal generated by the polynomials in the constructed difference scheme. As this takes place, our difference scheme is conservative and inherits permutation symmetry of the differential Stokes flow. For the obtained scheme, we compute the modified differential system and use it to analyze the scheme’s accuracy.
Compression of a Polar Orthotropic Wedge between Rotating Plates: Distinguished Features of the Solution
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Lyamina Elena , Chinh Pham , Lang Lihui
Published: February 2019

An infinite wedge of orthotropic material is confined between two rotating planar rough plates, which are inclined at an angle 2α. An instantaneous boundary value problem for the flow of the material is formulated and solved for the stress and the velocity fields, the solution being in closed form. The solution may exhibit the regimes of sliding or sticking at the plates. It is shown that the overall structure of the solution significantly depends on the friction stress at sliding. This stress is postulated by the friction law. Solutions, which exhibit sticking, may exist only if the postulated friction stress at sliding satisfies a certain condition. These solutions have a rigid rotating zone in the region adjacent to the plates, unless the angle α is equal to a certain critical value. Solutions which exhibit sliding may be singular. In particular, some space stress and velocity derivatives approach infinity in the vicinity of the friction surface.
Botulinum Neurotoxin Light Chains Expressed by Defective Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Vectors Cleave SNARE Proteins and Inhibit CGRP Release in Rat Sensory Neurons
Authors: Joussain Charles , Le Coz Olivier , Pichugin Andrey , Marconi Peggy , Lim Filip , Sicurella Mariaconcetta , Salonia Andrea , Montorsi Francesco , Wandosell Francisco , Foster Keith , Giuliano François , Epstein Alberto L. , Aranda Muñoz Alejandro
Published: February 2019

A set of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) amplicon vectors expressing the light chains (LC) of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) A, B, C, D, E and F was constructed. Their properties have been assessed in primary cultures of rat embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, and in organotypic cultures of explanted DRG from adult rats. Following infection of primary cultures of rat embryonic DRG neurons, the different BoNT LC induced efficient cleavage of their corresponding target Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor Attachment protein Receptor (SNARE) protein (VAMP, SNAP25, syntaxin). A similar effect was observed following infection by BoNT-A LC of organotypic cultures of adult rat DRG. To quantify and compare the functional activities of the different BoNT LC, the inhibition of calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP) secretion was assessed in DRG neurons following infection by the different vectors. All BoNT-LC were able to inhibit CGRP secretion although to different levels. Vectors expressing BoNT-F LC displayed the highest inhibitory activity, while those expressing BoNT-D and -E LC induced a significantly lower CGRP release inhibition. Cleavage of SNARE proteins and inhibition of CGRP release could be detected in neuron cultures infected at less than one transducing unit (TU) per neuron, showing the extreme efficacy of these vectors. To our knowledge this is the first study investigating the impact of vector-expressed transgenic BoNT LC in sensory neurons.
Personalized Bilateral Upper Limb Essential Tremor Therapy with Botulinum Toxin Using Kinematics
Authors: Samotus Olivia , Lee Jack , Jog Mandar
Published: February 2019

Variability of multi-joint essential tremor (ET) between patients and within the two upper limbs makes a visual assessment for the determination of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections challenging. Kinematic tremor analysis guidance has succeeded in overcoming this challenge by making effective long-term unilateral BoNT-A injections for disabling ET. In this open-label study, 31 ET participants received three bilateral arm BoNT-A injection cycles over 30 weeks with follow-ups six-weeks post-treatment. Whole-arm kinematic assessment of tremor using a customized, automated algorithm provided muscle selection and dosing per muscle without clinician’s assessment. Efficacy endpoints included Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor scale, quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, and maximum grip strength. BoNT-A reduced tremor amplitude by 47.7% in both the arms at week-6 (p < 0.005) that persisted from weeks 18–30. QoL was improved by 26.5% (p < 0.005) over the treatment period. Functional interference due to tremor was reduced by 30% (p < 0.005) from weeks 6–30. Maximum grip strength was reduced at week 6 (p = 0.001) but was not functionally impaired for the participants. Effective bilateral ET therapy by personalized BoNT-A injections could be achieved using computer-assisted tremor analysis. By removing variability inherent within the clinical assessments, this standardized tremor analysis method enabled patients to have improved bimanual upper limb functionality after the first treatment.
Evaluation of Mycotoxin Screening Tests in a Verification Study Involving First Time Users
Authors: Lattanzio Veronica M. T. , von Holst Christoph , Lippolis Vincenzo , De Girolamo Annalisa , Logrieco Antonio F. , Mol Hans G. J. , Pascale Michelangelo
Published: February 2019

Rapid screening methods are currently recognized as a strategic tool for mycotoxin issues management. Specific guidelines for validation and verification of mycotoxin screening methods are set in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 2014/519. This regulation establishes that the “aim of the validation is to demonstrate the fitness-for-purpose of the screening method” and focuses the entire validation procedure on determining specific cut-off values ensuring a maximum rate of false negative results of 5%. In addition, the assessment of the rate of false suspect results is addressed. With regard to rapid test-kits, ‘fitness-for-purpose’ includes not only the criteria more commonly considered when discussing laboratory-based methods (specificity, accuracy, and precision), but also more “practical” parameters such as speed and ease of implementation in a new operational environment. The latter means demonstrating under local conditions that performance parameters, as established during the validation, can be achieved by first time users. This goal can be achieved through “method verification”. The aim of the present study was to verify the fitness-for-purpose of mycotoxin screening methods when applied by first time users. This was achieved in one laboratory facility via results of a training course with multiple technicians attending. The verification study was organized similarly to a collaborative exercise and involved two groups comprising of 10 technicians each that used the methods for the first time. Different screening methods were applied for deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat, which was mainly Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), lateral flow device (LFD), fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). An additional verification was done for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in maize and wheat using LFD and LC-HRMS, respectively. The results of analyses were used to calculate intermediate precision (RSDip, covering the inter-analyst variability in preparing the analytical samples and the precision under repeatability conditions) cut-off values and false suspect rates. RSDip ranged from 6.5% to 30% for DON, and from 16% to 33% for AFB1. The highest obtained variances were associated with the AFB1 analyses due to working with much lower mass fractions. The rate of false suspect results were lower than 0.1% for all tested methods. All methods showed a fit-for-purpose method performance profile, which allowed a clear distinction of samples containing the analytes at the screening target concentration (STC) from negative control samples. Moreover, the first time users obtained method performances similar to those obtained for validation studies previously performed on the screening methods included in the training course.
Enhanced Ability of Oligomeric Nanobodies Targeting MERS Coronavirus Receptor-Binding Domain
Authors: He Lei , Tai Wanbo , Li Jiangfan , Chen Yuehong , Gao Yaning , Li Junfeng , Sun Shihui , Zhou Yusen , Du Lanying , Zhao Guangyu
Published: February 2019

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV), an infectious coronavirus first reported in 2012, has a mortality rate greater than 35%. Therapeutic antibodies are key tools for preventing and treating MERS-CoV infection, but to date no such agents have been approved for treatment of this virus. Nanobodies (Nbs) are camelid heavy chain variable domains with properties distinct from those of conventional antibodies and antibody fragments. We generated two oligomeric Nbs by linking two or three monomeric Nbs (Mono-Nbs) targeting the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain (RBD), and compared their RBD-binding affinity, RBD–receptor binding inhibition, stability, and neutralizing and cross-neutralizing activity against MERS-CoV. Relative to Mono-Nb, dimeric Nb (Di-Nb) and trimeric Nb (Tri-Nb) had significantly greater ability to bind MERS-CoV RBD proteins with or without mutations in the RBD, thereby potently blocking RBD–MERS-CoV receptor binding. The engineered oligomeric Nbs were very stable under extreme conditions, including low or high pH, protease (pepsin), chaotropic denaturant (urea), and high temperature. Importantly, Di-Nb and Tri-Nb exerted significantly elevated broad-spectrum neutralizing activity against at least 19 human and camel MERS-CoV strains isolated in different countries and years. Overall, the engineered Nbs could be developed into effective therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of MERS-CoV infection.
Global Epidemiology of Bat Coronaviruses
Authors: Wong Antonio C. P. , Li Xin , Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: February 2019

Bats are a unique group of mammals of the order Chiroptera. They are highly diversified and are the group of mammals with the second largest number of species. Such highly diversified cell types and receptors facilitate them to be potential hosts of a large variety of viruses. Bats are the only group of mammals capable of sustained flight, which enables them to disseminate the viruses they harbor and enhance the chance of interspecies transmission. This article aims at reviewing the various aspects of the global epidemiology of bat coronaviruses (CoVs). Before the SARS epidemic, bats were not known to be hosts for CoVs. In the last 15 years, bats have been found to be hosts of >30 CoVs with complete genomes sequenced, and many more if those without genome sequences are included. Among the four CoV genera, only alphaCoVs and betaCoVs have been found in bats. As a whole, both alphaCoVs and betaCoVs have been detected from bats in Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America and Australasia; but alphaCoVs seem to be more widespread than betaCoVs, and their detection rate is also higher. For betaCoVs, only those from subgenera Sarbecovirus, Merbecovirus, Nobecovirus and Hibecovirus have been detected in bats. Most notably, horseshoe bats are the reservoir of SARS-CoV, and several betaCoVs from subgenus Merbecovirus are closely related to MERS-CoV. In addition to the interactions among various bat species themselves, bat–animal and bat–human interactions, such as the presence of live bats in wildlife wet markets and restaurants in Southern China, are important for interspecies transmission of CoVs and may lead to devastating global outbreaks.
Identification of Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Compounds by Targeting Viral Entry
Authors: Mazzon Michela , Ortega-Prieto Ana Maria , Imrie Douglas , Luft Christin , Hess Lena , Czieso Stephanie , Grove Joe , Skelton Jessica Katy , Farleigh Laura , Bugert Joachim J. , Wright Edward , Temperton Nigel , Angell Richard , Oxenford Sally , Jacobs Michael , Ketteler Robin , Dorner Marcus , Marsh Mark
Published: February 2019

Viruses are a major threat to human health and economic well-being. In recent years Ebola, Zika, influenza, and chikungunya virus epidemics have raised awareness that infections can spread rapidly before vaccines or specific antagonists can be made available. Broad-spectrum antivirals are drugs with the potential to inhibit infection by viruses from different groups or families, which may be deployed during outbreaks when specific diagnostics, vaccines or directly acting antivirals are not available. While pathogen-directed approaches are generally effective against a few closely related viruses, targeting cellular pathways used by multiple viral agents can have broad-spectrum efficacy. Virus entry, particularly clathrin-mediated endocytosis, constitutes an attractive target as it is used by many viruses. Using a phenotypic screening strategy where the inhibitory activity of small molecules was sequentially tested against different viruses, we identified 12 compounds with broad-spectrum activity, and found a subset blocking viral internalisation and/or fusion. Importantly, we show that compounds identified with this approach can reduce viral replication in a mouse model of Zika infection. This work provides proof of concept that it is possible to identify broad-spectrum inhibitors by iterative phenotypic screenings, and that inhibition of host-pathways critical for viral life cycles can be an effective antiviral strategy.
GII.4 Human Norovirus: Surveying the Antigenic Landscape
Authors: Mallory Michael , Lindesmith Lisa , Graham Rachel , Baric Ralph
Published: February 2019

Human norovirus is the leading cause of viral acute onset gastroenteritis disease burden, with 685 million infections reported annually. Vulnerable populations, such as children under the age of 5 years, the immunocompromised, and the elderly show a need for inducible immunity, as symptomatic dehydration and malnutrition can be lethal. Extensive antigenic diversity between genotypes and within the GII.4 genotype present major challenges for the development of a broadly protective vaccine. Efforts have been devoted to characterizing antibody-binding interactions with dynamic human norovirus viral-like particles, which recognize distinct antigenic sites on the capsid. Neutralizing antibody functions recognizing these sites have been validated in both surrogate (ligand blockade of binding) and in vitro virus propagation systems. In this review, we focus on GII.4 capsid protein epitopes as defined by monoclonal antibody binding. As additional antibody epitopes are defined, antigenic sites emerge on the human norovirus capsid, revealing the antigenic landscape of GII.4 viruses. These data may provide a road map for the design of candidate vaccine immunogens that induce cross-protective immunity and the development of therapeutic antibodies and drugs.
The Application and Interpretation of IgG Avidity and IgA ELISA Tests to Characterize Zika Virus Infections
Authors: Amaro Fátima , Sánchez-Seco María , Vázquez Ana , Alves Maria , Zé-Zé Líbia , Luz Maria , Minguito Teodora , De La Fuente Jesús , De Ory Fernando
Published: February 2019

In the absence of viremia, the diagnostics of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections must rely on serological techniques. In order to improve the serological diagnosis of ZIKV, ZIKV-IgA and ZIKV-IgG avidity assays were evaluated. Forty patients returning from ZIKV endemic areas, with confirmed or suspected ZIKV infections were studied. Samples were classified as early acute, acute and late acute according to the number of days post illness onset. Low avidity IgG was only detected at acute and late acute stages and IgA mostly at the early acute and acute stages. The date of sampling provides useful information and can help to choose the best technique to use at a determined moment in time and to interpret low avidity IgG and IgA results, improving the serological diagnosis of ZIKV.
Pulse Pressure Variation Can Predict the Hemodynamic Response to Pneumoperitoneum in Dogs: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Di Bella Caterina , Lacitignola Luca , Fracassi Laura , Skouropoulou Despoina , Crovace Antonio , Staffieri Francesco
Published: February 2019

Pneumoperitoneum may induce important hemodynamic alterations in healthy subjects. Pulse pressure variation (PPV) is a hemodynamic parameter able to discriminate preload dependent subjects. Anesthesia records of dogs undergoing laparoscopy were retrospectively evaluated. The anesthetic protocol included acepromazine, methadone, propofol and isoflurane administered with oxygen under mechanical ventilation. The hemodynamic parameters were considered five minutes before (BASE) and ten minutes after (P10) the pneumoperitoneum. Based on the cardiac index (CI) variation, at P10, dogs were classified as sensitive (S group, CI ≤ 15%) and non-sensitive (NO-S group). Data were analyzed with the ANOVA test and the ROC curve (p < 0.05). Fifty-five percent of dogs (S) had a reduction of CI ≥ 15% at P10 (2.97 ± 1.4 L/min/m2) compared to BASE (4.32 ± 1.62 L/min/m2) and at P10 in the NO-S group (4.51 ± 1.41 L/min/m2). PPV at BASE was significantly higher in the S group (22.4% ± 6.1%) compared to the NO-S group (10.9% ± 3.3%). The ROC curve showed a threshold of PPV > 16% to distinguish the S and NO-S groups. PPV may be a valid predictor of the hemodynamic response to pneumoperitoneum in dogs. A PPV > 16% can identify patients that may require fluid administration before the creation of pneumoperitoneum.
Hourly Urban Water Demand Forecasting Using the Continuous Deep Belief Echo State Network
Authors: Xu Yuebing , Zhang Jing , Long Zuqiang , Tang Hongzhong , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: February 2019

Effective and accurate water demand prediction is an important part of the optimal scheduling of a city water supply system. A novel deep architecture model called the continuous deep belief echo state network (CDBESN) is proposed in this study for the prediction of hourly urban water demand. The CDBESN model uses a continuous deep belief network (CDBN) as the feature extraction algorithm and an echo state network (ESN) as the regression algorithm. The new architecture can model actual water demand data with fast convergence and global optimization ability. The prediction capacity of the CDBESN model is tested using historical hourly water demand data obtained from an urban waterworks in Zhuzhou, China. The performance of the proposed model is compared with those of ESN, continuous deep belief neural network, and support vector regression models. The correlation coefficient (r2), normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are adopted as assessment criteria. Forecasting results obtained in the testing stage indicate that the CDBESN model has the largest r2 value of 0.995912 and the smallest NRMSE and MAPE values of 0.027163 and 2.469419, respectively. The prediction accuracy of the proposed model clearly outperforms those of the models it is compared with due to the good feature extraction ability of CDBN and the excellent feature learning ability of ESN.
Scaling Effects in Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Aggregation in Integrated River Basin Management
Authors: Taha Rania , Dietrich Jörg , Dehnhardt Alexandra , Hirschfeld Jesko
Published: February 2019

For river basin management plans (RBMPs), measures are aggregated from smaller spatial units (e.g., water bodies) to the catchment or basin scale. River basin management plans measures in integrated management are evaluated using multiple criteria, e.g., ecological and socio-economiccriteria, etc. Therefore, aggregation often combines spatial analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Herein, we investigate: (1) the effect of applying different aggregation pathways on the outcome of the RBMP using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) as an MCDA method, (2) the scaling effects considering water body, sub-catchment, and river basin scales, and (3) the effect of using global and local criteria weighing on the final ranking of alternatives. We propose two approaches to aggregate ranks for the entire basin: using non-dominated alternatives only and using a normalized TOPSIS relative closeness value. The results show no variation in the final non-dominated alternative for both aggregation pathways. However, we note rank reversal among the dominated alternatives. These results suggest that scaling effects need to be considered in spatial MCDA.
Evaluation of Drydown Processes in Global Land Surface and Hydrological Models Using Flux Tower Evapotranspiration
Authors: Martínez-de la Torre Alberto , Blyth Eleanor M. , Robinson Emma L.
Published: February 2019

A key aspect of the land surface response to the atmosphere is how quickly it dries after a rainfall event. It is key because it will determine the intensity and speed of the propagation of drought and also affects the atmospheric state through changes in the surface heat exchanges. Here, we test the theory that this response can be studied as an inherent property of the land surface that is unchanging over time unless the above- and below-ground structures change. This is important as a drydown metric can be used to evaluate a landscape and its response to atmospheric drivers in models used in coupled land–atmosphere mode when the forcing is often not commensurate with the actual atmosphere. We explore whether the speed of drying of a land unit can be quantified and how this can be used to evaluate models. We use the most direct observation of drying: the rate of change of evapotranspiration after a rainfall event using eddy-covariance observations, or commonly referred to as flux tower data. We analyse the data and find that the drydown timescale is characteristic of different land cover types, then we use that to evaluate a suite of global hydrological and land surface models. We show that, at the site level, the data suggest that evapotranspiration decay timescales are longer for trees than for grasslands. The studied model’s accuracy to capture the site drydown timescales depends on the specific model, the site, and the vegetation cover representation. A more robust metric is obtained by grouping the modeled data by vegetation type and, using this, we find that land surface models capture the characteristic timescale difference between trees and grasslands, found using flux data, better than large-scale hydrological models. We thus conclude that the drydown metric has value in understanding land–atmosphere interactions and model evaluation.
Legitimization of the Inclusion of Cultural Practices in the Planning of Water and Sanitation Services for Displaced Persons
Authors: Faure Julie C. , Faust Kasey M. , Kaminsky Jessica
Published: February 2019

During large and rapid influxes of displaced persons, hosting communities may face challenges in accommodating incoming populations. This study seeks to assess the institutional response to international displacement in developed urban contexts through exploring how stakeholders (de)legitimized (i.e., either withheld or attributed legitimacy to) the inclusion of cultural practices in the planning of water and sanitation for displaced persons. This study is enabled by 28 semi-structured interviews of individuals involved in the accommodation of displaced persons in Germany conducted in 2016. The interview content was qualitatively analyzed to identify the types of decisions made, legitimacy types used to (de)legitimize those decisions, and information used to assess cultural practices. Results indicate that the institutional response to international displacement was most commonly reactive rather than proactive. However, the interviewees demonstrated a willingness to adapt, primarily using their experiences (comprehensibility legitimacy) and moral considerations (procedural legitimacy). Recommendations to stakeholders arising from this study include: (1) improve access to information about displaced persons’ practices and needs in water and sanitation, (2) collect more information by communicating with displaced persons, (3) promote collaborations between involved organizations, (4) monitor organizational changes during the response, and (5) enhance discussions about integration through the built environment.
"Clinical DIAMOND" SECTION of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research, International Journal of Integrated Medicine -Clinically Very Useful & Important Information in Diagnosis &/or Treatment of Patients
Authors: Omura Yoshiaki , Lu Dominic , Duvvi Harsha , Yopor Dario , Nihrane Abdallah , Corro Prudencio , Corro Carol , Shimotsuura Yashihiro , Ohki Motomu
Published: February 2019

Our study indicated that cancer can develop in very short time if there is a strong coexisting infection of HPV-16 and HHV-8 in the presence of strong repeated electromagnetic field. Recently the first author himself developed cancer by drinking eggnog, which happened to contain strongest
infection of both these 2 viruses, in the presence of Electro-magnetic field. Sometimes these cancers can also appear as a small metastatic mass in the back of the finger or hand. These metastatic tumors that are appearing in the hand are often misdiagnosed as benign lipoma since they do not
seem to create any pain or other symptoms. In this article we described 2 examples of such an unusual metastatic tumor appearing as if it is a benign lipoma. If left untreated, or biopsy or surgical removal of these metastatic tumors can be new sources of metastases or unrecognized existence
of an advanced tumor of original organ without significant symptoms. These rapidly developed cancers are infectious & difficult to treat. Fortunately, we succeeded in discovering an essential parameter required to completely inhibit these cancers by implementing the combination of the
following 3 different methods given sequentially 1) Simultaneous Intake of Optimal Doses of Vitamin D3 (with 10 unique beneficial effects) every 8 hours & white fleshed Dragon fruit (since we found it containing close to optimal dose of DHEA, Zinc, Magnesium, Lithium, and a small amount
of Vitamin D3 etc.) every 24 hours; 2) Selective Drug Uptake Enhancement Method; 3) Manual Stimulation of the Thymus Gland Representation Area of the Back of Each Hand. When these 3 different methods are used consequently there is a possibility of safe effective treatment for hopelessly advanced
cancer patients, if Thymosin α1 & Thymosin β4 are both very significantly increased to 800ng or higher.
Factors Influencing Customers' Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction with Hotels: A Text-Mining Approach
Authors: Kuhzady Salar , Ghasemi Vahid
Published: February 2019

User-generated review of hotels plays an important role in the e-commerce and big data era. The digital and big data era has created novel sources of information that can be used by scholars for knowledge creation, business intelligence, and bringing meaning into unstructured big data.
In addition to build a big picture on sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, this study aims to develop results that are more practical for hoteliers. A text-mining approach was applied. Reviews of 10 hotels were collected from TripAdvisor.com for Mazandaran province in Iran. The findings
of the research show that "location" appearing 99 times, "room" 53 times, and "staff" and "restaurant" 40 times are the most influential factors that determine positive reviews (customer satisfaction). At the same time, the main determinants of customer dissatisfaction were the words "restaurant,"
"Wi-Fi," and again "room." Given these results, it can be said that customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction can coexist, as literature shows. In this respect, the factors (e.g., room & restaurant) that make customers satisfied have potential to also make them dissatisfied, if they are
not provided and properly delivered. Managerial implications are also discussed.
Tourism Experiences During a Convention: A Case Study from South Korea
Authors: Beardsley Meghan , Jung Shinyong , Kim Hyelin , Kim Yen-Soon
Published: February 2019

Convention planners are struggling to contend with the fluid needs of clients and attendees in a competitive, evolving environment. Planners must continuously sculpt events, enhancing revisit appeal enough through offerings like external tourism programs. The purpose of this study is
to understand the potential impact perceived preference for external tourism experiences has on a convention attendee's behavioral intentions, such as revisit intention. researchers used elements from 30 separate international conference websites to design a survey. A randomly selected 240
South Koreanhosted international conference attendees answered these pretested questionnaires. An exploratory factor analysis identified four motivational factors with statistically significant impact on behavioral intention. The findings suggest that performances and historical attractions
have the strongest impact on behavioral intentions. This study supports that perceived preference for external tourism experiences can successfully segment attendees. Theoretically, this study's unique survey is usable for similar future studies in this context.
A Psychographic Segmentation of Kuwaiti Travelers Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Reisinger Yvette , Mostafa Mohamed M. , Hayes John P.
Published: February 2019

This study identifies distinct psychographic market segments of young Kuwaitis intending to travel to Western countries by applying the self-organizing maps (SOMs) technique. Young Kuwaitis represent a high-yield growing outbound tourism market. A self-completed questionnaire was randomly
administered to 800 young Kuwaiti nationals. The effect of travel motivations, preferences for Muslim-friendly lifestyle and amenities, cognitive and affective destination image, and service quality on Kuwaitis' travel decisions were examined. Travel satisfaction was also investigated. The
resulting visual maps identified four segments. The study contributes to theory and knowledge by presenting a different approach to tourist market segmentation.
The Actualization of the Critical Impulse in Critical Theory: Dialogical Rationality Around Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, Palestine
Authors: Isaac Rami K. , Platenkamp Vincent
Published: February 2019

In this review article, Isaac and Platenkamp argue that during the 1930s and 1940s of the previous century, concepts like "critical" and "essence" were still defined and understood in the tradition of what increasing numbers of academics called "Critical Theory." However, they suggest
that since then the situation has significantly changed. In their view, while Critical Theory critically approaches the ideologies of the modern Western world, it has actually (itself) became a victim of this overwhelming critique of ideologies. To Isaac and Platenkamp, the main conceptualizations
in and for Critical Theory have been weakened by a content inflation in the new historical phase of postmodernism. Thus, for instance, as a concept "criticism" had been revitalized to (down to?) a relativist position. In this review article, Isaac and Platenkamp suggest that academics in Tourism
Studies now inherently claim to be "critical" by just appropriating the mere qualification critical, ipso facto. In this light, the old vital value of "Essence" thereby has become a superficial concept of old primitive ideologies, today, and it seems to have no meaningful function anymore
in Tourism Studies. This review article thus aims to reintroduce the field of Tourism Studies to Marcuse's original concept of Essence and discuss it vis-à-vis its interpretational confrontation with the said postmodernist position and thereby to the very revitalization of the qualification
"critical." Hence, Isaac and Platenkamp seek to save this qualification from the postmodernist attacks on the universality of the Critical Theoretical position by drawing particular attention to Arendt's concept of the agora, viz. as that kind of public space (comparable to the forum
Romanum), in which people significantly present themselves as individuals with independent opinions. In this regard, Isaac and Platekamp are particularly disturbed by the recent flowering of the so called "Critical Turn" group (or network) within Tourism Studies since it appears to progress
without a thorough understanding of Critical Theory, per se. They argue that classical thinkers of Critical Theory need to be addressed and understood if the Critical Turn group of scholars in Tourism Studies may decently/faithfully/meaningfully be deemed to be critical. In order to
make their case, Isaac and Platenkamp highlight the case of Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. They position the Tomb as a very important biblical tourism site (and agora) by and through which the revitalization of the "critical" may be incorruptibly recognized.
Design of indole- and MCR-based macrocycles as p53-MDM2 antagonists
Authors: Neochoritis Constantinos G , Kazemi Miraki Maryam , Abdelraheem Eman M M , Surmiak Ewa , Zarganes-Tzitzikas Tryfon , Łabuzek Beata , Holak Tad A , Dömling Alexander
Published: February 2019

Macrocycles were designed to antagonize the protein–protein interaction p53-MDM2 based on the three-finger pharmacophore F19W23L25. The synthesis was accomplished by a rapid, one-pot synthesis of indole-based macrocycles based on Ugi macrocyclization. The reaction of 12 different α,ω-amino acids and different indole-3-carboxaldehyde derivatives afforded a unique library of macrocycles otherwise difficult to access. Screening of the library for p53-MDM2 inhibition by fluorescence polarization and 1H,15N HSQC NMR measurements confirm MDM2 binding.
OPTIMIZATION OF ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT BY THE IMPROVED GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: Baušys Romualdas , Pankrašovaite Ina
Published: February 2019

In this paper we consider architectural layout problem that seeks to determine the layout of Units based on lighting, heating, available sizes and other objectives and constraints. For a conceptual design of architectural layout we present an approach based on evolutionary search method known as the genetic algorithms (GAs). However, the rate of convergence of GAs is often not good enough at their current stage. For this reason, the improved genetic algorithm is proposed. We have analysed and compared the performance of standard and improved genetic algorithm for architectural layout problem solutions and presented the results of performance.
DEFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS OF PRESTRESSED HIGH‐STRENGTH CONCRETE MEMBERS USING FLEXURAL CONSTITUTIVE MODEL
Authors: Zamblauskaitė Renata , Kaklauskas Gintaris , Bačinskas Darius
Published: February 2019

In this paper, an attempt has been made to extend application of the recently proposed Flexural constitutive model to short‐ and long‐term deformational analysis of flexural partially prestressed concrete members. The effect of tension stiffening and non‐linear time effects of creep and shrinkage are taken into account. Effective modulus method is used for modelling long‐term deformations. The proposed calculation technique is based on the layered approach and use of material stress‐strain relationships. Curvatures prediction results were tested against experimental data of partially prestressed concrete beams reported in literature.
INTEGRATION OF INNOVATION THROUGH ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
Authors: Gunduz Murat , Alfar Mohammed
Published: February 2019

This paper examines the concept of innovation management in the construction industry by studying the major components of the innovation process such as the major drivers of innovation, barriers and obstacles that prevent innovation, the enablers that motivate innovation, the practices of innovation, and the benefits of innovation both at project and company level. This paper is based on the data collected by means of structured questionnaires and analyzed throughsurvey analysis. The survey, which consisted of 46 factors involved in the innovation process, was distributed to 121 different participants, and the collected data were analyzed by the relative importance index (RII), as well as the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The RII rankings feed the AHP analysis as the first step to rank the factors. Later, the factors are ranked according to the AHP analysis. Based on these rankings, recommendations are made to contractors, consultants, project management professionals, owners and suppliers.
Resolved Young Binary Systems and Their Disks
Authors: Akeson Rachel L. , Jensen Eric L. N. , Carpenter John , Ricci Luca , Laos Emily , Nogueira Natasha F. , Suen-Lewis Emma M.
Published: February 2019

We have conducted a survey of young single and multiple systems in the Taurus–Auriga star-forming region with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), substantially improving both the spatial resolution and sensitivity with which individual protoplanetary disks in these systems have been observed. These ALMA observations can resolve binary separations as small as 25–30 au and have an average 3σ detection level of 0.35 mJy, equivalent to a disk mass of 4 × 10−5
M
⊙ for an M3 star. Our sample was constructed from stars that have an infrared excess and/or signs of accretion and have been classified as Class II. For the binary and higher-order multiple systems observed, we detect λ = 1.3 mm continuum emission from one or more stars in all of our target systems. Combined with previous surveys of Taurus, our 21 new detections increase the fraction of millimeter-detected disks to over 75% in all categories of stars (singles, primaries, and companions) earlier than spectral type M6 in the Class II sample. Given the wealth of other information available for these stars, this has allowed us to study the impact of multiplicity with a much larger sample. While millimeter flux and disk mass are related to stellar mass as seen in previous studies, we find that both primary and secondary stars in binary systems with separations of 30–4200 au have lower values of millimeter flux as a function of stellar mass than single stars. We also find that for these systems, the circumstellar disk around the primary star does not dominate the total disk mass in the system and contains on average 62% of the total mass.