bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of an onsite sanitation system based on vermifiltration: the ‘Tiger Toilet’
Authors: Furlong C. , Gibson W. T. , Templeton M. R. , Taillade M. , Kassam F. , Crabb G. , Goodsell R. , McQuilkin J. , Oak A. , Thakar G. , Kodgire M. , Patankar R.
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the development of a novel onsite sanitation system based on vermifiltration, the ‘Tiger Toilet’. Initial laboratory experiments demonstrated that feed distribution was not required, a worm density of 2 kg/m2 could be used, worms preferred wetter environments, and system configuration did not affect effluent quality. Installing the first prototype in the UK proved that the process functioned when scaled, i.e., chemical oxygen demand and thermotolerant coliform reduction were found to be comparable with the laboratory results. Ten prototypes were then tested by households in rural India; all were working well after six months. The vermifilters were processing the amount of faeces entering the system on a daily basis, so faeces was not accumulating. It was estimated that they would require emptying after approximately five years, based on the depth of the vermicompost generated. With further development, it is believed that the Tiger Toilet has the potential to become a superior form of onsite sanitation, when compared with traditional onsite sanitation technologies.
A real-time operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir with flood risk analysis
Authors: Sun Yixiang , Tang Deshan , Dai Huichao , Liu Pan , Sun Yifei , Cui Qingfeng , Zhang Fanping , Ding Yifan , Wei Yuhang , Zhang Jinxin , Wang Mei , Li Aodian , Meng Zhenzhu
Published: December 2015

Risk analysis is essential to reservoir operation. In this study, a new analysis for reservoir operation is proposed to enhance the utilization rate of the flood water from the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) during the flood season. Based on five scenarios of hydrology forecasting with the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), a multi-objective optimum operation was implemented employing the risk control constraints of the genetic algorithm (GA) for the TGR. The results of this analysis indicated that the optimum hydropower generation was 5.7% higher than the usual operating hydropower generation, which suggested that, during flood season, it would be beneficial to increase hydropower generation from reservoirs, while maintaining a safe degree of flood risk.
Current prospects towards energy-efficient top HPC systems
Authors: Filiposka Sonja , Mishev Anastas , Juiz Carlos
Published: December 2015

Ever since the start of the green HPC initiative, a new design constriction
has appeared on the horizon for the top supercomputer designers. Today?s top
HPCs must not only boast with their exascale performances, but must take into
account reaching the new exaflops frontiers with as minimum power consumption
as possible. The goals of this paper are to present the current status of the
top supercomputers from both performance and power consumption points of
view. Using the current and available historical information from the Top and
Green HPC lists, we identify the most promising design options and how they
perform when combined together. The presented results reveal the main
challenges that should become the focus of future research.
Design and development of Binary Diffractive Germanium Lens by thin film deposition
Authors: Alshami M. , Wabby A. , Mousselly M. F.
Published: December 2015

Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology Damascus, Syria The design and development of infrared (λ: [8]–[12] μm) binary diffractive germanium lens (BDGL) by two - steps thin film deposition (Physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique) is presented. The optical design of the required elements using the optical design code Zemax, the design of the 4 steps binary surface and its required metallic masks using the programming language Delphi, the procedures of fabrication, and the measurement of the resulting profile, were presented. The comparison between the refractive/diffractive lenses by measuring the minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) shows the advantages of binary diffractive surface.
Gender/Class Intersections and African Women's Rights
Authors: Davies Carole Boyce
Published: December 2015

African women's rights, in its early expressions, was linked to the critique of particular economic/class systems which disempowered the majority of women in contemporary Africa. However, the discourse was subsequently dominated by a move towards feminist politics as cultural politics. The way gender and class intersect in an African context continues to be an ongoing critical lever of analysis, despite some recent turns in the study of African gender systems that have evaded class as a critical variable.
Decolonizing Britain and Domesticating Women
Authors: Noble Denise
Published: December 2015

This article deploys an intersectional, transnational, and postcolonial approach to uncovering what is repressed and connoted in recent pronouncements that multiculturalism in Britain has failed and that it is time for Britain to return to a lost, indigenous, “active, muscular liberalism,” one that must now reassert its authority at home and abroad. To grasp what is at stake in calls for the reinvigoration of an active, muscular liberalism as simultaneously the indigenous personality and identity of not only the British “people” and nation, but indelibly of the West, they must be located within the history of British colonialism and its intersections with white, Western, imperial patriarchy. This article does so by explicating the intersections of gender, race, and class in the post-1945 double-inscription of metropole and colony in British liberalizing social reform and national reconstruction projects, symbolized by two major British government reports published in the 1940s. These are the Moyne Report (GBCO 1945), which shaped the transition of Britain's Caribbean territories from colonial to independent nations, and the Beveridge Report (Beveridge 1942), which shaped the modern British welfare state. What becomes apparent in both reports is how ethnically and racially differentiated categories of women were produced, targeted, and deployed in British metropolitan and colonial state discourses concerning the management of women and reform of racial rule at home and abroad.
Generalizations of some Enestrom-Kakeya type results
Authors: Gulzar MH , Manzoor AW
Published: December 2015

In this paper we give interesting generalizations of some well-known Enestrom-Kakeya type results on the location of zeros of a complex polynomial under less restrictive conditions on the coefficients of the polynomial.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 1-8
Fuzzy linear mathematical programming in agriculture
Authors: Lone MA , Puktha MS , Mir SA
Published: December 2015

In this paper we present a Fuzzy linear Mathematical programming approach for optimal allocation of land under cultivation. Fuzzy Mathematical programming approach is more realistic and flexible optimal solution for the agricultural land cultivation problem. In this study we have discussed how to deal with decision making problems that are described by Fuzzy linear programming (Flp) models and formulated with the elements of uncertainty. This form of approximation can be convenient and sufficient for making good decisions. BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 72-76
Thermodynamic, structural, transport and surface properties of Pb-Tl liquid alloy
Authors: Yadav SK , Jha LN , Adhikari D
Published: December 2015

Thermodynamic properties, such as free energy of mixing, heat of mixing, entropy of mixing, activities and the microscopic structural properties, such as concentration fluctuation in long-wavelength limit and chemical short-range order parameter of Pb-Tl liquid alloy at 773 K have been studied on the basis of regular associated solution model. We have estimated the mole fractions of the complex and the unassociated atoms assuming the existence of  complex as energetically favoured in the liquid state. The compositional contributions of the heat of mixing of the species Pb and Tl and the heat of formation of the compound to the net enthalpy change have also been studied. The transport properties such as, viscosity and the ratio of mutual and intrinsic coefficients have been studied using different approaches. The surface concentration of Tl atoms has been computed and it has been employed to calculate the surface tension of Pb-Tl liquid alloy. Both the theoretical and the experimental values of the concentration fluctuation in long-wavelength limit are found to be less than the ideal value, revealing that the concerned system is hetero-coordinating in nature. The interaction energies are found to be temperature dependent and respective alloy is found to be weakly interacting system. BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 100-113
Livelihood Change and Household Strategies: Social Displacement of the Upper Class in Dhading
Authors: Luintel Youba Raj
Published: December 2015

This article examines livelihoods transition among agrarian households in a cluster of villages adjacent to Kathmandu in a post-Neoliberal context. It specifically looks at the way these households respond to capitalist expansion in Nepal’s agrarian rural setting privileged to draw cash earnings. Looked at from the quest of longer term social change, this article identifies a great deal of similarity in household responses along class lines, and thus, concludes that household strategies broadly embrace class-specific behaviour. In identifying patterns of household response, this article also argues that class-differentiated analysis of household response can potentially illuminate social science understanding of the way capitalism penetrates into the countryside and brings social differentiation. Finally, this article demonstrates that social differentiation of agrarian households in rural Nepal is a mechanism of siphoning off of the rural surplus somewhere else (in this research context Kathmandu)–a mechanism widely attributed for an uneven development and underdevelopment of countryside Nepal.
Nepal’s Free Health Care Policy in Practice: Perspectives from Community Stakeholders, Providers and Users of Health Services in Myagdi District
Authors: Subedi Shiva
Published: December 2015

Government of Nepal has introduced Free Health Care Policy (FHCP) through different tiers of health delivery system in 2007. With the objective of understanding the perspectives of community stakeholders, health service providers, and the services users towards free care policy, a qualitative-quantitative study was conducted in selected communities of Myagdi district from December 2010 to January 2011. Although the majority of user group thought that free care service is good but only two-third of them had received free care. Shortage of free essential drugs at health facility centers, absence of health workers   and lack of clear information about free services or counseling on free services available at health facility centers are the most repeated issues raised by the service users. Similarly, the service providers had similar experiences and perceptions on FHCP. The majority of the community stakeholders also had positive perception on this implemented policy. They have observed that many facilities had shortage of drugs and people are not having free health care. Many health facilities lacked interaction on FHCP, and service users did not have equitable access to the services provided. Overall, though the free care was perceived to be good policy, its satisfactory implementation remains one of the challenges. Many of the areas relating to service delivery need to be strengthened. A reliable supply system of drugs and its regular monitoring mechanism can ensure the effective implementation of free health care services.
Inter-linkage between Hinterlands and Service Centers of Bima and Darbang VDCs in Myagdi District: A Rural Development Perspective
Authors: Garbuja Beg Prasad
Published: December 2015

This study focuses on exploring the status and contribution of inter- linkage relationship between service center and rural hinterland. The study was conducted in Bima and Darbang Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Myagdi district. This paper has used rural development perspective. The respondents were from 63 sample households including producers, consumers and service providers selected by using probability and non probability sampling methods. The primary data were collected through survey questionnaire, key informant interview, participant observation and focus group discussion whereas secondary data were generated from published and unpublished books, articles, journals, profile of VDCs and DDC. The study has revealed with various types of linkage between service center and rural hinterland i.e. service delivery, spatial or physical, administrative, economic, technological, financial and socio-cultural, educational and health service linkage. The study also highlighted productive role of remittance, international experience and adaptation of modern agriculture technology that has been positively affecting socio-economic life of the rural people. Further, joint efforts of public and private sectors’ and local stakeholders’ can be applied for developing and promoting service delivery opportunities and marketing facilities to the local people. The finding of the study has very strong implications to the local stakeholders for formulation of short run and long run local development plan in a similar situation.
Thermodynamic properties over (Ni2Te3O8 + NiTe2O5) in the Ni–Te–O system: Transpiration thermogravimetric and Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric studies
Authors: Narasimhan Tiruppatur Subramaniam Lakshmi , Nalini Seshadreesan , Manikandan Palraj , Trinadh Vinjavarapu Venkata , Baba Magapu Sai
Published: December 2015

Vaporisation studies over (Ni2Te3O8 + NiTe2O5) in the Ni–Te–O system were carried out by means of transpiration thermogravimetry (TTG) and Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry (KEMS) in the temperature ranges of 950 – 1 060 K and 850 – 950 K respectively. The transpiration measurements were performed for the first time. Comparison of total pressures obtained by TTG with that deduced using partial pressures of vaporising species from KEMS showed a good agreement providing reliable vapour pressures over this phase region. From vapour pressures, enthalpies of solid–gas and gas-phase equilibria and subsequently enthalpy and Gibbs free energies of formation of NiTe2O5(s) were derived. A thermochemical calculation was performed to assess the possibility of formation of the ternary NiTe2O5(s) phase on stainless steel clad of mixed-oxide fuelled fast breeder nuclear reactors.
A Smart Polymer Composite Based on a NiTi Ribbon and a Magnetic Hybrid Material for Actuators with Multiphysic Transduction
Authors: López-Walle Beatriz , López-Cuellar Enrique , Reyes-Melo Edgar , Lomas-González Osvaldo , De Castro Walman
Published: December 2015

A smart composite material constituted of a magnetic hybrid film and a NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) ribbon was obtained and characterized. The magnetic hybrid film was joined to the NiTi ribbon in order to combine the properties of both materials. This new composite material combines magnetic properties of the hybrid film, (Fe2O3-CMC)/(polyvinyl butyral), and the shape memory properties of the NiTi ribbon, which has a chemical composition of Ti-50.13 at. % Ni. This smart composite material has a mass of 18.3% NiTi ribbon and 81.7% magnetic hybrid film. Results obtained by DSC show that the smart composite material presents a small delay of transformation during warming and cooling because the magnetic hybrid film acts like a thermal insulator. Thermomechanical results indicate that the hybrid material also acts as a mechanical reinforcement, since it is observed that the Stress-Assisted Two-Way Memory Effect (SATWME) of the smart composite is lower than the SATWME of the SMA ribbon. The density current values of phase transformations were clearly identified with a thermomechanical apparatus developed in our laboratory. Finally, displacements of the smart composite material in cantilever configuration are obtained by applying an external magnetic field. All these results demonstrate that the smart composite material can be activated by temperature, electrical current, stress, and/or magnetic field, offering good expectations for actuating applications with multiphysic transduction.
Pedunculopontine Gamma Band Activity and Development
Authors: Garcia-Rill Edgar , Luster Brennon , Mahaffey Susan , MacNicol Melanie , Hyde James , D’Onofrio Stasia , Phillips Cristy
Published: December 2015

This review highlights the most important discovery in the reticular activating system in the last 10 years, the manifestation of gamma band activity in cells of the reticular activating system (RAS), especially in the pedunculopontine nucleus, which is in charge of waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The identification of different cell groups manifesting P/Q-type Ca2+ channels that control waking vs. those that manifest N-type channels that control REM sleep provides novel avenues for the differential control of waking vs. REM sleep. Recent discoveries on the development of this system can help explain the developmental decrease in REM sleep and the basic rest-activity cycle.
The Microenvironment in Gliomas: Phenotypic Expressions
Authors: Schiffer Davide , Annovazzi Laura , Mazzucco Marta , Mellai Marta
Published: December 2015

The microenvironment of malignant gliomas is described according to its definition in the literature. Beside tumor cells, a series of stromal cells (microglia/macrophages, pericytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, normal and reactive astrocytes) represents the cell component, whereas a complex network of molecular signaling represents the functional component. Its most evident expressions are perivascular and perinecrotic niches that are believed to be the site of tumor stem cells or progenitors in the tumor. Phenotypically, both niches are not easily recognizable; here, they are described together with a critical revision of their concept. As for perinecrotic niches, an alternative interpretation is given about their origin that regards the tumor stem cells as the residue of those that populated hyperproliferating areas in which necroses develop. This is based on the concept that the stem-like is a status and not a cell type, depending on the microenvironment that regulates a conversion of tumor non-stem cells and tumor stem cells through a cell reprogramming.
Paclitaxel Through the Ages of Anticancer Therapy: Exploring Its Role in Chemoresistance and Radiation Therapy
Authors: Barbuti Anna , Chen Zhe-Sheng
Published: December 2015

Paclitaxel (Taxol®) is a member of the taxane class of anticancer drugs and one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used against many forms of cancer. Paclitaxel is a microtubule-stabilizer that selectively arrests cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, and found to induce cytotoxicity in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Paclitaxel has been embedded in novel drug formulations, including albumin and polymeric micelle nanoparticles, and applied to many anticancer treatment regimens due to its mechanism of action and radiation sensitizing effects. Though paclitaxel is a major anticancer drug which has been used for many years in clinical treatments, its therapeutic efficacy can be limited by common encumbrances faced by anticancer drugs. These encumbrances include toxicities, de novo refraction, and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR). This article will give a current and comprehensive review of paclitaxel, beginning with its unique history and pharmacology, explore its mechanisms of drug resistance and influence in combination with radiation therapy, while highlighting current treatment regimens, formulations, and new discoveries.
Runtime-Monitoring for Industrial Control Systems
Authors: Janicke Helge , Nicholson Andrew , Webber Stuart , Cau Antonio
Published: December 2015

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are widely deployed in nation’s critical national infrastructures such as utilities, transport, banking and health-care. Whilst Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are commonly deployed to monitor real-time data and operations taking place in the ICS they are typically not equipped to monitor the functional behaviour of individual components. In this paper (This paper expands on an earlier position paper presented at the International Symposium for Industrial Control System and SCADA Cyber Security Research 2014), we are presenting a runtime-monitoring technology that provides assurances of the functional behaviour of ICS components and demonstrates how this can be used to provide additional protection of the ICS against cyber attacks similar to the well-known Stuxnet attack.
CDL, a Precise, Low-Cost Coincidence Detector Latch
Authors: Joost Ralf , Salomon Ralf
Published: December 2015

The electronic detection of the coincidence of two events is still a key ingredient for high-performance applications, such as Positron Emission Tomography and Quantum Optics. Such applications are demanding, since the precision of their calculations and thus their conclusions directly depend on the duration of the interval in which two events are considered coincidental. This paper proposes a new circuitry, called coincidence detector latch (CDL), which is derived from standard RS latches. The CDL has the following advantages: low complexity, fully synthesizable, and high scalability. Even in its simple implementation, it achieves a coincidence window width as short as 115 ps, which is more than 10 times better than that reported by recent research.
Assessing the Acceptability and Usability of an Internet-Based Intelligent Health Assistant Developed for Use among Turkish Migrants: Results of a Study Conducted in Bremen, Germany
Authors: Samkange-Zeeb Florence , Ernst Sinja , Klein-Ellinghaus Funda , Brand Tilman , Reeske-Behrens Anna , Plumbaum Till , Zeeb Hajo
Published: December 2015

The Internet offers a new chance for health professionals to reach population groups not usually reached through traditional information channels, for example, migrants. Criticism has, however, been raised that most health information on the Internet is not easy to read and lacks cultural sensitivity. We developed an Internet-based bilingual health assistant especially for Turkish migrants in Germany, tested its acceptance, and evaluated its usability in a participatory research design with families with and without Turkish migrant background. The interactive health assistant covered the following: nutrition, physical activity, overweight, diabetes, as well as pregnancy and pregnancy support. The idea of an Internet-based health assistant was generally accepted by all participants of the evaluation study, as long as it would be incorporated in existing appliances, such as smartphones. The bilingual nature of the assistant was welcomed especially by first generation migrants, but migrant participants also indicated that not all health information needed to be made available in a culture-specific way. The participants were least satisfied with the nutrition component, which they felt should include recipes and ingredients from the culture of origin, as well as specific aspects of food preparation.
Differential Effects of Temperature Extremes on Hospital Admission Rates for Respiratory Disease between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory
Authors: Green Donna , Bambrick Hilary , Tait Peter , Goldie James , Schultz Rosalie , Webb Leanne , Alexander Lisa , Pitman Andrew
Published: December 2015

The health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians may be exacerbated by climate change if temperature extremes have disproportionate adverse effects on Indigenous people. To explore this issue, we analysed the effect of temperature extremes on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, stratified by age, Indigenous status and sex, for people living in two different climates zones in the Northern Territory during the period 1993–2011. We examined admissions for both acute and chronic respiratory diagnoses, controlling for day of the week and seasonality variables. Our analysis showed that: (1) overall, Indigenous hospital admission rates far exceeded non-Indigenous admission rates for acute and chronic diagnoses, and Top End climate zone admission rates exceeded Central Australia climate zone admission rates; (2) extreme cold and hot temperatures were associated with inconsistent changes in admission rates for acute respiratory disease in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and older adults; and (3) no response to cold or hot temperature extremes was found for chronic respiratory diagnoses. These findings support our two hypotheses, that extreme hot and cold temperatures have a different effect on hospitalisations for respiratory disease between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and that these health risks vary between the different climate zones. We did not, however, find that there were differing responses to temperature extremes in the two populations, suggesting that any increased vulnerability to climate change in the Indigenous population of the Northern Territory arises from an increased underlying risk to respiratory disease and an already greater existing health burden.
Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children: Assessment of Criteria and a Proposal for New Ones in France
Authors: Etchevers Anne , Glorennec Philippe , Le Strat Yann , Lecoffre Camille , Bretin Philippe , Le Tertre Alain
Published: December 2015

The decline in children’s Blood Lead Levels (BLL) raises questions about the ability of current lead poisoning screening criteria to identify those children most exposed. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the performance of current screening criteria in identifying children with blood lead levels higher than 50 µg/L in France, and to propose new criteria. Data from a national French survey, conducted among 3831 children aged 6 months to 6 years in 2008–2009 were used. The sensitivity and specificity of the current criteria in predicting blood lead levels higher than or equal to 50 µg/L were evaluated. Two predictive models of BLL above 44 µg/L (for lack of sufficient sample size at 50 µg/L) were built: the first using current criteria, and the second using newly identified risk factors. For each model, performance was studied by calculating the area under the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. The sensitivity of current criteria for detecting BLL higher than or equal to 50 µg/L was 0.51 (0.26; 0.75) and specificity was 0.66 (0.62; 0.70). The new model included the following criteria: foreign child newly arrived in France, mother born abroad, consumption of tap water in the presence of lead pipes, pre-1949 housing, period of construction of housing unknown, presence of peeling paint, parental smoking at home, occupancy rates for housing and child’s address in a cadastral municipality or census block comprising more than 6% of housing that is potentially unfit and built pre-1949. The area under the ROC curve was 0.86 for the new model, versus 0.76 for the current one. The lead poisoning screening criteria should be updated. The risk of industrial, occupational and hobby-related exposure could not be assessed in this study, but should be kept as screening criteria.
Omics-Based Comparative Transcriptional Profiling of Two Contrasting Rice Genotypes during Early Infestation by Small Brown Planthopper
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Yang Ling , Li Mei , Ma Bojun , Yan Chengqi , Chen Jianping
Published: December 2015

The small brown planthopper (SBPH) is one of the destructive pests of rice. Although different biochemical pathways that are involved in rice responding to planthopper infestation have been documented, it is unclear which individual metabolic pathways are responsive to planthopper infestation. In this study, an omics-based comparative transcriptional profiling of two contrasting rice genotypes, an SBPH-resistant and an SBPH-susceptible rice line, was assessed for rice individual metabolic pathways responsive to SBPH infestation. When exposed to SBPH, 166 metabolic pathways were differentially regulated; of these, more than one-third of metabolic pathways displayed similar change patterns between these two contrasting rice genotypes; the difference of change pattern between these two contrasting rice genotypes mostly lies in biosynthetic pathways and the obvious difference of change pattern lies in energy metabolism pathways. Combining the Pathway Tools Omics Viewer with the web tool Venn, 21 and 6 metabolic pathways which potentially associated with SBPH resistance and susceptibility, respectively were identified. This study presents an omics-based comparative transcriptional profiling of SBPH-resistant and SBPH-susceptible rice plants during early infestation by SBPH, which will be very informative in studying rice-insect interaction. The results will provide insight into how rice plants respond to early infestation by SBPH from the biochemical pathways perspective.
tRNA-Derived Fragments (tRFs): Emerging New Roles for an Ancient RNA in the Regulation of Gene Expression
Authors: Keam Simon , Hutvagner Gyorgy
Published: December 2015

This review will summarise the recent discoveries and current state of research on short noncoding RNAs derived from tRNAs—known as tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs). It will describe the features of the known subtypes of these RNAs; including sequence characteristics, protein interactors, expression characteristics, biogenesis, and similarity to canonical miRNA pathways. Also their role in regulating gene expression; including mediating translational suppression, will be discussed. We also highlight their potential use as biomarkers, functions in gene regulation and links to disease. Finally, this review will speculate as to the origin and rationale for the conservation of this novel class of noncoding RNAs amongst both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Assessing the Ecophysiology of Methanogens in the Context of Recent Astrobiological and Planetological Studies
Authors: Taubner Ruth-Sophie , Schleper Christa , Firneis Maria , Rittmann Simon
Published: December 2015

Among all known microbes capable of thriving under extreme and, therefore, potentially extraterrestrial environmental conditions, methanogens from the domain Archaea are intriguing organisms. This is due to their broad metabolic versatility, enormous diversity, and ability to grow under extreme environmental conditions. Several studies revealed that growth conditions of methanogens are compatible with environmental conditions on extraterrestrial bodies throughout the Solar System. Hence, life in the Solar System might not be limited to the classical habitable zone. In this contribution we assess the main ecophysiological characteristics of methanogens and compare these to the environmental conditions of putative habitats in the Solar System, in particular Mars and icy moons. Eventually, we give an outlook on the feasibility and the necessity of future astrobiological studies concerning methanogens.
Removal of Chromium(VI) from Aqueous Solutions Using Fe3O4 Magnetic Polymer Microspheres Functionalized with Amino Groups
Authors: Wang Kai , Qiu Guangming , Cao Hongyu , Jin Ruifa
Published: December 2015

Magnetic polymer microspheres (MPMs) using glycidylmethacrylate (GMA) as a functional monomer were synthesized in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles via dispersion polymerization. After polymerization, the magnetic polymer microbeads were modified with ethylenediamine (EDA). The obtained ethylenediamine-functionalized magnetic microspheres (EDA-MPMs) were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Then the EDA-MPMs were applied as adsorbents for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Langmuir equation was appropriate to describe the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained from the Langmuir model were 236.9, 242.1 and 253.2 mg/g at 298, 308 and 318 K, respectively. The Cr(VI) adsorption equilibrium was established within 120 min and the adsorption kinetics was compatibly described by the pseudo-second order equation. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS°) of the sorption process revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous and was an endothermic process. The regeneration study demonstrated that the EDA-MPMs could be repeatedly utilized with no significant loss of adsorption efficiency.
On the Passivity of Hysteretic Systems with Double Hysteretic Loops
Authors: Pozo Francesc , Zapateiro Mauricio
Published: December 2015

The Bouc–Wen hysteresis model is widely employed to mathematically represent the dynamical behavior of several physical devices, materials and systems such as magnetorheological dampers, lanthanide zirconium or aluminum oxides, mechanical structures or biomedical systems. However, these mathematical models must account for different properties such as the bounded-input bounded-output stability, asymptotic motion, thermodynamic admissibility or passivity in order to be physically consistent with the systems they represent. The passivity of a system is related to energy dissipation. More precisely, a system is passive if it does not generate energy but only dissipates it. The objective of this paper is to prove that two different double-loop Bouc–Wen models are passive under a particular set of model parameters.
Co-Utilization of Glucose and Xylose for Enhanced Lignocellulosic Ethanol Production with Reverse Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Ishola Mofoluwake , Ylitervo Päivi , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: December 2015

Integrated permeate channel (IPC) flat sheet membranes were examined for use as a reverse membrane bioreactor (rMBR) for lignocellulosic ethanol production. The fermenting organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (T0936), a genetically-modified strain with the ability to ferment xylose, was used inside the rMBR. The rMBR was evaluated for simultaneous glucose and xylose utilization as well as in situ detoxification of furfural and hydroxylmethyl furfural (HMF). The synthetic medium was investigated, after which the pretreated wheat straw was used as a xylose-rich lignocellulosic substrate. The IPC membrane panels were successfully used as the rMBR during the batch fermentations, which lasted for up to eight days without fouling. With the rMBR, complete glucose and xylose utilization, resulting in 86% of the theoretical ethanol yield, was observed with the synthetic medium. Its application with the pretreated wheat straw resulted in complete glucose consumption and 87% xylose utilization; a final ethanol concentration of 30.3 g/L was obtained, which corresponds to 83% of the theoretical yield. Moreover, complete in situ detoxification of furfural and HMF was obtained within 36 h and 60 h, respectively, with the rMBR. The use of the rMBR is a promising technology for large-scale lignocellulosic ethanol production, since it facilitates the co-utilization of glucose and xylose; moreover, the technology would also allow the reuse of the yeast for several batches.
Effect of Additions of Ceramic Nanoparticles and Gas-Dynamic Treatment on Al Casting Alloys
Authors: Borodianskiy Konstantin , Selivorstov Vadim , Dotsenko Yuri , Zinigrad Michael
Published: December 2015

In recent years, improving the mechanical properties of metals has become the main challenge in the modern materials and metallurgical industry. An alloying process is usually used to achieve advanced performance of metals. This paper, however, describes an alternative approach. Modification with ceramic nanoparticles, gas-dynamic treatment (GDT) and a combined treatment were investigated on a hypoeutectic Al-Si A356 alloy. Microstructural studies revealed the refinement of coarse α-Al grains and the formation of distributed eutectic Si particles. Subsequent testing of the mechanical properties revealed improvement after applying each of the treatments. The best results were obtained after modification with TiCN nanoparticles followed by GDT; the tensile strength and elongation of the A356 alloys increased by 18% and 19%, respectively.
Amphiphilic Lipopeptide-Mediated Transport of Insulin and Cell Membrane Penetration Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Lei , Han Mei , Hu Jiaoyin , Zhang Liefeng
Published: December 2015

Arginine octamer (R8) and its derivatives were developed in this study for the enhanced mucosal permeation of insulin. R8 was substituted with different aminos, then modified with stearic acid (SA). We found that the SAR6EW-insulin complex had stronger intermolecular interactions and higher complex stability. The amphiphilic lipopeptide (SAR6EW) was significantly more efficient for the permeation of insulin than R8 and R6EW both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, different cellular internalization mechanisms were observed for the complexes. When the effectiveness of the complexes in delivering insulin in vivo was examined, it was found that the SAR6EW-insulin complex provided a significant and sustained (six hours) reduction in the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats. The improved absorption could be the comprehensive result of stronger intermolecular interactions, better enzymatic stability, altered internalization pathways, and increased transportation efficacy. In addition, no sign of toxicity was observed after consecutive administrations of SAR6EW. These results demonstrate that SAR6EW is a promising epithelium permeation enhancer for insulin and suggest that the chemical modification of cell-penetrating peptides is a feasible strategy to enhance their potential.
Change in Metabolic Profile after 1-Year Nutritional-Behavioral Intervention in Obese Children
Authors: Verduci Elvira , Lassandro Carlotta , Giacchero Roberta , Miniello Vito , Banderali Giuseppe , Radaelli Giovanni
Published: December 2015

Research findings are inconsistent about improvement of specific cardio-metabolic variables after lifestyle intervention in obese children. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a 1-year intervention, based on normocaloric diet and physical activity, on body mass index (BMI), blood lipid profile, glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome. Eighty-five obese children aged ≥6 years were analyzed. The BMI z-score was calculated. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipids, insulin and glucose. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated and insulin resistance was defined as HOMA-IR >3.16. HOMA-β%, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and triglyceride glucose index were calculated. The metabolic syndrome was defined in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. At the end of intervention children showed a reduction (mean (95% CI)) in BMI z-score (−0.58 (−0.66; −0.50)), triglycerides (−0.35 (−0.45; −0.25) mmol/L) and triglyceride glucose index (−0.29 (−0.37; −0.21)), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (0.06 (0.01; 0.11) mmol/L). Prevalence of insulin resistance declined from 51.8% to 36.5% and prevalence of metabolic syndrome from 17.1% to 4.9%. Nutritional-behavioral interventions can improve the blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in obese children, and possibly provide benefits in terms of metabolic syndrome.
Associations of Child Temperament with Child Overweight and Breakfast Habits: A Population Study in Five-Year-Olds
Authors: Skogheim Thea , Vollrath Margarete
Published: December 2015

This study examines the associations of child temperament with overweight/obesity and breakfast habits. Participants were 17,409 five-year-olds whose mothers partake in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and completed a questionnaire at the child’s 5th birthday. Temperament was assessed as externalizing, internalizing and sociable temperament. Breakfast habits differentiated between “every day”, “4 to 6 times a week”, and “0 to 3 times a week”. The child’s weight status was determined by Body Mass Index-percentiles and categorized as normal weight versus overweight/obese. Children with externalizing temperament had higher odds of being overweight and higher odds of not eating breakfast daily. Children high in internalizing temperament had higher odds of not eating breakfast daily, but not of being overweight. Children with average scores of sociability were more prone to being overweight but had normal breakfast habits. All results were adjusted for key confounders. That five-year-olds high in externalizing temperament had a higher risk to be overweight adds important information to the literature. The association of externalizing temperament with child breakfast habits so early in life is intriguing, as parents mostly control eating patterns in children that young. Mechanisms mediating this association should be explored.
Negative Ecodomy in Romanian Politics and Religion: Anti-Muslim Attitudes in the Bucharest Mosque Scandal during the Summer of 2015
Authors: Simuț Corneliu
Published: December 2015

This paper focuses on a chronology of events presented by the Romanian media, especially newspapers with national coverage and impact like Gândul and Adevărul, between the first week of June to the first week of September 2015, when the issue of having a mosque erected in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, was intensely debated by intellectuals, politicians, and religious professionals. The debates were intensely heated from the onset of these events and most of them revealed that most of the participants were driven by anti-Muslim attitudes, xenophobia, and assertive nationalism, a complex of feelings that I called “negative ecodomy”. The concept of “negative ecodomy” presupposes an attempt to built a safe environment, in this case for Romanians in their own country, but the adjective “negative” was added to the the positive idea of “ecodomy” because these efforts to offer a safe context for Romanians were accompanied by the negativity of anti-Muslim, xenophobic, and nationalistic activities. This array of negative ecodomic attitudes were displayed by Romanians not only in online media but also in the street through protests and other similar actions in a country which has been a member of the European Union for almost a decade and was supposed to adhere to the European Union’s basic principles of multiculturalism and the free circulation of persons. The totality of these events show that Romanians are still rather far from accepting the European Union’s fundamental philosophy or perhaps these principles themselves should be reconsidered and reinterpreted in the context of the massive Middle Eastern and African immigration and the constant, if not increasing threat of Islamic terrorism.
Derivation of High-Resolution Bathymetry from Multispectral Satellite Imagery: A Comparison of Empirical and Optimisation Methods through Geographical Error Analysis
Authors: Hamylton Sarah , Hedley John , Beaman Robin
Published: December 2015

The high importance of bathymetric character for many processes on reefs means that high-resolution bathymetric models are commonly needed by marine scientists and coastal managers. Empirical and optimisation methods provide two approaches for deriving bathymetry from multispectral satellite imagery, which have been refined and widely applied to coral reefs over the last decade. This paper compares these two approaches by means of a geographical error analysis for two sites on the Great Barrier Reef: Lizard Island (a continental island fringing reef) and Sykes Reef (a planar platform reef). The geographical distributions of model residuals (i.e., the difference between modelled and measured water depths) are mapped, and their spatial autocorrelation is calculated as a basis for comparing the performance of the bathymetric models. Comparisons reveal consistent geographical properties of errors arising from both models, including the tendency for positive residuals (i.e., an under-prediction of depth) in shallower areas and negative residuals in deeper areas (i.e., an over-prediction of depth) and the presence of spatial autocorrelation in model errors. A spatial error model is used to generate more reliable estimates of bathymetry by quantifying the spatial structure (autocorrelation) of model error and incorporating this into an improved regression model. Spatial error models improve bathymetric estimates derived from both methods.
The Causal Relationship between Urbanization, Economic Growth and Water Use Change in Provincial China
Authors: Bao Chao , He Dongmei
Published: December 2015

The relationship between urbanization, economic growth, and water use change is one of the key issues for China’s sustainable development, as rapid urbanization and continuous economic growth are accompanied by a steady water stress. Thus, we applied a cointegration test and a VECM (vector error correction model) Granger causality test to investigate the causal relationship between the urbanization level, the economic development level, and the total water use in China and its 31 provincial administrative regions during 1997–2013. Results show that the three indicators have a long-run equilibrium relationship in most provincial administrative regions in China. However, the short-run effects and Granger causal relationship are insignificant for China and most provincial administrative regions. Therefore, that an idea such as urbanization as the engine or major driving force of economic growth, and that China’s urbanization and economic growth will bring a water crisis and will be strongly constrained by water resources, might be properly weakened. Targeted and relatively separate policies should be emphasized more for the coordinated development of China’s urbanization, economy, and water resources.
Oxyradical Stress, Endocannabinoids, and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Matthews Anberitha , Ross Matthew
Published: December 2015

Atherosclerosis is responsible for most cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is caused by several factors including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic inflammation. Oxidants and electrophiles have roles in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the concentrations of these reactive molecules are an important factor in disease initiation and progression. Overactive NADPH oxidase (Nox) produces excess superoxide resulting in oxidized macromolecules, which is an important factor in atherogenesis. Although superoxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have obvious toxic properties, they also have fundamental roles in signaling pathways that enable cells to adapt to stress. In addition to inflammation and ROS, the endocannabinoid system (eCB) is also important in atherogenesis. Linkages have been postulated between the eCB system, Nox, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis. For instance, CB2 receptor-evoked signaling has been shown to upregulate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways, whereas CB1 signaling appears to induce opposite effects. The second messenger lipid molecule diacylglycerol is implicated in the regulation of Nox activity and diacylglycerol lipase β (DAGLβ) is a key biosynthetic enzyme in the biosynthesis eCB ligand 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG). Furthermore, Nrf2 is a vital transcription factor that protects against the cytotoxic effects of both oxidant and electrophile stress. This review will highlight the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in intracellular signaling and the impact of deregulated ROS-mediated signaling in atherogenesis. In addition, there is also emerging knowledge that the eCB system has an important role in atherogenesis. We will attempt to integrate oxidative stress and the eCB system into a conceptual framework that provides insights into this pathology.