bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geopolymer Synthesis Using Garnet Tailings from Molybdenum Mines
Authors: Wang An , Liu Hongzhao , Hao Xiaofei , Wang Yang , Liu Xueqin , Li Zhen
Published: January 2019

Garnet tailings obtained in large quantities from molybdenum ore beneficiation are regarded as industrial waste, which not only occupies large areas of land but also causes environmental issues and ecological fines. Preparing garnet tailings based geopolymers (GTGs) is one of the efficient methods to recycle and utilize garnet mine tailings. In this work, geopolymers were synthesized using garnet tailing (GT) and metakaolin (MK) as the main precursors and sodium silicate as the alkali-activation agent. The effect of MK and alkali activator dosage, as well as curing temperature on the compression strength of GTGs were analyzed in detail. Results showed that the maximum strength (46 MPa, 3 days) was reached at a 20 wt % MK dosage with 35% sodium silicate addition cured at room temperature. The microstructure and phase composition of GTGs were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which confirmed the formation of an amorphous geopolymer gel. Lastly, it can be concluded that the garnet tailing is a promising material for geopolymer production, as an alternative for its utilization.
A Review on the Phytochemistry, Medicinal Properties and Pharmacological Activities of 15 Selected Myanmar Medicinal Plants
Authors: Aye Mya Mu , Aung Hnin Thanda , Sein Myint Myint , Armijos Chabaco
Published: January 2019

Medicinal plants are a reservoir of biologically active compounds with therapeutic properties that over time have been reported and used by diverse groups of people for treatment of various diseases. This review covers 15 selected medicinal plants distributed in Myanmar, including Dalbergia cultrata, Eriosema chinense, Erythrina suberosa, Millettia pendula, Sesbania grandiflora, Tadehagi triquetrum, Andrographis echioides, Barleria cristata, Justicia gendarussa, Premna integrifolia, Vitex trifolia, Acacia pennata, Cassia auriculata, Croton oblongifolius and Glycomis pentaphylla. Investigation of the phytochemical constituents, biological and pharmacological activities of the selected medicinal plants is reported. This study aims at providing a collection of publications on the species of selected medicinal plants in Myanmar along with a critical review of the literature data. As a country, Myanmar appears to be a source of traditional drugs that have not yet been scientifically investigated. This review will be support for further investigations on the pharmacological activity of medicinal plant species in Myanmar.
Biomechanical Stability and Osteogenesis in a Tibial Bone Defect Treated by Autologous Ovine Cord Blood Cells—A Pilot Study
Authors: Herten Monika , Zilkens Christoph , Thorey Fritz , Tassemeier Tjark , Lensing-Höhn Sabine , Fischer Johannes C. , Sager Martin , Krauspe Rüdiger , Jäger Marcus
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of autologous umbilical cord blood cells (USSC) on bone regeneration and biomechanical stability in an ovine tibial bone defect. Ovine USSC were harvested and characterized. After 12 months, full-size 2.0 cm mid-diaphyseal bone defects were created and stabilized by an external fixateur containing a rigidity measuring device. Defects were filled with (i) autologous USSC on hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold (test group), (ii) HA scaffold without cells (HA group), or (iii) left empty (control group). Biomechanical measures, standardized X-rays, and systemic response controls were performed regularly. After six months, bone regeneration was evaluated histomorphometrically and labeled USSC were tracked. In all groups, the torsion distance decreased over time, and radiographies showed comparable bone regeneration. The area of newly formed bone was 82.5 ± 5.5% in the control compared to 59.2 ± 13.0% in the test and 48.6 ± 2.9% in the HA group. Labeled cells could be detected in lymph nodes, liver and pancreas without any signs of tumor formation. Although biomechanical stability was reached earliest in the test group with autologous USSC on HA scaffold, the density of newly formed bone was superior in the control group without any bovine HA.
Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity in Trifolium Germplasm from Different Environments
Authors: Tava Aldo , Pecio Łukasz , Lo Scalzo Roberto , Stochmal Anna , Pecetti Luciano
Published: January 2019

Phenolics are important mediators in plant-environment interactions. The presence and concentration of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity were evaluated in leaves and flowers of a set of Trifolium species originating from contrasting environments encompassing lowland and mountain sites. The current germplasm proved a great reservoir of phenolic compounds, with different chemical structure and, possibly, diversified biological activity. Germplasm groups with specific phenolic composition were observed. In some cases, different patterns bore a taxonomic meaning. Lowland germplasm showed higher concentration of total phenolics in leaves than mountain accessions (50.30 vs. 34.19 mg/g dry matter (DM)), while the latter had higher concentration in flowers (114.16 vs. 57.44 mg/g DM). Outstanding concentration of isoflavones was observed in leaves of lowland germplasm (24.19 mg/g DM), and of both proanthocyanidins and flavonoids in flowers of mountain germplasm (53.81 and 56.62 mg/g DM, respectively). The pattern of phenolic composition in lowland and mountain germplasm was suggestive of different adaptive strategies. Three assays of antioxidant activity were tested, which were characterised by rather different reactivity towards phenolic composition. The scavenging activity was higher for leaf extracts of lowland germplasm, and for flower extracts of mountain germplasm. Besides identifying germplasm of interest, this study also suggested possible links between environmental factors and concentration and composition of phenolic compounds.
Oxidative Transformations of Lignans
Authors: Runeberg Patrik A. , Brusentsev Yury , Rendon Sabine M. K. , Eklund Patrik C.
Published: January 2019

Numerous oxidative transformations of lignan structures have been reported in the literature. In this paper we present an overview on the current findings in the field. The focus is put on transformations targeting a specific structure, a specific reaction, or an interconversion of the lignan skeleton. Oxidative transformations related to biosynthesis, antioxidant measurements, and total syntheses are mostly excluded. Non-metal mediated as well as metal mediated oxidations are reported, and mechanisms based on hydrogen abstractions, epoxidations, hydroxylations, and radical reactions are discussed for the transformation and interconversion of lignan structures. Enzymatic oxidations, photooxidation, and electrochemical oxidations are also briefly reported.
Gluten-Free Diet: Gaps and Needs for a Healthier Diet
Authors: Melini Valentina , Melini Francesca
Published: January 2019

The gluten-free diet (GFD) is currently the only effective treatment in remitting the symptoms of coeliac disease (CD), a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder caused by a permanent intolerance to gluten proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. The diet entails the substitution of gluten-containing products with gluten-free-rendered products. However, over recent decades the nutritional profile of gluten-free (GF) food products has been increasingly questioned within the scientific community. The aim of this paper is to review the nutritional profile of gluten-free-rendered products currently available on the market, and discuss the possible relationship thereof with the nutritional status of coeliac patients on a GFD. Key inadequacies of currently available GF products are low protein content and a high fat and salt content. More adequate levels of dietary fiber and sugar than in the past have been reported. Population studies confirmed the above mentioned inadequacies. Further efforts are required to conceive adoptable interventions for product development and reformulation in order to achieve compliance with nutritional recommendations.
The Use of Dietary Interventions in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Madzhidova Shirin , Sedrakyan Lusine
Published: January 2019

Complementary and alternative treatment approaches are becoming more common among children with chronic conditions. The prevalence of CAM use among US adults was estimated to be around 42% in 2015 and around 44% to 50% among adults with neurologic disorders. Studies demonstrate that children with certain chronic illnesses such as asthma, cancer, genetic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated with complementary and alternative treatments at higher rates. Dietary therapies are gaining increasing popularity in the mainstream population. Although the majority of “fad” diets do not have enough supporting evidence, some dietary therapies have been utilized for decades and have numerous published studies. The objective of this review is to describe the dietary interventions used in children with the specific chronic conditions, to evaluate their efficacy based on published data and to encourage pharmacist involvement in the management and care of such patients.
Efficient Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Wastewater with Electro-Reduction
Authors: Peng Hao , Leng Yumeng , Cheng Qinzhe , Shang Qian , Shu Jiancheng , Guo Jing
Published: January 2019

Removal of hexavalent chromium had attracted much attention as it is a hazardous contaminant. An electrocoagulation-like technology electro-reduction was applied. The chromium (VI) in the wastewater was reduced to chromium (III) by the electron supplied by electricity power and Fe2+, formed from corrosion of steel electrodes in acidic conditions. The mechanism and parameters affecting the reaction were investigated. The results optimized by response surface methodology indicated that the influence of single factor on the reduction efficiency followed the order: A: dosage of H2SO4 > C: reaction time > D: reaction temperature > B: current intensity. The reduction efficiency was hardly affected by current intensity, while it was increased with the increasing of reaction time and acid concentration. The reducing agent, Fe2+ an and extra free electron, acted as a reducing agent and could easily reduce hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium at high temperatures in an acidic medium.
Adsorption of Organic Constituents from Reverse Osmosis Concentrate in Coal Chemical Industry by Coking Coal
Authors: Xu Hongxiang , Qin Qizheng , Zhang Changfeng , Ning Kejia , Zhao Rong , Wang Penghui , Deng Jiushuai , Huang Gen
Published: January 2019

To solve the unwieldy problem of coal chemical wastewater reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC), a novel treatment method in which coking coal was used to adsorb the organic from ROC and the adsorption mechanism involved was investigated. The results showed that the organic components in the ROC of coal chemical industry can be effectively absorbed by the coking coal and the total organic carbon, UV254 and chromaticity of treated ROC reduced by 70.18%, 70.15% and 59.55%, respectively, at the coking coal dosage of 80 g/L. The isothermal adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir model well. The kinetics were expressed well by the quasi-second-order kinetic model. The intragranular diffusion model and the BET (Acronym for three scientists: Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) test showed that the adsorption occurred mainly on the surface of the coking coal and its macropores and mesopores. When the pollutants further diffused to the mesopores and micropores, the adsorption rate decreased. The result of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra showed that the coking coal mainly adsorbed the nitrogen and oxygen species and the halogenated hydrocarbon organic compounds in the ROC. The chlorinated hydrocarbons and heterocyclic organics in ROC are adsorbed on the surface of coking coal.
Determining Regional-Scale Groundwater Recharge with GRACE and GLDAS
Authors: Wu Qifan , Si Bingcheng , He Hailong , Wu Pute
Published: January 2019

Groundwater recharge (GR) is a key component of regional and global water cycles and is a critical flux for water resource management. However, recharge estimates are difficult to obtain at regional scales due to the lack of an accurate measurement method. Here, we estimate GR using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data. The regional-scale GR rate is calculated based on the groundwater storage fluctuation, which is, in turn, calculated from the difference between GRACE and root zone soil water storage from GLDAS data. We estimated GR in the Ordos Basin of the Chinese Loess Plateau from 2002 to 2012. There was no obvious long-term trend in GR, but the annual recharge varies greatly from 30.8 to 66.5 mm year−1, 42% of which can be explained by the variability in the annual precipitation. The average GR rate over the 11-year period from GRACE data was 48.3 mm year−1, which did not differ significantly from the long-term average recharge estimate of 39.9 mm year−1 from the environmental tracer methods and one-dimensional models. Moreover, the standard deviation of the 11-year average GR is 16.0 mm year−1, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 33.1%, which is, in most cases, comparable to or smaller than estimates from other GR methods. The improved method could provide critically needed, regional-scale GR estimates for groundwater management and may eventually lead to a sustainable use of groundwater resources.
Estimating Land Surface Temperature from Landsat-8 Data using the NOAA JPSS Enterprise Algorithm
Authors: Meng Xiangchen , Cheng Jie , Zhao Shaohua , Liu Sihan , Yao Yunjun
Published: January 2019

Land surface temperature (LST) is one of the key parameters in hydrology, meteorology, and the surface energy balance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Enterprise algorithm is adapted to Landsat-8 data to obtain the estimate of LST. The coefficients of the Enterprise algorithm were obtained by linear regression using the analog data produced by comprehensive radiative transfer modeling. The performance of the Enterprise algorithm was first tested by simulation data and then validated by ground measurements. In addition, the accuracy of the Enterprise algorithm was compared to the generalized split-window algorithm and the split-window algorithm of Sobrino et al. (1996). The validation results indicate the Enterprise algorithm has a comparable accuracy to the other two split-window algorithms. The biases (root mean square errors) of the Enterprise algorithm were 1.38 (3.22), 1.01 (2.32), 1.99 (3.49), 2.53 (3.46), and −0.15 K (1.11 K) at the SURFRAD, HiWATER_A, HiWATER_B, HiWATER_C sites and BanGe site, respectively, whereas those values were 1.39 (3.20), 1.0 (2.30), 1.93 (3.48), 2.53 (3.35), and −0.35 K (1.16 K) for the generalized split-window algorithm, 1.45 (3.39), 1.08 (2.41), 2.16 (3.67), 2.52 (3.58), and 0.02 K (1.12 K) for the split-window algorithm of Sobrino, respectively. This study provides an alternative method to estimate LST from Landsat-8 data.
Approximating Empirical Surface Reflectance Data through Emulation: Opportunities for Synthetic Scene Generation
Authors: Verrelst Jochem , Rivera Caicedo Juan Pablo , Vicent Jorge , Morcillo Pallarés Pablo , Moreno José
Published: January 2019

Collection of spectroradiometric measurements with associated biophysical variables is an essential part of the development and validation of optical remote sensing vegetation products. However, their quality can only be assessed in the subsequent analysis, and often there is a need for collecting extra data, e.g., to fill in gaps. To generate empirical-like surface reflectance data of vegetated surfaces, we propose to exploit emulation, i.e., reconstruction of spectral measurements through statistical learning. We evaluated emulation against classical interpolation methods using an empirical field dataset with associated hyperspectral spaceborne CHRIS and airborne HyMap reflectance spectra, to produce synthetic CHRIS and HyMap reflectance spectra for any combination of input biophysical variables. Results indicate that: (1) emulation produces surface reflectance data more accurately than interpolation when validating against a separate part of the field dataset; and (2) emulation produces the spectra multiple times (tens to hundreds) faster than interpolation. This technique opens various data processing opportunities, e.g., emulators not only allow rapidly producing large synthetic spectral datasets, but they can also speed up computationally intensive processing routines such as synthetic scene generation. To demonstrate this, emulators were run to simulate hyperspectral imagery based on input maps of a few biophysical variables coming from CHRIS, HyMap and Sentinel-2 (S2). The emulators produced spaceborne CHRIS-like and airborne HyMap-like surface reflectance imagery in the order of seconds, thereby approximating the spectra of vegetated surfaces sufficiently similar to the reference images. Similarly, it took a few minutes to produce a hyperspectral data cube with a spatial texture of S2 and a spectral resolution of HyMap.
Fiber Vector Bend Sensor Based on Multimode Interference and Image Tapping
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Rahman Aashia , Fiebrandt Julia , Wang Yu , Sun Kai , Luo Jiajun , Madhav Kalaga , Roth Martin M.
Published: January 2019

A grating-less fiber vector bend sensor is demonstrated using a standard single mode fiber spliced to a multimode fiber as a multimode interference device. The ring-shaped light intensity distribution at the end of the multimode fiber is subject to a vector transition in response to the fiber bend. Instead of comprehensive imaging processing for the analysis, the image can be tapped out by a seven-core fiber spliced to the other end of the multimode fiber. The seven-core fiber is further guided to seven single mode fibers via a commercial fan-out device. By comparing the relative light intensities received at the seven outputs, both the bend radius and its direction can be determined. Experiment has shown that a slight bend displacement of 10 µm over a 1.2-cm-long multimode fiber in the X direction (bend angle of 0.382°) causes a distinctive power imbalance of 4.6 dB between two chosen outputs (numbered C4 and C7). For the same displacement in the Y direction, the power ratio between the previous two outputs C4 and C7 remains constant, while the imbalance between another pair (C3 and C4) rises significantly to 7.0 dB.
A Novel Mass-Producible Capacitive Sensor with Fully Symmetric 3D Structure and Microfluidics for Cells Detection
Authors: Zuo Zhaorui , Wang Kun , Gao Libin , Ho Vincent , Mao Hongju , Qian Dahong
Published: January 2019

Affinity biosensors of interdigitated electrodes have been widely used in cell detection. This research presents a mass-producible and disposable three-dimensional (3D) structure capacitive sensor based on the integrated circuit package lead frames for cell concentration detection. The fully symmetric 3D interdigital electrode structure makes the sensor more homogeneous and sensitive. (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and glutaraldehyde are immobilized onto gold-plated electrodes. By overlaying the microfluidic channels on top, the volume of the solution is kept constant to obtain repeatable measured capacitance values. Moreover, using the upgraded reading and writing functions and circular measurement of the E4980A Data Transfer Program, an automatic multigroup test system is developed. It is shown that the cell concentration and capacitance are inversely correlated, and the cell concentration range of 103–106 CFU∙mL−1 is achieved. In addition, the rate of capacitance change matches that of state-of-the-art biosensors reported. A program is developed to find the optimal voltage and frequency for linear fitting between the capacitance change and cell concentration. Future work will employ machine learning-based data analysis to drug resistance sensitivity test of cell lines and cell survival status.
Corrosion Measurement of the Atmospheric Environment Using Galvanic Cell Sensors
Authors: Yang Daiming , Mei Hongwei , Wang Liming
Published: January 2019

An atmospheric corrosion monitor (ACM) is an instrument used to track the corrosion status of materials. In this paper, a galvanic cell sensor with a simple structure, flexible parameters, and low cost was proposed for constructing a novel ACM, which consisted of three layers: the upper layer was gold, used as the cathode; the lower layer was corroded metal, used as the anode; and the middle layer was epoxy resin, used to separate the cathode and anode. Typically, the anode and epoxy resin were hollowed out, and the hollow parts were filled with electrolyte when it was wet to form a corrosive galvanic cell. Specifically, the corrosion rate was obtained by measuring the short circuit current of the cell. The sensor was made of a printed circuit board (PCB) or flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a metal coupon, which allowed for early control of the electrical parameters (including sensitivity and capacity) and could be combined with various metals. Additionally, the sensor feasibility was studied in water droplet experiments, during which the corrosive current changed with the electrolyte evaporation. The sensor practicability was also verified in a salt spray test, and the electric charge was compared using the thickness loss of bare coupons. A contrast test was also conducted for the corrosivity of different sensors made of aluminum, iron and copper.
Indoor 3-D Localization Based on Received Signal Strength Difference and Factor Graph for Unknown Radio Transmitter
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Du Taihang , Jiang Chundong
Published: January 2019

Accurate localization of the radio transmitter is an important work in radio management. Previous research is more focused on two-dimensional (2-D) scenarios, but the localization of an unknown radio transmitter under three-dimensional (3-D) scenarios has more practical significance. In this paper, we propose a novel 3-D localization algorithm with received signal strength difference (RSSD) information and factor graph (FG), which is suitable for both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) condition. Considering the stochastic properties of measurement errors caused by the indoor environment, RSSD measurements are processed with mean and variance in the form of Gaussian distribution in the FG framework. A new 3-D RSSD-based FG model is constructed with the relationship between RSSD and location coordinates by local linearization technique. The soft-information computation and iterative process of the proposed model are derived by using the sum-product algorithm. In addition, the impacts of different grid distances and number of signal receivers on positioning accuracy are explored. Finally, the performance of our proposed approach is experimentally evaluated in a real scenario. The results show that the positioning performance of the proposed algorithm is not only superior to the k-nearest neighbors (kNN) algorithm and least square (LS) algorithm, but also it can achieve a mean localization error as low as 1.15 m. Our proposed scheme provides a good solution for the accurate detection of an unknown radio transmitter under indoor 3-D space and has a good application prospect.
Loading Patterns of Rubber-Based Resistance Bands across Distributors
Authors: Fuentes Alex D. , Smith Connor J. , Shoepe Todd C.
Published: January 2019

Variable resistance implemented through concurrent use of rubber-based resistance bands and free weights is commonly used in training athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the consistency of rubber-based resistance (RBR) band loading patterns across four distributors. Bands (n = 141) were obtained from online distributors (Rogue Fitness, EliteFTS, RubberBanditz, and Power Systems) across a spectrum of available widths (0.635, 1.270, 2.860, 4.450, 6.350, and 10.160 cm). At least five bands for each width were stretched in 5 cm increments from resting (100 cm) to twice resting length (200 cm) while tensile resistance was measured using a load cell integrated with a digital controller. Each band was tested twice on non-consecutive days producing an intertrial intraclass correlational coefficient (ICC) between 0.93–0.99 with a grand mean ICC across all repeated measures of 0.99. Statistical differences were observed in mean resistance for bands of equal thickness across distributors. Significant correlations were found between a range of tensile load expressed as a total load and band thickness (r = 0.658) and when expressed as a percentage (r = −0.386). This study is useful for strength and conditioning professionals and clinicians who should be cognizant of loading variability within both bandwidths and between distributors.
Investigating the Impact of Airport Noise and Land Use Restrictions on House Prices: Evidence from Selected Regional Airports in Poland
Authors: Batóg Jacek , Foryś Iwona , Gaca Radosław , Głuszak Michał , Konowalczuk Jan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we investigate the influence of airport operation on property prices. In this research, we apply spatial hedonic regression and a difference-in-differences approach to address the introduction of new land use restrictions on property prices. We use data on housing transactions from two housing submarkets around regional airports in Poland. The results suggest that the introduction of land use restrictions impacts property prices. In general, as expected, more rigid restrictions translate into higher discounts in property prices. This research contributes to the limited knowledge on the impact of the introduction of land use restrictions on property prices, as most previous papers have focused solely on the impact of noise. These findings must be treated with caution, as some estimates were not statistically significant, mainly due to limited sample size. The research has important policy implications. Growing airports in Poland face tensions between economic and environmental sustainability. Currently, airports in Poland are obliged to limit their environmental impact by creating limited use areas related to the aircraft related noise while being responsible for property value loss related to these restrictions. As a consequence, most regional airports face significant compensations to property owners.
Quantifying Grazing Intensity Using Remote Sensing in Alpine Meadows on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Qingqing , Chai Linrong , Hou Fujiang , Chang Shenghua , Ma Yushou , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Cheng Yunxiang
Published: January 2019

Remote sensing data have been widely used in the study of large-scale vegetation activities, which have important significance in estimating grassland yields, determining grassland carrying capacity, and strengthening the scientific management of grasslands. Remote sensing data are also used for estimating grazing intensity. Unfortunately, the spatial distribution of grazing-induced degradation remains undocumented by field observation, and most previous studies on grazing intensity have been qualitative. In our study, we tried to quantify grazing intensity using remote sensing techniques. To achieve this goal, we conducted field experiments at Gansu Province, China, which included a meadow steppe and a semi-arid region. The correlation between a vegetation index and grazing intensity was simulated, and the results demonstrated that there was a significant negative correlation between NDVI and relative grazing intensity (p < 0.05). The relative grazing intensity increased with a decrease in NDVI, and when the relative grazing intensity reached a certain level, the response of NDVI to relative grazing intensity was no longer sensitive. This study shows that the NDVI model can illustrate the feasibility of using a vegetation index to monitor the grazing intensity of livestock in free-grazing mode. Notably, it is feasible to use the remote sensing vegetation index to obtain the thresholds of livestock grazing intensity.
Beyond Place Attachment: Land Attachment of Resettled Farmers in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Xu Guoliang , Li Yi , Hay Iain , Zou Xiuqing , Tu Xiaosong , Wang Baoqiang
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the concept of land attachment—a positive emotional relationship between a resettled farmer and his or her rural land—in the context of China’s rapid urbanization and the resultant huge number of resettled and landless farmers. It explores the nature of resettled farmers’ emotional relationships to rural land to reveal the kinds of land that are meaningful to famers’ lives, and the differences among different groups. The study’s conceptual framework was based on place attachment theory. Grounded theory was applied to analyze qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews. The results show that land attachment can be divided into seven categories: landscape, lifestyle, land income, land rights, land rootedness, land culture, and villagers’ relationships. We also observed three categories of emotional relationships between resettled farmers and rural land: “reluctant to give up rural land and with land attachment”, “willing to give up rural land but with land attachment”, and “willing to give up rural land and without land attachment”. This study’s exploration of the concept of land attachment revealed that rural land is not merely an objective asset but that it also has a multidimensional existence, and may be the focus of subjective loss. The study also observed that it would be helpful to deepen understandings of the subjective loss experienced by resettled farmers as a result of land-requisition policies. Drawing from its findings, the paper concludes with suggestions supportive of the sustainable development of future policies and communities.
Ecosystem Services at the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve in Finland: A Visitor Perspective
Authors: Viirret Elina , Raatikainen Kaisa J. , Fagerholm Nora , Käyhkö Niina , Vihervaara Petteri
Published: January 2019

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) Biosphere Reserves aim to be flagships of sustainable landscapes. Many of them are important locations for tourism and leisure activities. We explored the perceptions of short-term visitors and summer residents on ecosystem services (ESs) tied to characteristic habitats of the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve in Finland. During holiday season, we conducted structured on-field interviews with 74 Biosphere Reserve visitors. From these data, we gained information on the visitors’ appreciation of different ESs and the selected habitats. We also derived habitat-specific ES profiles. Excluding the reedbeds, most habitats were both highly valued and considered as important producers of the listed ESs. The derived ES profiles were partially overlapping and inclined towards appreciation of cultural services, and the importance of scenery was highlighted. Provisioning services were not particularly appreciated. We discovered several linkages among biodiversity, ESs, and recreational land uses. Certain habitats were found to be in need of protection under high recreational land-use pressure, but also potential synergies were found. Our method introduces an important socio-cultural perspective into the region’s land management that aims to find a balance between the protection of the Biosphere Reserve’s unique biodiversity and the need to support sustainable local livelihoods and tourism.
Circular Cities: Challenges to Implementing Looping Actions
Authors: Williams Joanna
Published: January 2019

Currently cities consume 60–80% of natural resources globally. They produce 50% of global waste and 75% of green-house gas emissions. The UN estimates that 66% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050 while the global urban footprint will triple over the years to 2030. Thus cities, as a system of production and consumption, threaten the environmental sustainability of the globe. Looping actions—reuse, recycling and recovery of resources (materials, energy, water, land and infrastructure)—can help to address resource scarcity and wastage in cities. However, there are many challenges to implementation. Much of the literature explores the challenges to looping actions within resource sectors and for specific actions (i.e., challenges to adaptive reuse of buildings, recycling of material waste, energy recovery from sewage). It often does so without any clear reference to context. Nexus solutions are becoming a popular resource looping response to tackling wastage in cities. Some of the challenges to implementation have been explored, but influence of context has not been investigated. In this paper we explore the challenges facing the implementation of looping actions in cities. Using a mixed methods approach, we identify 58 challenges to looping actions across eight themes. We also establish the challenges to implementing a nexus solution. The research identifies five common implementation challenges. Addressing these challenges could enable looping actions across resource types in cities. The research also demonstrates how context affects the challenges to implementing looping actions and nexus solutions in cities. Nevertheless, the analysis suggests that there are some common levers for promoting looping actions and nexus solutions in cities, regardless of context.
Study on Urban Efficiency Measurement and Spatiotemporal Evolution of Cities in Northwest China Based on the DEA–Malmquist Model
Authors: Yin Jun , Tan Qingmei
Published: January 2019

Urban efficiency can effectively measure the management and allocation level of urban factor inputs. Based on the data of 30 prefecture-level cities in Northwest China from 2006 to 2015, urban efficiency is measured by data envelopment analysis (DEA). Then the spatiotemporal evolution rule is identified by Malmquist model. The results illustrate that the overall average urban efficiency of cities in Northwest China each year from 2006 to 2015 was at the low level. Only Jiayuguan, Yulin, Yan’an, and Karamay reached the high average urban efficiency, while Dingxi, Pingliang, Guyuan, Shangluo, Tianshui, Longnan, and Baiyin were at the inefficient level. Most cities in Northwest China were still in the “growing” stage of increasing returns to scale. The scale of urban investment was relatively insufficient, and economies of scale had not yet formed. Cities with decreasing returns to scale were mainly distributed in the capital cities and the central and sub-central cities of Guanzhong-Tianshui Economic Zone with relatively abundant urban resources and capital. Cities with constant returns to scale were mainly distributed in four cities including Yan’an, Yulin, Jiayuguan, and Karamay with high efficiency. The overall comprehensive efficiency, technical efficiency, and scale efficiency of cities in Northwest China were not only low, but also showing a downward trend. The overall progress of urban technology had failed to make up for the shortfall caused by low efficiency, resulting in total factor productivity (TFP) decreasing by 0.5%. Therefore, the cities in Northwest China should continuously improve their technical efficiency and scale efficiency, and ultimately enhance the comprehensive efficiency.
A New Residential Role for the Rural Environment in Extremadura, Spain
Authors: Jiménez Víctor , Sánchez José-Manuel , Rengifo Juan-Ignacio
Published: January 2019

European rural spaces are assuming a new residential role. In some such as Extremadura (Spain), the low population density and the practice of an extensive primary sector has allowed the survival of large areas and natural spaces that are desirable for urbanites. The residential growth caused by economic changes and tourist attractiveness has generated a new paradigm in which recreational use competes with agricultural and livestock use (until now the sustenance of the local economy). To record this change, it is essential to spatially determine what the rural environment means in this specific regional context and quantify the number of new existing homes. First, we resorted to the future competent legislation (born of experience and local knowledge) and territorial and urban planning, while second, we used the potentiality of all of the available free series of orthophotography and aerial photography including other tools such as Google Street View. This methodological process led us to discover a recent and important advancement of the recreational residential function. On balance, the data showed that recreational residential use is a leading actor in the change of the landscape and productive model of rural areas.
The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Job Performance and CSR as Mediator in SMEs
Authors: Manzoor Faiza , Wei Longbao , Nurunnabi Mohammad , Subhan Qazi Abdul , Shah Syed Irshad Ali , Fallatah Samaher
Published: January 2019

Leadership style is an important factor that affects the enhancement of organizational performance and employee’s job performance, and what objectives they should pursue, which also makes a profit for their employees or makes another social and economic contribution to society. The present study was developed to observe the impact of transformational leadership on job performance and to investigate the mediating mechanism of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Primary data were collected from the employees by using a cross-sectional design method. Employees who participated in the study are working in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan. A total of 300 questionnaires were circulated, and 130 were received. The Regression analysis was executed to examine whether CSR mediated the correlation among transformational leadership and job performance. The results of the study suggest that transformational leadership positively and completely predicts job performance. Particularly, the study finds that CSR significantly mediated the effect of transformational leadership on job performance. On the basis of these findings, it can be explicated that transformational leadership, job performances, and CSR are important elements of an organization. These elements can improve organizational performance. Theoretical implications of the recent study are discussed, and offer directions for future research in the area.
Comprehensive Land Carrying Capacities of the Cities in the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone and their Spatio-Temporal Variations
Authors: Cui Guangming , Zhang Xuliang , Zhang Zhaohui , Cao Yinghui , Liu Xiujun
Published: January 2019

The comprehensive land carrying capacities of seven cities in the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone between 2007–2014 were assessed using a multi-criterion comprehensive evaluation approach and an index of 27 indicators, and cluster analysis was conducted to identify the spatial-temporal variations of the cities’ comprehensive land carrying capacities. The results showed that the carrying capacity of the water and soil resources of the cities had declined except Dongying City; in contrast, the carrying capacities of the eco-environment, the social resources and the economy and technology of the seven cities had all arisen. The carrying capacities of social resources of Dongying and Weihai were markedly higher than the other five cities. The carrying capacities of economy and technology of Qingdao and Dongying were high, the capacities of Weihai and Yantai were moderate, and the capacities of Weifang, Rizhao, and Binzhou were low. In general, the comprehensive land carrying capacities of the eastern cities were higher than those of the western cities, which was similar to the spatial pattern of the economy development of those cities. In addition, positive correlations were identified between the comprehensive land carrying capacity and the per capita land for construction, areal proportion of wetland to total land, percentage of green space to build up area, per capita public green space, comprehensive utilization rate of industrial solid waste residues, urbanization rate, area of per capita urban road, per capita GDP, economy density, fixed-assets investment per area, etc. However negative correlations were discovered between the comprehensive land carrying capacity and the discharge of industrial waste water per 10,000 Yuan RMB GDP, as well as the proportion of added value of the primary industry to total GDP. Finally, we discussed measures to improve the comprehensive land carrying capacities of the cities, such as elevating the intensive land utilization and economic development, decreasing the proportion of added value of the primary industry to total GDP, promoting energy saving and emission reduction, etc.
A Fuzzy Programming Method for Modeling Demand Uncertainty in the Capacitated Road–Rail Multimodal Routing Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Sun Yan , Liang Xia , Li Xinya , Zhang Chen
Published: January 2019

Demand uncertainty is an important issue that influences the strategic, tactical, and operational-level decision making in the transportation/logistics/supply chain planning. In this study, we explore the effect of demand uncertainty on the operational-level freight routing problem in the capacitated multimodal transportation network that consists of schedule-based rail transportation and time-flexible road transportation. Considering the imprecise characteristic of the demand, we adopt fuzzy set theory to model its uncertainty and use trapezoidal fuzzy numbers to represent the fuzzy demands. We set multiple transportation orders as the optimization object and employ soft time windows to reflect the customer requirement on on-time transportation. Under the above situation, we establish a fuzzy mixed integer nonlinear programming (FMINLP) model to formulate the capacitated road–rail multimodal routing problem with demand uncertainty and time windows. We first use the fuzzy expected value model and credibility measure based fuzzy chance-constrained programming to realize the defuzziness of the model and then adopt linearization technique to reformulate the crisp model to finally generate an equivalent mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model that can be solved by standard mathematical programming software. Finally, a numerical case is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Sensitivity analysis and fuzzy simulation are combined to quantify the effect of demand uncertainty on the routing problem and also reveal some helpful insights and managerial implications.
Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Administration of Botulinum Toxin (IncobotulinumtoxinA) in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Galván Ruiz Antonio , Vergara Díaz Gloria , Rendón Fernández Beatriz , Echevarría Ruiz De Vargas Carmen
Published: January 2019

How effective and safe are incobotulinumtoxinA injections in adult patients with lateral epicondylitis refractory to other treatments? In this experimental study, ultrasound-guided incobotulinumtoxinA 10–30 U/muscle was injected into extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, extensor digitorum longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles. Pain (visual analogue scale [VAS], 0 to 10 [no pain to severe pain]) and upper-limb functionality (QuickDASH scale, 0 to 100 [best to worst]), assessed at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment, were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc tests. Secondary analyses stratifying patient population by sex and baseline VAS were performed. Adverse events were reported. Twenty-four patients (mean [standard deviation] age 46.8 years) were included. Compared with baseline, mean VAS and QuickDASH scores improved at all follow-ups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively; repeated-measures ANOVA). Secondary analyses revealed significant differences between baseline and all follow-ups in the group with baseline VAS ≥ 6 and in males and females (all p < 0.05, Tukey post-hoc test). No adverse events, except for the expected third finger weakness, were reported. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided incobotulinumtoxinA injections may be an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis in the appropriate patient population.
Clinical Characterization of Host Response to Simian Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection in Permissive and Refractory Hosts: A Model for Determining Mechanisms of VHF Pathogenesis
Authors: Cornish Joseph P. , Moore Ian N. , Perry Donna L. , Lara Abigail , Minai Mahnaz , Promeneur Dominique , Hagen Katie R. , Virtaneva Kimmo , Paneru Monica , Buechler Connor R. , O’Connor David H. , Bailey Adam L. , Cooper Kurt , Mazur Steven , Bernbaum John G. , Pettitt James , Jahrling Peter B. , Kuhn Jens H. , Johnson Reed F.
Published: January 2019

Simian hemorrhagic fever virus (SHFV) causes a fulminant and typically lethal viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in macaques (Cercopithecinae: Macaca spp.) but causes subclinical infections in patas monkeys (Cercopithecinae: Erythrocebus patas). This difference in disease course offers a unique opportunity to compare host responses to infection by a VHF-causing virus in biologically similar susceptible and refractory animals. Patas and rhesus monkeys were inoculated side-by-side with SHFV. Unlike the severe disease observed in rhesus monkeys, patas monkeys developed a limited clinical disease characterized by changes in complete blood counts, serum chemistries, and development of lymphadenopathy. Viral RNA was measurable in circulating blood 2 days after exposure, and its duration varied by species. Infectious virus was detected in terminal tissues of both patas and rhesus monkeys. Varying degrees of overlap in changes in serum concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and interleukin (IL)-6 were observed between patas and rhesus monkeys, suggesting the presence of common and species-specific cytokine responses to infection. Similarly, quantitative immunohistochemistry of livers from terminal monkeys and whole blood flow cytometry revealed varying degrees of overlap in changes in macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-cells. The unexpected degree of overlap in host response suggests that relatively small subsets of a host’s response to infection may be responsible for driving hemorrhagic fever pathogenesis. Furthermore, comparative SHFV infection in patas and rhesus monkeys offers an experimental model to characterize host–response mechanisms associated with viral hemorrhagic fever and evaluate pan-viral hemorrhagic fever countermeasures.
Structural Basis for Epitopes in the gp120 Cluster A Region that Invokes Potent Effector Cell Activity
Authors: Tolbert William D. , Sherburn Rebekah T. , Van Verna , Pazgier Marzena
Published: January 2019

While a number of therapeutic options to control the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) now exist, a broadly effective preventive vaccine is still not available. Through detailed structural analysis of antibodies able to induce potent effector cell activity, a number of Env epitopes have been identified which have the potential to be considered vaccine candidates. These antibodies mainly target the gp120 Cluster A region which is only exposed upon viral binding to the target cell with epitopes becoming available for antibody binding during viral entry and fusion and, therefore, after the effective window for neutralizing antibody activity. This review will discuss recent advances in the structural characterization of these important targets with a special focus on epitopes that are involved in Fc-mediated effector function without direct viral neutralizing activities.