bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Postprandial Glycemic Responses by Continuous Glucose Monitoring in a Real-World Setting
Authors: Röhling Martin , Martin Tobias , Wonnemann Meinolf , Kragl Martin , Klein Horst Harald , Heinemann Lutz , Martin Stephan , Kempf Kerstin
Published: September 2019

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose using capillary glucose testing (C) has a number of shortcomings compared to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). We aimed to compare these two methods and used blood glucose measurements in venous blood (IV) as a reference. Postprandial blood glucose levels were measured after 50 g oral glucose load and after the consumption of a portion of different foods containing 50 g of carbohydrates. We also evaluated the associations between postprandial glucose responses and the clinical characteristics of the participants at the beginning of the study. Methods: 12 healthy volunteers (age: 36 ± 17 years, BMI: 24.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2) ate white bread (WB) and whole grain (WG) bread and drank a 50 g glucose drink as reference. Postprandial glucose responses were evaluated by CGM, IV and C blood glucose measurements. Incremental area under the curve (AUCi) of postprandial blood glucose was calculated for 1 h (AUCi 0-60) and 2 h (AUCi 0-120). Results: After the consumption of white bread and whole grain bread, the AUCi 0-60 min did not differ between CGM and IV or C. AUCi 0-120 min of CGM showed no difference compared to C. Correlation analyses revealed a positive association of age with glucose AUCi 0-120 (r = 0.768; P = 0.004) and WG AUCi 0-120 (r = 0.758; P = 0.004); fasting blood glucose correlated with WG AUCi 0-120 (r = 0.838; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite considerable inter-individual variability of postprandial glycemic responses, CGM evaluated postprandial glycemic excursions which had comparable results compared to standard blood glucose measurements under real-life conditions. Associations of AUCi 0-60 and AUCi 0-120 postprandial glucose response with age or fasting blood glucose could be shown.
Comparison of Traditional and Ultrasound-Enhanced Electrospinning in Fabricating Nanofibrous Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Hakkarainen Enni , Kõrkjas Arle , Laidmäe Ivo , Lust Andres , Semjonov Kristian , Kogermann Karin , Nieminen Heikki J. , Salmi Ari , Korhonen Ossi , Haeggström Edward , Heinämäki Jyrki
Published: September 2019

We investigated nozzleless ultrasound-enhanced electrospinning (USES) as means to generate nanofibrous drug delivery systems (DDSs) for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Traditional electrospinning (TES) equipped with a conventional spinneret was used as a reference method. High-molecular polyethylene oxide (PEO) and chitosan were used as carrier polymers and theophylline anhydrate as a water-soluble model drug. The nanofibers were electrospun with the diluted mixture (7:3) of aqueous acetic acid (90% v/v) and formic acid solution (90% v/v) (with a total solid content of 3% w/v). The fiber diameter and morphology of the nanofibrous DDSs were modulated by varying ultrasonic parameters in the USES process (i.e., frequency, pulse repetition frequency and cycles per pulse). We found that the USES technology produced nanofibers with higher fiber diameter (402 ± 127 nm) than TES (77 ± 21 nm). An increase of a burst count in USES increased the fiber diameter (555 ± 265 nm) and the variation in fiber size. The slight-to-moderate changes in a solid state (crystallinity) were detected when compared the nanofibers generated by TES and USES. In conclusion, USES provides a promising alternative for aqueous-based fabrication of nanofibrous DDSs for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Smart Composite Hydrogels with pH-Responsiveness and Electrical Conductivity for Flexible Sensors and Logic Gates
Authors: Wang Tong , Zhang Xuan , Wang Zichao , Zhu Xiuzhong , Liu Jie , Min Xin , Cao Tao , Fan Xiaodong
Published: September 2019

Stimuli-responsive conductive hydrogels have a wide range of applications due to their intelligent sensing of external environmental changes, which are important for smart switches, soft robotics, and flexible sensors. However, designing stimuli-responsive conductive hydrogels with logical operation, such as smart switches, remains a challenge. In this study, we synthesized pH-responsive conductive hydrogels, based on the copolymer network of acrylic acid and hydroxyethyl acrylate doped with graphene oxide. Using the good flexibility and conductivity of these hydrogels, we prepared a flexible sensor that can realize the intelligent analysis of human body motion signals. Moreover, the pH-responsive conductive hydrogels were integrated with temperature-responsive conductive hydrogels to develop logic gates with sensing, analysis, and driving functions, which realized the intellectualization of conductive hydrogels.
Chemical Structure–Antioxidant Activity Relationship of Water–Based Enzymatic Polymerized Rutin and Its Wound Healing Potential
Authors: Pivec Tanja , Kargl Rupert , Maver Uroš , Bračič Matej , Elschner Thomas , Žagar Ema , Gradišnik Lidija , Stana Kleinschek Karin
Published: September 2019

The flavonoid rutin (RU) is a known antioxidant substance of plant origin. Its potential application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields is, however, limited, due to its low water solubility. This limitation can be overcome by polymerization of the phenolic RU into polyrutin (PR). In this work, an enzymatic polymerization of RU was performed in water, without the addition of organic solvents. Further, the chemical structure of PR was investigated using 1H NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to determine the molecular weight of PR, while its acid/base character was studied by potentiometric charge titrations. Additionally, this work investigated the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of PR with respect to its chemical structure, based on its ability to (i) scavenge non biological stable free radicals (ABTS), (ii) scavenge biologically important oxidants, such as O2•, NO•, and OH•, and (iii) chelate Fe2+. The influence of PR on fibroblast and HaCaT cell viability was evaluated to confirm the applicability of water soluble PR for wound healing application.
Assessment of Compressive Mechanical Behavior of Bis-GMA Polymer Using Hyperelastic Models
Authors: Karimzadeh Atefeh , Ayatollahi Majid Reza , Rahimian Koloor Seyed Saeid , Bushroa Abd Razak , Yahya Mohd Yazid , Tamin Mohd Nasir
Published: September 2019

Despite wide industrial applications of Bis-GMA polymer, very few studies are available about the material classification, mechanical properties, and behavior of this material. In this study, the compressive behavior of Bis-GMA polymer was studied using different hyperelastic constitutive models through a hybrid experimental-computational process. Standard uniaxial compression tests were conducted to extract the mechanical behavior and structural response of the Bis-GMA polymer. A nano-indentation experiment was used to verify the compressive behavior of Bis-GMA polymer in the form of hyperelastic behavior. The finite element model and real-time simulation of the test incorporating different hyperelastic models were developed in comparison with the experimental finding to obtain the proper type of hyperelastic behavior of Bis-GMA polymer. The results indicate that a second-order polynomial hyperelastic model is the best fit to predict the behavior of Bis-GMA polymer. Next, the validated model was used to determine the true stress–strain curve of the Bis-GMA polymer.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 177Lu-DOTA-DN(PTX)-BN for Selective and Concomitant Radio and Drug—Therapeutic Effect on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Gibbens-Bandala Brenda , Morales-Avila Enrique , Ferro-Flores Guillermina , Santos-Cuevas Clara , Luna-Gutiérrez Myrna , Ramírez-Nava Gerardo , Ocampo-García Blanca
Published: September 2019

The peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a successful approach for selectively delivering radiation within tumor sites through specific recognition of radiolabeled peptides by overexpressed receptors on cancer cell surfaces. The efficacy of PRRT could be improved by using polymeric radio- and drug- therapy nanoparticles for a concomitant therapeutic effect on malignant cells. This research aimed to prepare and evaluate, a novel drug and radiation delivery nanosystem based on the 177Lu-labeled polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer (DN) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and functionalized on the surface with the Lys1Lys3(DOTA)-bombesin (BN) peptide for specific targeting to gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPr) overexpressed on breast cancer cells. DN was first conjugated covalently to BN and DOTA (chemical moiety for lutetium-177 complexing) and subsequently loaded with PTX. The characterization by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, in-vitro drug delivery tests as well as in in-vitro and in-vivo cellular uptake of 177Lu-DOTA-DN(PTX)-BN by T47D breast cancer cells (GRPr-positive), indicated the formation of an improved delivery nanosystem with target-specific recognition by GRPr. Results of the 177Lu-DOTA-DN(PTX)-BN effect on T47D cell viability (1.3%, compared with 10.9% of 177Lu-DOTA-DN-BN and 14.0% of DOTA-DN-(PTX)-BN) demonstrated the concomitant radiotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic properties of the polymeric nanosystem as a potential agent for the treatment of GRPr-positive tumors.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on the Influences of Nanostructure Shape, Interfacial Adhesion Energy, and Mold Insert Material on the Demolding Process of Micro-Injection Molding
Authors: Yang Jin , Weng Can , Lai Jun , Ding Tao , Wang Hao
Published: September 2019

In micro-injection molding, the interaction between the polymer and the mold insert has an important effect on demolding quality of nanostructure. An all-atom molecular dynamics simulation method was performed to study the effect of nanostructure shape, interfacial adhesion energy, and mold insert material on demolding quality of nanostructures. The deformation behaviors of nanostructures were analyzed by calculating the non-bonded interaction energies, the density distributions, the radii of gyration, the potential energies, and the snapshots of the demolding stage. The nanostructure shape had a direct impact on demolding quality. When the contact areas were the same, the nanostructure shape did not affect the non-bonded interaction energy at PP-Ni interface. During the demolding process, the radii of gyration of molecular chains were greatly increased, and the overall density was decreased significantly. After assuming that the mold insert surface was coated with an anti-stick coating, the surface burrs, the necking, and the stretching of nanostructures were significantly reduced after demolding. The deformation of nanostructures in the Ni and Cu mold inserts were more serious than that of the Al2O3 and Si mold inserts. In general, this study would provide theoretical guidance for the design of nanostructure shape and the selection of mold insert material.
Unconfined Compressive Properties of Composite Sand Stabilized with Organic Polymers and Natural Fibers
Authors: Bai Yuxia , Liu Jin , Song Zezhuo , Chen Zhihao , Jiang Canhui , Lan Xiaowei , Shi Xiao , Bu Fan , Kanungo Debi Prasanna
Published: September 2019

As renewable and environment-friendly materials, coir and sisal natural fibers can be used in soil reinforcement with minimum cost and other benefits. In this study, we focused on their improvements of unconfined compressive properties of polymer treated sand. In total, 36 groups of unconfined compressive strength tests, combined with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope investigations were performed. We had studied the effects of polymer and fiber contents, and fiber types on the reinforcement effectiveness. The results showed that both coir and sisal fiber can improve the mechanical properties and microstructure of treated sand. In terms of strength properties, sisal fiber inclusion was better than coir fiber, while both have a similar reinforcement benefit on soil ductile behaviors. The strength and compressive energy increased with an increment in polymer and fiber content. The reinforced sand can have up to 1 MPa compressive strength and 140 kPa compressive energy for coir fiber inclusion, while 1.2 MPa and 170 kPa, respectively, for sisal fiber. The axial stress-strain characteristics and failure patterns were also improved, and the brittle index decreased toward zero, which suggests an increasing ductile. The polymer membrane enwrapping and bonding sand grains, and the network structure built by fiber crossing and overlapping among sand grains, as well as the interfacial attachment conferred by polymer between sand grains and fiber, all contributed to the reinforcement of treated sand.
Preparation and Properties of Self-Healing and Self-Lubricating Epoxy Coatings with Polyurethane Microcapsules Containing Bifunctional Linseed Oil
Authors: Yang Haijuan , Mo Qiufeng , Li Weizhou , Gu Fengmei
Published: September 2019

An organic coating is commonly used to protect metal from corrosion, but it is prone to failure due to microcracks generated by internal stress and external mechanical action. The self-healing and self-lubricating achieved in the coating is novel, which allows an extension of life by providing resistance to damage and repair after damage. In this study, a new approach to microencapsulating bifunctional linseed oil with polyurethane shell by interfacial polymerization. Moreover, the self-healing and self-lubricating coatings with different concentrations of microcapsules were developed. The well-dispersed microcapsules showed a regular spherical morphology with an average diameter of ~64.9 μm and a core content of 74.0 wt.%. The results of the salt spray test demonstrated that coatings containing microcapsules still possess anticorrosion, which is improved with the increase of microcapsules content, after being scratched. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a |Z|f=0.01Hz value of 104 Ω·cm2 for pure epoxy coating after being immersed for 3 days, whereas the coating with 20 wt.% microcapsules was the highest, 1010 Ω·cm2. The results of friction wear showed that the tribological performance of the coating was enhanced greatly as microcapsule concentration reached 10 wt.% or more, which showed a 86.8% or more reduction in the friction coefficient compared to the pure epoxy coating. These results indicated that the coatings containing microcapsules exhibited excellent self-healing and self-lubricating properties, which are positively correlated with microcapsules content.
Reversible and Irreversible Color Change during Photo and Thermal Degradation of PolyphenyleneSulfide Composite
Authors: Ivanov Victor B. , Bitt Vladimir V. , Solina Elena V. , Samoryadov Alexander V.
Published: September 2019

The effect of the light spectral composition and temperature on the change of color characteristics and reflection spectra during the irradiation of polyphenylene sulfide reinforced by short glass fibers in the SUNTEST apparatus was analyzed. The scales of reversible color change upon successive exposure to total radiation corresponding to the sunlight spectrum and to visible light wereevaluated and the possible mechanisms for the observed effects are discussed. The features of the color change upon visible light irradiation of previously thermally aged samples wereconsidered. Possible causes for deviation from the Arrhenius law during thermal aging of the composite are discussed. It wasdemonstrated that even with a significant change in color, the physicomechanical and electrotechnical characteristics of the composite only changedslightly or remained virtually at the same high level.
Composting of Polylactide Containing Natural Anti-Aging Compounds of Plant Origin
Authors: Moraczewski Krzysztof , Malinowski Rafał , Sikorska Wanda , Karasiewicz Tomasz , Stepczyńska Magdalena , Jagodziński Bartłomiej , Rytlewski Piotr
Published: September 2019

The paper presents the effects of biodegradation of polylactide containing natural anti-aging compounds. Polymer containing 0.5; 5 and 10 wt % of coffee, cocoa or cinnamon extracts were subjected to industrial composting for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. The effect of the composting process on polylactide properties was examined based on visual assessment, scanning electron microscopy, average molecular weight, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and tensile strength. The impact of the tested extracts on the effects of the composting process was compared with the impact of a commercially available anti-aging compound. It was found that the tested extracts in most cases did not adversely affect the effects of the composting process compared to pure polylactide, often resulting in intensification of biodegradation processes. As a result of the composting process, changes in the macro- and microscopic appearance of the samples and a decrease in molecular weight, phase transition temperatures, thermal resistance, and thermal strength were observed on a scale close to or greater than the reference anti-aging compound.
Comparison of Irregularity Indices of Several Dendrimers Structures
Authors: Zhao Dongming , Iqbal Zahid , Irfan Rida , Chaudhry Muhammad Anwar , Ishaq Muhammad , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Fahad Asfand
Published: September 2019

Irregularity indices are usually used for quantitative characterization of the topological structures of non-regular graphs. In numerous problems and applications, especially in the fields of chemistry and material engineering, it is useful to be aware of the irregularity of a molecular structure. Furthermore, the evaluation of the irregularity of graphs is valuable not only for quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies but also for various physical and chemical properties, including entropy, enthalpy of vaporization, melting and boiling points, resistance, and toxicity. In this paper, we will restrict our attention to the computation and comparison of the irregularity measures of different classes of dendrimers. The four irregularity indices which we are going to investigate are σ irregularity index, the irregularity index by Albertson, the variance of vertex degrees, and the total irregularity index.
Mass and Heat Integration in Ethanol Production Mills for Enhanced Process Efficiency and Exergy-Based Renewability Performance
Authors: Silva Ortiz Pablo A. , Maciel Filho Rubens , Posada John
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the process design and assessment of a sugarcane-based ethanol production system that combines the usage of both mass and heat integration (pinch analysis) strategies to enhance the process efficiency and renewability performance. Three configurations were analyzed: (i) Base case: traditional ethanol production (1G); (ii) mass-integrated (1G2G); and (iii) mass and heat-integrated system (1G2G-HI). The overall assessment of these systems was based on complementary approaches such as mass and mass–heat integration, energy and exergy analysis, exergy-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and renewability exergy criteria. The performances of the three cases were assessed through five key performance indicators (KIPs) divided into two groups: one is related to process performance, namely, energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and average unitary exergy cost (AUEC), and the other one is associated to environmental performance i.e., exergy-based CO2-equation emissions and renewability exergy index. Results showed a higher exergy efficiency of 50% and the lowest AUEC of all the systems (1.61 kJ/kJ) for 1G2G-HI. Furthermore, the destroyed exergy in 1G2G-HI was lower by 7% and 9% in comparison to the 1G and 1G2G cases, respectively. Regarding the exergy-based GHG emissions and renewability performance (λindex), the 1G2G-HI case presented the lowest impacts in terms of the CO2-equivalent emissions (94.10 gCO2-eq/MJ products), while λindex was found to be environmentally unfavorable (λ = 0.77). However, λindex became favorable (λ > 1) when the useful exergy of the byproducts was considered.
Seeking the Dharma on the World Stage: Lü Bicheng and the Revival of Buddhism in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Liu Peng
Published: September 2019

This article focuses on the Chinese woman writer Lü Bicheng 呂碧城 (1883–1943) and her relationship with the worldwide movement for the revival of Buddhism in the early twentieth century. Lü rose up in the context of the “new woman” ideal and transcended that ideal as she rejected the dualistic thinking that was prevalent in her time. She embraced both reason and religion, as well as both modern and traditional ideas. Her story demonstrates that religion and the creation of the “new woman” were not mutually exclusive in her life. In the 1920s and 1930s, Lü traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and eventually converted to Buddhism after she witnessed its popularity in the West. During this period, she successfully created a social space for herself by utilizing Buddhist sources to engage in intellectual dialogues on paranormal phenomena and animal protection. At the same time, she carved out a place for Buddhism in the discourse on the convergence and divergence of science and religion after the First World War (1914–1918).
Dimensions of Diversity: Toward a More Complex Conceptualization
Authors: Beyer Peter , Beaman Lori G.
Published: September 2019

The article assesses the complexity of religious diversity through a presentation of results from the Religion and Diversity Project, a seven-year project conducted between 2010 and 2017 and centred at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Analyzing five dimensions of diversity—the religions, lived, strength, institutional and forms dimensions—it demonstrates how results from the project support the thesis that religious diversity itself is changing in all these regards, becoming more complex, and relating in complex intersectionality with other categories of diversity such as sex and gender. The article concludes by pointing to the need to expand research into religious diversity to also include the growing nonreligious diversity in Canadian and other societies.
Pilgrimage in Slovakia—A Hidden Opportunity for the Management of Secular Objects?
Authors: Butoracová Sindleryová Ivana , Čajková Andrea , Sambronská Kristina
Published: September 2019

The Slovak Republic is a country of a deeply rooted Catholic religion and rich cultural, religious and craft tradition. The authors, in their own research, primarily focus on a group of pilgrims, believers, mostly Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic, who are inhabitants of the Slovak Republic (not necessarily the region in which the object of interest is located). The research is based on geographic and sociological selection. The authors define the research object as cultural and historical secular monuments—museums, castles, chateaux, and the like—located in the centre attractive for this group of tourists, that is to say, in places connected with pilgrimage sites, cathedrals, historically important objects from the point of view of religious belief in individual regions of the Slovak Republic. The aim of the authors is to provide the management of these objects with valuable recommendations reasonably justified by the result of their research, in the context of attracting the target group to visit a selected cultural object not directly related to the tourist activity of the target group, but located in the region of which the target group expresses a strong interest, solely for reasons of religious belief and pilgrimage. The primary research phase target of the authors was to solve the problem of the existence of a specific spectrum of common dominant motivation factors of pilgrimage tourist participation as a target group of exploration of activities and an offer of secular objects in the region (see Materials and Methods, H1). We analysed the results of our research through the SPSS program. We used the factor analysis method to extract the key motivation factors, and we have extracted key factors using principal component analysis and VARIMAX rotation in the right-angle system (rotated solution), clusters, assuming that each corresponds to one of the expected motivation factors. Detailed research conception and methodology as well as the results are described in the article.
AE-GAN-Net: Learning Invariant Feature Descriptor to Match Ground Camera Images and a Large-Scale 3D Image-Based Point Cloud for Outdoor Augmented Reality
Authors: Liu Weiquan , Wang Cheng , Bian Xuesheng , Chen Shuting , Li Wei , Lin Xiuhong , Li Yongchuan , Weng Dongdong , Lai Shang-Hong , Li Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Establishing the spatial relationship between 2D images captured by real cameras and 3D models of the environment (2D and 3D space) is one way to achieve the virtual–real registration for Augmented Reality (AR) in outdoor environments. In this paper, we propose to match the 2D images captured by real cameras and the rendered images from the 3D image-based point cloud to indirectly establish the spatial relationship between 2D and 3D space. We call these two kinds of images as cross-domain images, because their imaging mechanisms and nature are quite different. However, unlike real camera images, the rendered images from the 3D image-based point cloud are inevitably contaminated with image distortion, blurred resolution, and obstructions, which makes image matching with the handcrafted descriptors or existing feature learning neural networks very challenging. Thus, we first propose a novel end-to-end network, AE-GAN-Net, consisting of two AutoEncoders (AEs) with Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) embedding, to learn invariant feature descriptors for cross-domain image matching. Second, a domain-consistent loss function, which balances image content and consistency of feature descriptors for cross-domain image pairs, is introduced to optimize AE-GAN-Net. AE-GAN-Net effectively captures domain-specific information, which is embedded into the learned feature descriptors, thus making the learned feature descriptors robust against image distortion, variations in viewpoints, spatial resolutions, rotation, and scaling. Experimental results show that AE-GAN-Net achieves state-of-the-art performance for image patch retrieval with the cross-domain image patch dataset, which is built from real camera images and the rendered images from 3D image-based point cloud. Finally, by evaluating virtual–real registration for AR on a campus by using the cross-domain image matching results, we demonstrate the feasibility of applying the proposed virtual–real registration to AR in outdoor environments.
Robust Visual Tracking Using Structural Patch Response Map Fusion Based on Complementary Correlation Filter and Color Histogram
Authors: Hao Zhaohui , Liu Guixi , Gao Jiayu , Zhang Haoyang
Published: September 2019

A part-based strategy has been applied to visual tracking with demonstrated success in recent years. Different from most existing part-based methods that only employ one type of tracking representation model, in this paper, we propose an effective complementary tracker based on structural patch response fusion under correlation filter and color histogram models. The proposed method includes two component trackers with complementary merits to adaptively handle illumination variation and deformation. To identify and take full advantage of reliable patches, we present an adaptive hedge algorithm to hedge the responses of patches into a more credible one in each component tracker. In addition, we design different loss metrics of tracked patches in two components to be applied in the proposed hedge algorithm. Finally, we selectively combine the two component trackers at the response maps level with different merging factors according to the confidence of each component tracker. Extensive experimental evaluations on OTB2013, OTB2015, and VOT2016 datasets show outstanding performance of the proposed algorithm contrasted with some state-of-the-art trackers.
The Role of Perceived Control in the Psychophysiological Responses to Disgust of Subclinical OCD Women
Authors: Serrano Miguel Ángel , Rosell-Clari Vicent , García-Soriano Gemma
Published: September 2019

Obsessive‒compulsive disorder (OCD), and especially contamination obsessions and washing compulsions, has been related to disgust. However, when its cardiovascular correlates have been studied, contradictory results have been found, including heart rate accelerations and decelerations. The aim of this study is to analyze emotional, cognitive, and cardiovascular responses in nonclinical (control) and subclinical participants with obsessive‒compulsive contamination/washing symptoms when confronted with a disgusting stimulus. Twenty-seven participants (14 subclinical OCD) completed a behavioral avoidance task with a contamination-based stimulus while their heart rate and subjective variables were measured. Results showed heart rate reductions in both samples, whereas subjective measures reflected higher disgust, anxiety, dirtiness, and emotional valence in the subclinical sample. However, at the same time, the sense of dominance was lower in the control group. In conclusion, our results support a heart rate deceleration during exposure to a disgusting stimulus dissociated from the subjective experience.
Mechanical Behaviors and Fatigue Performances of Ballastless Tracks Laid on Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridges with Different Arrangements
Authors: Sheng Xingwang , Zheng Weiqi , Zhu Zhihui
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we present a new attempt to lay ballastless tracks on long-span cable-stayed bridges on high-speed railways. The arrangements of ballastless tracks laid on cable-stayed bridges can be divided into two conditions: (i) across the cable suspension-point cross-section or (ii) in discontinuity at the cable suspension-point cross-section. At present, there is a lack of in-depth research on ballastless tracks laid on long-span cable-stayed bridges, especially on the mechanical behaviors and fatigue performances of the ballastless tracks with different arrangements. For this paper, a segmental model of a long-span cable-stayed bridge was designed and built, on which full-scale ballastless tracks with two different arrangements were arranged. A series of fatigue tests and post-fatigue loading tests were carried out based on the two selected full-scale ballastless tracks. Some conclusions were drawn as follows. For the longitudinal end of the ballastless track, which is far from the loading positions, the interlayers of the ballastless tracks tend to warp up relatively, and the compressive pressures at the interlayers are also unloaded. However, there is no void or gap formed at the interlayers of the longitudinal end of the track slab due to the precompression of the rubber isolation layer. For the center of the track slab, which is close to the loading positions, the compressive deformations occur at the interlayers, and the pressures at interlayers are also increased. The maximum compressive deformation is less than 0.5 mm under the standard train axle load (170 kN), and it cannot affect the high-speed trains’ operation. With the increase of the post-fatigue loading, the load-displacement curves and the load-pressure variation curves of the ballastless tracks show apparent nonlinearity. Moreover, with the increase of the fatigue loading cycles, the compressive stiffness enhancement or degradation of the ballastless tracks are not noticeable. That is to say, the ballastless tracks laid on the long-span cable-stayed bridges with different arrangements have good mechanical behaviors, and their fatigue performances can also be guaranteed after bearing repeated loadings.
Inertial-Navigation-Aided Single-Satellite Highly Dynamic Positioning Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Tang Chengkai , Zhang Yi , Song Houbing
Published: September 2019

Nowadays, research on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) has reached a certain level of maturity to provide high-precision positioning services in many applications. Nonetheless, there are challenging GNSS-denial environments where a temporarily deployed single-satellite positioning system is a promising choice. To further meet the emergency call of highly dynamic targets in such situations, an augmented single-satellite positioning algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, the initial location of the highly dynamic target is found by real-time displacement feedback from the inertial navigation system (INS). Then, considering the continuity of position change, and taking advantage of the high accuracy and robustness of the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), target location is through iteration and fusion. Comparing this proposed method with the least-squares Newton-iterative Doppler single-satellite positioning system and the pseudorange rate-assisted method under synthetic error conditions, the positioning error of our algorithm was 10 % less than the other two algorithms. This verified the validation of our algorithm in the single-satellite system with highly dynamic targets.
Fatigue Detection during Sit-To-Stand Test Based on Surface Electromyography and Acceleration: A Case Study
Authors: Roldán Jiménez Cristina , Bennett Paul , Ortiz García Andrés , Cuesta Vargas Antonio I.
Published: September 2019

The latest studies of the 30-second sit-to-stand (30-STS) test aim to describe it by employing kinematic variables, muscular activity, or fatigue through electromyography (EMG) instead of a number of repetitions. The aim of the present study was to develop a detection system based on acceleration measured using a smartphone to analyze fatigue during the 30-STS test with surface electromyography as the criterion. This case study was carried out on one woman, who performed eight trials. EMG data from the lower limbs and trunk muscles, as well as trunk acceleration were recorded. Both signals from eight trials were preprocessed, being averaged and temporarily aligned. The EMG signal was processed, calculating the spectral centroid (SC) by Discrete Fourier Transform, while the acceleration signal was processed by Discrete Wavelet Transform to calculate its energy percentage. Regarding EMG, fatigue in the vastus medialis of the quadriceps appeared as a decrease in SC, with a descending slope of 12% at second 12, indicating fatigue. However, acceleration analysis showed an increase in the percentage of relative energy, acting like fatigue firing at second 19. This assessed fatigue according to two variables of a different nature. The results will help clinicians to obtain information about fatigue using an accessible and inexpensive device, i.e., as a smartphone.
GNSS Performance Modelling and Augmentation for Urban Air Mobility
Authors: Bijjahalli Suraj , Sabatini Roberto , Gardi Alessandro
Published: September 2019

One of the primary challenges facing Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the urban airspace is the availability of robust, reliable navigation and Sense-and-Avoid (SAA) systems. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are typically the primary source of positioning for most air and ground vehicles and for a growing number of UAS applications; however, their performance is frequently inadequate in such challenging environments. This paper performs a comprehensive analysis of GNSS performance for UAS operations with a focus on failure modes in urban environments. Based on the analysis, a guidance strategy is developed which accounts for the influence of urban structures on GNSS performance. A simulation case study representative of UAS operations in urban environments is conducted to assess the validity of the proposed approach. Results show improved accuracy (approximately 25%) and availability when compared against a conventional minimum-distance guidance strategy.
Green Urbanism Embedded in TOD for Urban Built Environment Planning and Design
Authors: Huang Wei , Wey Wann-Ming
Published: September 2019

Even though the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) concepts contribute great innovations to our next-generation metropolis, their means and focusing are primarily on the sustainable transportation dimension. It is debatable that the development mode advocated by TOD seems to lack relative considerations of both the ecological and environmental dimensions. Consequently, to achieve a better urban life, our urban planning and design should incorporate the consideration of peripheral areas that have not been further valued in the past, such as ecology diversity, natural energy recycling or reuse, and livable habitat, rather than just focusing on the sustainable transportation dimension of conventional TOD. This study thus explores and summarizes the design criteria of Green TOD through literature review and obtains the evaluation criteria via experts. Furthermore, through the FDT (fuzzy Delphi technique) method, the evaluation criteria from the expert questionnaire are screened. In turn, more important evaluation criteria are obtained objectively. Based on the screening results of FDT, we adopt the HOQ (house of quality) model integrated by FANP (fuzzy analytic network process) and QFD (quality function deployment) to allocate the weighting for each criterion scientifically. Finally, the evaluation results and hybrid decision model provided in this study can be used as an initial reference for improving the planning and design of today’s built environment. We believe that these pioneered attempts will help us in attaining our ultimate pursuit of urban sustainability and livability.
Service-Learning for Sustainability Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas: What Is Its Global Impact on Business University Students?
Authors: Martínez-Campillo Almudena , Sierra-Fernández María del Pilar , Fernández-Santos Yolanda
Published: September 2019

Service-Learning (SL) is a teaching innovation method that combines learning and social service objectives to improve educational quality and graduate employability. To date, there are hardly any studies on its global impact on university students. This paper describes and evaluates an SL experience for Sustainability Entrepreneurship in the context of Spanish Higher Education. Based on knowledge acquired in classrooms, multi-disciplinary teams of students from different subjects related to Business Administration offered support to potential entrepreneurs from rural municipalities in the complex task of writing a successful Business Plan for their projects for local sustainability. Within this academic framework, our study has two goals: (1) to assess the self-perception of university students about the improvement in their curricular development, professional skills and civic-social responsibility after participating in the SL experience; and (2) to estimate its possible effect on academic performance. The results show that the students acknowledged they had improved their social and sustainability commitment and their curricular development, and had acquired skills that society increasingly demands from future business professionals. Furthermore, service-students achieved significantly higher academic performance than a control group of non-participating students. These findings highlight the effectiveness of SL to provide a more holistic education for business university students.
Assessing Sustainability and Its Performance Implications: An Empirical Analysis in Spanish Public Universities
Authors: Blasco Natividad , Brusca Isabel , Labrador Margarita
Published: September 2019

This paper contributes to the literature about sustainability assessment and goes a step further by studying the effect on university performance. The aim is to analyze, from an external perspective, the relationships between the three dimensions of sustainability in universities (environmental, economic, and social), the similarities between universities, and the impact that it can have on performance. In order to carry out an empirical assessment for Spanish public universities, an index is proposed to measure sustainability through indicators for the three dimensions. The results show that there is a positive correlation among the three dimensions, but only the association between the environmental and the economic dimension is statistically significant, which evidences that there is not an integrated perspective of sustainability. Although there are no common patterns among universities, some similarities among them were found. Finally, the paper shows that the entities that integrate sustainability in their plans and activities have a positive impact on performance.
A Seed Coating Delivery System for Bio-Based Biostimulants to Enhance Plant Growth
Authors: Amirkhani Masoume , Mayton Hilary S. , Netravali Anil N. , Taylor Alan G.
Published: September 2019

A novel delivery method for the application of bio-based biostimulants as seed coatings was developed using different sources of liquid and powder forms of vermicompost and soy flour. Micronized vermicompost (MVC) and soy flour (SF) were mixed in different combinations as dry seed coating blends and applied using rotary pan seed coating equipment. The physical properties of coated seeds were measured, and as binder concentration increased, coating strength increased. The rates and percentages of germination of the newly developed coating formulations of SF+MVC did not decrease the germination parameters and were not significantly different than the control. However, the SF, SF with concentrated vermicompost extract, and SF + MVC from dairy manure increased the seedling vigor index by 24, 30, and 39 percent, respectively, compared to the control. Plant biometric parameters and nitrogen uptake per plant were also significantly higher for SF and SF+MVC coated seeds than the control, in a greenhouse environment. This is the first seed coating study to show an enhancement of plant growth with vermicompost, and vermicompost in combination with a plant-based protein that serves as a dry seed coating binder and biostimulant, respectively. Seed coatings developed in this study can serve as a model for development of the delivery systems of seeds for the application of bio-based biostimulants to enhance early plant growth.
Analysis of Agricultural Commodities Prices with New Bayesian Model Combination Schemes
Authors: Drachal Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

In the described research three agricultural commodities (i.e., wheat, corn and soybean) spot prices were analyzed. In particular, one-month ahead forecasts were built with techniques like dynamic model averaging (DMA), the median probability model and Bayesian model averaging. The common features of these methods are time-varying parameters approach toward estimation of regression coefficients and dealing with model uncertainty. In other words, starting with multiple potentially important explanatory variables, various component linear regression models can be constructed. Then, from these models an averaged forecast can be constructed. Moreover, the mentioned techniques can be easily modified from model averaging into a model selection approach. Considering as benchmark models, time-varying parameters regression with all considered potential price drivers, historical average, ARIMA (Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average) and the naïve forecast models, the Diebold–Mariano test suggested that DMA is an interesting alternative model, if forecast accuracy is the aim. Secondly, the interpretation of time-varying weights ascribed to component models containing a given variable suggested that economic development of emerging BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China) is recently one of the most important drivers of agricultural commodities prices. The analysis was made on the monthly data between 1976 and 2016. The initial price drivers were various fundamental, macroeconomic and financial factors.
Travel Satisfaction vs. Life Satisfaction: A Weighted Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Zarabi Zahra , Gerber Philippe , Lord Sébastien
Published: September 2019

Numerous studies have found that travel mode choice is related to mode-specific attitudes as well as travel-related satisfaction. While choosing a travel mode that is congruent with attitudes towards that mode (i.e., consonance) brings about travel satisfaction, travel-related satisfaction can result in the choice of a travel mode which is not necessarily consistent with (all) attitudes (i.e., dissonance). However, few studies have analyzed the extent to which consonance and dissonance affect or are affected by the overall travel-related satisfaction. This paper aims at understanding whether respondents with a positive attitude towards a certain mode will actually use the mode, and whether consonant travelers are more satisfied with their trips and travel-related situations compared to their dissonant counterparts. Additionally, research in this area is dominated by the use of quantitative methods, leading to a lack of understanding of the complexity of subjective factors such as attitudes and values. In this study, with a retrospective mixed method approach, 1977 (in the quantitative section) and 19 (in the qualitative section) employees who have experienced an involuntary relocation of their workplace have been examined vis-à-vis their travel-related values and attitudes, corresponding choices, and satisfaction. Results from our quantitative analyses indicate that first, the relocation of the workplace was associated with increased public transit use and travel satisfaction; and second, surprisingly, the share of dissonant active mode users was relatively high compared to other modes (except bus). Our qualitative analyses revealed that individuals do not necessarily use the most positively valued travel mode due to lack of accessibility and competences, but also due to having preferences for other travel-related elements such as travel route. Furthermore, travel mode consonance (or dissonance) and travel satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) are not necessarily positively related because (i) individuals attribute different weights to their travel-related attitudes and values, and (ii) satisfaction in other life domains can make a travel dissatisfaction bearable or even favorable.
Evaluating the Ecological Services of Roof Greening Plants in Beijing Based on Functional Traits
Authors: Tian Yuhong , Zhao Fangshu , Wang Tiantian , Jim C.Y. , Xu Taoran , Jin Jianjun
Published: September 2019

Selecting suitable species to enhance ecological functions is crucial for improvements in the planning and design of roof greening and in maintaining sustainable urban development, especially in rapidly urbanized areas. Assisted by field trips to enhance studies, the present project assessed the ecological functions of 207 plant species used for roof greening in Beijing based on their key functional traits. The results indicate that regulating, cultural, supplying, and supporting functions differed significantly among species and families in the study area. Rosaceae species have higher levels of overall ecological functions than other species, and a large number of Compositae species have lower-level functions. Compared to other families, Araliaceae and Nyctaginaceae have higher mean values of cultural and supporting functions and the highest mean overall function value of 37. Ulmaceae, Sapindaceae, Ginkgoaceae, Berberidaceae, and Aceraceae have higher mean regulating, cultural, supporting, and overall function values. Amaranthaceae, Umbelliferae, Lamiaceae, Saxifragaceae, Ericaceae, and Gramineae have lower values. The existing roof greening in Beijing includes some pitfalls with respect to plant composition as well as plant selection that does not consider ecological functions. The following measures could be proposed to increase ecological functions: (1) Increasing the number of plants with shallow roots and with strong adaptation traits to roof conditions; (2) Enriching ecological communities with diverse plants with high ecological functions; and (3) Carrying out rational ecological planning and management based on detailed and objective data on plant species. Future studies should focus on specifying plant functional traits to enhance ecological functions.