bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Dependence of Electrophoretic Mobility and Hydrodynamic Radius of Microgels of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Maki Yasuyuki , Sugawara Kentaro , Nagai Daisuke
Published: April 2018

Electrostatic interactions in charged microgels, which are dominated by the microgel net charge, play a crucial role in colloidal stabilization and loading of small, charged molecules. In this study, the temperature dependences of electrophoretic mobility μ and hydrodynamic radius Rh were measured for a slightly ionized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) microgel in a dilute suspension. A decrease in Rh was observed in the temperature range between 30 °C and 35 °C, corresponding to the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPA, and an increase in |μ| was observed in a higher temperature range between 34 °C and 37 °C. The analysis based on electrophoresis theory for spherical polyelectrolytes indicated that the net charge of the microgel decreased as the microgel was deswollen.
Molecular Evolution and Expression Divergence of HMT Gene Family in Plants
Authors: Zhao Man , Chen Peng , Wang Wenyi , Yuan Fengjie , Zhu Danhua , Wang Zhao , Ying Xiangxian
Published: April 2018

Homocysteine methyltransferase (HMT) converts homocysteine to methionine using S-methylmethionine (SMM) or S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as methyl donors in organisms, playing an important role in supplying methionine for the growth and the development of plants. To better understand the functions of the HMT genes in plants, we conducted a wide evolution and expression analysis of these genes. Reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationship showed that the HMT gene family was divided into Class 1 and Class 2. In Class 1, HMTs were only found in seed plants, while Class 2 presented in all land plants, which hinted that the HMT genes might have diverged in seed plants. The analysis of gene structures and selection pressures showed that they were relatively conserved during evolution. However, type I functional divergence had been detected in the HMTs. Furthermore, the expression profiles of HMTs showed their distinct expression patterns in different tissues, in which some HMTs were widely expressed in various organs, whereas the others were highly expressed in some specific organs, such as seeds or leaves. Therefore, according to our results in the evolution, functional divergence, and expression, the HMT genes might have diverged during evolution. Further analysis in the expression patterns of AthHMTs with their methyl donors suggested that the diverged HMTs might be related to supply methionine for the development of plant seeds.
Growing Neural PC-12 Cell on Crosslinked Silica Aerogels Increases Neurite Extension in the Presence of an Electric Field
Authors: Lynch Kyle J , Skalli Omar , Sabri Firouzeh
Published: April 2018

Externally applied electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to enhance the nerve regeneration process and to influence the directionality of neurite outgrowth. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of the substrate used for nerve-cell regeneration is critical in fostering regeneration. Previously, we have shown that polyurea-crosslinked silica aerogels (PCSA) exert a positive influence on the extension of neurites by PC-12 cells, a cell-line model widely used to study neurite extension and electrical excitability. In this work, we have examined how an externally applied electric field (EF) influences the extension of neurites in PC-12 cells grown on two substrates: collagen-coated dishes versus collagen-coated crosslinked silica aerogels. The externally applied direct current (DC) bias was applied in vitro using a custom-designed chamber containing polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) embedded copper electrodes to create an electric field across the substrate for the cultured PC-12 cells. Results suggest orientation preference towards the anode, and, on average, longer neurites in the presence of the applied DC bias than with 0 V DC bias. In addition, neurite length was increased in cells grown on silica-crosslinked aerogel when compared to cells grown on regular petri-dishes. These results further support the notion that PCSA is a promising material for nerve regeneration.
Mapping the Galvanic Corrosion of Three Coupled Metal Alloys Using Coupled Multielectrode Array: Influence of Chloride Ion Concentration
Authors: Ju Hong , Duan JinZhuo , Yang Yuanfeng , Cao Ning , Li Yan
Published: April 2018

The galvanic corrosion behavior of three metal alloys commonly used in water desalination plants was investigated using coupled multielectrode arrays consisting of aluminum-brass (HAl77-2), titanium alloy (TA2), and 316L stainless steel (316L SS). The three electrode types were coupled galvanically and arranged in different geometric configurations. Their corrosion behavior was characterized as a function of the chloride concentration. The potential and current distributions of the three-electrode coupling systems display electrochemical inhomogeneity. Generally, the aluminum-brass wires are anodic versus the titanium alloy and stainless steel. The titanium alloy acts as a primary cathode, and the 316L SS acts as a secondary cathode. The corrosion rate of aluminum-brass depends on the concentration of chloride ion, with a maximum corrosion rate at a chloride concentration of 2.3 wt %. In terms of geometrical arrangements, when the anodic HAl77-2 wires are located on the edge and are connected to the 316L SS wires in the coupling system, the main anodic area enlarges, especially in the area adjacent to the 316L SS wires. When the HAl77-2 wires are located between (in the middle of) the two other types of wires, the corrosion rates are higher than the corrosion rates observed from the other two geometrical arrangements.
Intermetallic Growth and Interfacial Properties of the Grain Refiners in Al Alloys
Authors: Li Chunmei , Cheng Nanpu , Chen Zhiqian , Xie Zhongjing , Hui Liangliang
Published: April 2018

Al3TM(TM = Ti, Zr, Hf, Sc) particles acting as effective grain refiners for Al alloys have been receiving extensive attention these days. In order to judge their nucleation behaviors, first-principles calculations are used to investigate their intermetallic and interfacial properties. Based on energy analysis, Al3Zr and Al3Sc are more suitable for use as grain refiners than the other two intermetallic compounds. Interfacial properties show that Al/Al3TM(TM = Ti, Zr, Hf, Sc) interfaces in I-ter interfacial mode exhibit better interface wetting effects due to larger Griffith rupture work and a smaller interface energy. Among these, Al/Al3Sc achieves the lowest interfacial energy, which shows that Sc atoms should get priority for occupying interfacial sites. Additionally, Sc-doped Al/Al3(Zr, Sc) interfacial properties show that Sc can effectively improve the Al/Al3(Zr, Sc) binding strength with the Al matrix. By combining the characteristics of interfaces with the properties of intermetallics, the core-shell structure with Al3Zr-core or Al3Zr(Sc1-1)-core encircled with an Sc-rich shell forms.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Lehmann Teresa E.
Published: April 2018

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Lipoxygenase-Derived Arachidonic Acid Metabolites in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Balode Līga , Strazda Gunta , Jurka Normunds , Kopeika Uldis , Kislina Agnese , Bukovskis Māris , Beinare Marina , Gardjušina Valentīna , Taivāns Immanuels
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a persistence of inflammation in large and small airways. We hypothesized that this could be caused by the inability of an inflammatory process to resolve. In the resolution of inflammation, a switching of arachidonic acid metabolism from the production of proinflammatory leukotriene B4 (LtB4) to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory lipoxins plays an important role. The aim of our study was to determine the content of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and LtB4 in induced sputum of patients with exacerbated COPD and to compare it to healthy controls, as well as to analyze the relationship between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators and an inflammatory cell spectrum in induced sputum. Material and Methods. Induced sputum from 17 COPD patients and 7 healthy controls were analyzed for LXA4 and LtB4 content and inflammatory cell spectrum. Results. COPD patients had a significantly lower sputum LXA4 concentration and LtB4/LXA4 ratio compared with healthy controls. A significant negative correlation was found between the LXA4 concentration and the relative neutrophil count and between the LtB4/LXA4 ratio and the relative macrophage count. Conclusions. COPD patients during the late phase of exacerbation had a suppressed production of LXA4 and an elevated LtB4/LXA4 ratio in induced sputum demonstrating a proinflammatory imbalance. The correction of a balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids by the administration of stable analogues of lipoxins could improve the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the future.
Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Līduma Iveta , Tračevska Tatjana , Bērs Uģis , Žileviča Aija
Published: April 2018

Objective. The most important virulence factor of Staphylococcus epidermidis is their capability to form a biofilm on the surfaces of implanted medical devices. The accumulative phase of biofilm formation is linked to the production of intercellular adhesin encoded by the icaADBC operon and accumulation-associated protein by the aap gene. The aim of the study was to investigate biofilm formation phenotypically and genetically in clinical strains of S. epidermidis in comparison with commensal strains. Material and Methods. The study was carried out in 4 hospitals in Riga, Latvia. In total, 105 clinical strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from patients’ blood (n=67) and intravenous catheters (n=38) in a case of laboratory-confirmed bacteremia were studied. Moreover, 60 Staphylococcus epidermidis commensal strains isolated from nose epithelium of healthy people were included as a control group. Appearance of the icaA and aap genes was tested by polymerase chain reaction. The microtiter plate method was used. Results. Biofilm formation was detected in 50 (47%) of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates in the clinical group and 15 (25%) of isolates in the control group (P=0.0049). Among 50 biofilmforming clinical isolates, 46 (92%) were positive for the icaA and/or aap genes. The icaA and aap genes were not found only in 4 strains. Conclusions. The clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis were more likely to form biofilms than the commensal strains. The carriage of the icaA or aap gene alone, or their absence, is not applicable as a molecular marker for the discrimination invasive Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from contaminants.
Changes in Caries Prevalence and Oral Hygiene Skills Among Preschool-Aged Children in Lithuania Between 2000 and 2010
Authors: Razmienė Jaunė , Vanagas Giedrius , Bendoraitienė Eglė , Andriuškevičienė Vilija , Slabšinskienė Eglė
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence and severity of dental caries as well oral hygiene habits among 4- to 6-year-old children in Kaunas (Lithuania) in 2000 and 2010. Material and Methods. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out to reveal the changes in dental caries prevalence in 2000 and 2010. The study population comprised 4- to 6-year-old children living in Kaunas city and attending kindergartens. The study consisted of two parts: questionnaires on oral health behavior and clinical examination of children’s teeth by the World Health Organization methodology. Results. A total of 941 4–6-year-old children were examined in 2000 and 2010. The prevalence of dental caries increased from 85.4% in 2000 to 88.4% in 2010; however, the difference was not significant (P=0.28). A significant increase in the dmf-t index, describing the severity of dental caries, was observed (from 7.42 in 2000 to 12.03 in 2010, P<0.001). The percentage of 4- to 5-yearold girls and 5-year-old boys brushing their teeth regularly decreased in 2010. During the period of the study, a significant change in the accumulation of plaque on children’s tooth surfaces was documented (P=0.001). Conclusions. Comparing 2000 and 2010, no significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries among 4- to 6-year-old children in Kaunas was observed; however, the severity of dental caries differed significantly. A significant decrease in regular toothbrushing skills was documented for 4- and 5-year-old girls and 5-year-old boys. The Silness-Loe oral hygiene index was assessed as satisfactory.
Influence of PAI-1 Gene Promoter-675 (4G/5G) Polymorphism on Fibrinolytic Activity After Cardiac Surgery Employing Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Ozolina Agnese , Strike Eva , Jaunalksne Inta , Serova Jelena , Romanova Tatjana , Zake Liene , Sabelnikovs Olegs , Vanags Indulis
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. The plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) gene promoter contains 675 (4G/5G) polymorphism. The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of the PAI-1 promoter-675 (4G/5G) polymorphism on the concentrations of PAI-1 and tissue plasminogen activator/PAI-1 (t-PA/PAI-1) complex and bleeding volume after on-pump cardiac surgery.Material and Methods. A total of 90 patients were included in the study at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital. Seven patients were excluded due to surgical bleeding. Eighty-three patients were classified according to the PAI-1 genotype: 21 patients had the 4G/4G genotype; 42, the 4G/5G genotype; and 20, the 5G/5G genotype. The following fibrinolysis parameters were recorded: the PAI-1 level preoperatively, D-dimer level at 0, 6, and 24 hours after surgery, and t-PA/ PAI-1 complex level 24 hours postoperatively. A postoperative bleeding volume was registered in mL 24 hours after surgery.Results. The patients with the 5G/5G genotype had significantly lower preoperative PAI-1 levels (17 [SD, 10.8] vs. 24 ng/mL [SD, 9.6], P=0.04), higher D-dimer levels at 6 hours (371 [SD, 226] vs. 232 ng/mL [SD, 185], P=0.03) and 24 hours (326 [SD, 207] vs. 209 ng/mL [SD, 160], P=0.04), and greater postoperative blood loss (568 [SD, 192] vs. 432 mL [168], P=0.02) compared with the 4G/4G carriers. There were no significant differences in the levels of the t-PA/PAI-1 complex comparing different genotype groups.Conclusions. The carriers of the 5G/5G genotype showed the lower preoperative PAI-1 levels, greater chest tube blood loss, and higher D-dimer levels indicating that the 5G/5G carriers may have enhanced fibrinolysis.
Effectiveness of Self-Help Groups and Psychotherapy: Self-Assessment of Patients With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Sudraba Velga , Millere Inga , Rancans Elmars
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. The basis of substance use disorders (SUD) is formed with regard to biopsychosocial aspects. By following the SUD biological model exclusively, the effectiveness of treatment is limited since all the formation aspects of SUD are not taken into account. By using the psychosocial model, however, the understanding and treatment of a substance use illness becomes enhanced and is more effective. A key role in this model is played by self-help groups and psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the viewpoint of patients with substance use disorders in terms of the number of visits, duration of treatment, efficacy of self-help groups, and individual and group psychotherapy in different treatment methods. Material and Methods. The participants were approached by researchers at two drug and alcohol services in Latvia. In total, 587 patients received questionnaires developed by the authors of the study. Results. All the 587 questionnaires of both outpatient respondents (n=200, 34.1%) and inpatient respondents (n=387, 65.9%) were analyzed. Of all the outpatient department respondents, 41.5% (n=83) attended self-help groups, 28.5% (n=57) individual psychotherapy, and 14.5% (n=29) group psychotherapy; the inpatient department respondents were 2 to 4 times less often involved in the measures. Conclusions. The outpatient respondents were more frequently employed. They attended selfhelp groups and psychotherapy and obtained longer remission comparing with inpatient respondents. This study has shown that patients had a greater success rate in staying in remission, maintaining outpatient care and shedding the need of inpatient care.
Estimation of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk in Relation to Leisure-Time Physical Activity: A Cohort Study
Authors: Bacevičienė Miglė , Lukšienė Dalia , Bernotienė Gailutė , Tamošiūnas Abdonas
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Epidemiologists agree that physical activity has a protective role in morbidity and mortality mainly through its positive impact on risk factors. So far, most studies have confirmed that CVD risk decreases with an increasing physical activity level, but it is not known what level of physical activity is already sufficient for mortality risk reduction. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore long-term associations between leisure-time physical activity and mortality risk in the Lithuanian urban population. Material and Methods. The MONICA study (1992–1993) and the repeated health examination survey in 2001–2002 were organized as a cohort study of 2642 middle-aged inhabitants from the general Lithuanian population of Kaunas. Two random samples aged 35–64 years were examined in 1992–2002. Leisure-time physical activity was assessed by an interview method, asking about physically demanding activities at leisure time measured in hours. The study sample was pooled into 2 groups: inactive (first quartile) and active (second to fourth quartiles). Follow-up was carried out in terms of the endpoints reached from the baseline until December 31, 2010. Mortality data from the National Death Register were obtained. Results. Multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses revealed an HR of 1.46 (95% CI, 1.15–1.85) for all-cause mortality and 1.73 (95% CI, 1.23–2.45) for CVD mortality in the lowest quartile of leisure-time physical activity compared with the higher ones. As much as 16.2% of all-cause mortality and 22.2% of CVD mortality was attributable to the lowest quartile of leisuretime physical activity. Conclusions. This study demonstrated a beneficial effect of leisure time physical activity on predicting all-cause and CVD mortality risk.
Emerging Anti-Fouling Methods: Towards Reusability of 3D-Printed Devices for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lepowsky Eric , Tasoglu Savas
Published: April 2018

Microfluidic devices are used in a myriad of biomedical applications such as cancer screening, drug testing, and point-of-care diagnostics. Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers a low-cost, rapid prototyping, efficient fabrication method, as compared to the costly—in terms of time, labor, and resources—traditional fabrication method of soft lithography of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Various 3D printing methods are applicable, including fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and photopolymer inkjet printing. Additionally, several materials are available that have low-viscosity in their raw form and, after printing and curing, exhibit high material strength, optical transparency, and biocompatibility. These features make 3D-printed microfluidic chips ideal for biomedical applications. However, for developing devices capable of long-term use, fouling—by nonspecific protein absorption and bacterial adhesion due to the intrinsic hydrophobicity of most 3D-printed materials—presents a barrier to reusability. For this reason, there is a growing interest in anti-fouling methods and materials. Traditional and emerging approaches to anti-fouling are presented in regard to their applicability to microfluidic chips, with a particular interest in approaches compatible with 3D-printed chips.
Carbonation-Induced Mineralogical Changes in Coal Mining Waste Blended Cement Pastes and Their Influence on Mechanical and Microporosity Properties
Authors: Frías Moisés , De la Villa Raquel Vigil , García Rosario , Rodríguez Olga , Fernández-Carrasco Lucía , Martínez-Ramírez Sagrario
Published: April 2018

The worldwide pursuit of new eco-efficient pozzolans is ongoing. Kaolinite-based waste is an eco-friendly source of recycled metakaolinite, a highly pozzolanic product. In this study, a blended cement paste containing 20% activated coal waste (ACW) was exposed to a 100% CO2 atmosphere at 65% RH for 7 days. The variations in its phase composition and strength were studied and compared to an OPC control. Both pastes were cured for 28 days prior to the carbonation test. Reaction kinetics were assessed using XRD, SEM/EDX, TG/DTG, FT-IR, Micro-Raman spectroscopy, pore solution pH and the cumulative carbonated fraction. The blended cement carbonated 68% faster than the control. While portlandite carbonation was the main reaction in both cements, decalcification was also observed (more intensely in the 20% ACW paste) in other hydraulic calcium phases (C-S-H gel, monocarboaluminate (C4AcH12), ettringite and tetracalcium aluminate (C4AH13). The end product of this reaction was calcium carbonate, mainly in the form of calcite, although traces of aragonite and amorphous carbonate were also detected. Compressive strength values rose with accelerated carbonation time and pore size reduction in both cement pastes.
Breakage Function for HPGR: Mineral and Mechanical Characterization of Tantalum and Tungsten Ores
Authors: Anticoi Hernan , Guasch Eduard , Hamid Sarbast Ahmad , Oliva Josep , Alfonso Pura , Garcia-Valles Maite , Bascompta Marc , Sanmiquel Lluis , Escobet Teresa , Argelaguet Rosa , Escobet Antoni , De Felipe Jose Juan , Parcerisa David , Peña-Pitarch Esteban
Published: April 2018

The modelling of high pressure grinding rolls is described by the population balance model, a mass balance which includes several functions that are related to the mineral characteristics, material kinetics and operative conditions of the device. The breakage distribution function is one of these functions and refers to the way in which the daughter particles are generated by the process of comminution. The piston-die press is presented as a methodology to determine the breakage distribution function of two different materials, from the mechanical response point of view: altered granite and a cal-silicate material. The aim is to determine the relation between the operative conditions and the mineral characteristics in order to explain and predict the breakage function parameters. The materials were characterised using XRD and single compression strength tests. The altered granite is a brittle material, which generates more fines under single compression conditions compared to bed compression conditions, mainly due to the mineral composition and the response of the material to the breakage action. The cal-silicate material shows a normal trend in its breakage behaviour. As is expected, the mineralogical characterisation is a useful tool to predict the values of the parameters of the breakage distribution function.
Catalytic Enantioselective Addition of Organozirconium Reagents to Aldehydes
Authors: Solà Ricard , Veguillas Marcos , González-Soria María José , Carter Nicholas , Fernández-Ibáñez M. Angeles , Maciá Beatriz
Published: April 2018

A catalytic enantioselective addition reaction of alkylzirconium species to aromatic aldehydes is reported. The reaction, facilitated by a chiral nonracemic diol ligand complex with Ti(OiPr)4, proceeds under mild and convenient conditions, and no premade organometallic reagents are required since the alkylzirconium nucleophiles are generated in situ by hydrozirconation of alkenes with the Schwartz reagent. The methodology is compatible with functionalized nucleophiles and a broad range of aromatic aldehydes.
Label-Free Biosensor Using a Silver Specific RNA-Cleaving DNAzyme Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube for Silver Ion Determination
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Yang , Liu Gang
Published: April 2018

Silver, a very common heavy metal, has been employed in electronics, medicine, jewelry, and catalysis due to its excellent chemical and physical characteristics. Silver-containing wastes can cause environmental pollution, so it is vital to monitor the Ag(I) concentration. Here, a label-free biosensor was developed for the Ag(I) detection, which used single-walled carbon nanotubes/field effect transistor (SWNTs/FET) to functionalize with a specific DNAzyme, containing an Agzyme and a complementary strand DNA (CS-DNA) embedded an RNA-base. The CS-DNA was covalently immobilized on the SWNTs’ surface through peptide bonds, and then combined with the Agzyme. When Ag(I) was bound with the Agzyme, the CS-DNA can be cleaved at the RNA site efficiently. The cleaved DNAzyme induced a remarkable change in the electrical conductivity of SWNTs. The performances of DNAzyme/SWNTs/FET were investigated using different spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. Under the optimized parameters, DNAzyme/SWNTs/FET presented a high sensitivity and selectivity towards Ag(I), in which the linear response range is 10 pM to 106 pM and the limit of detection is 5 pM(S/N = 3). Additionally, the prepared biosensor was applied to measure the Ag(I) concentration in the water sample with good results.
Correction: Kauppinen, A.; Miettinen, I.T. Persistence of Norovirus GII Genome in Drinking Water and Wastewater at Different Temperatures. Pathogens 2017, 6(4), 48
Authors: Kauppinen Ari , Miettinen Ilkka
Published: April 2018

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [1]: [...]
Lithological Classification Using Sentinel-2A Data in the Shibanjing Ophiolite Complex in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Ge Wenyan , Cheng Qiuming , Tang Yunwei , Jing Linhai , Gao Chunsheng
Published: April 2018

As a source of data continuity between Landsat and SPOT, Sentinel-2 is an Earth observation mission developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), which acquires 13 bands in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) to shortwave infrared (SWIR) range. In this study, a Sentinel-2A imager was utilized to assess its ability to perform lithological classification in the Shibanjing ophiolite complex in Inner Mongolia, China. Five conventional machine learning methods, including artificial neural network (ANN), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), maximum likelihood classification (MLC), random forest classifier (RFC), and support vector machine (SVM), were compared in order to find an optimal classifier for lithological mapping. The experiment revealed that the MLC method offered the highest overall accuracy. After that, Sentinel-2A image was compared with common multispectral data ASTER and Landsat-8 OLI (operational land imager) for lithological mapping using the MLC method. The comparison results showed that the Sentinel-2A imagery yielded a classification accuracy of 74.5%, which was 2.5% and 5.08% higher than those of the ASTER and OLI imagery, respectively, indicating that Sentinel-2A imagery is adequate for lithological discrimination, due to its high spectral resolution in the VNIR to SWIR range. Moreover, different data combinations of Sentinel-2A + ASTER + DEM (digital elevation model) and OLI + ASTER + DEM data were tested on lithological mapping using the MLC method. The best mapping result was obtained from Sentinel-2A + ASTER + DEM dataset, demonstrating that OLI can be replaced by Sentinel-2A, which, when combined with ASTER, can achieve sufficient bandpasses for lithological classification.
Application of Ground Penetrating Radar Supported by Mineralogical-Geochemical Methods for Mapping Unroofed Cave Sediments
Authors: Čeru Teja , Dolenec Matej , Gosar Andrej
Published: April 2018

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) using a special unshielded 50 MHz Rough Terrain Antenna (RTA) in combination with a shielded 250 MHz antenna was used to study the capability of this geophysical method for detecting cave sediments. Allochthonous cave sediments found in the study area of Lanski vrh (W Slovenia) are now exposed on the karst surface in the so-called “unroofed caves” due to a general lowering of the surface (denudation of carbonate rocks) and can provide valuable evidence of the karst development. In the first phase, GPR profiles were measured at three test locations, where cave sediments are clearly evident on the surface and appear with flowstone. It turned out that cave sediments are clearly visible on GPR radargrams as areas of strong signal attenuation. Based on this finding, GPR profiling was used in several other places where direct indicators of unroofed caves or other indicators for speleogenesis are not present due to strong surface reshaping. The influence of various field conditions, especially water content, on GPR measurements was also analysed by comparing radargrams measured in various field conditions. Further mineralogical-geochemical analyses were conducted to better understand the factors that influence the attenuation in the area of cave sediments. Samples of cave sediments and soils on carbonate rocks (rendzina) were taken for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses to compare the mineral and geochemical compositions of both sediments. Results show that cave sediments contain higher amounts of clay minerals and iron/aluminium oxides/hydroxides which, in addition to the thickness of cave sediments, can play an important role in the depth of penetration. Differences in the mineral composition also lead to water retention in cave sediments even through dry periods which additionally contribute to increased attenuation with respect to surrounding soils. The GPR method has proven to be reliable for locating areas of cave sediments at the surface and to determine their spatial extent, which is very important in delineating the geometry of unroofed cave systems. GPR thus proved to be a very valuable method in supporting geological and geomorphological mapping for a more comprehensive recognition of unroofed cave systems. These are important for understanding karstification and speleogenetic processes that influenced the formation of former underground caves and can help us reconstruct the direction of former underground water flows.
Two New Shrinking-Circle Methods for Source Localization Based on TDoA Measurements
Authors: Luo Mingzhi , Chen Xiang , Cao Shuai , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2018

Time difference of arrival (TDoA) measurement is a promising approach for target localization based on a set of nodes with known positions, with high accuracy and low complexity. Common localization algorithms include the maximum-likelihood, non-linear least-squares and weighted least-squares methods. These methods have shortcomings such as high computational complexity, requiring an initial guess position, or having difficulty in finding the optimal solution. From the point of view of geometrical analysis, this study proposes two new shrinking-circle methods (SC-1 and SC-2) to solve the TDoA-based localization problem in a two-dimensional (2-D) space. In both methods, an optimal radius is obtained by shrinking the radius with a dichotomy algorithm, and the position of the target is determined by the optimal radius. The difference of the two methods is that a distance parameter is defined in SC-1, while an error function is introduced in SC-2 to guide the localization procedure. Simulations and indoor-localization experiments based on acoustic transducers were conducted to compare the performance differences between the proposed methods, algorithms based on weighted least-squares as well as the conventional shrinking-circle method. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methods can realize high-precision target localization based on TDoA measurements using three nodes, and have the advantages of speed and high robustness.
Green Infrastructure and Ecological Corridors: A Regional Study Concerning Sardinia
Authors: Cannas Ignazio , Lai Sabrina , Leone Federica , Zoppi Corrado
Published: April 2018

We propose a methodological approach to identify a multifunctional green infrastructure (GI) on the basis of four values (conservation value, natural value, recreation value and anthropic heritage) that represent many functions (biodiversity conservation, supply of ecosystem services, recreation, identity building) performed by the landscape. By taking the Italian region of Sardinia as a case study, we argue that the methodology can support the making of landscape plans as understood in the European Landscape Convention. Moreover, we propose and implement a methodology to identify ecological corridors (ECs) connecting Natura 2000 sites (N2Ss), based on the prioritization of functional land patches related to their suitability to ecosystem services delivery, paying particular attention to biodiversity maintenance and enhancement, and taking Sardinia as spatial regional context. The methodology consists of two steps: (i) identifying the most suitable patches to be included in ECs on the basis of their connectivity, that is, on their negative attitude towards contributing to landscape fragmentation; (ii) assessing, through a discrete-choice-model, the suitability of these ECs to be included in a regional GI, starting from the territorial taxonomy based on biodiversity characteristics related to N2Ss, habitat suitability, and recreational and landscape potentials.
Is Green Regulation Effective or a Failure: Comparative Analysis between Bangladesh Bank (BB) Green Guidelines and Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines
Authors: Masud Md. , Hossain Mohammad , Kim Jong
Published: April 2018

Green reporting and green regulation have been commonly used in the sustainability movement. This study evaluates Bangladesh Bank’s (BB’s) green regulation by considering the global reporting initiative (GRI) of environmental regulation along with self-determined content to justify BB’s institutional effort in the banking sector. The analytical study has considered secondary data of all listed banks on the Dhaka Stock Exchange between 2013 to 2016. A multi-theoretical framework has been adopted in which the research is comprised of institutional, stakeholder, and legitimacy theories. Considering the analytical research, we have drawn-up a green reporting score and undertaken SWOT analysis. The results of the study have identified the narrow coverage of BB’s regulation and strategic limitations. Moreover, the findings of the study show that banking companies disclosed more green information in line with BB’s regulation. Furthermore, our analysis has found the lack of transparency of green reporting in terms of absent global reporting as well as external verification. Additionally, we have documented that BB’s regulation falls into a legitimacy threat owing to political, corporate, and social responsibility. Therefore, we concluded that for BB to overcome all possible weaknesses and threats, it should consider all possible opportunities for a holistic international reporting framework while taking into account a transparent financial sector.
Evaluation of Corporate Websites and Their Influence on the Performance of Olive Oil Companies
Authors: Bernal Jurado Enrique , Mozas Moral Adoración , Medina Viruel Miguel Jesús , Fernández Uclés Domingo
Published: April 2018

Spain is among the largest producers of organic olive in the world. Yet the Spanish organic olive oil sector faces a major commercial problem due to an internal demand that is too small to match the volume of supply. Factors that explain this problem include the scarcity and scattered nature of points of sale, the lack of information available to consumers, and the very large gulf in the price between organic and nonorganic olive oil. To address these problems, the literature highlights the key commercial role of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The corporate website is a core element around which the company’s e-commerce activity revolves. The goal of this study is to confirm the relationship between business efficiency, measured using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the quality of the corporate website, measured using the extended Model of Internet Commerce Adoption (eMICA). Although this analysis did not identify a direct relationship between these two variables, fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) revealed that combinations of elements related to corporate website quality (interactivity and processing), organizational, and structural factors (size of firm and outsourcing of ICT management) can have a direct effect on organizational performance, measured in terms of economic efficiency.
Scenario Aggregation-Based Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Plant Design
Authors: Abuelrub Ahmad , Saadeh Osama , Al-Masri Hussein
Published: April 2018

As the global population continues to increase and living standards in developing countries continue to improve, the demand for energy is surging. This is also coupled with technological advances, which are leading to the increased electrification of transportation, manufacturing, and home appliance. Classical fossil fuel-based energy generation is unsustainable and a significant cause of air pollution. Therefore, clean, local, and sustainable sources of energy, such as solar energy, have recently been receiving more attention. In this paper, a complete design approach for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) plants is developed. Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) is presented as a case study. The design is formulated as an optimization problem to find the optimal PV plant size needed to minimize the system cost and meet the design constraints. The uncertainties of solar radiation and temperature are considered using appropriate stochastic models. The optimization problem is solved using the Scenario Aggregation technique. The results show the financial and environmental feasibility of the proposed system. The optimal PV plant size which meets the annual demand of JUST is found and the financial and environmental benefits derived from executing the proposed system are emphasized.
Accountability Requirements in the Cloud Provider Chain
Authors: Jaatun Martin Gilje , Tøndel Inger Anne , Moe Nils Brede , Cruzes Daniela Soares , Bernsmed Karin , Haugset Børge
Published: April 2018

In order to be responsible stewards of other people’s data, cloud providers must be accountable for their data handling practices. The potential long provider chains in cloud computing introduce additional accountability challenges, with many stakeholders involved. Symmetry is very important in any requirements’ elicitation activity, since input from diverse stakeholders needs to be balanced. This article ventures to answer the question “How can one create an accountable cloud service?” by examining requirements which must be fulfilled to achieve an accountability-based approach, based on interaction with over 300 stakeholders.
Neutrosophic Triplet Cosets and Quotient Groups
Authors: Bal Mikail , Shalla Moges Mekonnen , Olgun Necati
Published: April 2018

In this paper, by utilizing the concept of a neutrosophic extended triplet (NET), we define the neutrosophic image, neutrosophic inverse-image, neutrosophic kernel, and the NET subgroup. The notion of the neutrosophic triplet coset and its relation with the classical coset are defined and the properties of the neutrosophic triplet cosets are given. Furthermore, the neutrosophic triplet normal subgroups, and neutrosophic triplet quotient groups are studied.
CD81 Receptor Regions outside the Large Extracellular Loop Determine Hepatitis C Virus Entry into Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Banse Pia , Moeller Rebecca , Bruening Janina , Lasswitz Lisa , Kahl Sina , Khan Abdul G. , Marcotrigiano Joseph , Pietschmann Thomas , Gerold Gisa
Published: April 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) enters human hepatocytes using four essential entry factors, one of which is human CD81 (hCD81). The tetraspanin hCD81 contains a large extracellular loop (LEL), which interacts with the E2 glycoprotein of HCV. The role of the non-LEL regions of hCD81 (intracellular tails, four transmembrane domains, small extracellular loop and intracellular loop) is poorly understood. Here, we studied the contribution of these domains to HCV susceptibility of hepatoma cells by generating chimeras of related tetraspanins with the hCD81 LEL. Our results show that non-LEL regions in addition to the LEL determine susceptibility of cells to HCV. While closely related tetraspanins (X. tropicalis CD81 and D. rerio CD81) functionally complement hCD81 non-LEL regions, distantly related tetraspanins (C. elegans TSP9 amd D. melanogaster TSP96F) do not and tetraspanins with intermediate homology (hCD9) show an intermediate phenotype. Tetraspanin homology and susceptibility to HCV correlate positively. For some chimeras, infectivity correlates with surface expression. In contrast, the hCD9 chimera is fully surface expressed, binds HCV E2 glycoprotein but is impaired in HCV receptor function. We demonstrate that a cholesterol-coordinating glutamate residue in CD81, which hCD9 lacks, promotes HCV infection. This work highlights the hCD81 non-LEL regions as additional HCV susceptibility-determining factors.
Phages Make for Jolly Good Stories
Authors: Häusler Thomas
Published: April 2018

Phage therapy has an intriguing history. It was widely used from the 1920s until the 1940s. After this period, it was nearly completely forgotten in the Western world, while it continued to be used in the Soviet part of the globe. The study of the history of phage therapy provides valuable input into the present development of the field. Science journalists uncovered much of this history and played an important role in the communication of phage therapy after the fall of the Soviet Union, when it came to the attention of Western researchers and doctors. This interest was fueled by the antibiotic resistance crisis. At this time, communication about phage therapy had a wide potential audience, that encompassed medical experts and researchers, as well as the public, because knowledge about this forgotten therapy was very limited. In such a situation, good communication had and still has the potential to catalyze important discussions among different groups; whereas, bad communication could have considerably hindered and still can hinder the possible renaissance of phage therapy.
Surface Water Quality Evaluation Based on a Game Theory-Based Cloud Model
Authors: Yang Bing , Lai Chengguang , Chen Xiaohong , Wu Xiaoqing , He Yanhu
Published: April 2018

Water quality evaluation is an essential measure to analyze water quality. However, excessive randomness and fuzziness affect the process of evaluation, thus reducing the accuracy of evaluation. Therefore, this study proposed a cloud model for evaluating the water quality to alleviate this problem. Analytic hierarchy process and entropy theory were used to calculate the subjective weight and objective weight, respectively, and then they were coupled as a combination weight (CW) via game theory. The proposed game theory-based cloud model (GCM) was then applied to the Qixinggang section of the Beijiang River. The results show that the CW ranks fecal coliform as the most important factor, followed by total nitrogen and total phosphorus, while biochemical oxygen demand and fluoride were considered least important. There were 19 months (31.67%) at grade I, 39 months (65.00%) at grade II, and one month at grade IV and grade V during 2010–2014. A total of 52 months (86.6%) of GCM were identical to the comprehensive evaluation result (CER). The obtained water quality grades of GCM are close to the grades of the analytic hierarchy process weight (AHPW) due to the weight coefficient of AHPW set to 0.7487. Generally, one or two grade gaps exist among the results of the three groups of weights, suggesting that the index weight is not particularly sensitive to the cloud model. The evaluated accuracy of water quality can be improved by modifying the quantitative boundaries. This study could provide a reference for water quality evaluation, prevention, and improvement of water quality assessment and other applications.
Bioturbation Effects of Chironomid Larvae on Nitrogen Release and Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria Abundance in Sediments
Authors: Xing Xigang , Liu Ling , Yan Wenming , Wu Tingfeng , Zhao Liping , Wang Xixi
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this work was to reveal the Chironomid larvae bioturbation impact on N release and to find the mechanism of bioturbation to N conversion at the SWI (sediment–water interface). Sampling at four points during a 35-day incubation experiment was conducted. Two in situ techniques (microelectrode and Peeper) were used to capture more realistic and accurate microenvironment information around U-shaped corridors. The results demonstrate that the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−) decreased by 21.26% and 19.50% in sediment and increased by 8.65% and 49.82% in the overlying water compared to the control treatment, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between NH4+ and NO3− concentrations in pore water in Chironomid larvae treatment, and they were significantly negatively/positively correlated with AOB (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria) abundance, respectively. This study confirmed that the Chironomid larvae bioturbation promoted the N (NH4+ and NO3−) release from sediment by in situ techniques, and a part of NH4+ converted into NO3− during their flow into the overlying water through the nitrification affected by AOB. Furthermore, the main depth of bioturbation influence is approximately 12 cm below the SWI and the most significant bioturbation effect was observed from days 15 to 25.
Comparing Transient and Steady-State Analysis of Single-Ring Infiltrometer Data for an Abandoned Field Affected by Fire in Eastern Spain
Authors: Di Prima Simone , Lassabatere Laurent , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Marrosu Roberto , Pulido Manuel , Angulo-Jaramillo Rafael , Úbeda Xavier , Keesstra Saskia , Cerdà Artemi , Pirastru Mario
Published: April 2018

This study aimed at determining the field-saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, Kfs, of an unmanaged field affected by fire by means of single-ring infiltrometer runs and the use of transient and steady-state data analysis procedures. Sampling and measurements were carried out in 2012 and 2017 in a fire-affected field (burnt site) and in a neighboring non-affected site (control site). The predictive potential of different data analysis procedures (i.e., transient and steady-state) to yield proper Kfs estimates was investigated. In particular, the transient WU1 method and the BB, WU2 and OPD methods were compared. The cumulative linearization (CL) method was used to apply the WU1 method. Values of Kfs ranging from 0.87 to 4.21 mm·h−1 were obtained, depending on the considered data analysis method. The WU1 method did not yield significantly different Kfs estimates between the sampled sites throughout the five-year period, due to the generally poor performance of the CL method, which spoiled the soil hydraulic characterization. In particular, good fits were only obtained in 23% of the cases. The BB, WU2 and the OPD methods, with a characterization based exclusively on a stabilized infiltration process, yielded an appreciably lower variability of the Kfs data as compared with the WU1 method. It was concluded that steady-state methods were more appropriate for detecting slight changes of Kfs in post-fire soil hydraulic characterizations. Our results showed a certain degree of soil degradation at the burnt site with an immediate reduction of the soil organic matter and a progressive increase of the soil bulk density during the five years following the fire. This general impoverishment resulted in a slight but significant decrease in the field-saturated soil hydraulic conductivity.