bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Evaluation of the Efficiency of Novel Frustrated Lewis Pairs in the cis-Hydrogenation Reaction of Dimethylacetylene
Authors: Noroozi-Shad Nazanin , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Izadyar Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein
Published: November 2017

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are the combination of Lewis acid and base motifs where steric hindrance prevents strong adduct formation. Accordingly, the ability of FLPs in small molecule activation and their capability in hydrogen cleavage led to their use in the hydrogenation of a wide range of unsaturated substrates. Here, we investigated theoretically the ability of three intramolecular phosphorus/boron FLPs as bifunctional catalysts in the metal-free hydrogenation of dimethylacetylene to cis-alkene. The mechanism of this hydrogenation reaction, based on the boron acceptor [including –OR substituents (B(OR)2), where R is an aliphatic or aromatic branch] and phosphorus donor, has been explored. Based on the results obtained, it was confirmed that the H2 splitting reaction and the formation of the phosphonium–borohydride motifs for these FLPs are endothermic. It has been shown that these FLPs have a moderate ability in H–H bond splitting. Also, the capability of the boron atom in FLPs on the hydrogenation reaction was investigated. The reduction steps of the mechanism showed an exothermic nature. This result revealed that the presence of the boron as a Lewis acid, with a very limited Lewis acidity, improves the catalytic hydrogenation reaction significantly. Finally, it was confirmed that the proposed FLPs in the cis-hydrogenation of alkynes will be effective.
Nearly cloaking for the elasticity system with residual stress
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsuan
Published: November 2017

The nearly cloaking via transformation optics approach for the isotropic elastic wave fields is considered. This work extends the study of the nearly cloaking scheme to the elasticity system with residual stress in [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], which is an anisotropic elasticity system. It is worth mentioning that there are no minor symmetric properties for the elastic tensor with residual stress and this system is invariant under a coordinate transformation. Therefore, we think the elasticity system residual stress model is more natural than the isotropic elasticity system in designing the elastic cloaking medium in the physical sense. In addition, the main difficulty of treating this problem lies in the fact that there are no layer potential theory for the residual stress system. Instead, we will derive suitable elliptic estimates for the elasticity system residual stress by comparing with the Lamé system to achieve desired results.
Cross sectional study of bovine and avian tuberculosis in Bangladesh Livestock Reasearch Institute (BLRI) cattle farm
Authors: Biswas Prokash , Rahman Md Bahanur , Sharmy Sayra Tasnin , Khan Md Ferdousur Rahman , Rahman Md Mizanur , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Alam Md Emtiaj , Rahman Md Siddiqur
Published: November 2017

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bovine and avian tuberculosis in cattle by using bovine and avian PPDs at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) Cattle Farm, Savar, Dhaka. Cattle of different breeds, ages and sexes (n=183) were tested using bovine and avian PPDs. In caudal Fold Tuberculin (CFT) test, 16 (8.74%) cases were showed positive reaction among 183 sample. The overall percentages of positive reactors to Comparative cervical tuberculin (CCT) test of bovine and avian tuberculosis were 7.10% and 1.64% respectively. An insignificant variation (P>0.05) on prevalence of bovine tuberculosis on different age group of cattle was observed. Age group >7 years showed a higher prevalence (10.91%) than those of other age groups. In CCT test, 7.55% and 4.17% positive reactors were found in female and male cattle respectively. The association between different breeds of the animal was found significant (P<0.05). The local breed showed higher prevalence (9.77%) than those of Red Chittagong and cross breed. The highest percentage (10.45%) of positive reactors in CCT test was recorded in milking cows than in dry cows (2.32%), heifer (9.52%) and calf (5.77%) were observed. Mixed infection (bovine and avian type of tuberculosis) was recorded 1.64%.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2017, 3(3): 352-356
A comparative study on fish biodiversity with conservation measures of the Bhairabriver, Jessore, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Ashraful , Asif Abdulla Al , Samad Md Abdus , Sarker Baadruzzoha , Ahmed Meraz , Satter Abdus , Hossain Amir
Published: November 2017

The present study was concerned to assess the present status of biodiversity in the Bhairab river, Jessore with its conservation measures. The study was based on primary observations, questionnaire interviews with 50 fishers, focus group discussions with river bank community members and cross-check interviews with key informants. The study was conducted for a period four months from May to August, 2016. The objective of the study was to assess the fish biodiversity in the Bhairab river, understand the existing fishing practices of the river and to identify proper management strategies for the conservation of fish biodiversity. Results of the study revealed that three kinds of fishers were engaged in the Bhairab river namely, professional fishers; seasonal fishers and subsistence fishers. Seven types of fishing gears like seine net, gill net, cast net, push net, lift net, trap and hook and line were operated to fish by the fishers during the survey. A total of 39 species of fish were identified in the catches of the Bhairab River. There are degraded ecosystems and declining biodiversity have found during the study. According to survey, fishing pressure and over fishing were responsible for almost 38% loss and pollution and siltation caused about 27% loss of ecosystem. Around 21% and 14% loss of ecosystem were caused by urbanization and human encroachment, and the recreational activities respectively. These have been created a great impact on river ecology. As a result, the water quality is deteriorating day by day and the availability of fish species and other aquatic biodiversity is decreasing gradually. During the survey, 20 species was found at a risk of being endangered. From the survey, it was found that the overexploitation of fish was responsible for the 40% losses of biodiversity in the Bhairab River and water pollution caused 35% loss of biodiversity. Henceforth, river course change and habitat degradation resulted in 15% and 10% loss of biodiversity of the river respectively. This study was identified possible ways to achieve a rich fish biodiversity in the Bhairab River with social, economic and environmental aspects. The specific recommendations are included community based fisheries management, establishment of sanctuary, control of pollution, maintenance of fishing gears and the implementation of fish act for conservation of fish biodiversity of the Bhairab River.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2017, 3(3): 357-367
Comparative growth performance between monosex and natural XY male tilapia in Noakhali region, Bangladesh
Authors: Haq Md Emdadul , Rahman Mofizur , Hossain Amir , Asif Abdulla Al , Rahman Hafzur , Chwakravorty Palas , Satter Abdus , Islam Md Samadul
Published: November 2017

The study was conducted to compare the growth and production performance of monosex and natural XY male tilapia of Oreochromis niloticus in Bismillah Agro production hatchery of Noakhali Sadar in Noakhali district, Bangladesh from September to November, 2014. The length, weight, average FCR value, Average SGR value, Daily weight gain, survival rate of fish were observed. Relationship between growth and physico-chemical parameter of water were also investigated for monosex and XY male tilapia. The finding of the study reveals that growth performance of naturally collected XY male tilapia is close to monosex tilapia. The SGR value was found better in monosex than XY male tilapia. . Among them, survival rate was found 95.06% in case of monosex whereas it was 93.67% for XY male. At the end of the experiment, average weight of monosex (179.5±1.32g) was found higher than XY male tilapia (167.8±1.10g). Average length of monosex (20.1±0.25cm) was also found higher than XY male tilapia (19.5±0.20 cm). Similarly, the average FCR value for monosex (1.39±0.185) was observed higher than XY male tilapia (1.71±0.233). Average SGR value for monosex (2.49±1.43) was also higher than the XY male tilapia (1.88±1.44). Daily weight gain of monosex (1.66±0.66g) was also experimental higher than XY male tilapia (1.53±0.611g) species. These findings will encourage the fish farmers to culture all XY male tilapia with minimal cost. Thus, the consumer and fish will be free from the risk of hormonal induction and farmers can able to maintain the sustainable production of tilapia and also their dependency on hatchery produced seed will be reduced.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2017, 3(3): 391-397
Plasma alpha-2-macroglobulin level in moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Sikder Md. Sahidullah , Bhuiyan Mohammed Saiful Islam , Haque S. M. Manzurul , Islam Khondoker Anwarul , Alam Sheikh Md. Khorshed
Published: November 2017

Psoriasis is a T-cell mediated chronic inflammatory diseases where pro-inflammatory mediators are involved in its pathogenesis. Alpha-2-macroglobulin (α-2M) is a panproteinase inhibitor having unique clearing role of different cytokines. This study was conducted on 30 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis to see the plasma level of α-2M and was compared with the normal healthy controls. Patients who were already selected for systemic treatment (methotrexate) and consented for routine blood test for monitoring at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment were enrolled along with 10 healthy controls. The venous blood (5 mL) was collected and the plasma alfa-2 macroglobulin was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean  plasma α-2M level was 3.0 ± 0.4 g/L among the normal healthy persons, and 2.8 ± 0.7 g/L among the untreated patients of psoriasis (p>0.05). Its level among the patients with psoriasis after systemic antipsoriatic drugs was 2.8 ± 0.6 g/L which was not significantly different from the baseline level (p>0.05). The study shows that the plasma α-2M  level in psoriasis is not different comparing with normal healthy persons.
Coir Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Eco-friendly Byproducts
Authors: Moktadir SMG , Talukder MU , Huq AKO , Gafur MA , Chowdhury AMS
Published: November 2017

Coir fiber (CF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were fabricated using an extruder machine. The fiber contents were varied 5 to 20% and physico-mechanical properties as well as bio-degradability were also tested. Ultimate tensile strength and flexural strength decreases with the increases of percentages of fiber addition. Lowest percentage elongation is observed at 20% CF+PP composite which are rigid in nature. Leeb rebound hardness also decreases with the increase of percentage of raw fiber addition. The bio-degradation of different percentage of CF and PP composites in soil and saline water increased with increase of coir fiber content. Thus, it showed that higher percentage of coir fiber was produced more biodegradable and eco-friendly byproducts. However, higher percentages of coir fiber decrease the mechanical properties. A moderate percentage of coir fiber i.e. 15% CF +PP showed the good mechanical properties as well as considerable amount of bio-degradability in soil and saline water.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 61-64 2017
Phenotypic Screening and Molecular Characterization of 10 Rice (Oryza sativa) Landraces for Cold Tolerance
Authors: Shoroardi M , Mortuza MG , Islam MM , Samiha T
Published: November 2017

Phenotypic screening of existing 10 familiar landraces performed at germination and seedling stages and their molecular characterization were conducted at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agricultural (BINA) during the period of December 2014 to May 2015 to screen out better cold tolerant genotypes among 10 landraces where one susceptible, two moderately tolerant and two tolerant BRRI released varieties were used as check genotypes. The present study evaluated several parameters at the germination stage after 7 days of germination and at the seedling stage after 28 days of seedling growth for phenotypic screening. Modified hydroponic method was used at the seedling stage and the temperature treatments were maintained artificially at 15°C and 25°C respectively. Polymorphic microsatellite or SSR markers were selected for molecular characterization showing that attributes were positively regulated due to cold stress in BRRIdhan 36, LR 114- Badiabona and LR 54- Tor Balam. The findings of genetic diversity analysis for landraces LR 114- Badiabona and LR 54- Tor Balam appeared to resemble to that of tolerant genotype BRRIdhan 36. Based on phenotypic screening and UPGMA dendrogram study, landraces LR 114- Badiabona and LR 54- Tor Balam appeared superior as genetic material. Better cold tolerant rice variety may be developed from further breeding process.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 85-91 2017
Effect of Fungicides and Plant Extracts in the Management of Foliar, Twig and Fruit Diseases of Citrus (Citrus limon)
Authors: Yesmin K , Ahmad M , Momtaz MB , Begum K
Published: November 2017

A research work was conducted on citrus plants raised at GPC, of Fruit Tree Improvement Project (FTIP) at Horticulture Farm, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to investigate the effect of fungicides and plant extracts in controlling the scab, die-back and canker. Three fungicides viz. Cupravit 50 wp (0.4%), Dithane M-45 (0.3%), Rovral 50 WP (0.2%) and extracts of 3 plants viz. Neem {Azadirachta indica), Ginger {Zingiber officinale) and Garlic {Allium sativum) were applied for controlling the citrus (C. limon) diseases (scab, die-back and canker). All the fungicides showed significant effect in the control of the above mentioned citrus diseases. The highest reduction of the scab, die-back and canker diseases was recorded applying Rovral 50 WP. Neem leaf extract was the most effective in controlling canker of leaf and fruit. Garlic extract and Neem leaf extract were the most effective in controlling die-back of twig and branches of citrus, respectively. From the above results it can be concluded that Rovral 50 WP is the most effective chemical for controlling all citrus (C. limon) diseases and citrus canker can successfully be controlled specially by Neem leaf and garlic extract.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 93-100 2017
Effectiveness of Some IPM Packages Consisting of Chemical and Non Chemical Components for Suppressing Pod Borer and Aphid in Summer Country Bean
Authors: Miah MRU , Barman N , Alam MZ , Yesmin K , Ahmad M
Published: November 2017

An experiment was conducted in the experimental farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur to evaluate the efficacy of IPM packages for suppressing aphid and pod borer of summer country bean BARI Seem-3. In case of aphid, among the different IPM packages, P4 [comprising mechanical control (hand picking) and 4 sprays of admire 50 SP (imidacloprid) @ 1ml l-1 of water at 7 days interval] had minimum inflorescence infestation (4.99), whereas untreated control plot P7 totally overturned. In case of pod borer, among the IPM packages, P5 [comprising mechanical control, hand picking with 4 sprays of ripcord 10 EC (cypermethrin) @ 1 ml l-1 of water at 7 days interval] ensured minimum inflorescence and pod infestation (by number and weight) and pod diameter with the lowest pest incidence (4.59 %). In consideration of the economic analysis of the different management packages for controlling pod borer of country bean, the highest BCR ratio (4.28) was recorded in the P5 [comprising mechanical control, hand picking with 4 sprays of ripcord 10 EC (cypermethrin) @ 1 ml l-1 of water at 7 days interval] followed by 3.76 in P6. However, based on marketable pod yield and BCR, hand picking with 4 sprays of ripcord 10 EC (cypermethrin) @ 1 ml l-1 of water at 7 days interval may be considered as the most effective option.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 109-115 2017
Breeding Performance, Embryonic and Larval Development of Stinging Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis in Bangladesh
Authors: Nesa NU , Ahmed S , Rahman SM
Published: November 2017

Considering the threatened status, economic and nutritional importance of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), a study on larval development was carried out. Hand stripping method of stinging catfish is being practiced in majority of the hatcheries which is not always felicitous in the sense that puts pressure on brood. The study found that, although fertilization rate was higher in stripping method but non-stripping method was concluded better regarding higher hatching rate. The present study recorded the fertilization and hatching rate in hand stripping and non-striping method 62.33±4.51, 46.67±5.86 and 37.33±2.52, 41.33±5.69, respectively. Subsequent embryonic developmental mean time for 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, 32- cell, Morula, Blastula, Germinal ring, Gastrula, yolk plug, twisting movement, and just before hatching was 0.21±0.05, 0.39±0.08, 1.12±0.08, 1.28±0.04, 2.09±0.05, 2.23±0.13, 3.58±0.45, 5.13±0.15, 7.02±0.28, 8.37±0.104, 15.28±1.06, 20.43±2.03 hours, respectively. Results of the current investigation would provide detailed information to the hatchery managers to conduct successful induced breeding strategy of H. fossilis as well as other catfishes.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 141-148 2017
Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on the Performance of Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold
Authors: Anam MR , Hossen K , Kader MA , Billah MM , Islam N
Published: November 2017

An experiment was conducted at the Moinar Mor Sabuj Nursery, Mymensingh to evaluate the effects of compost prepared from solid wastes of Mymensingh municipality area on the yield and yield attributes of three crops viz. Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold grown in pots. Each crop was grown under six different treatments viz. 100% compost (T0), 75% compost + 25% soil (T1), 50% compost + 50% soil (T2), 25% compost + 75% soil (T3), 100% soil (T4) and farmers practice- (T5) (75% of recommended rate of NPK plus soil). A single factor experiment was laid out in a with three replications. The results revealed that in Chilli, application of 75% compost plus 25% soil (T1) produced significantly the tallest plant (45.50 cm), maximum number of flowers (25.00) and fruits (21.00) plant-1, longest leaf (11.67 cm), longest root (5.43 cm) and greater yield of fruits plant-1 (168.30 g). This treatment also produced the tallest plant (45.33 cm), maximum flowers plant-1 (2.33), longest leaf (11.55 cm) and higher fresh weight of single flower (7.34 g) of Dahlia. Compost treatment also significantly influenced various plant characters of Marigold where 75% compost + 25% soil (T1) gave the tallest plant (16.33 cm), higher weight of fresh flower (10.52 g), longest leaf (10.10 cm) and maximum flowers plant-1 (16.33). Plants grown in 100% compost showed the longest duration in case of Dahlia (19 days) and Marigold (23 days) flowering. From the findings, it can be inferred that use of 75% compost prepared from solid wastes of Mymensingh municipality area plus 25% soil appeared to be the best practice for obtaining the maximum yield of Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 149-155 2017
Friends, Foes and Partners: The Relationship between the Canadian Missionaries and Korean Christians in North-eastern Korea and Manchuria from 1898 until 1927
Authors: Glover Frederick J.
Published: November 2017

At the start of the 1920s the Korean Christian community in Hamgyeong Province and Manchuria had little control over the financial and educational policies of the Canadian Presbyterian missionaries. By the end of the decade the Presbyteries determined how the home funds would be spent on evangelical work and Korean church leaders sat on a Joint Board with the Canadians to aid in the management of the mission. The Canadian decision to share power with the Koreans was made out of necessity. Throughout the 1920s, students, elders, ministers and a large segment of the laity vigorously, sometimes violently, advocated for a transformation of mission policies. The Canadians became extremely fearful and concluded that to save the mission they would have to reform their methods. In the literature published on the mission, the ‘positive side’ of the story, namely the Canadian ability to empathise with the Koreans and their denouncements of the Japanese colonial regime in 1919 as well as 1920, has been emphasised. This article focuses on the less seemly nature of the Canadian–Korean relationship. It will examine the temporal factors that contributed to the Korean acceptance of missionary authority before 1919, their rejection of it in the 1920s and the attempts of the Canadians to bring order back to the mission compounds. The ultimate purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the Korean Christians were active agents who through their protests during the 1920s came to assume a prominent position within the mission.
Charismatic Movements, State Relations and Public Governance in Sierra Leone
Authors: Bosco Bangura Joseph
Published: November 2017

Sierra Leone has seen the rise of Charismatic movements that are bringing about greater levels of co-operation with the state. This new church development aims at renewing the Christian faith and projecting a more proactive role towards public governance. This ecclesial development shows that African Pentecostal/Charismatic theology appears to be moving away from the perceived isolationist theology that once separated the church from involvement with the rest of society. By reapplying the movement's eschatological beliefs, Charismatics are presenting themselves as moral crusaders who regard it as their responsibility to transform public governance. The article probes this relationship so that the Charismatic understanding of poverty, prosperity, good governance and socio-economic development in Sierra Leone can be more clearly established.
2-Phase NSGA II: An Optimized Reward and Risk Measurements Algorithm in Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Eftekharian Seyedeh , Shojafar Mohammad , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: November 2017

Portfolio optimization is a serious challenge for financial engineering and has pulled down special attention among investors. It has two objectives: to maximize the reward that is calculated by expected return and to minimize the risk. Variance has been considered as a risk measure. There are many constraints in the world that ultimately lead to a non–convex search space such as cardinality constraint. In conclusion, parametric quadratic programming could not be applied and it seems essential to apply multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA). In this paper, a new efficient multi-objective portfolio optimization algorithm called 2-phase NSGA II algorithm is developed and the results of this algorithm are compared with the NSGA II algorithm. It was found that 2-phase NSGA II significantly outperformed NSGA II algorithm.
Enhancement of Skin Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Eclipta prostrata L. from the Ultrasonic Extraction Process
Authors: Lee Hyeon
Published: November 2017

This work first showed that the skin anti-inflammatory activities of Eclipta prostrata L. (E. prostrata L.)n be increased through an ultrasonic extraction process at a frequency of 120 kHz with 70% ethanol at 40 °C for 6 h. The extract from the ultrasound extraction (UE) contained 378.6 mg/100 g of wedelolactone (a major bioactive substance in E. prostrata L.), compared with the 172.9 mg/100 g from a conventional extraction process with 70% ethanol at 80 °C for 12 h (EE). The UE showed less than 10% of low cytotoxicity against normal fibroblast cells, and also exhibited much higher antioxidant activities than that from the EE when treating with 0.3 mg/mL of the extracts. It was proved that the high antioxidant activities of the UE were closely correlated with the enhancement of skin anti-inflammatory activities by effectively suppressing the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 from macrophages. The production of prostaglandin E2 from human skin cells was also greatly reduced, compared with the EE for all ranges of the treatments. These results strongly indicate that the various biological activities of E. prostrata L. can be improved by a simple ultrasound extraction process because of the high elution of bioactive substances even at a low temperature.
Value Systems Alignment Analysis in Collaborative Networked Organizations Management
Authors: Macedo Patricia , Camarinha-Matos Luis
Published: November 2017

The assessment of value systems alignment can play an important role in the formation and evolution of collaborative networks, contributing to reduce potential risks of collaboration. For this purpose, an assessment tool is proposed as part of a collaborative networks information system, supporting both the formation and evolution of long-term strategic alliances and goal-oriented networks. An implementation approach for value system alignment analysis is described, which is intended to assist managers in virtual and networked organizations management. The implementation of the assessment and analysis methods is supported by a set of software services integrated in the information system that supports the management of the networked organizations. A case study in the solar energy sector was conducted, and the data collected through this study allow us to confirm the practical applicability of the proposed methods and the software services.
Modification of Bacterial Cellulose Biofilms with Xylan Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Santos Sara , Carbajo José , Gómez Nuria , Ladero Miguel , Villar Juan
Published: November 2017

The effect of the addition of two [4-butyltrimethylammonium]-xylan chloride polyelectrolytes (BTMAXs) on bacterial cellulose (BC) was evaluated. The first strategy was to add the polyelectrolytes to the culture medium together with a cell suspension of the bacterium. After one week of cultivation, the films were collected and purified. The second approach consisted of obtaining a purified and homogenized BC, to which the polyelectrolytes were added subsequently. The films were characterized in terms of tear and burst indexes, optical properties, surface free energy, static contact angle, Gurley porosity, SEM, X-ray diffraction and AFM. Although there are small differences in mechanical and optical properties between the nanocomposites and control films, the films obtained by BC synthesis in the presence of BTMAXs were remarkably less opaque, rougher, and had a much lower specular gloss. The surface free energy depends on the BTMAXs addition method. The crystallinity of the composites is lower than that of the control material, with a higher reduction of this parameter in the composites obtained by adding the BTMAXs to the culture medium. In view of these results, it can be concluded that BC–BTMAX composites are a promising new material, for example, for paper restoration.
Illuminating Brain Activities with Fluorescent Protein-Based Biosensors
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Truong Tan , Ai Hui-wang
Published: November 2017

Fluorescent protein-based biosensors are indispensable molecular tools for life science research. The invention and development of high-fidelity biosensors for a particular molecule or molecular event often catalyze important scientific breakthroughs. Understanding the structural and functional organization of brain activities remain a subject for which optical sensors are in desperate need and of growing interest. Here, we review genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for imaging neuronal activities with a focus on the design principles and optimizations of various sensors. New bioluminescent sensors useful for deep-tissue imaging are also discussed. By highlighting the protein engineering efforts and experimental applications of these sensors, we can consequently analyze factors influencing their performance. Finally, we remark on how future developments can fill technological gaps and lead to new discoveries.
On Maximum Entropy and Inference
Authors: Gresele Luigi , Marsili Matteo
Published: November 2017

Maximum entropy is a powerful concept that entails a sharp separation between relevant and irrelevant variables. It is typically invoked in inference, once an assumption is made on what the relevant variables are, in order to estimate a model from data, that affords predictions on all other (dependent) variables. Conversely, maximum entropy can be invoked to retrieve the relevant variables (sufficient statistics) directly from the data, once a model is identified by Bayesian model selection. We explore this approach in the case of spin models with interactions of arbitrary order, and we discuss how relevant interactions can be inferred. In this perspective, the dimensionality of the inference problem is not set by the number of parameters in the model, but by the frequency distribution of the data. We illustrate the method showing its ability to recover the correct model in a few prototype cases and discuss its application on a real dataset.
Synthetic Control and Inference
Authors: Hahn Jinyong , Shi Ruoyao
Published: November 2017

We examine properties of permutation tests in the context of synthetic control. Permutation tests are frequently used methods of inference for synthetic control when the number of potential control units is small. We analyze the permutation tests from a repeated sampling perspective and show that the size of permutation tests may be distorted. Several alternative methods are discussed.
X-Band GaN Power Amplifier MMIC with a Third Harmonic-Tuned Circuit
Authors: Bae Kyung-Tae , Lee Ik-Joon , Kang Byungjoo , Sim Sanghoon , Jeon Laurence , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an X-band GaN HEMT power amplifier with a third harmonic-tuned circuit for a higher power density per area and a higher power-added efficiency (PAE) using a 0.25 μm GaN HEMT process of WIN semiconductors, Inc. The optimum load impedances at the fundamental and third harmonic frequencies are extracted from load-pull simulations at the transistor’s extrinsic plane, including the drain-source capacitance and the series drain inductance. The third harmonic-tuned circuit is effectively integrated with the output matching circuit at the fundamental frequency, without complicating the whole output matching circuit. The input matching circuit uses a lossy matching scheme, which allows a good return loss and a simple LC low-pass circuit configuration. The fabricated power amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) occupies an area of 13.26 mm2, and shows a linear gain of 20 dB or more, a saturated output power of 43.2~44.7 dBm, and a PAE of 35~37% at 8.5 to 10.5 GHz.
Market Analysis during the First Year of Korea Emission Trading Scheme
Authors: Lee Jaeseok , Yu Jongmin
Published: November 2017

To derive the supply and demand issues during the first phase of the Korea Emission Trading Scheme (KETS), we investigated the excess or shortage, and the carry-over inflow of carbon emission permits for all of the domestic industries and major corporations. In particular, this study explored the supply and future prospects of offset credits, as well as the allocated permits, by forecasting the inflows of offset credits using the amount of certified reduction in domestic boundaries and overseas sources. We observed both the supply and demand of permits and changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels during the first phase (2015–2017) by comparing the estimated emission levels and the total permit supply. The results showed that permits were either in surplus or insufficient, depending on the sub-sector, and that a surplus in the supply of permits would occur if companies do not carry over more than 70 million tons of permits to the next period.
Hydropower Bidding Using Linearized Start-Ups
Authors: Aasgård Ellen
Published: November 2017

Hydropower producers must submit bids to electricity market auctions where they state their willingness to produce power. These bids may be determined using a mixed-integer linear stochastic program. However, for large interconnected river systems, this program may be too complex to be solved within the time limits set by current market rules. This paper investigates whether a linear approximation to start-ups can be used to reduce the computational burden without significantly degrading the solution quality. In order to investigate the trade-off of time versus solution quality, linear approximation is compared to a formulation that uses binary variables in a case study that simulates the operation of a reservoir system over time.
Inventory of Close-to-Nature Forests Based on the Combination of Airborne LiDAR Data and Aerial Multispectral Images Using a Single-Tree Approach
Authors: Sačkov Ivan , Sedliak Maroš , Kulla Ladislav , Bucha Tomáš
Published: November 2017

This study is concerned with the assessment of application possibilities for remote sensing data within a forest inventory in close-to-nature forests. A combination of discrete airborne laser scanning data and multispectral aerial images separately evaluated main tree and forest stand characteristics (i.e., the number of trees, mean height and diameter, tree species, tree height, tree diameter, and tree volume). We used eCognition software (Trimble GeoSpatial, Munich, Germany) for tree species classification and reFLex software (National Forest Centre, Zvolen, Slovakia) for individual tree detection as well as for forest inventory attribute estimations. The accuracy assessment was conducted at the ProSilva demo site Smolnícka Osada (Eastern Slovakia, Central Europe), which has been under selective management for more than 60 years. The remote sensing data were taken using a scanner (Leica ALS70-CM) and camera (Leica RCD30) from an average height of 1034 m, and the ground reference data contained the measured positions and dimensions of 1151 trees in 45 plots distributed across the region. This approach identified 73% of overstory and 28% of understory trees. Tree species classification within overstory trees resulted in an overall accuracy slightly greater than 65%. We also found that the mean difference between the remote-based results and ground data was −0.3% for tree height, 1.1% for tree diameter, and 1.9% for stem volume. At the stand level, the mean difference reached values of 0.4%, 17.9%, and −21.4% for mean height, mean diameter, and growing stock, respectively.
Characteristics of Logging Businesses across Virginia’s Diverse Physiographic Regions
Authors: Barrett Scott , Bolding M. , Munsell John
Published: November 2017

Logging businesses play an important role in implementing forest management plans and delivering the raw material needed by forest products mills. Understanding the characteristics of the logging workforce can help forest managers make better decisions related to harvesting operations. We surveyed logging business owners across Virginia’s three physiographic regions (Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain). Overall, logging businesses reported an average production rate of 761.37 t/business/week, but this varied substantially by region, with the highest production rates in the Coastal Plain (1403.55 t/business/week), followed by the Piedmont (824.69 t/business/week) and the Mountains (245.42 t/business/week). Many operations in the Mountains rely primarily on manual felling (66.6% of respondents) and these operations often have lower production rates. Across all regions, 81.7% of reported production came from operations that primarily utilized rubber-tired feller-bunchers for felling. Logging businesses were sorted based on reported production capacity and then divided into three groups (high, medium, and low production) based on total reported production. Across all regions, the majority of reported production was produced by the high production logging businesses. This was highest in the Piedmont, where the high production businesses accounted for 74.8% of total reported production.
High-Performance Elastic Management for Cloud Containers Based on Predictive Message Scheduling
Authors: Yan Chengxin , Chen Ningjiang , Shuo Zhang
Published: November 2017

Containerized data centers can improve the computational density of IaaS layers. This intensive high-concurrency environment has high requirements for message scheduling and container processing. In the paper, an elastically scalable strategy for cloud containers based on predictive message scheduling is introduced, in order to reduce the delay of messages and improve the response time of services and the utilization of container resources. According to the busy degree of different containers, a management strategy of multiple containers at message-granularity level is developed, which gives the containers better elasticity. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy improves service processing efficiency and reduces response latency compared with existing solutions.
Genes and Gut Bacteria Involved in Luminal Butyrate Reduction Caused by Diet and Loperamide
Authors: Hwang Nakwon , Eom Taekil , Gupta Sachin , Jeong Seong-Yeop , Jeong Do-Youn , Kim Yong , Lee Ji-Hoon , Sadowsky Michael , Unno Tatsuya
Published: November 2017

Unbalanced dietary habits and gut dysmotility are causative factors in metabolic and functional gut disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and constipation. Reduction in luminal butyrate synthesis is known to be associated with gut dysbioses, and studies have suggested that restoring butyrate formation in the colon may improve gut health. In contrast, shifts in different types of gut microbiota may inhibit luminal butyrate synthesis, requiring different treatments to restore colonic bacterial butyrate synthesis. We investigated the influence of high-fat diets (HFD) and low-fiber diets (LFD), and loperamide (LPM) administration, on key bacteria and genes involved in reduction of butyrate synthesis in mice. MiSeq-based microbiota analysis and HiSeq-based differential gene analysis indicated that different types of bacteria and genes were involved in butyrate metabolism in each treatment. Dietary modulation depleted butyrate kinase and phosphate butyryl transferase by decreasing members of the Bacteroidales and Parabacteroides. The HFD also depleted genes involved in succinate synthesis by decreasing Lactobacillus. The LFD and LPM treatments depleted genes involved in crotonoyl-CoA synthesis by decreasing Roseburia and Oscilllibacter. Taken together, our results suggest that different types of bacteria and genes were involved in gut dysbiosis, and that selected treatments may be needed depending on the cause of gut dysfunction.
bricolage, poetics, spacing
Authors: Crouch David
Published: November 2017

Contemporary concern for bricolage both transcends and supersedes de Certeau’s important intervention that resituated the term as actions undertaken in everyday life. In particular, he engaged the notion of bricolage in ways that presented tactics, evasions, resistances, ruses and even tricks in his consideration of everyday life as practiced. Whilst these considerations may be read, as indeed he asserted, as ‘making do’, there are further possibilities of this term. For example, bricolage may be considered to ‘occur’. In this we may take the anthropologist Hallam and Ingold’s grasp of creativity as something in our bodily and mental response to situations, calm, anxious and otherwise; responding to the detail of a situation, a required or desired action.
Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Patients in Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ribeiro Isabella , Limeira Rebecca , Dias de Castro Ricardo , Ferreti Bonan Paulo , Valença Ana
Published: November 2017

Oral mucositis in oncologic patients is the most undesirable event of the chemotherapeutic treatment. This study aimed to identify damage to the oral cavity resulting from chemotherapy in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is a prospective study with a sample of 42 children and adolescents evaluated for 10 consecutive weeks after diagnosis. The modified Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) was used, and data were analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (α = 5%). Changes to the normal lips and saliva were positively related to an increase in the OAG score during all 10 weeks of evaluation. Alterations to the labial mucosa were correlated with an increase in the OAG score from the 2nd to 10th week, which was also found for changes in the tongue and in the swallowing function in Weeks 1, 6, 8, 9, and 10 and for gum changes from the 5th to 7th week. No significant vocal changes were correlated with the total OAG score at any point during the monitoring period. Changes in lips, cheek and/or palatal mucosa, labial mucosa, and gum areas and in swallowing function were positively correlated with an increase in the severity of oral mucositis in patients with ALL after beginning chemotherapeutic treatment.
Effects of Group Counseling Programs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Sports Intervention on Internet Addiction in East Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jun , Nie Jing , Wang Yafeng
Published: November 2017

To evaluate the effects of group counseling programs, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and sports intervention on Internet addiction (IA), a systematic search in ten databases was performed to identify eligible studies without language restrictions up to January 2017. A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed, respectively. A total of 58 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which included 2871 participants, were incorporated into our meta-analysis. The results showed that group counseling programs, CBT, and sports intervention could significantly reduce IA levels (group counseling program: standardized mean difference (SMD), −1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.89 to −0.85; CBT: SMD, −1.88; 95% CI, −2.53 to −1.23; sports intervention: SMD, −1.70; 95% CI, −2.14 to −1.26). For group counseling programs, this treatment was more effective in four dimensions of IA, including time management, interpersonal and health issues, tolerance, and compulsive Internet use. For CBT, this treatment yielded a positive change in depression, anxiousness, aggressiveness, somatization, social insecurity, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. For sports intervention, the significant effects were also observed in all dimensions of the IA scale. Each of group counseling programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sports intervention had a significant effect on IA and psychopathological symptoms. Sports intervention could improve withdrawal symptoms especially.
Characterization and Computation of Yb/TiO2 and Its Photocatalytic Degradation with Benzohydroxamic Acid
Authors: Luo Xianping , Zhu Sipin , Wang Junyu , Wang Chunying , Wu Min
Published: November 2017

Yb-doped TiO2 (Yb/TiO2) compositions were synthesized by sol-gel method, and the prepared materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible diffuse-reflectance spectrum (UV-Vis DRS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and N2 adsorption. A beneficiation reagent of benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) was used to test the photocatalytic activity of Yb/TiO2. The characterizations indicate that the doping of Yb could inhibit the crystal growth of TiO2, enhance the specific surface area, increase the binding energy of Ti2p, and also slightly expand the adsorption ranges to visible light. Furthermore, the computation of band structure also indicates that Yb-doped TiO2 could make the forbidden band narrower than pure anatase TiO2, which presents a red shift in the absorption spectrum. As a result of the photodegradation experiment on BHA, Yb/TiO2 (0.50% in mass) sintered at 450 °C displayed the highest catalytic activity for BHA when compared with pure TiO2 or other doped Yb/TiO2 compositions, and more than 89.2% of the total organic carbon was removed after 120 min. Almost all anions, including Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, and SO42−, inhibited the degradation of BHA by Yb/TiO2, and their inhibition effects followed the order of HCO3− > NO3− > SO42− > Cl−. Cations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ displayed a slight suppressing effect due to the impact of Cl− coexisting in the solution. In addition, Yb/TiO2 maintained a high photocatalytic ability with respect to BHA after four runs. It is hypothesized that ·OH is one of the main species involved in the photodegradation of BHA, and the mutual transformation of Yb3+ and Yb2+ could promote the separation of electron-hole pairs.
Benchmarking the Applicability of Ontology in Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis
Authors: Rajbhandari Sachit , Aryal Jagannath , Osborn Jon , Musk Rob , Lucieer Arko
Published: November 2017

In Geographic Object-based Image Analysis (GEOBIA), identification of image objects is normally achieved using rule-based classification techniques supported by appropriate domain knowledge. However, GEOBIA currently lacks a systematic method to formalise the domain knowledge required for image object identification. Ontology provides a representation vocabulary for characterising domain-specific classes. This study proposes an ontological framework that conceptualises domain knowledge in order to support the application of rule-based classifications. The proposed ontological framework is tested with a landslide case study. The Web Ontology Language (OWL) is used to construct an ontology in the landslide domain. The segmented image objects with extracted features are incorporated into the ontology as instances. The classification rules are written in Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) and executed using a semantic reasoner to assign instances to appropriate landslide classes. Machine learning techniques are used to predict new threshold values for feature attributes in the rules. Our framework is compared with published work on landslide detection where ontology was not used for the image classification. Our results demonstrate that a classification derived from the ontological framework accords with non-ontological methods. This study benchmarks the ontological method providing an alternative approach for image classification in the case study of landslides.