bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Block Model Development for Mining Seafloor Massive Sulfides
Authors: Lesage Maxime , Juliani Cyril , Ellefmo Steinar
Published: October 2018

To support open-pit studies related to seafloor massive sulfides mining projects, an economic block-model is required. A modular framework is proposed to produce economic block models accommodating various levels of data. The framework is illustrated on a site of interest located on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge. Random sampling based on literature datasets is performed to assign grades, porosity and grain density to the model. Other required parameters are produced using relationships found in the literature. Revenues are estimated using literature values within a net smelter return methodology. Mining costs are determined using the cost of a mining system and the estimated time required for excavating the ore. The excavating time is assessed through the specific energy for the ore and the mining machines. The specific energy is calculated with a hyperbaric rock-cutting model. An economic block value of each mining block is then provided. The mining block database resulting from the study constitutes a valuable input into further studies on resource development. The framework has also been used to support a sensitivity study. The availability of the marine assets has been found as having the greatest influence on the economic value of the study case.
Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil and Linalool Counteract Social Aversion Induced by Social Defeat
Authors: Caputo Lucia , Reguilon Marina D. , Mińarro José , De Feo Vincenzo , Rodriguez-Arias Marta
Published: October 2018

Many vegetable extracts, essential oils, and their main constituents are active on the Central Nervous System (CNS). In fact, they have been used as sedatives, hypnotics, or tranquilizers for their activity in treating CNS disorders. In this research, we studied the possible activities of Lavandula angustifolia (LA) essential oil and of its main constituent, linalool, as anti-stress compounds on anxiety and social interaction and their in vitro effects on proteins (pERK and PKA) involved in the transmission of the signal. An acute intraperitoneal injection of linalool (100 mg/kg) and of LA essential oil (200 mg/kg) reduced motor activity without any anxiolytic effect, but significantly increased social interaction. Stressed mice, after being exposed to a social defeat encounter, showed heightened anxiety and social avoidance. Acute administration of LA essential oil blocked stress-induced anxiety, while linalool showed no effects. However, both compounds were capable of reversing social aversion, acting as antidepressant agents. Our results showed that linalool inhibits pERK and PKA expression in the SH-SY5Y cell, but no effect was detected with the LA essential oil. Therefore, the LA essential oil and linalool may be considered as useful alternative tools to the available traditional treatments for social stress-induced mental illnesses.
Correction: Meng, X., et al. Neuroprotective Effects of Radix Scrophulariae on Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury via MAPK Pathways. Molecules 2018, 23, 2401
Authors: Meng Xiangbao , Xie Weijie , Xu Quanfu , Liang Tian , Xu Xudong , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: October 2018

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [...]
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on B3-GaN Thin Films under Nanoindentation
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Haitao , Xiang Henggao , Peng Xianghe
Published: October 2018

The B3-GaN thin film was investigated by performing large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of nanoindentation. Its plastic behavior and the corresponding mechanism were studied. Based on the analysis on indentation curve, dislocation density, and orientation dependence, it was found that the indentation depths of inceptive plasticity on (001), (110), and (111) planes were consistent with the Schmid law. The microstructure evolutions during the nanoindentation under different conditions were focused, and two formation mechanisms of prismatic loop were proposed. The “lasso”-like mechanism was similar to that in the previous research, where a shear loop can translate into a prismatic loop by cross-slip; and the extended “lasso”-like mechanism was not found to be reported. Our simulation showed that the two screw components of a shear loop will glide on another loop until they encounter each other and eventually produce a prismatic dislocation loop.
Antagonistic Effect of Azoxystrobin Poly (Lactic Acid) Microspheres with Controllable Particle Size on Colletotrichum higginsianum Sacc
Authors: Yao Junwei , Cui Bo , Zhao Xiang , Zhi Heng , Zeng Zhanghua , Wang Yan , Sun Changjiao , Liu Guoqiang , Gao Jinming , Cui Haixin
Published: October 2018

Size-controlled azoxystrobin-poly (lactic acid) microspheres (MS) were prepared by an oil/water emulsion solvent evaporation approach. The hydrated mean particle sizes of the MS1, MS2, and MS3 aqueous dispersions were 130.9 nm, 353.4 nm, and 3078.0 nm, respectively. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the azoxystrobin microspheres had a positive relationship with particle size. However, the release rate and percentage of cumulative release were inversely related to particle size. The smaller-sized microspheres had a greater potential to access the target mitochondria. As a result, the more severe oxidative damage of Colletotrichum higginsianum Sacc and higher antagonistic activity were induced by the smaller particle size of azoxystrobin microspheres. The 50% lethal concentrations against Colletotrichum higginsianum Sacc of MS1, MS2, and MS3 were 2.0386 μg/mL, 12.7246 μg/mL, and 21.2905 μg/mL, respectively. These findings reveal that particle size is a critical factor in increasing the bioavailability of insoluble fungicide.
Right Sizing: Sensory-Based Product Design Is a Promising Strategy to Nudge Consumers toward Healthier Portions
Authors: Labbe David , R. Fries Lisa , Ferrage Aurore , Lenfant Francine , Godinot Nicolas , Martin Nathalie
Published: October 2018

Research has shown that people consume more food when offered larger portions, and that reducing exposure to large food portions and packages could decrease the average daily energy consumed. In this context, our aim is to develop strategies to promote healthier eating behaviors by reducing portion selection and intake. The present research investigates the impact of different visual attributes of foods on quantity perception and portion selection. In the first study, we tested whether modifying the shape of a familiar food influenced the ideal portion size in adults. In the second study, we assessed the impact of shape, number of units, size, and color variety on a perceived quantity for a familiar multiunit product in children. Participants (N1 = 70 adults, N2 = 62 children) completed different picture-based computer tasks. As hypothesized: (1) adults selected a smaller ideal portion size for an elongated product than for wider and thicker shapes, and (2) children’s perception of food quantity was primarily driven by number of pieces, with smaller effects of size and elongation. Perceived quantity was not influenced by color variety. These findings suggest that it may be possible to reduce the size of food portions without negatively impacting perceived quantity, and to provide opportunities to nudge consumers towards smaller portions while maintaining satisfaction.
Mass-Production and Characterizations of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate/Graphene Porous Nanofiber Membranes Using Needleless Dynamic Linear Electrospinning
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Yan Mengxue , Xu Wenting , Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of large-scale preparation of porous polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate/graphene (Gr) (Gr-AP) nanofiber membranes using a copper wire needleless dynamic linear electrode electrospinning machine. Furthermore, the effects of Gr concentrations (0, 0.0375, 0.075, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt.%) on the morphology, electrical, hydrophilicity and thermal properties were evaluated. Results indicate that the dynamic linear electrospun Gr-AP membranes have a high yield of 1.25 g/h and are composed of porous finer nanofibers with a diameter of 141 ± 31 nm. Gr improved the morphology, homogeneity, hydrophobicity and thermal stability of Gr-AP nanofiber membranes. The critical conductive threshold is 0.075 wt.% for Gr, which provides the nanofiber membranes with an even distribution of diameter, an optimal conductivity, good hydrophilicity, appropriate specific surface area and optimal thermal stability. Therefore, needleless dynamic linear electrospinning is beneficial to produce high quality Gr-AP porous nanofiber membranes, and the optimal parameters can be used in artificial nerve conduits and serve as a valuable reference for mass production of nanofiber membranes.
Mapping Crop Residue and Tillage Intensity Using WorldView-3 Satellite Shortwave Infrared Residue Indices
Authors: Hively W. Dean , Lamb Brian T. , Daughtry Craig S. T. , Shermeyer Jacob , McCarty Gregory W. , Quemada Miguel
Published: October 2018

Crop residues serve many important functions in agricultural conservation including preserving soil moisture, building soil organic carbon, and preventing erosion. Percent crop residue cover on a field surface reflects the outcome of tillage intensity and crop management practices. Previous studies using proximal hyperspectral remote sensing have demonstrated accurate measurement of percent residue cover using residue indices that characterize cellulose and lignin absorption features found between 2100 nm and 2300 nm in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The 2014 launch of the WorldView-3 (WV3) satellite has now provided a space-borne platform for the collection of narrow band SWIR reflectance imagery capable of measuring these cellulose and lignin absorption features. In this study, WorldView-3 SWIR imagery (14 May 2015) was acquired over farmland on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay (Maryland, USA), was converted to surface reflectance, and eight different SWIR reflectance indices were calculated. On-farm photographic sampling was used to measure percent residue cover at a total of 174 locations in 10 agricultural fields, ranging from plow-till to continuous no-till management, and these in situ measurements were used to develop percent residue cover prediction models from the SWIR indices using both polynomial and linear least squares regressions. Analysis was limited to agricultural fields with minimal green vegetation (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index < 0.3) due to expected interference of vegetation with the SWIR indices. In the resulting residue prediction models, spectrally narrow residue indices including the Shortwave Infrared Normalized Difference Residue Index (SINDRI) and the Lignin Cellulose Absorption Index (LCA) were determined to be more accurate than spectrally broad Landsat-compatible indices such as the Normalized Difference Tillage Index (NDTI), as determined by respective R2 values of 0.94, 0.92, and 0.84 and respective residual mean squared errors (RMSE) of 7.15, 8.40, and 12.00. Additionally, SINDRI and LCA were more resistant to interference from low levels of green vegetation. The model with the highest correlation (2nd order polynomial SINDRI, R2 = 0.94) was used to convert the SWIR imagery into a map of crop residue cover for non-vegetated agricultural fields throughout the imagery extent, describing the distribution of tillage intensity within the farm landscape. WorldView-3 satellite imagery provides spectrally narrow SWIR reflectance measurements that show utility for a robust mapping of crop residue cover.
Dual-Bayes Localization Filter Extension for Safeguarding in the Case of Uncertain Direction Signals
Authors: Brunker Alexander , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Frey Michael , Gauterin Frank
Published: October 2018

In order to run a localization filter for parking systems in real time, the directional information must be directly available when a distance measurement of the wheel speed sensor is detected. When the vehicle is launching, the wheel speed sensors may already detect distance measurement in the form of Delta-Wheel-Pulse-Counts (DWPCs) without having defined a rolling direction. This phenomenon is particularly problematic during parking maneuvers, where many small correction strokes are made. If a localization filter is used for positioning, the restrained DWPCs cannot process in real time. Without directional information in the form of a rolling direction signal, the filter has to ignore the DWPCs or artificially stop until a rolling direction signal is present. For this reason, methods for earlier estimation of the rolling direction based on the pattern of the incoming DWPCs and based on the force equilibrium have been presented. Since the new methods still have their weaknesses and a wrong estimation of the rolling direction can occur, an extension of a so-called Dual-Localization filter approach is presented. The Dual-Localization filter uses two localization filters and an intelligent initialization logic that ensures that both filters move in opposite directions at launching. The primary localization filter uses the estimated and the secondary one the opposite direction. As soon as a valid rolling direction signal is present, an initialization logic is used to decide which localization filter has previously moved in the true direction. The localization filter that has moved in the wrong direction is initialized with the states and covariances of the other localization filter. This extension allows for a fast and real-time capability to be achieved, and the accumulated velocity error can be dramatically reduced.
American Sign Language Recognition Using Leap Motion Controller with Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Chong Teak-Wei , Lee Boon-Giin
Published: October 2018

Sign language is intentionally designed to allow deaf and dumb communities to convey messages and to connect with society. Unfortunately, learning and practicing sign language is not common among society; hence, this study developed a sign language recognition prototype using the Leap Motion Controller (LMC). Many existing studies have proposed methods for incomplete sign language recognition, whereas this study aimed for full American Sign Language (ASL) recognition, which consists of 26 letters and 10 digits. Most of the ASL letters are static (no movement), but certain ASL letters are dynamic (they require certain movements). Thus, this study also aimed to extract features from finger and hand motions to differentiate between the static and dynamic gestures. The experimental results revealed that the sign language recognition rates for the 26 letters using a support vector machine (SVM) and a deep neural network (DNN) are 80.30% and 93.81%, respectively. Meanwhile, the recognition rates for a combination of 26 letters and 10 digits are slightly lower, approximately 72.79% for the SVM and 88.79% for the DNN. As a result, the sign language recognition system has great potential for reducing the gap between deaf and dumb communities and others. The proposed prototype could also serve as an interpreter for the deaf and dumb in everyday life in service sectors, such as at the bank or post office.
Qualitative Assessment of Social Vulnerability to Flood Hazards in Romania
Authors: Török Ibolya
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates local-scale social vulnerability to flood hazards in Romania, aiming to identify the most vulnerable social and demographic groups across a wide range of geographical locations by considering three dimensions: demographic, socioeconomic, and the built environment. The purpose of the paper is threefold: first, it strives to improve the Social Vulnerability model (SoVI®) by applying a different weighting method adapted to the Romanian context, taking into consideration the municipalities exposed to flood movements. Second, it aims to develop an assessment model for the most vulnerable communities by measuring the heterogeneity according to local indicators related to disaster risks. Third, it aims to facilitate emergency managers to identify community sub-groups that are more susceptible to loss and to increase the resilience of local communities. To perform local-level vulnerability mapping, 28 variables were selected and three aggregated indexes were constructed with the help of the ArcGIS software. Moreover, a model of Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) between communities directly affected by floods and localities with high- and very high values of the Local Social Vulnerability Index (LoSoVI) was used to explore the spatial relationship among them and to compare the appropriateness of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and GWR for such modelling. The established GWR model has revealed that the negative effects of flood hazards are often associated with communities with a high degree of social vulnerability. Thus, the analysis is able to provide a more comprehensive picture on communities in desperate need of financial resources in order to have the ability to diminish the negative impacts of flood hazards and to provide a more sustainable society.
Ohio LEED Schools and Academic Performance: A Panel Study, 2006–2016
Authors: Thombs Ryan P. , Prindle Allen
Published: October 2018

This study investigates the effect that Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) had on academic performance using a difference-in-differences (DID) estimator using data from the years 2006–2016. By obtaining data from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, this investigation examines the effect that LEED design had on the Student Performance Index for schools that opened in the year 2012. Each LEED school was matched with a non-LEED school based on several criteria. The study determined that LEED did not have an impact on the Student Performance Index. Though we find no relationship, green schools do provide educational opportunities that standard buildings do not. We suggest that the state of Ohio should take advantage of potentially untapped opportunities in their green schools program that could enhance both social and ecological sustainability.
Sustainability Assessment According to the Selected Business Excellence Models
Authors: Jankalová Miriam , Jankal Radoslav
Published: October 2018

Not every Business Excellence model has an integral approach considering the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. The aim of the paper is to review the selected Business Excellence Models and to introduce a proposal to improve this type of models as being applicable for the sustainability assessment. The models that were chosen are used as a basis for organisational improvement. The paper is based on information gathered through extensive literature review (research publications, research studies, documents about The Business Excellence Models) using Internet and research databases and the author’s own experience. Methods of analysis, comparison, selection and statistics are to be used. Although the models are based on similar principles, the differences are in the number and structure of the criteria, respectively, sub-criteria and in the sustainability assessment approach. Therefore, as key criteria in the area of self-assessment, we propose seven non-results criteria and criterion results. The proposed Model is discussed with the analysed models, based on the calculation of their mutual distances. The model, which is closest to the proposed model, is The Singapore Business Excellence Framework.
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Roofs and Pavements: A Case Study at Sapienza University Campus
Authors: Battisti Alessandra , Laureti Flavia , Zinzi Michele , Volpicelli Giulia
Published: October 2018

The progressively emerging concept of urban resilience to climate change highlights the importance of mitigation and adaptation measures, and the need to integrate urban climatology in the design process, in order to better understand the multiple effects of combined green and cool technologies for the transition to climate responsive and thermally comfortable urban open spaces. This study focuses the attention on selected mitigation and adaptation technologies; two renovation scenarios were designed and modeled according to the minimal intervention criterion. The study pays attention to the effect on surface temperature and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) of vegetation and high albedo materials characterizing the horizontal boundaries of the site. The Sapienza University campus, a historical site in Rome, is taken as a case study. These results highlight the importance of treed open spaces and the combination of permeable green pavements associated with cool roofs as the most effective strategy for the mitigation of summer heatwaves and the improvement of outdoor thermal comfort.
Transition from the Wave Equation to Either the Heat or the Transport Equations through Fractional Differential Expressions
Authors: Olivar-Romero Fernando , Rosas-Ortiz Oscar
Published: October 2018

We present a model that intermediates among the wave, heat, and transport equations. The approach considers the propagation of initial disturbances in a one-dimensional medium that can vibrate. The medium is nonlinear in such a form that nonlocal differential expressions are required to describe the time evolution of solutions. Nonlocality was modeled with a space-time fractional differential equation of order 1 ≤ α ≤ 2 in time, and order 1 ≤ β ≤ 2 in space. We adopted the notion of Caputo for the time derivative and the Riesz pseudo-differential operator for the space derivative. The corresponding Cauchy problem was solved for zero initial velocity and initial disturbance, represented by either the Dirac delta or the Gaussian distributions. Well-known results for the conventional partial differential equations of wave propagation, diffusion, and (modified) transport processes were recovered as particular cases. In addition, regular solutions were found for the partial differential equation that arises from α = 2 and β = 1 . Unlike the above conventional cases, the latter equation permits the presence of nodes in its solutions.
Characteristics of Positive Surges in a Rectangular Channel
Authors: Zheng Feidong , Li Yun , Xuan Guoxiang , Li Zhonghua , Zhu Long
Published: October 2018

A positive surge is an unsteady open channel flow motion characterized by an increase of flow depth. In previous experimental studies, a positive surge was typically induced by either a sudden increase of discharge in a channel or by the rapid closure of a downstream sluice gate, thus leading to a steep initial profile. However, in many instances, the evolution of a positive surge is of a progressive manner (e.g., in the downstream navigation canal during the emptying operation of lock chambers). In the present work, the inception and development of a positive surge induced by a progressive increase of discharge was investigated in a rectangular channel with a smooth bed. Both undular and breaking surges were studied. The results demonstrate that the maximum wave height at the first wave crest of an undular surge is in very close agreement with the McCowan theory. Additionally, the wave amplitude essentially shows a linearly increasing trend with an increasing surge Froude number up to Fr0 = 1.26 to 1.28, whereas it tends to suggest a power law reduction for larger surge Froude numbers. Moreover, the dispersion of undular surges is consistent with the linear wave theory only for surge Froude numbers close to unity. Overall, the present study demonstrates the unique features of positive surges induced by a progressive increase of discharge.
Comparison of 68Ga- and fluorescence-labeled microspheres for measurement of relative pulmonary perfusion in anesthetized pigs
Authors: Scharffenberg Martin , Naumann Anne , Bluth Thomas , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Kotzerke Jörg , Braune Anja
Published: October 2018

Aim: We compared 68Gallium (68Ga)- and fluorescence-labeled microspheres for measurement of pulmonary perfusion distribution in anesthetized pigs without lung injury. Methods: In two mechanically ventilated pigs, the distribution of pulmonary perfusion was marked in vivo with 68Ga- and fluorescence-labeled microspheres in supine and prone position. After each injection, the distribution of 68Ga-labeled microspheres was measured in vivo with positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) in the position in which microspheres were injected and vice versa. The distribution of fluorescence-labeled microspheres was measured ex vivo. Perfusion distributions were compared between methods and postures within four lung regions and along the ventro-dorsal gradient. After each injection of 68Ga-labeled microspheres, changes in ventro-dorsal perfusion gradients induced by repositioning were compared for volume- and mass-normalized PET/CT measurements. Results: Regional and gradient analyses of in vivo and ex vivo measurements, respectively, consistently revealed higher pulmonary perfusion in dorsal than ventral regions in supine positioned animals. Both methods showed more pronounced perfusion gradients in supine compared to prone position. Changes in animal position were associated with alterations in the ventro-dorsal perfusion gradient when volume-, but not mass-normalization was conducted for PET/CT data. Conclusions: Ex vivo fluorescence- and in vivo 68Ga-labeled microspheres measurements revealed similar perfusion distributions. Mass-normalized perfusion measurements by 68Ga-labeled microspheres and PET/CT were not affected by positioning artifacts.
“Das PSMA-PET/CT soll bei allen Patienten mit biochemischem Progress nach radikaler Prostatektomie für eine frühe Tumordetektion eingesetzt werden.”
Authors: Böhmer Dirk , Schlomm Thorsten , Maurer Thomas , Beer Ambros J. , Schmidberger Heinz , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: October 2018

Die Debatte stellt die bekannte Evidenz zur Frage der PSMA-PET/CT beim biochemischen Rezidiv des Prostatakarzinoms dar und wägt interdisziplinär ab, in welcher Situation welcher Patient zur Wahl der adäquaten Therapieoption bildgebende Diagnostik erforderlich macht. Dabei werden grundsätzliche Überlegungen zur Versorgung onkologischer Patienten mit einbezogen.
Disorder in H+-irradiated HOPG: effect of impinging energy and dose on Raman D-band splitting and surface topography
Authors: Venosta Lisandro , Bajales Noelia , Suárez Sergio , Bercoff Paula G
Published: October 2018

Disorder was induced in pristine highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by irradiation with H+ ions with energies of 0.4 MeV and 1 MeV, and doses of 1014 ions/cm2 and 1016 ions/cm2. Raman spectroscopy was used as the main technique to characterize different samples and gain new insights on the splitting of the D band into two components (D1 and D2), trying to correlate this feature of the vibrational spectrum with the impinging energy and dose. An increased ID2/IG ratio in comparison with ID1/IG was observed in the irradiated samples. This behavior indicates that the impinging energy mainly affects the D1 component, while the D2 component is strongly dominated by the dose. We expect a larger contribution of defects (originating from the rupture of C–C sp2 symmetry through the formation of C–H sp3 bonds) to the D2 component than to the D1 component. SQUID measurements of the irradiated samples showed an enhancement in the normalized remanence, as well as an increment in coercivity compared to pristine HOPG, consistent with H+-induced point-like defects as well as C–H bonds. AFM scanning after Raman and SQUID characterization showed a distribution of surface defects, which were ascribed to the burst of hydrogen blisters formed as a consequence of the irradiation process. The results presented in this work contribute to the current trend in nanotechnology in areas devoted to the control of properties by defect engineering in carbon-based materials.
Dinâmica Industrial e Inovação no Estado do Paraná entre 2004 e 2014
Authors: Morais Dalla Corte Greice , Lopes de Moraes Marcelo
Published: October 2018

No processo de crescimento e desenvolvimento econômico, a participação do setor secundário, e seu respectivo nível de produtividade, apresenta papel relevante. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os índices de produtividade e verificar o desempenho da dinâmica da industrial paranaense. A metodologia empregada consiste no cálculo dos índices de produção e produtividade industrial, no período de 2004 a 2014, e comparar tais indicadores com o nível nacional a luz dos teóricos sobre inovação e produtividade. Os resultados apontam o que o adensamento industrial se mostra como perspectiva de queda, a composição setorial está pautada na indústria de alimentos e que o valor da transformação industrial como proporção do PIB mostra-se acima da média nacional, porém com intenso uso de mão de obra. Destaca-se também que a baixa especialização do Capital Humano resulta em um ambiente estadual com baixa propensão a inovar e, consequentemente, baixa produtividade. Infere-se que elementos determinantes de inovação e produtividade não estão sendo potencialmente utilizados para atingir maiores taxas de crescimento econômico no Paraná.
Aplicação de ferramenta de apoio à decisão para diagnóstico e recuperação dos lixões de RSU na Ilha de Santiago – Cabo Verde
Authors: Moreira Ailton João Gonçalves , Gomes Juliano Cunha , Castilhos Jr. Armando Borges , Mendonça Joana De Brito
Published: October 2018

Em países em desenvolvimento, a disposição dos resíduos sólidos urbanos em lixões ainda é uma realidade, podendo causar sérios impactos ambientais e problemas de saúde pública. Em Cabo Verde a maioria dos municípios depositam seus resíduos em lixões. A ilha de Santiago dispõe de um aterro sanitário em vias de operação. Com a sua entrada em funcionamento, todos os municípios da ilha encaminharão seus resíduos a esse local possibilitando assim a recuperação dos seus lixões. Neste contexto, este artigo tem por objetivo fazer o diagnóstico de três lixões dessa ilha bem como propor cenários de recuperação para cada um deles usando Ferramentas de Apoio à Decisão (FAD). Para a aplicação dessa FAD fez-se o levantamento dos dados a partir da visita a esses locais e aplicação de um questionário de campo. Com a FAD elaborou-se o diagnóstico dos lixões, propôs-se as ações de intervenção e cenários de recuperação para cada um deles. Os resultados demonstram uma semelhança entre os três lixões avaliados tendo ambos um impacto “Médio” e cenário de recuperação sugerida, o “Confinamento dos resíduos”. A FAD mostrou ser um importante instrumento de auxílio à tomada de decisão relativamente às áreas contaminadas por resíduos sólidos urbanos na ilha de Santiago – Cabo Verde.
A consolidação da eletrificação pela Copel na cidade de Maringá-PR (1956-1969): conflitos e repercussão no território e na sociedade
Authors: Barbosa Leonardo Cassimiro , Cordovil Fabíola Castelo de Souza , Souza Thaylise Marega , Savaris Murilo , Massa Stefani
Published: October 2018

A cidade de Maringá, implantada em 1947, é fruto de um plano de colonização empreendido por uma companhia colonizadora privada na porção Norte do Paraná. O fato desta companhia não implantar infraestruturas e serviços básicos ao seu funcionamento trouxe uma série de dificuldades para a urbe, que crescia em ritmo acelerado. A tentativa de solucionar o acesso à eletrificação se deu com a instalação, em 1956, da recém-criada Companhia Paranaense de Energia (COPEL). O objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar o processo de estruturação da COPEL em Maringá, entre 1956-1969, entendendo a lógica de implantação da eletrificação e o impacto desta na sociedade maringaense. A confrontação de diversas fontes documentais mostrou que a instalação da concessionária estadual se deu de forma conflituosa, tendo que superar diversos obstáculos como: dificuldades técnicas na geração de energia; adoção de racionamento; estruturação da rede de distribuição; críticas ao elevado custo do serviço; além de grande pressão popular e do poder municipal para melhora do atendimento. Tais dificuldades certamente contribuíram para a estruturação da COPEL que, anos mais tarde, se tornaria o ator hegemônico na eletrificação do paranaense.
Bitcoin no Sistema Financeiro Nacional
Authors: Ledra Ribeiro Rodrigo Marcial
Published: October 2018

Este artigo elucida aspectos jurídicos e regulatórios do bitcoin (BTC) com objetivo de reduzir a insegurança jurídica em que se encontram as operações realizadas com a criptomoeda no Brasil. Essa pesquisa descritiva de cunho qualitativo e método dedutivo averigua, por meio do estudo da legislação e doutrinas pertinentes, a quais órgãos reguladores do Sistema Financeiro Nacional (SFN) as operações com o BTC estão submetidas. Para tanto, são introduzidas as funcionalidades, potencialidades e limitações do blockchain, tecnologia subjacente à criptomoeda. Após, são destacados aspectos relevantes do Sistema Financeiro Nacional. Em seguida, busca-se classificação conceitual jurídica adequada ao Bitcoin. Findas essas etapas, o trabalho sugere que, em razão da natureza jurídica do bitcoin como bem intangível, no atual aparato legal, não há previsão regulatória sobre o BTC, motivo pelo qual, no momento, operações com a moeda virtual não estão submetidas a qualquer órgão do SFN.
GroundCare - Invertebrates as indicators for untreated water and intrusion of surface water in water supply systems
Authors: Siemensmeyer Tobias , Spengler Cornelia , Schwenk Klaus , Hahn Hans Jurgen
Published: October 2018

Functioning, healthy groundwater ecosystems are essential for high quality drinking water, and they minimize costs of processing groundwater for drinking purposes.

GroundCare is a multidisciplinary project, which is led by the Helmholz Institute in Munich, Germany and funded by the BMBF (German federal Ministry of education and Research). The aim is to parametrize and to quantify groundwater ecosystem services as a basis for sustainable water management and water pollution control by biomonitoring. In other words: the development of biological assessment techniques.

Multiple parameters are evaluated (physico-chemical parameters, microbial and fauna community composition, ecotoxicological effects). Invertebrate fauna is investigated at five sites all across Germany. During the project, molecular identification through DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding of groundwater invertebrates is being implemented and compared to traditional morphological bio-assessment. The subterranean fauna can be used as bio-indicators to validate groundwater conditions, in particular surface water intrusion. For the water suppliers, surface water intrusion means an increased risk of contamination. The discrimination of epigean from stygobiotic fauna is the simple and basic idea of this approach.

A very specific kind of water treatment is used by the water works in Würzburg (Bavaria), one of the fife study sites, which is located directly along the Main river bank. Uncommonly, they use part time river bank filtration if land-side groundwater levels are low. Another possibility is the extraction of Main River water by near-bank wells, followed by intensive water treatment and then the water is infiltrated again.

The question asked was, whether the fauna indicates this specific situation or not. In the area, three types of subsurface waters can be distinguished, which are land-side groundwater, riverbank water and artificially infiltrated Main river water. Representative bores were sampled four times over one year for invertebrates. First results clearly show that the faunal patterns reflect these different hydrological situations.
Phylogeny of the genus Pseudosinella (Hexapoda, Collembola) from the Western Carpathians caves reveals Miocene diversification
Authors: Kováč Ľubomír , Žurovcová Martina , Raschmanová Natália , Parimuchová Andrea , Jureková Nikola , Papáč Vladimír
Published: October 2018

The observations from the recent period revealed that the Western Carpathians, a part of the Carpathian mountain chain, is the northernmost region in Europe with the occurrence of the obligate cave fauna. The collembolan genus Pseudosinella Schäffer, 1897 is a polyphyletic taxon derived from the genus Lepidocyrtus Bourlet, 1839 from which it differs in reduced number of eyes. It covers about 350 species with predominantly Holarctic distribution of which about 39% are confined to caves. We studied the morphology and molecular traits to identify cave species of the genus Pseudosinella occupying the Western Carpathian caves and clarify their phylogenetic relationships. Based on morphological traits we hypothesized that Pseudosinella aggtelekiensis (Stach, 1929) and P. paclti Rusek, 1961 are descendants of the different phyletic lineages, the former species lacking morphologically related edaphic species. On the other hand, several species related to P. paclti were found in caves, superficial subterranean habitats and in the soil. Molecular phylogeny analysis has shown two distinct groups of cave species following pattern of allopatric distribution. The first group consisted of populations of P. aggtelekienis from the Slovak Karst and an undescribed species from fragmented and isolated karst in eastern Slovakia. In the second group different populations of P. paclti occupying caves of the central karst regions were incorporated together with a new highly troglomorphic species confined to a small karst area. After an approximate estimate of the geological timing of the species isolation (RelTime), the two distinct Pseudosinella lineages separated approx. 9.54 mya followed by subsequent diversification in P. paclti lineage 8.36 mya, and in P. aggtelekiensis lineage 6.99 mya. This study contributed to assumption that the Western Carpathian Mts played an important role as speciation centre of the obligate cave fauna in Europe.
Contribution of range restricted and widespread species to biodiversity patterns in the Western Balkans in Southern Europe
Authors: Bregović Petra , Fišer Cene , Zagmajster Maja
Published: October 2018

Species richness patterns (SRP) emerge due to overlap in species distributions. They critically depend on two parameters of species ranges: geographic position and size. An important question is which species contribute more to the observed SRP, range restricted or widespread species. Most studies concluded that the widespread species tend to influence SRP more. However, the relative importance of either may strongly depend on the study system. Here we investigated how subterranean species of different range sizes contribute to SRP in the Western Balkans. We studied spatially defined datasets of terrestrial and aquatic troglobionts, represented by beetles (Cholevidae, Carabidae, 425 species) and amphipod crustaceans (Niphargidae, 150 species), respectively. The two groups differ in dispersal capacities, and indeed distribution of their range sizes differed. The proportion of single site species reached 30% in beetles, and 21% in niphargids. Maximum linear extent (MLE) of the range exceeded 200 km in only 1% of beetles, but in nearly 20% of niphargids. SRP of both taxonomic groups only partly overlapped. To assess the contribution of species with different ranges on SRP, we created different subsets and compared their SRPs with full dataset SRP. Subsets were first formed by adding species one-by-one, in ascending and descending order according to range size. We used correlation analysis, with significance assessed using null models generated from randomly generated subsets. In the second analysis, we assigned species info four classes according to range size, and modelled which size class best explains SRP. The results showed certain differences among the two taxonomic groups, which make generalizations difficult. We find it important to evaluate the contribution of species with different ranges to overall SRP, but also to identification of local hotspots.
Additions to the taxonomy of Lagarobasidium and Xylodon (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Viner Ilya , Spirin Viacheslav , Zíbarová Lucie , Larsson Karl-Henrik
Published: October 2018

Lagarobasidiumis a small genus of wood-decaying basidiomycetes in the order Hymenochaetales. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have either supportedLagarobasidiumas a distinct taxon or indicated that it should be subsumed underXylodon, a genus that covers the majority of species formerly placed inHyphodontia. We used sequences from the ITS and nuclear LSU regions to infer the phylogenetic position of the type speciesL.detriticum. Analyses confirmLagarobasidiumas a synonym ofXylodon. Molecular and morphological information show that the traditional concept ofL.detriticumcovers at least two species,Xylodondetriticusfrom Europe andX.pruinosuswith known distribution in Europe and North America. Three species currently placed inLagarobasidiumare transferred toXylodon, viz.X.magnificus,X.pumiliusandX.rickii. Three newXylodonspecies are described and illustrated,X.ussuriensisandX.crystalligerfrom East Asia andX.attenuatusfrom the Pacific Northwest America. The identity ofX.nongravis, described from Sri Lanka, is discussed.
Assessing the relative potential ecological impacts and invasion risks of emerging and future invasive alien species
Authors: Dickey James W.E. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Rea Michael , Laverty Ciaran , Crane Kate , South Josie , Briski Elizabeta , Chang Xuexiu , Coughlan Neil E. , MacIsaac Hugh J. , Ricciardi Anthony , Riddell Gillian E. , Xu Meng , Dick Jaimie T.A.
Published: October 2018

Invasive alien species (IAS) cause myriad negative impacts, such as ecosystem disruption, human, animal and plant health issues, economic damage and species extinctions. There are many sources of emerging and future IAS, such as the poorly regulated international pet trade. However, we lack methodologies to predict the likely ecological impacts and invasion risks of such IAS which have little or no informative invasion history. This study develops the Relative Impact Potential (RIP) metric, a new measure of ecological impact that incorporates per capita functional responses (FRs) and proxies for numerical responses (NRs) associated with emerging invaders. Further, as propagule pressure is a determinant of invasion risk, we combine the new measure of Pet Propagule Pressure (PPP) with RIP to arrive at a second novel metric, Relative Invasion Risk (RIR). We present methods to calculate these metrics and to display the outputs on intuitive bi- and triplots. We apply RIP/RIR to assess the potential ecological impacts and invasion risks of four commonly traded pet turtles that represent emerging IAS: Trachemysscriptascripta, the yellow-bellied slider; T.s.troostii, the Cumberland slider; Sternotherusodoratus, the common musk turtle; and Kinosternonsubrubrum, the Eastern mud turtle. The high maximum feeding rate and high attack rate of T.s.scripta, combined with its numerical response proxies of lifespan and fecundity, gave it the highest impact potential. It was also the second most readily available according to our UK surveys, indicating a high invasion risk. Despite having the lowest maximum feeding rate and attack rate, S.odoratus has a high invasion risk due to high availability and we highlight this species as requiring monitoring. The RIP/RIR metrics offer two universally applicable methods to assess potential impacts and risks associated with emerging and future invaders in the pet trade and other sources of future IAS. These metrics highlight T.s.scripta as having high impact and invasion risk, corroborating its position on the EU list of 49 IAS of Union Concern. This suggests our methodology and metrics have great potential to direct future IAS policy decisions and management. This, however, relies on collation and generation of new data on alien species functional responses, numerical responses and their proxies, and imaginative measures of propagule pressure.
Emotions in decision-making processes: the family bank Eichthal and its investment decisions for Greece in the XIX th century
Authors: Schönhärl Korinna
Published: October 2018

Quel rôle jouent les émotions dans les processus de décision des entreprises familiales ? Sur la base des recherches récentes sur l’histoire des émotions, cette question est examinée dans le processus de prise de décision de la banque familiale d’Eichthal, basée à Paris, concernant son investissement en Grèce dans les années 1830. L’article soutient d’abord que les liens affectifs forts entre un membre de la famille envoyé en Grèce comme courtier et le reste de la famille à Paris et Munich ont considérablement influencé le processus décisionnel de la famille. Ensuite l’article examine les difficultés de ce courtier, « brebis galeuse » de la famille, à gérer sa propre vie affective et son expression de manière appropriée. Ainsi, l’article montre que le potentiel symbolique de la Grèce en tant que cible intellectuelle de l’ardent philhellénisme européen du XIX e  siècle lui a permis de gérer cette tâche de façon acceptable pour sa famille.
Between filial piety and managerial opportunism: the strategic use of the history of a family business after the buyout by non-family purchasers
Authors: Passant Adrien Jean-Guy
Published: October 2018

Toute entreprise familiale est dotée d’une histoire qui lui est spécifique. Les récits consacrés à son histoire sont généralement reconnus pour leurs propriétés fédératrices : ils instillent une vision partagée de l’histoire de l’entreprise, mêlant valeurs, mythes et histoires au sein d’une culture qui est propre à l’entreprise. Les entreprises familiales ne parviennent cependant pas toujours à demeurer dans le giron des familles qui leur ont donné le jour. Que deviennent alors les récits historiques sur leur passé familial ? Sont-ils toujours pertinents lorsque la succession intrafamiliale a échoué ? Et si oui, pour qui et dans quelle mesure ? Les rôles des récits historiques consacrés au passé familial d’entreprises qui ont été rachetées par des repreneurs externes sont encore peu connus. Ce sujet mérite d’être étudié dans la mesure où la reprise des entreprises familiales par des acquéreurs tiers est une situation qui n’est pas rare. À travers une étude de cas historique, portant sur une école de commerce qui fut une entreprise familiale pendant deux générations au XIX e  siècle – l’École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris devenue par la suite ESCP Europe –, cet article montre que l’entreprise familiale peut devenir, via les récits d’histoire dont elle fait l’objet, un champ de confrontation émotionnelle. Si les témoins de l’époque familiale de l’entreprise investissent l’histoire de celle-ci pour préserver son alma mater , il en va différemment des repreneurs. Ces derniers peuvent, en effet, mobiliser l’histoire familiale de l’entreprise pour démontrer que, contrairement à leurs prédécesseurs, ils sont parvenus à assurer à l’entreprise un degré de prospérité qu’elle n’avait jamais atteint lorsqu’elle était aux mains de la famille autrefois dirigeante. De ce fait, les récits sur le passé familial de l’entreprise peuvent être appréhendés non seulement comme des révélateurs des tensions émotionnelles qui traversent l’entreprise, mais aussi comme des leviers d’action stratégique pour construire l’avenir de l’entreprise.