bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Radiation Method for Preparing MnO2/BC Monolith Hybrids with Outstanding Supercapacitance Performance
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Xichuan , Mi Rui , Yuan Lei , Yang Xi , Zhong Minglong , Fu Zhibing , Wang Chaoyang , Tang Yongjian
Published: July 2018

A novel facile process for fabrication of amorphous MnO2/bamboo charcoal monolith hybrids (MnO2/BC) for potential supercapacitor applications using γ-irradiation methods is described. The structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of the MnO2/BC hybrids have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The combination of BC (electrical double layer charge) and MnO2 (pseudocapacitance) created a complementary effect, which enhanced the specific capacitance and good cyclic stability of the MnO2/BC hybrid electrodes. The MnO2/BC hybrids showed a higher specific capacitance (449 F g−1 at the constant current density of 0.5 A g−1 over the potential range from –0.2 V to 0.8 V), compared with BC (101 F g−1) in 1 M of Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the MnO2/BC hybrid electrodes showed superior cycling stability with 78% capacitance retention, even after 10,000 cycles. The experimental results demonstrated that the high performance of MnO2/BC hybrids could be a potential electrode material for supercapacitors.
Effect of Supplementation of a Whey Peptide Rich in Tryptophan-Tyrosine-Related Peptides on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Kita Masahiro , Obara Kuniaki , Kondo Sumio , Umeda Satoshi , Ano Yasuhisa
Published: July 2018

Background: Previous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that dairy products have beneficial effects on cognitive decline and dementia. Enzymatic digestion of whey protein produces a whey peptide rich in tryptophan-tyrosine-related peptides which improve cognitive performance in mice. We evaluated the effects of whey peptides on cognitive functions in healthy adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Methods: 101 healthy adults (45 to 64 years), with a self-awareness of cognitive decline received either whey peptide or placebo supplements for 12 weeks. Changes in cognitive function were assessed using neuropsychological tests at 6 and 12 weeks after the start of supplementation. Results: Verbal fluency test (VFT) score changes tended to be higher in the whey peptide group compared with the placebo at 12 weeks. Subgroup analysis classified by the degree of subjective fatigue showed that changes in the VFT as well as the Stroop and subjective memory function tests between baseline and 6 weeks of intervention were significantly better in subjects with high-level fatigue from the whey peptide group as compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Intake of whey peptide might improve cognitive function in healthy middle- and older-aged adults with high subjective fatigue levels. Further studies will elucidate the relationship among cognitive improvement, whey peptides, and psychological fatigue.
The Impact of the Australasian ‘Health Star Rating’, Front-of-Pack Nutritional Label, on Consumer Choice: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hamlin Robert , McNeill Lisa
Published: July 2018

Front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition labels are a widely deployed tool in public good marketing. This article reports on a field experimental test of the impact of one of these systems, the Australasian Health Star Rating system (HSR), on consumer choice in the breakfast cereals category in New Zealand. This study forms part of a time-series replication stream of research on this topic. The research applied a 2 × 2 factorial design with multiple replications to retail food consumers exiting from supermarkets in New Zealand. The first part of the time series, undertaken shortly after the HSR’s initiation in 2014, indicated that the HSR was ineffective. Between 2014 and 2016, commercial brands in the category within New Zealand massively promoted the HSR as a basis for consumer choice. The research presented in this article forms part of the second part of the series, undertaken in 2016, using an identical experimental methodology to the 2014 study. The results indicate that the HSR may be beginning to influence consumer choice as it was predicted to, but the impact of the system is still small, and statistically sub-significant, relative to other consumer decision inputs presented on the package.
Effectiveness of a Locally Produced, Fish-Based Food Product on Weight Gain among Cambodian Children in the Treatment of Acute Malnutrition: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sigh Sanne , Roos Nanna , Chamnan Chhoun , Laillou Arnaud , Prak Sophanneary , Wieringa Frank T.
Published: July 2018

Cambodia continues to have a high prevalence of acute malnutrition. Low acceptability has been found for standard ready-to-use-therapeutic-food (RUTF) products. Therefore, NumTrey, a locally-produced fish-based RUTF, was developed. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of NumTrey compared to an imported milk-based RUTF for weight gain among children aged 6–59 months in the home-treatment for acute malnutrition. Effectiveness was tested in a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with weight gain as the primary outcome. Anthropometry was assessed at baseline and bi-weekly follow-ups until endline at Week 8. In total, 121 patients were randomized into BP-100TM (n = 61) or NumTrey (n = 60). There was no statistical difference in mean weight gain between the groups (1.06 g/kg/day; 95% CI (0.72, 1.41) and 1.08 g/kg/day; 95% CI (0.75, 1.41) for BP-100™ and NumTrey, respectively). In addition, no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes were found. Although the ability to draw conclusions was limited by lower weight gain than the desired 4 g/kg/day in both groups, no superiority was found for eitherRUTF. A locally produced RUTF is highly relevant to improve nutrition interventions in Cambodia. A locally produced fish-based RUTF is a relevant alternative to imported milk-based RUTF for the treatment of SAM in Cambodia.
Preparation of Poly (dl-Lactide-co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles Encapsulated with Periglaucine A and Betulinic Acid for In Vitro Anti-Acanthamoeba and Cytotoxicity Activities
Authors: Mahboob Tooba , Nawaz Muhammad , Tian-Chye Tan , Samudi Chandramathi , Wiart Christophe , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: July 2018

Poly (dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres were synthesized as delivery system for the natural anti-parasitic compounds, Periglaucine A (PGA) and Betulinic acid (BA). Periglaucine A and Betulinic acid were encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles by single emulsion method with an average particle size of approximately 100–500 nm. Periglaucine A and Betulinic acid encapsulation efficiency was observed to be 90% and 35% respectively. Anti-Acanthamoeba property of Periglaucine A and Betulinic acid remained intact after encapsulation. PGA-PLGA and BA-PLGA nanoparticles demonstrated inhibition in viability of Acanthamoeba triangularis trophozoites by 74.9%, 59.9%, 49.9% and 71.2%, 52.2%, 88% respectively at concentration of 100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity of PGA-PLGA and BA-PLGA nanoparticles has been evaluated against lung epithelial cell line and showed dose dependent cytotoxicity value of IC50 2 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL respectively. Futher, increased viability was observed in lung epithelial cell line in higher doses of synthesized polymeric nanoparticles. Results indicate that poly (dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles could be exploratory delivery systems for natural products to improve their therapeutic efficacy.
Chain Trajectory, Chain Packing, and Molecular Dynamics of Semicrystalline Polymers as Studied by Solid-State NMR
Authors: Wang Shijun , Hong You-Lee , Yuan Shichen , Chen Wei , Zhou Wenxuan , Li Zhen , Wang Kun , Min Xu , Konishi Takashi , Miyoshi Toshikazu
Published: July 2018

Chain-level structure of semicrystalline polymers in melt- and solution-grown crystals has been debated over the past half century. Recently, 13C–13C double quantum (DQ) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been successfully applied to investigate chain-folding (CF) structure and packing structure of 13C enriched polymers after solution and melt crystallization. We review recent NMR studies for (i) packing structure, (ii) chain trajectory, (iii) conformation of the folded chains, (iv) nucleation mechanisms, (v) deformation mechanism, and (vi) molecular dynamics of semicrystalline polymers.
Confirmation of Bioinformatics Predictions of the Structural Domains in Honeybee Silk
Authors: Woodhead Andrea , Church Andrew , Rapson Trevor , Trueman Holly , Church Jeffrey , Sutherland Tara
Published: July 2018

Honeybee larvae produce a silk made up of proteins in predominantly a coiled coil molecular structure. These proteins can be produced in recombinant systems, making them desirable templates for the design of advanced materials. However, the atomic level structure of these proteins is proving difficult to determine: firstly, because coiled coils are difficult to crystalize; and secondly, fibrous proteins crystalize as fibres rather than as discrete protein units. In this study, we synthesised peptides from the central structural domain, as well as the N- and C-terminal domains, of the honeybee silk. We used circular dichroism spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics to investigate the folding behaviour of the central domain peptides. We found that they folded as predicted by bioinformatics analysis, giving the protein engineer confidence in bioinformatics predictions to guide the design of new functionality into these protein templates. These results, along with the infrared structural analysis of the N- and C-terminal domain peptides and the comparison of peptide film properties with those of the full-length AmelF3 protein, provided significant insight into the structural elements required for honeybee silk protein to form into stable materials.
Structure-Properties Relations for Polyamide 6, Part 2: Influence of Processing Conditions during Injection Moulding on Deformation and Failure Kinetics
Authors: Parodi Emanuele , Peters Gerrit W. M. , Govaert Leon E.
Published: July 2018

The effect of processing conditions during injection on the structure formation and mechanical properties of injection molded polyamide 6 samples was investigated in detail. A large effect of the mold temperature on the crystallographic properties was observed. Also the the effect of pressure and shear flow was taken in to consideration and analysed. The yield and failure kinetics, including time-to-failure, were studied by performing tensile and creep tests at several test temperatures and relative humidities. As far as mechanical properties are concerned, a strong influence of temperature and relative humidity on the yield stress and time-to-failure was found. A semi-empirical model, able to describe yield and failure kinetics, was applied to the experimental results and related to the crystalline phase present in the sample. In agreement with findings in the literature it is observed that for high mold temperatures the sample morphology is more stable with respect to humidity and temperature than in case of low mold temperatures and this effects could be successfully captured by the model. The samples molded at low temperatures showed, during mechanical testing, a strong evolution of the crystallographic properties when exposed to high testing temperature and high relative humidity, i.e., an increase of crystallinity or a crystal phase transition. This makes a full description of the mechanical behavior rather complicated.
The Synthesis of Low-Viscosity Organotin-Free Moisture-Curable Silane-Terminated Poly(Urethane-Urea)s
Authors: Tan Chen , Luona Viivi , Tirri Teija , Wilen Carl-Eric
Published: July 2018

This work explores the possibility of synthesizing moisture-curable silane-terminated poly(urethane-urea)s (SPURs) of low viscosity. First, NCO-terminated urethane prepolymers were prepared, followed by silane end-capping. The impact of polyol molecular weight and the ratio of isocyanate to polyol (NCO/OH) on viscosity and the properties of SPUR were examined. As alternatives to the organotin catalysts traditionally used for the polyurethane synthesis and curing processes, bismuth carboxylate catalysts were evaluated. In addition, the effect of organofunctional groups in the aminosilane structure (R1–NH–R2–Si(OR3)3), i.e., R1 (alkyl, aryl or trimethoxysilyl-propyl), the spacer R2 (α or γ) and alkyl group R3 (methyl or ethyl), was examined. The chemical and physical structures of the SPUR were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and the mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. The results reveal that silane-terminated, moisture-curable polyurethanes can be successfully synthesized and cured with bismuth carboxylate catalysts. SPUR exhibiting low viscosity, with adequate tensile strength and elongation can be prepared using environmentally benign bismuth carboxylate catalyst having a high metal content of 19%–21%, by utilizing secondary aminosilane end-cappers and an optimal combination of the polyol molecular weight and NCO/OH ratio.
Enhancement of Colour Effects of Dyed-Yarn Mixed Fabrics Using Cramming Motion and Finer Polyester Yarns
Authors: Tang Lau Yiu , Tian Xiao , Hua Tao
Published: July 2018

This paper reports the study of the effects of cramming motion implemented during weaving and finer weft yarns used on dyed-yarn mixed woven fabrics produced by using raw white warps and multicolored-wefts. The cramming motion was used to increase the dyed-weft yarns cover factor of fabric, and thus, to reduce the negative effect of white warp floats at the fabric face on the color attributes of fabric. The surface structure of fabric was characterized by using several key geometrical parameters that determined the resultant fabric color attributes. The effects of fabric structure and density, weft yarn count, and the introduction of black yarn on the fabric face layer on the fabric surface geometrical parameters, physical properties, as well as color attributes were investigated under the implementation of cramming motion on the fabric. The color attributes of fabrics using cramming motion and finer yarns were also compared to the fabrics without cramming motion. The experimental results indicate that the weft yarn density and cover factor of fabric face layer are increased by applying cramming motion and finer yarns for fabricating the blue-red and/or black mixed fabrics. Consequently, the fabric lightness can be further reduced for achieving a better color effect on colorful and figured woven fabrics mainly using dyed-wefts for color mixing.
Hitchhiking Based Symbiotic Multi-Robot Navigation in Sensor Networks
Authors: Ravankar Abhijeet , Ravankar Ankit A. , Kobayashi Yukinori , Hoshino Yohei , Peng Chao-Chung , Watanabe Michiko
Published: July 2018

Robot navigation is a complex process that involves real-time localization, obstacle avoidance, map update, control, and path planning. Thus, it is also a computationally expensive process, especially in multi-robot systems. This paper presents a cooperative multi-robot navigation scheme in which a robot can ‘hitchhike’ another robot, i.e., two robots going to the same (or close) destination navigate together in a leader–follower system assisted by visual servoing. Although such cooperative navigation has many benefits compared to traditional approaches with separate navigation, there are many constraints to implementing such a system. A sensor network removes those constraints by enabling multiple robots to communicate with each other to exchange meaningful information such as their respective positions, goal and destination locations, and drastically improves the efficiency of symbiotic multi-robot navigation through hitchhiking. We show that the proposed system enables efficient navigation of multi-robots without loss of information in a sensor network. Efficiency improvements in terms of reduced waiting time of the hitchhiker, not missing potential drivers, best driver-profile match, and velocity tuning are discussed. Novel algorithms for partial hitchhiking, and multi-driver hitchhiking are proposed. A novel case of hitchhiking based simultaneous multi-robot teleoperation by a single operation is also proposed. All the proposed algorithms are verified by experiments in both simulation and real environment.
Understanding Forest Health with Remote Sensing, Part III: Requirements for a Scalable Multi-Source Forest Health Monitoring Network Based on Data Science Approaches
Authors: Lausch Angela , Borg Erik , Bumberger Jan , Dietrich Peter , Heurich Marco , Huth Andreas , Jung András , Klenke Reinhard , Knapp Sonja , Mollenhauer Hannes , Paasche Hendrik , Paulheim Heiko , Pause Marion , Schweitzer Christian , Schmulius Christiane , Settele Josef , Skidmore Andrew , Wegmann Martin , Zacharias Steffen , Kirsten Toralf , Schaepman Michael
Published: July 2018

Forest ecosystems fulfill a whole host of ecosystem functions that are essential for life on our planet. However, an unprecedented level of anthropogenic influences is reducing the resilience and stability of our forest ecosystems as well as their ecosystem functions. The relationships between drivers, stress, and ecosystem functions in forest ecosystems are complex, multi-faceted, and often non-linear, and yet forest managers, decision makers, and politicians need to be able to make rapid decisions that are data-driven and based on short and long-term monitoring information, complex modeling, and analysis approaches. A huge number of long-standing and standardized forest health inventory approaches already exist, and are increasingly integrating remote-sensing based monitoring approaches. Unfortunately, these approaches in monitoring, data storage, analysis, prognosis, and assessment still do not satisfy the future requirements of information and digital knowledge processing of the 21st century. Therefore, this paper discusses and presents in detail five sets of requirements, including their relevance, necessity, and the possible solutions that would be necessary for establishing a feasible multi-source forest health monitoring network for the 21st century. Namely, these requirements are: (1) understanding the effects of multiple stressors on forest health; (2) using remote sensing (RS) approaches to monitor forest health; (3) coupling different monitoring approaches; (4) using data science as a bridge between complex and multidimensional big forest health (FH) data; and (5) a future multi-source forest health monitoring network. It became apparent that no existing monitoring approach, technique, model, or platform is sufficient on its own to monitor, model, forecast, or assess forest health and its resilience. In order to advance the development of a multi-source forest health monitoring network, we argue that in order to gain a better understanding of forest health in our complex world, it would be conducive to implement the concepts of data science with the components: (i) digitalization; (ii) standardization with metadata management after the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles; (iii) Semantic Web; (iv) proof, trust, and uncertainties; (v) tools for data science analysis; and (vi) easy tools for scientists, data managers, and stakeholders for decision-making support.
Review of Low-Cost Photoacoustic Sensing and Imaging Based on Laser Diode and Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Duan Tingyang , Lan Hengrong , Zhou Meng , Gao Fei
Published: July 2018

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a promising medical imaging method that combines optical and ultrasound techniques, has been developing for decades mostly in preclinical application. A recent trend is to utilize the economical laser source to develop a low-cost sensing and imaging system, which aims at an affordable solution in clinical application. These low-cost laser sources have different modulation modes such as pulsed modulation, continuous modulation and coded modulation to generate different profiles of PA signals in photoacoustic (PA) imaging. In this paper, we review the recent development of the photoacoustic sensing and imaging based on the economical laser sources such as laser diode (LD) and light-emitting diode (LED) in different kinds of modulation types, and discuss several representative methods to improve the performance of such imaging systems based on low-cost laser sources. Finally, some perspectives regarding the future development of portable PAT systems are discussed, followed by the conclusion.
Guidance on the Conceptual Design of Sustainable Product–Service Systems
Authors: Chen Chong-Wen
Published: July 2018

The product–service system (PSS) has great potential to promote the circular economy (CE) and sustainability. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of associating social values with sustainable PSS because social actors, including stakeholders, institutions, and communities, are the key to organizational innovation and behavior change. However, it is still not clear how companies can incorporate the social context into service strategies and co-create sustainable value with their stakeholders. Through overall discussions on related studies, this concept paper proposes theoretically based guidance for developing sustainable product–service offerings in the early planning phase. A case scenario of recycling is presented to demonstrate the operation of the proposed approach. The results suggest that companies should expand the scope of their understanding of customer problems beyond the product use. Engaging in social issues such as skill empowerment and job creation can generate long-term benefits and strengthen the brand image. In addition, working with communities and other enterprises via incentives or interactive activities can foster open innovation for CE. The proposed approach serves to assist designers in handling more comprehensive contexts of sustainability and allow better preparations for resource integration in the early PSS design phase.
Strategies for Dealing with Uncertainties in Strategic Environmental Assessment: An Analytical Framework Illustrated with Case Studies from The Netherlands
Authors: Bodde Maartje , Van der Wel Karin , Driessen Peter , Wardekker Arjan , Runhaar Hens
Published: July 2018

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a widely applied policy tool that aims to aid decision-makers in making informed, higher-quality decisions that minimize negative environmental impacts. However, different types of uncertainties complicate the ex ante assessment of environmental impacts. Literature suggests uncertainties are often not well addressed, resulting in inaccurate and even unreliable SEAs. At the same time, SEA literature offers limited guidance in how to systematically identify and deal with uncertainties. Therefore, in this paper, we present an analytical framework for characterizing and classifying different forms of uncertainty in SEA, and for identifying strategies for dealing with these uncertainties. The framework is based on literature on uncertainties in other subdomains of the environmental sciences. The framework is applied to five case studies of SEAs for spatial planning in The Netherlands in order to illustrate and critically reflect on our framework, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Based on these case studies we concluded the following: (1) The framework is useful for identifying uncertainties in SEA in a systematic way; (2) There is a discrepancy between how uncertainties are dealt with in theory and in practice; (3) In practice, uncertainties seem to be dealt with in a rather implicit way. The framework may help dealing with uncertainties more systematically and more proactively; (4) The most successful way of coping with uncertainties seems to be the application of multiple strategies.
An Empirical Study on the Design of China High-Speed Rail Express Train Operation Plan—From a Sustainable Transport Perspective
Authors: Yu Xueqiao , Lang Maoxiang , Gao Yang , Wang Kai , Su Ching-Hsia , Tsai Sang-Bing , Huo Mingkun , Yu Xiao , Li Shiqi
Published: July 2018

The sustained and steady development of China’s economy has led to the rapid improvement of the logistics. At the same time, the rise of the e-commerce mode has given rise to a huge demand for express delivery and the express industry has entered a period of boom. Fortunately, China’s high-speed rail network has been networked, and the development of a high-speed rail express train has entered the test stage. After the high-speed rail express train is put into use, it could effectively relieve the pressure of highway transportation and significantly reduce transport pollution. To make better use of high-speed rail transport resources and give full play to its green and efficient advantages, this study established a two-stage model of a high-speed rail express train operation plan. In the first stage, a train candidate set generation model aiming for the minimum total cost of train operation was established that considered the high-speed line carrying capacity, section flow capacity, and OD requirement satisfaction constraints, which reduces the scale of train spare parts and improves the efficiency of solution. In addition, a column generation algorithm was designed to solve the model. In the second stage, an accurate flow distribution model aiming for the optimal economic efficiency was established, and then the high-speed express train operation plan was designed completely. The computational results are encouraging and demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and solution method.
Assessing the Impacts of Land Consolidation on Agricultural Technical Efficiency of Producers: A Survey from Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Zeng Siyan , Zhu Fengwu , Chen Fu , Yu Man , Zhang Shaoliang , Yang Yongjun
Published: July 2018

Since the year 2000, China has implemented large-scale land consolidation, which was used to reduce land fragmentation, enhance grain yield capability, facilitate land tenure transfer, and promote agricultural operational scale. However, the impacts of land consolidation on agricultural technical efficiency of producers in practice is not yet clear. A field survey was executed at two points of time during July 2010 and July 2016. A total of 900 producers were chosen from 30 land consolidation projects at random in the Jiangsu Province. The agricultural technical efficiency caused by land consolidation was calculated by using a stochastic frontier analysis method. The results of a stochastic frontier production function reveal that land tenure transfer, land fragmentation, non-agricultural income, and crop diversity has undergone significant changes after land consolidation. The overall agricultural technical efficiency of producers had also increased considerably and the average technical efficiency was estimated at 0.924 after land consolidation. Land consolidation directly promotes land tenure transfer while indirectly encouraging non-agricultural employment, which could improve agricultural technical efficiency of producers. Non-agricultural income and crop diversity had a significant correlation with agricultural technical efficiency, but land fragmentation after land consolidation does not significantly improve technical efficiency. These conclusions are helpful in understanding the impacts of land consolidation, which enriches the academic literature in related fields and improves the policy of land consolidation in China and other developing countries.
Knowing Me, Knowing You—Capturing Different Knowledge Systems for River Landscape Planning and Governance
Authors: Henze Jennifer , Schröter Barbara , Albert Christian
Published: July 2018

Navigating the evolution of river landscapes towards more sustainable pathways requires transdisciplinary research including diverse stakeholders. A thorough understanding of stakeholder interests, including potential conflicts and options for convergence, is critical for the design and implementation of such transdisciplinary research. So far, only a few studies have conducted in-depth stakeholder analyses. The aim of this paper is to elucidate and characterize the interests of the relevant actors in a case study for sustainable river landscape development in Germany. The research questions concern the (i) commonalities and differences as manifested in the structures of thought and action of the actors, and the (ii) potential points of conflict or convergence of interests, as relevant for further transdisciplinary research. Our methods include participating in observations in three meetings of the actors, and conducting twelve individual interviews, as well as a focus group discussion. Our results identify major conflicts between the actors’ perspectives regarding navigation interests and the demands for nature conservation. Potential issues for convergence are ecological river restoration and enhancing recreation opportunities. The findings shed light on the diversity of the stakeholder perspectives around river landscape development. We recommend that future projects capture this diversity through a triangulation approach.
Assessing Aquatic Ecological Health for Lake Poyang, China: Part I Index Development
Authors: Qi Lingyan , Huang Jiacong , Huang Qi , Gao Junfeng , Wang Shigang , Guo Yuyin
Published: July 2018

The development of an ecosystem health index to assess health status in freshwater lakes is urgently needed in China, especially in polluted lakes. This study developed a specific Ecosystem Health Index (LP-EHI) for Lake Poyang in China. LP-EHI quantified lake health from the perspectives of physical, chemical, biological integrity and social service. Physical integrity indices included hydrological conditions (water level and runoff), basic morphometric characteristics (lake area and shoreline), and tributary connectivity. Chemical integrity indices used water quality, nutrition, and toxicity to quantify chemical impairment. Biological integrity indicators covered six major components of the aquatic food chain, namely, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, wetland plants, fish, and wintering birds. Social service indices included drinking water, pathogenic potential, flood storage capacity, sand mining, and dish-shaped sub-lake areas under management to measure whether the lake fulfilled the needs of human society. Reference and impaired conditions for each metric were defined by “historical” conditions, “least disturbed” conditions, national standards and expert opinions. The value of LP-EHI ranging from 0 to 1 was divided into five health conditions: excellent (≥0.8), good (0.6–0.8), fair (0.4–0.6), poor (0.2–0.4) and bad (<0.2). The metrics’ reliability was further validated using a box-and-whisker plot test. The developed index (LP-EHI) is so far the most comprehensive index to evaluate ecosystem health for Lake Poyang, and is well reflected in the unique characteristics of Lake Poyang. It can enhance our understanding of lake health conditions and thus guide lake management to achieve better health conditions.
Interaction between Perched Epikarst Aquifer and Unsaturated Soil Cover in the Initiation of Shallow Landslides in Pyroclastic Soils
Authors: Greco Roberto , Marino Pasquale , Santonastaso Giovanni Francesco , Damiano Emilia
Published: July 2018

A physically based mathematical model of the slope of Cervinara (southern Italy), which is characterized by a shallow pyroclastic soil cover laying upon a limestone fractured bedrock, has been developed. Previous and current ongoing monitoring suggested that leakage through the soil–bedrock interface occurred, with leaking water temporarily stored in a perched aquifer located in the upper part of the fractured limestone (epikarst). This aquifer supplied several springs, and recharge to the deeper groundwater circulation occurred. Hence, in the proposed model, the unsaturated water flow taking place within the soil cover is coupled with the saturated water flow in the perched aquifer. The application of the model to the simulation of the slope hydrologic behavior over a period of 11 years, between 2006–2017, provides realistic results in terms of soil storage, epikarst storage, spring discharge, and groundwater recharge. The different response times of soil and epikarst aquifer to precipitation input allow distinguishing the hydrological predisposing causes of potential landsliding (i.e., a few months of persistent rainfall that is capable of filling the epikarst aquifer) from the triggers, which are represented by single intense rainfall events. The application of the model offers a key of interpretation of the hydrological processes leading to the landslide that occurred on 16 December 1999.
Defining the hydrophobic interactions that drive competence stimulating peptide (CSP)-ComD binding in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Koirala Bimal , Hillman Robert A , Tiwold Erin K , Bertucci Michael A , Tal-Gan Yftah
Published: July 2018

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell–cell communication mechanism that enables bacteria to assess their population density and alter their behavior upon reaching high cell number. Many bacterial pathogens utilize QS to initiate an attack on their host, thus QS has attracted significant attention as a potential antivirulence alternative to traditional antibiotics. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a notorious human pathogen responsible for a variety of acute and chronic infections, utilizes the competence regulon and its associated signaling peptide, the competence stimulating peptide (CSP), to acquire antibiotic resistance and establish an infection. In this work, we sought to define the binding pockets within the ComD1 receptor used for binding the hydrophobic side-chain residues in CSP1 through the introduction of highly-conservative point mutations within the peptide. Optimization of these binding interactions could lead to the development of highly potent CSP-based QS modulators while the inclusion of non-natural amino acids within the CSP sequence would confer resistance to protease degradation, a requirement for drug candidates.
SIX SMARTNESS DIMENSIONS IN CULTURAL MANAGEMENT: SOCIAL/CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Pauliukevičiūtė Audronė , Jucevičius Robertas
Published: July 2018

Cultural management as a complex process is constantly facing social/cultural challenges (policy shifts, creativity, interest coherence, the rise of technological capital, cultural emigration, etc.) that affect the growing need and importance for smartness in management. There is a lack of inter-disciplinary research on smartness in the context of cultural management. The goal of this article is to ground smartness dimensions in cultural management in the context of changing the social/cultural environment. Strategy, Creative Development, Harmonization of Interests in the Cultural Sector, Empowered Cultural Sector Parties, Harmony of Intellectual and Technological Capital as well as the Culture of Shared Value Creation are presented in this article as six smartness dimensions in cultural management (the management of cultural sector and the cultural policy implementation at the state level). The object of the work – smartness dimensions in cultural management. Principal objectives: critically analyse a variety of concepts of cultural management; reveal the importance of smartness in cultural management in the context of changing social/cultural environment; explore the characteristics of smartness dimensions in cultural management. Methods employed: critical literature analysis and meta-analysis. Research conducted by authors of this article allowed to ground smartness dimensions as factors, possibly determining a more successful cultural management.
REIMAGINING FINLAND AS A MANUFACTURING BASE: THE NEARSHORING POTENTIAL OF FINLAND IN AN INDUSTRY 4.0 PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Kaivo-Oja Jari , Knudsen Mikkel Stein , Lauraéus Theresa
Published: July 2018

After decades of globalization and outsourcing the idea of “bringing manufacturing back home” and the twin concepts of backshoring and nearshoring have received much attention in recent years. Recent positive stories from the Finnish manufacturing industry suggests Finland as an attractive target for nearshoring, yet little to none has hitherto been made of this connection. This article (i.) examines recent relocation literature with a focus on nearshoring and manufacturing in high-cost environments, (ii.) explores the location advantage of Finland, (iii.) analyses cases of recent manufacturing developments in Finland within this context as single incidents or signals of change, and (iv.) discusses this development within the perspective of Industry 4.0.
Reestruração de layout baseado no mapeamento de fluxo de valor: um estudo em uma indústria de confecções
Authors: Veiga Cristiano Henrique Antonelli da , Schmitz Anderson L.
Published: July 2018

O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi elaborar e analisar o mapa do fluxo de valor no processo de fabricação de roupas em jeans em uma indústria de confecções. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa-ação, aplicando técnicas de observação direta e coleta de dados primários no chão de fábrica, acompanhando as operações de produção. O estudo foi norteado principalmente para o modelo de uma coleção de calça jeans masculina tradicional, devido ser produto o carro chefe da empresa. Foi utilizada a ferramenta mapeamento do fluxo de valor para identificar os fluxos dos processos, dos materiais e de informações correntes na empresa, na qual foram identificadas gargalos, tais como, fluxos truncados, grande estoque de material aguardando processamento, necessidade de um espaço físico maior, tempo de agregação de valor irregular entre os setores assim como necessidade do aumento do número de máquinas ou maior eficiência das mesmas. Com os dados obtidos neste estudo foi possível projetar um novo arranjo físico para todos os departamentos da empresa, melhorando a eficiência dos fluxos, contribuindo para a redução do tempo de ciclo e do lead time da produção.
Auditoria de avaliação das não conformidades relativas à NR-18 e seu impacto no custo de empreendimentos do subsetor edificações
Authors: Carvalho Luiza Lopes , Neves João Alberto
Published: July 2018

A indústria da Construção Civil é um dos setores que apresentam as piores condições de segurança e consequentemente o maior número de acidentes de trabalho todos os anos. Dentre os fatos que justificam essa realidade tem-se a falta de cumprimento da lei ou regulamentação adequada de segurança. Diante desse cenário, é necessário que os empregadores formem uma consciência sobre o problema, implementando alternativas eficazes para o seu enfrentamento, dentre elas a implantação de programas de prevenção. É um fato incontestável que inúmeros acidentes seriam evitados, se as empresas adotassem os princípios mínimos de segurança presentes na Norma Regulamentadora NR-18. Ela estabelece diretrizes que objetivam a implantação de medidas de controle e sistemas preventivos de segurança no meio ambiente de trabalho da indústria da Construção, que deveriam estar presentes nos arranjos físicos dos canteiros. Dessa forma, o presente artigo tem como objetivo aplicar um instrumento qualitativo, em 31 canteiros de obras da cidade de Macaé, que contribua para a avaliação de elementos críticos em Programas de Avaliação das Condições de Trabalho da Indústria da Construção Civil. Além disso, quantificar as possíveis multas a serem pagas pelo não cumprimento da NR-18 e fazer comparações com o valor que deve ser investido para que as empresas de estudo consigam adequar suas não conformidades, de forma a comprovar que, em média, é menos custoso para a empresa investir em segurança do trabalho, do que ficar sujeita ao pagamento de multas que aumentem significativamente os custos finais do empreendimento.
Short-term Medical Complications Following Short Versus Long Cephalomedullary Nails
Authors: Liu Jane , Frisch Nicholas B. , Mehran Nima , Qatu Mossub , Guthrie S. Trent
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether there is an increased rate of short-term medical complications following short vs long cephalomedullary nails for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. A total of 899 patients treated surgically with cephalomedullary nails from January 1, 2005, to September 1, 2014, were included. Patients who received short nails (n=334) were older and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus compared with patients who received long nails (n=565). The incidences of 30-day medical complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, blood transfusion, non–surgical site infection, surgical site infection, and mortality, were recorded. The orthopedic complications of periprosthetic fracture of the ipsilateral hip and implant failure through the latest outpatient follow-up were recorded. No significant difference was found between nails for any studied medical complication (63.5% short vs 66.0% long,
P
=.4393) or mortality (6.9% short vs 5.3% long,
P
=.3322). There was also no significant difference in the incidence of orthopedic complications (
P
=.70). Longer operating room time was associated with superficial surgical site infection. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(5):e636–e642.]
Advancing global aerosol simulations with size-segregated anthropogenic particle number emissions
Authors: Xausa Filippo , Paasonen Pauli , Makkonen Risto , Arshinov Mikhail , Ding Aijun , Denier Van Der Gon Hugo , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Kulmala Markku
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Climate models are important tools that are used for generating climate
change projections, in which aerosol–climate interactions are one of the
main sources of uncertainties. In order to quantify aerosol–radiation and
aerosol–cloud interactions, detailed input of anthropogenic aerosol number
emissions is necessary. However, the anthropogenic aerosol number emissions
are usually converted from the corresponding mass emissions in pre-compiled
emission inventories through a very simplistic method depending uniquely on
chemical composition, particle size and density, which are defined for a few,
very wide main source sectors. In this work, the anthropogenic particle
number emissions converted from the AeroCom mass in the ECHAM-HAM climate
model were replaced with the recently formulated number emissions from the
Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model. In
the GAINS model the emission number size distributions vary, for example,
with respect to the fuel and technology. Special attention was paid to
accumulation mode particles (particle diameter dp > 100 nm)
because of (i) their capability of acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN),
thus forming cloud droplets and affecting Earth's radiation budget, and
(ii) their dominant role in forming the coagulation sink and thus limiting
the concentration of sub-100 nm particles. In addition, the estimates of
anthropogenic CCN formation, and thus the forcing from aerosol–climate
interactions, are expected to be affected. Analysis of global particle number
concentrations and size distributions reveals that GAINS implementation
increases CCN concentration compared with AeroCom, with regional enhancement
factors reaching values as high as 10. A comparison between modeled and
observed concentrations shows that the increase in number concentration for
accumulation mode particles agrees well with measurements, but it leads to a
consistent underestimation of both nucleation mode and Aitken mode
(dp < 100 nm) particle number concentrations. This suggests
that revisions are needed in the new particle formation and growth schemes
currently applied in global modeling frameworks.
The Alvarrões-Gonçalo Li project: an example of sustainable lithium mining
Authors: Sousa Rui , Ramos Violeta , Guedes Alexandra , Noronha Fernando , Botelho de Sousa Ana , Machado Leite Mário , Seltmann Reimar , Dolgopolova Alla
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Across Europe, small scale deposits of critical materials and/or strategic elements, such as W, Li and Sn, are not viable to mine and process using the traditional large scale mining and processing technologies due to their geological characteristics. Project FAME (Flexible And Mobile Economic Processing Technologies, EC Horizon 2020 Grant Agreement No. 641650) was created in order to specifically address the technical and environmental challenges to the sustainable processing of low sulphide ores from pegmatites, greisens and skarns deposits. One of the deposits, Alvarrões-Gonçalo, is a Li pegmatite located at the Gonçalo pegmatite field (Central Portugal) that is being investigated on the scope of the concerned project. Currently, the pegmatites are only being exploited for ceramics, aggregates and ornamental purposes, however, there is exploitation potential for Li2O-rich ores. Froth flotation is being tested to produce a lepidolite concentrate. Results showed the feasibility to obtain a Li2O grade adequate for the metallurgical production of lithium compounds as Li2CO3. The lepidolite flotation rejects, normally stored in tailings dumps, are mainly composed by a mixture of feldspars, quartz and non-recovered lepidolite (though a very low content), which is, by itself, a very interesting raw material for ceramic purposes. Consequently, mining exploitation of lepidolite, as Li2O ore, from pegmatite could comply with the standards of “green mining”, reaching an almost “zero waste” exploitation, as it can be accomplished in the case of the mineral processing of the Alvarrões-Gonçalo lithium ore. This basic scenario could be improved by applying froth flotation also for feldspars/quartz separation, aiming at obtaining a high content feldspars concentrate (floated) and a quartz product (non-floated): the feldspars concentrate can be used to produce blends with different ratios feldspars/quartz for sanitary ware and tiles and quartz for other uses, such as glasses and “silica flour”.
Optimal Inverse Estimation of Ecosystem Parameters from
Observations of Carbon and Energy Fluxes
Authors: Dutta Debsunder , Schimel David S. , Sun Ying , van der Tol Christiaan , Frankenberg Christian
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Canopy structural and leaf photosynthesis parameterizations such as maximum carboxylation capacity (Vcmax), slope of the Ball-Berry stomatal conductance model (BBslope) and leaf area index (LAI) are crucial for modeling the plant physiological processes and canopy radiative transfer. These parameters are large sources of uncertainty in predictions of carbon and water fluxes. In this study, we develop an optimal inversion framework to use the Soil Canopy Observation Photochemistry and Energy fluxes (SCOPE) model for estimating Vcmax, BBslope and LAI by constraining observations of coupled carbon and energy fluxes from eddy covariance towers. We adapted SCOPE to follow the biochemical implementation of the Community Land Model and applied a moving window Bayesian non-linear inversion framework using SCOPE to invert the ecosystem parameters Vcmax, BBslope and LAI that best match flux-tower observations of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Latent Energy (LE) fluxes. We applied this inversion framework to plant species having both the C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways across three different ecosystems. Our results demonstrate the applicability of the approach in terms of capturing the seasonal variability and posterior error reduction (40–90 %) of key ecosystem parameters. The optimized parameters capture the diurnal and seasonal variability in the GPP and LE fluxes well when compared to flux tower observations (0.95 > R2 > 0.79). This study thus demonstrates the feasibility of parameter inversions using SCOPE, which can be easily adapted to incorporate additional data sources such as spectrally resolved reflectance and solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence.