bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the low‐carbon economy efficient in terms of sustainable development? A global perspective
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shen Liyin , Shuai Chenyang , Tan Yongtao , Ren Yitian , Wu Ya 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDespite great efforts being devoted to, and substantial resources being consumed by low‐carbon economy (LCE) development globally, it appears that little is known about whether LCE development is efficient. This paper measures low‐carbon economy efficiency (LCEE) performance from a global perspective. The Super‐slack‐based measure model is adopted to analyse the LCEE performance of 115 sample countries during 1999–2013. The Malmquist Productivity Index is used to evaluate the dynamic change of LCEE between sample countries. The results indicate that overall worldwide LCEE performance is at low levels, and the differences in LCEE performance among the 115 sample countries are significant. It also indicates that LCEE performance is generally better in developed countries. From the dynamic perspective, a significant improvement in LCEE performance was achieved globally during the survey period, with an overall annual increase of 0.75%. These results provide a valuable reference to policy‐makers and practitioners for adopting measures to promote LCE development effectively at a global level.
Potential benefits of model use in group model building: insights from an experimental investigation
Authors: McCardle‐Keurentjes Marleen H. F. , Rouwette Etiënne A. J. A. , Vennix Jac A. M. , Jacobs Eric 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHow do individuals discover the feedback structure of a situation? Does such knowledge help people design and select better decisions? Do decision aids such as causal loop diagrams help? These questions have so far received limited research attention in controlled studies in system dynamics. Here we test the effectiveness of different methods commonly used in group decision settings such as group model building workshops. We employed a hidden profile experimental design in which each individual in a group possessed private information that must be shared to arrive at a good solution—in this case, policies to improve performance. The task placed participants in the role of a manager in a department at the Saturday Evening Post. Processing of department‐specific information will be needed to discover the full feedback structure.We compare decision quality and structural understanding across four conditions: (i) a control setting in which participants only receive minutes of a meeting; (ii) a setting in which participants are actively engaged in qualitative modeling (developing a causal loop diagram); (iii) a setting in which participants receive a causal loop diagram as a decision aid; and (iv) setting (iii) but with all participants given full information. Model use had no effect on the importance participants attached to critical information, understanding of model structure, or confidence in their decisions. However, for participants actively engaged in modeling, we found a substantial correlation between importance attached to critical information, understanding, and confidence. The results have implications for group model building research and practice.© 2018 System Dynamics Society
Discrete and 1D Polymeric Copper(II) Complexes of Tetranuclear Cubane‐like Units: Structural and Magnetic Characterization
Authors: Manna Subal Chandra , Manna Soumen , Mistri Soumen , Patra Apu , Zangrando Ennio , Puschmann Horst , Goddard P. A. , Ghannadzadeh S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTwo novel copper(II) complexes, [Cu4(L)2(LH)2(H2O)2]2(NO3)2. (pydc).9H2O (1) and {[Cu4(L)2(LH)2(H2O)2(ppda)].5H2O}n (2) [H2L=2‐[(2‐hydroxy‐ethylimino)‐methyl]‐6‐methoxy‐phenol, pydc=pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate, ppda=phenylene‐1,4‐diacrylate]have been synthesized and characterised by X‐ray single crystal diffraction analysis and low temperature magnetic study. The structural determination reveals for complex 1 a tetranuclear species exhibiting a double‐open cubane like core framework, whereas use of ppda anions results 1D coordination polymer where tetranuclear double‐open cubane cores are connected by bridging ppda ligands. In both the complexes, hydrogen bonding interactions lead to 3D supramolecular structures. Low temperature magnetic study indicates antiferromagnetic coupling in both the complexes. A model based on an effective square tetramer of Heisenberg spins was used to determine exchange strengths of 174(2) K for 1 and 107.4(4) K for 2.
Synthesis and Antimalarial Evaluation of [1, 2,3]‐Triazole‐Tethered Sulfonamide‐Berberine Hybrids
Authors: Batra Neha , Rajendran Vinoth , Agarwal Drishti , Wadi Ishan , Ghosh Prahlad C. , Gupta Rinkoo D. , Nath Mahendra 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMalaria still remains a global health problem despite of the availability of effective control and treatment measures. In the present study, a novel series of [1, 2,3]‐triazole tethered sulfonamide‐berberine hybrids were synthesized in good yields via Huisgen [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of various primary, secondary and tertiary sulfonamide based azides with 9‐O‐(propyne)berberine chloride in t‐BuOH:water (1:1) mixture containing a catalytic amount of sodium ascorbate and CuSO4.5H2O at 90oC. After spectroscopic characterization, these novel hybrids were evaluated for their potency against asexual erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum (3D7) in vitro. Most of the synthesized compounds have shown significant antimalarial activity with IC50 values in the range of 0.1‐20 μg/mL and were also found to be non‐cytotoxic under tested conditions.
Glass‐Fabric Reinforced Ag Nanowire/Siloxane Composite Heater Substrate: Sub‐10 nm Metal@Metal Oxide Nanosheet for Sensitive Flexible Sensing Platform
Authors: Jang Ji‐Soo , Lim Young‐Woo , Kim Dong‐Ha , Lee Daewon , Koo Won‐Tae , Lee Hyunhwan , Bae Byeong‐Soo , Kim Il‐Doo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe development of flexible chemiresistors is imperative for real‐time monitoring of air quality and/or human physical conditions without space constraints. However, critical challenges such as poor sensing characteristics, vulnerability under toxic chemicals, and weak reliability hinder their practical use. In this work, for the first time, an ultrasensitive flexible sensing platform is reported by assembling Pt loaded thin‐layered (≈10 nm) SnO2 nanosheets (Pt‐SnO2 NSs) based 2D sensing layers on Ag nanowires embedded glass‐fabric reinforced vinyl–phenyl siloxane hybrid composite substrate (AgNW‐GFRVPH film) as a heater. The thermally stable AgNW‐GFRVPH film based heater is fabricated by free radical polymerization of vinyl groups in vinyl–phenyl oligosiloxane and phenyltris(dimethylvinylsiloxy)silane with Ag NW and glass‐fabric, showing outstanding heat generation (≈200 °C), high dimensional stability (13 ppm °C−1), and good thermal stability (≈350 °C). The Pt‐SnO2 NSs, which are synthesized by calcination of Sn precursor coated graphene oxide (GO) sheets and subsequent Pt functionalization, exhibit high mechanical flexibility and superior response (Rair/Rgas = 4.84) to 1 ppm level dimethyl sulfide. Taking these advantages, GO‐templated oxide NSs combined with a highly stable AgNW‐GFRVPH film heater exhibits the best dimethyl sulfide sensing performance compared to state‐of‐the‐art flexible chemiresistors, enabling them as a superior flexible gas sensing platform.
Resilience isn't the same for all: Comparing subjective and objective approaches to resilience measurement
Authors: Jones Lindsey 
Published: September 2018

Robust resilience measurement can improve our understanding of how people and societies respond to climate risk. It also allows for the effectiveness of resilience‐building interventions to be tracked over time. To date, the majority of measurement tools use objective methods of evaluation. Broadly speaking, these relate to approaches that solicit little, if any, judgment on behalf of the subject in question. More recently, subjective methods of evaluation have been proposed. These take a contrasting epistemological view, relying on people's self‐assessments of their own capacity to deal with climate risk. Subjective methods offer some promise in complementing objective methods, including: factoring in people's own knowledge of resilience and what contributes to it; more nuanced contextualization; and the potential to reduce survey length and fatigue. Yet, considerable confusion exists in understanding subjectivity and objectivity. Little is also known about the merits and limitations of different approaches to measurement. Here, I clarify the conceptual and practical relationships between objective and subjective forms of measuring resilience, aiming to provide practical guidance in distinguishing between them. In reviewing existing toolkits, I propose a subjectivity–objectivity continuum that groups measurement approaches according to two core tenets: (a) how resilience is defined and (b) how resilience is evaluated. I then use the continuum to explore the strengths and weaknesses of different types of toolkits, allowing comparison across each. I also emphasize that there is no one‐size fits all approach to resilience measurement. As such, evaluators should carefully consider: their epistemology of resilience; core objectives for measurement; as well as resource and data constraints, before choosing which methods to adopt.This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
A comprehensive catalogue of polyketide synthase gene clusters in lichenizing fungi
Authors: Bertrand Robert L , Sorensen John L 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Lichens are fungi that form symbiotic partnerships with algae. Although lichens produce diverse polyketides, difficulties in establishing and maintaining lichen cultures have prohibited detailed studies of their biosynthetic pathways. Creative, albeit non-definitive, methods have been developed to assign function to biosynthetic gene clusters in lieu of techniques such as gene knockout and heterologous expressions that are commonly applied to easily cultivatable organisms. We review a total of 81 completely sequenced polyketide synthase (PKS) genes from lichenizing fungi, comprising to our best efforts all complete and reported PKS genes in lichenizing fungi to date. This review provides an overview of the approaches used to locate and sequence PKS genes in lichen genomes, current approaches to assign function to lichen PKS gene clusters, and what polyketides are proposed to be biosynthesized by these PKS. We conclude with remarks on prospects for genomics-based natural products discovery in lichens. We hope that this review will serve as a guide to ongoing research efforts on polyketide biosynthesis in lichenizing fungi.
Examining the role of youth empowerment in preventing adolescence obesity in low‐income communities
Authors: Muturi Nancy , Kidd Tandalayo , Daniels Ann Michelle , Kattelmann Kendra K. , Khan Tazrin , Lindshield Erika , Zies Susan , Adhikari Koushik 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionYouth empowerment programs have increasingly gained attention in public health as emphasis shifts on children and adolescents as decision makers in their health and well‐being. Adolescence obesity is among the public health concerns that require more active engagement at individual and community level while empowering adolescents to take charge of their own health. This study examines the influence of youth empowerment on nutritional and physical activity factors associated with adolescence obesity.MethodsData were gathered through a self‐administered survey among adolescents (N = 410) ages 11–15 years in three U.S. States ‐ Kansas, Ohio and South Dakota.ResultsFindings show that youth empowerment significantly influences adolescents' self‐efficacy, perceptions for healthy food choice, healthy eating, attitudes towards physical activity and the overall motivation for health. Gender differences exist in adolescents' self‐efficacy for physical activity whereas ethnicity played a role in perceived youth empowerment and perceived barriers to healthy eating. Age was also a significant contributor in efficacy for healthy food choice and perception of healthy food availability.ConclusionsThis study suggests more focus on youth empowerment in interventions that seek to reduce obesity and improve adolescents' overall health by creating environments where they can play a more active decision‐making role. With empowerment, adolescents are more likely to be motivated to adopt healthier dietary habits and engage more in physical activity. Further research would establish the impact of youth empowerment on obesity reduction and other public health problems that impact children across ages.
Severe Leg Pain Following Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation – A Case Report
Authors: Shi Weibin , Schultz Shannon , Gater David R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFollowing spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation, postoperative pain is commonly incisional or neuropathic from neurological damage. Occasionally, this new pain may mimic symptoms caused by preexisting pathology. This article presents a case of immediate, severe, postoperative leg pain secondary to a lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism after percutaneous SCS implantation for failed back syndrome. The risk factors of DVT after spine surgery and perioperative prophylaxis are further discussed with a brief literature review.Level of EvidenceV
An integrated diagnostic setup for the morphological and molecular identification of theCeratitisFAR complex (C. anonae, C. fasciventris, C. rosa,C. quilicii,Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Virgilio M. , Daneel J.-H. , Manrakhan A. , Delatte H. , Meganck K. , De Meyer M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTheCeratitisFAR complex (Diptera, Tephritidae) includes four economically important frugivorous flies (Ceratitis anonae,Ceratitis fasciventris,Ceratitis quilicii,Ceratitis rosa) whose immature stages and adult females cannot be properly resolved through morphological identification. In order to develop a simplified molecular tool for the identification of two of these species (C. rosa,C. quilicii), we selected a subset of six microsatellite markers out of a panel of 16 loci that were previously developed for the molecular differentiation of the taxa within the complex. These six markers were first testedin silicoand then used for the actual genotyping ofC. quiliciiandC. rosa, resulting in the correct identification of all male reference specimens. Here, we propose an integrated morphological and molecular setup for the identification of the four species of the FAR complex. The decision map relies on preliminary DNA barcoding or morphological identification (when possible) to exclude species not belonging to the complex followed by (a) morphological identification of all adult male specimens and femaleC. anonae, (b) molecular identification via a panel of 16 microsatellite markers for immature stages, damaged vouchers and samples potentially including adult femaleC. fasciventris/C. quilicii/C. rosaand (c) molecular identification via a reduced panel of six microsatellite markers for samples including onlyC. quiliciiandC. rosa. This simplified diagnostic setup was profitably implemented in the framework of the ERAfrica fruit fly project and will help correctly identify species within the FAR complex for their early detection and monitoring.
Penumbra width determination of single beam and 201 beams of Gamma Knife machine model 4C using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Mahmoudi Atefeh , Shirazi Alireza , Geraily Ghazale , Hadisi nia Tahereh , Bakhshi Masoume , Maleki Maryam 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundOne of the stereotactic radiosurgery techniques is Gamma Knife radiosurgery, in which intracranial lesions that are inaccessible or inappropriate for surgery are treated using 201 cobalt-60 sources in one treatment session. In this conformal technique, the penumbra width, which results in out-of-field dose in tumour-adjacent normal tissues should be determined accurately. The aim of this study is to calculate the penumbra widths of single and 201 beams for different collimator sizes of Gamma Knife machine model 4C using EGSnrc/BEAMnrc Monte Carlo simulation code and comparison the results with EBT3 film dosimetry data.Methods and materialsIn this study, simulation of Gamma Knife machine model 4C was performed based on the Monte Carlo codes of EGSnrc/BEAMnrc. To investigate the physical penumbra width (80−20%), the single beam and 201 beams profiles were obtained using EGSnrc/DOSXYZnrc code and EBT3 films located at isocentre point in a spherical Plexiglas head phantom.ResultsBased on the results, the single beam penumbra widths obtained from simulation data for 4, 8, 14 and 18 mm collimator sizes alongXaxis were 0·75, 0·77, 0·90 and 0·92 mm, respectively. The data for 201 beams obtained from simulation were 2·61, 4·80, 7·92 and 9·81 mm alongXaxis and 1·31, 1·60, 1·91 and 2·14 mm alongZaxis and from film dosimetry were 3·21, 4·90, 8·00 and 10·61 mm alongXaxis and 1·22, 1·69, 2·01 and 2·25 mm alongZaxis, respectively.ConclusionThe differences between measured and simulated penumbra widths are in an acceptable range. However, for more precise measurement in the penumbra region in which dose gradient is high, Monte Carlo simulation is recommended.
A dual-wideband bandpass filter using open/shorted coupled lines
Authors: Bo Xiao-Le , Zhang Yong-Hong , Li Xiao-Kun , Yang Yang , Tian Yin , Fan Yong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA compact dual-wideband (DWB) bandpass filter utilizing open-shorted coupled lines (OSCL) is proposed in this paper. The introduction of the folded structure not only reduces the overall size but also contribute to the split of the transmission zero (TZ), which improves the selectivity effectively. Six transmission poles and five TZs are realized utilizing the shorted-circuit stub and OSCL. The characteristic of the flexible adjustment method of TZs guarantees an independently wide adjustable range of the bandwidth. For demonstration, a DWB filter (3 dB bandwidth 120 and 28%, respectively) is designed and fabricated. The filter is compact and has the characteristics of extraordinary wide bandwidth, low insertion loss, as well as high selectivity.
A blind signal detection algorithm for passive location system based on troposcatter
Authors: Liu Zan , Chen Xihong , Liu Qiang , Xie Zedong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo improve detection performance of passive location system based on troposcatter, we propose a blind signal detection algorithm. According to our algorithm, complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition decomposes the received signal into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). To reconstruct the signal and background noises, difference between the entropy of adjacent IMFs is utilized as a standard. Different IMFs are utilized to estimate threshold of energy detection algorithm and energy level of received signal. Simulation examples indicate that the proposed algorithm can blindly and effectively detect the signal.
Candidate Tools for Integrated Weed Management in Soybean at the Northern Frontier of Production
Authors: Geddes Charles M. , Gulden Robert H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe development of early-maturing soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] varieties has led to an increase in soybean production in canola (Brassica napusL.)-dominant crop rotations in western Canada. Herbicide-resistant (HR) volunteerB. napuscan be difficult to manage in HR soybean using herbicides alone. In 2013 and 2014, four field experiments were conducted in Manitoba, Canada, to evaluate soybean row spacing, seeding density, nitrogen supply, and interrow tillage as candidate nonchemical weed management tools for an integrated program to manage volunteerB. napusin soybean. Among treatments and sites, volunteerB. napusproduced about 830 seeds plant−1and resulted in large seedbank inputs (averaging about 20,300 seeds m−2). VolunteerB. napusseedling recruitment differed among sites, and resulted in two distinct classes of sites based on average seedling densities of 39 and 89 plants m−2. Weed management tools were more effective at the sites with higher volunteerB. napusdensities. At these sites, soybean yield was greater when using an increased soybean-seeding density (44% greater yield using a seeding density of 682,500 vs. 455,000 seeds ha−1) or interrow tillage (36% greater yield with vs. without using interrow tillage). Soybean row spacing (19 vs. 38 vs. 76 cm) did not affect soybean yield, unless the reduction in row spacing was combined with an increased seeding density (65% greater yield with narrow-row soybean seeded at 682,500 vs. wide-row soybean seeded at 455,000 seeds ha−1). At the sites with higher volunteerB. napusdensities, seed production of canola volunteerB. napuswas greater when nitrogen fertilizer was applied to simulate an environment with greater nitrogen supply (77% greater number of volunteerB. napusseeds produced with vs. without broadcast application of 23 kg N ha−1urea). In northern climates, seeding soybean at increased densities using narrow-row spacing in fields with limited soil inorganic nitrogen and using interrow tillage in wide-row production systems are effective strategies that could augment chemical weed management in an integrated program for management of volunteerB. napus, and perhaps also other competitive early-season weeds.
Quantifying Resistance to Isoxaflutole and Mesotrione and Investigating Their Interactions with Metribuzin POST in Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus)
Authors: O’Brien Sarah R. , Davis Adam S. , Riechers Dean E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGreenhouse experiments were conducted to quantify resistance levels to the 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicides mesotrione (MES) and isoxaflutole (IFT) in NEB (Nebraska HPPD- and atrazine-resistant) and SIR (Stanford, IL, HPPD- and atrazine-resistant) waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus(Moq.) J. D. Sauer] populations. These populations differ in their field-use histories and resistance levels to MES. Foliar growth responses were compared with ACR (HPPD sensitive; metabolic atrazine-resistant) and SEN (sensitive to HPPD and photosystem II [PSII] inhibitors). A greenhouse dose–response study was conducted with each herbicide at two POST timings: early (EPOST) (5 cm; 4 to 5 true leaves) and POST (10 cm; 8 to 9 true leaves). At the EPOST timing, SIR was 10-fold resistant to IFT and 32-fold resistant to MES, while NEB was 4-fold resistant to IFT and 7-fold resistant to MES when compared with ACR. At the POST timing, SIR was 17-fold resistant to IFT and 21-fold resistant to MES, while NEB was 3-fold resistant to IFT and 7-fold resistant to MES when compared with ACR. Results overall indicated greater fold-resistance levels to MES relative to IFT at each timing. However, POST treatments to SIR showed contrasting effects on resistance levels relative to EPOST. To investigate potential management strategies for resistantA. tuberculatuspopulations, a POST interaction study was conducted using combinations of metribuzin and either IFT or MES. A metribuzin rate (191 g ai ha−1) causing an approximately 20% biomass reduction was chosen for interaction studies and combined with varying rates of either IFT or MES. Results indicated 52.5 g ai ha−1of MES combined with metribuzin displayed a synergistic effect on biomass reduction in SIR. However, other combinations of either MES or IFT and metribuzin resulted in additive effects on biomass reduction in both HPPD-resistant populations. These results provide insights into the joint activity between HPPD and PSII inhibitors for controlling metabolism-based, multiple herbicide–resistantA. tuberculatus.