bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accessing the impacts of bamboo expansion on NPP and N cycling in evergreen broadleaved forest in subtropical China
Authors: Song Qing-ni , Lu Hui , Liu Jun , Yang Jun , Yang Guang-yao , Yang Qing-pei 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) expansion into adjacent forests is a widespread phenomenon in subtropical regions, and it has greatly changed the dominance hierarchy from trees to bamboos. This process may be accompanied by changes in productivity, nutrients accumulation and biogeochemical cycles. We compared the net primary production (NPP) and major pools and fluxes of nitrogen (N) in bamboo-dominant forest (BDF) and neighboring secondary evergreen broadleaved forest (EBF) in South China using the space-for-time substitution method. We found that the mean NPP of the BDF was 30.0 t ha−1yr−1, which was 51.5% greater than that of the EBF (19.8 t ha−1yr−1). The plant N pool for the BDF was 37.5% larger than that of the EBF, whereas the soil inorganic N pool significantly decreased by 31.2% with conversion of the EBF to BDF. Additionally, the ratio of N return to N uptake was 0.69 in the BDF and 0.88 in the EBF because of the lower litter N return of the BDF compared with that of the EBF. These results indicated that the expansion ofP. pubescenssignificantly increased the NPP and plant N accumulation but reduced the soil N available pool and slowed the N cycling rate, which could lead to soil degradation.
Fabrication and characterization of dual-functional ultrafine composite fibers with phase-change energy storage and luminescence properties
Authors: Xi Peng , Zhao Tianxiang , Xia Lei , Shu Dengkun , Ma Menjiao , Cheng Bowen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUltrafine composite fibers consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane solid-solid phase-change material and organic lanthanide luminescent materials were prepared through a parallel electrospinning technique as an innovative type of ultrafine, dual-functional fibers containing phase-change and luminescent properties. The morphology and structure, thermal energy storage, and luminescent properties of parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers possessed the desired morphologies with smaller average fiber diameters than those of traditional mixed electrospun ultrafine fibers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers were composed of two parts. Polymeric phase-change materials, which can be directly produced and spun, were used to provide temperature stability, while a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and an organic lanthanide complex acted as the luminescent unit. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and luminescence measurements indicated that the unique structure of the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers provides the products with good thermal energy storage and luminescence properties. The fluorescence intensity and the phase-change enthalpy values of the ultrafine fibers prepared by parallel electrospinning were respectively 1.6 and 2.1 times those of ultrafine fibers prepared by mixed electrospinning.
A case of successful fetal therapy for congenital chylothorax by intrapleural injection of OK‐432
Authors: Tanemura M. , Nishikawa N. , Kojima K. , Suzuki Y. , Suzumori K. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA 38‐year‐old multiparous woman was referred at 19 weeks' gestation because of hydrops fetalis. Ultrasonic examination revealed severe pleural effusion, ascites and skin edema. Detailed examination of the amniotic fluid, fetal blood and intrathoracic fluid led to a diagnosis of congenital fetal chylothorax. Repeated thoracocenteses were not effective in improving the hydrops fetalis. We introduced fetal treatment for the pleural effusion by an intrapleural injection of OK‐432 at 23, 24 and 25 weeks' gestation. The pleural effusion was reduced by adhesion of the intrathoracic space and resulted in the delivery of a neonate who was healthy except for right renal dysfunction. Pulmonary hypoplasia was successfully prevented by OK‐432. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A Hidden-Process Model for Estimating Prespawn Mortality Using Carcass Survey Data
Authors: DeWeber J. Tyrell , Peterson James T. , Sharpe Cameron , Kent Michael L. , Colvin Michael E. , Schreck Carl B. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
After returning to spawning areas, adult Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. often die without spawning successfully, which is commonly referred to as prespawn mortality. Prespawn mortality reduces reproductive success and can thereby hamper conservation, restoration, and reintroduction efforts. The primary source of information used to estimate prespawn mortality is collected through carcass surveys, but estimation can be difficult with these data due to imperfect detection and carcasses with unknown spawning status. To facilitate unbiased estimation of prespawn mortality and associated uncertainty, we developed a hidden-process mark–recovery model to estimate prespawn mortality rates from carcass survey data while accounting for imperfect detection and unknown spawning success. We then used the model to estimate prespawn mortality and identify potential associated factors for 3,352 adult spring Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha that were transported above Foster Dam on the South Santiam River (Willamette River basin, Oregon) from 2009 to 2013. Estimated prespawn mortality was relatively low (≤13%) in most years (interannual mean = 28%) but was especially high (74%) in 2013. Variation in prespawn mortality estimates among outplanted groups of fish within each year was also very high, and some of this variation was explained by a trend toward lower prespawn mortality among fish that were outplanted later in the year. Numerous efforts are being made to monitor and, when possible, minimize prespawn mortality in salmon populations; this model can be used to provide unbiased estimates of spawning success that account for unknown fate and imperfect detection, which are common to carcass survey data.
Received April 11, 2016; accepted October 2, 2016Published online January 9, 2017
Evaluation of Bayesian Networks for Predicting Spawning Habitat Quality of Chinook Salmon in Data-Poor Watersheds
Authors: Brumbaugh Steven M. , Coleman Ronald 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
California's native salmonid populations are in decline, as evidenced by the 2008 fishing closures on one historically abundant species, Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. One major impact on spring-run Chinook Salmon within the Central Valley has been the modification of natal rivers. Bayesian networks are one modeling method that could help researchers to understand these systems and direct restoration efforts. We constructed a Bayesian network for Deer Creek, in Tehama County, to assess its utility as a tool for guiding restoration of spawning habitats for spring-run Chinook Salmon. We applied this network on a riffle–pool subreach scale to determine the suitability of each reach for spawning, indicated by the probability of redd presence. To evaluate the network we conducted sensitivity analyses and thereby determined the influence of each variable and the degree to which each variable informed the probability of redd presence. Sensitivity analyses were run for networks trained with two different stream alignments, one derived from the National Hydrography Dataset from the U.S. Geological Survey and one derived from tracing aerial imagery. We also conducted a Mann–Whitney test comparing redd densities from subreaches predicted to be good with those predicted to be poor for four fish passage condition scenarios. Of the four scenarios we modeled with the network, three exhibited significantly higher redd densities in subreaches designated as good by the network. Our results indicate that Bayesian networks can be used to predict habitat use and prioritize restoration in a data-poor northern California watershed.
Received November 30, 2015; accepted October 20, 2016Published online January 9, 2017
Detection of cracks in dried spaghetti using transmission images
Authors: Ogawa Takenobu , Adachi Shuji 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Cracks are formed during the drying process of spaghetti production, which reduces its commercial value and quality; hence, it is very important to detect the cracks during the manufacturing process of dried spaghetti. However, the presence of mottles, originating from wheat bran, hinders automatic identification of cracks. In this study, we developed a simple method to detect the cracks induced in spaghetti using a digital camera. The cracks and mottles were distinguished by pixelating the transmission light image of the spaghetti and analyzing the image based on the geometric characteristics in the histogram consisting of all the pixels. The method was able to detect the cracks induced in the spaghetti with a rough surface, which was prepared via a bronze die using vacuum extrusion molding, as well as those induced in the spaghetti with a smooth surface, which was prepared using a Teflon die.
The effects of water absorption and roasting conditions on fracture properties and internal structure of sesame seeds
Authors: Katsuno Nakako , Fujimura Makoto , Hanya Akira , Nishizu Takahisa 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
We investigated the effects of soaking, residence time before roasting and roasting conditions on the fracture properties and structure of the cross-section of sesame seeds. Soaking time affected only the size of the side voids of the seed cross-section. The fracture force and strain of the roasted seeds decreased as residence time increased. The center void of the roasted seeds, important for seed crispness increased as residence time increased. In contrast, the side void of the roasted seeds only increased with residence time during the first 10 min. Seeds roasted at higher temperatures had smaller fracture forces and larger central voids than those roasted at lower temperatures. During roasting at 300 °C, the fracture force and strain decreased as the center void ratio increased. Overall, both a sufficient time for moisture diffusion in the seeds and a high roasting temperature were necessary to produce crisp roasted seeds.
Layered ternary
M
n+1AX
n
phases
and their 2D derivative MXene: an overview from a thin-film
perspective
Authors: Eklund Per , Rosen Johanna , Persson Per O Å 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Inherently and artificially layered materials are commonly investigated both for
fundamental scientific purposes and for technological application. When a
layered material is thinned or delaminated to its physical limits, a
two-dimensional (2D) material is formed and exhibits novel properties compared
to its bulk parent phase. The complex layered phases known as ‘MAX
phases’ (where M  =  early transition metal,
A  =  A-group element, e.g. Al or Si, and
X  =  C or N) are an exciting model system for
materials design and the understanding of process-structure-property
relationships. When the A layers are selectively etched from the MAX phases, a
new type of 2D material is formed, named MXene to emphasize the relation to the
MAX phases and the parallel with graphene. Since their discovery in 2011, MXenes
have rapidly become established as a novel class of 2D materials with remarkable
possibilities for composition variations and property tuning. This article gives
a brief overview of MAX phases and MXene from a thin-film perspective, reviewing
theory, characterization by electron microscopy, properties and how these are
affected by the change in dimensionality, and outstanding challenges.
Prediction of residual flexural strength of corroded reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Ahmad Shamsad 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to make an effort to develop a model to predict the residual flexural strength of reinforced concrete beams subjected to reinforcement corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach
For generating the required data to develop the model, a set of experimental variables was considered that included corrosion current density, corrosion duration, rebar diameter and thickness of concrete cover. A total of 28 sets of reinforced concrete beams of size 150 × 150 × 1,100 mm were cast, of which 4 sets of un-corroded beams were tested in four-point bend test as control beams and the remaining 24 sets of beams were subjected to accelerated rebar corrosion inducing different levels of corrosion current densities for different durations. Corroded beams were also tested in flexure, and test results of un-corroded and corroded beams were utilized to obtain an empirical model for estimating the residual flexural strength of beams for given corrosion current density, corrosion duration and diameter of the rebars.

Findings
Comparison of the residual flexural strengths measured experimentally for a set of corroded beams, reported in literature, with that predicted using the model proposed in this study indicates that the proposed model has a reasonably good accuracy.

Originality/value
The empirical model obtained under this work can be used as a simple tool to predict residual flexural strength of corroded beams using the input data that include rebar corrosion rate, corrosion duration after initiation and diameter of rebars.
The formation process of Zr-doped silane film on carbon steel during immersing in Zr(NO3)4/silane mixed solutions
Authors: Xian Xiaochao , Nai Chenglong , Li Lixin , Zhao Shuo 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Immersion is one of the key steps during the preparation of silane-based hybrid films, which has important effects on the performance of films after curing. In this paper, the formation process of Zr-doped silane film (i.e. the adsorption of silane and deposition of zirconium compounds) on carbon steel immersed in Zr(NO3)4/silane mixed solutions was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach
The method of in situ monitoring the open circuit potential of a two-electrode system, consisting of carbon steel and saturated calomel electrode, was used. The effects of immersion conditions (i.e. the concentration of Zr(NO3)4 and pH of Zr(NO3)4/silane mixed solution) on the open circuit potential were investigated in detail. Furthermore, the surface coverage rate of different cured films (i.e. Zr cured film, silane cured film and Zr/silane composite cured film) after curing on carbon steel was calculated according to the results of polarization curves. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study the self-healing property of Zr-doped silane cured film.

Findings
The results indicate that in Zr(NO3)4/silane mixed solutions, most zirconium compounds deposit on the surface of carbon steel at the initial immersing stage, then the adsorption of silane on the residual surface of carbon steel dominates the following immersing stage. EIS results show that the Zr-doped cured film has improved self-healing property.

Originality/value
First, the method of in situ monitoring the open-circuit potential of two-electrode system was applied to investigate the deposition of Zr and the adsorption of silane on carbon steel immersed in Zr(NO3)4/silane mixed solutions. Second, the formation process of Zr-doped silane film was proposed.
Building new farmer-entrepreneur training systems in poor relocation-settlements
Authors: Qiu Shubing , Zhou Xiaohong , Gong Bengang 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to study the conditions of the regional ecology, environment, resources and social harmony from the perspective of the new farmer-entrepreneur training process.

Design/methodology/approach
The study focuses on the poor conditions in relocation settlements currently developing in China.

Findings
The results show that the building of a new farmer-entrepreneur training system is a vital factor in the process of relocation development, where new farmer-entrepreneurs are characteristic of knowledge, innovation, openness and ambition.

Originality/value
For farmers participating in the program for the relocation of poor resettlements, a combination of these features is required for the process of building the new farmer-entrepreneur training-system to do well.
Strength in small: the University of Malta’s scientific output since accession
Authors: McMillan G. Steven , St-Louis Lalonde Bastien , Bezzina Frank H. , Casey Debra L. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The Triple Helix model of academia, government and industry posits that the university can play an important role, even an entrepreneurial one, in innovation in increasingly knowledge-based societies (Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff, 2000). No longer the “ivory tower” universities are now moving toward an entrepreneurial paradigm. The purpose of this research effort is to examine how such a migration has been accomplished in Malta with a particular focus on the changing activities of its University.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses advanced bibliometric techniques to examine the scientific output of the University of Malta. Data were downloaded from Thomson Reuters Web of Science. These data were then processed using the software packages Bibexcel and VOSviewer to produce detailed maps of the scientific activity.

Findings
The results were that the University has greatly expanded its scientific footprint since its 2004 accession to the European Union (EU). International collaborations and highly cited papers have gone up significantly.

Research limitations/implications
Only one country was examined in this effort, and further study should compare to Malta to other small EU countries. The findings suggest that while some might consider Malta’s progress modest in absolute terms, it has made significant strides from its prior-to-accession base.

Practical implications
The findings have been presented to the Malta Council for Science and Technology as evidence of the outcomes of their efforts.

Originality/value
Because Malta is the smallest member-state in the EU, little research has been done on its science base. However, the authors believe their findings could inform research efforts on other EU, and even non-EU, countries.
Measurement of innovation capability in supply chain: an exploratory study
Authors: Iddris Faisal 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of innovation capability construct measures in the context of supply chain and to objectively identify the key dimensions for stimulating focal firms’ innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach
The scale items for this research were obtained from extant literature. The data were collected from homogenous sample of 117 Ghanaian middle level managers (respondents). Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the main dimensions of innovation capability. Based on the statistical analysis, four dimensions were obtained – idea management, idea implementation, collaboration and learning – and the convergent validity, discriminant validity, nomological validity and reliability tests indicate that the scales are valid and reliable

Findings
Four dimensions (factors) of innovation capability were identified from the exploratory factor analysis. These dimensions were labelled as idea management, idea implementation, collaboration and learning. The results indicate that the integration of the dimensions of innovation capability may stimulate a focal firm’s innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications
First, the measurement scale might not capture all the important dimensions of innovation capability. Second, the judgmental sampling used in this study means that the result cannot be generalised to the entire supply chain population, third, the sample was drawn from one geographical location using non-probability sampling technique.

Practical implications
The measures provide supply chain managers with a better approach of understanding the innovation capability in their supply chain. For instance, the measurement of supply chain’s innovation capability should help supply chain managers to determine the important innovation areas that need attention most and to permit them to respond to challenges posed by any kind of innovation capability dimension that needs to be enhanced.

Originality/value
The unique contribution of this paper is the development innovation capability measurement scale in the context of supply chain.
Innovation in evaluating the cultural value of Bian embroidery heritage
Authors: Wang Zhibiao , Yao Lahua 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Bian embroidery is a cultural heritage at the national level in China. Evaluating its cultural value is an important step in determining the heritage value of Bian embroidery.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper elaborates on the connotation of the cultural value of Bian embroidery and tries to evaluate specifically the cultural value of the Bian embroidery heritage on the basis of a questionnaire survey.

Findings
The innovation is the construction of a complete evaluation system of cultural value that combines fuzzy comprehensive valuation with a content analysis method from which the cultural value of Bian embroidery heritage can be derived.

Research limitations/implications
The concept of evaluating cultural value put forward in this paper could be further used to evaluate other cultural heritage artifacts.
Interactive shear resistance of corrugated web in steel beam exposed to fire
Authors: Marcin Maslak Mariusz , Lukacz Marcin 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss in detail the design approach to shear buckling resistance evaluation for corrugated web being a part of a steel beam exposed to fire.

Design/methodology/approach
It is based on the interaction between the local and global elastic instability failure modes as well as on the possible yielding of the whole web cross-section during fire.

Findings
New formulae, adequate for specification of the suitable shear buckling coefficients, depend not only on the web slenderness but also on the temperature of structural steel.

Originality/value
The methodology proposed by the authors can be added to the current European standard recommendations given in EN 1993-1-2 as a well-justified design algorithm helpful in reliable evaluation of a safety level for steel beams with slender corrugated webs subject to fire exposure. It seems to be highly desirable because, at present, there are no detailed instructions in this field.
Fire resistance of primary beam – secondary beam connections in timber structures
Authors: Hofmann Veronika , Gräfe Martin , Werther Norman , Winter Stefan 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper deals with the fire resistance of primary and secondary beam connections in timber structures.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes a series of unloaded and loaded furnace fire tests in different configurations of these types of connectors.

Findings
The main objective is the fire safety design of joist hangers and full thread screws.

Originality/value
Design recommendations are given.