bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a more responsible sustainable innovation assessment and management culture in Europe
Authors: Popper Rafael , Popper Monika , Velasco Guillermo 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This article presents new concepts and practical approaches resulting from the piloting of CASI-F - a common framework for the assessment and management of sustainable innovation (SI). Based on lessons learned from action research carried out in the context of the EU funded CASI project, the article focuses on the meta-analysis of 46 action roadmaps produced with 43 innovators supporting the practical application of CASI-F. The applied methodology helped to demonstrate that a multi-level and multi-actor advice approach promotes a shift towards improved understanding of innovations-related critical issues (barriers, drivers, opportunities and threats) and stakeholders’ relations, as well as their management, thus promoting the sustainable resilience and transformation of socio-technical systems. This paper first reflects on how we arrived to managerial lessons from the actions roadmaps and how could these lessons be used to assess the current state of affairs and potential way forward for European initiatives and instruments promoting sustainable innovation.
How do companies envisage the future? Functional foresight approaches
Authors: Kononiuk Anna , Sacio-Szymańska Anna , Gáspár Judit 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The main aim of the paper is to present the synthesis of the results of methodological analysis conducted on examples of foresight projects executed in chosen companies representing four companies type: small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), nonprofit- organization, international corporations and consulting companies as well as to posit functional approach for the implementation of foresight research within organizations. The empirical part of the study is based on the qualitative approach. A multiple case study methodology is employed. The research objects are sixteen companies experienced in foresight research. The first part of the paper gives an overview of definitions of corporate foresight and the analysis of background that have influence on the conducting of foresight in large multinational companies on one side and SMEs on the other side. In the field of the theory of foresight research, the study demonstrates that there are different motivations for foresight introduction as well as different organizational structure of teams conducting the activities and the approaches that they use. In the practical perspective, the study and a detailed functional foresight approach proposed by authors could be valuable for SMEs who consider implementing foresight research into their strategic planning processes.
Teaching Environmental Management Competencies Online: Towards “Authentic” Collaboration?
Authors: Bell Simon , Lane Andy , Collins Kevin , Berardi Andrea , Slater Rachel 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Environmental Management (EM) is taught in many Higher Education Institutions in the UK. Most this provision is studied full-time on campuses by younger adults preparing themselves for subsequent employment, but not necessarily as environmental managers, and this experience can be very different from the complexities of real-life situations. This formal academic teaching or initial professional development in EM is supported and enhanced by training and continuing professional development from the major EM Institutes in the UK orientated to a set of technical and transferable skills or competencies expected of professional practitioners. In both cases there can be a tendency to focus on the more tractable, technical aspects of EM which are important, but may prove insufficient for EM in practice. What is also necessary, although often excluded, is an appreciation of, and capacity to deal with, the messiness and unpredictability of real world EM situations involving many different actors and stakeholders with multiple perspectives and operating to various agendas. Building on the work of Reeves, Herrington, and Oliver (2002), we argue that EM modules need to include the opportunity to work towards the practice of authentic activities with group collaboration as a key pursuit. This paper reports on a qualitative study of our experiences with a selected sample taken from two on-line undergraduate EM modules for second and third year students (referred to respectively as Modules A and B) at the Open University, UK where online collaboration was a key component. Our tentative findings indicate that on-line collaboration is difficult to ensure as a uniform experience and that lack of uniformity reduces its value as an authentic experience. Whilst it can provide useful additional skills for EM practitioners the experience is uneven in the student body and often requires more time and support to engage with than originally planned.
Differences Between Regular and Distance Education in a Teacher’s Training Program
Authors: Zacharias Giannakoudakis , Yiannis Giossos 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The aim of this research was to study the differences in social presence and autonomy concerning the two methods of education used in a training program for science teachers in the years 2015-2016. The first method was the traditional face to face and the other was the Distance Education method. In particular, the study focused on whether there are differences in the social presence and autonomy between the two teaching methods, and the teaching experience of the participants. A closed-type questionnaire of Likert type was used to collect the data, while t-test for independent samples was used for statistical analysis. The study indicated differences in the social presence and autonomy between the two methods of teaching.
A 10 GS/s time-interleaved ADC in 0.25 micrometer CMOS technology
Authors: Aytar Oktay , Tangel Ali , Afacan Engin 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper presents design and simulation of a 4-bit 10 GS/s time interleaved ADC in 0.25 micrometer CMOS technology. The designed TI-ADC has 4 channels including 4-bit flash ADC in each channel, in which area and power efficiency are targeted. Therefore, basic standard cell logic gates are preferred. Meanwhile, the aspect ratios in the gate designs are kept as small as possible considering the speed performance. In the literature, design details of the timing control circuits have not been provided, whereas the proposed timing control process is comprehensively explained and design details of the proposed timing control process are clearly presented in this study. The proposed circuits producing consecutive pulses for timing control of the input S/H switches (ie the analog demultiplexer front-end circuitry) and the very fast digital multiplexer unit at the output are the main contributions of this study. The simulation results include +0.26/−0.22 LSB of DNL and +0.01/−0.44 LSB of INL, layout area of 0.27 mm2, and power consumption of 270 mW. The provided power consumption, DNL and INL measures are observed at 100 MHz input with 10 GS/s sampling rate.
Nonlinear power system model reduction based on empirical Gramians
Authors: Zhao Hongshan , Lan Xiaoming , Ren Hui 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
An effective nonlinear model reduction approach, empirical Gramians balanced reduction approach, is studied, to reduce the computation complexity in nonlinear power system model application. The realization procedure is: firstly, computing the empirical controllable and observable Gramians matrices of nonlinear power system model, secondly, by these two matrices, computing the balance transformation matrix to obtain the balanced system model of the original model, then, computing the controllable and observable matrices of the balanced system to obtain the diagonal Hankel singular matrix. Finally, deciding the lower-order subspace to obtain the reduced power system model. A 15-machine power system model is taken as an example to perform the reduction simulation analysis.
Asymptotic performance modelling of DCF protocol with prioritized channel access
Authors: Choi Woo-Yong 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Recently, the modification of the DCF (Distributed Coordination Function) protocol by the prioritized channel access was proposed to resolve the problem that the DCF performance worsens exponentially as more nodes exist in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs. In this paper, an asymptotic analytical performance model is presented to analyze the MAC performance of the DCF protocol with the prioritized channel access.
Impact of impedance unbalance on the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution - A case study
Authors: Pavlov L’uboš , Skurčák L’uboš , Chovanec Juraj , Altus Juraj 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This article is devoted to the analysis of the possible influence of impedance asymmetry on the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution in the electricity system in Slovakia, at a voltage level of 110 kV - 400 kV, using synchronic phasor monitoring results. For simplicity of calculations, in practice, the impedance imbalance from mutual interfacial inductive capacitances bonds is neglected. In this way, the 3-phase network is interpreted as symmetrical in the calculations. In this case, it is possible to determine only some components of losses (ohmic losses, corona loss, leakages, etc). The influence of impedance asymmetry can be quantified by calculation using the results of the monitoring of the synchronous phasors of selected electricity system elements (OHL, transformer, choke) or by 3-phase modelling of real system elements. frequency to test the transformer for induced over voltage test, and its characteristics is analysed.
Profinite groups and centralizers of coprime automorphisms whose elements are Engel
Authors: Acciarri Cristina , da Silveira Danilo Sanção 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Let q be a prime, n a positive integer and A an elementary abelian group of order

q
r

{q^{r}}

with

r
≥
2

{r\geq 2}

acting on a finite

q
′

{q^{\prime}}

-group G.
We show that if all elements in

γ

r
-
1

⁢

(

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

)

{\gamma_{r-1}(C_{G}(a))}

are n-Engel in G for any

a
∈

A
#

{a\in A^{\#}}

, then

γ

r
-
1

⁢

(
G
)

{\gamma_{r-1}(G)}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k, and if, for some integer d such that

2
d

≤

r
-
1

{2^{d}\leq r-1}

, all elements in the dth derived group of

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

are n-Engel in G for any

a
∈

A
#

{a\in A^{\#}}

, then the dth derived group

G

(
d
)

{G^{(d)}}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k.
Assuming

r
≥
3

{r\geq 3}

, we prove that if all elements in

γ

r
-
2

⁢

(

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

)

{\gamma_{r-2}(C_{G}(a))}

are n-Engel in

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

for any

a
∈

A
#

{a\in A^{\#}}

, then

γ

r
-
2

⁢

(
G
)

{\gamma_{r-2}(G)}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k, and if, for some integer d such that

2
d

≤

r
-
2

{2^{d}\leq r-2}

, all elements in the dth derived group of

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

are n-Engel in

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

for any

a
∈

A
#

,

{a\in A^{\#},}

then the dth derived group

G

(
d
)

{G^{(d)}}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k.

Analogous (non-quantitative) results for profinite groups are also obtained.
Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from the Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Rhizosphere
Authors: Jami Al-Ahmadi Majid , Mohammadi Abbas , Kohabadi Esmaeil Salehi 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
One purpose of assessing the soil alive and active community is the identification of beneficial bacteria to use them as biological fertilizers, replacing or supplementing synthetic fertilizers. Such biofertilizers are predicted for the sustainability of agricultural production, especially for low input systems such as saffron fields. The aim of this work was to isolate and identify saffron rhizobacteria and to evaluate their possible effects on saffron growth. During 2013/14, some bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of the saffron plantations of different age in Gol village, Birjand, Iran. In total, 12 bacteria species were identified based on phenotypic traits and 16S rDNA sequences analysis. The strains were identified as B. subtilis, B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. megaterium, Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, Escherichia coli, Pectobacterium sp. and Pantoea sp., with the dominant population belonging to the genus Bacillus. In the field study, inoculation of soil with these strains did not affect the leaf dry weight of the cultivated saffron, however, the strains of P. fluorescens increased the leaf area while P. fluorescens, Paenibacillus, Pectobacterium and B. megaterium increased the number of daughter corms and Azotobacter, B. cereus, B. subtilis and B. megaterium increased the corm weight. Our finding revealed that some bacteria present in the soil of perennial saffron plantations have a promising potential for developing as a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Impact of Antioxidants Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Ascorbic Acid on Patch Budding of Persian Walnut
Authors: Abbasifar Ahmadreza , Valizadehkaji Babak 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of antioxidants on the budding success of three walnut genotypes under greenhouse conditions. After stratification, seeds were planted in a greenhouse at the end of autumn. After about 20 months, the seedlings grew up to 80 cm. The budding was done using scions of Z30, Z60, and B21 genotypes. Scions were immersed in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or ascorbic acid in the concentrations 2, 3, and 4 g·dm−3 for 1 h before budding. Percentage of successful budding was determined after one month. The results showed that genotype significantly affected the percentage of budding success, but no interaction between genotype and treatments was found. The antioxidant solutions significantly affected all the parameters studied in this research. Ascorbic acid with 3 g·dm−3 resulted in the highest percentage of budding success (86.66%); no significant differences were observed with 4 g·dm−3 of ascorbic acid and 3 and 4 g·dm−3 of PVP. Furthermore, antioxidant solutions significantly affected the content of chlorophylls, and 3 g·dm−3 of ascorbic acid resulted in the highest content of chlorophylls in scion leaves.
24-Epibrassinolide Restores the Synthesis of Proteins and Amino Acids in Brassica juncea L. Leaves Under Imidacloprid Stress
Authors: Sharma Anket , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Thukral Ashwani , Bhardwaj Renu 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Pesticides are applied to protect crops from a variety of insect pests but their application cause toxicity to plants that results, among others, in reduction of protein as well as amino acid contents. The present study is aimed at observing the effect of seed pre-soaking with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) on the protein and amino acid content in the leaves of Brassica juncea L. grown in soil that is amended with pesticide im-idacloprid (IMI). Soil amendment with IMI resulted in a decrease in the contents in leaves of total proteins and 21 amino acids studied. Seed soaking with 100 nM of EBL resulted in the recovery of total protein as well as amino acid contents in leaves, when compared with plants grown in only IMI amended soils.
PHKG2 mutation spectrum in glycogen storage disease type IXc: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Li Chunyun , Huang Lihua , Tian Lang , Chen Jia , Li Shentang , Yang Zuocheng 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background:

PHKG2 gene mutation can lead to liver phosphorylase kinase (PhK) deficiency, which is related to glycogen storage disease type IX (GSD IX). GSD IXc due to PHKG2 mutation is the second most common GSD IX.

Methods:
We identified a novel mutation (c.553C>T, p.Arg185X) in PHKG2 in a Chinese family and verified it by next-generation and Sanger sequencing. The mutation spectrum of the PHKG2 gene was summarized based on 25 GSD IXc patients with PHKG2 mutations.

Results:
We found that missense mutation (39%) was the most common type of mutation, followed by nonsense mutation (23%). Mutations were more prevalent in Asian (12/25) and European (9/25) populations than in populations from elsewhere. The exons had more sites of mutation than the introns, and exons 3 and 6 were the most frequent sites of mutations.

Conclusions:
This study expands our knowledge of the PHKG2 gene mutation spectrum, providing a molecular basis for GSD IXc.
Relationship between pathogenicity, race and vegetative compatibility grouping among Algerian populations of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi causing pea wilt
Authors: Merzoug Aoumria , Belabid Lakhdar 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (FOP) is a significant and destructive pathogen of field pea in Algeria. In the present study, 50 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi, the causal agent of pea (Pisum sativum) wilt, collected from different parts of western Algeria and representing four races of the pathogen, were analyzed for virulence. The wilt incidence ranged from 6.66 to 88.33% on a highly susceptible cultivar (Little Marvel). Twenty-one isolates belonging to four races of FOP and one nonpathogenic F. oxysporum (FO) isolate were analyzed for vegetative compatibility in order to reveal the genetic structure of the population and to check the reliability of the method for the identification of physiological races of FOP. Obtained results showed that the FOP isolates could be classified into four main vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) that corresponded to races l, 2A, 2B and 5. The race 6 isolate fell into the race 1 VCG. To our knowledge, this is the first such study in Algeria of its kind.
Interactions between the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and the Neotropical predator Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Implications in biological control of pest
Authors: Scorsetti Ana Clara , Pelizza Sebastian , Fogel Marilina Noelia , Vianna Florencia , Schneider Marcela Ines 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are serious pests of crops causing direct damage by feeding and indirect by the transmission of plant viruses. The use of conventional insecticides for controlling aphids has caused different problems and insecticide resistance. Accordingly, there is more interest in alternative control methods such as biological control by natural enemies for sustainable agricultural management. Among biological control agents, entomopathogenic fungi are one of the most significant microbial pathogens of insects. Also, Coccinellidae, as a major group, is a serious natural enemy. Both larval and adult stages of Coccinellidae feed on different soft-body pests, such as aphids. Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a common species in agroecosystems of the Neotropical region where it is considered to be a potential control agent. Pathogens and arthropod natural enemies may contribute to the control of phytophagous pests; however, it is important to assess potential interactions within biological control agents that share hosts (intraguild interaction) to evaluate their combined use for pest control. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility and interaction (lethal and sublethal effects) between E. connexa and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). Both are important biological control agents of aphids. The pathogenicity of B. bassiana against larvae, pupae and adults of the predator E. connexa was evaluated, and results showed, that B. bassiana infected the coleopteran. On the other hand, interaction between B. bassiana and the predator was evaluated through infected-prey. The effects of fungus on larvae survival were significantly different when we analyzed the accumulated survival (from first larval instar to adulthood). The daily fecundity was significantly reduced at five days compared to control group. By contrast, no significant differences were observed between the five oviposition days in the rate of hatched eggs. This study shows that despite having received a single dose of the fungus in its life cycle, the population parameters of the predator E. connexa are affected. More studies would be necessary to help identify interactions between microbes and natural enemies to increase and enhance opportunities and further develop biological pest control programs.
An Analysis of Transformation of Teaching and Learning of Japanese Schools that Significantly Addressed Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Ichinose Tomonori 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) requires learner-centred and interactive teaching strategies such as critical thinking, participatory decision-making, value-based learning, and multi-method approaches, all of which to some degree contrast traditional lecture-based teaching practices. As there is very little evidence providing international comparison across different educational backgrounds, the research digs deeper into the effects of a pluralistic ESD approach to teaching in the context of Japanese primary and secondary education. Based on answers from a questionnaire administered by head teachers in 469 ESD schools, the present research shows that teachers recognise that at least in relation to the local environment, community welfare, and depopulation of communities, the students are increasingly aware of their role and the need to act ambitiously to create a sustainable society. In these teacher comments about ESD methods, the main emphases were on the whole system, for example, the use of integrated studies (referred to 37 times), cross-curriculum development (13), and the ESD calendar (12). The fact that ESD is learner-centred (26), learning in the society (23) focused on collaboration with local community, and based on active learning (20) also frequently appeared. The research also reveals that by using local resource materials and conducting experiential activities, studentsí awareness of their local district deepens, and students then start to tackle with difficulties of local society such as declining population, protection of natural environment, and preservation of traditional culture by themselves. However, it cannot be said that teachers clearly understand their role as coaches and change agents, and there were no reported cases of teachers and students collaboratively designing school activities. Thus, there is still space for more profound teaching and learning growth in ESD in Japan.