bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnóstico de nematodos gastrointestinales resistentes a bencimidazoles e imidazotiazoles en un rebaño caprino de Yucatán, México
Authors: F Torres-Acosta Juan , S Villarroel-Álvarez Marbel , Rodríguez-Arévalo Flavio , Gutiérrez-Segura Isidro , A Alonso-Díaz Miguel
Published: November 2018

Introducción. El uso de antihelmínticos (AH) para el control de nematodos gastrointestinales (NGI) en caprinos se ve amenazado por el surgimiento de cepas de NGI resistentes a AH. No existe información de la presencia de NGI resistentes en rebaños caprinos de México y Yucatán. El objetivo fue determinar la presencia de NGI resistentes a bencimidazoles (BZ), imidazotiazoles (LEV) y lactonas macrocíclicas (LM) en un rebaño caprino de Yucatán, México, mediante la prueba de reducción de cuentas de huevos fecales.
Material y métodos. La presencia de nematodos resistentes a BZ, LEV y LM fue determinada mediante la prueba de reducción de cuentas de huevos fecales. La técnica de conteo de huevos fecales de McMaster modificada se utilizó para seleccionar sesenta cabras adultas con más de 150 huevos por gramo de heces (HPG). Estos animales fueron distribuidos al azar en cuatro grupos de 14 ó 15 animales. El grupo 1 permaneció sin tratamiento AH (T). El grupo 2 fue tratado con BZ (7.6mg/kg de peso vivo (PV) de albendazol per os). El grupo 3 con LEV (12mg/kg de PV de levamisol por vía subcutánea) y el grupo 4 con LM (0.2mg/kg de PV de moxidectina por vía subcutánea). Los animales fueron pesados individualmente y las drogas fueron administradas de acuerdo al peso. Los animales fueron aislados de alimento durante 16 horas antes del tratamiento AH. Todos los animales fueron muestreados nuevamente el día 12 post-tratamiento. Los resultados de HPG del segundo muestreo se usaron para determinar el porcentaje de reducción de HPG (%R) y el intervalo de confianza 95% (IC95%). Se realizó un cultivo fecal por cada grupo estudiado para identificar los géneros de larvas en una muestra de cincuenta larvas infectantes de cada grupo.
Resultados. No se encontró resistencia contra LM en el rebaño estudiado. Se encontraron NGI resistentes a BZ (%R=89, IC95%=77-94) y LEV (%R=82, IC95%=59-92). Haemonchus spp. fue el género de NGI resistente a BZ. Los géneros resistentes a LEV fueron Trichostrongylus spp. (96%) y Oesophagostomun spp. (4%).
Discusión. La presencia de NGI resistentes a LEV y BZ pudo ser causada por varios años de uso de dosis sub-terapéuticas de ambos AH en el rebaño. Estas dosis sub-terapéuticas fueron obtenidas de la etiqueta de las drogas utilizadas. La falta de rotación anual de drogas en el rebaño pudo haber contribuido al desarrollo de resistencia.
Empleo de un agente de voladura de baja velocidad de detonación VOD (velocity of detonation) en voladura de carbón antracita
Authors: Castillejo Melgarejo Ricardo , Poterico Huamayalli Julio
Published: November 2018

La presente investigación está orientada a introducir en el proceso de minado el uso de un agente de voladura de baja velocidad de detonación VOD (velocity of detonation) con la finalidad de mejorar los parámetros de voladura en la producción de carbón del tipo antracita, el cual trasciende sustancialmente en la reducción de costos de la operación unitaria de perforación y voladura. Se presenta el procesamiento y análisis de los datos utilizando el análisis antes y después del empleo del agente de voladura, cuyos indicadores son presión en el taladro, fragmentación y costos; para determinar si existen diferencias se utilizó la prueba de T-Student, con un nivel de significación del 5%. Se concluye que es factible el uso de los agentes de voladura de baja velocidad de detonación porque mejora de manera importante la fragmentación y reduce los costos de minado.
Creencias y prácticas alimentarias e higiénicas en madres de niños menores de 5 años en el distrito de Anta, Áncash, Perú
Authors: Mendoza Ramírez Gina
Published: November 2018

Una nutrición adecuada, en cantidad y calidad, es clave para el desarrollo físico e intelectual del niño. Un niño que sufre desnutrición ve afectada su supervivencia y el buen desarrollo de su cuerpo y de sus capacidades cognitivas e intelectuales. Por ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con una muestra de 290 niños menores de 5 años y su respectiva madre, con el objetivo de determinar la asociación entre las creencias y prácticas alimentarias e higiénicas de las madres con el estado nutricional de sus hijos menores de 5 años, en el distrito de Anta (Áncash). Los resultados muestran que, 4 de cada 10 niños menores de cinco años sufre de desnutrición crónica. Creencias perjudiciales como el inicio precoz de la alimentación complementaria, y que este inicio debe hacerse con alimentos ligeros fueron asociadas a la desnutrición crónica. El iniciar la alimentación complementaria antes de los 6 meses, consumir sólo 2 comidas principales al día en lugar de 3 y consumir alimentos disminuidos en frecuencia, consistencia y cantidad durante los procesos infecciosos son prácticas asociadas a la aparición de desnutrición crónica, así como la eliminación de excretas al campo abierto en lugar de usar inodoro o letrina.
Vicerrectorado de Investigación
Authors: Ramírez Maldonado José
Published: November 2018

La investigación científica ha permitido un desarrollo continuo de las sociedades en todos los ámbitos, procurando dar soluciones creativas y científicas a los múltiples problemas que afrontamos cotidianamente, haciendo predicciones, erradicando los obstáculos y hasta proponiendo soluciones pragmáticas para lograr el progreso. En esto, somos conscientes de que los conceptos de Universidad y Sociedad deben interactuar de tal manera que la primera siempre esté al servicio de la segunda dotándole de conocimiento que es la materia prima que produce la formación académica. Como dice Salazar (2016) y Arias (2006), este conocimiento debe servir para la generación de bienes y servicios, la reproducción social mediante la educación de sus miembros, y el planteamiento de más interrogantes que lleven a mayores niveles de conocimiento y respuesta a las necesidades sociales. Para Salazar la producción de conocimiento desde la epistemología se plantea desde los métodos inductivos y los deductivos, el primero que lleva desde la observación y sistematización a la generación de una teoría explicativa, y el segundo predictivo que parte de una teoría y plantea hipótesis. Es decir, se orienta la investigación desde los métodos cualitativo y cuantitativo, que de ninguna manera son opuestos, sino se complementan para responder a hipótesis y dar mayor profundidad a las explicaciones del contexto en el cual se plantearon las preguntas de investigación.
Predictores del burnout académico en estudiantes de enfermería de las universidades nacionales de Áncash
Authors: Núñez Zarazú Llermé
Published: November 2018

Determina los predictores intrapersonales, sociales y académicas de las dimensiones del burnout académico; así como su prevalencia e índice en estudiantes de enfermería. Estudio tipo descriptivo transversal correlacional. La muestra censal estuvo conformada por 348 estudiantes de enfermería, de la Universidad Nacional Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo y la Universidad Nacional del Santa. El instrumento incluyó el cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-SS) para estudiantes y un cuestionario sobre aspectos del estudiante (CUESESTE). La prevalencia del burnout académico fue de 7% con índices medios de alta eficacia académica, agotamiento emocional medio y cinismo bajo. Predicen los índices de agotamiento emocional: la sobrecarga académica, la depresión y no realizar otras actividades extracurriculares; predicen los niveles de cinismo: ansiedad, dependencia alcohólica y depresión; predicen los niveles de eficacia académica: edad, funcionalidad familiar y vocación por la carrera. Se concluye que existe una baja prevalencia de síndrome de burnout en la población universitaria de enfermería, pero preocupan las variables intrapersonales, académicas y sociales que las predicen; las que deben definir las temáticas de tutoría y consejería docente, además de programas de prevención e intervención psicoeducativa.
Incidencia de los factores económicos-sociales en el impulso de la gestión de la competitividad nacional del Perú - periodo 2000-2014
Authors: Cruz Castillo Nelson
Published: November 2018

Determinar de qué manera inciden los factores económicos-sociales en el impulso de la gestión de la competitividad nacional del Perú, que está representado por la productividad como variable dependiente. Estos factores son siete, por lo que, se plantea siete objetivos específicos, los cuales algunos de ellos están limitados por la escasez de datos que fueron extraídos principalmente del banco Mundial y del INEI. Por un lado, la contrastación de la hipótesis general, realizado por el análisis de regresión múltiple, nos dio como resultado, que los factores desempeño económico, educación y salud tienen incidencia positiva en la variable dependiente; por otro lado, los factores infraestructura, institucionalidad, innovación, educación a través de la variable inscripción escolar en el nivel secundario y clima de negocios tienen incidencia negativa sobre la variable dependiente. Se aplica el método de los MCO. En el análisis econométrico con logaritmos, se refleja que las variables independientes inciden de diferentes maneras sobre el comportamiento de la variable dependiente. Así, considerando la contrastación de las hipótesis específicas, se concluye que, la importancia de la incidencia del factor infraestructura no es muy significativa; la influencia del factor desempeño económico si es relevante; la incidencia del factor institucional no es muy significativa; el factor innovación no tiene una importante incidencia; la influencia del factor educación si es significativamente importante; el factor salud si contribuye de manera muy importante; y el impacto del factor clima de negocios es negativo pero no significativa en la variable dependiente. En consecuencia los coeficientes son estadísticamente significativos.
Indicadores de sostenibilidad de sistemas de producción de quinua en Chiara, Ayacucho
Authors: Pinedo Taco Rember , Gómez Pando Luz , Julca Otiniano Alberto
Published: November 2018

El objetivo de la investigación fue definir, jerarquizar y caracterizar indicadores cualitativos y cuantitativos asociados a aspectos económicos, ambientales y sociales para medir el grado de la producción sustentable de quinua en tres comunidades del distrito de Chiara, Ayacucho. Las variables e indicadores fueron definidos en base a una propuesta metodológica de análisis multivariado, considerando aspectos críticos relacionados con la actividad de producción de quinua y su sostenibilidad. La pertinencia de los indicadores, forma de medir en campo, ponderación y su estructura, fueron validados en dos talleres por expertos, líderes de organizaciones y productores presentes en la zona del estudio. Se identificaron y caracterizaron 10 indicadores con 24 subindicadores y fueron estandarizados en una escala no sustentable hasta un valor umbral máximo de sustentabilidad. De acuerdo a la metodología de análisis multivariado se elaboraron fórmulas matemáticas para definir el grado e índice de sustentabilidad de los sistemas de producción de quinua, con indicadores prácticos, sencillos, replicables y con bajo costo de su aplicación. Se recomienda difundir esta metodología y emplearla en trabajos para evaluar la sustentabilidad de sistemas de producción de quinua en otras regiones productoras del Perú.
Rhythm-Sense-Subject, or: The Dynamic Un/Enfolding of Sense
Authors: Smith David Nowell
Published: November 2018

This article traces Henri Meschonnic's concerted attempts to grasp the interaction rhythm-sense-subject, and situates this with the broader concerns of his work: the critique of ‘sign-thinking’, the elaboration of rhythm as le continu, his reflection on historical subjectivity. Meschonnic's thinking of rhythm is of an exigency from which he himself often shrinks back, notably through a series of equivocations (between language and sense, between rhythm as such and an individual rhythmic figure, between discourse as activity and an individual's discourse/idiom). The article focuses on these equivocations, and argues that within them we come to see the complexity, and mutability, of the rhythm-sense-subject interaction. It ends by proposing that we think the place of rhythm in this interaction in terms not of continuity/discontinuity, as per Meschonnic, but rather as a ‘dynamic unfolding/enfolding of sense’.
Qualitative Behavioural Assessment as a Method to Identify Potential Stressors during Commercial Sheep Transport
Authors: Collins Teresa , Stockman Catherine A. , Barnes Anne L. , Miller David W. , Wickham Sarah L. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: November 2018

Land transport is an unavoidable experience for most livestock, yet there is limited research comparing animal welfare under different conditions. We video recorded sheep responses during short (2 h) commercial road transport journeys. Using Qualitative Behavioural Assessment, observers (blinded to the treatments) scored the behavioural expression of sheep and reached significant consensus in their scoring patterns (p < 0.001). There were also significant effects of vehicle crate design (sheep transported in a ‘standard’ crate were more calm/relaxed than those transported in a ‘convertible’ crate), deck position (sheep on upper decks were more curious/alert than those on lower decks), and sheep breed (fat-tail sheep were more agitated/distressed than merino sheep) on observer scores. We only found marginal differences for sheep originating from feedlot or saleyard. Significant effects of vehicle driver (included as a random factor in all but one of our analyses) suggest driving patterns contributed to demeanour of the sheep. Finally, the fourteen drivers who participated in the study were asked their opinions on livestock transport; none of the factors we tested were identified by drivers as important for sheep welfare during transport. This study supports the use of qualitative measures in transport and revealed differences that could inform truck design.
Fault Localization by Comparing Memory Updates between Unit and Integration Testing of Automotive Software in an Hardware-in-the-Loop Environment
Authors: Choi Ki-Yong , Lee Jung-Won
Published: November 2018

During the inspection stage, an integration test is performed on electronic automobile parts that have passed a unit test. The faults found during this test are reported to the developer, who subsequently modifies the source code. If the tester provides the developer with memory usage information (such as functional symbol or interface signal), which works differently from normal operation in failed Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing (even when the tester has no source code), that information will be useful for debugging. In this paper, we propose a fault localization method for automotive software in an HiL environment by comparing the analysis results of updated memory between units and integration tests. Analyzing the memory usage of a normally operates unit test, makes it possible to obtain memory-updated information necessary for the operation of that particular function. By comparing this information to the memory usage when a fault occurs during an integration test, erroneously operated symbols and stored values are presented as potential root causes of the fault. We applied the proposed method to HiL testing for an OSEK/VDX-based electronic control unit (ECU). As a result of testing using fault injection, we confirmed that the fault causes can be found by checking the localized memory symbols with an average of 5.77%. In addition, when applying this methodology to a failure that occurred during a body control module (BCM) (which provides seat belt warnings) test, we could identify a suspicious symbol and find the cause of the test failure with only 8.54% of localized memory symbols.
Urban Design and City Microclimates
Authors: Brown Robert D.
Published: November 2018

More than half of the people in the world now live in cities and this proportion is expected to continue to increase. [...]
Acoustic Issues in Open Plan Offices: A Typological Analysis
Authors: Delle Macchie Sara , Secchi Simone , Cellai Gianfranco
Published: November 2018

This paper reports the acoustic issues of open plan office environments. According to a detailed research based on the scientific literature of the most suitable acoustic descriptors recommended for the open plan offices analysis, the main typological-functional configurations of these environments have been analyzed in order to identify six spatial typologies. The variation of acoustic parameters of these typologies has been evaluated by using a sound pyramid tracing software. The analysis procedure was calibrated in a case study of an office environment, where a measurement campaign was carried out. Results point out that the acoustic improvement of open plan offices can usually be achieved by introducing a sound absorbing false ceiling and dividing panels between working positions, but there are different issues depending on spatial geometries of the office. Better results are referred to office typologies characterized by reduced height and equal plan dimensions.
Tumor-Targeted Immunotherapy by Using Primary Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and an Antigen-Specific Protein Vaccine
Authors: Lu Jui-Hua , Peng Bou-Yue , Chang Chun-Chao , Dubey Navneet , Lo Wen-Cheng , Cheng Hsin-Chung , Wang Joseph , Wei Hong-Jian , Deng Win-Ping
Published: November 2018

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and a major public health problem worldwide. For biological therapy against cancer, we previously developed a unique immunotherapeutic platform by combining mesenchymal stem cells with an antigen-specific protein vaccine. However, this system possesses a few limitations, such as improperly immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with transfected oncogenic antigens in them. To overcome the limitations of this platform for future clinical application, we freshly prepared primary adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and modified the E7’ antigen (E7’) as a non-oncogenic protein. Either subcutaneously co-inoculated with cancer cells or systemically administered after tumor growth, ADSC labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and combined with modified E7’ (ADSC-E7’-eGFP) cells showed significant antitumor activity when combined with the protein vaccine in both colon and lung cancer in mice. Specifically, this combined therapy inhibited tumor through inducing cell apoptosis. The significantly reduced endothelial cell markers, CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), indicated strongly inhibited tumor angiogenesis. The activated immune system was demonstrated through the response of CD4+ T and natural killer (NK) cells, and a notable antitumor activity might be contributed by CD8+ T cells. Conclusively, these evidences imply that this promising immunotherapeutic platform might be a potential candidate for the future clinical application against cancer.
Efficiency of Harmonic Quantum Otto Engines at Maximal Power
Authors: Deffner Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Recent experimental breakthroughs produced the first nano heat engines that have the potential to harness quantum resources. An instrumental question is how their performance measures up against the efficiency of classical engines. For single ion engines undergoing quantum Otto cycles it has been found that the efficiency at maximal power is given by the Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency. This is rather remarkable as the Curzon–Alhbron efficiency was originally derived for endoreversible Carnot cycles. Here, we analyze two examples of endoreversible Otto engines within the same conceptual framework as Curzon and Ahlborn’s original treatment. We find that for endoreversible Otto cycles in classical harmonic oscillators the efficiency at maximal power is, indeed, given by the Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency. However, we also find that the efficiency of Otto engines made of quantum harmonic oscillators is significantly larger.
Algorithm-Aided Design with Python: Analysis of Technological Competence of Subjects
Authors: Pontes Thiago Bessa , Miranda Guilhermina Lobato , Celani Gabriela Caffarena
Published: November 2018

Difficulties in learning computer programming for novices is a subject of abundant scientific literature. These difficulties seem to be accentuated in students whose academic choice is not computation, like architecture students. However, they need to study programming, since it is part of the new academic curricula. The results presented here are part of a PhD research, which investigates the achievement motivation and the acquisition and transfer of programming knowledge from an online environment designed on the basis of the 4C-ID instructional design model. These results are a sociodemographic analysis, and the technological competence of these subjects. We concluded that most of the students of our sample do not know how to auto assess their ICT expertise level, because they believed that they had sufficient computational knowledge for their needs. However, most of them told that they had difficulties creating codes. However, they recognized the importance of learning to program, thought it was valuable for architectural students, and felt motivated to acquire this new skill.
Convergence Education of Medicine and Theology in a Secular Age
Authors: Kwon Soo-Young , Cho Nam Hoon , Son Moon
Published: November 2018

Convergence education of medicine and theology (CEMT) is an effective religious education learning model in a secular age. The highly elaborate rationality of the secular environment encourage es dialogical discourse between science and religion. There is a mutually reinforcing relationship between medicine and theology even given each discipline’s differences from the other. In this paper, the dialogical discourse between medicine and theology about the human-genome project serves as an example of the symbiotic relevance of both disciplines. The Ebola virus shows how theological discourse can be included in what is apparently a medical concern to ultimately benefit medical efforts. An example of CEMT in the classroom shows the possibilities for enlarging the conventional horizons of religious education to overlap medicine.
Failure Modes, Mechanisms, Effects, and Criticality Analysis of Ceramic Anodes of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Patel Nripendra K. , Bishop Sean R. , Utter Robert G. , Das Diganta , Pecht Michael
Published: November 2018

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a highly efficient chemical to electrical energy conversion devices that have potential in a global energy strategy. The wide adoption of SOFCs is currently limited by cost and concerns about cell durability. Improved understanding of their degradation modes and mechanisms combined with reduction–oxidation stable anodes via all-ceramic-anode cell technology are expected to lead to durability improvements, while economies of scale for production will mitigate cost of commercialization. This paper presents an Ishikawa analysis and a failure modes, mechanisms, effects, and criticality analysis (FMMECA) for all-ceramic anode based SOFCs. FMMECA takes into account the life cycle conditions, multiple failure mechanisms, and their potential effects on fuel-cell health and safety.
Equivalent Circuit Model for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells Operating at Different Temperatures and Irradiance
Authors: Bronzoni Matteo , Colace Lorenzo , De Iacovo Andrea , Laudani Antonino , Lozito Gabriele Maria , Lucaferri Valentina , Radicioni Martina , Rampino Stefano
Published: November 2018

The modeling of photovoltaic cells is an essential step in the analysis of the performances and characterization of PV systems. This paper proposes an experimental study of the dependence of the five parameters of the one-diode model on atmospheric conditions, i.e., irradiance and temperature in the case of thin-film solar cells. The extraction of the five parameters was performed starting from two sets of experimental data obtained from Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells fabricated by the low-temperature pulsed electron deposition technique. A reduced form approach of the one-diode model has been adopted, leading to an accurate identification of the cell. It was possible to elaborate suitable relations describing the behavior of the parameters as functions of the environmental conditions. This allowed accurately predicting the trends of the parameters from a pair of curves, instead of a whole set of measurements. The developed model describing the dependence on irradiance and temperature was validated by means of a large set of experimental measurements on several Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) devices built with the same technological process.
Study and Optimal Design of a Direct-Driven Stator Coreless Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator with Improved Dynamic Performance
Authors: Wang Wenqiang , Wang Weijun , Mi Hongju , Mao Longbo , Zhang Guoping , Liu Hua , Wen Yadong
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the study and optimization design of stator coreless axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generators is presented for direct driven variable speed renewable energy generation system applications while considering the requirement of reliability and dynamic performance with unstable input conditions. The dynamic analytical model is developed based on the investigation of the axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator (AFPMSG) structure and basic electromagnetic equations to find out the relationship between generator parameters and dynamic performance. Simulation via the MATLAB/Simulink platform is carried out to obtain the sensitivity of dynamic performance to generator parameters. An integrated optimization model that takes the key parameters as variables is proposed, aiming to improve the mechanical dynamic performance of AFPMSG. For accurate design, the design procedure is modified by combining the nonlinear iterative genetic algorithm (GA) to perform the calculation. A 3_kW AFPMSG is optimally designed to minimize the output voltage overshooting—the index of dynamic performance for direct driven variable speed generation application. Finally, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the generator is established by Maxwell ANSOFT, and the simulation results confirm the validity of the dynamic performance analysis and optimal design procedure.
Numerical Study of Heat Transfer Enhancement of Internal Flow Using Double-Sided Delta-Winglet Tape Insert
Authors: Wijayanta Agung Tri , Aziz Muhammad , Kariya Keishi , Miyara Akio
Published: November 2018

A numerical study was performed to investigate the thermal performance characteristics of an enhanced tube heat exchanger fitted with punched delta-winglet vortex generators. Computational fluid dynamics modeling was applied using the k–ε renormalized group turbulence model. Benchmarking was performed using the results of the experimental study for a similar geometry. Attack angles of 30°, 50°, and 70° were used to investigate the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of the enhanced tube. Flow conditions were considered in the turbulent region in the Reynolds number range of 9100 to 17,400. A smooth tube was employed for evaluating the increment in the Nusselt number and the friction factor characteristics of the enhanced tube. The results show that the Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal performance factor have a similar tendency. The presence of this insert offers a higher thermal performance factor as compared to that obtained with a plain tube. Vortex development in the flow structure aids in generating a vortex flow, which increases convective heat transfer. In addition, as the angle is varied, it is observed that the largest attack angle provides the highest thermal performance factor. The greatest increase in the Nusselt number and friction factor, respectively, was found to be approximately 3.7 and 10 times greater than those of a smooth tube. Through numerical simulations with the present simulation condition, it is revealed that the thermal performance factor approaches the value of 1.1. Moreover, the numerical and experimental values agree well although they tend to be different at high Reynolds number conditions. The numerical and experimental values both show similar trends in the Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal performance factor.
Interval Power Flow Analysis Considering Interval Output of Wind Farms through Affine Arithmetic and Optimizing-Scenarios Method
Authors: Cheng Weijie , Cheng Renli , Shi Jun , Zhang Cong , Sun Gaoxing , Hua Dong
Published: November 2018

Wind power belongs to sustainable and clean energy sources which play a vital role of reducing environment pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, wind power outputs are quite difficult to predict because they are derived from wind speeds, which vary irregularly and greatly all the time. The uncertainty of wind power causes variation of the variables of power grids, which threatens the power grids’ operating security. Therefore, it is significant to provide the accurate ranges of power grids’ variables, which can be used by the operators to guarantee the power grid’s operating security. To achieve this goal, the present paper puts forward the interval power flow with wind farms model, where the generation power outputs of wind farms are expressed by intervals and three types of control modes are considered for imitating the operation features of wind farms. To solve the proposed model, the affine arithmetic-based method and optimizing-scenarios method are modified and employed, where three types of constraints of wind control modes are considered in their solution process. The former expresses the interval variables as affine arithmetic forms, and constructs optimization models to contract the affine arithmetic forms to obtain the accurate intervals of power flow variables. The latter regards active power outputs of the wind farms as variables, which vary in their corresponding intervals, and accordingly builds the minimum and maximum programming models for estimating the intervals of the power flow variables. The proposed methods are applied to two case studies, where the acquired results are compared with those acquired by the Monte Carlo simulation, which is a traditional method for handling interval uncertainty. The simulation results validate the advantages, effectiveness and the applicability of the two methods.
Eating Frequency Is Not Associated with Obesity in Chinese Adults
Authors: Zhang Xinge , Wang Yueqiao , Brinkley Jason S. , Oniffrey Theresa M. , Zhang Rui , Chen Guoxun , Li Rui , Moore Justin B.
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing globally. Recent studies suggest that eating frequency (EF) might be a factor influencing the development of overweight and obesity. This study aims to explore the association between eating frequency and obesity in Chinese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wuhan, China, from March to June 2016. A self-administered questionnaire and 24-h dietary recall were used to collect data on sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, nutrition knowledge, and eating frequency. Participants were divided into four groups according to eating frequency and meal timing: traditional time pattern (TTP), traditional time plus late snack pattern (TTLSP), irregular time pattern (ITP), and all-day pattern (ADP). We performed the chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression to assess associations among variables using JMP statistical software version 14.0.0 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Respondents were Chinese adults (N = 2290; range 29–74 years; 1162 men). Lower education level, higher food budget, and lower nutrition knowledge were associated with higher likelihood of irregular EF patterns (TTLSP, ITP, or ADP). Men, non-smokers, and participants with less physical activity, lower education level, or lower nutrition knowledge were more likely to be obese. Body mass index (BMI) categorization was significantly different among EF pattern groups (χ2 = 25.40, p = 0.003); however, this association was no longer significant in the regression model after adjustment for age, sex, education, smoking, food budget, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity. Thus, EF is not associated with obesity in Chinese adults.
Design of a 3D BMP-2-Delivering Tannylated PCL Scaffold and Its Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Osteogenic Effects In Vitro
Authors: Lee Jae Yong , Lim Hyunwoong , Ahn Jae Won , Jang Dongsik , Lee Seung Hee , Park Kyeongsoon , Kim Sung Eun
Published: November 2018

In this study, a novel three-dimensional (3D) bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2)-delivering tannylated polycaprolactone (PCL) (BMP-2/tannic acid (TA)/PCL) scaffold with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic activities was fabricated via simple surface coating with TA, followed by the immobilization of BMP-2 on the TA-coated PCL scaffold. The BMP-2/TA/PCL scaffold showed controlled and sustained BMP-2 release. It effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, and increased the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Additionally, the BMP-2/TA/PCL scaffold significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, it showed outstanding enhancement of the osteogenic activity of MC3T3-E1 cells through increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition. Our findings demonstrated that the BMP-2/TA/PCL scaffold plays an important role in scavenging ROS, suppressing inflammatory response, and enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of cells.
Molecular Docking, Computational, and Antithrombotic Studies of Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Batool Majda , Tajammal Affifa , Farhat Firdous , Verpoort Francis , Khattak Zafar A. K. , Mehr-un-Nisa  , Shahid Muhammad , Ahmad Hafiz Adnan , Munawar Munawar Ali , Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Asim Raza Basra Muhammad
Published: November 2018

A new series of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles derivatives was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo anti-thrombotic activity. Compounds (3a–3i) exhibited significant clot lysis with respect to reference drug streptokinase (30,000 IU), and enhanced clotting time (CT) values (130–342 s) than heparin (110 s). High affinity towards 1NFY with greater docking score was observed for the compounds (3a, 3i, 3e, 3d, and 3h) than the control ligand RPR200095. In addition, impressive inhibitory potential against factor Xa (F-Xa) was observed with higher docking scores (5612–6270) with Atomic Contact Energy (ACE) values (−189.68 to −352.28 kcal/mol) than the control ligand RPR200095 (Docking score 5192; ACE −197.81 kcal/mol). In vitro, in vivo, and in silico results proposed that these newly synthesized compounds might be used as anticoagulant agents.
The Role of TGF-β Signaling in Lung Cancer Associated with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Saito Akira , Horie Masafumi , Micke Patrick , Nagase Takahide
Published: November 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease of unknown etiology and dismal prognosis. IPF patients are known to have an increased risk of lung cancer and careful decision-making is required for the treatment of lung cancer associated with IPF. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling plays a central role in tissue fibrosis and tumorigenesis. TGF-β-mediated pathological changes that occur in IPF lung tissue may promote the process of field cancerization and provide the microenvironment favorable to cancer initiation and progression. This review summarizes the current knowledge related to IPF pathogenesis and explores the molecular mechanisms that underlie the occurrence of lung cancer in the background of IPF, with an emphasis on the multifaceted effects of TGF-β signaling.
Predicting Cyber-Events by Leveraging Hacker Sentiment
Authors: Deb Ashok , Lerman Kristina , Ferrara Emilio
Published: November 2018

Recent high-profile cyber-attacks exemplify why organizations need better cyber-defenses. Cyber-threats are hard to accurately predict because attackers usually try to mask their traces. However, they often discuss exploits and techniques on hacking forums. The community behavior of the hackers may provide insights into the groups’ collective malicious activity. We propose a novel approach to predict cyber-events using sentiment analysis. We test our approach using cyber-attack data from two major business organizations. We consider three types of events: malicious software installation, malicious-destination visits, and malicious emails that surmounted the target organizations’ defenses. We construct predictive signals by applying sentiment analysis to hacker forum posts to better understand hacker behavior. We analyze over 400 K posts written between January 2016 and January 2018 on over 100 hacking forums both on the surface and dark web. We find that some forums have significantly more predictive power than others. Sentiment-based models that leverage specific forums can complement state-of-the-art time-series models on forecasting cyber-attacks weeks ahead of the events.
Blockchain-Based Supply Chain for Postage Stamps
Authors: Yanovich Yury , Shiyanov Igor , Myaldzin Timur , Prokhorov Ivan , Korepanova Darya , Vorobyov Sergey
Published: November 2018

Counterfeit and unaccounted postage stamps used on mailings cost postal administrations a significant amount of money each year. Corporate and individual clients become victim to stamp fraud and incur losses when security teams investigate such mailings. The blockchain technology is supposed to be a solution to make postage stamps market transparent and to guarantee invariability of stamps volume produced and used. The blockchain-based supply chain for postage stamps is introduced in the article.
Investigation on Product and Process Fingerprints for Integrated Quality Assurance in Injection Molding of Microstructured Biochips
Authors: Giannekas Nikolaos , Zhang Yang , Tosello Guido
Published: November 2018

Injection molding has been increasing for decades its share in the production of polymer components, in comparison to other manufacturing processes, as it can assure a cost-efficient production while maintaining short cycle times. In any production line, the stability of the process and the quality of the produced components is ensured by frequently performed metrological controls, which require a significant amount of effort and resources. To avoid the expensive effect of an out of tolerance production, an alternative method to intensive metrology efforts to process stability and part quality monitoring is presented in this article. The proposed method is based on the extraction of process and product fingerprints from the process regulating signals and the replication quality of dedicated features positioned on the injection molded component, respectively. The features used for this purpose are placed on the runner of the moldings and are similar or equal to those actually in the part, in order to assess the quality of the produced plastic parts. For the purpose of studying the method’s viability, a study case based on the production of polymer microfluidic systems for bio-analytics medical applications was selected. A statistically designed experiment was utilized in order to assess the sensitivity of the polymer biochip’s micro features (μ-pillars) replication fidelity with respect to the experimental treatments. The main effects of the process parameters revealed that the effects of process variation were dependent on the position of the μ-pillars. Results showed that a number of process fingerprints follow the same trends as the replication fidelity of the on-part μ-pillars. Instead, only one of the two on-runner μ-pillar position measurands can effectively serve as product fingerprints. Thus, the method can be the foundation for the development of a fast part quality monitoring system with the potential to decrease the use of off-line, time-consuming detailed metrology for part and tool approval, provided that the fingerprints are specifically designed and selected.
Tracking a Jammer in Wireless Sensor Networks and Selecting Boundary Nodes by Estimating Signal-to-Noise Ratios and Using an Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Aldosari Waleed , Zohdy Mohamed
Published: November 2018

This work investigates boundary node selection when tracking a jammer. A technique to choose nodes to track jammers by estimating signal-to-noise Ratio (SNR), jammer-to-noise ratio (JNR), and jammer received signal strength (JRSS) are introduced in this paper. We proposed a boundary node selection threshold (BNST) algorithm. Every node can become a boundary node by comparing the SNR threshold, the average SNR estimated at the boundary node, and the received BNST value. The maximum sensing range, transmission range, and JRSS are the main parts of this algorithm. The algorithm is divided into three steps. In the first step, the maximum distance between two jammed nodes is found. Next, the maximum distance between the jammed node and its unjammed neighbors is computed. Finally, maximum BNST value is estimated. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is utilized in this work to track the jammer and estimate its position in a different time step using selected boundary nodes. The experiment validates the benefits of selecting a boundary when tracking a jammer.
Potential Antiviral Xanthones from a Coastal Saline Soil Fungus Aspergillus iizukae
Authors: Kang Hui-Hui , Zhang Huai-Bin , Zhong Mei-Jia , Ma Li-Ying , Liu De-Sheng , Liu Wei-Zhong , Ren Hong
Published: November 2018

Five new (1–5) and two known xanthones (6 and 7), one of the latter (6) obtained for the first time as a natural product, together with three known anthraquinones, questin, penipurdin A, and questinol, were isolated from the coastal saline soil-derived Aspergillus iizukae by application of an OSMAC (one strain many compounds) approach. Their structures were determined by interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) data, as well as comparison of these data with those of related known compounds. Antiviral activity of xanthones 1−7 was evaluated through the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay, and compound 2 exhibited distinctly strong activity towards influenza virus (H1N1), herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) with IC50 values of 44.6, 21.4, and 76.7 μM, respectively, which indicated that it was worth to further investigate it as a potential lead compound. The preliminary structure-activity relationship of the xanthones is discussed.
Non-Linear Enthalpy-Entropy Correlation for Nitrogen Adsorption in Zeolites
Authors: Delgado Montserrat R. , Arean Carlos O.
Published: November 2018

The thermodynamics of dinitrogen adsorption in faujasite-type zeolites, Na-Y, Ca-Y and Sr-Y, were investigated by means of variable-temperature infrared spectroscopy, a technique that affords determination of the standard adsorption enthalpy (ΔH0) and entropy (ΔS0) from an analysis of the IR spectra recorded over a range of temperatures. The results obtained, taken together with previously reported values for N2 adsorption on protonic zeolites, revealed a non-linear correlation between ΔH0 and ΔS0. Implications of such a correlation for gas separation and purification by adsorption in porous solids are highlighted.
Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetics Study of Six Triterpenes in Rat Plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS after Oral Administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. Extract
Authors: Wu Chengcui , Yao Meicun , Li Wa , Cui Binbin , Dong Hongrui , Ren Yixuan , Yang Chunjuan , Gan Chunli
Published: November 2018

A selective and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of ziyuglycoside I (I), 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (II), 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (III), rosamultin (IV), 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid (V) and alpinoside (VI) in rats after oral administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. (S. officinalis) extract. The 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, rosamultin, 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid and alpinoside in rat plasma were the first report in the pharmacokinetics study in the present study. The analytes were quantified using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the electrospray ion source in positive electrospray ionization. Plasma was extracted with ethyl acetate via liquid–liquid extraction. Bifendate was used as internal standard (IS). The current method was validated for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability. The lower limits of quantification of ziyuglycoside I, 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, rosamultin, 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid and alpinoside were 6.1, 4.9, 1.3, 3.8, 1.5 and 5.7 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision and the accuracy of the assay were in range from −9.48 to 12.74%. The extraction recoveries of analytes and bifendate (IS) from rat plasma ranged from 77.17% to 92.48%. Six compounds could be rapidly absorbed into blood (Tmax, 0.58–1.58 h), and then eliminated relatively slowly (t1/2, 6.86–11.63 h). The pharmacokinetic results might contribute to further guide the clinical application of S. officinalis.
Adsorption of Cu(II) and Zn(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution by Gel/PVA-Modified Super-Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Dolgormaa Anudari , Lv Chang-jiang , Li Yin , Yang Jian , Yang Jun-xing , Chen Peng , Wang Hong-peng , Huang Jun
Published: November 2018

Super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)/gelatin (gel)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanoparticles were designed and synthesized by the co-precipitation method and further modified with gel and PVA. These nanoparticles were used for the removal of Cu(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were rich in different functional groups for chemisorption and showed effective adsorption properties. The adsorption of Cu(II) and Zn(II) on the SPIONs/gel and SPIONs/gel/PVA materials were investigated with respect to pH, adsorption kinetics, and adsorption isotherms. The adsorption data was fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips models at the optimum pH 5.2 (±0.2) over 60 min; SPIONs/gel showed maximum adsorption capacities of 47.594 mg/g and 40.559 mg/g for Cu(II) and Zn(II); SPIONs/gel/PVA showed those of 56.051 mg/g and 40.865 mg/g, respectively. The experimental data fitted the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the process followed chemical monolayer adsorption. In addition, the SPIONs/gel/PVA showed better stability and Cu(II) adsorption efficiency than SPIONs/gel.