bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Automotive Seat Rattle Noise Using an Independent Component Analysis-Based Coherence Analysis Technique
Authors: Yoo Kookhyun , Jeong Un-Chang
Published: October 2020

This study proposed a contribution evaluation through the independent component analysis (ICA) method. The necessity of applying ICA to the evaluation of contribution was investigated through numerical simulation. Moreover, the estimation of the number of input sources, the labeling of signals, and the restoration of the signal amplitude were considered to perform the ICA-based coherence evaluation. The contribution evaluation was performed using the coherence evaluation method and by applying the established ICA-based coherence evaluation method to the seat rattle noise of the vehicle. According to the result of the evaluation, with the coherence evaluation technique it was difficult to calculate the contribution in identifying noise sources that overlap in both spatially and in frequency, because it was challenging to distinguish between the two measured signals. By contrast, the ICA-based coherence evaluation was able to restore the original source and investigate the contribution.
Image Denoising Using Non-Local Means (NLM) Approach in Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Heo Yeong-Cheol , Kim Kyuseok , Lee Youngjin
Published: October 2020

The non-local means (NLM) noise reduction algorithm is well known as an excellent technique for removing noise from a magnetic resonance (MR) image to improve the diagnostic accuracy. In this study, we undertook a systematic review to determine the effectiveness of the NLM noise reduction algorithm in MR imaging. A systematic literature search was conducted of three databases of publications dating from January 2000 to March 2020; of the 82 publications reviewed, 25 were included in this study. The subjects were categorized into four major frameworks and analyzed for each research result. Research in NLM noise reduction for MR images has been increasing worldwide; however, it was found to have slightly decreased since 2016. It was found that the NLM technique was most frequently used on brain images taken using the general MR imaging technique; these were most frequently performed during simultaneous real and simulated experimental studies. In particular, comparison parameters were frequently used to evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithm on MR images. The ultimate goal is to provide an accurate method for the diagnosis of disease, and our conclusion is that the NLM noise reduction algorithm is a promising method of achieving this goal.
The Influence of Radial Stress on Mechanical Properties of Anchorage Structure
Authors: Zhan Yubao , Zheng Pengqiang , Wang Hui , Wang Qingbiao
Published: October 2020

The research on the influence of radial stress on the mechanical properties of an anchorage structure has important theoretical and practical significance for optimizing the design of anchorage structures and saving support cost. Firstly, based on the phenomenon of concrete splitting found in the laboratory model test, the influence of radial stress on the mechanical properties of an anchorage structure is analyzed. Secondly, using the criterion of maximum tensile stress and the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, the influence of radial stress on the mechanical properties of rock around the borehole is analyzed. Finally, the influence of radial stress on the shear stress at interface and the ultimate bearing capacity of the anchorage structure is studied by numerical simulation. The results show that the existence of radial stress in the anchorage section greatly improves the bearing capacity of the anchorage structure. With the increase of confining pressure, the maximum value of interfacial shear stress increases obviously. The larger the confining pressure is, the faster the convergence speed of the finite element method (FEM) program is, which shows that the mechanical properties of the anchorage structure are improved obviously. With the increasing confining pressure, the adaptability of the anchorage structure to deformation is stronger and the anchorage structure is less likely to fail. The ultimate bearing capacity of the anchorage structure increases linearly with the increase of confining pressure, and the effect of confining pressure on the ultimate bearing capacity is very significant.
Thermal Comfort Applied in Hospital Environments: A Literature Review
Authors: Pereira Pedro Filipe da Conceição , Broday Evandro Eduardo , Xavier Antonio Augusto de Paula
Published: October 2020

The predicted mean vote (PMV) is the most widely used model around the world to assess thermal comfort in indoor environments. The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the PMV model and also the year in which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. In this context, hospital environments and health professionals are at the center of attention, and a good indoor environment for those professionals to develop their activities is essential. Thus, considering the PMV model and focusing on hospital environments, this study performed a literature review of studies published between 1968 and August 2020. The research identified 153 papers on thermal comfort and its application in hospitals, health centers, and elderly centers. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted to determine the most relevant studies for the four research questions proposed in this study. After applying the exclusion criteria, 62 studies were included in order to identify their main characteristics. In the universe of the 62 studies, this review identified 24 studies that applied the PMV model and 12 where there was a comparison of PMV and the thermal sensation votes (TSV) reported by people. The main findings of this research are: (i) A good thermal environment for professionals and patients is important, and more studies are needed; (ii) there are little explored topics, such as productivity related to thermal comfort in hospital environments; (iii) in addition to thermal comfort, other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters have also been evaluated, such as indoor air quality (IAQ); (iv): the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how the quality of indoor spaces is important in order to ensure occupant’s health.
STH/CFD Coupled Simulation of the Protected Loss of Flow Accident in the CIRCE-HERO Facility
Authors: Andrea Pucciarelli , Francesco Galleni , Marigrazia Moscardini , Daniele Martelli , Nicola Forgione
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the application of a coupling methodology between Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and System Thermal Hydraulic (STH) codes developed at the University of Pisa. The methodology was applied to the CIRCE-HERO facility in order to reproduce the recently performed experimental conditions simulating a Protected Loss Of Flow Accident (PLOFA). The facility consists of an internal loop, equipped with a fuel pin simulator and a steam generator, and an external pool. In this coupling application, the System code RELAP5 is adopted for the simulation of the internal loop while the CFD code ANSYS Fluent is used for the sake of simulating the pool. The connection between the two addressed domains is provided at the inlet and outlet section of the internal loop; a thermal coupling is also performed in order to reproduce the observed thermal stratification phenomenon. The obtained results are promising and a good agreement was obtained for both the mass flow rates and temperature measurements. Capabilities and limitations of the adopted coupling technique are discussed in the present paper also providing suggestions for improvements and developments to be achieved in the frame of future applications.
Ductile Fracture Behavior of Mild and High-Tensile Strength Shipbuilding Steels
Authors: Cerik Burak Can , Choung Joonmo
Published: October 2020

A comparison is made of the ductility limits of one mild (normal) and two high-tensile strength shipbuilding steels with an emphasis on stress state and loading path dependency. To describe the ductile fracture behavior of the considered steels accurately, an alternative form of ductile fracture prediction model is presented and calibrated. The present fracture model combines the normalized Cockcroft–Latham and maximum shear stress criterion, and is dependent on both stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. The calibrations indicate that, depending on the hardening characteristics of the steels, ductile fracture behavior differs considerably with stress state. It is demonstrated that the adopted fracture model is able to predict the ductile fracture initiation in various test specimens with good accuracy and is flexible in addressing the observed differences in the ductile fracture behavior of the considered steel grades.
Drill Hole Orientation: Its Role and Importance on the Compression Response of Pure Magnesium
Authors: Venkatraman Krishnan Anirudh , Matli Penchal , Parande Gururaj , Manakari Vyasaraj , Chua Beng , Wong Stephen , Anantharajan Senthil , Lim C. , Gupta Manoj
Published: October 2020

Drilling is used in creating cylindrical through-holes for various applications. While optimizing drilling parameters is widespread, the effect of a drilled through-hole on the structural stability of components is not fully documented. The base material, along with other parameters, such as drill diameter, drill location and its orientation affect structural stability. Since carrying out tests on different base materials can be time consuming, simulation software can instead be used to provide valuable information. However, the comparison between experiments and simulations gets difficult; hence, this study attempts to provide a basis for effective comparison by studying simulations and compression tests, comparing the two, and documenting the role of drill hole orientation on the compressive response of magnesium, a material with immense potential in light-weight components. Simulations and experiments were carried out on three through-hole orientations and were compared to the undrilled scenario. Results demonstrate significant differences in compression behaviour. While the compressive yield strength increased in all three drill orientations, ultimate strength and ductility was reduced in horizontal and angular drill hole orientations. These observations, therefore, provide valuable insight into choosing the right orientation for different applications.
A Human Health Toxicity Assessment of Biogas Engines Regulated and Unregulated Emissions
Authors: Macor Alarico , Benato Alberto
Published: October 2020

The aim of the work is to evaluate the damage to human health arising from emissions of in-operation internal combustion engines fed by biogas. The need of including also unregulated emissions like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aldehydes and dioxins and furans is twofold: (i) to cover the lack in biogas engine emissions measurements and (ii) to complete the picture on biogas harmfulness to human health by identifying the substances with the highest impact. To this purpose, an experimental campaign is conducted on six biogas engines and one fed by natural gas all characterised by an electric power of 999 kWel. Collected data are used to perform an impact analysis on human health combining the Health Impact Assessment and the Risk Assessment. Measurements show that PAHs, aldehydes and diossin and furans are almost always below the detection limit, in both biogas and natural gas exhausts. The carcinogenic risk analysis of PAHs for the two fuels established their substantial equivalence. The analysis of equivalent toxicity of dioxins and furans reveals that biogas is, on average, 10 times more toxic than natural gas. Among regulated emissions, NOx in the biogas engines exhausts are three times higher than those of natural gas. They are the main contributors to human health damage, with approximately 90% of the total. SOx ranks second and accounts for about 6% of the total damage. Therefore, (i) the contribution to human health damage of unregulated emissions is limited compared to the damage from unregulated emissions, (ii) the damage per unit of electricity of biogas engines exhausts is about three times higher than that of natural gas and it is directly linked to NOx, (iii) obtaining a good estimation of the human health damage from both biogas and natural gas engines emissions is enough of a reason to consider NOx and SOx.
Temporal Convolutional Network Connected with an Anti-Arrhythmia Hidden Semi-Markov Model for Heart Sound Segmentation
Authors: Yin Yibo , Ma Kainan , Liu Ming
Published: October 2020

Heart sound segmentation (HSS) is a critical step in heart sound processing, where it improves the interpretability of heart sound disease classification algorithms. In this study, we aimed to develop a real-time algorithm for HSS by combining the temporal convolutional network (TCN) and the hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM), and improve the performance of HSMM for heart sounds with arrhythmias. We experimented with TCN and determined the best parameters based on spectral features, envelopes, and one-dimensional CNN. However, the TCN results could contradict the natural fixed order of S1-systolic-S2-diastolic of heart sound, and thereby the Viterbi algorithm based on HSMM was connected to correct the order errors. On this basis, we improved the performance of the Viterbi algorithm when detecting heart sounds with cardiac arrhythmias by changing the distribution and weights of the state duration probabilities. The public PhysioNet Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2016 data set was employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm achieved an F1 score of 97.02%, and this result was comparable with the current state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms. In addition, the proposed enhanced Viterbi algorithm for HSMM corrected 30 out of 30 arrhythmia errors after checking one by one in the dataset.
Study on the Driver/Steering Wheel Interaction in Emergency Situations
Authors: Comolli Francesco , Gobbi Massimiliano , Mastinu Gianpiero
Published: October 2020

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly prevalent. The tuning of these systems would benefit from a deep knowledge of human behaviour, especially during emergency manoeuvres; however, this does not appear to commonly be the case. We introduced an instrumented steering wheel (ISW) to measure three components of force and three components of the moment applied by each hand, separately. Using the ISW, we studied the kick plate manoeuvre. The kick plate manoeuvre is an emergency manoeuvre to recover a lateral disturbance inducing a spin. The drivers performed the manoeuvre either keeping two hands on the steering wheel or one hand only. In both cases, a few instants after the lateral disturbance induced by the kick plate occurred, a torque peak was applied at the ISW. Such a torque appeared to be unintentional. The voluntary torque on the ISW occurred after the unintentional torque. The emergency manoeuvre performed with only one hand was quicker, since, if two hands were used, an initial fighting of the two hands against each other was present. Therefore, we propose to model the neuro-muscular activity in driver models to consider the involuntary muscular phenomena, which has a relevant effect on the vehicle dynamic response.
Computational Characterization of Microwave Planar Cutoff Probes for Non-Invasive Electron Density Measurement in Low-Temperature Plasma: Ring- and Bar-Type Cutoff Probes
Authors: Kim Si Jun , Lee Jang Jae , Lee Young Seok , Yeom Hee Jung , Lee Hyo Chang , Kim Jung-Hyung , You Shin Jae
Published: October 2020

The microwave planar cutoff probe, recently proposed by Kim et al. is designed to measure the cutoff frequency in a transmission (S21) spectrum. For real-time electron density measurement in plasma processing, three different types have been demonstrated: point-type, ring-type (RCP), and bar-type (BCP) planar cutoff probes. While Yeom et al. has shown that the RCP and BCP are more suitable than the point-type probe for process monitoring, the basic characteristics of the ring- and bar-type probes have yet to be investigated. The current work includes a computational characterization of a RCP and BCP with various geometrical parameters, as well as a plasma parameter, through a commercial three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation. The parameters of interest include antenna size, antenna distance, dielectric thickness of the transmission line, and input electron density. Simulation results showed that the RCP has several resonance frequencies originating from standing-wave resonance in the S21 spectrum that the BCP does not. Moreover, the S21 signal level increased with antenna size and dielectric thickness but decreased with antenna distance. Among the investigated parameters, antenna distance was found to be the most important parameter to improve the accuracy of both RCP and BCP.
Thermal Physics and Glaucoma: From Thermodynamic to Biophysical Considerations to Designing Future Therapies
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a theoretical approach to glaucoma, with the aim of improving the comprehension of the biophysical bases for new possible therapies. The approach is based on a non-equilibrium thermodynamic model. The results point to the fundamental role of the membrane’s electric potential and of its relation with inflammation and ion fluxes. A new viewpoint is suggested to consider anti-inflammation and photobiomodulation as possible therapies for glaucoma.
Absolute Double Differential Cross Sections of Bremsstrahlung Produced from 4.0 keV Electrons Incident on Free Ar Atoms
Authors: Prajapati Suman , Singh Bhupendra , Kumar Sunil , Singh Bhartendu Kumar , Quarles C. A. , Shanker R.
Published: October 2020

New results are reported on the measurements of absolute double differential cross sections (DDCSs) of bremsstrahlung produced from 4.0 keV electrons incident on free Ar atoms in the angular detection range of 45°–120°. A significant reduction of the thick target bremsstrahlung (TTB) of the chamber wall and of the photon transmission windows has been achieved by modifying the experimental set-up used previously; a large reduction of TTB in the present experiments is supported by the results of our model calculations for the ratio of TTB background to the normal bremsstrahlung (NB) spectrum carried out for the employed geometry of the experimental set-up. The results of photon energy distribution measured at different angles and those of angular distributions of photons of a given energy are compared with theoretical predictions of Kissel–Quarles–Pratt (KQP) theory for ordinary bremsstrahlung and with predictions of total bremsstrahlung including polarization bremsstrahlung (PBS) of the stripping approximation (SA). A satisfactory agreement observed between experiment and predictions using SA theory for absolute DDCSs of bremsstrahlung provides evidence for an appreciable contribution of polarization bremsstrahlung at the considered impact energy of electrons on one hand, while on the other hand, it exhibits a large discrepancy (about a factor of 2) in DDCSs of bremsstrahlung photons obtained by experiment and by KQP theory for photon energy distributions at all detection angles measured in these experiments. In addition, present results of the angular dependence of photons of different energies show anisotropic distributions and they are found to be in reasonable agreement with both KQP and SA theories. The satisfactory agreement between experiment and theory for angular distributions is an indication of a significant reduction of the background produced from TTB photons.
The Extracellular Matrix and Vesicles Modulate the Breast Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Yang Jun , Bahcecioglu Gokhan , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: October 2020

Emerging evidence has shown multiple roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) components, specifically the extracellular matrix (ECM), in breast cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Aside from the biophysical properties and biochemical composition of the breast ECM, the signaling molecules are extremely important in maintaining homeostasis, and in the breast TME, they serve as the key components that facilitate tumor progression and immune evasion. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), the mediators that convey messages between the cells and their microenvironment through signaling molecules, have just started to capture attention in breast cancer research. In this comprehensive review, we first provide an overview of the impact of ECM in breast cancer progression as well as the alterations occurring in the TME during this process. The critical importance of EVs and their biomolecular contents in breast cancer progression and metastasis are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the potential biomedical or clinical applications of these extracellular components, as well as how they impact treatment outcomes.
Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Drugs in Shell-by-Shell Coated Nanoparticles for Radio—and Chemotherapy—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Klein Stefanie , Luchs Tobias , Leng Andreas , Distel Luitpold , Neuhuber Winfried , Hirsch Andreas
Published: October 2020

Our research objective was to develop novel drug delivery vehicles consisting of TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated by a bilayer shell that allows the reversible embedment of hydrophobic drugs. The first shell is formed by covalent binding of hydrophobic phosphonic acid at the metal oxide surface. The second shell composed of amphiphilic sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate emerges by self-aggregation driven by hydrophobic interactions between the dodecylbenzene moiety and the hydrophobic first shell. The resulting double layer provides hydrophobic pockets suited for the intake of hydrophobic drugs. The nanoparticles were loaded with the anticancer drugs quercetin and 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Irradiation with X-rays was observed to release the potential anticancer drugs into the cytoplasm. In Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF)-10 A cells, quercetin and 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin acted as antioxidants by protecting the non-tumorigenic cells from harmful radiation effects. In contrast, these agents increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in cancerous MCF-7 cells. Quercetin and 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin were shown to induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in cancer cells by determining an increase in TUNEL-positive cells and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential after irradiation. After X-ray irradiation, the survival fraction of MCF-7 cells with drug-loaded nanoparticles considerably decreased, which demonstrates the excellent performance of the double-layer stabilized nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles.
Babam2 Regulates Cell Cycle Progression and Pluripotency in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells as Revealed by Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Chung Cheuk Yiu Tenny , Lo Paulisally Hau Yi , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho
Published: October 2020

BRISC and BRCA1-A complex member 2 (Babam2) plays an essential role in promoting cell cycle progression and preventing cellular senescence. Babam2-deficient fibroblasts show proliferation defect and premature senescence compared with their wild-type (WT) counterpart. Pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are known to have unlimited cell proliferation and self-renewal capability without entering cellular senescence. Therefore, studying the role of Babam2 in ESCs would enable us to understand the mechanism of Babam2 in cellular aging, cell cycle regulation, and pluripotency in ESCs. For this study, we generated Babam2 knockout (Babam2−/−) mESCs to investigate the function of Babam2 in mESCs. We demonstrated that the loss of Babam2 in mESCs leads to abnormal G1 phase retention in response to DNA damage induced by gamma irradiation or doxorubicin treatments. Key cell cycle regulators, CDC25A and CDK2, were found to be degraded in Babam2−/− mESCs following gamma irradiation. In addition, Babam2−/− mESCs expressed p53 strongly and significantly longer than in control mESCs, where p53 inhibited Nanog expression and G1/S cell cycle progression. The combined effects significantly reduced developmental pluripotency in Babam2−/− mESCs. In summary, Babam2 maintains cell cycle regulation and pluripotency in mESCs in response to induced DNA damage.
Identification of Germline Mutations in Melanoma Patients with Early Onset, Double Primary Tumors, or Family Cancer History by NGS Analysis of 217 Genes
Authors: Stolarova Lenka , Jelinkova Sandra , Storchova Radka , Machackova Eva , Zemankova Petra , Vocka Michal , Kodet Ondrej , Kral Jan , Cerna Marta , Volkova Zuzana , Janatova Marketa , Soukupova Jana , Stranecky Viktor , Dundr Pavel , Foretova Lenka , Macurek Libor , Kleiblova Petra , Kleibl Zdenek
Published: October 2020

Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest skin malignity with a rising prevalence worldwide. Patients carrying germline mutations in melanoma-susceptibility genes face an increased risk of melanoma and other cancers. To assess the spectrum of germline variants, we analyzed 264 Czech melanoma patients indicated for testing due to early melanoma (at <25 years) or the presence of multiple primary melanoma/melanoma and other cancer in their personal and/or family history. All patients were analyzed by panel next-generation sequencing targeting 217 genes in four groups: high-to-moderate melanoma risk genes, low melanoma risk genes, cancer syndrome genes, and other genes with an uncertain melanoma risk. Population frequencies were assessed in 1479 population-matched controls. Selected POT1 and CHEK2 variants were characterized by functional assays. Mutations in clinically relevant genes were significantly more frequent in melanoma patients than in controls (31/264; 11.7% vs. 58/1479; 3.9%; p = 2.0 × 10−6). A total of 9 patients (3.4%) carried mutations in high-to-moderate melanoma risk genes (CDKN2A, POT1, ACD) and 22 (8.3%) patients in other cancer syndrome genes (NBN, BRCA1/2, CHEK2, ATM, WRN, RB1). Mutations in high-to-moderate melanoma risk genes (OR = 52.2; 95%CI 6.6–413.1; p = 3.2 × 10−7) and in other cancer syndrome genes (OR = 2.3; 95%CI 1.4–3.8; p = 0.003) were significantly associated with melanoma risk. We found an increased potential to carry these mutations (OR = 2.9; 95%CI 1.2–6.8) in patients with double primary melanoma, melanoma and other primary cancer, but not in patients with early age at onset. The analysis revealed affected genes in Czech melanoma patients and identified individuals who may benefit from genetic testing and future surveillance management of mutation carriers.
Effect of Mesostructured Zirconia Support on the Activity and Selectivity of 4,6-Dimethydibenzothiophene Hydrodesulfurization
Authors: Brunet Sylvette , Lebeau Bénédicte , Naboulsi Issam , Michelin Laure , Comparot Jean Dominique , Marichal Claire , Rigolet Séverinne , Bonne Magali , Blin Jean-Luc
Published: October 2020

In contrast with the conventional CoMoS/alumina catalyst, the use of amorphous mesostructured ZrO2 as support for the dispersion of the CoMoS active phase in deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene led to a higher promotion rate and a better sulfidation of the cobalt species. The CoMoS, dispersed over mesostructured amorphous ZrO2 as catalyst, also induced a modification of the main desulfurization way; in this case, a shift towards direct desulfurization selectivity was observed. This result was unexpected regarding the literature. Indeed, the hydrogenated route was observed for commercial zirconia. The designed catalysts are therefore more eco-friendly, since they consume less hydrogen. This implies a better use of the fossil resources.
Biotransformation of Hydroxychalcones as a Method of Obtaining Novel and Unpredictable Products Using Whole Cells of Bacteria
Authors: Kozłowska Joanna , Potaniec Bartłomiej , Anioł Mirosław
Published: October 2020

The aim of our study was the evaluation of the biotransformation capacity of hydroxychalcones—2-hydroxy-4′-methylchalcone (1) and 4-hydroxy-4′-methylchalcone (4) using two strains of aerobic bacteria. The microbial reduction of the α,β-unsaturated bond of 2-hydroxy-4′-methylchalcone (1) in Gordonia sp. DSM 44456 and Rhodococcus sp. DSM 364 cultures resulted in isolation the 2-hydroxy-4′-methyldihydrochalcone (2) as a main product with yields of up to 35%. Additionally, both bacterial strains transformed compound 1 to the second, unexpected product of reduction and simultaneous hydroxylation at C-4 position—2,4-dihydroxy-4′-methyldihydrochalcone (3) (isolated yields 12.7–16.4%). During biotransformation of 4-hydroxy-4′-methylchalcone (4) we observed the formation of three products: reduction of C=C bond—4-hydroxy-4′-methyldihydrochalcone (5), reduction of C=C bond and carbonyl group—3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-ol (6) and also unpredictable 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,5-di-(4-methylphenyl)pentane-1,5-dione (7). As far as our knowledge is concerned, compounds 3, 6 and 7 have never been described in the scientific literature.
Asymmetric Attributional Word Similarity Measures to Detect the Relations of Textual Generality
Authors: Pais Sebastião , Dias Gaël
Published: October 2020

In this work, we present a new unsupervised and language-independent methodology to detect the relations of textual generality. For this, we introduce a particular case of Textual Entailment (TE), namely Textual Entailment by Generality (TEG). TE aims to capture primary semantic inference needs across applications in Natural Language Processing (NLP). Since 2005, in the TE Recognition (RTE) task, systems have been asked to automatically judge whether the meaning of a portion of the text, the Text (T), entails the meaning of another text, the Hypothesis (H). Several novel approaches and improvements in TE technologies demonstrated in RTE Challenges are signaling renewed interest towards a more in-depth and better understanding of the core phenomena involved in TE. In line with this direction, in this work, we focus on a particular case of entailment, entailment by generality, to detect the relations of textual generality. In text, there are different kinds of entailments, yielded from different types of implicative reasoning (lexical, syntactical, common sense based), but here, we focus just on TEG, which can be defined as an entailment from a specific statement towards a relatively more general one. Therefore, we have T→GH whenever the premise T entails the hypothesis H, this also being more general than the premise. We propose an unsupervised and language-independent method to recognize TEGs, from a pair ⟨T,H⟩ having an entailment relation. To this end, we introduce an Informative Asymmetric Measure (IAM) called Simplified Asymmetric InfoSimba (AISs), which we combine with different Asymmetric Association Measures (AAM). In this work, we hypothesize about the existence of a particular mode of TE, namely TEG. Thus, the main contribution of our study is highlighting the importance of this inference mechanism. Consequently, the new annotation data seem to be a valuable resource for the community.
Revealing the Bonding Nature in an ALnZnTe3-Type Alkaline-Metal (A) Lanthanide (Ln) Zinc Telluride by Means of Experimental and Quantum-Chemical Techniques
Authors: Eickmeier Katharina , Steinberg Simon
Published: October 2020

Tellurides have attracted an enormous interest in the quest for materials addressing future challenges, because many of them are at the cutting edge of basic research and technologies due to their remarkable chemical and physical properties. The key to the tailored design of tellurides and their properties is a thorough understanding of their electronic structures including the bonding nature. While a unique type of bonding has been recently identified for post-transition-metal tellurides, the electronic structures of tellurides containing early and late-transition-metals have been typically understood by applying the Zintl−Klemm concept; yet, does the aforementioned formalism actually help us in understanding the electronic structures and bonding nature in such tellurides? To answer this question, we prototypically examined the electronic structure for an alkaline metal lanthanide zinc telluride, i.e., RbDyZnTe3, by means of first-principles-based techniques. In this context, the crystal structures of RbLnZnTe3 (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy), which were obtained from high-temperature solid-state syntheses, were also determined for the first time by employing X-ray diffraction techniques.
Geography Teachers’ Knowledge of and Perceptions on Dyslexia
Authors: Passadelli Anthoula Styliani , Klonari Aikaterini , Michalakis Vyron Ignatios , Vaitis Michail
Published: October 2020

At all levels of education, teachers are actively involved in improving students’ learning outcomes and developing their own pedagogical experience. As a consequence, the teacher’s role in managing learning difficulties is of particular importance. This research investigates secondary school geography teachers’ knowledge of and perceptions of dyslexia. For research purposes, 61 questionnaires were distributed to secondary teachers teaching geography all over Greece. The questionnaire included a total of 30 questions about demographic and personal information, teachers’ knowledge of and perceptions of dyslexia, and teaching approaches they adopt while teaching geography. The research examined teachers’ willingness to use teaching tools and innovative approaches that would help all students and, more specifically, dyslexics. The responses were coded using SPSSv.23.00. The results show that teachers’ knowledge of dyslexia is contradictory, as most teachers (93.4%) believe that dyslexia affects students’ performance only in language courses, whereas a smaller percentage of teachers (just 27.8%) believe that dyslexic students also find it difficult to participate in science courses, and only 26.2% believe they face difficulties in orientation as well. Teachers also have unclear views on how to manage dyslexia and how to implement effective teaching strategies. The results show the importance of geography teachers’ training on dyslexia and the integration of new technology in teaching dyslexic students.
An Adaptive Current Limiting Controller for a Wireless Power Transmission System Energized by a PV Generator
Authors: Mahdi Ali Jafer , Fahad Shah , Tang Wenhu
Published: October 2020

The use of a wireless power transmission system (WPTS) in modern applications, such as consumer electronics, renewable energy sources (RESs) and electric vehicles (EVs), can significantly increase the safety and convenience of the power supply. However, low efficiency is a major hurdle to the use of a WPTS in these applications. In this article, an adaptive virtual impedance controller (AVIC) is presented to enhance the wireless power transfer (WPT) efficiency of a photovoltaic generator (PVG) to the load. In the proposed controller, a unique method is employed to adaptively estimate the coefficient of coupling and resonant frequency of the WPTS coils as a function of the distance between the coils. Moreover, a modified incremental conductance (IC) based maximum power tracking (MIC-MPPT) technique is presented to operate the PVG at MPPT mode. The proposed MIC-MPPT is tested via a hardware prototype and the controller validation is carried out in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment under various uncertainties, such as intermittent irradiance, variable load, and the distance between transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) coils. Finally, a comparative analysis between the proposed controller and the conventional non-adaptive and adaptive resonant frequency controller is presented which confirms the superiority of the proposed controller.
A Machine Learning Approach for 5G SINR Prediction
Authors: Ullah Ruzat , Marwat Safdar Nawaz Khan , Ahmad Arbab Masood , Ahmed Salman , Hafeez Abdul , Kamal Tariq , Tufail Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are envisaged to play key roles in 5G networks. Efficient radio resource management is of paramount importance for network operators. With the advent of newer technologies, infrastructure, and plans, spending significant radio resources on estimating channel conditions in mobile networks poses a challenge. Automating the process of predicting channel conditions can efficiently utilize resources. To this point, we propose an ML-based technique, i.e., an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for predicting SINR (Signal-to-Interference-and-Noise-Ratio) in order to mitigate the radio resource usage in mobile networks. Radio resource scheduling is generally achieved on the basis of estimated channel conditions, i.e., SINR with the help of Sounding Reference Signals (SRS). The proposed Non-Linear Auto Regressive External/Exogenous (NARX)-based ANN aims to minimize the rate of sending SRS and achieves an accuracy of R = 0.87. This can lead to vacating up to 4% of the spectrum, improving bandwidth efficiency and decreasing uplink power consumption.
A Study on Modular Smart Plant Factory Using Morphological Image Processing
Authors: Kim Bong-Hyun , Cho Joon-Ho
Published: October 2020

This paper is a study on a modular smart plant factory integrating intelligent solar module, LED module with high efficiency for plant growth, IoT module control system and image processing technology. The intelligent sun and modules have a corrugated structure, and the angle of the module can be adjusted to obtain a large amount of power generation. It is fully foldable for wider angles during the day and module protection at night. The LED module is designed and manufactured to distribute energy evenly over the entire wavelength range so that high efficiency can be obtained. The control system with IoT convergence technology enables control of all parts related to plant growth such as angle control of solar modules, LED lighting control, temperature/humidity control, and fan control. In particular, the control method is programmed to be controlled by a computer monitoring system and a smartphone app, so there are few places. In addition, this paper developed an image processing algorithm to extract the growth information of lettuce grown in the plant factory. The acquired images were separated into R, G, and B images using Matlab software. The applied algorithms are k-mean and improved morphological image processing. By applying this method, we can determine the area calculation and shipping of lettuce seedlings. As a result of the fusion and application of solar modules, LED modules, and IoT modules, information on plant growth and status was confirmed.
Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Upper Extremity Function among Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Chang Hyun Jung , Ku Kyo Hun , Park Young Sook , Park Jin Gee , Cho Eun Sol , Seo Jae Sam , Kim Chang Woo , O Se Hwi
Published: October 2020

Background: Deterioration in upper extremity function has been a common problem among children with cerebral palsy (CP). The present study evaluated the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation combined with conventional occupational therapy (COT) on upper extremity function and caregiver assistance among children with CP. Methods: Medical records of 17 children with CP who regularly participated in a rehabilitation program at Samsung Changwon Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Ten children received VR-based rehabilitation, which utilized RAPAEL Smart Kids and video games combined with COT. Seven children received COT alone, which was provided by a trained occupational therapist and focused on their upper extremities. Clinical outcomes were determined using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), which were administered before and 8 weeks after the first intervention session. Results: The smart glove (SG) group showed significant improvements in all QUEST domains and five PEDI domains (p < 0.05), whereas the COT group showed a significant change only in total QUEST scores. A comparison between both groups revealed that the SG group had significantly greater improvements in five QUEST domains and two PEDI domains (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that VR-based rehabilitation combined with COT may improve the upper extremity functions and decrease caregiver burden among children with CP.
A Smooth Transition Algorithm for Adjacent Panoramic Viewpoints Using Matched Delaunay Triangular Patches
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Hu Qingwu , Tang Zhixiong , Ai Mingyao
Published: October 2020

The unnatural panoramic image transition between two adjacent viewpoints reduces the immersion and interactive experiences of 360° panoramic walkthrough systems. In this paper, a dynamic panoramic image rendering and smooth transition algorithm for adjacent viewpoints is proposed. First, the feature points of adjacent view images are extracted, a robust matching algorithm is used to establish adjacent point pairs, and the matching triangles are formed by using the homonymous points. Then, a dynamic transition model is formed by the simultaneous linear transitions of shape and texture for each control triangle. Finally, the smooth transition between adjacent viewpoints is implemented by overlaying the dynamic transition model with the 360° panoramic walkthrough scene. Experimental results show that this method has obvious advantages in visual representation with distinct visual movement. It can realize the smooth transition between two indoor panoramic stations with arbitrary station spacing, and its execution efficiency is up to 50 frames per second. It effectively enhances the interactivity and immersion of 360° panoramic walkthrough systems.
Insights into the Multi-Azole Resistance Profile in Candida haemulonii Species Complex
Authors: Silva Laura Nunes , Ramos Lívia de Souza , Oliveira Simone Santiago Carvalho , Magalhães Lucas Barros , Squizani Eamim Daidrê , Kmetzsch Lívia , Vainstein Marilene Henning , Branquinha Marta Helena , Santos André Luis Souza dos
Published: October 2020

The Candida haemulonii complex (C. duobushaemulonii, C. haemulonii, and C. haemulonii var. vulnera) is composed of emerging, opportunistic human fungal pathogens able to cause invasive infections with high rates of clinical treatment failure. This fungal complex typically demonstrates resistance to first-line antifungals, including fluconazole. In the present work, we have investigated the azole resistance mechanisms expressed in Brazilian clinical isolates forming the C. haemulonii complex. Initially, 12 isolates were subjected to an antifungal susceptibility test, and azole cross-resistance was detected in almost all isolates (91.7%). In order to understand the azole resistance mechanistic basis, the efflux pump activity was assessed by rhodamine-6G. The C. haemulonii complex exhibited a significantly higher rhodamine-6G efflux than the other non-albicans Candida species tested (C. tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. lusitaneae). Notably, the efflux pump inhibitors (Phe-Arg and FK506) reversed the fluconazole and voricolazole resistance phenotypes in the C. haemulonii species complex. Expression analysis indicated that the efflux pump (ChCDR1, ChCDR2, and ChMDR1) and ERG11 genes were not modulated by either fluconazole or voriconazole treatments. Further, ERG11 gene sequencing revealed several mutations, some of which culminated in amino acid polymorphisms, as previously reported in azole-resistant Candida spp. Collectively, these data point out the relevance of drug efflux pumps in mediating azole resistance in the C. haemulonii complex, and mutations in ERG11p may contribute to this resistance profile.
The Therapy of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Paracoccidioidomycosis: What Are the New Experimental Approaches?
Authors: González Ángel
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is considered the most important sequela developed in patients suffering from the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which leads to the loss of respiratory function in 50% of cases; this residual pulmonary abnormality is present even after antifungal treatment. To date, there is no effective treatment for PF. However, the use of antifungal drugs in combination with other antibiotics or immunomodulatory compounds, as well as biological therapies that include a monoclonal antibody specific to neutrophils, or prophylactic vaccination employing a recombinant antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis that successfully attenuated PF, has been reported. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in combination with antifungal therapy slightly reduced the inflammatory response and profibrotic molecules induced by P. brasiliensis infection. In this review, I report experimental findings from several studies aiming to identify promising therapeutic strategies for treating PF developed in PCM.
Isolation of Beauveria bassiana from the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans in the Gran Chaco Region of Argentina: Assessment of Gene Expression during Host–Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Baldiviezo Linda Vanesa , Pedrini Nicolás , Santana Marianela , Mannino María Constanza , Nieva Lucía Beatriz , Gentile Alberto , Cardozo Rubén Marino
Published: October 2020

A native strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bb-C001) was isolated from a naturally infected Triatoma infestans, Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) adult cadaver in the Gran Chaco region, Salta province, Argentina. The isolate was both phenotypic and molecularly characterized in a context of fungus-insect interaction, by measuring the expression pattern of toxin genes during infection and immune response of T. infestans. The commercial strain GHA of B. bassiana, which was previously used in field interventions to control these vectors, was used as reference in this study. The phylogenetic trees based on both ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) indicated that Bb-C001 fits into a B. bassiana cluster, and the sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCAR) showed that Bb-C001 is different from the GHA strain. There were no differences between both strains regarding viability, radial growth, and conidia production, either in the median survival time or insect mortality. However, Bb-C001 showed a higher expression than GHA of the bassianolide synthetase gene (BbbslS) during infection, and similar levels of the beauvericin synthetase gene (BbbeaS). Immune-related genes of T. infestans nymphs (limpet-2 and defensin-1, -2, and -6) were later expressed and thus insects failed to stop the infection process. These results showed that B. bassiana Bb-C001 is a promised fungal strain to be incorporated in the current biological control programs of T. infestans in Salta province, Argentina.
Changes in the Gut Microbiome after Galacto-Oligosaccharide Administration in Loperamide-Induced Constipation
Authors: Kim Min Guk , Jo Kyungae , Chang Yeok Boo , Suh Hyung Joo , Hong Ki-Bae
Published: October 2020

Unbalanced dietary habits and the consumption of high protein and instant foods cause an increase in constipation. Here, we evaluated the effects of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) on a rat model of loperamide-induced constipation by measuring various biological markers and cecal microbiota. The fecal water content and intestinal transit ratio significantly increased in the GOS-administered (GL and GH) groups than in the control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). The length of intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and area of crypt cells were (p < 0.01, both) significantly increased in the GOS-administered groups compared to the control group. The distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal, which is related to the intestinal movement, showed a significant increase in GOS-administered groups than in the control group (p < 0.01, both). The relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, significantly increased in the GL group than in the control group. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the gut microbiota in the GL groups. These results demonstrated that GOS administration effectively alleviates constipation by increasing LAB proliferation in the intestinal microbiota and SCFA production.