bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Anthropometric Measurements Do Not Have Effect on Birth Weight of Term, Single, and Live Births in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Chalachew Bekele , Yallew Walelegn Worku , Tiruneh Gizachew Tadele
Published: December 2018

Low birth weight is a global public health problem for mortality and morbidity in any age group. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of maternal anthropometric measurements on birth weight. A cross-sectional study was conducted from Nov 25, 2012, to Feb 25, 2013, in maternity public hospitals in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia. The effect is investigated using correlation, linear regression, independent sample T-test, one-way ANOVA, and finally multivariate linear regression analysis. A total of 605 women and their newborns took part in this study and prevalence of low birth weight is 8.3%. On adjusted multivariate linear regression analysis, maternal anthropometric measurements did not have an effect on birth weight. Since maternal mid-upper arm circumference ≤ 20 cm and body mass index ≤18.5kg/m2 are almost nil in this study, generalization is difficult to general population where undernourished women are common in the rural Ethiopia and similar study is recommended in those areas. Antenatal care visits, gestational age, and female sex of newborn had statistically significant effect in determining the risk of low birth weight. Women who were living with large family members had a heavier newborn than counterparts. This might be due to the fact that pregnant women have better care and social support in Ethiopian context, so advising pregnant women to live with family members should be considered to enhance social support during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Maternal anthropometric measurements have no significant effect in determining birth weight in the city and we recommend similar studies where undernourished women are common.
Effects of Light and Nutrition Manipulations on Thermal Respiratory Acclimation and Nocturnal Dynamics of Leaf Dark Respiration
Authors: Dillaway Dylan N. , Tyree Michael C. , Jackson John K.
Published: December 2018

The ability of a plant to acclimate metabolically to thermal changes is necessary to maintain a positive carbon balance. It is likely that a plant’s acclimatory potential is a function of leaf nitrogen and/or leaf carbohydrate status. Two important issues assessed concerning leaf dark respiration (RD) were the effects of growth temperature, light, and fertilization on thermal respiratory acclimation and changes in respiratory parameters (indicative of acclimation) throughout the dark period. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants were grown in greenhouses under a full factorial treatment arrangement of temperature, light, and nutrition. RD was measured at three temperatures to estimate respiratory parameters (cool respiration R13, warm respiration R25, and the temperature response of respiration EO) three times throughout the night (6 pm, 11 pm, and 4 am). Respiratory parameters did not differ throughout the night. Thermal acclimation was observed in warm grown plants under optimal growing conditions (i.e., high light and high fertilization); however, acclimation did not occur when limitations were imposed (i.e., shade or no fertilization). These findings suggest thermal acclimation will occur so long as plants do not undergo limitations. This may have major implications for natural ecosystems and may play a role in assessing an ecosystems resiliency to climate change.
Complex Dynamics in One‐Dimensional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Stepwise Potential
Authors: Zanini Chiara , Zanolin Fabio
Published: December 2018

We prove the existence and multiplicity of periodic solutions as well as solutions presenting a complex behavior for the one‐dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation −ε2u′′ + V(x)u = f(u), where the potential V(x) approximates a two‐step function. The term f(u) generalizes the typical p‐power nonlinearity considered by several authors in this context. Our approach is based on some recent developments of the theory of topological horseshoes, in connection with a linked twist maps geometry, which are applied to the discrete dynamics of the Poincaré map. We discuss the periodic and the Neumann boundary conditions. The value of the term ε > 0, although small, can be explicitly estimated.
Submucosal Tunnel Endoscopic Resection for Esophageal Submucosal Tumors: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Tu Sufang , Huang Silin , Li Guohua , Tang Xiaowei , Qing Haitao , Gao Qiaoping , Fu Jingwen , Du Guoping , Gong Wei
Published: December 2018

Background. Submucosal tumors (SMTs) are primarily benign tumors, but some may have a malignant potential. Endoscopic submucosal dissection that has been used for removing esophageal SMTs could cause perforation. Submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection (STER) is an improved and an effective technique for treating esophageal SMTs.Aims. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of STER for treating esophageal SMTs.Methods. A retrospective study design was adopted to analyze the baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and follow-up data of patients with esophageal SMTs, which originated from the muscularis propria layer and were treated with STER from September 2011 to May 2018.Results. A total of 119 lesions were included from 115 patients who were successfully treated with STER. The mean age of the patients was 49.7 ± 10.7 years. The lesions were primarily located in the middle and lower esophagus. The mean size of the lesions was 19.4 ± 10.0 mm. The mean operation duration was 46.7 ± 25.6 min, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 5.9 ± 2.8 days. The total en bloc resection rate and the complete resection rate were 97.5% and 100%, respectively. Regarding complications, there were 9 (7.8%) cases of perforation, 2 (1.7%) cases of pneumothorax, and 9 (7.8%) cases of subcutaneous emphysema. Histopathological results revealed 113 (95.0%) cases of leiomyoma, 5 (4.2%) cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and 1 (0.8%) case of a granular cell tumor. During the mean 15-month follow-up, there were no cases of recurrence and distant metastasis.Conclusions. STER is a safe and feasible technique for treating esophageal SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer.
Generalization of the Randall-Sundrum Model Using Gravitational Model F(T,Θ)
Authors: Sadatian S. Davood , Hosseini S. M.
Published: December 2018

In this letter, we explore a generalized model based on two scenarios including the Randall-Sundrum model and gravity model F(T,Θ). We first study the standard Randall-Sundrum gravitational model and then add a function containing two parameters as torsion and trace energy-momentum tensor to the main action of the model. Next, we derive the equations of the generalized model and obtain a new critical value for the energy density of the brane. The results showed that inflation and the dark energy-dominated stage can be realized in this model. We pointed out one significant category of dark energy models that had greatly developed the knowledge about dark energy. To be specific, dark energy could either be quintessence-like, phantom-like, or the so-called “quintom”-like. The models of quintom type suggest that the equation of state parameter of dark energy can cross the cosmological constant boundary ω=-1. Interestingly, this quintom scenario exactly appeared in this paper.
An Improved DSA-Based Approach for Multi-AUV Cooperative Search
Authors: Ni Jianjun , Yang Liu , Shi Pengfei , Luo Chengming
Published: December 2018

Multi-AUV cooperative target search problem in unknown 3D underwater environment is not only a research hot spot but also a challenging task. To complete this task, each autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) needs to move quickly without collision and cooperate with other AUVs to find the target. In this paper, an improved dolphin swarm algorithm- (DSA-) based approach is proposed, and the search problem is divided into three stages, namely, random cruise, dynamic alliance, and team search. In the proposed approach, the Levy flight method is used to provide a random walk for AUV to detect the target information in the random cruise stage. Then the self-organizing map (SOM) neural network is used to build dynamic alliances in real time. Finally, an improved DSA algorithm is presented to realize the team search. Furthermore, some simulations are conducted, and the results show that the proposed approach is capable of guiding multi-AUVs to achieve the target search task in unknown 3D underwater environment efficiently.
Reproducing Kernel Method for Solving Nonlinear Fractional Fredholm Integrodifferential Equation
Authors: Kashkari Bothayna S. H. , Syam Muhammed I.
Published: December 2018

This article is devoted to both theoretical and numerical studies of nonlinear fractional Fredholm integrodifferential equations. In this paper, we implement the reproducing kernel method (RKM) to approximate the solution of nonlinear fractional Fredholm integrodifferential equations. Numerical results demonstrate the accuracy of the present algorithm. In addition, we prove the existence of the solution of the nonlinear fractional Fredholm integrodifferential equation. Uniformly convergence of the approximate solution produced by the RKM to the exact solution is proven.
Feeding Practice during Diarrheal Episode among Children Aged between 6 to 23 Months in Mirab Abaya District, Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fikadu Teshale , Girma Shimels
Published: December 2018

Background. Diarrheal disease is one of the main causes of childhood malnutrition. In developing countries 30% of pediatric beds are occupied with children having diarrheal disease. Fluid replacement, continued feeding, and increasing appropriate fluid at home during the diarrhea episodes are the cornerstone of treatment package. The purpose of this study was to assess feeding practice during diarrheal episodes among children aged 6 to 23 months in Mirab Abaya district, Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to March 2016 among children aged 6 to 23 months. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A total of 661 participants were included in our study. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 20.0 statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analysis were done to assess factors associated with feeding practices during a diarrheal episode. Odds ratio with 95% CI was used to identify a statistically significant association between independent variables and feeding practice during diarrheal episode. Result. The proportion of proper feeding practice during diarrheal episode was 467 (70.7%). Boy children were about 1.6 times [AOR; 1.62 (95%CI=1.04, 2.50)] more likely to receive increased food and fluid than girl children. Mothers who have one under-five child were 2 times [AOR 2.11 (95% CI =1. 38, 3.23)] more likely to have proper feeding practice during diarrheal episode as compared to those have two and more under-five children. The likelihood of increasing food and fluid during diarrheal episodes was 2 times [AOR 2.46 (95% CI=1. 55, 3.88)] higher among children from maternal age of 30-39 years than those from 20-29 years. Mothers who get information about feeding practices during diarrheal episodes were 2 times [AOR 2.19 (95% CI=1. 43, 3.36)] more likely to increase food and fluid to their child compared to their counterparts. Conclusion. In this study educational status, number of antenatal care visits, sex, number of under-5 children, maternal age, and mothers information about feeding practice were independently associated with feeding practices during a diarrheal episode. Therefore, intensive intervention programme should focus on these determinants to reduce child mortality and morbidity and realize sustainable development goals.
Stability Analysis of Three-Dimensional Slopes Considering the Earthquake Force Direction
Authors: Wan Yukuai , Gao Yufeng , Zhang Fei
Published: December 2018

Simplified 3D Spencer’s method is proposed to evaluate the stability of slopes under earthquake force and a random search algorithm is used to determine the critical slip surface. A computer code was written in Matlab to determine the critical slip surface and calculate its safety factor and direction of sliding (DOS). The applicability of the presented code is verified by reanalyzing three slope stability problems. Then, a comparison is made to investigate the effects of the direction of earthquake force on the factor of safety and the DOS of the critical slip surface. Accounting for the effects of the direction of earthquake force, the difference in safety factors, and the DOS can be up to 40% and 40°, respectively. Finally, a parametric study is also conducted to determine the effects of the soil strength parameters (c′, φ′). It is found that the effective cohesion c′ and friction angle φ′ of the soil have nearly no influence on the unique DOS of the critical surface. Application of the presented approach into 3D slopes under quasistatic load is straightforward.
Design of Optimal QFT Controller and Prefilter for Buck Converter Using Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Katal Nitish , Narayan Shiv
Published: December 2018

A buck converter is a step-down switching regulator. Buck convertors are being widely used in industrial applications that rely on regulated output voltage under fluctuating input voltage. A buck convertor works in the following modes: (a) current-controlled or (b) voltage-controlled mode. But these convertors manifest several nonlinearites because of the switching operation. Hence, in order to generate a quality output of the convertor, the design of a controller becomes crucial. In this paper, the synthesis of a QFT-based robust controller and prefilter has been carried out for an uncertain buck converter with varying input voltage and varying load. The controller synthesis problem has been posed as an optimization problem, and metaheuristic algorithms have been used for obtaining the optimal gains for the QFT controller and prefilter. By doing this, the QFT synthesis can be carried out in a single step instead of following the sequential classical QFT process on Nichols charts and the need for the generation of templates and bounds has be eliminated. The designed 2-degree-of-freedom QFT control system offers a robust behavior and efficiently handles the parametric uncertainties. The robustness of the designed controller has been confirmed through simulation results for large input voltage and load fluctuations.
Stimulated Brillouin Review: Invented 50 Years Ago and Applied Today
Authors: Garmire Elsa
Published: December 2018

Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is embedded today in a variety of optical systems, such as advanced high-power lasers, sensors, microwave signal processors, scientific instrumentation, and optomechanical systems. Reduction in SBS power requirements involves use of optical fibers, integrated optics, micro-optic devices, and now nano-optics, often in high Q cavities. It has taken fifty years from its earliest invention by conceptual discovery until today for SBS to become a practical and useful technology in a variety of applications. Some of these applications are explained and it is shown how they are tied to particular attributes of SBS: phase conjugation, frequency shifts, low noise, narrow linewidth, frequency combs, optical and microwave signal processing, etc.
PET Imaging of Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis after Long-Term Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Joya Ana , Padro Daniel , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Plaza-García Sandra , Llop Jordi , Martín Abraham
Published: December 2018

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is a decrease of regional blood flow and metabolism in the cerebellar hemisphere contralateral to the injured brain hemisphere as a common consequence of stroke. Despite CCD has been detected in patients with stroke using neuroimaging modalities, the evaluation of this phenomenon in rodent models of cerebral ischemia has been scarcely evaluated so far. Here, we report the in vivo evaluation of CCD after long-term cerebral ischemia in rats using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG). Imaging studies were combined with neurological evaluation to assess functional recovery. In the ischemic territory, imaging studies showed a significant decrease in glucose metabolism followed by a progressive recovery later on. Conversely, the cerebellum showed a contralateral hypometabolism from days 7 to 14 after reperfusion. Neurological behavior showed major impaired outcome at day 1 after ischemia followed by a significant recovery of the sensorimotor function from days 7 to 28 after experimental stroke. Taken together, these results suggest that the degree of CCD after cerebral ischemia might be predictive of neurological recovery.
Experimental Investigation of the Propagation and Attenuation Rule of Blasting Vibration Wave Parameters Based on the Damage Accumulation Effect
Authors: Chu Huaibao , Yang Xiaolin , Li Shuanjie , Liang Weimin
Published: December 2018

The propagation and attenuation rule of blasting vibration wave parameters is the most important foundation of blasting vibration prediction and control. In this work, we pay more attention to the influence of the damage accumulation effect on the propagation and attenuation rule of vibration wave parameters. A blasting damage accumulation experiment was carried out, the ultrasonic wave velocity of the specimens was measured, and the damage value was calculated during the experiment. The blasting vibration wave was monitored on the surface of the specimens, and its energy was calculated by using the sym8 wavelet basis function. The experimental results showed that with the increase in the number of blasts, the damage continues to increase; however, the vibration velocity and the main frequency decrease continuously, the unfocused vibration wave energy in the zone near to the blasting source is rapidly concentrated in the low‐frequency band (frequency bands 1 to 3), and the energy is further concentrated in the low‐frequency band in the intermediate zone and zone far from the blasting source. There is a distortion process in which the vibration velocity and the main frequency increase slightly and the energy of the blasting vibration wave converges to the high‐frequency band (the 5th band) before the sudden unstable fracture failure of the specimens. The experimental results indicate that the prediction and evaluation of blasting vibration should consider the variation rule of blasting vibration wave parameters synthetically based on the cumulative damage effect, and it is not safe to use only one fixed vibration control standard for the whole blasting operation.
The Increase of Flavonoids in Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR) Induced by Fungi Promotes the Increase of Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Wang Fu , Chen Lin , Li Feng-qing , Liu Su-juan , Chen Hong-ping , Liu You-ping
Published: December 2018

There are thousands of traditional Chinese medicines in China, and they all have to be stored for a period of time for the reason of market price or other factors. But some traditional Chinese medicines especially need to be stored longer, and the clinical efficacy will be better. The cause and mechanism of this phenomenon have attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, we analyze the reason of “the longer storage period the better” of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR); method of microscopic and molecular identification was used to identify the fungi separated and purified from PCR. The HPLC and UV spectrophotometry methods were used to determine the contents of flavonoids in PCR. The isolated fungi were inoculated into sterile samples to screen the fungi closely related to the change of flavonoids. The results indicate that the strain of Aspergillus niger could obviously promote the contents of flavonoids, and it could also increase the antioxidant effect of PCR. In conclusion, this study explains the reason of “the longer storage period the better” of PCR from the perspective of microbe, proving the beneficial effect of microorganism on the surface of PCR.
Gas Chromatography Coupled to High Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry as a High-Throughput Tool for Characterizing Geochemical Biomarkers in Sediments
Authors: Koolen Hector Henrique Ferreira , Klitzke Clécio Fernando , Binkley Joe , Patrick Jeffrey , de Albergaria-Barbosa Ana Cecília Rizatti , Weber Rolf Roland , Bícego Márcia Caruso , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Bataglion Giovana Anceski
Published: December 2018

The performance of gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTofMS) for characterizing geochemical biomarkers from sediment samples was evaluated. Two approaches to obtain the geochemical biomarkers were tested: (1) extraction with organic solvent and subsequent derivatization and (2) in-situ derivatization thermal desorption. Results demonstrated that both approaches can be conveniently applied for simultaneous characterization of many geochemical biomarkers (alkanes, alkanols, sterols, and fatty acids), avoiding conventional time-consuming purification procedures. GC-HRTofMS reduces both sample preparation time and the number of chromatographic runs compared to traditional methodologies used in organic geochemistry. Particularly, the approach based on in-situ derivatization thermal desorption represents a very simple method that can be performed in-line employing few milligrams of sediment, eliminating the need for any sample preparation and solvent use. The high resolving power (m/Δm50% 25,000) and high mass accuracy (error ≤ 1 ppm) offered by the “zig-zag” time-of-flight analyzer were indispensable to resolve the complexity of the total ion chromatograms, representing a high-throughput tool. Extracted ion chromatograms using exact m/z were useful to eliminate many isobaric interferences and to increase significantly the signal to noise ratio. Characteristic fragment ions allowed the identification of homologous series, such as alkanes, alkanols, fatty acids, and sterols. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also identified in the samples by their molecular ions. The characterization of geochemical biomarkers along a sedimentary core collected in the area of Valo Grande Channel (Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagunar System (São Paulo, Brazil)) provided evidences of environmental changes. Sediments deposited before opening of channel showed dominance of biomarkers from mangrove vegetation, whereas sediments of the pos-opening period showed an increase of biomarkers from aquatic macrophyte (an invasive vegetation).
Direct Observation of Amyloid β Behavior at Phospholipid Membrane Constructed on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Suga Keishi , Lai Ying-Chen , Faried Miftah , Umakoshi Hiroshi
Published: December 2018

Amyloid β (Aβ) is a potential biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and its fibrillation behavior is of interest and value. In this study, the Aβ behaviors on phospholipid membranes were observed by Membrane Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (MSERS) method. Phospholipid (PL) membranes, consisting of DMPC and DMPS with a molar ratio of 9:1, were fabricated on gold nanoparticles with diameter of 100 nm (Au@PL). Enhancement of the Raman intensity of Au@PL was increased by Aβ, with enhancement factor about 40. The H-bonding network was disturbed in presence of NaCl which covered Au@PL and made Au@PL away from one another. When Aβ was applied with Au@PL, the H-bonding network was disturbed just after mixing. As the reaction reaches to equilibrium, Aβ attracted neighbouring Au@PL and induced aggregation of Au@PL which blocked the aggregation prone site of Aβ to inhibit further fibrillation. Based on our method, the Aβ behaviors at lipid membrane surface can be directly observed via enhanced Raman signals.
Protective Effect ofPhaleria macrocarpaWater Extract (Proliverenol) against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats: Role of TNF-αand TGF-β1
Authors: Sundari Nanik , Soetikno Vivian , Louisa Melva , Wardhani Bantari W. , Tjandrawinata Raymond R.
Published: December 2018

Phaleria macrocarpais one of the Indonesian herbal plants which has been shown to have a hepatoprotective effect. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of water extract of mahkota dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa) in liver fibrosis and to elucidate its mechanism of action. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=5), i.e., control group, CCl4 group, CCl4 + NAC group, CCl4 + various doses of water extract ofPhaleria macrocarpa(50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver histopathology, malondialdehyde (MDA), ratio GSH/GSSG, Tumor Necrosis Factor- (TNF-)α, and Transforming Growth Factor- (TGF-)β1were analyzed.This study demonstrated that water extract ofPhaleria macrocarpaand NAC significantly protected CCl4-induced liver injury as demonstrated by reduced AST, ALT, ALP, and fibrosis percentage compared with the CCl4-only group. In addition, water extract ofPhaleria macrocarpaand NAC significantly reduced the levels of MDA, TNF-α, and TGF-β1as well as increasing the ratio of GSH/GSSG. Water extract ofPhaleria macrocarpaprevents CCl4-induced fibrosis in rats. The prevention of liver fibrosis was at least in part through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and through its capacity to inhibit hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation by reducing fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1.
Spread the Joy: How High and Low Bias for Happy Facial Emotions Translate into Different Daily Life Affect Dynamics
Authors: Vrijen Charlotte , Hartman Catharina A. , van Roekel Eeske , de Jonge Peter , Oldehinkel Albertine J.
Published: December 2018

There is evidence that people commonly show a bias toward happy facial emotions during laboratory tasks, that is, they identify other people’s happy facial emotions faster than other people’s negative facial emotions. However, not everybody shows this bias. Individuals with a vulnerability for depression, for example, show a low happy bias compared to healthy controls. The main aim of this study was to acquire a better understanding of laboratory measures of happy bias by studying how these translate to people’s daily life. We investigated whether stable high and low happy bias during a laboratory task were associated with different daily life affect dynamics (i.e., effects from one time interval of 6 hours to the next). We compared the daily life affect dynamics of young adults (age 18–24) with a high bias toward happy facial emotions (N = 25) to the affect dynamics of young adults with a low bias toward happy emotions (N = 25). Affect and related measures were assessed three times per day during 30 days. We used multilevel vector autoregressive (VAR) modelling to estimate lag 1 affect networks for the high and low happy bias groups and used permutation tests to compare the two groups. Compared to their peers with a low happy bias, individuals with a high happy bias more strongly sustained the effects of daily life reward experiences over time. Individuals with a high happy bias may use their reward experiences more optimally in daily life to build resources that promote well‐being and mental health. Low reward responsiveness in daily life may be key to why individuals who show a low happy bias during laboratory tasks are vulnerable for depression. This study illustrates the potential benefits of a network approach for unraveling psychological mechanisms.
Temperature Energy Influence Compensation for MEMS Vibration Gyroscope Based on RBF NN‐GA‐KF Method
Authors: Cao Huiliang , Zhang Yingjie , Shen Chong , Liu Yu , Wang Xinwang
Published: December 2018

This paper proposed three methods to compensate the temperature energy influence drift of the MEMS vibration gyroscope, including radial basis function neural network (RBF NN), RBF NN based on genetic algorithm (GA), and RBF NN based on GA with Kalman filter (KF). Three‐axis MEMS vibration gyroscope (Gyro X, Gyro Y, and Gyro Z) output data are compensated and analyzed in this paper. The experimental results proved the correctness of these three methods, and MEMS vibration gyroscope temperature energy influence drift is compensated effectively. The results indicate that, after RBF NN‐GA‐KF method compensation, the bias instability of Gyros X, Y, and Z improves from 139°/h, 154°/h, and 178°/h to 2.9°/h, 3.9°/h, and 1.6°/h, respectively. And the angle random walk of Gyros X, Y, and Z was improved from 3.03°/h1/2, 4.55°/h1/2, and 5.89°/h1/2 to 1.58°/h1/2, 2.58°/h1/2, and 0.71°/h1/2, respectively, and the drift trend and noise characteristic are optimized obviously.
Design of an Emulgel-Type Cosmetic with Antioxidant Activity Using Active Essential Oil Microcapsules of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J.), and Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata T.)
Authors: Leon-Méndez Glicerio , Osorio-Fortich Maria , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo , Pajaro-Castro Nerlys , Torrenegra-Alarcón Miladys , Herrera-Barros Adriana
Published: December 2018

Essential oils (EO) are complex mixtures of biosynthesized chemicals basically by plants, which provide them their characteristic aroma. Many have biologically recognized activities as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory among others, and many of them are employed as cosmetic actives. Very often, these properties are not fully exploited because of their high volatility and tendency to oxidize, so it is necessary to attach them to a conveyor to provide them adequate stabilization and lifetime. One of the best alternatives to carry out this is microencapsulation, for which natural biopolymers can be used, such as the starches. Therefore, it used EO of thyme, cinnamon, and clove, which were obtained by conventional and assisted hydrodistillation by microwave radiation from the plant material. The chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The radical scavenging ability was determined by antiradical activity techniques including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylthiazoline-benzenesulfonic acid-6)), and the ORAC method was used for determining the antioxidant capacity. Also, starches of yam (D. rotundata), sweet potato (I. batatas), corn (Z. mays), and cassava (M. esculenta) were used, which were subjected to hydrolysis and lipophilization processes using dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA); this chemical process achieves a significant increase in emulsifier capacity (surfactant) compared to its native state; that of cassava was the most promising starch which was used as an EO microencapsulating agent. Finally, from the EO microcapsules, an emulgel-type cosmetic was designed which maintained its antioxidant activity. The results of this work contribute to the development of stable and functional cosmetic formulations of essential oils, emphasizing that the extraction of EO by assisted microwave radiation hydrodistillation is considered a fast, efficient, green, and relatively economical method compared to conventional hydrodistillation.
A New Modelling and Feature Extraction Method Based on Complex Network and Its Application in Machine Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Tian Tian , Wen Guangrui , Zhang Zhifen
Published: December 2018

The application of the existing complex network in fault diagnosis is usually modelled based on the time domain, resulting in the loss of sign frequency‐domain features, and the extracted topology features of network are too macroscopic and insensitive to local changes within the network. This paper proposes a new method of local feature extraction based on frequency complex network (FCN) decomposition and builds a new complex network structure feature on this basis, namely, subnetwork average degree. The variation law of signals in frequency domain is obtained with the aid of the structural features of complex network. The local features that are sensitive to local changes of the network are applied to characterize the whole network, with flexible application and without limitation in mechanism. The average degree of subnetwork could be regarded as feature parameters for rolling bearing fault diagnosis and degradation state recognition. Analysis on the experimental data and bearing life cycle data shows that the method proposed in this paper is effective, revealing that the extracted features have effective separability and high accuracy in fault recognition and the degradation detection of the life cycle of rolling bearings combined with neural networks. Moreover, the proposed method has reference value for the processing and recognition of other nonstationary signals.
Protective Effects of Different Kinds of Filtered Water on Hypertensive Mouse by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Sun Qian , Xin Fan , Wen Xinan , Lu Chan , Chen Ronghe , Ruan Guohong
Published: December 2018

Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in hypertensive animals and patients. Hydrogen plays a role of antioxidation and anti‐inflammation. Calcium and magnesium play an important role in reducing hypertension and antioxidant. Filtered water contains abundant hydrogen and a large number of other essential elements of the human body. We investigated the protective effects of filtered water on hypertensive mice. To establish hypertension model, ICR mice were administered with N ′‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) hydrochloride 64 mg/kg per day for 1 month. The hypertensive mice were, respectively, administered with pure water, tap water, and filtered water for 2 months. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activity, endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), angiotensin II (Ang II), and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β) were assessed. Expressions of phosphorylated NF‐κB P65 in the kidney were analyzed by western blot. qRT‐PCR analysis was adopted to determine the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines and NF‐κB P65. The results demonstrated that filtered water can reduce the blood pressure. Filtered water treatment restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes, downregulated ET‐1, and Ang II in the serum of mice. Filtered water treatment suppressed proinflammatory cytokines and decreased the mRNA expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and NF‐κB P65. Consumption of filtered water inhibited the expression of NF‐κB P65. This suggests that filtered water can reduce the blood pressure. The protection mechanisms include downregulating oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammation, which is partly due to the inhibition of the NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Extended Odd Fréchet-G Family of Distributions
Authors: Nasiru Suleman
Published: December 2018

The need to develop generalizations of existing statistical distributions to make them more flexible in modeling real data sets is vital in parametric statistical modeling and inference. Thus, this study develops a new class of distributions called the extended odd Fréchet family of distributions for modifying existing standard distributions. Two special models named the extended odd Fréchet Nadarajah-Haghighi and extended odd Fréchet Weibull distributions are proposed using the developed family. The densities and the hazard rate functions of the two special distributions exhibit different kinds of monotonic and nonmonotonic shapes. The maximum likelihood method is used to develop estimators for the parameters of the new class of distributions. The application of the special distributions is illustrated by means of a real data set. The results revealed that the special distributions developed from the new family can provide reasonable parametric fit to the given data set compared to other existing distributions.
Use of LSPR Spectroscopy Biosensing for In Situ Identification of Arsenic from Bioleaching of Realgar by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Xu Ruixiang , Zhao Wenbin , Xu Shenghui , Yan Lei , Wu Zhengrong , Liu Yuheng , Ma Wantong , Chen Peng
Published: December 2018

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy has received extensive attention as a new method in chemical and biological analysis that can be integrated with nanotechnology. As a new analytical method, LSPR possesses various advantages over the traditional bioanalysis method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), including a label-free procedure, low cost, high response speed, simple operation and structure, and ease of storage and transport. Additionally, in situ and high-throughput measurements can be achieved. This study aims to solve the problem of the lack of in situ and highly efficient monitoring methods for current realgar bioleaching processes. An LSPR chip is made to monitor the changes in arsenic content in the process of realgar bioleaching. A convenient, fast, sensitive, and high-throughput method of bioleaching process investigation based on the LSPR spectroscopic in situ monitoring technique is proposed. The LSPR chip provided a highly specific selectivity and a linear detection of arsenic content in the range of 1.0–100.0 μM with detection limit (LOD) 0.898 μM. The developed chip was applied to the quantification of realgar bioleaching sample with satisfactory results.
Determination of the Thermal Diffusivity of Plasmonic Nanofluids Containing PVP-Coated Ag Nanoparticles Using Mode-Mismatched Dual-Beam Thermal Lens Technique
Authors: Lopes C. S. , Lenart V. M. , Turchiello R. F. , Gómez S. L.
Published: December 2018

Plasmonic nanofluids have found applications in many fields, for example, coolants, solar collectors, and theranostics agents. For such applications, an important parameter is the thermal diffusivity. In this communication, we present an experimental study concerning the dependence of the thermal diffusivity of highly diluted aqueous plasmonic nanofluids containing PVP-coated silver nanoparticles on the concentration. Measurements were made by employing the time resolved mode-mismatched thermal lens technique and the results show an enhancement of the thermal diffusivity, when compared to that of the carrier fluid, on increasing the number density of the nanoparticles and being rather constant as a function of the power of the pump beam.
Dynamic Behavior of Supported Structures from Free‐Free Modal Tests Using Structural Dynamic Modification
Authors: Ismael G. , López-Aenlle M. , Pelayo F. , Fernández-Canteli A.
Published: December 2018

Several structures are completely or partially manufactured in a factory and then transported to the final situation where they are going to be located. An accurate methodology to check the serviceability of the structure in the factory, previously to the transportation and final assembly, will diminish significantly the costs of validation of its dynamic behavior. The structural dynamic modification (SDM) can be used to predict the modal parameters of a supported structure from the experimental modal parameters corresponding to the same structure but tested in a configuration easy to reproduce in a factory, such as the free‐free condition. However, the accuracy obtained with this technique depends on how well the boundary conditions modelled with the SDM replicate the real support conditions. In this paper the SDM theory is used to predict the modal parameters of a pinned‐free beam, a cantilever beam, and a 3D steel beam structure from the experimental natural frequencies and mode shapes of the same structures tested in free‐free configuration. The predictions provided by the SDM theory are validated by operational modal testing on the supported structures. It is shown how the aforementioned boundary conditions can be modelled with the SDM, and the accuracy provided by the technique is investigated.
Smart Behavioral Analytics over a Low‐Cost IoT Wi‐Fi Tracking Real Deployment
Authors: Andión Javier , Navarro José M. , López Gregorio , Álvarez-Campana Manuel , Dueñas Juan C.
Published: December 2018

In a more and more urbanized World, the so‐called Smart Cities need to be driven by the principles of efficiency and sustainability. Information and Communications Technologies and, in particular, the Internet of Things will play a key role on this, since they will allow monitoring and optimizing all the municipal services that exist and shall exist. People flow monitoring stands out in this context due to its wide range of applications, spanning from monitoring transport infrastructure to physical security applications. There are different techniques to perform people flow monitoring, presenting pros and cons, as in any other engineering problem. Typically, the options that provide the most accurate results are also the most expensive ones, whereas there are cases where presence detection in given areas is enough and cost is a limiting factor. The main goal of this paper is to prove that a minimal deployment of sensors, combined with the adequate analysis and visualization algorithms, can render useful results. In order to achieve this goal, a dataset is used with 1‐year data from a real infrastructure composed of 9 Wi‐Fi tracking sensors deployed in the Telecommunications Engineering School of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, which is visited by 4000 people daily and covers 1.8 hectares. The data analysis includes time and occupancy, position of people, and identification of common behaviors, as well as a comparison of the accuracy of the considered solution with actual data and a video monitoring system available at the library of the school. The obtained insights can be used for optimizing the management and operation of the school, as well as for other similar infrastructures and, in general, for other kind of applications which require not very accurate people flow monitoring at low cost.
Depth Analysis of Greyscale Integral Images Using Continuous Multiview Wavelet Transform
Authors: Saveljev Vladimir , Palchikova Irina
Published: December 2018

The wavelet analysis of the integral images can be used in extraction of the depth of the photographed/synthesized 3D objects. The result of the analysis, however, depends on the colour/texture of the object and thus can be ambiguous. In this paper, we propose to normalize the image before processing in order to avoid such an ambiguity, and to extract the depth without regard to the colour/texture. The proposed technique is verified in multiple integral/plenoptic images and can be applied to multiview and light-field displays as well.
Stimulus Level during Endurance Training: Effects on Lactate Kinetics in Untrained Men
Authors: Tuttor Michael , von Stengel Simon , Hettchen Michael , Kemmler Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

Background/Objective. Not only but particularly due to their time efficiency, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is becoming increasingly popular in fitness-oriented endurance sports. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a HIIT running program versus a Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) training running program (16 weeks each) on lactate kinetics in untrained males. Methods. 65 healthy but untrained males (30-50 years, BMI: 27.2 ± 3.7kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either an HIIT (n=33) or a waiting-control/MICE group (n=32). HIIT consisted of intervals and intense continuous running bouts at or above the individual anaerobic threshold (IANS, 95-110% of IANS-HR), while MICE focused on continuous running at 70-82.5% IANS-HR. Both programs were adjusted for “total workload”. Study endpoints were time to IANS and time from IANS till “time to exhaustion” (TTE) as assessed by stepwise treadmill test. Results. In both exercise groups time to reach IANS (MICE: 320 ± 160 s versus HIIT: 198 ± 118 s) increased significantly (p<.001), with the groups differing significantly (p<.001). Time from IANS until TTE was prolonged significantly among the HIIT group (27 ± 66s, p=.030), while among the MICE group a significant reduction of time from IANS until TTE (59 ± 109s; p=.017) was determined. Between-group difference is significant (p=.003) for this parameter. In both groups TTE increased significantly (HIIT: 27.2 ± 17.7% versus MICE: 29.0 ± 19.4%, both p<.001) at a similar level (p=.279). Conclusion. HIIT and MICE protocols, when adjusted for total workload, similarly increased running performance in untrained male subjects; however, the underlying mechanisms differ fundamentally. Due to its effects on aerobic and anaerobic performance improvement, HIIT can be recommended for untrained individuals as a time-efficient alternative or complementary training method to MICE. However, our protocol did not confirm the general superiority of HIIT versus MICE on the key endurance parameter “time to exhaustion” that has been reported by other comparative exercise studies.
Effect of Stress Corrosion on Relaxation of Large Diameter BGFRP Bars
Authors: Li Guowei , Bakarr Sidi Kabba , Wang Jingqiu , Liu Xue , Hong Chengyu
Published: December 2018

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars do not corrode like steel rebars when they are exposed to moisture such as water. Instead they have been shown to degrade when exposed to alkaline media and, in some cases, acids. It has especially demonstrated extensive deterioration when it has been simultaneously stressed and exposed to harsh environments. This combined effect has been termed as stress corrosion. The effect of stress corrosion on the stress relaxation of large sized prestressed basalt-glass fibre reinforced polymer (BGFRP) bars was analyzed by laboratory experiments. Two stressed bars were submerged in aqueous solutions of acid and alkaline in two separate plastic tanks under constant strain. Stress reduction values were observed over a period of about 7 months. Bars immersed in acid bath had an average stress relaxation of 9.2% and that in the alkali bath was observed to be about 13.4%. These results support earlier assertions that exposure of GFRP bars to alkali media is likely to be detrimental to the long-term durability of the reinforced structure.
An Injective S-Box Design Scheme over an Ordered Isomorphic Elliptic Curve and Its Characterization
Authors: Azam Naveed Ahmed , Hayat Umar , Ullah Ikram
Published: December 2018

Elliptic curves (ECs) are considered as one of the highly secure structures against modern computational attacks. In this paper, we present an efficient method based on an ordered isomorphic EC for the generation of a large number of distinct, mutually uncorrelated, and cryptographically strong injective S-boxes. The proposed scheme is characterized in terms of time complexity and the number of the distinct S-boxes. Furthermore, rigorous analysis and comparison of the newly developed method with some of the existing methods are conducted. Experimental results reveal that the newly developed scheme can efficiently generate a large number of distinct, uncorrelated, and secure S-boxes when compared with some of the well-known existing schemes.