bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Flammability and Thermal Stability of Halogen-Free Intumescent System in Biopolymer Composites Containing Biobased Carbonization Agent and Mechanism of Their Char Formation
Authors: Maqsood Muhammad , Seide Gunnar
Published: December 2018

Starch, being a polyhydric compound with its natural charring ability, is an ideal candidate to serve as a carbonization agent in an intumescent system. This charring ability of starch, if accompanied by an acidic source, can generate an effective intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system, but the performance of starch-based composites in an IFR system has not been tested in detail. Here, we describe a PLA-based IFR system consisting of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as acidic source and cornstarch as carbon source. We prepared different formulations by melt compounding followed by molding into sheets by hot pressing. The thermal behavior and surface morphology of the composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy respectively. We also conducted limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, and cone calorimetry tests to characterize the flame-retardant properties. Cone calorimetry revealed a 66% reduction in the peak heat release rate of the IFR composites compared to pure PLA and indicated the development of an intumescent structure by leaving a residual mass of 43% relative to the initial mass of the sample. A mechanism of char formation has also been discussed in detail.
Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant Masterbatch Prepared through Different Processes and Its Application in EPDM/PP Thermoplastic Elastomer: Thermal Stability, Flame Retardancy, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: He Weidi , Zhou Ying , Chen Xiaolang , Guo Jianbing , Zhou Dengfeng , Chen Shaopeng , Wang Meng , Li Lingtong
Published: December 2018

In this work, the ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/polypropylene (EPDM/PP) thermoplastic elastomer filled with intumescent flame retardants (IFR) is fabricated by melting blend. The IFR are constituted with melamine phosphate-pentaerythritol (MP/PER) by compounding and reactive extruding, respectively. The effects of two kinds of MP/PER with different contents on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of materials are investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, cone calorimeter test (CCT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR results show that the reactive extruded MP/PER partly generates melamine pyrophosphate (MPP) compared with compound masterbatches. TGA data indicate that the best thermal stability is achieved when the molar ratio of MP/PER reaches 1.8. All the reactive samples show a higher flame retardancy than compound ones. The CCT results also exhibit the same trend as above in heat release and smoke production rate. The EPDM/PP composites filled with 30 and 35% reactive MP/PER exhibit the improved flame retardancy but become stiffer and more brittle. SEM photos display that better dispersion and smaller particle size are obtained for reactive samples.
Optimization of Reaction Selectivity Using CFD-Based Compartmental Modeling and Surrogate-Based Optimization
Authors: Yang Shu , Kiang San , Farzan Parham , Ierapetritou Marianthi
Published: December 2018

Mixing is considered as a critical process parameter (CPP) during process development due to its significant influence on reaction selectivity and process safety. Nevertheless, mixing issues are difficult to identify and solve owing to their complexity and dependence on knowledge of kinetics and hydrodynamics. In this paper, we proposed an optimization methodology using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based compartmental modelling to improve mixing and reaction selectivity. More importantly, we have demonstrated that through the implementation of surrogate-based optimization, the proposed methodology can be used as a computationally non-intensive way for rapid process development of reaction unit operations. For illustration purpose, reaction selectivity of a process with Bourne competitive reaction network is discussed. Results demonstrate that we can improve reaction selectivity by dynamically controlling rates and locations of feeding in the reactor. The proposed methodology incorporates mechanistic understanding of the reaction kinetics together with an efficient optimization algorithm to determine the optimal process operation and thus can serve as a tool for quality-by-design (QbD) during product development stage.
Trends in Advanced Functional Material Applications of Nanocellulose
Authors: Panchal Prachiben , Ogunsona Emmanuel , Mekonnen Tizazu
Published: December 2018

The need to transition to more sustainable and renewable technology has resulted in a focus on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs) as one of the materials of the future with potential for replacing currently used synthetic materials. Its abundance and bio-derived source make it attractive and sought after as well. CNFs and CNCs are naturally hydrophilic due to the abundance of -OH group on their surface which makes them an excellent recipient for applications in the medical industry. However, the hydrophilicity is a deterrent to many other industries, subsequently limiting their application scope. In either light, the increased rate of progress using CNCs in advanced materials applications are well underway and is becoming applicable on an industrial scale. Therefore, this review explores the current modification platforms and processes of nanocellulose directly as functional materials and as carriers/substrates of other functional materials for advanced materials applications. Niche functional attributes such as superhydrophobicity, barrier, electrical, and antimicrobial properties are reviewed due to the focus and significance of such attributes in industrial applications.
A Model-Based Investigation of Cytokine Dynamics in Immunotherapies
Authors: Hopkins Brooks , Pan Yiming , Tucker Matthew , Huang Zuyi (Jacky)
Published: December 2018

With the advent of effective immunotherapies to battle cancers and diseases, an obstacle in recovery has become the potential side effects, specifically cytokine release syndrome (CRS). As there is little quantitative understanding of risks for developing CRS and the degree of its severity, this work explored a model-based approach to produce a library of in silico patients through sensitivity analysis of cytokine interaction parameters and a Monte Carlo sampling. The objective of producing the in silico patients was to correlate a known grading system of cytokine release syndrome severity and thus design a new formula for grading CRS. Using our CRS grading system as the foundation, this work produced not only a formula which related the in silico patient data to the different grades, but we effectively demonstrated a selective approach to reduce the grade of CRS with sequential cytokine inhibition targets. We achieved the reduction of grades by applying the insight from the sensitivity analysis, beginning with the most sensitive targets. Cytokines IL-1, IL-8, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 were in turn the best targets for inhibition to alleviate CRS. Using this approach, patient cytokine time profiles in real-time can be related to the CRS grading system and if the grade is severe enough, action can be taken earlier during the treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening symptoms. What’s more, the identified inhibition sequence of the 9 cytokines provides guidance for clinical intervention of CRS.
Hamlet the Heretic: The Prince’s Albigensian Rhetoric
Authors: Lockerd Benjamin
Published: December 2018

Some of Hamlet’s speeches reflect a dualistic view of the world and of humanity, echoing in particular some of the heretical beliefs of the Albigensians in southern France some centuries earlier. The Albigensians thought that the evil deity created the human body as a trap for the souls created by the good god, and Hamlet repeatedly expresses disgust with the body, a “quintessence of dust” (II.ii.304–305). Because they regarded the body as a soul trap, the Albigensians believed that marriage and procreation should be avoided. “Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?” Hamlet demands of Ophelia, adding that “it were better my mother had not borne me” (III.i.121–24). He sounds most like a heretic when he goes on to say “we will have no more marriage” (III.i.147). Though Hamlet continues with dualistic talk nearly to the end, there is some turning toward orthodox Christianity.
Automatic Ship Detection in Optical Remote Sensing Images Based on Anomaly Detection and SPP-PCANet
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Bo , Xu Qizhi , Wang Yonghua
Published: December 2018

Automatic ship detection technology in optical remote sensing images has a wide range of applications in civilian and military fields. Among most important challenges encountered in ship detection, we focus on the following three selected ones: (a) ships with low contrast; (b) sea surface in complex situations; and (c) false alarm interference such as clouds and reefs. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes coarse-to-fine ship detection strategies based on anomaly detection and spatial pyramid pooling pcanet (SPP-PCANet). The anomaly detection algorithm, based on the multivariate Gaussian distribution, regards a ship as an abnormal marine area, effectively extracting candidate regions of ships. Subsequently, we combine PCANet and spatial pyramid pooling to reduce the amount of false positives and improve the detection rate. Furthermore, the non-maximum suppression strategy is adopted to eliminate the overlapped frames on the same ship. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, GF-1 images and GF-2 images were utilized in the experiment, including the three scenarios mentioned above. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method obtains superior performance in the case of complex sea background, and has a certain degree of robustness to external factors such as uneven illumination and low contrast on the GF-1 and GF-2 satellite image data.
Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Urban Heat Islands: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Zhou Decheng , Xiao Jingfeng , Bonafoni Stefania , Berger Christian , Deilami Kaveh , Zhou Yuyu , Frolking Steve , Yao Rui , Qiao Zhi , Sobrino José A.
Published: December 2018

The surface urban heat island (SUHI), which represents the difference of land surface temperature (LST) in urban relativity to neighboring non-urban surfaces, is usually measured using satellite LST data. Over the last few decades, advancements of remote sensing along with spatial science have considerably increased the number and quality of SUHI studies that form the major body of the urban heat island (UHI) literature. This paper provides a systematic review of satellite-based SUHI studies, from their origin in 1972 to the present. We find an exponentially increasing trend of SUHI research since 2005, with clear preferences for geographic areas, time of day, seasons, research foci, and platforms/sensors. The most frequently studied region and time period of research are China and summer daytime, respectively. Nearly two-thirds of the studies focus on the SUHI/LST variability at a local scale. The Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM)/Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+)/Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) and Terra/Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are the two most commonly-used satellite sensors and account for about 78% of the total publications. We systematically reviewed the main satellite/sensors, methods, key findings, and challenges of the SUHI research. Previous studies confirm that the large spatial (local to global scales) and temporal (diurnal, seasonal, and inter-annual) variations of SUHI are contributed by a variety of factors such as impervious surface area, vegetation cover, landscape structure, albedo, and climate. However, applications of SUHI research are largely impeded by a series of data and methodological limitations. Lastly, we propose key potential directions and opportunities for future efforts. Besides improving the quality and quantity of LST data, more attention should be focused on understudied regions/cities, methods to examine SUHI intensity, inter-annual variability and long-term trends of SUHI, scaling issues of SUHI, the relationship between surface and subsurface UHIs, and the integration of remote sensing with field observations and numeric modeling.
Time Series Analysis of Land Surface Temperatures in 20 Earthquake Cases Worldwide
Authors: Pavlidou Efthymia , Van der Meijde Mark , Van der Werff Harald , Hecker Christoph
Published: December 2018

Earthquakes are reported to be preceded by anomalous increases in satellite-recorded thermal emissions, but published results are often contradicting and/or limited to short periods and areas around the earthquake. We apply a methodology that allows to detect subtle, localized spatio-temporal fluctuations in hyper-temporal, geostationary-based land surface temperature (LST) data. We study 10 areas worldwide, covering 20 large (Mw > 5.5) and shallow (<35 km) land-based earthquakes. We compare years and locations with and without earthquake, and we statistically evaluate our findings with respect to distance from epicentra and temporal coincidence with earthquakes. We detect anomalies throughout the duration of all datasets, at various distances from the earthquake, and in years with and without earthquake alike. We find no distinct repeated patterns in the case of earthquakes that happen in the same region in different years. We conclude that earthquakes do not have a significant effect on detected LST anomalies.
Architecture to Embed Software Agents in Resource Constrained Internet of Things Devices
Authors: H. De La Iglesia Daniel , Villarrubia González Gabriel , Sales Mendes André , Jiménez-Bravo Diego M. , L. Barriuso Alberto
Published: December 2018

Sensing systems in combination with treatment tools and intelligent information management are the basis on which the cities and urban environments of the future will be built. Progress in the research and development of these new and intelligent scenarios is essential to achieve the objectives of efficiency, integration, sustainability, and quality of life for people who live in cities. To achieve these objectives, it is essential to investigate the development of cheaper, more accurate, and smarter hardware devices, which will form the basis of the intelligent environments of the future. This article focuses on an approach based on intelligent multi-agent systems that are integrated into basic hardware devices for the Internet of Things (IoT). A multi-agent architecture is proposed for the fast, efficient, and intelligent management of the generated data. A layer of services adapted to the needs of the new intelligent environments is built on this architecture. With the aim of validating this architecture, a case study based on electric vehicles of the e-bike type is proposed.
HUSP: A Smart Haptic Probe for Reliable Training in Musculoskeletal Evaluation Using Motion Sensors
Authors: Moreno Vidal , Curto Belén , Garcia-Esteban Juan , Hernández Zaballos Felipe , Alonso Hernández Pablo , Serrano F.
Published: December 2018

As a consequence of the huge development of IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors based on MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems), innovative applications related to the analysis of human motion are now possible. In this paper, we present one of these applications: a portable platform for training in Ultrasound Imaging-based musculoskeletal (MSK) exploration in rehabilitation settings. Ultrasound Imaging (USI) in the diagnostic and treatment of MSK pathologies offers various advantages, but it is a strongly operator-dependent technique, so training and experience become of fundamental relevance for rehabilitation specialists. The key element of our platform is a replica of a real transducer (HUSP—Haptic US Probe), equipped with MEMS based IMU sensors, an embedded computing board to calculate its 3D orientation and a mouse board to obtain its relative position in the 2D plane. The sensor fusion algorithm used to resolve in real-time the 3D orientation (roll, pitch and yaw angles) of the probe from accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer data will be presented. Thanks to the results obtained, the integration of the probe into the learning platform allows a haptic sensation to be recreated in the rehabilitation trainee, with an attractive performance/cost ratio.
Kalman Filter Based Load Monitoring in Beam Like Structures Using Fibre-Optic Strain Sensors
Authors: Soman Rohan , Ostachowicz Wieslaw
Published: December 2018

The paper presents a proof of concept of a new methodology for the load estimation in beam-like structures under complex loading. The paper customizes a Kalman Filter (KF) based estimation technique which is shown to be robust to the presence of measurement noise as well as the changing condition of the beam for estimation of loads in beam-like structures. The methodology was validated using numerical as well as experimental data. The initial studies indicate that the proposed methodology has promise for applications where monitoring and classification of the strains is necessary, such as those in continuous welded rails.
Ultrasonic Tethering to Enable Side-by-Side Following for Powered Wheelchairs
Authors: Pingali Theja , Lemaire Edward , Baddour Natalie
Published: December 2018

In social situations, people who use a powered wheelchair must divide their attention between navigating the chair and conversing with people. These conversations could lead to increased mental stress when navigating and distraction from maneuvering the chair. As a solution that maintains a good conversation distance between the wheelchair and the accompanying person (Social Following), a wheelchair control system was developed to provide automated side-by-side following by wirelessly connecting the wheelchair to the person. Two ultrasonic range sensors and three piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers were used to identify the accompanying person and determine their position and heading. Identification involved an ultrasonic beacon worn on the person’s side, at hip level, and receivers on the wheelchair. A drive control algorithm maintained a constant conversation distance along the person’s trajectory. A plug-and-play prototype was developed and connected to a Permobil F5 Corpus wheelchair with a modified Eightfold Technologies SmartChair Remote. Results demonstrated that the system can navigate a wheelchair based on the accompanying person’s trajectory, which is advantageous for users who require hands-free wheelchair control during social activities.
Modeling and Deploying IoT-Aware Business Process Applications in Sensor Networks
Authors: Cheng Yongyang , Zhao Shuai , Cheng Bo , Chen Xiwei , Chen Junliang
Published: December 2018

The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) is an important part of the next generation of information. Wireless sensor networks are composed of independent distributed smart sensor nodes and gateways. These discrete sensors constantly gather external physical information, such as temperature, sound, and vibration. Owing to the diversity of sensor devices and the complexity of the sensor sensing environment, the direct modeling of an IoT-aware business process application is particularly difficult. In addition, how to effectively deploy those designed applications to discrete servers in the heterogeneous sensor networks is also a pressing problem. In this paper, we propose a resource-oriented modeling approach and a dynamic consistent hashing (DCH)-based deploying algorithm to solve the above problems. Initially, we extended the graphic and machine-readable model of Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) 2.0 specification, making it able to support the direct modeling of an IoT-aware business process application. Furthermore, we proposed the DCH-based deploying algorithm to solve the problem of dynamic load balancing and access efficiency in the distributed execution environment. Finally, we designed an actual extended BPMN plugin in Eclipse. The approach presented in this paper has been validated to be effective.
Deformation Estimation for Time Series InSAR Using Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Duan Wei , Zhang Hong , Wang Chao
Published: December 2018

Time series interferometric synthetic aperture radar SAR (TSInSAR) is one of the most important surface deformation monitoring techniques, and has been widely used in geodesy. Deformation estimation is one of the main steps of TSInSAR processing, so an effective and efficient algorithm is necessary. Present algorithms have some limitations such as computing c osts or errors caused by local extremums. In this work, a novel deformation estimation method based on the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is proposed to handle this problem. The SA algorithm uses a random search to avoid local extremums and thus can be more likely to get the global optimal solution of deformation. By adopting a better annealing method, this algorithm gets high precision deformation results in less time than most present algorithms. In addition, it can estimate complex nonlinear deformation without adding any computing costs. The results, tested on the real SAR data, confirm the reliability and effectiveness of the SA-based deformation estimation algorithm.
Practical Guidelines for Approaching the Implementation of Neural Networks on FPGA for PAPR Reduction in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Louliej Abdelhamid , Jabrane Younes , Gil Jiménez Víctor P. , García Armada Ana
Published: December 2018

Nowadays, the sensor community has become wireless, increasing their potential and applications. In particular, these emerging technologies are promising for vehicles’ communications (V2V) to dramatically reduce the number of fatal roadway accidents by providing early warnings. The ECMA-368 wireless communication standard has been developed and used in wireless sensor networks and it is also proposed to be used in vehicular networks. It adopts Multiband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MB-OFDM) technology to transmit data. However, the large power envelope fluctuation of OFDM signals limits the power efficiency of the High Power Amplifier (HPA) due to nonlinear distortion. This is especially important for mobile broadband wireless and sensors in vehicular networks. Many algorithms have been proposed for solving this drawback. However, complexity and implementations are usually an issue in real developments. In this paper, the implementation of a novel architecture based on multilayer perceptron artificial neural networks on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip is evaluated and some guidelines are drawn suitable for vehicular communications. The proposed implementation improves performance in terms of Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) reduction, distortion and Bit Error Rate (BER) with much lower complexity. Two different chips have been used, namely, Xilinx and Altera and a comparison is also provided. As a conclusion, the proposed implementation allows a minimal consumption of the resources jointly with a higher maximum frequency, higher performance and lower complexity.
Oxygen Saturation Measurements from Green and Orange Illuminations of Multi-Wavelength Optoelectronic Patch Sensors
Authors: Alharbi Samah , Hu Sijung , Mulvaney David , Barrett Laura , Yan Liangwen , Blanos Panagiotis , Elsahar Yasmin , Adema Samuel
Published: December 2018

Photoplethysmography (PPG) based pulse oximetry devices normally use red and infrared illuminations to obtain oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) readings. In addition, the presence of motion artefacts severely restricts the utility of pulse oximetry physiological measurements. In the current study, a combination of green and orange illuminations from a multi-wavelength optoelectronic patch sensor (mOEPS) was investigated in order to improve robustness to subjects’ movements in the extraction of SpO 2 measurement. The experimental protocol with 31 healthy subjects was divided into two sub-protocols, and was designed to determine SpO 2 measurement. The datasets for the first sub-protocol were collected from 15 subjects at rest, with the subjects free to move their hands. The datasets for the second sub-protocol with 16 subjects were collected during cycling and walking exercises. The results showed good agreement with SpO 2 measurements (r = 0.98) in both sub-protocols. The outcomes promise a robust and cost-effective approach of physiological monitoring with the prospect of providing health monitoring that does not restrict user physical movements.
A Novel Approach for High-Frequency in-situ Quantification of Methane Oxidation in Peatlands
Authors: Nielsen Cecilie Skov , Hasselquist Niles J. , Nilsson Mats B. , Öquist Mats , Järveoja Järvi , Peichl Matthias
Published: December 2018

Methane (CH4) oxidation is an important process for regulating CH4 emissions from peatlands as it oxidizes CH4 to carbon dioxide (CO2). Our current knowledge about its temporal dynamics and contribution to ecosystem CO2 fluxes is, however, limited due to methodological constraints. Here, we present the first results from a novel method for quantifying in-situ CH4 oxidation at high temporal resolution. Using an automated chamber system, we measured the isotopic signature of heterotrophic respiration (CO2 emissions from vegetation-free plots) at a boreal mire in northern Sweden. Based on these data we calculated CH4 oxidation rates using a two-source isotope mixing model. During the measurement campaign, 74% of potential CH4 fluxes from vegetation-free plots were oxidized to CO2, and CH4 oxidation contributed 20 ± 2.5% to heterotrophic respiration corresponding to 10 ± 0.5% of ecosystem respiration. Furthermore, the contribution of CH4 oxidation to heterotrophic respiration showed a distinct diurnal cycle being negligible during nighttime while contributing up to 35 ± 3.0% during the daytime. Our results show that CH4 oxidation may represent an important component of the peatland ecosystem respiration and highlight the value of our method for measuring in-situ CH4 oxidation to better understand carbon dynamics in peatlands.
Examination of Physical Characteristics and Positional Differences in Professional Soccer Players in Qatar
Authors: Wik Eirik Halvorsen , Auliffe Seán Mc , Read Paul James
Published: December 2018

Physical characteristics in professional soccer differ between competition levels and playing positions, and normative data aid practitioners in profiling their players to optimize performance and reduce injury risk. Given the paucity of research in Arabic soccer populations, the purpose of this study was to provide position-specific normative values for professional players competing in the Qatar Stars League. One hundred and ninety-five players completed a musculoskeletal assessment as part of an annual periodic health examination. Tests included measures of range of motion (hip, ankle, and hamstring), bilateral and unilateral jump performance, and quadriceps/hamstring (isokinetic/NordBord), hip adduction/abduction (eccentric), and groin (isometric) strength. Descriptive data were examined, and positional differences were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Goalkeepers were significantly heavier (p < 0.01), had a higher body mass index (p < 0.05) than outfield positions and demonstrated greater absolute strength. Defenders were the strongest relative to body mass, and these differences were significant (p < 0.05) versus goalkeepers and strikers. No meaningful between-group comparisons were apparent for jumping or range of motion tests. Compared to mean values from other professional leagues, soccer players in Qatar appear to be shorter, lighter and display inferior strength and jump capacities. These data can be used to tailor training and rehabilitation programs to the specifics of the league and position in which the athletes compete.
Changing Agro-Pastoral Livelihoods under Collective and Private Land Use in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Dan , Hruska Tracy , Talinbayi Shalima , Li Wenjun
Published: December 2018

After the founding of P. R. China, land use in rural China was organized under two successive paradigms: state-directed collectivization from 1958–1984 (the Collective Era), and privatization after 1984 (the Household Land Contract Period, HLCP). Taking Nileke County of Xinjiang as a case study, this research analyzed the livelihood changes of agro-pastoralists over the two periods using quantitative household livelihood assets—financial, physical, natural, human, and social capital—as indicators. Using annual series data of the five livelihood capitals, a comprehensive livelihood assets index (CLAI) was calculated by two-stage factor analysis. Higher CLAI scores meant better living and reduced poverty for agro-pastoralists. Quantitative results were validated and detailed with semi-structured household interviews. The results showed that CLAI slightly increased during the HLCP in comparison to the Collective Era, mainly due to increases in financial and physical capital. In contrast, natural and social capital showed downward trends, indicating that alleviation of poverty came at the cost of natural resources and social justice. Natural capital was the main contributor to agro-pastoralist livelihoods during the Collective Era, but diminished and was replaced by financial capital during the HLCP. Based on the findings, we put forward policy suggestions to improve community land management and sustainable livelihoods as part of future poverty alleviation efforts.
Sustainable Growth and Token Economy Design: The Case of Steemit
Authors: Kim Moon Soo , Chung Jee Yong
Published: December 2018

Cryptocurrency blockchain technology is attracting worldwide attention, and the number of initial coin offerings (ICOs) is increasing rapidly. This new economic trend, called cryptoeconomics, can program human behavior through incentive design. A cryptocurrency-based incentive system is not only transparent, but also allows businesses to substitute initial investment costs with cryptocurrency tokens until they are on a sustainable growth trajectory in terms of network effects. This study aims to propose a process for building a desirable model of a token economy, based on the case of Steemit—a blogging and social networking website that is creating high values due to its efficient token economy model. We suggest the following design process of a token economy model: (1) Determine token-business fit, (2) determine the chance of success, (3) determine the properties of token, (4) give tokens intrinsic value, (5) establish strategies to raise token value, (6) establish operational strategies of token economy system, (7) establish strategies for token liquidation, and (8) continue modifying the operational base. Considering cryptoeconomics is still at an early stage, it is expected that the guidelines on the token economy model suggested in this paper will lay a significant foundation for the development of cryptoeconomics research.
The Challenge of Food Systems Research: What Difference Does It Make?
Authors: Ruben Ruerd , Verhagen Jan , Plaisier Christine
Published: December 2018

Recent discussions on the results of food security programs devote key attention to complex interactions between policy interventions and business innovation for improving nutrition outcomes. This shift from linear approaches of food and nutrition security towards a more interlinked and nested analysis of food systems dynamics has profound implications for the design and organization of research and innovation processes. In this article we outline our experience with interdisciplinary and interactive processes of food systems analysis at different scale levels, paying systematic attention to three critical system interfaces: intersections with other systems, interactions within the food system, and incentives for food system innovations (the so-called: 3I approach). We discuss the importance of these interfaces for leveraging food system adaptation and managing food system transformation. We also provide illustrative examples of the relevance of food systems analysis for the identification of appropriate and effective programs for reinforcing the resilience, responsiveness and inclusiveness of novel food and nutrition programs.
Strength Time–Varying and Freeze–Thaw Durability of Sustainable Pervious Concrete Pavement Material Containing Waste Fly Ash
Authors: Liu Hanbing , Luo Guobao , Wang Longhui , Gong Yafeng
Published: December 2018

Pervious concretes, as sustainable pavement materials, have great advantages in addressing a number of environmental issues. Fly ash, as the industrial by-product waste, is the most commonly used as cement substitute in concrete. The objective of this paper is to study the effects of waste fly ash on properties of pervious concrete. Fly ash was used to replace cement with equivalent volume method at different levels (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%). The control pervious concrete and fly ash modified pervious concrete were prepared in the laboratory. The porosity, permeability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and freeze–thaw resistance of all mixtures were tested. The results indicated that the addition of fly ash decreased the early-age (28 d) compressive strength and flexural strength, but the long-term (150 d) compressive strength and flexural strength of fly ash modified pervious concrete were higher than that of the early-age. The adverse effect of fly ash on freeze–thaw resistance of pervious concrete was observed when the fly ash was added. The porosity and permeability of all pervious concrete mixtures changed little with the content of fly ash due to the use of equal volume replacement method. Although fly ash is not positive to the properties of pervious concrete, it is still feasible to apply fly ash as a substitute for cement in pervious concrete.
A New Pairwise NPN Boolean Matching Algorithm Based on Structural Difference Signature
Authors: Zhang Juling , Yang Guowu , Hung William N. N. , Wu Jinzhao , Zhu Yixin
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we address an NPN Boolean matching algorithm. The proposed structural difference signature (SDS) of a Boolean function significantly reduces the search space in the Boolean matching process. The paper analyses the size of the search space from three perspectives: the total number of possible transformations, the number of candidate transformations and the number of decompositions. We test the search space and run time on a large number of randomly generated circuits and Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC) benchmark circuits with 7–22 inputs. The experimental results show that the search space of Boolean matching is greatly reduced and the matching speed is obviously accelerated.
Sensitive SYBR Green—Real Time PCR for the Detection and Quantitation of Avian Rotavirus A
Authors: De la Torre David , Astolfi-Ferreira Claudete S. , Chacon Ruy D. , Piantino Ferreira Antonio J.
Published: December 2018

Avian rotavirus A (ARtV-A) is a virus that affects young birds, causing acute diarrhea and economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. The techniques used for the diagnosis of ARtV-A include electron microscopy, isolation in cell culture, and serology, as well as molecular techniques, such as the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The objective of this work was to standardize a real-time RT-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using SYBR Green chemistry for the rapid detection and quantification of ARtV-A from bird tissues and materials fixed on FTA cards on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of segment 6 (S6), which codes for the structural VP6 protein of ARtV-A. The results show the efficient amplification of the proposed target, with a limit of detection (LoD) of one copy gene (CG) per microliter of cDNA and a limit of quantification (LoQ) of 10 CGs per microliter. The efficiency of the primers was determined to be 95.66% using a standard curve, with an R2 value of 0.999 and a slope of −3.43. The specificity was determined using samples coinfected with ARtV-A, the chicken parvovirus, the chicken astrovirus, and the avian nephritis virus as positive controls and commercially available vaccines of the infectious bronchitis virus, infectious bursa disease virus, avian reovirus and healthy organs as negative controls. This technique, which lacks nonspecific PCR products and dimers, demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity than conventional RT-PCR, and it reduced the analysis time by more than 50%.
Analysis and Mapping of Rainfall-Induced Landslide Susceptibility in A Luoi District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
Authors: Long Nguyen Thanh , De Smedt Florimond
Published: December 2018

Rainfall-induced landslides form an important natural threat in Vietnam. The purpose of this study is to explore regional landslide susceptibility mapping in the mountainous district of A Luoi in Thua Thien Hue Province, where data on the occurrence and causes of landslides are very limited. Three methods are applied to examine landslide susceptibility: statistical index, logistic regression and certainty factor. Nine causative factors are considered: elevation, slope, geological strata, fault density, geomorphic landforms, weathering crust, land use, distance to rivers and annual precipitation. The reliability of the landslide susceptibility maps is evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve is used to quantify and compare the prediction accuracy of the models. The certainty factor model performs best. This model is optimized by maximizing the difference between the true positive rate and the false positive rate. The optimal model correctly identifies 84% of the observed landslides. The results are verified with a validation test, whereby the model is calibrated with 75% randomly selected observed landslides, while the remaining 25% of the observed landslides are used for validation. The validation test correctly identifies 81% of the observed landslides in the training set and 73% of the observed landslides in the validation set.
Fuzzy Solution to the Unconfined Aquifer Problem
Authors: Tzimopoulos Christos , Papadopoulos Kyriakos , Evangelides Christos , Papadopoulos Basil
Published: December 2018

In this article, the solution to the fuzzy second order unsteady partial differential equation (Boussinesq equation) is examined, for the case of an aquifer recharging from a lake. In the examined problem, there is a sudden rise and subsequent stabilization of the lake’s water level, thus the aquifer is recharging from the lake. The aquifer boundary conditions are fuzzy and create ambiguities to the solution of the problem. Since the aforementioned problem concerns differential equations, the generalized Hukuhara (gH) derivative was used for total derivatives, as well as the extension of this theory concerning partial derivatives. The case studies proved to follow the generalized Hukuhara (gH) derivative conditions and they offer a unique solution. The development of the aquifer water profile was examined, as well as the calculation of the recharging fuzzy water movement profiles, velocity, and volume, and the results were depicted in diagrams. According to presented results, the hydraulic engineer, being specialist in irrigation projects or in water management, could estimate the appropriate water volume quantity with an uncertainty level, given by the α-cuts.
Use of Acorn Leaves as a Natural Coagulant in a Drinking Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Benalia Abderrezzaq , Derbal Kerroum , Panico Antonio , Pirozzi Francesco
Published: December 2018

In this study, the use of acorn leaves as a natural coagulant to reduce raw water turbidity and globally improve drinking water quality was investigated. The raw water was collected from a drinking water treatment plant located in Mila (Algeria) with an initial turbidity of 13.0 ± 0.1 NTU. To obtain acorn leaf powder as a coagulant, the acorn leaves were previously cleaned, washed with tap water, dried, ground and then finely sieved. To improve the coagulant activity and, consequently, the turbidity removal efficiency, the fine powder was also preliminarily treated with different solvents, as follows, in order to extract the coagulant agent: (i) distilled water; (ii) solutions of NaCl (0.25; 0.5 and 1 M); (iii) solutions of NaOH (0.025; 0.05 and 0.1 M); and (iv) solutions of HCl (0.025; 0.05 and 0.1 M). Standard Jar Test assays were conducted to evaluate the performance of the coagulant in the different considered operational conditions. Results of the study indicated that at low turbidity (e.g., 13.0 ± 0.1 NTU), the raw acorn leaf powder and those treated with distilled water (DW) were able to decrease the turbidity to 3.69 ± 0.06 and 1.97 ± 0.03 NTU, respectively. The use of sodium chloride solution (AC-NaCl) at 0.5 M resulted in a high turbidity removal efficiency (91.07%) compared to solutions with different concentrations (0.25 and 1 M). Concerning solutions of sodium hydroxide (AC-NaOH) and hydrogen chloride (AC-HCl), the lowest final turbidities of 1.83 ± 0.13 and 0.92 ± 0.02 NTU were obtained when the concentrations of the solutions were set at 0.05 and 0.1 M, respectively. Finally, in this study, other water quality parameters, such as total alkalinity hardness, pH, electrical conductivity and organic matters content, were measured to assess the coagulant performance on drinking water treatment.
SWB Modeling of Groundwater Recharge on Catalina Island, California, during a Period of Severe Drought
Authors: Harlow Jeanette , Hagedorn Benjamin
Published: December 2018

This study applied a soil water balance (SWB) model to simulate groundwater recharge on Catalina Island, California, for the years 2008–2014, a period that coincided with a severe drought. Island-wide average recharge ranged from 0.05 mm/year in 2013 to 82.3 mm/year in 2008, with a 7-year mean of 23.0 mm/year. High recharge is primarily associated with east-facing mountain fronts and the land cover types “developed, open space” and “herbaceous”. This spatial trend is also reflected in recharge estimates for groundwater well locations produced by the Cl mass balance method. Only in 2008 did all areas of the island experience recharge, while the recharge was very low during the drought years 2009 and 2012–2014. Sensitivity analyses indicate an unresolved discrepancy in land cover classification (i.e., herbaceous grass dominated vs. chaparral and coastal sage dominated) to be a significant factor. In a scenario where herbaceous grass dominates, as field studies from the early 1980s imply, recharge estimates nearly double. Nevertheless, the overall low recharge rates presented herein and the fact that drought conditions in Southern California have worsened since 2014 suggest that large parts of the island may not have received any recharge in nearly a decade.
Numerical Study of the Velocity Decay of Offset Jet in a Narrow and Deep Pool
Authors: Li Xin , Zhou Maolin , Zhang Jianmin , Xu Weilin
Published: December 2018

The present study examines the configuration of an offset jet issuing into a narrow and deep pool. The standard k-ε model with volume-of-fluid (VOF) method was used to simulate the offset jet for three exit offset ratios (OR = 1, 2 and 3), three expansion ratios (ER = 3, 4 and 4.8), and different jet exits (circular and rectangular). The results clearly show significant effects of the circumference of jet exits (Lexit) in the early region of flow development, and a fitted formula is presented to estimate the length of the potential core zone (LPC). Analysis of the flow field for OR = 1 showed that the decay of cross-sectional streamwise maximum mean velocity (Um) in the transition zone could be fitted by power law with the decay rate n decreased from 1.768 to 1.197 as the ER increased, while the decay of Um for OR = 2 or 3 was observed accurately estimated by linear fit. Analysis of the flow field of circular offset jet showed that Um for OR = 2 decayed fastest due to the fact that the main flow could be spread evenly in floor-normal direction. For circular jets, the offset ratio and expansion ratio do not affect the spread of streamwise velocity in the early region of flow development. It was also observed that the absence of sudden expansion of offset jet is analogous to that of a plane offset jet, and the flow pattern is different.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ENSURING FLIGHT SAFETY IN CIVIL AVIATION
Authors: Luzik Elvira , Akmaldinova Aleksandra
Published: December 2018

The article considers issues relating to the system of continuous professional training of aviation specialists and formulates fundamental prerequisites of psychological endurance reliability of aircrews in terms of flight safety problems. Analysis is given of factors affecting the efficiency of the “pilot – airplane” interactive system. Results of forecasting the measure of significance of the human factor in aviation for the next 10–15 years viewed in the context of medical and psychological aspects are presented. The structure of personal individuality developed on the basis of psycho‐physiological selection allows the formation of professionally significant qualities in aviation specialists to be influenced and the actions of every crewmember in case of an emergency to be forecast.
THE SIMULATION OF AN INFANTRY ATTACK USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Pincevičius Albertas , Baušys Romualdas , Jankauskas Pranas
Published: December 2018

An infantry attack over a specific terrain is modeled. A stochastic method described in our previous study is used. In this model, the position of each soldier during the attack is approximately defined by a square [10 × 10 m] on the battlefield. Making use of the possibilities inherent in a three‐dimensional digital map, a visibility matrix is made up, i. e. the indication whether the enemy sees the soldier in a specific case is given.
MODERN TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS IN THE AERONAUTICAL TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK (ATN)
Authors: Novák Andrej
Published: December 2018

This paper summarizes the results of a study of modern telecommunication technology in the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network. The ATN is a data communications inter‐network that provides its users a robust and reliable Air/Ground and Ground/Ground communications service. The Air Telecommunication Network is build on a ring of fixed telecommunication networks. The article deals with the integration of modern telecommunication technology into the still developing sector of aeronautical telecommunication.
BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGIES IN PASSENGER CLEARANCE
Authors: Költzsch Gregor
Published: December 2018

Having overcome a deep crisis, airlines and airports now report continuously growing passenger numbers, and existing infrastructural capacities at many airports reach their limit. At the same time, security requirements have been increasing since 2001, causing additional use of capacity and costs and declining efficiency.