bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penertiban Administrasi Desa Menuju Peningkatan Pelayanan Publik
Authors: Putra Langgeng Rachmatullah , Majid Abi Ibnu , Cahyani Ganis Anjar , Ekasari Rensi Novia , Aldama Yunita , Hikmah Hanifatul , Devi Eka Prameswari , Alfrida Octivari Rosania , Aini Miftakhul , Agatha Yoke Pradila , Gunawan Redra Indah Hana
Published: October 2020

Penertiban administrasi merupakan hal terpenting dalam tatanan pemerintahan karena dari penertiban adminsitrasi pemerintahan bisa memberikan pelayanan pablik yang prima terhadap masyarakat, oleh karena itu urusan pemerintahan oleh pemerintah desa dan badan permusyawaratan desa dalam mengatur dan mengurus kepentingan masyarakat, Pemerintahan desa harus melaksanakan dengan baik sehingga mampu mendukung pelaksanaan fungsi administrasi pemerintah desa. Disamping itu pemerintah desa dan kelurahan merupakan satu aspek yang di anggap penting dalam rangka peningkatan dan pengembangan kinerja aparatur pemerintah desa serta pelaksanaan pemerintahan desa sehingga berdampak terhadap pelayana terhadap masyarakat, baik pelayanan kesehatana, administrasi kependudan dan lain-lain. Metode yang di gunakan adalah dengan metode wawancara, yaitu mendapat informasi atau data dengan cara bertanya langsung kepada responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya proses-proses administratif yang telah dijalankan namun masih perlu beberapa perbaikan.
Penyuluhan Hukum Untuk Mewujudkan Masyarakat Anti Penyalahgunaan Narkotika Dan Psikotropika
Authors: Navisa Fitria Dewi , Rahmawati Marita Lely , Hendriawan Muhammad Rizaldi , Istiqomah Sofiatul , Iftiati Indah , Akbar Risky , Kameswara Aditya Andika , Nanda P. Muhammad Syeisar , Andi Prsetyo Tri Anjas , Azizah Hikmatul
Published: October 2020

Narkotika dan Psikotropika merupakan obat-obatan yang hanya boleh digunakan untuk kepentingan kesehatan dan/atau pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan. Penyalahgunaan narkotika dan/atau psikotropika dapat mengakibatkan berbagai dampak buruk bagi kesehatan bahkan dapat pula menyebabkan kematian. Namun demikian penyalahgunaan Narkotika dan Psikotropika marak terjadi di berbagai negara termasuk Indonesia. Yang memprihatinkan, Pelaku Penyalahgunaan Narkotika dan/atau Psikotropika tidak hanya berasal dari kalangan orang dewasa tetapi juga berasal dari kalangan remaja. Masih terdapat pula masyarakat yang tidak terlalu memahami apa itu Narkotika, Psikotropika, apa dampak buruk yang dapat diakibatkan oleh penyalahgunaan Narkotika dan/atau Psikotropika serta apa sanksi hukum yang dapat mereka hadapi apabila mengkonsumsi Narkotika dan/atau Psikotropika tanpa hak atau melawan hukum. Masyarakat demikian rentan menjadi sasaran bandar Narkoba. Oleh karena itu, dengan dilaksanakannya program kerja penyuluhan hukum ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat terkait aturan hukum tentang Narkotika, Psikotropika dan pidana bagi remaja yang melakukan tindak pidana sehingga masyarakat khususnya remaja mematuhi aturan hukum yang berlaku.
Multiparton distribution functions in quantum chromodynamics
Authors: Zinovjev G M , Snigirev A M
Published: October 2020

The structure of hadrons (protons) and the dynamics of their interaction are usually studied in collisional experiments by exploring hard single parton–parton scattering described in terms of structure functions (single-particle distributions). Completely new and unique information comes from the selection and analysis of events in which two (or more) hard parton scatterings concurrently occur in a single
(Tevatron; FermiLab, USA) or pp (LHC; CERN, Switzerland) collision. The simulation of such double (multiple) parton scatterings involves two-parton (multiparton) distribution functions. Properties of these functions, which may be extracted from quantum chromodynamics, are reviewed.
SURVEI KESIAPAN DAN KEPUASAN MAHASISWA TERHADAP LAYANAN PROSES PEMBELAJARAN DALAM JARINGAN UNIVERSITAS TERBUKA SAAT PANDEMIC COVID 19
Authors: Susilo Adhi , Darojat Ojat , Suhardi Deddy Ahmad
Published: October 2020

During Covid-19 pandemic, online learning has been implemented as a strategic solution by many universities to prevent the spread of the Covid-19. This new teaching learning practice has encouraged researchers to conduct a survey of student readiness and satisfaction with the online learning services. This study aims to uncover two strategic issues including factors that influence student readiness and satisfaction and the level of student readiness and satisfaction dealing with online learning services. This research employs quantitative research methods using online surveys and involving all students who were actively registered in 2019 and 2020 both UT and non-UT students who participated in online learning services. Samples, however, were taken from all respondents covering western, central, and eastern Indonesia. It was discovered that structurally, supporting aspects contribute around 37%, prospect aspects 25%, benefit aspects 23%, and constraint aspects 11%, towards a dimension of the formation of participants' online learning perceptions. The findings show that participants have quite different views on supporting aspects, benefits, or prospects of online learning from the aspects of constraints. The relationship among the three distribution groups of variable categories shows three quite different positions in terms of participants' perceptions on online learning, namely accepting, moderate or opposing positions. Their opinion on online learning programs, during the Covid-19 outbreak, participants differed in their opposing positions on the one hand and moderate positions on the other, especially regarding costs, trends, and prices of devices/supporting equipment for online learning participants.
Preparing for Life: Plasma Proteome Changes and Immune System Development During the First Week of Human Life
Authors: Bennike Tue Bjerg , Fatou Benoit , Angelidou Asimenia , Diray-Arce Joann , Falsafi Reza , Ford Rebecca , Gill Erin E. , van Haren Simon D. , Idoko Olubukola T. , Lee Amy H. , Ben-Othman Rym , Pomat William S. , Shannon Casey P. , Smolen Kinga K. , Tebbutt Scott J. , Ozonoff Al , Richmond Peter C. , Biggelaar Anita H. J. van den , Hancock Robert E. W. , Kampmann Beate , Kollmann Tobias R. , Levy Ofer , Steen Hanno
Published: October 2020

Neonates have heightened susceptibility to infections. The biological mechanisms are incompletely understood but thought to be related to age-specific adaptations in immunity due to resource constraints during immune system development and growth. We present here an extended analysis of our proteomics study of peripheral blood-plasma from a study of healthy full-term newborns delivered vaginally, collected at the day of birth and on day of life (DOL) 1, 3, or 7, to cover the first week of life. The plasma proteome was characterized by LC-MS using our established 96-well plate format plasma proteomics platform. We found increasing acute phase proteins and a reduction of respective inhibitors on DOL1. Focusing on the complement system, we found increased plasma concentrations of all major components of the classical complement pathway and the membrane attack complex (MAC) from birth onward, except C7 which seems to have near adult levels at birth. In contrast, components of the lectin and alternative complement pathways mainly decreased. A comparison to whole blood messenger RNA (mRNA) levels enabled characterization of mRNA and protein levels in parallel, and for 23 of the 30 monitored complement proteins, the whole blood transcript information by itself was not reflective of the plasma protein levels or dynamics during the first week of life. Analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) mRNA and protein levels revealed that IgM levels and synthesis increased, while the plasma concentrations of maternally transferred IgG1-4 decreased in accordance with theirin vivohalf-lives. The neonatal plasma ratio of IgG1 to IgG2-4 was increased compared to adult values, demonstrating a highly efficient IgG1 transplacental transfer process. Partial compensation for maternal IgG degradation was achieved by endogenous synthesis of the IgG1 subtype which increased with DOL. The findings were validated in a geographically distinct cohort, demonstrating a consistent developmental trajectory of the newborn’s immune system over the first week of human life across continents. Our findings indicate that the classical complement pathway is central for newborn immunity and our approach to characterize the plasma proteome in parallel with the transcriptome will provide crucial insight in immune ontogeny and inform new approaches to prevent and treat diseases.
Intracranial Bleeding After Reperfusion Therapy in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients Randomized to Glyceryl Trinitrate vs. Control: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Authors: Appleton Jason P. , Woodhouse Lisa J. , Sprigg Nikola , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Bath Philip M.
Published: October 2020

Background: Thrombolysis, with or without thrombectomy, for acute ischaemic stroke is associated with an increased risk of intracranial bleeding. We assessed whether treatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a nitric oxide donor, may influence the associated bleeding risk.

Methods: We searched for completed randomized controlled trials of GTN vs. no GTN in acute ischaemic stroke with data on reperfusion treatments (thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy). The primary efficacy outcome was functional status as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at day 90; the primary safety outcome was intracranial bleeding. Secondary safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and haemorrhagic transformation of infarction. Individual patient data were pooled and meta-analysis performed using ordinal or binary logistic regression with adjustment for trial and prognostic variables both overall and in those randomized within 6 h of symptom onset.

Results: Three trials met the eligibility criteria. Of 715 patients with ischaemic stroke who underwent thrombolysis (709, >99%) or thrombectomy (24, 3.4%), 357 (49.9%) received GTN and 358 (50.1%) received no GTN. Overall, there was no difference in the distribution of the mRS at day 90 between GTN vs. no GTN (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.72–1.23; p = 0.65); similarly, there was no difference in intracranial hemorrhage rates between treatment groups (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.43–1.89; p = 0.77). In those randomized to GTN vs. no GTN within 6 h of symptom onset, there were numerically fewer bleeding events, but these analyses did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: In ischaemic stroke patients treated predominantly with thrombolysis, transdermal GTN was safe, but did not influence functional outcome at 90 days.
Stress Varies Along the Social Density Continuum
Authors: Love Jay , Zelikowsky Moriel
Published: October 2020

Social stress is ubiquitous in the lives of social animals. While significant research has aimed to understand the specific forms of stress imparted by particular social interactions, less attention has been paid to understanding the behavioral effects and neural underpinnings of stress produced by the presence and magnitude of social interactions. However, in humans and rodents alike, chronically low and chronically high rates of social interaction are associated with a suite of mental health issues, suggesting the need for further research. Here, we review literature examining the behavioral and neurobiological findings associated with changing social density, focusing on research on chronic social isolation and chronic social crowding in rodent models, and synthesize findings in the context of the continuum of social density that can be experienced by social animals. Through this synthesis, we aim to both summarize the state of the field and describe promising avenues for future research that would more clearly define the broad effects of social interaction on the brain and behavior in mammals.
Application of the Approximate Bayesian Computation Algorithm to Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Burr Tom , Favalli Andrea , Lombardi Marcie , Stinnett Jacob
Published: October 2020

Radioisotope identification (RIID) algorithms for gamma-ray spectroscopy aim to infer what isotopes are present and in what amounts in test items. RIID algorithms either use all energy channels in the analysis region or only energy channels in and near identified peaks. Because many RIID algorithms rely on locating peaks and estimating each peak’s net area, peak location and peak area estimation algorithms continue to be developed for gamma-ray spectroscopy. This paper shows that approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) can be effective for peak location and area estimation. Algorithms to locate peaks can be applied to raw or smoothed data, and among several smoothing options, the iterative bias reduction algorithm (IBR) is recommended; the use of IBR with ABC is shown to potentially reduce uncertainty in peak location estimation. Extracted peak locations and areas can then be used as summary statistics in a new ABC-based RIID. ABC allows for easy experimentation with candidate summary statistics such as goodness-of-fit scores and peak areas that are extracted from relatively high dimensional gamma spectra with photopeaks (1024 or more energy channels) consisting of count rates versus energy for a large number of gamma energies.
Model-Based Real-Time Motion Tracking Using Dynamical Inverse Kinematics
Authors: Rapetti Lorenzo , Tirupachuri Yeshasvi , Darvish Kourosh , Dafarra Stefano , Nava Gabriele , Latella Claudia , Pucci Daniele
Published: October 2020

This paper contributes towards the development of motion tracking algorithms for time-critical applications, proposing an infrastructure for dynamically solving the inverse kinematics of highly articulate systems such as humans. The method presented is model-based, it makes use of velocity correction and differential kinematics integration in order to compute the system configuration. The convergence of the model towards the measurements is proved using Lyapunov analysis. An experimental scenario, where the motion of a human subject is tracked in static and dynamic configurations, is used to validate the inverse kinematics method performance on human and humanoid models. Moreover, the method is tested on a human-humanoid retargeting scenario, verifying the usability of the computed solution in real-time robotics applications. Our approach is evaluated both in terms of accuracy and computational load, and compared to iterative optimization algorithms.
Implementation of an Upper-Limb Exoskeleton Robot Driven by Pneumatic Muscle Actuators for Rehabilitation
Authors: Chen Chun-Ta , Lien Wei-Yuan , Chen Chun-Ting , Wu Yu-Cheng
Published: October 2020

Implementation of a prototype of a 4-degree of freedom (4-DOF) upper-limb exoskeleton robot for rehabilitation was described in this paper. The proposed exoskeleton robot has three DOFs at the shoulder joint and one DOF at the elbow joint. The upper-limb exoskeleton robot is driven by pneumatic muscle actuators (PMA) via steel cables. To implement the passive rehabilitation control, the rehabilitation trajectories expressed in the Fourier series were first planned by the curve fitting. The fuzzy sliding mode controller (FSMC) was then applied to the upper-limb exoskeleton robot for rehabilitation control. Several rehabilitation scenarios were carried out to validate the designed PMA-actuated exoskeleton robot.
Evaluation of Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) Networks Performance for Launcher Vehicles and Spacecraft Tracking
Authors: Marzioli Paolo , Santoni Fabio , Piergentili Fabrizio
Published: October 2020

Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) networks could support spacecraft orbit determination or near-space (launcher and suborbital) vehicle tracking for an increased number of satellite launches and space missions in the near future. The evaluation of the geometry of TDOA networks could involve the dilution of precision (DOP), but this parameter is related to a single position of the target, while the positioning accuracy of the network with targets in the whole celestial vault should be evaluated. The paper presents the derivation of the MDOP (minimum dilution of precision), a parameter that can be used for evaluating the performance of TDOA networks for spacecraft tracking and orbit determination. The MDOP trend with respect to distance, number of stations and target altitude is reported in the paper, as well as examples of applications for network performance evaluation or time precision requirement definitions. The results show how an increase in the baseline enables the inclusion of more impactive improvements on the MDOP and the mean error than an increase in the number of stations. The target altitude is demonstrated as noninfluential for the MDOP trend, making the networks uniformly applicable to lower altitude (launchers and suborbital vehicles) and higher altitude (Low and Medium Earth Orbits satellites) spacecraft.
Neonicotinoid Residues in Sugar Beet Plants and Soil under Different Agro-Climatic Conditions
Authors: Viric Gasparic Helena , Grubelic Mirela , Dragovic Uzelac Verica , Bazok Renata , Cacija Maja , Drmic Zrinka , Lemic Darija
Published: October 2020

European sugar beet was mostly grown from seeds treated by neonicotinoids which provided efficient control of some important sugar beet pests (aphids and flea beetles). The EU commission regulation from 2018 to ultimately restrict the outdoor application of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin could significantly affect European sugar beet production. Although alternative insecticides (spinosad, chlorantraniliprole, neem) are shown to have certain effects on particular pests when applied as seed treatment, it is not likely that in near future any insecticide will be identified as a good candidate for neonicotinoids’ substitution. The aim of this research is to evaluate residue levels (LC-MS/MS method) of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam applied as seed dressing in sugar beet plants during two growing seasons in fields located in different agro-climatic regions and in greenhouse trials. In 2015, 25 to 27 days post planting (PP) maximum of 0.028% of imidacloprid and 0.077% of thiamethoxam were recovered from the emerged plants, respectively. In 2016, the recovery rate from the emerged plants 40 days PP was 0.003% for imidacloprid and 50 days PP was up to 0.022% for thiamethoxam. There were no neonicotinoid residues above the maximum residue level in roots at the time of harvesting, except in case of samples from thiamethoxam variant collected from greenhouse trials in 2016 (0.053 mg/kg). The results of this research lead to the conclusion that the seed treatment of sugar beet leaves minimal trace in plants because of the complete degradation while different behavior has been observed in the two fields and a glasshouse trial regarding the residues in soil. Dry conditions, leaching incapacity, or irregular flushing can result in higher concentrations in soil which can present potential risk for the succeeding crops. The results of our study could provide additional arguments about possible risk assessment for seed treatment in sugar beet.
Contrasting Response Mechanisms of Maize Lines to Striga hermonthica
Authors: Unachukwu Nnanna N. , Menkir Abebe , Stanley Adekemi , Farombi Ebenezer O. , Gedil Melaku
Published: October 2020

Strigahermonthica (Del.) Benth is a parasitic weed that devastates cereals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Several control measures have been proposed for the parasite, of these, host plant resistance is considered the most cost-effective for poor farmers. Some tolerant/resistant lines have been developed and these lines display tolerance/resistance mechanisms to the parasite. A series of studies was done to investigate some of the mechanisms through which a resistant (TZISTR1108) and a susceptible (5057) maize line responds to S. hermonthica infestation, as well as the effects of parasitism on these lines. In this study, TZISTR1108 stimulated the germination and attachment of fewer S. hermonthica plants than 5057, both in the laboratory and on the field. In TZISTR1108, the growth of the S. hermonthica plants, that successfully attached, was slowed. When compared to the un-infested plants, the infested resistant plants showed fewer effects of parasitism than the infested susceptible plants. The infested TZISTR1108 plants were more vigorous, taller and resembled their un-infected counterparts. There were substantial reductions in the stomatal conductance and nitrogen content of the 5057 upon infestation. The resistant inbred line showed multiple mechanisms of resistance to S. hermonthica infestation. It thrives better than the susceptible line by reducing the attachment of S. hermonthica and it delays the parasite’s development.
Potato Yield Gaps in North Korea and Strategies to Close the Gaps
Authors: Kim Yean-Uk , Lee Byun-Woo , Heu Sunggi , Shim Kang-Bo , Kim Do-Soon
Published: October 2020

Potato has become one of the staple crops to improve food security in North Korea since the late 1990s. However, the potato yield has been stagnated around 11–12 t ha−1 for several decades, and a food shortage is still a primary issue in North Korea. Yield gap analyses were carried out using the SUBSTOR-potato model to quantify the potato yield gaps and explore the potential ways to close the yield gaps in two different cropping seasons in North Korea (early- and main-season potatoes). Yield gaps were estimated to be around 80% for both early- and main-season potatoes. Early-season potato yield was substantially determined by water or nitrogen supplies, depending on the year’s weather condition (i.e., with or without spring drought). Irrigation during the vegetative stage could effectively reduce the year-to-year variation in yield as well as the yield gap (+7.0 t ha−1, +66.1%). Meanwhile, additional nitrogen fertilizer in the early-season potatoes was less effective compared to that in the main-season potatoes. For the main-season potatoes, where precipitation was sufficient, the primary limiting factor of yield was nitrogen supply. Since heavy rainfall aggravated nitrogen leaching, additional nitrogen fertilizer is recommended as a top dressing rather than a basal dressing. Additional top dressing at 50 days after planting with the current amount of nitrogen fertilizer was expected to increase the main-season potato yield by 42.0 t ha−1 (+191.4%). This study highlights that the primary limiting factor of potato yield may differ between the cropping seasons. Therefore, our findings suggest that different agronomic strategies should be applied for different cropping seasons to improve potato production in North Korea, where agronomic resources are limited.
Optimized Nitrogen Application Increases Soil Water Extraction by Changing in-Season Maize Root Morphology and Distribution in Rainfed Farmland
Authors: Tang Liang , Sun Haoran , Sun Ruxiao , Niu Yinan , Song Jingrong , Li Shiqing , Shen Yufang
Published: October 2020

The proper promotion of a deep root system is important for maize cultivation to improve water use efficiency in the arid and semi-arid Loess Plateau. Here, a field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of combined controlled release urea and normal urea on root growth and water extraction of maize in dryland fields. Maize in the combined controlled release urea and normal urea treatment had greater root systems compared to those in the normal urea treatment and no N application treatment. Compared to the urea treatment, combined controlled release urea and normal urea advanced the root length density and root weight density in the 0–10 cm soil layer at R1 stage by 30.99% and 45.03% in 2016 and by 20.54% and 19.13% in 2017. The root length density also increased at the dent stage (R5) by 52.05% and 47.75% in 2016 and 2017, and root weight density increased by 19.58% in 2016. Combined controlled release urea and normal urea promoted production of fine roots and root distribution, as well as decreased soil water storage (SWS) in the deep soil layer at the R5 stage. The grain yield was positively correlated with root length density and root weight density in the topsoil layer at the silking stage (R1) and in the whole soil profile at the R5 stage, suggesting that better root system management is helpful for increasing crop grain yield. Therefore, this work demonstrates that combined use of controlled release urea and normal urea to higher crop yields might attribute to increasing water extraction by optimizing in-season maize root morphology and distribution in the rainfed farmland of the Loess Plateau.
Effects of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes and Biodegradable Municipal Wastes Co-Mixed Composts on Nitrogen Dynamics in an Oxisol
Authors: MUSA Aishatu Mala , ISHAK Che Fauziah , KARAM Daljit Singh , Md JAAFAR Noraini
Published: October 2020

Organic waste generation in developing countries is increasing and appropriate disposal methods are needed. An open aerobic composting using 20 L bins was carried out using 6 composts made using ratios of 3:1, 1:2 and 1:4 fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW):biodegradable municipal waste (BMW), with and without addition of homemade indigenous microorganisms (IMO), for 30 days to monitor compost quality. The nitrogen contents of the composts ranged from 1.52 to 2.76% N equivalent to 76–138 kg N ha−1 at 5 t ha−1 compost application rates. Heavy metals measured were below permissible levels of compost quality standards. Selected composts were incubated for 60 days to study nitrogen mineralization dynamics when applied to an Oxisol at the rates of 0, 5 and 10 t ha−1. The results showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the amounts of NH4-N, NO3-N and cumulative NH4-N + NO3-N released. Ammonium nitrogen released was higher on days 3, 21 and/or 40 for composts 3:1 − IMO at 10 t ha−1, 3:1 + IMO at 10 t ha−1 and 3:1 − IMO at 5 t ha−1. Cumulative N (NH4 -N + NO3 -N) released over control were 77.98, 64.09 and 64.35% higher for application of 3:1 + IMO, 1:2 − IMO and 1:2 + IMO, respectively, at an application rate of 10 t ha−1. The increased nitrogen content, low heavy metals concentrations and the amount of mineralized N from the composts exhibit potential for increased nutrient availability when applied to a soil.
Relationship between Virulence and Resistance among Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Cepas Virginio , Soto Sara M.
Published: October 2020

Bacteria present in the human body are innocuous, providing beneficial functions, some of which are necessary for correct body function. However, other bacteria are able to colonize, invade, and cause damage to different tissues, and these are categorised as pathogens. These pathogenic bacteria possess several factors that enable them to be more virulent and cause infection. Bacteria have a great capacity to adapt to different niches and environmental conditions (presence of antibiotics, iron depletion, etc.). Antibiotic pressure has favoured the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide. Several studies have reported the presence of a relationship (both positive and negative, and both direct and indirect) between antimicrobial resistance and virulence among bacterial pathogens. This review studies the relationship among the most important Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) taking into account two points of view: (i) the effect the acquisition of resistance has on virulence, and (ii) co-selection of resistance and virulence. The relationship between resistance and virulence among bacteria depends on the bacterial species, the specific mechanisms of resistance and virulence, the ecological niche, and the host.
Image Analysis Applications for Building Inter-Story Drift Monitoring
Authors: Yang Yuan-Sen , Xue Qiang , Chen Pin-Yao , Weng Jian-Huang , Li Chi-Hang , Liu Chien-Chun , Chen Jing-Syu , Chen Chao-Tsun
Published: October 2020

Structural health monitoring techniques have been applied to several important structures and infrastructure facilities, such as buildings, bridges, and power plants. For buildings, accelerometers are commonly used for monitoring the accelerations induced by ambient vibration to analyze the structural natural frequencies for further system identification and damage detection. However, due to the relatively high cost of the accelerometers and data acquisition systems, accelerometer-based structural health monitoring systems are challenging to deploy in general buildings. This study proposed an image analysis-based building deformation monitoring method that integrates a small single-board computer, computer vision techniques, and a single-camera multiple degree-of-freedom algorithm. In contrast to other vision-based systems that use multiple expensive cameras, this method is designed for a single camera configuration to simplify the installation and maintenance procedures for practical applications. It is designed to monitor the inter-story drifts and torsional responses between the ceiling and floor of a story that is being monitored in a building, aiming to maximize the monitored structural responses. A series of 1:10 reduced scale static and dynamic structural experiments demonstrated that the proposed method and the device prototype are capable of analyzing images and structural responses with an accuracy of 0.07 and 0.3 mm from the results of the static and dynamic experiments, respectively. As digital imaging technology has been developing dramatically, the accuracy and the sampling rates of this method can be improved accordingly with the development of the required hardware, making this method practically feasible for an increasing number of applications for building structural monitoring.
Sharpening of Worldview-3 Satellite Images by Generating Optimal High-Spatial-Resolution Images
Authors: Park Honglyun , Kim Namkyung , Park Sangwook , Choi Jaewan
Published: October 2020

Compared to using images in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) wavelength range only, remotely sensed satellite imagery from the spectral wavelengths of both VNIR and shortwave infrared (SWIR), such as Sentinel-2A and Worldview-3, is more effective for analyzing various types of information for tasks such as land cover mapping, environmental monitoring and land use change detection. In this manuscript, a new sharpening technique to enhance the spatial resolution of Worldview-3 satellite imagery with various spatial and spectral resolutions is proposed. Selected and synthesized band schemes were used to produce optimal panchromatic images; then, sharpened images were generated by applying the Gram-Schmidt adaptive (GSA) and Gram-Schmidt 2 (GS2) techniques, which are component substitution (CS)- and multiresolution analysis (MRA)-based algorithms, respectively. In addition, to minimize the spectral distortion of the initial sharpened image, a postprocessing methodology for spectral distortion reduction was developed. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the sharpened images showed that the pansharpening performance using the GS2 technique based on the selected band scheme and spectral distortion reduction was the best. To confirm the usability of the SWIR band, supervised classification based on machine learning was performed on the pansharpened images obtained by applying the technique proposed in this study and on the pansharpened images obtained by the VNIR bands only. The classification accuracy of the results using SWIR bands was higher than that of VNIR bands only. In particular, it was confirmed that the accuracy of the classification of artificial facilities known to be effective for SWIR bands was greatly improved.
Thermo-Optic Numerical Research on Segmented Circular LD Arrays Side-Pumping a Nd:YAG Laser Rod
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Qin , Gao Wenqing , Hu Zhenyue , Zhao Qihang , Yang Sen
Published: October 2020

The configuration designs of the laser diode (LD) side-pumping laser rods focus on how to solve the space conflict between the pump and heat-removal devices because both want to use the larger lateral surface of the laser rod. The conflict is better balanced in the three different side-pumping geometries: the segmented circular LD array side-pumping configuration, the annular liquid-cooling structure, and the compensated semicircular LD array side-pumping arrangement. The temperature distributions and thermo-optic effects of the laser rod in the segmented circular LD array side-pumping configuration are analyzed in contrast with those in the other arrangements. The numerical results indicate that the periodical segment-pumping scheme provides higher beam quality than the compensated semicircular side-pumping scheme, enabling removal of the complex liquid cooling system in medium-power applications, thus showing the potential to be used in compact and miniature laser systems.
Varnishes with Biocidal Activity: A New Approach to Protecting Artworks
Authors: Romero-Noguera Julio , Bailón-Moreno Rafael , Bolívar-Galiano Fernando
Published: October 2020

Keeping agents that cause biodeterioration under control is a common task in restoring and conserving artworks. However, there are very few studies, specifically those concentrating on pictorial works, that provide solutions compatible with the complex mix of organic and inorganic materials to be found in such cultural assets. This study aims to use biocide products that are commonly used in this field (benzalkonium chloride, o-phenylphenol, and tributyltin naphthenate) and which are associated with natural varnishes with a long tradition in artistic practices, in order to protect paintings and polychrome sculptures from environmental fungi and bacteria without altering the original materials or the visual appearance of the artworks. The effectiveness or innocuousness of the treatments was tested chemically and visually via optical microscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS); the treatments produced good results as regards the inhibition of microbial growth and scarce interaction with the artistic materials being studied.
Reduction of NF-κB Signals in Platelets and Prolongation of Platelet Plug Formation against High Shear Flow in Whole Blood on Human Subject by Columbianadin
Authors: Hsia Chih-Wei , Yang Chih-Hao , Sheu Joen-Rong , Hsia Chih-Hsuan , Tsai Cheng-Lin , Huang Wei-Chieh , Chen Ting-Yu , Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Bhavan Periyakali Saravana , Chang Yi
Published: October 2020

Myocardial infarction and cerebral ischemic stroke during the process of arterial thrombosis are prominently causes of death worldwide. Platelets are anucleated cells and play a critical factor in these diseases. Columbianadin (CBN), a coumarin derivative from plants, inhibits effective platelet activation. In this study, platelet function analysis revealed that the closure time of the platelet plug in human whole blood significantly prolonged by CBN, whereas CBN did not pointedly prolong the bleeding time in mice. BAY11-7082 (an inhibitor of IκB kinase) and MG-132 (an inhibitor of proteasome) inhibited collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation and ATP-release in human platelets, BAY11-7082 exhibited a higher potency than MG-132. Moreover, CBN markedly reduced NF-κB activation (e.g., IκBα and p65 phosphorylation) and reversed IκBα degradation in activated platelets. We investigated intercellular signaling events between mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-κB, and found that BAY11-7082 abolished JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Interestingly, SP600125 (an inhibitor of JNK) but not PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK) had no effect in NF-κB activation in activated platelets. Moreover, CBN but not BAY11-7082 significantly reduced hydroxyl radical (HO●) formation in platelets. Therefore, we propose that CBN inhibits NF-κB activation in human platelets and could present a potent clinical treatment for thromboembolic diseases.
Assessment of Appropriate Experimental Parameters for Studying the Kaiser Effect of Rock
Authors: Chen Yanlong , Meng Qingbin , Li Yingchun , Pu Hai , Zhang Kai
Published: October 2020

The Kaiser effect of rock has been extensively studied due to its wide application in in-situ stress measurement and rock damage quantification. The uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading (UCLU) test is commonly employed to examine the rock Kaiser effect. However, how the two critical parameters, including prescribed stress in the first loading cycle (σA) and loading strain rate (lsr), affect the appearance of the Kaiser effect lacks thorough understanding. We systematically performed UCLU tests on 75 sandstone specimens under 25 combinations of σA and lsr. σA spans from 0.5σc (σc is the uniaxial compressive strength) to 0.9σc, and lsr ranges from 10−5 s−1 to 10−3 s−1, respectively. The acoustic emission characteristics of all the rock specimens are continuously monitored over the entire tests. We find that the Kaiser effect is unanimously observed in the stable crack growth stage, corresponding to the stress levels of 0.5σc to 0.7σc because under a lower stress, the Kaiser effect is easily covered by the acoustic emissions generated by microcrack friction. The loading strain rate also heavily affects the occurrence of the Kaiser effect. When lsr does not exceed 10−4 s−1, the Felicity ratio (FR) rises quickly as lsr ascends, whereas FR increases less pronouncedly once lsr exceeds 10−4 s−1. Therefore, a relatively high loading strain rate, i.e., lsr higher than 10−4 s−1, is suggested to facilitate the appearance of the Kaiser effect.
An Approach to the Creation and Presentation of Reference Gesture Datasets, for the Preservation of Traditional Crafts
Authors: Partarakis Nikolaos , Zabulis Xenophon , Chatziantoniou Antonis , Patsiouras Nikolaos , Adami Ilia
Published: October 2020

A wide spectrum of digital data are becoming available to researchers and industries interested in the recording, documentation, recognition, and reproduction of human activities. In this work, we propose an approach for understanding and articulating human motion recordings into multimodal datasets and VR demonstrations of actions and activities relevant to traditional crafts. To implement the proposed approach, we introduce Animation Studio (AnimIO) that enables visualisation, editing, and semantic annotation of pertinent data. AnimIO is compatible with recordings acquired by Motion Capture (MoCap) and Computer Vision. Using AnimIO, the operator can isolate segments from multiple synchronous recordings and export them in multimodal animation files. AnimIO can be used to isolate motion segments that refer to individual craft actions, as described by practitioners. The proposed approach has been iteratively designed for use by non-experts in the domain of 3D motion digitisation.
Safety Concept for Textile-Reinforced Concrete Structures with Bending Load
Authors: Rempel Sergej , Ricker Marcus , Hegger Josef
Published: October 2020

In most countries, for the production and execution of concrete structures with textile reinforcement, building owners must have a general approval (e.g., “abZ” in Germany) or an individual license (e.g., “ZiE” in Germany). Therefore, it is quite common for building authorities to request experimental tests that evaluate the ultimate limit state (ULS) and the serviceability limit state (SLS). However, these experimental tests are detailed, time-consuming and expensive. A practical and simple design model would help to reduce the number of tests needed and would offer structural planners a useful tool. An important aspect is that such design model must fulfil a set of reliability requirements in order to guarantee an adequate safety standard. To this end, probabilistic calculations are required. For the setup of such model, different parameters must be considered, namely the effective depth d and the tensile failure stress of the textile ft for the concrete compressive strength fc. This article presents the probabilistic calculations needed to attain a general safety factor γT that satisfies all the safety requirements for the textile reinforcement of concrete structures with bending load.
Nanocomposites Photocatalysis Application for the Purification of Phenols and Real Olive Mill Wastewater through a Sequential Process
Authors: Vuppala Srikanth , Stoller Marco
Published: October 2020

In this study, a synthetic phenol solution of water and raw olive mill wastewater (OMW) were considered to achieve purification of the aqueous streams from pollutants. Only OMW was initially submitted to a coagulation/flocculation process, to reduce the turbidity, phenols, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). This first treatment appeared to be mandatory in order to remove solids from wastewater, allowing the successive use of laboratory-made core-shell nanocomposites. In detail, the optimal coagulant concentration, i.e., chitosan, was 500 mg/L, allowing a reduction of the turbidity and the COD value by 90% and 33%, respectively. After this, phenol wastewater was tested for photocatalysis and then OMW was treated by employing the laboratory-made nanocomposites in a photoreactor equipped with visible light sources and using optimal catalyst concentrations, which allowed for an additional 45% reduction of the COD of the OMW. In addition to this, the effect of the operating temperature was investigated on the photocatalytic process, and suitable kinetic models proposed.
A Comparative Study of Random Forest and Genetic Engineering Programming for the Prediction of Compressive Strength of High Strength Concrete (HSC)
Authors: Farooq Furqan , Nasir Amin Muhammad , Khan Kaffayatullah , Rehan Sadiq Muhammad , Faisal Javed Muhammad Faisal , Aslam Fahid , Alyousef Rayed
Published: October 2020

Supervised machine learning and its algorithm is an emerging trend for the prediction of mechanical properties of concrete. This study uses an ensemble random forest (RF) and gene expression programming (GEP) algorithm for the compressive strength prediction of high strength concrete. The parameters include cement content, coarse aggregate to fine aggregate ratio, water, and superplasticizer. Moreover, statistical analyses like MAE, RSE, and RRMSE are used to evaluate the performance of models. The RF ensemble model outbursts in performance as it uses a weak base learner decision tree and gives an adamant determination of coefficient R2 = 0.96 with fewer errors. The GEP algorithm depicts a good response in between actual values and prediction values with an empirical relation. An external statistical check is also applied on RF and GEP models to validate the variables with data points. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and decision tree (DT) are also used on a given data sample and comparison is made with the aforementioned models. Permutation features using python are done on the variables to give an influential parameter. The machine learning algorithm reveals a strong correlation between targets and predicts with less statistical measures showing the accuracy of the entire model.
Optimization of Parameters and Methodology for the Synthesis of LTA-Type Zeolite Using Light Coal Ash
Authors: Cruz Thiago J. T. , Melo Mariele I. S. , Pergher Sibele
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of zeolites using waste as a source of Si and Al is well known, and light coal ash has been studied to minimize the problems of waste management and mitigate environmental effects. The residue used in this work was supplied by Coal Workers Assistance Society (SATC) Criciúma–SC/Brazil, and had 24.09% Al2O3 and 54.25% SiO2 in its chemical composition. Synthesis studies using this residue with the objective of obtaining LTA zeolites were carried out by hydrothermal means, alkaline fusion, and the combination of the two methods, varying parameters such as crystallization time, Na/T ratio, OH/ratio, ultrasound exposure, gel agitation temperature, and the alkaline melting temperature of the residue. The results were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG). It was possible to obtain 70% crystalline zeolite type LTA for the first time at mild conditions with temperatures below 200 °C by alkaline fusion with smaller amounts of NaOH and short times (2 h). Thus, suitable parameters were determined for future scaling.
Applying the Cracking Elements Method for Analyzing the Damaging Processes of Structures with Fissures
Authors: Dong Qianqian , Wu Jie , Sun Zizheng , Yan Xiao , Zhang Yiming
Published: October 2020

In this work, the recently proposed cracking elements method (CEM) is used to simulate the damage processes of structures with initial imperfections. The CEM is built within the framework of the conventional finite element method (FEM) and is formally similar to a special type of finite element. Disconnected piecewise cracks are used to represent the crack paths. With the advantage of the CEM for which both the initiation and propagation of cracks can be captured naturally, we numerically study uniaxial compression tests on specimens with multiple joints and fissures, where the cracks may propagate from the tips or from other unexpected positions. Although uniaxial compression tests are considered, tensile damage criteria are mainly used in the numerical model. On the one hand, the results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the CEM, while, on the other hand, some drawbacks of the present model are demonstrated, indicating directions for future work.
A Taxonomy for Security Flaws in Event-Based Systems
Authors: Lee Youn Kyu , Kim Dohoon
Published: October 2020

Event-based system (EBS) is prevalent in various systems including mobile cyber physical systems (MCPSs), Internet of Things (IoT) applications, mobile applications, and web applications, because of its particular communication model that uses implicit invocation and concurrency between components. However, an EBS’s non-determinism in event processing can introduce inherent security vulnerabilities into the system. Multiple types of attacks can incapacitate and damage a target EBS by exploiting this event-based communication model. To minimize the risk of security threats in EBSs, security efforts are required by determining the types of security flaws in the system, the relationship between the flaws, and feasible techniques for dealing with each flaw. However, existing security flaw taxonomies do not appropriately reflect the security issues that originate from an EBS’s characteristics. In this paper, we introduce a new taxonomy that defines and classifies the particular types of inherent security flaws in an EBS, which can serve as a basis for resolving its specific security problems. We also correlate our taxonomy with security attacks that can exploit each flaw and identify existing solutions that can be applied to preventing such attacks. We demonstrate that our taxonomy handles particular aspects of EBSs not covered by existing taxonomies.
High Accuracy Modeling for Solar PV Power Generation Using Noble BD-LSTM-Based Neural Networks with EMA
Authors: Kim Youngil , Seo Keunjoo , Harrington Robert , Lee Yongju , Kim Hyeok , Kim Sungjin
Published: October 2020

More accurate self-forecasting not only provides a better-integrated solution for electricity grids but also reduces the cost of operation of the entire power system. To predict solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation (SPVG) for a specific hour, this paper proposes the combination of a two-step neural network bi directional long short-term memory (BD-LSTM) model with an artificial neural network (ANN) model using exponential moving average (EMA) preprocessing. In this study, four types of historical input data are used: hourly PV generation for one week (168 h) ahead, hourly horizontal radiation, hourly ambient temperature, and hourly device (surface) temperature, downloaded from the Korea Open Data Portal. The first strategy is employed using the LSTM prediction model, which forecasts the SPVG of the desired time through the data from the previous week, which is preprocessed to smooth the dynamic SPVG using the EMA approach. The SPVG was predicted using the LSTM model according to the trend of the previous time-series data. However, slight errors still occur because the weather condition of the time is not reflected at the desired time. Therefore, we proposed a second strategy of an ANN model for more accurate estimation to compensate for this slight error using the four inputs predicted by the LSTM model. As a result, the LSTM prediction model with the ANN estimation model using EMA preprocessing exhibited higher accuracy in performance than other options for SPVG.