bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Organisation of Trauma Services for Rural Australia
Authors: McDonell Angus , Veitch Craig , Aitken Peter , Elcock Mark
Published: December 2018

This review discusses the development of trauma care and the retrieval process in Australia, particularly as it impacts on the rural population. In rural and remote settings, trauma is a major cause of death and disability with the death rate from injuries increasing with progressing remoteness. Time is a critical factor in trauma care and the length of time it takes to reach definitive care has a significant impact on patient outcome. In rural areas people have difficulties accessing medical services within a reasonable time period and the delays associated with the provision of trauma care contribute to an unacceptable level of mortality and morbidity. Since it is impractical to provide sophisticated medical services capable of managing severe trauma in rural areas, referral and retrieval form a vital part of the process of rural trauma care. The focus of this review is the management of severe trauma in rural areas. It will discuss the utilisation of clinical guidelines to improve the process of trauma care and examine if they can be used to reduce the time taken by rural health facilities to seek advice and request retrieval services. The evolution of trauma care in Australia, including the referral and retrieval processes, will be discussed and strategies aimed at improving tertiary hospital referral identified.
Paramedic perceptions of their role, education, training and working relationships when attending cases of mental illness.
Authors: Roberts Louise , Henderson Julie
Published: December 2018

Introduction
This study explores the perceptions of paramedics regarding their role, education and training, organisational culture and interaction with allied professionals when attending suspected or known cases of mental illness. The study uses the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) clinical data to establish a quantitative measure of workload in relation to cases that have been classified as psychiatric. It examines how paramedics perceive their use of the resources currently in place to support practice and their role when dealing with patients displaying mental illness.
Methods
Data were sourced from the SAAS clinical database, a survey and three focus groups. One hundred and fifty surveys were distributed to career paramedic staff in both metropolitan and regional centres of South Australia with a response rate of 49.3% (n=74). The survey was analysed using descriptive statistics to compare paramedics‟ perceptions of workload and time-on-scene with the quantitative data from the SAAS Clinical Database. Thematic analysis was undertaken of the open questions from the survey and focus groups data.
Results
The analysis of workload and time-on-scene showed significant differences between the SAAS database and paramedic perceptions. The survey and focus groups discussed themes in relation to paramedic practice: the role of paramedics in managing mental illness, education and training, organisational culture and interdisciplinary relationships.
Conclusion
Mentally ill patients comprise a growing proportion of the workload of paramedics. This descriptive and exploratory study identifies issues in relation to their perception of workload, education and training, organisational culture and their working relationships with other services. Further research is recommended to understand how these perceptions affect paramedic practice in this area.
A Review of the Efficacy of 10% Dextrose as an Alternative to High Concentration Glucose in the Treatment of Out-of-Hospital Hypoglycaemia
Authors: Nehme Ziad , Cudini Daniel
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Dextrose 50% is commonly accepted as the primary management of severe hypoglycaemia, however its position seems to be by default rather than clinical or research significance. The use of 10% dextrose by some prehospital care providers has demonstrated greater practical and physiological advantages, with less clinical implications than higher concentrations. The objective of this study was to review the literature into the efficacy of intravenous 10% dextrose in the management of out-of-hospital hypoglycaemia.

Methods

A review of select electronic databases was conducted from their commencement to the end of March 2008. Inclusion criteria was any article which evaluated the administration of intravenous glucose within any setting/discipline, or when compared to any alternative intervention. Exclusion criteria were articles pertaining to the administration of glucose other than in the emergency management of hypoglycaemia.

Results

The search yielded 3,651 potential articles, with 24 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Dextrose 10% has demonstrated equal time to restoration of conscious state at smaller doses, with reductions in post-treatment blood sugar levels than the higher 50% concentration. The risk of extravasation injuries and potential clinical ramifications in paediatrics are compelling reasons to consider a shift away from higher concentrations of glucose. The titration of 10% dextrose to patient conscious state has been utilised by other prehospital care providers in replacement of bolus doses of 50% preparations.

Conclusion

There is evidence to suggest that the titration of 10% dextrose to conscious state in severe hypoglycaemia is as efficacious as the administration of 50% dextrose, while reducing associated risks and producing better post-treatment outcomes.
From Stretcher-Bearer to Paramedic: The Australian Paramedics’ Move towards Professionalisation
Authors: Williams Brett , Onsman Andrys , Brown Ted
Published: December 2018

Over the last one hundred and twenty years, the Australian paramedic sector has changed dramatically; influenced and informed by a range of social, health, economic, professional, and political forces. However, there has been little reflection of those changes in either the perception of the discipline as a profession or the manner in which its membership is trained, socialised, and educated.

This paper explores the links between professionalisation and education in the paramedic field. Paramedics are currently at best seen as a „semi-profession‟ and a great deal of discussion about whether the discipline actually wants to achieve full professional status exists. Comparisons will be made with the professions of nursing and physiotherapy, outlining how and why they progressed from a semi-professional status to a fully recognised profession, culminating in a discussion about which characteristics the paramedics discipline as yet lacks. A review of common professional traits suggests three areas where the discipline falls short: 1) the delineation of its professional compass, especially in relation to extant recognised cognate (and competitive) professions, 2) National registration and regulation resulting in professional self-control and accreditation, and 3) Higher Education and the development of a unique body of professional knowledge.

Finally it will be argued that the recognition and addressing of the gaps by the relevant policymakers, regulators, employers and academics will lead to the formulation of strategies that are most likely to result in professional status for paramedics in Australia.
Recovery from Bushfires: The Experience of the 2003 Canberra Bushfires three Years After
Authors: Camilleri Peter , Healy Christine , Macdonald Elspeth , Nicholls Susan , Sykes Jolyon , Winkworth Gail , Woodward Merrilyn
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

The Canberra Bushfires were one of the largest single day natural disasters in Australian history. A group of researchers from across disciplines and sectors (Universities and Government) undertook a major project to study the experiences of people directly affected by the fires in the recovery process. The research team was interested in the longer term recovery experience (approximately three years following the event). The paper briefly outlines the research process, provides an overview of the findings on people's bushfire experiences, health and wellbeing, and views on what helped in individual and community recovery.

Methods

Sixteen hundred households that had been registered with the Bushfire Recovery Centre were surveyed. Five hundred questionnaires were returned and forty people interviewed. The survey consisted of 126 items. The survey took between 40 to 70 minutes to complete and the response rate was 32%.

Results

Many respondents experienced substantial property losses as a result of this bushfire (74% reported structural loss or damage to dwellings), and 78% of people recalled that they felt a threat of death or injury to themselves or significant others during the fires. The majority of respondents were positive about their health and wellbeing. A considerable number of individuals reported ongoing health and psychosocial problems related to the bushfires. Respondents commented on what helped in the recovery process.

Conclusion

With adequate support many people may not experience lasting negative outcomes for their health, mental health or wellbeing in the years following a bushfire disaster. However, continuing adverse effects on health and wellbeing are expected in the context of a high degree of loss, threat to life, and life stressors. Long term support is required for those experiencing ongoing health and psychosocial problems related to the bushfire. Given the diversity of experiences post-disaster a range of recovery responses are required over a period of years to support community and individual needs.
Disaster Experience in the Context of Life: Perspectives Five to Six Years after the 2003 Canberra Bushfire
Authors: Citraningtyas Theresia , Macdonald Elspeth , Raphael Beverley
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To gain deeper understanding of the long-term lived experiences of adults affected by the 2003 Canberra bushfire, approximately five to six years after the disaster.

Methods

We present an overview of themes that emerged from thematic analysis of transcripts of in-depth semi-structured interviews of 25 adults directly affected by the 2003 Canberra bushfire interviewed from April 2008 to March 2009. Coincidentally, six of these participants were interviewed following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires and, where relevant, this is noted.

Results

The overarching themes that emerged were sensory memory from the day of the fires, emotions, relationships, and other life events. Participants reported an extraordinary sensory experience. They also reported and demonstrated mixed emotions over five years after the incident, such as fear, grief and anger, intertwined with gratitude and a sense of achievement. The disaster experience bonded some relationships, strained others, and often simultaneously supported and caused difficulties in close relationships. In terms of other life events, participants gauged the impact of the fires in relation to other significant personal life events before or after the fire. A few reported a sense of having to face a series of hardships; however, others reported that experiencing other hardships put the bushfires in perspective. Those interviewed following the 2009 Victorian bushfires also presented an interplay between emotions relating to their own experience and their thoughts and feelings relating to the more recent bushfire in Victoria.

Conclusion

Findings highlighted how the subjective experiences, perceived supportive and unsupportive factors, and meaning-making of people affected by disaster are embedded in the context of their lives in a dynamic and multi-dimensional way. People's thoughts and feelings cannot be solely attributed to the disaster in question, and arguably it would not be relevant to do so, as disasters always occur in the context of people's lives. Other life events not only add to the disaster experience, but the various life events can become lenses in which other life events are perceived, experienced, and processed. Grief, loss, fear, anxiety, and guilt can be intertwined with, and thus balanced by, a sense of gratitude and achievement. The role of life events and other factors such as relationships, thus cannot be simply categorised as supportive or risk factors. Subsequent disasters act as painful reminders of one's own experiences, but can also provide an opportunity to work through and relate to them as one who has gone through a similar experience and survived several years down the track.
Frequency of tongue lesions among outpatients attending a tertiary dermatology clinic in Turkey
Authors: YORULMAZ Ahu , YALCİN Basak
Published: December 2018

Background:
The moist, pink, muscular tissue, tongue, serves as an organ of mastication,
swallowing, tasting and vocalization. This highly specialized organ encompasses
several cell types, which give rise to different kinds of diseases. There is a
limited data on the prevalence rates of tongue diseases and factors associated
with tongue lesions. Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence rates of tongue
diseases among outpatients of a large referral center and to determine factors
associated with tongue diseases.Methods:
This was a study of 1808 patients [769 men and 1039 women; mean age, 42.07 ±
18.01 years (range: 18–102 years)], who were prospectively enrolled between
March 2016 and March 2017. Detailed demographic and clinical data, including
tongue lesions were recorded. Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests were used for
statistical analysis, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.Results:
Tongue lesions were observed in 441 of 1808 patients (24.4%). The most
frequently observed tongue diseases were coated tongue (30.6%), fissured tongue
(21.9%) and candidiasis (16.3%). The general prevalence of these lesions were
7.5%, 5.1% and 4%, respectively. Detailed statistical analysis revealed that age
(p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), smoking habits (p < 0.001), coffee
consumption (p = 0.012) and dental treatment history (p < 0.001) were
associated with higher rates of tongue diseases within the study group.

Conclusions:
We have demonstrated that tongue lesions were common in our study population. Further
studies are needed to support these results.
Finite Difference Algorithm on Non-Uniform Meshes for Modeling 2D Magnetotelluric Responses
Authors: Tong Xiaozhong , Guo Yujun , Xie Wei
Published: December 2018

A finite-difference approach with non-uniform meshes was presented for simulating magnetotelluric responses in 2D structures. We presented the calculation formula of this scheme from the boundary value problem of electric field and magnetic field, and compared finite-difference solutions with finite-element numerical results and analytical solutions of a 1D model. First, a homogeneous half-space model was tested and the finite-difference approach can provide very good accuracy for 2D magnetotelluric modeling. Then we compared them to the analytical solutions for the two-layered geo-electric model; the relative errors of the apparent resistivity and the impedance phase were both increased when the frequency was increased. To conclude, we compare our finite-difference simulation results with COMMEMI 2D-0 model with the finite-element solutions. Both results are in close agreement to each other. These comparisons can confirm the validity and reliability of our finite-difference algorithm. Moreover, a future project will extend the 2D structures to 3D, where non-uniform meshes should perform especially well.
A Novel Method for Risk Assessment and Simulation of Collision Avoidance for Vessels based on AIS
Authors: Nguyen ManhCuong , Zhang Shufang , Wang Xiaoye
Published: December 2018

The identification of risks associated with collision for vessels is an important element in maritime safety and management. A vessel collision avoidance system is a topic that has been deeply studied, and it is a specialization in navigation technology. The automatic identification system (AIS) has been used to support navigation, route estimation, collision prediction, and abnormal traffic detection. This article examined the main elements of ship collision, developed a mathematical model for the risk assessment, and simulated a collision assessment based on AIS information, thereby providing meaningful recommendations for crew training and a warning system, in conjunction with the AIS on board.
Trajectory Clustering and k-NN for Robust Privacy Preserving Spatiotemporal Databases
Authors: Dritsas Elias , Trigka Maria , Gerolymatos Panagiotis , Sioutas Spyros
Published: December 2018

In the context of this research work, we studied the problem of privacy preserving on spatiotemporal databases. In particular, we investigated the k-anonymity of mobile users based on real trajectory data. The k-anonymity set consists of the k nearest neighbors. We constructed a motion vector of the form (x,y,g,v) where x and y are the spatial coordinates, g is the angle direction, and v is the velocity of mobile users, and studied the problem in four-dimensional space. We followed two approaches. The former applied only k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) algorithm on the whole dataset, while the latter combined trajectory clustering, based on K-means, with k-NN. Actually, it applied k-NN inside a cluster of mobile users with similar motion pattern (g,v). We defined a metric, called vulnerability, that measures the rate at which k-NNs are varying. This metric varies from 1 k (high robustness) to 1 (low robustness) and represents the probability the real identity of a mobile user being discovered from a potential attacker. The aim of this work was to prove that, with high probability, the above rate tends to a number very close to 1 k in clustering method, which means that the k-anonymity is highly preserved. Through experiments on real spatial datasets, we evaluated the anonymity robustness, the so-called vulnerability, of the proposed method.
Car Soundproof Improvement through an SMA Adaptive System
Authors: Ameduri Salvatore , Brindisi Angela , Ciminello Monica , Concilio Antonio , Quaranta Vincenzo , Brandizzi Marco
Published: December 2018

The work at hand focuses on an adaptive system aimed at improving the soundproof performance of car door seals at specific regimes (cruise), without interfering with the conventional opening and closing operations. The idea addresses the necessity of increasing seal effectiveness, jeopardized by aerodynamic actions that strengthen as the speed increases, generating a growing pressure difference between the internal and the external field in the direction of opening the door, and then deteriorating the acoustic insulation. An original expansion mechanism driven by a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire was integrated within the seal cavity to reduce that effect. The smart material was activated (heated) by using the Joule effect; its compactness contributed to the realization of a highly-integrable and modular system (expanding cells). In this paper, the system development process is described together with the verification and validation activity, aimed at proving the functionality of the realized device. Starting from industrial requirements, a suitable solution was identified by considering the basic phenomenon principle and the allowable design parameters. The envisaged system was designed and its executive digital mock-up (CAD, computer-aided design) was released. Prototyping and laboratory tests showed the reliability of the developed numerical models and validated the associated predictions. Finally, the system was integrated within the reference car. To demonstrate the insulation effect, the experimental campaign was carried out in an anechoic room, achieving significant results on the concept value.
Experimental Study and Parameter Optimization of a Magnetic Coupled Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Rui Xiaobo , Li Yibo , Liu Yue , Zheng Xiaolei , Zeng Zhoumo
Published: December 2018

Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a promising way to develop self-sufficient systems. Structural design and parameter optimization are key issues to improve the performance in applications. This paper presents a magnetic coupled piezoelectric energy harvester to increase the output and bandwidth. A lumped parameter model considering the static position is established and various modes are simulated. This paper focuses on the “Low frequency repulsion mode”, which is more practical. The experiment platform is built with the Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) material, and the results are consistent with the analytical simulation. The optimization process of some key parameters, such as magnets spacing and flux density, is carried out. The results show that there is a corresponding optimal spacing for each flux density, which is positive correlated. With the optimized parameter design, the system achieves peak electrical power of 3.28 mW under the harmonic excitation of 4 m/s2. Compared with the conventional single cantilever harvester, the operated bandwidth is increased by 66.7% and the peak output power is increased by 35.0% in experiment.
Stress Concentration and Optimized Analysis of an Arbitrarily Shaped Hole with a Graded Layer under Anti-Plane Shear
Authors: Guan Yonggang , Li Yun
Published: December 2018

This paper provides a general solution to the anti-plane problem of an arbitrarily shaped hole reinforced with a functionally graded (FG) layer in a homogenous plate. By using the piece-wise homogeneous layers method and the conformal mapping technique, the complex potentials in the form of series in the FG layer are derived based on the theory of complex variable functions. The influence of the FG layer on the shear stress distributions around some typically shaped holes are discussed by numerical examples, and then the optimized analysis of the stress concentration factor (SCF) is performed. The results showed that the SCF of various shaped holes can be noticeably reduced by the optimum design of the material variations in the layer, and the most significant one in this paper is the triangular hole, whose SCF can be decreased by more than 50%.
Hybrid Genetic Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Improved Flow Shop Scheduling with Makespan Criterion
Authors: Wei Hongjing , Li Shaobo , Jiang Houmin , Hu Jie , Hu Jianjun
Published: December 2018

Flow shop scheduling problems have a wide range of real-world applications in intelligent manufacturing. Since they are known to be NP-hard for more than two machines, we propose a hybrid genetic simulated annealing (HGSA) algorithm for flow shop scheduling problems. In the HGSA algorithm, in order to obtain high-quality initial solutions, an MME algorithm, combined with the MinMax (MM) and Nawaz–Enscore–Ham (NEH) algorithms, was used to generate the initial population. Meanwhile, a hormone regulation mechanism for a simulated annealing (SA) schedule was introduced as a cooling scheme. Using MME initialization, random crossover and mutation, and the cooling scheme, we improved the algorithm’s quality and performance. Extensive experiments have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of the combination approach of MME initialization, random crossover and mutation, and the cooling scheme for SA. The result on the Taillard benchmark showed that our HGSA algorithm achieved better performance relative to the best-known upper bounds on the makespan compared with five state-of-the-art algorithms in the literature. Ultimately, 109 out of 120 problem instances were further improved on makespan criterion.
Estimation of High-Resolution Daily Ground-Level PM2.5 Concentration in Beijing 2013–2017 Using 1 km MAIAC AOT Data
Authors: Han Weihong , Tong Ling , Chen Yunping , Li Runkui , Yan Beizhan , Liu Xue
Published: December 2018

High-spatiotemporal-resolution PM2.5 data are critical to assessing the impacts of prolonged exposure to PM2.5 on human health, especially for urban areas. Satellite-derived aerosol optical thickness (AOT) is highly correlated to ground-level PM2.5, providing an effective way to reveal spatiotemporal variations of PM2.5 across urban landscapes. In this paper, Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) AOT and ground-based PM2.5 measurements were fused to estimate daily ground-level PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing for 2013–2017 at 1 km resolution through a linear mixed effect model (LMEM). The results showed a good agreement between the estimated and measured PM2.5 and effectively revealed the characteristics of its spatiotemporal variations across Beijing: (1) the PM2.5 level is higher in the central and southern areas, while it is lower in the northern and northwestern areas; (2) the PM2.5 level is higher in autumn and winter, while it is lower in spring and summer. Moreover, annual PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 24.03% for the whole of Beijing and 31.46% for the downtown area from 2013 to 2017. The PM2.5 data products we generated can be used to assess the long-term impacts of PM2.5 on human health and support relevant government policy decision-making, and the methodology can be applied to other heavily polluted urban areas.
Brevinin-2 Drug Family—New Applied Peptide Candidates Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Their Effects on Lys-7 Expression of Innate Immune Pathway DAF-2/DAF-16 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xie Hui , Zhan Yonghua , Chen Xueli , Zeng Qi , Chen Dan , Liang Jimin
Published: December 2018

The issue of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) developing a resistance to drugs such as methicillin has long been the focus for new drug development. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides, such as small molecular peptides with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and special antibacterial mechanism, have shown a strong medicinal potential. In particular, the Brevinin-2 family has been shown to have a significant inhibitory effect against gram-positive bacteria (G+). In this study, we researched the influence of MRSA on the behavior and survival rate of nematodes. We established an assay of Caenorhabditis elegans–MRSA antimicrobial peptides to screen for new potent anti-infective peptides against MRSA. From the Brevinin-2 family, 13 peptides that had shown strong effects on G+ were screened for their ability to prolong the lifespan of infected worms. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests were used to evaluate the effect on the innate immune pathway dauer formation defective (DAF)-2/DAF-16 of C. elegans. The assay successfully screened and filtered out four of the 13 peptides that significantly improved the survival rate of MRSA-infected worms. The result of real-time PCR indicated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of lys-7 were consistently upregulated by being treated with four of the Brevinin-2 family. The Brevinin-2 family peptides, including Brevinin-2, Brevinin-2-OA3, Brevinin-2ISb, and Brevinin-2TSa, also played an active role in the DAF-2/DAF-16 pathway in C. elegans. We successfully demonstrated the utility of anti-infective peptides that prolong the survival rate of the MRSA-infected host and discovered the relationship between antibacterial peptides and the innate immune system of C. elegans. We demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of Brevinin-2 family peptides, indicating their potential for use as new drug candidates against MRSA infections.
Rapid Antibody Selection Using Surface Plasmon Resonance for High-Speed and Sensitive Hazelnut Lateral Flow Prototypes
Authors: Ross Georgina , Bremer Maria , Wichers Jan , Van Amerongen Aart , Nielen Michel
Published: December 2018

Lateral Flow Immunoassays (LFIAs) allow for rapid, low-cost, screening of many biomolecules such as food allergens. Despite being classified as rapid tests, many LFIAs take 10–20 min to complete. For a really high-speed LFIA, it is necessary to assess antibody association kinetics. By using a label-free optical technique such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), it is possible to screen crude monoclonal antibody (mAb) preparations for their association rates against a target. Herein, we describe an SPR-based method for screening and selecting crude anti-hazelnut antibodies based on their relative association rates, cross reactivity and sandwich pairing capabilities, for subsequent application in a rapid ligand binding assay. Thanks to the SPR selection process, only the fast mAb (F-50-6B12) and the slow (S-50-5H9) mAb needed purification for labelling with carbon nanoparticles to exploit high-speed LFIA prototypes. The kinetics observed in SPR were reflected in LFIA, with the test line appearing within 30 s, almost two times faster when F-50-6B12 was used, compared with S-50-5H9. Additionally, the LFIAs have demonstrated their future applicability to real life samples by detecting hazelnut in the sub-ppm range in a cookie matrix. Finally, these LFIAs not only provide a qualitative result when read visually, but also generate semi-quantitative data when exploiting freely downloadable smartphone apps.
Recent Changes in Drug Abuse Scenarios: The New/Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Phenomenon
Authors: Schifano Fabrizio
Published: December 2018

Over the last decade, the emergence of a vast range of new/novel/emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) has progressively changed drug market scenarios, which have shifted from the ‘street’ to a ‘virtual’/online environment. [...]
The STAT3/Slug Axis Enhances Radiation-Induced Tumor Invasion and Cancer Stem-like Properties in Radioresistant Glioblastoma
Authors: Lin Jang-Chun , Tsai Jo-Ting , Chao Tsu-Yi , Ma Hsin-I , Liu Wei-Hsiu
Published: December 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) requires radiotherapy (RT) as a part of definitive management strategy. RT is highly effective, destroying cancer cells that may exist around the surgical tumor bed. However, GBM still has a poor prognosis and a high local recurrence rate after RT. Accumulating research indicates that GBM contains cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which are radioresistant and result in therapeutic failure. Additionally, GBM cells can aggressively invade normal brain tissue, inducing therapeutic failure. Using clinical observations, we evaluated the effect of radiation on tumor control. We also explored the biomolecular pathways that connect radioresistance and CSC- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated phenotypes in patient-derived GBM cells. Transwell and microarray assay demonstrated that radioresistant GBM cells (GBM-R2I2) exhibit increased invasion and self-renewal abilities compared with parental GBM cells. Finally, to identify potential mechanisms underlying these observations, we used a PCR array to search for molecular markers of cell motility. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) directly bound to the Slug promoter in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Reduced STAT3 decreased Slug expression and suppressed cell invasion in GBM-R2I2 cells while increasing Slug reversed these effects. In addition, STAT3 knockdown significantly inhibited CSC properties, synergistically increased the radiotherapeutic effect, and effectively increased the survival rate in vivo. We deciphered a new pathway of GBM radioresistance, invasion, and recurrence via the STAT3/Slug axis that could be a new target of GBM therapy.
Radiotherapy as a New Player in Immuno-Oncology
Authors: Wang Shang-Jui , Haffty Bruce
Published: December 2018

Recent development in radiation biology has revealed potent immunogenic properties of radiotherapy in cancer treatments. However, antitumor immune effects of radiotherapy are limited by the concomitant induction of radiation-dependent immunosuppressive effects. In the growing era of immunotherapy, combining radiotherapy with immunomodulating agents has demonstrated enhancement of radiation-induced antitumor immune activation that correlated with improved treatment outcomes. Yet, how to optimally deliver combination therapy regarding dose-fractionation and timing of radiotherapy is largely unknown. Future prospective testing to fine-tune this promising combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy is warranted.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass and Polymer Wastes
Authors: Zhang Laibao , Bao Zhenghong , Xia Shunxiang , Lu Qiang , Walters Keisha B.
Published: December 2018

Oil produced by the pyrolysis of biomass and co-pyrolysis of biomass with waste synthetic polymers has significant potential as a substitute for fossil fuels. However, the relatively poor properties found in pyrolysis oil—such as high oxygen content, low caloric value, and physicochemical instability—hampers its practical utilization as a commercial petroleum fuel replacement or additive. This review focuses on pyrolysis catalyst design, impact of using real waste feedstocks, catalyst deactivation and regeneration, and optimization of product distributions to support the production of high value-added products. Co-pyrolysis of two or more feedstock materials is shown to increase oil yield, caloric value, and aromatic hydrocarbon content. In addition, the co-pyrolysis of biomass and polymer waste can contribute to a reduction in production costs, expand waste disposal options, and reduce environmental impacts. Several promising options for catalytic pyrolysis to become industrially viable are also discussed.
Microfiber Coating for Drag Reduction by Flocking Technology
Authors: Hasegawa Mitsugu , Sakaue Hirotaka
Published: December 2018

The biomimicry of using a hair-like structure is introduced as a drag reduction coating. The hair-like structure consists of an array of microfiber that is introduced as a passive drag reduction device. An effective flow control for a transition delay or a flow attachment is expected via an interaction or counteraction of flexible fibers, compared to the existing passive methods that use a solid or rigid surface device. The effect of the microfiber coating on drag reduction over a bluff-body was experimentally investigated using a circular cylinder in a wind tunnel at Reynolds number of 6.1 × 104. A drag reduction of 32% was obtained when the microfiber coating with a length of 0.012D was located at 40° from the stagnation point. Smoke flow visualization showed that flow separation delay was induced by the microfiber coating when the drag reduction occurred.
Two 1-D Coordination Polymers Containing Zinc(II) Hexaborates: [Zn(en){B6O7(OH)6}]·2H2O (en = 1,2-diaminoethane) and [Zn(pn){B6O7(OH)6}]·1.5H2O (pn = 1,2-diaminopropane)
Authors: Altahan Mohammed A. , Beckett Michael A. , Coles Simon J. , Horton Peter N.
Published: December 2018

The synthesis and characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of two new zinc(II) hexaborate(2−) complexes, [Zn(en){B6O7(OH)6}]·2H2O (en = 1,2-diaminoethane) (1) and [Zn(pn){B6O7(OH)6}]·1.5H2O (pn = 1,2-diaminopropane) (2), are reported. These complexes crystallize from aqueous solutions containing 10:1 ratios of B(OH)3 and the appropriate Zn(II) amine complexes ([Zn(en)3][OH]2 or [Zn(pn)3][OH]2) through self-assembly processes. The hexaborate(2−) anions in 1 and 2 are coordinated to two Zn(II) centers and form one-dimensional (1-D) polymeric coordination chains. R22(8) and R22(6) inter-chain H-bond interactions play an important role in these self-assembly processes and are discussed.
Range Entropy: A Bridge between Signal Complexity and Self-Similarity
Authors: Omidvarnia Amir , Mesbah Mostefa , Pedersen Mangor , Jackson Graeme
Published: December 2018

Approximate entropy (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn) are widely used for temporal complexity analysis of real-world phenomena. However, their relationship with the Hurst exponent as a measure of self-similarity is not widely studied. Additionally, ApEn and SampEn are susceptible to signal amplitude changes. A common practice for addressing this issue is to correct their input signal amplitude by its standard deviation. In this study, we first show, using simulations, that ApEn and SampEn are related to the Hurst exponent in their tolerance r and embedding dimension m parameters. We then propose a modification to ApEn and SampEn called range entropy or RangeEn. We show that RangeEn is more robust to nonstationary signal changes, and it has a more linear relationship with the Hurst exponent, compared to ApEn and SampEn. RangeEn is bounded in the tolerance r-plane between 0 (maximum entropy) and 1 (minimum entropy) and it has no need for signal amplitude correction. Finally, we demonstrate the clinical usefulness of signal entropy measures for characterisation of epileptic EEG data as a real-world example.
Semi-Supervised Minimum Error Entropy Principle with Distributed Method
Authors: Wang Baobin , Hu Ting
Published: December 2018

The minimum error entropy principle (MEE) is an alternative of the classical least squares for its robustness to non-Gaussian noise. This paper studies the gradient descent algorithm for MEE with a semi-supervised approach and distributed method, and shows that using the additional information of unlabeled data can enhance the learning ability of the distributed MEE algorithm. Our result proves that the mean squared error of the distributed gradient descent MEE algorithm can be minimax optimal for regression if the number of local machines increases polynomially as the total datasize.
Eating Habits and Lifestyles in Schoolchildren from Granada (Spain). A Pilot Study
Authors: González-Valero Gabriel , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Chacón-Cuberos Ramón , Castro-Sánchez Manuel , Puertas-Molero Pilar
Published: December 2018

The creation of healthy habits and lifestyles is fundamental in the educational field and for acquiring adequate health levels that will prevail in adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and correlations between the level of practice of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), body mass index (BMI) and problematic use of videogames and self-concept of primary education students. This non-experimental, cross-sectional study is composed of a sample of 577 students aged 10-12 years (11.1 ± 0.638). Subjects were evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence questionnaire (KIDMED), Self-Concept Form-5 (AF-5), Experiences Related to Videogames (QERV) and anthropometric measurements were taken following the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Most students have been found to be of normal weight, although one in five has problems with being overweight or experiencing obesity. Likewise, half of them need to improve their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while they do not have a problematic use of videogames, although one tenth of them in these early ages offer severe problems and it is highlighted that students offer an adequate self-concept. It is also noted that BMI correlates positively with problematic videogame use and social self-concept. Greater addiction to videogames is associated with poorer academic performance, low levels of physical activity and poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Finally, it should be noted that the continued practice of physical-sports activity favors emotional competence and academic performance.
Stability Driven Optimal Controller Design for High Quality Images
Authors: Suh Sangmin
Published: December 2018

This note presents an optimal design method to enhance image quality in optical image stabilization (OIS) systems. First of all, performance limitations of conventional methods are shown and secondly, a new design framework based on convex optimization is proposed. The resulting controller essentially stabilizes the closed loop systems because the proposed method is derived from Lyapunov stability. From the test results, it is confirmed that this method reduces the effect of hand vibrations and makes images sharp. Additionally, it is shown that the proposed method is also effective in robot vision and recognition rate of deep neural network (DNN) based traffic signs and pedestrians detection in automotive applications. This note has three main contributions. First, performance limitations of the conventional method are shown. Second, from the relation between sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions, an indirect design method for performance improvement is proposed, and finally, stability guaranteed optimal design is proposed. Unlike conventional methods, the proposed method does not require addition filters to suppress resonances of the plant and this note highlights phases of the closed loop systems on removing external vibrations.
Throughput Optimization Using Metaheuristic-Tabu Search in the Multicast D2D Communications Underlaying LTE-A Uplink Cellular Networks
Authors: Ningombam Devarani Devi , Shin Seokjoo
Published: December 2018

The sum throughput of a cellular network can be improved when nearby devices employ direct communications using a resource sharing technique. Multicast device-to-device (M-D2D) communication is a promising solution to accommodate higher transmission rates. In an M-D2D communication, a multicast group is formed by considering a transmitter that can transmit the same information to multiple receivers by considering the transmission link conditions. In this paper, we focus on the uplink interference generated due to the non-orthogonal sharing of resources between the cellular users and M-D2D groups. To mitigate the interference, we propose a spectrum reuse-based resource allocation and power control scheme for M-D2D communication underlaying an uplink cellular network. We formulate the throughput optimization problem by considering the fractional frequency reuse (FFR) method within a multicell cellular network. In addition, a metaheuristic-tabu search algorithm is developed that maximizes the probability of finding optimal solutions by minimizing uplink interference. To analyze fairness resource distribution among users, we finally consider Jain’s fairness index. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can improve the coverage probability, success rate, spectral efficiency, and sum throughput of the network, compared with a random resource allocation scheme without a metaheuristic-tabu search algorithm.
Lyapunov Stability and Performance Analysis of the Fractional Order Sliding Mode Control for a Parallel Connected UPS System under Unbalanced and Nonlinear Load Conditions
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Aamir Muhammad , Khan Hussain Sarwar , Waqar Asad , Haroon Faheem , Jafri Atif Raza
Published: December 2018

Parallel-connected uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems have been used to maintain power supply to the critical load in order to increase power capacity and system reliability. This paper presents a robust and precise voltage control strategy for parallel-connected UPS systems. Each parallel-connected UPS system consists of a three-phase inverter with an output inductor-capacitor (LC) filter directly connected to an AC common bus in order to feed the critical load. Fractional-order sliding mode control (FOSMC) is proposed to maintain the quality of the output voltage despite linear, unbalanced and/or nonlinear load condition. The Riemann-Liouville (RL) fractional derivative is employed in designing the sliding surface. The voltage control strategy effectively eliminates the parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, and reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage. Furthermore, it also maintains very good voltage regulation such as dynamic response and steady-state error under the nonlinear or unbalanced load conditions. The stability of the proposed controller is proven by applying Lyapunov stability theory. Droop control approach and virtual output impedance (VOI) loop are investigated to guarantee the accurate active and reactive power-sharing for parallel-connected UPS system. Finally, the implementation of the control scheme is carried out by using MATLAB/Simulink real-time environment.
Comparison of Cassava Starch with Corn as a Feedstock for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Pradyawong Sarocha , Juneja Ankita , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal , Noomhorm Athapol , Singh Vijay
Published: December 2018

Cassava is a high potential feedstock for bioethanol production in Asian countries, primarily due to high yield of carbohydrate per unit land, and its ability to grow on marginal lands with minimal agrochemical requirements. The objective of this study was to compare the bioethanol production from cassava starch with corn starch using a conventional and a raw/granular starch hydrolyzing process (GSH). The fermentation performance of cassava starch was compared with three corn starch types with different amylose: Amylopectin ratios. The final ethanol concentration with cassava starch was similar to that of two corn starch types, dent corn and waxy corn for both processes. For the cassava starch, the ethanol concentration achieved with GSH process was 2.8% higher than that in the conventional process. Cassava starch yielded the highest fermentation rates of the four starches investigated, during the conventional process. Ethanol production and fermentation profiles comparable with corn, a widely used feedstock, makes cassava starch an attractive substrate for bioethanol production.
Multiple-Regression Method for Fast Estimation of Solar Irradiation and Photovoltaic Energy Potentials over Europe and Africa
Authors: Bocca Alberto , Bergamasco Luca , Fasano Matteo , Bottaccioli Lorenzo , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Macii Alberto , Asinari Pietro
Published: December 2018

In recent years, various online tools and databases have been developed to assess the potential energy output of photovoltaic (PV) installations in different geographical areas. However, these tools generally provide a spatial resolution of a few kilometers and, for a systematic analysis at large scale, they require continuous querying of their online databases. In this article, we present a methodology for fast estimation of the yearly sum of global solar irradiation and PV energy yield over large-scale territories. The proposed method relies on a multiple-regression model including only well-known geodata, such as latitude, altitude above sea level and average ambient temperature. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for a fast, preliminary, offline estimation of solar PV output and to analyze possible investments in new installations. Application of the method to a random set of 80 geographical locations throughout Europe and Africa yields a mean absolute percent error of 4.4% for the estimate of solar irradiation (13.6% maximum percent error) and of 4.3% for the prediction of photovoltaic electricity production (14.8% maximum percent error for free-standing installations; 15.4% for building-integrated ones), which are consistent with the general accuracy provided by the reference tools for this application. Besides photovoltaic potentials, the proposed method could also find application in a wider range of installation assessments, such as in solar thermal energy or desalination plants.
Torque Distribution Algorithm for an Independently Driven Electric Vehicle Using a Fuzzy Control Method: Driving Stability and Efficiency
Authors: Park Jinhyun , Jang In Gyu , Hwang Sung-Ho
Published: December 2018

In this paper, an integrated torque distribution strategy was developed to improve the stability and efficiency of the vehicle. To improve the stability of the low friction road surface, the vertical and lateral forces of the vehicle were estimated and the estimated forces were used to determine the driving torque limit. A turning stability index comprised of vehicle velocity and desired yaw rate was proposed to examine the driving stability of the vehicle while turning. The proposed index was used to subdivide turning situations and propose a torque distribution strategy, which can minimize deceleration of the vehicle while securing turning stability. The torque distribution strategy for increased driving stability and efficiency was used to create an integrated torque distribution (ITD) strategy. A vehicle stability index based on the slip rate and turning stability index was proposed to determine the overall driving stability of the vehicle, and the proposed index was used as a weight factor that determines the intervention of the control strategy for increased efficiency and driving stability. The simulation and actual vehicle test were carried out to verify the performance of the developed ITD. From these results, it can be verified that the proposed torque distribution strategy helps solve the poor handling performance problems of in-wheel electric vehicles.