bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Multi-generation Innovation Adoption based on Conjoint effect of Awareness Process
Authors: Agarwal Mohini , Aggrawal Deepti , Anand Adarsh , Singh Ompal
Published: March 2019

The prior models in the field of multi-generation diffusion modeling basically concentrated on employing effects of substitution and switching behavior. But little or no importance has been given to the manner in which information about the product is diffused in the marketplace for eventual determination of intergenerational sales. Sales generally happen when users are informed about the characteristic features of the product. Thus, the effect of information flow on adoption of the product is important for evaluating eventual sales. With the aim of inculcating awareness and adoption process as two different factors impacting the overall sales; in this paper we have developed a systematic approach to model the sales for intergenerational diffusion process. The results are verified on sales data from Semiconductor Industry DRAM shipments.
Dependability Analysis Tool Based on Multi-Dimensional Stochastic Noisy Model for Cloud Computing with Big Data
Authors: Tamura Yoshinobu , Yamada Shigeru
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on a big data on cloud computing environment by using open source software such as Open Stack and Eucalyptus because of the unification management of data and low cost. We propose a new approach to software dependability assessment based on stochastic differential equation modelling and jump diffusion process modelling in order to consider the interesting aspect of the numbers of components, cloud applications, and users. Moreover, we discuss the determination of an optimum software maintenance time minimizing the total expected software cost. In particular, we develop the three-dimensional AIR application for reliability and cost optimization analysis based on the proposed method. Then, we show numerical performance of the developed AIR application to evaluate the method of software reliability assessment for the big data on cloud computing.
On the Methodology of Satellite Data Utilization in Multi-Modeling Approach for Socio-Ecological Risks Assessment Tasks: A Problem Formulation
Authors: Kostyuchenko Yuriy V.
Published: March 2019

The problem of satellite data utilization in multi-modeling approach for socio-ecological risks assessment is formally defined. Methodology of natural geo-systems modeling for variables and indicators selections is described. Observation, measurement and modeling data utilization method in the framework of multi-model approach is described. Methodology and models of risk assessment in framework of decision support approach are defined and described. Brief conclusions on efficiency of the described methodology are proposed. Proposed methodology can applied for wide range of risk-related tasks, such as natural and technological disaster monitoring, air-water-soil pollution control, crop productivity control, etc.
Handling Generalized Type-2 Problems of Digital Circuit Design via the Variable-Entered Karnaugh Map
Authors: Rushdi Rushdi
Published: March 2019

This paper offers a novel treatment of the generalized Type-2 problem, a prominent fundamental problem of digital circuit design. We adapt the input-domain constraining technique via utilization of Variable-Entered Karnaugh Maps (VEKMs) together with careful employment of modern don’t-care notation. Our analysis covers the cases when an honest translator is possible or a sneaky translator is warranted, and is effective whether side inputs are absent or present, and for scalar or vectorial outputs.
System Reliability Analysis Based On Weibull Distribution and Hesitant Fuzzy Set
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Ram Mangey
Published: March 2019

This work deals with the hesitant fuzzy number and averaging operator and fuzzy reliability with the help of Weibull lifetime distribution. Fuzzy reliability function and triangular hesitant fuzzy number also computed with α-cut set of the proposed reliability function. After applying the averaging operator of hesitant theory, the results are better than simple fuzzy. Also at last, a numerical example has been shown that how the hesitant fuzzy and α-cut work in case of reliability theory.
Impact of Entrepreneurial Education Programs on Total Entrepreneurial Activity: The Case of Spain
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez Brizeida Raquel , Sánchez-García José Carlos , Mayens Alexander Ward
Published: March 2019

There is a need to evaluate entrepreneurial education programs (EEPs) to see the impact they have on a country’s development. Previous work has focused mostly on entrepreneurial intentions, mainly in a university context. Additionally, literature reviews on the impact of entrepreneurial education have not yet been conclusive, mainly due to the use of subjective indicators and a low consideration of objective indicators. The purpose of this article is to respond to some of these challenges. Specifically, this study used an objective indicator, Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA), in a non-university context. A database was created that included programs categorized by autonomous communities. The analysis showed that EEPs significantly influenced the entrepreneurial activity of autonomous communities. This implies that entrepreneurial education should be a prioritized objective in the educational policy of these communities. The recommendations derived from these results are, among others, to promote role models, continue supporting the financing of entrepreneurial initiatives through education and training, continue implementing government policies to support entrepreneurship, and carry out evaluations on the impact that these programs have on skills acquired in the short and medium terms, as well as their maintenance over time.
Genome-Wide Microarray Analysis Suggests Transcriptomic Response May Not Play a Major Role in High- to Low-Altitude Acclimation in Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus)
Authors: Chen Tze-Ho , Ma Gwo-Chin , Lin Wen-Hsiang , Lee Dong-Jay , Wu Sheng-Hai , Liao Ben-Yang , Chen Ming , Lin Liang-Kong
Published: March 2019

The harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) is a small rodent species with a wide range of vertical distribution in Taiwan, extending from the sea level to 3100 m altitude. This species has recently suffered from habitat loss in high-altitude areas due to orchard cultivation, which may have resulted in mouse migration from high to low altitude. To investigate whether there is any physiological mechanism involved in altitude acclimation, rat cDNA microarray was used to compare transcriptomic patterns of the skeletal muscle tissues taken from individuals native to the high-altitude environment and those transferred to the low-altitude captive site. Of the 23,188 genes being analyzed, 47 (33 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated) were found to have differential expression (fold change > 4 or < −4, ANOVA p < 0.05). However, after multiple testing correction with a false discovery rate (FDR), only the result for Tnfrsf12a was found to be statistically significant (fold change = 13, FDR p < 0.05). The result was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). The expression of Tnfrsf12a possibly relates to the skeletal muscle biology and thus can be correlated with altitude acclimation. However, finding only one gene transcript with significant alteration suggests that transcriptomic response may not play a major role in high- to low-altitude acclimation in harvest mouse.
Simulation of an Asian Dust Storm Event in May 2017
Authors: Song Ping , Fei Jianfang , Li Changshun , Huang Xiaogang
Published: March 2019

Dust particles in the atmosphere play an important role in air pollution, climate change, and biogeochemical cycles. Some of the dominant sources of dust in mid-latitude regions are in Asia. An intense dust storm engulfed Northern China at the beginning of May 2017, and PM10 mass concentrations of 1500–2000 μg m−3 were measured near the dust source region. We combined numerical simulations, air quality monitoring data, and satellite retrievals to investigate dust emission and transport during this event. We found that the event was closely related to cold front activity, characterized by increased wind speed, which increased dust emission. We improved the dust scheme using a local dust size distribution to better simulate the dust emission flux. We found that accurate parametrization of the dust size distribution was important to effectively simulate both dust emission and ambient particle concentration. We showed that using a local dust size distribution substantially improved the accuracy of the simulation, allowing both the spatial distribution of pollution caused by the dust storm and temporal variability in the pollution to be captured.
Does the Bilingual Advantage in Cognitive Control Exist and If So, What Are Its Modulating Factors? A Systematic Review
Authors: van den Noort Maurits , Struys Esli , Bosch Peggy , Jaswetz Lars , Perriard Benoît , Yeo Sujung , Barisch Pia , Vermeire Katrien , Lee Sook-Hyun , Lim Sabina
Published: March 2019

Recently, doubts were raised about the existence of the bilingual advantage in cognitive control. The aim of the present review was to investigate the bilingual advantage and its modulating factors. We searched the Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and ERIC databases for all original data and reviewed studies on bilingualism and cognitive control, with a cut-off date of 31 October 2018, thereby following the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol. The results of the 46 original studies show that indeed, the majority, 54.3%, reported beneficial effects of bilingualism on cognitive control tasks; however, 28.3% found mixed results and 17.4% found evidence against its existence. Methodological differences seem to explain these mixed results: Particularly, the varying selection of the bilingual participants, the use of nonstandardized tests, and the fact that individual differences were often neglected and that longitudinal designs were rare. Therefore, a serious risk for bias exists in both directions (i.e., in favor of and against the bilingual advantage). To conclude, we found some evidence for a bilingual advantage in cognitive control; however, if significant progress is to be made, better study designs, bigger data, and more longitudinal studies are needed.
LNSNet: Lightweight Navigable Space Segmentation for Autonomous Robots on Construction Sites
Authors: Asadi Khashayar , Chen Pengyu , Han Kevin , Wu Tianfu , Lobaton Edgar
Published: March 2019

An autonomous robot that can monitor a construction site should be able to be can contextually detect its surrounding environment by recognizing objects and making decisions based on its observation. Pixel-wise semantic segmentation in real-time is vital to building an autonomous and mobile robot. However, the learning models’ size and high memory usage associated with real-time segmentation are the main challenges for mobile robotics systems that have limited computing resources. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents an efficient semantic segmentation method named LNSNet (lightweight navigable space segmentation network) that can run on embedded platforms to determine navigable space in real-time. The core of model architecture is a new block based on separable convolution which compresses the parameters of present residual block meanwhile maintaining the accuracy and performance. LNSNet is faster, has fewer parameters and less model size, while provides similar accuracy compared to existing models. A new pixel-level annotated dataset for real-time and mobile navigable space segmentation in construction environments has been constructed for the proposed method. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency that are necessary for the future development of the autonomous robotics systems.
Bipartite Structures in Social Networks: Traditional versus Entropy-Driven Analyses
Authors: Rödder Wilhelm , Dellnitz Andreas , Kulmann Friedhelm , Litzinger Sebastian , Reucher Elmar
Published: March 2019

A special type of social networks is the so-called affiliation network, consisting of two modes of vertices: actors and events. Up to now, in the undirected case, the closeness of actors in such networks has been measured by their jointly-attended events. Indirect contacts and attenuated and directed links are of minor interest in affiliation networks. These flaws make a veritable estimation of, e.g., possible message transfers amongst actors questionable. In this contribution, first, we discuss these matters from a graph-theoretical point of view. Second, so as to avoid the identified weaknesses, we propose an up-and-coming entropy-based approach for modeling such networks in their generic structure, replacing directed (attenuated) links by conditionals: if-then. In this framework, the contribution of actors and events to a reliable message transfer from one actor to another—even via intermediaries—is then calculated applying the principle of maximum entropy. The usefulness of this new approach is demonstrated by the analysis of an affiliation network called “corporate directors”.
Fixed and Long Time Span Jump Tests: New Monte Carlo and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Cheng Mingmian , Swanson Norman R.
Published: March 2019

Numerous tests designed to detect realized jumps over a fixed time span have been proposed and extensively studied in the financial econometrics literature. These tests differ from “long time span tests” that detect jumps by examining the magnitude of the jump intensity parameter in the data generating process, and which are consistent. In this paper, long span jump tests are compared and contrasted with a variety of fixed span jump tests in a series of Monte Carlo experiments. It is found that both the long time span tests of Corradi et al. (2018) and the fixed span tests of Aït-Sahalia and Jacod (2009) exhibit reasonably good finite sample properties, for time spans both short and long. Various other tests suffer from finite sample distortions, both under sequential testing and under long time spans. The latter finding is new, and confirms the “pitfall” discussed in Huang and Tauchen (2005), of using asymptotic approximations associated with finite time span tests in order to study long time spans of data. An empirical analysis is carried out to investigate the implications of these findings, and “time-span robust” tests indicate that the prevalence of jumps is not as universal as might be expected.
Problems Related to Gasification of Biomass—Properties of Solid Pollutants in Raw Gas
Authors: Najser Jan , Buryan Petr , Skoblia Sergej , Frantik Jaroslav , Kielar Jan , Peer Vaclav
Published: March 2019

Nowadays, thermochemical biomass conversion appears to be a very promising way to process heat and steam generation, for use in a cogeneration unit engine, or for example in gas turbines producing electrical energy. The biggest problem regarding using the syngas in internal combustion engines, are pollutants, which have quite an inauspicious influence on their proper working. This article deals with the establishment of the distribution size of solid particles captured by the fiber filters in the syngas with a suitable cleaning design. Gas was produced in the fixed-bed “Imbert” type generator. Filter cake, which contained pollutants, was captured on a filter and then analyzed. Based on single total solid particles (TSP) components, we conclude that this includes its partial elimination.
A Diffusion-Reaction Model for Predicting Enzyme-Mediated Dynamic Hydrogel Stiffening
Authors: Liu Hung-Yi , Lin Chien-Chi
Published: March 2019

Hydrogels with spatiotemporally tunable mechanical properties have been increasingly employed for studying the impact of tissue mechanics on cell fate processes. These dynamic hydrogels are particularly suitable for recapitulating the temporal stiffening of a tumor microenvironment. To this end, we have reported an enzyme-mediated stiffening hydrogel system where tyrosinase (Tyrase) was used to stiffen orthogonally crosslinked cell-laden hydrogels. Herein, a mathematical model was proposed to describe enzyme diffusion and reaction within a highly swollen gel network, and to elucidate the critical factors affecting the degree of gel stiffening. Briefly, Fick’s second law of diffusion was used to predict enzyme diffusion in a swollen poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-peptide hydrogel, whereas the Michaelis–Menten model was employed for estimating the extent of enzyme-mediated secondary crosslinking. To experimentally validate model predictions, we designed a hydrogel system composed of 8-arm PEG-norbornene (PEG8NB) and bis-cysteine containing peptide crosslinker. Hydrogel was crosslinked in a channel slide that permitted one-dimensional diffusion of Tyrase. Model predictions and experimental results suggested that an increasing network crosslinking during stiffening process did not significantly affect enzyme diffusion. Rather, diffusion path length and the time of enzyme incubation were more critical in determining the distribution of Tyrase and the formation of additional crosslinks in the hydrogel network. Finally, we demonstrated that the enzyme-stiffened hydrogels exhibited elastic properties similar to other chemically crosslinked hydrogels. This study provides a better mechanistic understanding regarding the process of enzyme-mediated dynamic stiffening of hydrogels.
Evaluation of DNA Methylation Changes and Micronuclei in Workers Exposed to a Construction Environment
Authors: Silva Isana R. , Ramos Manoela C. A. S. , Arantes Lídia M. R. B. , Lengert André V. H. , Oliveira Marco A. , Cury Fernanda P. , Martins Pereira Guilherme , Santos Aldenor G. , Barbosa Fernando , Vasconcellos Pérola C. , Cuenin Cyrille , Herceg Zdenko , Silveira Henrique C.S.
Published: March 2019

Methylation levels in tumor-suppressor genes and repetitive sequences have previously been used to study the relationship between environmental air pollution and epigenetic changes related to cancer. In this study, we measured the methylation profiles of the promoter regions CDKN2A, MLH1 and APC and the repetitive sequence LINE-1 in 59 workers exposed to the construction environment and in 49 unexposed workers. We also evaluated the micronuclei frequency and levels of trace elements in the blood of all workers. We evaluated of levels of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the construction site to characterize the environmental exposure. Our findings demonstrated that exposed workers exhibited significantly higher average levels of promoter methylation of CDKN2A, APC, and MLH1 genes and increased hypomethylation of the LINE-1 in comparison to unexposed workers (all p < 0.05). A higher frequency of micronuclei was observed in the exposed group (2 ± 2) compared to the unexposed group (1 ± 1) with p < 0.001. High levels of particulate matter (51–841 μg/m3) and some PAHs were found in samples from the construction environment. In summary, we provide evidence of increased DNA damage and altered DNA methylation of exposed workers, suggesting that genomic approaches to biomonitoring may be an effective way of estimating future cancer risk for construction workers.
Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Metals at Informal Electronic Waste Recycling Sites
Authors: Ohajinwa Chimere , van Bodegom Peter , Osibanjo Oladele , Xie Qing , Chen Jingwen , Vijver Martina , Peijnenburg Willie
Published: March 2019

Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are increasing. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design to gain insights into health risks (cancer and non-cancer risks) associated with exposure to e-waste chemicals among informal e-waste workers via three main routes: Dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The e-waste chemicals (PBDE and metals) were measured in the dust and top soils at e-waste sites (burning, dismantling, and repair sites). Adverse health risks were calculated using the EPA model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The concentrations of the e-waste chemicals and the health risks at the e-waste sites increased as the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities increased: control sites < repair sites < dismantling sites < burning sites. Dermal contact was the main route of exposure while exposure via inhalation was negligible for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Cumulative health risks via all routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact) exceeded the acceptable limits of both non-cancer effects and cancer risk at all e-waste sites. This indicates that overall the e-waste workers are at the risk of adverse health effects. Therefore, the importance of occupational safety programs and management regulations for e-waste workers cannot be over emphasised.
Association of Adiposity Indices with Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Elderly Thai Population: National Health Examination Survey 2009 (NHES-IV)
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Hung , Kriengsinyos Wantanee , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Aekplakorn Wichai
Published: March 2019

Obesity in terms of excess fat mass is associated with increased morbidity, disability and mortality due to obesity-related disorders, including hypertension. Many hypertensive individuals are overweight and often receive their advice to lose weight related to body-fat, in order to lower their blood pressure. However, it is still unclear whether there is a strong association of adipose tissue measured by adiposity indicators with hypertension in the Thai population. Various adiposity indices have been published to distinguish the distribution of body fat with disparate properties. This study examined nine adiposity markers and their association with hypertension in 15,842 Thai adults ≥35 years old. Data were obtained from the nationwide Thai National Health Examination Survey 2009. Accuracy performance and associations of indexes with hypertension were analyzed by Area Under Curve (AUC) and logistic regression analyses. Regardless of gender, the best methods to distinguish performance were waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) [AUC: 0.640 (0.631–0.649)], followed by lipid accumulation product (LAP) [AUC: 0.636 (0.627–0.645)], waist circumference (WC) [AUC: 0.633 (0.624–0.641)], and Conicity index (C-Index) [AUC: 0.630 (0.621–0.639)]. Linear regression analysis exhibited the independent association of the top four indices, WC, WHtR, C-Index, and LAP with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Those indices’ quartiles were graded in a dose-response manner which significantly increased at the higher quartiles. The indicator’s cutoff point carried the odds ratio of presence hypertension in the range of 1.7 to 2.5 (p < 0.001). Among the nine obesity indices, WHtR (cutoff >0.52) in both genders was the simplest and most practical measurement for adiposity in association with hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Thais.
Mechanical Performance of Biodegradable Thermoplastic Polymer-Based Biocomposite Boards from Hemp Shivs and Corn Starch for the Building Industry
Authors: Kremensas Arūnas , Kairytė Agnė , Vaitkus Saulius , Vėjelis Sigitas , Balčiūnas Giedrius
Published: March 2019

Bio-sourced materials combined with a polymer matrix offer an interesting alternative to traditional building materials. To contribute to their wider acceptance and application, an investigation into the use of wood-polymer composite boards is presented. In this study, biocomposite boards (BcB) for the building industry are reported. BcB are fabricated using a dry incorporation method of corn starch (CS) and hemp shiv (HS) treatment with water at 100 °C. The amount of CS and the size of the HS fraction are evaluated by means of compressive bending and tensile strength, as well as microstructure. The results show that the rational amount of CS independently of HS fraction is 10 wt.%. The obtained BcB have compressive stress at 10% of deformation in the range of 2.4–3.0 MPa, bending of 4.4–6.3 MPa, and tensile strength of 0.23–0.45 MPa. Additionally, the microstructural analysis shows that 10 wt.% of CS forms a sufficient amount of contact zones that strengthen the final product.
Fabrication of Lanthanum Strontium Manganite Ceramics via Agar Gel Casting and Solid State Sintering
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Peng Cheng , Guan Chengzhi , Xiao Guoping , Wang Jianqiang
Published: March 2019

Fabricating lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) ceramics with certain shapes is important for the design and construction of high-temperature energy conversion and storage devices. Here, we describe a low-cost and environmentally friendly method for fabricating LSM ceramics via agar gel casting and high temperature sintering. This new approach uses temperature tuning to fabricate LSM gel bodies, not only by manufacturing in the secondary process but also by remolding and recycling during the gel casting process. The effect of the sintering temperature on the properties of LSM ceramics was investigated as well. As a result, the porosity and compressive strength of LSM ceramics sintered at 1000 °C are ~60% and 5.6 MPa, respectively. When the sintering temperature increases to 1200 °C, the porosity decreases to ~28%, whereas the compressive strength increases to 25 MPa, which is able to meet the requirement of cathode-supported SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells).
Environmental Assessment of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Using Carbon, Material, and Water Footprint
Authors: Sameer Husam , Weber Viktoria , Mostert Clemens , Bringezu Stefan , Fehling Ekkehard , Wetzel Alexander
Published: March 2019

There is a common understanding that the environmental impacts of construction materials should be significantly reduced. This article provides a comprehensive environmental assessment within Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) boundaries for Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) in comparison with Conventional Concrete (CC), in terms of carbon, material, and water footprint. Environmental impacts are determined for the cradle-to-grave life cycle of the UHPC, considering precast and ready-mix concrete. The LCA shows that UHPC has higher environmental impacts per m3. When the functionality of UHPC is considered, at case study level, two design options of a bridge are tested, which use either totally CC (CC design) or CC enhanced with UHPC (UHPC design). The results show that the UHPC design could provide a reduction of 14%, 27%, and 43% of carbon, material, and water footprint, respectively.
Mechanical Behaviors of Flax Fiber-Reinforced Composites at Different Strain Rates and Rate-Dependent Constitutive Model
Authors: Hu Dayong , Dang Linwei , Zhang Chong , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: March 2019

Flax fiber-reinforced composites (FFRCs) exhibit excellent environmentally friendly qualities, such as light weight, low cost, recyclability, and excellent mechanical properties. Understanding the dynamic mechanical behavior of FFRCs could broaden their potential applications in lightweight, crashworthy, and impact-critical structures. This study presents a study on the fabrication of FFRCs by vacuum-assisted resin infusion. The dynamic stress–strain responses of the fabricated specimens at strain rates ranging from 0.006 s − 1 to 2200 s − 1 were evaluated using quasi-static tests and the Split–Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The results indicated that the FFRC exhibited superior strain rate sensitivity. Final deformation photographs and scanning electron micrographs clearly revealed the damage evolution of the FFRC specimens, as well as various failure mechanisms, including fiber–matrix debonding, fiber pull-out, and fiber fracture at different strain rates. On the basis of the experimental results, a simplified Johnson–Cook model was established to describe the strain-rate dependent constitutive model of FFRC. The validation of the suggested constitutive model was embedded in the finite element simulations and could well repeat the strain wave observed from the experiment results. Finally, the quasi-static compression and drop-hammer impact of pyramidal lattice structures with FFRC cores were investigated both numerically and experimentally, proving the effectiveness of the simplified Johnson–Cook model. This study could potentially contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic mechanical behavior of FFRCs and provide fundamental experimental data for future engineering applications.
Wire Electrodes Embedded in Artificial Conduit for Long-term Monitoring of the Peripheral Nerve Signal
Authors: Jung Woohyun , Jung Sunyoung , Kim Ockchul , Park HyungDal , Choi Wonsuk , Son Donghee , Chung Seok , Kim Jinseok
Published: March 2019

Massive efforts to develop neural interfaces have been made for controlling prosthetic limbs according to the will of the patient, with the ultimate goal being long-term implantation. One of the major struggles is that the electrode’s performance degrades over time due to scar formation. Herein, we have developed peripheral nerve electrodes with a cone-shaped flexible artificial conduit capable of protecting wire electrodes from scar formation. The wire electrodes, which are composed of biocompatible alloy materials, were embedded in the conduit where the inside was filled with collagen to allow the damaged nerves to regenerate into the conduit and interface with the wire electrodes. After implanting the wire electrodes into the sciatic nerve of a rat, we successfully recorded the peripheral neural signals while providing mechanical stimulation. Remarkably, we observed the external stimuli-induced nerve signals at 19 weeks after implantation. This is possibly due to axon regeneration inside our platform. To verify the tissue response of our electrodes to the sciatic nerve, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and observed axon regeneration without scar tissue forming inside the conduit. Thus, our strategy has proven that our neural interface can play a significant role in the long-term monitoring of the peripheral nerve signal.
Three-Dimensional Structure of PANI/CdS NRs-SiO2 Hydrogel for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution with High Activity and Stability
Authors: Lu Jinrong , Zhang Xin , Gao Huiyuan , Cui Wenquan
Published: March 2019

Three-dimensional PANI/CdSNRs-SiO2 hydrogel (CdS NRs-PANI-SiO2) was synthesized by loading polyaniline (PANI) onto the semiconductor CdS nanorods (NRs) surface and loading the binary complex on SiO2 gel. The structure, optical properties, and electrochemical properties of the composite were studied in detail. The hydrogen production amount of CdS NRs-PANI (3%)-SiO2 (20%) increased in comparison with CdS NRs and reached 43.25 mmol/g in 3 h under visible light. The three-dimensional structure of SiO2 hydrogel increased the specific surface area of the catalyst, which was conducive to exposing more active sites of the catalyst. In addition, the conductive polymer PANI coated on CdS NRs played the role of conductive charge and effectively inhibited the photo-corrosion of CdS NRs. In addition, the recovery experiment showed that the recovery rate of the composite catalyst reached 90% and hydrogen production efficiency remained unchanged after five cycles, indicating that the composite catalyst had excellent stability.
Facile and Ultrasensitive Determination of 4-Nitrophenol Based on Acetylene Black Paste and Graphene Hybrid Electrode
Authors: He Quanguo , Tian Yaling , Wu Yiyong , Liu Jun , Li Guangli , Deng Peihong , Chen Dongchu
Published: March 2019

4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is a hazardous waste and a priority toxic pollutant identified by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hence, in this paper, a voltammetric sensor was proposed for the direct and sensitive detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) at nanomolar level in complex matrices by using graphene and acetylene black paste hybridized electrode (GR/ABPE). Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve demonstrates a linear relationship for 4-NP in the range from 20 nM to 8.0 μM and 8.0 μM to 0.1 mM separately with the detection limit of 8.0 nM. In addition to it, the performance of the GR/ABPE in practical applications was evaluated by detecting 4-NP in various water samples, and satisfactory recoveries were realized. Therefore, GR/ABPE may have a great potential application for facile and sensitive detection of 4-NP in complex matrices at nanomolar level.
The Impact of Cross-linking Mode on the Physical and Antimicrobial Properties of a Chitosan/Bacterial Cellulose Composite
Authors: Liang Jun , Wang Rui , Chen Ruipeng
Published: March 2019

The bacteriostatic performance of a chitosan film is closely related to its ionic and physical properties, which are significantly influenced by the mode of cross-linking. In the current work, chitosan with or without bacterial cellulose was cross-linked with borate, tripolyphosphate, or the mixture of borate and tripolyphosphate, and the composite films were obtained by a casting of dispersion. Mechanical measurements indicated that different modes of cross-linking led to varying degrees of film strength and elongation increases, while the films treated with the borate and tripolyphosphate mixture showed the best performance. Meanwhile, changes in the fractured sectional images showed a densified texture induced by cross-linkers, especially for the borate and tripolyphosphate mixture. Measurements of Fourier transform infrared showed the enhanced interaction between the matrix polymers treated by borate, confirmed by a slight increase in the glass transitional temperature and a higher surface hydrophobicity. However, the reduced antimicrobial efficiency of composite films against E. coli, B. cinerea, and S. cerevisiae was obtained in cross-linked films compared with chitosan/bacterial cellulose films, indicating that the impact on the antimicrobial function of chitosan is a noteworthy issue for cross-linking.
Some Advances in Supercritical Fluid Extraction for Fuels, Bio-Materials and Purification
Authors: Marcus Yizhak
Published: March 2019

Supercritical fluids are used for the extraction of desired ingredients from natural materials, but also for the removal of undesired and harmful ingredients. In this paper, the pertinent physical and chemical properties of supercritical water, methanol, ethanol, carbon dioxide, and their mixtures are provided. The methodologies used with supercritical fluid extraction are briefly dealt with. Advances in the application of supercritical extraction to fuels, the gaining of antioxidants and other useful items from biomass, the removal of undesired ingredients or contaminants, and the preparation of nanosized particles of drugs are described.
Competition and Burn Severity Determine Post-Fire Sapling Recovery in a Nationally Protected Boreal Forest of China: An Analysis from Very High-Resolution Satellite Imagery
Authors: Fang Lei , Crocker Ellen V. , Yang Jian , Yan Yan , Yang Yuanzheng , Liu Zhihua
Published: March 2019

Anticipating how boreal forest landscapes will change in response to changing fire regime requires disentangling the effects of various spatial controls on the recovery process of tree saplings. Spatially explicit monitoring of post-fire vegetation recovery through moderate resolution Landsat imagery is a popular technique but is filled with ambiguous information due to mixed pixel effects. On the other hand, very-high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery accurately measures crown size of tree saplings but has gained little attention and its utility for estimating leaf area index (LAI, m2/m2) and tree sapling abundance (TSA, seedlings/ha) in post-fire landscape remains untested. We compared the explanatory power of 30 m Landsat satellite imagery with 0.5-m WorldView-2 VHR imagery for LAI and TSA based on field sampling data, and subsequently mapped the distribution of LAI and TSA based on the most predictive relationships. A random forest (RF) model was applied to assess the relative importance and causal mechanisms of spatial controls on tree sapling recovery. The results showed that pixel percentage of canopy trees (PPCT) derived from VHR imagery outperform all Landsat-derived spectral indices for explaining variance of LAI (R2VHR = 0.676 vs. R2Landsat = 0.427) and TSA (R2VHR = 0.508 vs. R2Landsat = 0.499). The RF model explained an average of 55.5% (SD = 3.0%, MSE = 0.382, N = 50) of the variation of estimated LAI. Understory vegetation coverage (competition) and post-fire surviving mature trees (seed sources) were the most important spatial controls for LAI recovery, followed by burn severity (legacy effect), topographic factors (environmental filter) and nearest distance to unburned area (edge effect). These analyses allow us to conclude that in our study area, mitigating wildfire severity and size may increase forest resilience to wildfire damage. Given the easily-damaged seed banks and relatively short seed dispersal distance of coniferous trees, reasonable human help to natural recovery of coniferous forests is necessary for severe burns with a large patch size, particularly in certain areas. Our research shows the VHR WorldView-2 imagery better resolves key characteristics of forest landscapes like LAI and TSA than Landsat imagery, providing a valuable tool for land managers and researchers alike.
Maintenance Supplier Evaluation and Selection for Safe and Sustainable Production in the Chemical Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Tong Lizhong , Pu Zhongmin , Ma Jizheng
Published: March 2019

Chemical industry plays a pivotal role in the economy in every country. As chemical hazardous materials are usually characterized as inflammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive, and carcinogenic, if accidents happen in chemical company it can lead to irreversible environmental and health damage to the public. The chemical industry attaches great importance to safe production, technical professionalism, and service standardization. Nowadays, under the trend of equipment maintenance service outsourcing in chemical companies, the selection of maintenance suppliers with safe and sustainable records come first and foremost in the supplier selection process. However, these concerns from the chemical industry are currently inadequately addressed by most general supplier selection models. Therefore, this paper proposes an applicable methodology for selecting and evaluating equipment maintenance suppliers in the chemical industry, compatible with a safe and sustainable production context. To achieve the goal of “safe operation and sustainable development in the future”, we established an evaluation criteria framework for equipment maintenance suppliers by combining the general supplier selection criteria and safe production characteristics together. Eight main criteria and 24 sub-criteria based on market acceptance, resource conditions, and safe production were included. Then a fuzzy TOPSIS model was presented to select the best equipment maintenance service supplier. Finally, by analyzing a case in W petrochemical company, the empirical results indicate that the proposed framework is of great practical value to select and evaluate equipment maintenance suppliers for safety and sustainable development in the chemical industry.
Synthesis of 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyrazole ring systems through silver(I) ion-mediated ring-closure reaction
Authors: Milišiūnaitė Vaida , Paulavičiūtė Rūta , Arbačiauskienė Eglė , Martynaitis Vytas , Holzer Wolfgang , Šačkus Algirdas
Published: March 2019

Fused pyrazole ring systems are common structural motifs of numerous pharmaceutically important compounds. Nevertheless, access to derivatives of the aromatic 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyrazole ring system is still quite limited, and their chemistry and functional properties remain largely underexplored. The current study investigates routes to construct this system from easily accessible starting materials using metal-catalyzed reactions. A simple and efficient procedure to access the 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyrazole ring system was developed by employing the silver(I) ion-mediated ring-closure reaction of 4-alkynyl-3-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazoles as a key step. The required intermediate hydroxyalkynyl substrates for this reaction were prepared by a Pd-catalyzed coupling of 4-iodo-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ol with ethyne derivatives. The structures of the obtained target compounds were unequivocally confirmed by detailed 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopic experiments, HRMS and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. This silver(I)-mediated 5-endo-dig cyclization of readily available 4-alkynyl-3-hydroxy-1H-pyrazoles can be used as an efficient method to access many novel 2,5-disubstituted 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyrazoles.
Machine Learning as an Effective Method for Identifying True Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Polyploid Plants
Authors: Korani Walid , Clevenger Josh P. , Chu Ye , Ozias‐Akins Peggy
Published: March 2019

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have many advantages as molecular markers since they are ubiquitous and codominant. However, the discovery of true SNPs in polyploid species is difficult. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an allopolyploid, which has a very low rate of true SNP calling. A large set of true and false SNPs identified from the Axiom_Arachis 58k array was leveraged to train machine‐learning models to enable identification of true SNPs directly from sequence data to reduce ascertainment bias. These models achieved accuracy rates above 80% using real peanut RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and whole‐genome shotgun (WGS) resequencing data, which is higher than previously reported for polyploids and at least a twofold improvement for peanut. A 48K SNP array, Axiom_Arachis2, was designed using this approach resulting in 75% accuracy of calling SNPs from different tetraploid peanut genotypes. Using the method to simulate SNP variation in several polyploids, models achieved >98% accuracy in selecting true SNPs. Additionally, models built with simulated genotypes were able to select true SNPs at >80% accuracy using real peanut data. This work accomplished the objective to create an effective approach for calling highly reliable SNPs from polyploids using machine learning. A novel tool was developed for predicting true SNPs from sequence data, designated as SNP machine learning (SNP‐ML), using the described models. The SNP‐ML additionally provides functionality to train new models not included in this study for customized use, designated SNP machine learner (SNP‐MLer). The SNP‐ML is publicly available.
A METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONS FOR CONCRETE FROM EXPERIMENTAL DATA OF RC BENDING MEMBERS/METODAS BETONO ĮTEMPIMŲ-DEFORMACIJŲ DIAGRAMOMS NUSTATYTI IŠ LENKIAMŲJŲ GELŽBETONINIŲ ELEMENTŲ EKSPERIMENTINIŲ DUOMENŲ
Authors: Kaklauskas Gintaris
Published: March 2019

Pasiūlytas naujas skaičiavimo metodas vidutinių betono įtempimų-deformacijų diagramoms nustatyti, naudojant lenkiamųjų gelžbetoninių elementų eksperimentų duomenis. Turint eksperimentines momentų-kreivių ir momentų-deformacijų diagramas gaunama visa tempiamo betono vidutinių įtempimų-deformacijų diagrama, įskaitant ir jos krentančiąją dalį. Taip pat, net neturint duomenų apie betono savybes, galima pakankamai tiksliai rasti ir gniuždomo betono diagramą. Skaičiavimas pagrįstas nauja idėja, kai tempiamo ir gniuždomo betono įtempimų- deformacijų diagramos skaičiuojamos kraštiniams lenkiamo elemento sluoksniams. Turint eksperimentines kraštinių sluoksnių deformacijas kiekvienai apkrovos pakopai randami tų sluoksnių įtempimų prieaugiai. Kiekvienoje apkrovos pakopoje gautos diagramos taikomos kitiems mažiau deformuotiems sluoksniams. Pasiūlytasis metodas patikrintas skaičiavimais.
Integrative taxonomy of root aphid parasitoids from the genus Paralipsis (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) with description of new species
Authors: Mitrović Milana , Starý Petr , Jakovljević Miljana , Petrović Andjeljko , Žikić Vladimir , Pérez Hidalgo Nicolás , Tomanović Željko
Published: March 2019

Species from the genusParalipsisare obligatory endoparasitoids of root aphids in the Palaearctic. It is known that these species are broadly distributed, parasitizing various aphid hosts and showing great biological and ecological diversity. On the other hand, this group of endoparasitoids is understudied and was thought to be represented by a single species in Europe, viz.,Paralipsisenervis(Nees). However, recent description of two new species indicated the possibility of cryptic speciation and recognition of additionalParalipsisspecies in Europe. In this research,Paralipsisspecimens collected during the last 60 years from eight European countries, as well as one sample from Morocco, were subjected to molecular and morphological characterization. Newly designed genus-specific degenerative primers successfully targeted short overlapping fragments of COI of the mitochondrial DNA. Molecular analyses showed clear separation of four independent lineages, two of which are the known speciesP.enervisandP.tibiator, while two new species are described here, viz.,P.brachycaudiTomanović & Starý,sp. n.andP.rugosaTomanović & Starý,sp. n.No clear specialization of the taxa to a strict root aphid host has been determined. The recognized mitochondrial lineages were distinct one from another, but with a substantial within-lineage divergence rate, clearly indicating the complexity of this group of parasitoids, on which further research is required in order to clarify the factors triggering their genetic differentiation. We reviewed literature data and new records ofParalipsisenervisaphid host associations and distributions. A key for the identification of all knownParalipsisspecies is provided and illustrated.
Contribution of DECT in detecting serosal invasion of gastric cancer
Authors: KÜPELİ ALİ , BULUT ESER , CANSU AYŞEGÜL , GÜNER ALİ , SOYTÜRK MEHMET , DANIŞAN GÜRKAN
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the iodine concentration (IC) of perigastric fat tissue as assessed by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and serosal invasion of gastric cancer.
Materials and methods: A total of 41 patients underwent preoperative staging evaluation for gastric cancer using DECT between July 2015 and March 2018. Patients were divided into two groups based on pathology results: serosal invasion (stage T4a) and intact serosa (stage T1?T3). Cut-off values, the diagnostic efficacy of IC in the perigastric fat tissue, and the perigastric fat tissue/tumor (P/T) ratio were determined.
Results: Among the 41 patients, 22 had stage T4a gastric cancer, and 19 patients had gastric cancer with a stage lower than T4a. The mean IC of perigastric fat tissue and the P/T ratio were significantly higher in patients with serosal invasion than in those with intact serosa (p<0.001). During the arterial phase, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.915 and 0.854 for the IC of perigastric fat tissue and the P/T ratio, respectively. During the venous phase, the AUC was 0.890 and 0.876 for the IC of perigastric fat tissue and the P/T ratio, respectively.
Conclusion: The IC in the perigastric fat tissue seems to be a reliable indicator for serosal invasion of gastric cancer.
Automatic Profiling of Open-Ended Survey Data on Medical Workplace Teaching
Authors: Saarela Mirka , Lahtonen Jukka , Ruoranen Minna , Mäkeläinen Annika , Antikainen Teuvo , Kärkkäinen Tommi
Published: March 2019

On-the-job medical training is known to be challenging due to the fast-paced environment and strong vocational profile. It relies on on-site supervisors, mainly doctors and nurses with long practical experience, who coach and teach their less experienced colleagues, such as residents and healthcare students. These supervisors receive pedagogical training to ensure that their guidance and teaching skills are constantly improved. The aim of such training is to develop participants’ patient, collegiate and student guidance skills in a multiprofessional environment, and to expand their understanding of guidance as part of their work as supervisors of healthcare professionals. In this paper, we investigate open-ended answers on guidance experience of 281 healthcare supervisors that participated in these training courses. To automate the analysis of the contents of the answers, we apply clustering to the natural language processed textual data. The results summarize the most common guidance experiences and allow an automatic grouping of the healthcare supervisors’ reflection. Such an evidence-based knowledge can be used to further improve the organization of the training courses.