bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Coastal Monitoring with an Automated Terrestrial Lidar Scanner
Authors: O’Dea Annika , Brodie Katherine L. , Hartzell Preston
Published: February 2019

This paper details the collection, geo-referencing, and data processing algorithms for a fully-automated, permanently deployed terrestrial lidar system for coastal monitoring. The lidar is fixed on a 4-m structure located on a shore-backing dune in Duck, North Carolina. Each hour, the lidar collects a three-dimensional framescan of the nearshore region along with a 30-min two-dimensional linescan time series oriented directly offshore, with a linescan repetition rate of approximately 7 Hz. The data are geo-referenced each hour using a rigorous co-registration process that fits 11 fixed planes to a baseline scan to account for small platform movements, and the residual errors from the fit are used to assess the accuracy of the rectification. This process decreased the mean error (defined as the magnitude of the offset in three planes) over a two-year period by 24.41 cm relative to using a fixed rectification matrix. The automated data processing algorithm then filters and grids the data to generate a dry-beach digital elevation model (DEM) from the framescan along with hourly wave runup, hydrodynamic, and morphologic statistics from the linescan time series. The lidar has collected data semi-continuously since January 2015 (with gaps occurring while the lidar was malfunctioning or being serviced), resulting in an hourly data set spanning four years as of January 2019. Examples of data products and potential applications spanning a range of spatial and temporal scales relevant to coastal processes are discussed.
Separation of Long-Crested Nonlinear Bichromatic Waves into Incident and Reflected Components
Authors: Lykke Andersen Thomas , Eldrup Mads R. , Clavero Maria
Published: February 2019

Methods for the separation of long-crested linear waves into incident and reflected waves have existed for more than 40 years. The present paper presents a new method for the separation of nonlinear bichromatic long-crested waves into incident and reflected components, as well as into free and bound components. The new method is an extension of a recently proposed method for the separation of nonlinear regular waves. The new methods include both bound and free higher harmonics, which is important for nonlinear waves. The applied separation method covers interactions to the third order, but can easily be extended to a higher orders. Synthetic tests, as well as physical model tests, showed that the method accurately predict the bound amplitudes and incident and reflected surface elevations of nonlinear bichromatic waves. The new method is important in order to be able to describe the detailed characteristics of nonlinear bichromatic waves and their reflection.
Modeling Sediment Bypassing around Idealized Rocky Headlands
Authors: George Douglas A. , Largier John L. , Pasternack Gregory Brian , Barnard Patrick L. , Storlazzi Curt D. , Erikson Li H.
Published: February 2019

Alongshore sediment bypassing rocky headlands remains understudied despite the importance of characterizing littoral processes for erosion abatement, beach management, and climate change adaptation. To address this gap, a numerical model sediment transport study was developed to identify controlling factors and mechanisms for sediment headland bypassing potential. Four idealized headlands were designed to investigate sediment flux around the headlands using the process-based hydrodynamic model Delft-3D and spectral wave model SWAN. The 120 simulations explored morphologies, substrate compositions, sediment grain sizes, and physical forcings (i.e., tides, currents, and waves) commonly observed in natural settings. A generalized analytical framework based on flow disruption and sediment volume was used to refine which factors and conditions were more useful to address sediment bypassing. A bypassing parameter was developed for alongshore sediment flux between upstream and downstream cross-shore transects to determine the degree of blockage by a headland. The shape of the headland heavily influenced the fate of the sediment by changing the local angle between the shore and the incident waves, with oblique large waves generating the most flux. All headlands may allow sediment flux, although larger ones blocked sediment more effectively, promoting their ability to be littoral cell boundaries. The controlling factors on sediment bypassing were determined to be wave angle, size, and shape of the headland, and sediment grain size.
Burning Rubber or Burning Out? The Influence of Role Stressors on Burnout among Truck Drivers
Authors: Semeijn Judith , de Waard Barry , Lambrechts Wim , Semeijn Janjaap
Published: February 2019

Professional truck drivers are prone to both physical and psychological stress. Such stress can lead to burnout. Drawing on Job Demands Resources literature and stress research, we investigate the relationship between job related role stressors and three components of burnout, among professional truck drivers who are based in the Netherlands. They were surveyed with a time-lagged design (interval of two months). In the first wave, the different potential causes of burnout were measured (role conflict, role ambiguity, quality of sleep, and the perceived emotional intelligence of the dispatcher). In the second wave, the three elements of burnout were measured: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. The results of our study indicate that role conflict relates positively to all three components of a burnout. The emotional intelligence of the dispatcher—as perceived by the truck drivers—was negatively related with the three components of a burnout. Finally, the quality of sleep had an impact on depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. Theoretically, several job specific role stressors are confirmed to play a role in truck driver burnout. However, the top three role stressors all appeared to be related to the trucking industry, instead of a particular employer, and they may therefore require national policy measures.
Brauer-Type Inclusion Sets of Zeros for Chebyshev Polynomial
Authors: Feng Xiao , Li Yaotang
Published: February 2019

The generalized polynomials such as Chebyshev polynomial and Hermite polynomial are widely used in interpolations and numerical fittings and so on. Therefore, it is significant to study inclusion regions of the zeros for generalized polynomials. In this paper, several new inclusion sets of zeros for Chebyshev polynomials are presented by applying Brauer theorem about the eigenvalues of the comrade matrix of Chebyshev polynomial and applying the properties of ovals of Cassini. Some examples are given to show that the new inclusion sets are tighter than those provided by Melman (2014) in some cases.
Correlation of Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Expression with EGFR Mutations in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Hyeong Su , Kim Jung Han , Han Boram , Choi Dae Ro
Published: February 2019

Objectives: This meta-analysis investigated the relationship between thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to clarify whether TTF-1 can be a potential surrogate marker for EGFR mutation status in advanced NSLCL. Methods: A systematic searching of databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, was performed to identify studies assessing the correlation of TTF-1 expression with EGFR mutations. From 17 studies, 9764 patients were included in the combined analysis of odds ratio (OR) for the correlation between TTF-1 expression and EGFR mutations. Results: Compared with NSCLCs showing negative TTF-1 expression, tumors harboring TTF-1 overexpression showed a significantly higher rate of EGFR mutations (OR = 5.19, 95% confidence interval: 3.60–7.47, p < 0.00001). This correlation was observed in both subgroups of East Asian (OR = 4.33, 95% CI: 3.46–5.41, p < 0.00001) and European patients (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.41–15.28, p < 0.01). In addition, TTF-1 expression was significantly associated with EGFR mutations in exon 19 (OR = 4.63, 95% CI: 2.89–7.41, p < 0.00001) as well as exon 21 (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.04–9.60, p = 0.04). Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates a significant correlation between TTF-1 expression and EGFR mutations in patients with NSCLC. The status of TTF-1 expression may be a biomarker to guide anticancer treatment in patients with NSCLC and unknown EGFR mutation status.
Elastic Turbulence of Aqueous Polymer Solution in Multi-Stream Micro-Channel Flow
Authors: Tai Jiayan , Lam Yee Cheong
Published: February 2019

Viscous liquid flow in micro-channels is typically laminar because of the low Reynolds number constraint. However, by introducing elasticity into the fluids, the flow behavior could change drastically to become turbulent; this elasticity can be realized by dissolving small quantities of polymer molecules into an aqueous solvent. Our recent investigation has directly visualized the extension and relaxation of these polymer molecules in an aqueous solution. This elastic-driven phenomenon is known as ‘elastic turbulence’. Hitherto, existing studies on elastic flow instability are mostly limited to single-stream flows, and a comprehensive statistical analysis of a multi-stream elastic turbulent micro-channel flow is needed to provide additional physical understanding. Here, we investigate the flow field characteristics of elastic turbulence in a 3-stream contraction-expansion micro-channel flow. By applying statistical analyses and flow visualization tools, we show that the flow field bares many similarities to that of inertia-driven turbulence. More interestingly, we observed regions with two different types of power-law dependence in the velocity power spectra at high frequencies. This is a typical characteristic of two-dimensional turbulence and has hitherto not been reported for elastic turbulent micro-channel flows.
Green Technology: Bacteria-Based Approach Could Lead to Unsuspected Microbe–Plant–Animal Interactions
Authors: Bulgari Daniela , Montagna Matteo , Gobbi Emanuela , Faoro Franco
Published: February 2019

The recent and massive revival of green strategies to control plant diseases, mainly as a consequence of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) rules issued in 2009 by the European Community and the increased consumer awareness of organic products, poses new challenges for human health and food security that need to be addressed in the near future. One of the most important green technologies is biocontrol. This approach is based on living organisms and how these biocontrol agents (BCAs) directly or indirectly interact as a community to control plant pathogens and pest. Although most BCAs have been isolated from plant microbiomes, they share some genomic features, virulence factors, and trans-kingdom infection abilities with human pathogenic microorganisms, thus, their potential impact on human health should be addressed. This evidence, in combination with the outbreaks of human infections associated with consumption of raw fruits and vegetables, opens new questions regarding the role of plants in the human pathogen infection cycle. Moreover, whether BCAs could alter the endophytic bacterial community, thereby leading to the development of new potential human pathogens, is still unclear. In this review, all these issues are debated, highlighting that the research on BCAs and their formulation should include these possible long-lasting consequences of their massive spread in the environment.
Improving the Production of Salt-Tolerant Glutaminase by Integrating Multiple Copies of Mglu into the Protease and 16S rDNA Genes of Bacillus subtilis 168
Authors: Zhang Xian , Xu Zhaoyang , Liu Song , Qian Kai , Xu Meijuan , Yang Taowei , Xu Jianzhong , Rao Zhiming
Published: February 2019

In this study, the Micrococcus luteus K-3 glutaminase was successfully over-expressed in the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) Bacillus subtilis strain 168 by integration of the Mglu gene in the 16S rDNA locus. This was done in order to screen a strain producing high levels of recombinant glutaminase from the selected candidates. The transcription of the glutaminase genes in the B. subtilis 168 chromosome and the expression of glutaminase protein was further assessed by qPCR, SDS-PAGE analysis and an enzyme activity assay. To further increase the production of glutaminase, the nprB and nprE genes, which encode specific proteases, were disrupted by integration of the Mglu gene. After continuous cell culturing without the addition of antibiotics, the integrated recombinant strains showed excellent genetic stability, demonstrating favorable industrialization potential. After the fermentation temperature was optimized, a 5-L bioreactor was used for fed-batch fermentation of the recombinant glutaminase producing strain at 24 °C, and the highest enzyme activity achieved was approximately 357.6 U/mL.
Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Typical Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Three LCA Approaches
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Haohui , Hu Yuchen , Yu Yajuan , Huang Kai
Published: February 2019

With the rapid increase in production of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and environmental issues arising around the world, cathode materials, as the key component of all LIBs, especially need to be environmentally sustainable. However, a variety of life cycle assessment (LCA) methods increase the difficulty of environmental sustainability assessment. Three authoritative LCAs, IMPACT 2002+, Eco-indicator 99(EI-99), and ReCiPe, are used to assess three traditional marketization cathode materials, compared with a new cathode model, FeF3(H2O)3/C. They all show that four cathode models are ranked by a descending sequence of environmental sustainable potential: FeF3(H2O)3/C, LiFe0.98Mn0.02PO4/C, LiFePO4/C, and LiCoO2/C in total values. Human health is a common issue regarding these four cathode materials. Lithium is the main contributor to the environmental impact of the latter three cathode materials. At the midpoint level in different LCAs, the toxicity and land issues for LiCoO2/C, the non-renewable resource consumption for LiFePO4/C, the metal resource consumption for LiFe0.98Mn0.02PO4/C, and the mineral refinement for FeF3(H2O)3/C show relatively low environmental sustainability. Three LCAs have little influence on total endpoint and element contribution values. However, at the midpoint level, the indicator with the lowest environmental sustainability for the same cathode materials is different in different methodologies.
Model for the Patterns of Salt-Spray-Induced Chloride Corrosion in Concretes under Coupling Action of Cyclic Loading and Salt Spray Corrosion
Authors: Liu Ruixue , Yin Huiguang , Zhang Lianying , Li Bing , Mao Xianbiao
Published: February 2019

In this study, the patterns of chloride ion erosion of unsaturated concrete subjected to the coupling action of cyclic loading and salt spray corrosion were experimentally studied, and Fick’s Second Law was used to fit the variation patterns of chloride concentration to obtain the chloride diffusion coefficient. Accordingly, we have established a mathematical model that describes chloride transport in unsaturated concrete and accounts for the effects of gas flow, water migration, convection diffusion, and capillary action. This model is composed of three equations—the gas flow equation, the solution flow equation, and the solute convection–diffusion equation. The COMSOL numerical analysis software was subsequently used to obtain solutions for this model, based on parameters such as porosity and the chloride diffusion coefficient. Subsequently, the saturation, relative permeability, and the chloride ion concentration during the first corrosion cycle were analyzed. The numerical results were consistent with the experimental values and were therefore superior to the values obtained using Fick’s Second Law.
Unsupervised Sub-Pixel Water Body Mapping with Sentinel-3 OLCI Image
Authors: Wang Xia , Ling Feng , Yao Huaiying , Liu Yaolin , Xu Shuna
Published: February 2019

Mapping land surface water bodies from satellite images is superior to conventional in situ measurements. With the mission of long-term and high-frequency water quality monitoring, the launch of the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) onboard Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B provides the best possible approach for near real-time land surface water body mapping. Sentinel-3 OLCI contains 21 bands ranging from visible to near-infrared, but the spatial resolution is limited to 300 m, which may include lots of mixed pixels around the boundaries. Sub-pixel mapping (SPM) provides a good solution for the mixed pixel problem in water body mapping. In this paper, an unsupervised sub-pixel water body mapping (USWBM) method was proposed particularly for the Sentinel-3 OLCI image, and it aims to produce a finer spatial resolution (e.g., 30 m) water body map from the multispectral image. Instead of using the fraction maps of water/non-water or multispectral images combined with endmembers of water/non-water classes as input, USWBM directly uses the spectral water index images of the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) extracted from the Sentinel-3 OLCI image as input and produces a water body map at the target finer spatial resolution. Without the collection of endmembers, USWBM accomplished the unsupervised process by developing a multi-scale spatial dependence based on an unsupervised sub-pixel Fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering algorithm. In both validations in the Tibet Plate lake and Poyang lake, USWBM produced more accurate water body maps than the other pixel and sub-pixel based water body mapping methods. The proposed USWBM, therefore, has great potential to support near real-time sub-pixel water body mapping with the Sentinel-3 OLCI image.
UAV-Based High Resolution Thermal Imaging for Vegetation Monitoring, and Plant Phenotyping Using ICI 8640 P, FLIR Vue Pro R 640, and thermoMap Cameras
Authors: Sagan Vasit , Maimaitijiang Maitiniyazi , Sidike Paheding , Eblimit Kevin , Peterson Kyle , Hartling Sean , Esposito Flavio , Khanal Kapil , Newcomb Maria , Pauli Duke , Ward Rick , Fritschi Felix , Shakoor Nadia , Mockler Todd
Published: February 2019

The growing popularity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in recent years, along with decreased cost and greater accessibility of both UAVs and thermal imaging sensors, has led to the widespread use of this technology, especially for precision agriculture and plant phenotyping. There are several thermal camera systems in the market that are available at a low cost. However, their efficacy and accuracy in various applications has not been tested. In this study, three commercially available UAV thermal cameras, including ICI 8640 P-series (Infrared Cameras Inc., USA), FLIR Vue Pro R 640 (FLIR Systems, USA), and thermoMap (senseFly, Switzerland) have been tested and evaluated for their potential for forest monitoring, vegetation stress detection, and plant phenotyping. Mounted on multi-rotor or fixed wing systems, these cameras were simultaneously flown over different experimental sites located in St. Louis, Missouri (forest environment), Columbia, Missouri (plant stress detection and phenotyping), and Maricopa, Arizona (high throughput phenotyping). Thermal imagery was calibrated using procedures that utilize a blackbody, handheld thermal spot imager, ground thermal targets, emissivity and atmospheric correction. A suite of statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis between camera temperature and plant biophysical and biochemical traits, and heritability were utilized in order to examine the sensitivity and utility of the cameras against selected plant phenotypic traits and in the detection of plant water stress. In addition, in reference to quantitative assessment of image quality from different thermal cameras, a non-reference image quality evaluator, which primarily measures image focus that is based on the spatial relationship of pixels in different scales, was developed. Our results show that (1) UAV-based thermal imaging is a viable tool in precision agriculture and (2) the three examined cameras are comparable in terms of their efficacy for plant phenotyping. Overall, accuracy, when compared against field measured ground temperature and estimating power of plant biophysical and biochemical traits, the ICI 8640 P-series performed better than the other two cameras, followed by FLIR Vue Pro R 640 and thermoMap cameras. Our results demonstrated that all three UAV thermal cameras provide useful temperature data for precision agriculture and plant phenotying, with ICI 8640 P-series presenting the best results among the three systems. Cost wise, FLIR Vue Pro R 640 is more affordable than the other two cameras, providing a less expensive option for a wide range of applications.
A Fractal-Based Authentication Technique Using Sierpinski Triangles in Smart Devices
Authors: Ali Adnan , Rafique Hamaad , Arshad Talha , Alqarni Mohammed A. , Chauhdary Sajjad Hussain , Bashir Ali Kashif
Published: February 2019

The prevalence of smart devices in our day-to-day activities increases the potential threat to our secret information. To counter these threats like unauthorized access and misuse of phones, only authorized users should be able to access the device. Authentication mechanism provide a secure way to safeguard the physical resources as well the information that is processed. Text-based passwords are the most common technique used for the authentication of devices, however, they are vulnerable to a certain type of attacks such as brute force, smudge and shoulder surfing attacks. Graphical Passwords (GPs) were introduced as an alternative for the conventional text-based authentication to overcome the potential threats. GPs use pictures and have been implemented in smart devices and workstations. Psychological studies reveal that humans can recognize images much easier and quicker than numeric and alphanumeric passwords, which become the basis for creating GPs. In this paper a novel Fractal-Based Authentication Technique (FBAT) has been proposed by implementing a Sierpinski triangle. In the FBAT scheme, the probability of password guessing is low making system resilient against abovementioned threats. Increasing fractal level makes the system stronger and provides security against attacks like shoulder surfing.
Low-Hysteresis and Fast Response Time Humidity Sensors Using Suspended Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Arunachalam Shivaram , Izquierdo Ricardo , Nabki Frederic
Published: February 2019

A humidity sensor using suspended carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was fabricated using a low-temperature surface micromachining process. The CNTs were functionalized with carboxylic acid groups that facilitated the interaction of water vapor with the CNTs. The humidity sensor showed a response time of 12 s and a recovery time of 47 s, along with superior hysteresis and stable performance. The hysteresis curve area of the suspended structure is 3.6, a 3.2-fold reduction in comparison to the non-suspended structure. A comparative study between suspended and non-suspended devices highlights the advantages of using a suspended architecture.
Lessons Learned from Establishing the Energy-Informatics Business Model: Case of a German Energy Company
Authors: Grosse Matti , Send Hendrik , Schildhauer Thomas
Published: February 2019

Energy and utilities companies find themselves in a paradoxical situation in which their traditional business models are losing profitability, and they must advocate energy efficiency and climate-protection goals, and thus encourage their customers to save energy. As a result, they must partially cannibalize their business models and experiment with new models and techniques. Energy Informatics (EI) offers promising business opportunities that alleviate the concerns of energy companies about traditional revenue streams. However, recent discussions on this issue lack proof of concept and success determinants. This business case study fills this gap by describing the journey of German energy company Energiequelle, which established a sustainable business model based on EI. On the basis of our interview data, we analyzed Energiequelle’s EI strategy and stakeholder management and present six lessons learned. We believe that our practice-oriented research provides profound insight, especially to high-level executives and policymakers.
Nanoparticle-Induced Changes in Resistance and Resilience of Sensitive Microbial Indicators towards Heat Stress in Soil
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Rakshit Rajiv , Bhowmik Arnab , Mandal Nintu , Das Anupam , Adhikary Samrat
Published: February 2019

Modern agricultural innovations with nanomaterials are now being applied in every sphere of agriculture. However, their interaction with soil microbial processes is not being explored in detail. This initiative was undertaken to understand the effect of metal-oxide nanoparticles with heat stress in soil. Metal-oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide (ZnO), and iron oxide (Fe2O3) (each at 10 and 40 mg kg−1 w/w) were mixed into uncontaminated soil and subjected to heat stress of 48 °C for 24 hours to assess their effect on soil biological indicators. The resistance indices for the acid (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing (FDA) activity (0.58 to 0.73, 0.58 to 0.66, and 0.42 to 0.48, respectively) were higher in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles as compared to Fe2O3 nanomaterials, following an unpredictable pattern at either 10 or 40 mg kg−1 in soils, except dehydrogenase activity (DHA), for which the activity did not change with ZnO nanomaterial. An explicit role of ZnO nanomaterial in the revival pattern of the enzymes was observed (0.20 for DHA, 0.39 for ACP, and 0.43 for AKP), except FDA, which showed comparable values with Fe2O3 nanomaterials for the following 90 day (d) after stress. Microbial count exhibiting higher resistance values were associated with Fe2O3 nanoparticles as compared to ZnO nanomaterials, except Pseudomonas. The recovery indices for the microbial counts were higher with the application of Fe2O3 nanomaterials (0.34 for Actinobacteria, 0.38 for fungi, 0.33 for Pseudomonas and 0.28 for Azotobacter). Our study emphasizes the fact that sensitive microbial indicators in soil might be hampered by external stress initially but do have the competency to recover with time, thereby reinstating the resistance and resilience of soil systems.
Experimental Study and Numerical Simulation on Hybrid Coupled Shear Wall with Replaceable Coupling Beams
Authors: Chen Yun , Li Junzuo , Lu Zheng
Published: February 2019

The coupled shear wall with replaceable coupling beams is a current research hotspot, while still lacking comprehensive studies that combine both experimental and numerical approaches to describe the global performance of the structural system. In this paper, hybrid coupled shear walls (HSWs) with replaceable coupling beams (RCBs) are studied. The middle part of the coupling beam is replaced with a replaceable “fuse”. Four ½-scale coupled shear wall specimens including a conventional reinforced concrete shear wall (CSW) and three HSWs (F1SW/F2SW/F3SW) with different kinds of replaceable “fuses” (Fuse 1/Fuse 2/Fuse 3) are tested through cyclic loading. Fuse 1 is an I-shape steel with a rhombic opening at the web; Fuse 2 is a double-web I-shape steel with lead filled in the gap between the two webs; Fuse 3 consists of two parallel steel tubes filled by lead. The comparison of seismic properties of the four shear walls in terms of failure mechanism, hysteretic response, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, energy consumption, and strain response is presented. The nonlinear finite element analysis of four shear walls is conducted by ABAQUS software. The deformation process, yielding sequence of components, skeleton curves, and damage distribution of the walls are simulated and agree well with the experimental results. The primary benefit of HSWs is that the damage of the coupling beam is concentrated at the replaceable “fuse”, while other parts remain intact. Besides, because the “fuse” can dissipate much energy, the damage of the wall-piers is also alleviated. In addition, among the three HSWs, F1SW possesses the best ductility and load retention capacity while F2SW possesses the best energy dissipation capacity. Based on this comprehensive study, some suggestions for the conceptual design of HSWs are further proposed.
Annulation of 1H-pyrrole-2,3-diones by thioacetamide: an approach to 5-azaisatins
Authors: Kobelev Aleksandr I , Stepanova Ekaterina E , Dmitriev Maksim V , Maslivets Andrey N
Published: February 2019

A novel approach to 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine-2,3-diones (5-azaisatins) has been developed via an unprecedented annulation of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzoxazine-1,2,4-triones by thioacetamide. A new way of C–H functionalization of thioacetamide has been discovered. The reaction proceeds under green catalyst-free conditions.
QUALITY CONTROL ON THE BASIS OF ENTROPY DETERMINATION
Authors: Dissanayake Yasaratne Bandara , Pankov Aleksandr , Shestakov Vladimir Shestakov
Published: February 2019

Statistical methods are extensively used in quality control. The method of the application of entropy conception for quality control is proposed. It is based on the use of statistical information about deviations in the operation of a complex system. In the context of this: the structure of the complex system control is considered; the conceptions of controllable and observable systems are introduced. The classification of adverse factor is given influencing upon the system. The example is presented, showing how the application of the proposed method permits to give the evaluation of sources of risks and quality reduction in the complex system.
THE USAGE OF THE RAILROAD TERMINAL RESOURCES
Authors: Jarašūniene Aldona
Published: February 2019

With the growth of freight transportation by rail the main attention should be focused on the function of railway terminal activities and optimization, where the arriving trains are disbanded and new trains are arranged according to the train formation plan A loading process is analyzed. Functional structure of terminals is defined by a technological process. The dynamic tasks of management of trains flows are formulated.

The efficiency of railway terminal activities should depend on the optimization of the process of growth of freight transportation.
INVESTIGATION OF PROPERTIES OF LUBRICANTS IN LOCOMOTIVE DIESELS
Authors: Bučinskas Vytautas , Mokšin Vadim , Subačius Rimantas
Published: February 2019

This paper describes experimental investigation of lubricant properties used in locomotive engines. The workbench for experimental investigation is described, which presented theoretical background and technique of the experiment. The results are analyzed and presented graphically. Their interpretation shows the direction for further investigation. Final conclusions of the results are made.
RESEARCH INTO OCCUPANT'S MOTION IN VEHICLES DURING CRASHES
Authors: Pelenyte-Vyšniauskiene Lina , Jurkauskas Algirdas
Published: February 2019

Traffic accidents depend on many factors and circumstances. Important data are registered by taking photos of the accident place, measuring the deformations of vehicles and skidding and sliding traces. Weather conditions, drivers’ and pedestrian's actions are also taken into account. However the existing data are far from sufficient to conduct a research into traffic accidents. In such cases mathematical modelling and the application of computer programs are very helpful.

This article deals with the processes during the collision of vehicles as well as the occupant's dynamics inside the vehicle. The research studies on what the occupant motion depends and what is the power balance between the occupant and safety means. The article offers a way of evaluating injuries, measuring the occupants’ acceleration and velocity, taking into account different distances inside the vehicle during an accident.
THE RESEARCH INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PASSENGER TRANSPORT BY LAND
Authors: Butkevičius Jonas
Published: February 2019

This is the first scientific work in Lithuania carrying out a complex research into passenger transport by land, covering all problematic issues related to the field such as development, market planning, organization, management, competition, contractual relations, financing, development of transport technologies, implementation of new transport technologies elaborating the theoretical base for the development of passenger transport.

The research shows the analysis of the movement of passenger transport volumes and determines the regularity of these changes.

The forecast of passenger transport by land is based on a multiple analysis.

The work determines the perspective markets of rail and road transport as well as elaborates the principles of the improvement of road and rail transport interaction.

The author originates the principles of the development of passenger transport technologies and the principles of the implementation of advanced technologies.

The author also founds the principles of planning, organization and management of land transport as well as the principles of security of equal conditions of competition and contractual relations between customers and haulers.
THE RESEARCH INTO THE DISAXIAL CAM MECHANISM FOR DIESEL FUEL ‐ INJECTION PUMP
Authors: Tausenev Evgeny , Svistula Andrew
Published: February 2019

A cam mechanism is named disaxial due to the offset of a plunger axis concerning the axis of a camshaft. The named offset allows to reduce the maximal angle of pressure. There is decrease of contact pressure in a pair of a cam and a roller and the pressure upon the side face of a guide sleeve. Theoretical researches into the influence of the offset and other elements of a cam mechanism on the specified pressure and kinematics of a plunger are resulted. Examples of practical realization of disaxial designs are shown. The results of comparative tests of fuel‐injection pumps with disaxial and without disaxial are shown.
The Origin of Deep Acoustic Sources Associated with Solar Magnetic Structures
Authors: Kitiashvili I. N. , Kosovichev A. G. , Mansour N. N. , Wray A. A. , Sandstrom T. A.
Published: February 2019

It is generally accepted that solar acoustic (p) modes are excited by near-surface turbulent motions, in particular by downdrafts and interacting vortices in intergranular lanes. Recent analysis of Solar Dynamics Observatory data by Zhao et al. (2015) revealed fast-moving waves around sunspots, which are consistent with magnetoacoustic waves excited approximately 5 Mm beneath the sunspot. We analyzed 3D radiative MHD simulations of solar magnetoconvection with a self-organized pore-like magnetic structure, and identified more than 600 individual acoustic events both inside and outside this structure. By performing a case-by-case study, we found that acoustic sources surrounding the magnetic structure are associated with downdrafts. Their depth correlates with downdraft speed and magnetic field strength. The sources often can be transported into deeper layers by downdrafts. The wave front shape, in the case of a strong or inclined downdraft, can be stretched along the downdraft. Inside the magnetic structure, excitation of acoustic waves is driven by converging flows. Frequently, strong converging plasma streams hit the structure boundaries, causing compressions in its interior that excite acoustic waves. Analysis of the depth distribution of acoustic events shows the strongest concentration at 0.2–1 Mm beneath the surface for the outside sources and mostly below 1 Mm inside the magnetic region, that is, deeper than their counterparts outside the magnetic region.
The Massive and Distant Clusters of WISE Survey. I. Survey Overview and a Catalog of >2000 Galaxy Clusters at z ≃ 1
Authors: Gonzalez Anthony H. , Gettings Daniel P. , Brodwin Mark , Eisenhardt Peter R. M. , Stanford S. A. , Wylezalek Dominika , Decker Bandon , Marrone Daniel P. , Moravec Emily , O’Donnell Christine , Stalder Brian , Stern Daniel , Abdulla Zubair , Brown Gillen , Carlstrom John , Chambers Kenneth C. , Hayden Brian , Lin Yen-ting , Magnier Eugene , Masci Frank J. , Mantz Adam B. , McDonald Michael , Mo Wenli , Perlmutter Saul , Wright Edward L. , Zeimann Gregory R.
Published: February 2019

We present the Massive and Distant Clusters of WISE Survey (MaDCoWS), a search for galaxy clusters at 0.7 ≲ z ≲ 1.5 based upon data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission. MaDCoWS is the first cluster survey capable of discovering massive clusters at these redshifts over the full extragalactic sky. The search is divided into two regions—the region of the extragalactic sky covered by Pan-STARRS (δ > −30°) and the remainder of the southern extragalactic sky at δ < −30° for which shallower optical data from the SuperCOSMOS Sky Survey is available. In this paper, we describe the search algorithm, characterize the sample, and present the first MaDCoWS data release—catalogs of the 2433 highest amplitude detections in the WISE–Pan-STARRS region and the 250 highest amplitude detections in the WISE–SuperCOSMOS region. A total of 1723 of the detections from the WISE–Pan-STARRS sample have also been observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope, providing photometric redshifts and richnesses, and an additional 64 detections within the WISE–SuperCOSMOS region also have photometric redshifts and richnesses. Spectroscopic redshifts for 38 MaDCoWS clusters with IRAC photometry demonstrate that the photometric redshifts have an uncertainty of σ

z
/(1 + z) ≃ 0.036. Combining the richness measurements with Sunyaev–Zel’dovich observations of MaDCoWS clusters, we also present a preliminary mass–richness relation that can be used to infer the approximate mass distribution of the full sample. The estimated median mass for the WISE–Pan-STARRS catalog is

, with the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich data confirming that we detect clusters with masses up to M
500 ∼ 5 × 1014
M
⊙ (M
200 ∼ 1015
M
⊙).
How the Coherent Tides Obstruct the Radial Infalls of Satellite Galaxies onto Clusters
Authors: Lee Jounghun
Published: February 2019

Direct numerical evidence for the obstructing effect of the coherent tides on the infall-zone satellites around the cluster halos is presented. Analyzing the numerical data from a high-resolution N-body simulation, we calculate the mean fractions of the radial and tangential velocities of the infall-zone satellites around the cluster halos and investigate if and how they depend on the tidal coherence defined as the alignments between the major principal axes of the local tidal fields smoothed on the linear and nonlinear scales. It is found that the infall-zone satellites located in the regions with higher tidal coherence have significantly smaller and larger mean fractions of the radial and tangential velocities, respectively, which indicates that the radial infall of satellites onto host clusters are obstructed by the coherent tides. We also show that those satellites separated by shorter distances from the host clusters, having lower masses and embedded in the anisotropic large-scale environments like filaments and sheets, are more vulnerable to the obstructing effect of the coherent tides.
La masculinisation des naissances. État des lieux et des connaissances
Authors: Guilmoto Christophe Z.
Published: February 2019

La masculinisation des naissances est un phénomène récent lié à la sélection prénatale en fonction du sexe. Cet article fait le point sur l’état de la recherche récente à propos des déséquilibres de sexe à la naissance, ses mécanismes, ses déterminants et ses implications à venir. Les mécanismes qui affectent le rapport de masculinité à la naissance sont présentés en soulignant les facteurs liés à la discrimination sexuelle. Les chiffres disponibles fournissent un tableau des déséquilibres à la naissance depuis les années 1980 dans différents pays d’Asie et d’europe orientale. on observe également de grandes disparités dans la masculinité des naissances entre rangs de naissance, régions et groupes sociaux, qui s’expliquent avant tout par la conjonction de trois phénomènes : la préférence pour les enfants de sexe masculin héritée des systèmes socio-familiaux, l’émergence de technologies reproductives permettant la sélection prénatale, et la baisse de la fécondité qui accentue les risques de progéniture sans garçon. Les travaux récents analysent également les conséquences démographiques de cette masculinisation des naissances sur la composition future de la population des pays concernés et explorent l’ajustement potentiel des systèmes sociaux à ces déséquilibres, alors que les réponses politiques à la discrimination prénatale semblent assez peu efficaces. Quelques-unes des principales pistes de recherche à venir sont examinées.
Religion et sexualité en France des années 1970 aux années 2000. Évolution des pratiques et attachement à la famille hétérosexuelle
Authors: Maudet Marion
Published: February 2019

La diversification des trajectoires affectives et sexuelles, la perte d’influence des institutions à grands principes, ainsi que l’individualisation des pratiques sexuelles et religieuses, soulèvent la question de l’influence de la religion sur la sexualité contemporaine en France aujourd’hui. S’appuyant sur les trois enquêtes françaises sur la sexualité (1970, 1992 et 2006), cet article étudie la spécificité des pratiques sexuelles et des représentations de la sexualité des personnes catholiques et musulmanes en France. Le questionnement porte particulièrement sur l’intersection des rapports de genre et de religion. On montre qu’au cours de la période, les femmes et les hommes catholiques se rapprochent des personnes sans religion sur une série de pratiques relatives à la sexualité (contraception, masturbation, pornographie). En revanche, l’âge au premier rapport sexuel reste plus tardif pour les femmes catholiques et musulmanes que pour celles ne déclarant pas de religion en 2006. Cette imbrication entre genre et religion à l’égard de certaines pratiques sexuelles s’observe aussi à propos des représentations de la sexualité, notamment à l’égard de l’homosexualité et l’homoparentalité. Comparativement aux personnes sans religion, les catholiques et musulman·e·s, plus particulièrement les hommes, sont très attachés à la famille hétérosexuelle.
Optical Performance Measurement and Night Driving Simulation of ReSTOR, ReZoom, and Tecnis Multifocal Intraocular Lenses in a Model Eye
Authors: Choi Junoh , Schwiegerling Jim
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To measure the optical properties of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) for different pupil sizes.

Methods:

An artificial eye was fabricated that had both the average spherical aberration and chromatic aberration levels found in the human eye. This model eye contained a saline-filled wet cell into which various IOLs can be mounted. Pupil sizes of 3 and 6 mm were explored with the system. Using the model eye, the following IOLs were examined: Alcon ReSTOR apodized diffractive, AMO ReZoom zonal refractive, and Tecnis ZM900 full-aperture diffractive. The modulation transfer function (MTF) for the lenses was calculated. The model eye was also used as a portable device to photograph nighttime driving scenes.

Results:

For 3-mm pupils, the apodized and full-aperture diffractive IOLs balance contrast between near and distance vision, whereas the zonal refractive IOL performs poorly for near vision. For 6-mm pupils, the apodized diffractive shifts performance from near vision to distance vision, whereas the zonal refractive and full-aperture diffractive IOLs continue to balance performance between distance and near. Subjectively, the night driving photographs showed much more stray light artifacts for the zonal refractive and the full-aperture and apodized diffractive IOLs.

Conclusions:

Under dark conditions, the shift of optical performance of the apodized diffractive lens towards distance vision reduces artifacts that appear under night driving conditions. These artifacts remain for the zonal refractive and full-aperture diffractive lenses. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:218–222.]
Long-term Experience With Mixing and Matching Refractive Array and Diffractive CeeOn Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Gunenc Uzeyir , Celik Lider
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To compare visual performance of the refractive Array SA40N and the diffractive CeeOn 811E multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and to evaluate the potential benefits of combining both multifocal IOLs in the same patient.

Methods:

Two groups of cataract patients were unilaterally implanted with either the CeeOn diffractive (n=10) or the Array refractive multifocal IOL (n=10). Another group was bilaterally implanted with one of each multifocal IOLs (mix & match group, n=10). Visual acuity, spectacle independence, depth of focus, contrast sensitivity, presence of photic phenomena, and patient satisfaction were assessed postoperatively.

Results:

All eyes achieved good distance visual acuity but better uncorrected near vision was achieved with the CeeOn diffractive design. Contrast sensitivity with either multifocal IOL was at the lower limit of the normal range but when multifocal IOLs were combined in the same patient, contrast sensitivity was not significantly different from phakic controls. Defocus curves revealed a superiority of CeeOn diffractive design for near and Array refractive design for intermediate but mix & match patients performed better overall than the other patients, particularly for intermediate distances, which was reflected by total independence from spectacles in 90% of patients compared to 60% in the other groups. Visual outcomes remained unchanged over time (1 month vs 6 month vs >3 years).

Conclusions:

Bilateral implantation with a diffractive multifocal IOL in one eye and a refractive multifocal IOL in the fellow eye is safe and could provide patients with better intermediate vision, increased depth of focus and contrast sensitivity, and also less dependence on spectacles. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:233–242.]
Refractive Lens Exchange With the Diffractive Multifocal Tecnis ZM900 Intraocular Lens
Authors: Goes Frank Joseph
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To assess visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after refractive lens exchange followed by bilateral implantation of the multifocal Tecnis intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods:

This prospective case series involved 59 eyes of 30 patients aged 56±8 years. Fifty-seven eyes were hyperopic (+3.52±1.80 diopters [D]) and 2 eyes were myopic (−1.12±0.53 D). Near, intermediate, and distance visual acuities were assessed at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. At last follow-up, patients were asked about their overall satisfaction, the occurrence of photic phenomena, difficulties driving at night, and spectacle independence.

Results:

Six months after surgery and laser retreatment in 15 eyes, 90% of eyes achieved monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/30 or better (0.087±0.085 logMAR) and 100% of eyes could read J2 or better without correction, including 90% of eyes achieving J1 or better (0.133±0.095 logMAR). Evaluation of visual performance at 1 month versus 6 months (n=44 eyes, no retreatment) revealed a considerable improvement of the uncorrected (0.175±0.122 vs 0.127±0.094 logMAR;
P
=.005) and distance-corrected (0.099±0.057 vs 0.068±0.031 logMAR;
P
=.001) near visual acuity whereas mean refractive errors and distance visual acuity remained unchanged. Overall, 96.4% of patients were very satisfied with the procedure and would choose the same lens again. The majority of patients (92.8%) were totally free from spectacles with only 7.2% occasionally wearing glasses for intermediate tasks.

Conclusions:

The multifocal Tecnis ZM900 IOL provides good distance and near vision after refractive lens exchange and a period of neuroadaptation. However, laser vision correction might be required to achieve emmetropia as well as spectacles to achieve good intermediate vision. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:243–250.]