bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Prediction of Immersive Virtual Reality Image Quality of Experience and Quality of Service
Authors: Karembai Anil Kumar , Thompson Jeffrey , Seeling Patrick
Published: July 2018

In this article, we evaluate the Quality of Service (QoS) through media impairment levels and device operators’ subjective Quality of Experience (QoE). The human-centered QoE determination commonly requires human subject experimentation, which we combine with Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements to move towards automatized and generalized possibilities of determining the QoE. We evaluate the prediction performance for spherical/immersive images displayed with a mobile device VR viewer (Spherical Virtual Reality (SVR)) with the help of only four-position EEG data gathered at the forehead, which correlates well with practical applicability. We find that QoS levels can be predicted more reliably (directly with R2=0.68 or based on profiles with R2=0.9) than the QoE, which exhibits significant error levels. Additional comparison with previous approaches for the Spherical Augmented Reality (SAR) QoE indicates better predictability in AR scenarios over VR.
Analysis of Heterogeneous Gelation Dynamics and Their Application to Blood Coagulation
Authors: Dobashi Toshiaki , Yamamoto Takao
Published: July 2018

We present a scaling model based on a moving boundary picture to describe heterogeneous gelation dynamics. The dynamics of gelation induced by different gelation mechanisms is expressed by the scaled equation for the time taken for development of the gel layer with a few kinetic coefficients characterizing the system. The physical meaning obtained by the analysis for a simple boundary condition from the standpoint of the phase transition shows that the time development of the gelation layer depends on whether the dynamics of the order parameter expressing the gelation of the polymer solution is fast or slow compared with the diffusion of the gelators in the heterogeneous gelation. The analytical method is used to understand the coagulation of blood from various animals. An experiment using systems with plasma coagulation occurring at interfaces with calcium chloride solution and with packed erythrocytes is performed to provide the data for model fitting and it is clarified that a few key kinetic coefficients in plasma coagulation can be estimated from the analysis of gelation dynamics.
Malta and Sicily Joined by Geoheritage Enhancement and Geotourism within the Framework of Land Management and Development
Authors: Cappadonia Chiara , Coratza Paola , Agnesi Valerio , Soldati Mauro
Published: July 2018

Malta and Sicily, which lie at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, share a long history and have unique geological and geomorphological features which make them attractive destinations for geotourism. In the framework of an international research project, a study for the identification, selection and assessment of the rich geological heritage of Malta and Sicily was carried out, aiming to create a geosite network between these islands. Based on the experience and outputs achieved in previous investigations on geoheritage assessment carried out in various morpho-climatic contexts, an integrated methodology was applied for the selection, numerical assessment and ranking of geosites. The selection phase was based on three main criteria—scientific, additional and use values—and led to the establishment of a list of 42 geosites (20 in Malta and 22 in Sicily). Besides being spectacular and attractive for tourists, these sites represent the main geomorphological contexts and the various stages of regional morphogenesis of the study areas. The sites selected were assessed quantitatively and ranked according to management and tourism criteria. The results provide both the necessary basic knowledge for joint conservation actions and policies in Malta and Sicily and the elements for creating a link between Malta and Sicily through geoheritage appraisal and tourism development.
Residents’ Disaster Preparedness after the Meinong Taiwan Earthquake: A Test of Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Tang Jing-Shia , Feng Jui-Ying
Published: July 2018

Because effective preparations are required to mitigate disaster impacts before implementing effective interventions, it is important to understand why people do or do not act on disaster preparedness. This study explores factors influencing residents’ intentions and actual behaviors following the 2016 Kaohsiung Meinong earthquake in southern Taiwan. Protection Motivation Theory was used to develop a hypothesized model to test hypotheses regarding residents’ disaster preparedness, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the model. Data were comprised of 286 valid responses from seven major administration areas in Tainan, Taiwan. Self-efficacy, response-efficacy, and obstacles were significantly correlated with behavioral intentions and actual disaster preparedness behaviors. SEM results revealed that (a) the model fit the data well, (b) the relationship between risk perception and response-efficacy was fully mediated by behavioral intention, and (c) self-efficacy and obstacles were partially mediated by behavioral intention. Behavioral intent and actual disaster preparedness behavior are related but not equal. The main factors affecting actual disaster preparedness behavior are self-efficacy and obstacles. Therefore, strategies like drills or workshops can improve disaster-preparedness knowledge and capabilities and reduce difficulties of implementing disaster preparedness. To improve health and well-being, healthcare providers should promote disaster preparedness by interventions to increase self-efficacy during disasters.
The Impact of Heat Waves on Emergency Department Admissions in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.A
Authors: Davis Robert E. , Novicoff Wendy M.
Published: July 2018

Heat waves have been linked to increases in emergency-related morbidity, but more research is needed on the demographic and disease-specific aspects of these morbidities. Using a case-crossover approach, over 700,000 daily emergency department hospital admissions in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.A. from 2005–2016 are compared between warm season heat wave and non-heat wave periods. Heat waves are defined based on the exceedance, for at least three consecutive days, of two apparent temperature thresholds (35 °C and 37 °C) that account for 3 and 6% of the period of record. Total admissions and admissions for whites, blacks, males, females, and 20–49 years old are significantly elevated during heat waves, as are admissions related to a variety of diagnostic categories, including diabetes, pregnancy complications, and injuries and poisoning. Evidence that heat waves raise emergency department admissions across numerous demographic and disease categories suggests that heat exerts comorbidity influences that extend beyond the more well-studied direct relationships such as heat strokes and cardiac arrest.
A Normal Distribution-Based Methodology for Analysis of Fatal Accidents in Land Hazardous Material Transportation
Authors: Ren Cuiping , Wu Qunqi , Zhang Chunguo , Zhang Shengzhong
Published: July 2018

The deaths of accident occurring in land hazardous material transport (rail and road) is a scale standard for judging accident severity in safety programmes. The f-N curve is a common practice to express the results from past scattered accident data through curve fitting method, which only estimate the overall trend. For this reason, this paper proposed a simple methodology by combination of normal distribution and f-N curve. To verify the method, the following three sets of statistical data were selected and analysed in this study: 1932 accidents in over 95 countries (1931–2004) and 322 accidents in China (2000–2008) available in the literature, and 2046 accidents investigated in China (2013–2017). It was found that the mean value curve is almost identical or even better than the best-fitted curve, while the predicted upper and lower limits with 96% reliability (±2σ) covering nearly all the statistical data are beyond the scope of common curve fitting. The result explains the inherent relation between accumulated frequency and deaths in different transport mode, in different country and at different period. This study also provides insights on the evolution of accident severity with the development of social economy and the requirement of safety.
Reallocating Time from Sedentary Behavior to Light and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: What Has a Stronger Association with Adiposity in Older Adult Women?
Authors: Pelclová Jana , Štefelová Nikola , Hodonská Jana , Dygrýn Jan , Gába Aleš , Zając-Gawlak Izabela
Published: July 2018

This study is the first to use compositional data analysis to investigate movement behaviors of elderly women and their relationships with fat mass percentage (FM%). The focus of the study is on the associations of time reallocations from sedentary behavior (SB) to light physical activity (LIPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with adiposity. Over 400 older adult women were recruited as part of the cross-sectionally conducted measurements of older adults aged 60+ in Central European countries. An accelerometer was used to assess daily movement behaviors. Body mass index (BMI) and fat mass percentage (FM%) were assessed as adiposity indicators using InBody 720 MFBIA. Using LS-regression, we found positive relationships of BMI and FM% with SB (relative to remaining movement behaviors) (p < 0.001 for both), while their relationship with MVPA (relative to remaining movement behaviors) were negative (p < 0.001 for both). The estimated BMI and FM% associated with a 30-min SB-to-MVPA reallocation were reduced by 1.5 kg/m2 and 2.2 percentage points, respectively, whereas they were not reduced significantly with the reallocation of 30 min from SB to LIPA. The findings highlight that SB and MVPA, but not LIPA, are significantly associated with adiposity in elderly women. The reallocation of time from SB to MVPA could be advocated in weight loss interventions in older women.
Novel Method for Perceiving Key Requirements of Customer Collaboration Low-Carbon Product Design
Authors: Liu Aijun , Zhu Qiuyun , Ji Xiaohui , Lu Hui , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: July 2018

Low-carbon product design is an important way to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Customer collaborative product innovation (CCPI) has become a new worldwide product design trend. Based on this popularity, we introduced CCPI into the low-carbon product design process. An essential step for implementing low carbon CCPI is to clarify key low carbon requirements of customers. This study tested a novel method for perceiving key requirements of customer collaboration low-carbon product design based on fuzzy grey relational analysis and genetic algorithm. Firstly, the study considered consumer heterogeneity, allowing different types of customers to evaluate low carbon requirements in appropriate formats that reflected their degrees of uncertainty. Then, a nonlinear optimization model was proposed to establish the information aggregation factor of customers based on the genetic algorithm. The weight of customers was obtained simultaneously. Next, the key low carbon requirements of customer were identified. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was illustrated with a case related to a low carbon liquid crystal display.
Erratum: Choi, K.-H., et al. Cancer Incidence Trend in the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill Area, from 1999 to 2014: An Ecological Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 1006
Authors: Choi Kyung-Hwa , Park Myung-Sook , Ha Mina , Hur Jong-Il , Cheong Hae-Kwan
Published: July 2018

Due to an error during production, the legend presented in Figure 2 in the Results section of the published paper [1] were incorrect.[...]
Structured Knowledge Base as Prior Knowledge to Improve Urban Data Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ningyu , Deng Shumin , Chen Huajun , Chen Xi , Chen Jiaoyan , Li Xiaoqian , Zhang Yiyi
Published: July 2018

Urban computing at present often relies on a large number of manually extracted features. This may require a considerable amount of feature engineering, and the procedure may miss certain hidden features and relationships among data items. In this paper, we propose a method to use structured prior knowledge in the form of knowledge graphs to improve the precision and interpretability in applications such as optimal store placement and traffic accident inference. Specifically, we integrate sub-graph feature extraction, sub-knowledge graph gated neural networks, and kernel-based knowledge graph convolutional neural networks as ways of incorporating large urban knowledge graphs into a fully end-to-end learning system. Experiments using data from several large cities showed that our method outperforms the baseline methods.
Gold Nanoparticles: A Powerful Tool to Visualize Proteins on Ordered Mesoporous Silica and for the Realization of Theranostic Nanobioconjugates
Authors: Piludu Marco , Medda Luca , Monduzzi Maura , Salis Andrea
Published: July 2018

Ordered mesoporous silica (OMS) is a very interesting nanostructured material for the design and engineering of new target and controlled drug-delivery systems. Particularly relevant is the interaction between OMS and proteins. Large pores (6–9 nm) micrometric particles can be used for the realization of a drug depot system where therapeutic proteins are adsorbed either inside the mesopores or on the external surface. Small pores (1–2 nm) mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), can be injected in the blood stream. In the latter case, therapeutic proteins are mainly adsorbed on the MSNs’ external surface. Whenever a protein-OMS conjugate is prepared, a diagnostic method to locate the protein either on the internal or the external silica surface is of utmost importance. To visualize the fine localization of proteins adsorbed in mesoporous silica micro- and nanoparticles, we have employed specific transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analytical strategies based on the use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) conjugates. GNPs are gaining in popularity, representing a fundamental tool to design future applications of MSNs in nanomedicine by realizing theranostic nanobioconjugates. It may be pointed out that we are at the very beginning of a new age of the nanomaterial science: the “mesoporous golden age”.
In Vitro Model of Neuroinflammation: Efficacy of Cannabigerol, a Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid
Authors: Gugliandolo Agnese , Pollastro Federica , Grassi Gianpaolo , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: July 2018

Inflammation and oxidative stress play main roles in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, different natural compounds may be able to exert neuroprotective actions against inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting from neuronal cell loss. Among these natural sources, Cannabis sativa represents a reservoir of compounds exerting beneficial properties, including cannabigerol (CBG), whose antioxidant properties have already been demonstrated in macrophages. Here, we aimed to evaluate the ability of CBG to protect NSC-34 motor neurons against the toxicity induced from the medium of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Using MTT assay, we observed that CBG pre-treatment was able to reduce the loss of cell viability induced by the medium of LPS-stimulated macrophages in NSC-34 cells. Indeed, CBG pre-treatment inhibited apoptosis, as shown by the reduction of caspase 3 activation and Bax expression, while Bcl-2 levels increased. Furthermore, CBG pre-treatment counteracted not only inflammation, as demonstrated by the reduction of IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ and PPARγ protein levels assessed by immunocytochemistry, but also oxidative stress in NSC-34 cells treated with the medium of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7. Indeed, immunocytochemistry showed that CBG pre-treatment reduced nitrotyrosine, SOD1 and iNOS protein levels and restored Nrf-2 levels. All together, these results indicated the neuroprotective effects of CBG, that may be a potential treatment against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Involvement of Allosteric Effect and KCa Channels in Crosstalk between β2-Adrenergic and Muscarinic M2 Receptors in Airway Smooth Muscle
Authors: Kume Hiroaki , Nishiyama Osamu , Isoya Takaaki , Higashimoto Yuji , Tohda Yuji , Noda Yukihiro
Published: July 2018

To advance the development of bronchodilators for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this study was designed to investigate the mechanism of functional antagonism between β2-adrenergic and muscarinic M2 receptors, focusing on allosteric effects and G proteins/ion channels coupling. Muscarinic receptor antagonists (tiotropium, glycopyrronium, atropine) synergistically enhanced the relaxant effects of β2-adrenergic receptor agonists (procaterol, salbutamol, formoterol) in guinea pig trachealis. This crosstalk was inhibited by iberitoxin, a large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channel inhibitor, whereas it was increased by verapamil, a L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ (VDC) channel inhibitor; additionally, it was enhanced after tissues were incubated with pertussis or cholera toxin. This synergism converges in the G proteins (Gi, Gs)/KCa channel/VDC channel linkages. Muscarinic receptor antagonists competitively suppressed, whereas, β2-adrenergic receptor agonists noncompetitively suppressed muscarinic contraction. In concentration-inhibition curves for β2-adrenergic receptor agonists with muscarinic receptor antagonists, EC50 was markedly decreased, and maximal inhibition was markedly increased. Hence, muscarinic receptor antagonists do not bind to allosteric sites on muscarinic receptors. β2-Adrenergic receptor agonists bind to allosteric sites on these receptors; their intrinsic efficacy is attenuated by allosteric modulation (partial agonism). Muscarinic receptor antagonists enhance affinity and efficacy of β2-adrenergic action via allosteric sites in β2-adrenergic receptors (synergism). In conclusion, KCa channels and allosterism may be novel targets of bronchodilator therapy for diseases such as asthma and COPD.
Immune Checkpoints as the Immune System Regulators and Potential Biomarkers in HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Sperk Maike , Domselaar Robert van , Neogi Ujjwal
Published: July 2018

Immune checkpoints are several co-stimulatory and inhibitory pathways that regulate T cell immune responses. Most of the discoveries about immune checkpoints were made in cancer research where inhibitory immune checkpoints cause immune exhaustion and down-regulate anti-tumor responses. In addition to cancer, immune checkpoints are exploited in chronic infectious diseases. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the immune checkpoint molecule called programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has been determined as being a major regulatory factor for T cell exhaustion. Recent studies with antibodies blocking either PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) or PD-1 show not only promising results in the enhancement of HIV-specific immune responses but even in reducing the latent HIV reservoir. Apart from the therapeutic target for a functional cure of HIV-1, immune checkpoint molecules might be used as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules PD-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3), and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM3) as well as the co-stimulatory molecules CD40L and CD70, including their role in immunity, with a particular focus on HIV infection, and being potential targets for a functional HIV cure.
Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Storage Diseases: Methodologies, Screen Positive Rates, Normalization of Datasets, Second-Tier Tests, and Post-Analysis Tools
Authors: Gelb Michael H.
Published: July 2018

All of the worldwide newborn screening (NBS) for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) is done by measurement of lysosomal enzymatic activities in dried blood spots (DBS). Substrates used for these assays are discussed. While the positive predictive value (PPV) is the gold standard for evaluating medical tests, current PPVs for NBS of LSDs cannot be used as a performance metric due to statistical sampling errors and uncertainty in the onset of disease symptoms. Instead, we consider the rate of screen positives as the only currently reliable way to compare LSD NBS results across labs worldwide. It has been suggested that the expression of enzymatic activity data as multiple-of-the-mean is a way to normalize datasets obtained using different assay platforms, so that results can be compared, and universal cutoffs can be developed. We show that this is often not the case, and normalization is currently not feasible. We summarize the recent use of pattern matching statistical analysis together with measurement of an expanded group of enzymatic activities and biomarkers to greatly reduce the number of false positives for NBS of LSDs. We provide data to show that these post-enzymatic activity assay methods are more powerful than genotype analysis for the stratification of NBS for LSDs.
Long-Short-Term Memory Network Based Hybrid Model for Short-Term Electrical Load Forecasting
Authors: Xu Liwen , Li Chengdong , Xie Xiuying , Zhang Guiqing
Published: July 2018

Short-term electrical load forecasting is of great significance to the safe operation, efficient management, and reasonable scheduling of the power grid. However, the electrical load can be affected by different kinds of external disturbances, thus, there exist high levels of uncertainties in the electrical load time series data. As a result, it is a challenging task to obtain accurate forecasting of the short-term electrical load. In order to further improve the forecasting accuracy, this study combines the data-driven long-short-term memory network (LSTM) and extreme learning machine (ELM) to present a hybrid model-based forecasting method for the prediction of short-term electrical loads. In this hybrid model, the LSTM is adopted to extract the deep features of the electrical load while the ELM is used to model the shallow patterns. In order to generate the final forecasting result, the predicted results of the LSTM and ELM are ensembled by the linear regression method. Finally, the proposed method is applied to two real-world electrical load forecasting problems, and detailed experiments are conducted. In order to verify the superiority and advantages of the proposed hybrid model, it is compared with the LSTM model, the ELM model, and the support vector regression (SVR). Experimental and comparison results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model can give satisfactory performance and can achieve much better performance than the comparative methods in this short-term electrical load forecasting application.
Analysis of Conversation Competencies in Strategic Alignment between Business Areas (External Control) and Information Technology Areas in a Control Body
Authors: Câmara Alberto Leite , Maria da Costa Figueiredo Rejane , Canedo Edna Dias
Published: July 2018

The process of governance in the domain of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has been the subject of many studies in recent years, especially as regards the strategic alignment between the business and ICT areas. However, only a handful of those studies focused on studying the relationships that exist between these areas, specifically the conversation competencies that so strongly influence their alignment. This study sought to investigate and analyze the gaps that exist in such conversation competencies, as found in a Brazilian Control Body, according to the perceptions of the officers in the business and ICT areas. The survey tool used here was a questionnaire, sent to all the officers of the Body’s areas, the construction of which was based on the conversation competencies. It was found that there were 28 gaps in the conversation competencies of the Brazilian Control Body that may be developed to improve the alignment of the business and ICT areas. As regards the paths for future work, a recommendation is made for the creation of a research tool that allows the verification of the percentage of alignment that exists between ICT services and the business requirements, as its application.
Pre-Processing of Energy Demand Disaggregation Based Data Mining Techniques for Household Load Demand Forecasting
Authors: Ebrahim Ahmed F. , Mohammed Osama A.
Published: July 2018

Demand side management has a vital role in supporting the demand response in smart grid infrastructure, in the decision-making of energy management, in household applications is significantly affected by the load-forecasting accuracy. This paper introduces an innovative methodology to enhance household demand forecasting based on energy disaggregation for Short Term Load Forecasting. This approach is constructed from Feed-Forward Artificial Neural Network forecaster and a pre-processing stage of energy disaggregation. This disaggregation technique extracts the individual appliances’ load demand profile from the aggregated household load demand to increase the training data window for the proposed forecaster. These proposed algorithms include two benchmark disaggregation algorithms; Factorial Hidden Markov Model (FHMM), Combinatorial Optimization in addition to three adopted Deep Neural Network; long short- term memory (LSTM), Denoising Autoencoder, and a network which regress start time, end time, and average power. The proposed load forecasting approach outperformed the currently available state-of-the-art techniques; namely root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE).
Physical Frailty and Amyloid-β Deposits in the Brains of Older Adults with Cognitive Frailty
Authors: Yoon Dong , Lee Jun-Young , Shin Seong , Kim Yu , Song Wook
Published: July 2018

Background: Cognitive frailty and impairment are phenotypically and pathophysiologically correlated with physical frailty. We examined associations between accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain as a brain imaging biomarker and phenotypes of physical frailty (weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, low physical activity) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitive frailty. Methods: Cross-sectional associations between brain amyloid-β accumulation measured with 11C-Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)-positron emission tomography (PET) and physical frailty were examined in 48 elderly participants (mean age: 75.1 ± 6.6 years; 73% female). Cortical and regional standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were obtained. Main outcome measures included frailty phenotypes and physical functions (gait speed, short physical performance battery, and Timed Up and Go tests). Results: Mean cortical region of interest and regional SUVRs (frontal cortex, temporal cortex, parietal cortex, precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (PC/PCC), hippocampus, basal ganglia, and global SUVR) were associated with gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and short physical performance battery (PC/PCC, basal ganglia). In addition, SUVRs of all brain regions were significantly linked to weakness. Conclusion: SUVRs of all brain regions revealed an association between brain amyloid-β accumulation and weakness. Furthermore, global SUVRs (frontal cortex, temporal cortex, parietal cortex, PC/PCC, hippocampus, basal ganglia) were associated with gait parameters.
Response-Spectrum Uncoupled Analyses for Seismic Assessment of Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Failla Giuseppe , Santangelo Fabio , Foti Gabriele , Scali Fabio , Arena Felice
Published: July 2018

According to International Standards and Guidelines, the seismic assessment of offshore wind turbines in seismically-active areas may be performed by combining two uncoupled analyses under wind-wave and earthquake loads, respectively. Typically, the separate earthquake response is calculated by a response-spectrum approach and, for this purpose, structural models of various degrees of complexity may be used. Although response-spectrum uncoupled analyses are currently allowed as alternative to time-consuming fully-coupled simulations, for which dedicated software packages are required, to date no specific studies have been presented on whether accuracy may vary depending on key factors as structural modelling, criteria to calculate wind-wave and earthquake responses, and other relevant issues as the selected support structure, the considered environmental states and earthquake records. This paper will investigate different potential implementations of response-spectrum uncoupled analyses for offshore wind turbines, using various structural models and criteria to calculate the wind-wave and earthquake responses. The case study is a 5-MW wind turbine on two support structures in intermediate waters, under a variety of wind-wave states and real earthquake records. Numerical results show that response-spectrum uncoupled analyses may provide non-conservative results, for every structural model adopted and criteria to calculate wind-wave and earthquake responses. This is evidence that appropriate safety factors should be assumed when implementing response-spectrum uncoupled analyses allowed by International Standards and Guidelines.
Greenhouse Emissions and Productivity Growth
Authors: Kalaitzidakis Pantelis , Mamuneas Theofanis , Stengos Thanasis
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we examine the effect of emissions, as measured by carbon dioxide (CO2), on economic growth among a set of OECD countries during the period 1981–1998. We examine the relationship between total factor productivity (TFP) growth and emissions using a semiparametric smooth coefficient model that allow us to directly estimate the output elasticity of emissions. The results indicate that there exists a monotonically-increasing relationship between emissions and TFP growth. The output elasticity of CO2 emissions is small with an average sample value of 0.07. In addition, we find an average contribution of CO2 emissions to productivity growth of about 0.063 percent for the period 1981–1998.
5-Hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8,8-dimethyl-6-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)pyrano[2,3-h]chromen-4-one
Authors: Ribaudo Giovanni , Ongaro Alberto , Zagotto Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

Natural and semi-synthetic compounds are being studied as novel phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and lower urinary symptoms. Maclura pomifera is a source of flavonoids, one of the main classes of molecules investigated for these purposes. The extraction of the natural isoflavone osajin and its modification to obtain a semi-synthetic derivative are described in this short note. 1H and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic characterization of the title compound are also hereby provided. Two-dimensional (2D) nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) NMR, supported by in silico conformational studies, was used to achieve a complete assignment of the proton signals, assessing the correct chemical structure of the compound. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy (HSQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) NMR experiments were performed to assign 13C chemical shifts. Calculated chemical properties and preliminary in silico docking suggest that this molecule might be a promising candidate as PDE5 inhibitor.
Evolution of Elevated-Temperature Strength and Creep Resistance during Multi-Step Heat Treatments in Al-Mn-Mg Alloy
Authors: Wang G. S. , Liu K. , Wang S. L.
Published: July 2018

The present work has systematically investigated the evolution of dispersoids and elevated-temperature properties including strength and creep resistance during various multi-step heat treatments in Al-Mn-Mg 3004 alloys. Results show that only the α-Al(MnFe)Si dispersoid is observed in the studied temperature range (up to 625 °C), and that it coarsens with increasing temperature to 500 °C, but dissolves at 625 °C. The evolution of elevated-temperature strength and creep resistance is greatly related to the temperature of each step during the multi-step heat treatments. Generally, lower temperature at the first-step heat treatment leads to higher properties, while the properties decrease with increasing temperature of last-step heat treatment. Suitable models have been introduced to explain the evolution of strength and the creep threshold stress at elevated-temperatures during the various heat treatments.
Effect of Cold Rolling Process on Microstructure, Texture and Properties of Strip Cast Fe-2.6%Si Steel
Authors: Xu Yunbo , Jiao Haitao , Qiu Wenzheng , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar , Li Jianping
Published: July 2018

The use of twin-roll strip casting for the preparation of non-oriented silicon steel has attracted widespread attention in recent years, but related reports are limited. In this study, both one- and two-stage cold rolling with three intermediate annealing temperatures were employed to produce strip cast non-oriented silicon steel. The evolution of the microstructure and texture through the processing routes and its effect on magnetic properties were studied. Compared with one-stage rolling, two-stage rolling increased the in-grain shear bands and the retention of Cube texture in the cold rolled sheets, thereby promoting the nucleation of favorable Goss and Cube grains and restraining the nucleation of harmful {111}<112> grains. With the increase in intermediate annealing temperature, the η-fiber texture in annealed sheets was gradually enhanced, and the average grain size was increased, leading to significant improvement of magnetic properties.
Cryochemically Processed Li1+yMn1.95Ni0.025Co0.025O4 (y = 0, 0.1) Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Normakhmedov Ofok O. , Brylev Oleg A. , Petukhov Dmitrii I. , Kurilenko Konstantin A. , Kulova Tatiana L. , Tuseeva Elena K. , Skundin Alexander M.
Published: July 2018

A new route for the preparation of nickel and cobalt substituted spinel cathode materials (LiMn1.95Co0.025Ni0.025O4 and Li1.1Mn1.95Co0.025Ni0.025O4) by freeze-drying of acetate precursors followed by heat treatment was suggested in the present work. The experimental conditions for the preparation single-phase material with small particle size were optimized. Single-phase spinel was formed by low-temperature annealing at 700 °C. For discharge rate 0.2 C, the reversible capacities 109 and 112 mAh g−1 were obtained for LiMn1.95Co0.025Ni0.025O4 and Li1.1Mn1.95Co0.025Ni0.025O4, respectively. A good cycle performance and capacity retention about 90% after 30 cycles at discharge rate 0.2–4 C were observed for the materials cycled from 3 to 4.6 V vs. Li/Li+. Under the same conditions pure LiMn2O4 cathode materials represent a reversible capacity 94 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention about 80%. Two independent experimental techniques (cyclic voltammetry at different scan rates and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were used in order to investigate the diffusion kinetics of lithium. This study shows that the partial substitution of Mn in LiMn2O4 with small amounts of Ni and Co allows the cyclability and the performance of LiMn2O4-based cathode materials to be improved.
Thermal Energy Storage of R1234yf, R1234ze, R134a and R32/MOF-74 Nanofluids: A Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Hu Jieyao , Liu Chao , Liu Lang , Li Qibin
Published: July 2018

Thermal energy storage can be carried out by working fluid adsorbing and desorbing in porous materials. In this paper, the energy storage properties of four refrigerants, R1234yf, R1234ze, R134a and R32, with M-metal organic framework (MOF)-74 (M = Zn, Ni, Mg, Co) nanoparticles are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that M-MOF-74 can adsorb more R32 and R134a than R1234yf and R1234ze, as the molecular structures of R32 and R134a are smaller than those of R1234yf and R1234ze. Mg-MOF-74 owns a higher adsorbability than the other MOFs. The energy storage properties of the studied refrigerants can be enhanced when the sum of thermodynamic energy change of MOF particles and the desorption heat of fluid in MOFs is larger than the enthalpy change of pure organic fluid. The R1234yf/M-MOF-74 (M = Co, Mg, Ni) nanofluid can store more energy than other refrigerants/M-MOF-74 (M = Co, Mg, Ni) nanofluid. The energy storage enhancement ratios of R1234yf, R1234ze and R134a with Mg-MOF-74 nanoparticles are higher than those of other M-MOF-74 (M = Co, Ni, Zn) materials.
Rapid Ferric Transformation by Reductive Dissolution of Schwertmannite for Highly Efficient Catalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Ran Jingyu , Yu Bo
Published: July 2018

In this study, reductive dissolution of iron oxides was considered for the acceleration of the transformation from Fe(III) to Fe(II) to improve the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) by potassium persulfate (PS) activation on schwertmannite. The addition of hydroxylamine (HA) showed an enhancement effect on the degradation at pH 3 and 5, but insignificant efficiency of the addition was obtained at pH 9. The surface reduction from Fe(III)-OH to Fe(II)-OH by HA was considered dominant for the acceleration of PS activation through the reductive dissolution process, and the hydroxyl and sulfate radicals generated by the decomposition of surface complexes were main primary reactive oxidants that contributed to the degradation of RhB.
The Effect of Radiative Cooling on Reducing the Temperature of Greenhouses
Authors: Liu Chia-Hsin , Ay Chyung , Kan Jo-Chuan , Lee Maw-Tien
Published: July 2018

Currently, greenhouses are widely used for the cultivation of various crops. However, in tropical and subtropical regions, undesired near-infrared radiation (NIR) causes heat loads inside the greenhouse. Recent works have demonstrated that radiative cooling, releasing energy via radiative heat exchange where the heat is dumped directly into outer space, can be achieved by using silica particles designed to emit in the infrared atmospheric transparency window. The purpose of this study is to improve the plastic greenhouse cladding to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse, mainly by passive cooling. Low-density-polyethylene (LDPE)-based formulations with anti-fogging agent, UV stabilizer, and silica particles were prepared by the melt blending technique and were formed into a double film by extrusion molding. Experimental results showed that under 35 °C ambient conditions, the inner temperature of the simulated greenhouse with the newly developed cladding was 4 to 5 °C less than that of the greenhouse with the commercial agricultural polyethylene (PE) film.
An Electroelastic Solution for Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Circular Plates under the Action of Combined Mechanical Loads
Authors: Yang Zhi-xin , He Xiao-ting , Li Xue , Lian Yong-sheng , Sun Jun-yi
Published: July 2018

In this study, we obtained an electroelastic solution for functionally graded piezoelectric circular plates under the action of combined mechanical loads which include the uniformly distributed loads on the upper surface of the plate and the radial force and bending moment at the periphery of the plate. All electroelastic materials parameters are assumed to vary according to the same gradient function along the thickness direction. The influence of different functionally graded parameters on the elastic displacement and elastic stress, as well as the electric displacement and electric potential, was discussed by a numerical example. The solution presented in this study is not only applicable to the case of combined loads, but also to the case of a single mechanical load. In addition, this solution reflects the influence of the function gradient on the pure piezoelectric plate, which is helpful to the refined analysis and optimization design of similar structures.
Pollen-Structured Gold Nanoclusters for X-ray Induced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Tew Lih Shin , Cai Meng-Ting , Lo Leu-Wei , Khung Yit Lung , Chen Nai-Tzu
Published: July 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment that employs the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), subsequently triggering tumor apoptosis and tumor size reduction. However, this approach suffers from insufficient light penetration depth. In order to mitigate this issue, pollen-structured gold clusters (PSGCs) were designed for mediating X-ray-induced PDT for radiotherapy enhancement. The structure of PSGCs provides a large surface area that is able to generate ROS upon X-ray irradiation. The synthesized PSGCs were exposed to different X-ray doses and the generated ROS was then quantified by dihydroethidium (DHE) assay. Furthermore, at the cellular level, the PDT efficacy of PSGCs was evaluated via immunofluorescence staining with γ-H2AX and comet assay. The results demonstrated that PSGCs possess a significantly high ROS-generating capacity and a remarkable PDT efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer cells, thus showing potential clinical uses in deep-tissue cancer treatment.
Biomass-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Aerogel Counter Electrodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Butt Mira Tul Zubaida , Preuss Kathrin , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Rehman Habib ur , Briscoe Joe
Published: July 2018

Dye sensitized solar cells have emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional solar cells due to their easy processing and the abundance and low cost of their materials. However, the counter electrode in these cells employs platinum which significantly impacts their cost. Here, we report biomass-derived, nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel as an effective alternative to conventional platinum-based counter electrodes for dye sensitized solar cells. A stable suspension of biomass-derived, nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel was prepared in DMF by using oleylamine as a binder. The nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel electrode was annealed at different temperatures, and its impact on photovoltaic performance is investigated. I-V measurements confirm that the annealing temperature substantially enhances the photovoltaic parameters of these devices; these enhancements are linked to the removal of the organic binders. Electrochemical impedance spectra of the counter electrodes confirm that removal of oleylamine in nitrogen-doped carbon aerogels reduces the series resistance of the resulting electrodes. The power conversion efficiency of the solar cells from optimized nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel exhibited comparable efficiency to that of a cell fabricated using a platinum-based counter electrode. This study demonstrates the potential of biomass-derived carbon aerogels as a cheap and sustainable replacement of platinum in DSSCs.
Research on the Thermal Behaviour of a Selectively Laser Melted Aluminium Alloy: Simulation and Experiment
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Li Bao-Qiang , Bai Peikang , Liu Bin , Wang Yu
Published: July 2018

A 3D Finite Element (FE) model was developed to investigate the thermal behaviour within the melt pool during point exposure to Selective Laser Melting (SLM) processed AlSi10Mg powder. The powder–solid transition, temperature-dependent thermal properties, melt pool convection, and recoating phase were taken into account. The effects of Exposure Time (ET) and Point Distance (PD) on SLM thermal behaviour were also investigated and showed that the short liquid phase time and high cooling rate of the melt pool reduced the viscosity of the melt pool at a lower ET or a higher PD. This resulted in poor wettability and the occurrence of balling and micropores. At a higher ET or lower PD the melt pool became unstable and allowed for easy formation of the self-balling phenomenon, as well as further partial remelting in the depth direction resulting in the creation of larger pores. The proper melt pool width (119.8 μm) and depth (48.65 μm) were obtained for a successful SLM process using an ET of 140 μs and a PD of 80 μm. The surface morphologies and microstructures were experimentally obtained using the corresponding processing conditions, and the results aligned with those predicted in the simulation.
Identification and Characterization of Defects in Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic by Refining the Guided Lamb Waves
Authors: Tiwari Kumar Anubhav , Raisutis Renaldas
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the disbond-type defect presented on glass fiber reinforced plastic material is analyzed by refining the guided Lamb wave signals. A segment of wind turbine blade is considered as a test sample. The low-frequency ultrasonic measurement system is used for the non-destructive testing of the test sample using guided waves. The P-1 type macro-fiber composite transducer as a transmitter and contact-type piezoceramic transducer as a receiver are used for the testing of a sample. The disbond type defect having a diameter of 81 mm is detected from the experimental results. To improve the accuracy in locating and sizing the defects and estimation of the time of flight and phase velocity of ultrasonic guided waves in defective region, signal processing algorithm is developed by utilizing the promising properties of various ultrasonic signal processing techniques such as wavelet transform, amplitude detection, two-dimensional Fast-Fourier transform, Hilbert transform and variational mode decomposition. The discrete wavelet transform is used to denoise the guided wave signals and then, the size and location of defects are estimated by amplitude detection. The reflected wave signals from the opposite edge of the sample are removed by applying the two-dimensional Fast-Fourier transform to the experimental B-scan signal. Afterwards, variational mode decomposition and Hilbert transform are used for the phase velocity and time-delay estimation by comparing the instantaneous amplitudes of the defective and defect-free signal. The validation and the demonstration of reproducibility of the algorithm is performed by extracting the features of a 51 mm defect from another experimental B-scan.
On p-Cyclic Orbital M-K Contractions in a Partial Metric Space
Authors: Gunasekar Tharmalingam , Karpagam Saravanan , Zlatanov Boyan
Published: July 2018

A cyclic map with a contractive type of condition called p-cyclic orbital M-Kcontraction is introduced in a partial metric space. Sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of fixed points and the best proximity points for these maps in complete partial metric spaces are obtained. Furthermore, a necessary and sufficient condition for the completeness of partial metric spaces is given. The results are illustrated with an example.