bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Reduced Intake Associated with Downsizing a High Energy Dense Meal Item be Offset by Increased Vegetable Variety in 3–5-year-old Children?
Authors: Carstairs Sharon A. , Caton Samantha J. , Blundell-Birtill Pam , Rolls Barbara J. , Hetherington Marion M. , Cecil Joanne E.
Published: December 2018

Large portions of energy dense foods promote overconsumption but offering small portions might lead to compensatory intake of other foods. Offering a variety of vegetables could help promote vegetable intake and offset the effect of reducing the portion size (PS) of a high energy dense (HED) food. Therefore, we tested the effect on intake of reducing the PS of a HED unit lunch item while varying the variety of the accompanying low energy dense (LED) vegetables. In a within-subjects design, 43 3–5-year-old pre-schoolers were served a lunch meal in their nursery on 8 occasions. Children were served a standard (100%) or downsized (60%) portion of a HED sandwich with a side of LED vegetables offered as a single (carrot, cherry tomato, cucumber) or variety (all 3 types) item. Reducing the PS of a HED sandwich reduced sandwich (g) (p < 0.001) and total meal intake (kcal) consumption (p = 0.001) without an increased intake of other foods in the meal (LED vegetables (p = 0.169); dessert (p = 0.835)). Offering a variety of vegetables, compared with a single vegetable, increased vegetable intake (g) (p = 0.003) across PS conditions. Downsizing and variety were effective strategies individually for altering pre-schoolers’ intakes of HED and LED meal items, however, using variety to offset HED downsizing was not supported in the present study.
Assessment of Dietary Iodine Intake in School Age Children: The Cross-Sectional ANIVA Study
Authors: Morales-Suárez-Varela María , Peraita-Costa Isabel , Llopis-Morales Agustín , Llopis-Gonzalez Agustín
Published: December 2018

Iodine deficiency is one of the most important health problems in the world. It intervenes in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which carry out important functions, so that a deficit of this mineral causes alterations of different kinds such as those related to growth. The objective of the present study was to know the prevalence of iodine deficit in the diet of Valencian children from 6 to 8 years old and their relationship with anthropometry. The analysis of the dietary intake was carried out through questionnaires. Thirteen schools participated in the study. The sample studied consists of 661 school children belonging to the Valencian Community, between 6 and 8 years of age: 298 boys and 363 girls. 79.12% of the children did not meet recommended daily iodine intakes. When comparing the groups of girls and boys with an inadequate intake, in general, girls show worse nutritional adequacy. When comparing the groups of girls and boys with sufficient iodine intake, no statistically significant differences were observed. No immediate effects of iodine deficiency on children’s anthropometry were observed. Intake of dairy products, fish and iodized salt is recommended, since they can contribute to the diet the iodine required to avoid a deficiency.
Nesfatin-130-59 Injected Intracerebroventricularly Increases Anxiety, Depression-Like Behavior, and Anhedonia in Normal Weight Rats
Authors: Kühne Stephanie , Schalla Martha , Friedrich Tiemo , Kobelt Peter , Goebel-Stengel Miriam , Long Melissa , Rivalan Marion , Winter York , Rose Matthias , Stengel Andreas
Published: December 2018

Nesfatin-1 is a well-established anorexigenic peptide. Recent studies indicated an association between nesfatin-1 and anxiety/depression-like behavior. However, it is unclear whether this effect is retained in obesity. The aim was to investigate the effect of nesfatin-130-59—the active core of nesfatin-1—on anxiety and depression-like behavior in normal weight (NW) and diet-induced (DIO) obese rats. Male rats were intracerebroventricularly (ICV) cannulated and received nesfatin-130-59 (0.1, 0.3, or 0.9 nmol/rat) or vehicle 30 min before testing. Nesfatin-130-59 at a dose of 0.3 nmol reduced sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test in NW rats compared to vehicle (–33%, p < 0.05), indicating depression-like/anhedonic behavior. This dose was used for all following experiments. Nesfatin-130-59 also reduced cookie intake during the novelty-induced hypophagia test (−62%, p < 0.05). Moreover, nesfatin-130-59 reduced the number of entries into the center zone in the open field test (−45%, p < 0.01) and the visits of open arms in the elevated zero maze test (−39%, p < 0.01) in NW rats indicating anxiety. Interestingly, DIO rats showed no behavioral alterations after the injection of nesfatin-130-59 (p > 0.05). These results indicate an implication of nesfatin-130-59 in the mediation of anxiety and depression-like behavior/anhedonia under normal weight conditions, while in DIO rats, a desensitization might occur.
Investigation of Combined Cyclodextrin and Hydrogel Formulation for Ocular Delivery of Dexamethasone Acetate by Means of Experimental Designs
Authors: Mazet Roseline , Choisnard Luc , Levilly Delphine , Wouessidjewe Denis , Gèze Annabelle
Published: December 2018

Dexamethasone acetate (DXMa) has proven its efficiency to treat corneal inflammation, without a great propensity to increase intraocular pressure. Unfortunately, its poor aqueous solubility, associated with a rapid precorneal elimination, results in a low drug bioavailability and a low penetration after topical ocular administration. The main objective of this study was to improve the apparent aqueous solubility of DXMa using cyclodextrins. First, hydroxypropyl-β-CD (HPβCD) and hydroxypropyl-γ-CD (HPγCD) were used to enhance DXMa concentration in aqueous solution. The β and γ HPCD derivatives allowed the increase of the DXMa amount in solution at 25 °C by a factor of 500 and 1500, respectively. Second, with the aim of improving the persistence of the complex solution after instillation in the eye, the formulations of DXMa-based CD solutions with marketed ophthalmic gels (CELLUVISC®, GEL-LARMES®, and VISMED®) were investigated and optimized by means of special cubic mixture designs, allowing the defining of mixed gels loaded with 0.7% (HPβCD) and 2% (HPγCD) DXMa with osmolality within acceptable physiological range. Finally, in vitro drug release assays from the mixed gels were performed and compared with reference eye drops. Similarly to MAXIDEX® and DEXAFREE®, in the case of mixed gel containing HPβCD, more than 90% of the drug was released within 2 h, while in mixed gel containing HPγCD, the release of DXMa was partial, reaching ≈60% in 2 h. This difference will have to be further addressed with ex vivo and in vivo ocular delivery experiments.
Modeling of Disintegration and Dissolution Behavior of Mefenamic Acid Formulation Using Numeric Solution of Noyes-Whitney Equation with Cellular Automata on Microtomographic and Algorithmically Generated Surfaces
Authors: Yokoyama Reiji , Kimura Go , Schlepütz Christian M. , Huwyler Jörg , Puchkov Maxim
Published: December 2018

Manufacturing parameters may have a strong impact on the dissolution and disintegration of solid dosage forms. In line with process analytical technology (PAT) and quality by design approaches, computer-based technologies can be used to design, control, and improve the quality of pharmaceutical compacts and their performance. In view of shortcomings of computationally intensive finite-element or discrete-element methods, we propose a modeling and simulation approach based on numerical solutions of the Noyes-Whitney equation in combination with a cellular automata-supported disintegration model. The results from in vitro release studies of mefenamic acid formulations were compared to calculated release patterns. In silico simulations with our disintegration model showed a high similarity of release profile as compared to the experimental evaluation. Furthermore, algorithmically created virtual tablet structures were in good agreement with microtomography experiments. We conclude that the proposed computational model is a valuable tool to predict the influence of material attributes and process parameters on drug release from tablets.
An Electrochemical Sensor for Diphenylamine Detection Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide/Fe3O4-Molecularly Imprinted Polymer with 1,4-Butanediyl-3,3′-bis-l-vinylimidazolium Dihexafluorophosphate Ionic Liquid as Cross-Linker
Authors: Liu Lingyu , Zhu Xudong , Zeng Yanbo , Wang Hailong , Lu Yixia , Zhang Jian , Yin Zhengzhi , Chen Zhidong , Yang Yiwen , Li Lei
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we report a new composite of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4-ionic liquid based molecularly imprinted polymer (RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP) fabricated for diphenylamine (DPA) detection. RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP was prepared with RGO/Fe3O4 as supporter, ionic liquid 1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([VC4mim][PF6]) as functional monomer, ionic liquid 1,4-butanediyl-3,3’-bis-l-vinylimidazolium dihexafluorophosphate ([V2C4(mim)2][(PF6)2]) as cross-linker, and diphenylamine (DPA) as template molecule. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer were employed to characterize the RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP composite. RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP was then drop-cast onto a glassy carbon electrode to construct an electrochemical sensor for DPA. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) peak current response for 20 μM DPA of RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was 3.24 and 1.68 times that of RGO/Fe3O4-IL-NIP and RGO/Fe3O4-EGDMA-MIP modified GCEs, respectively, indicating the advantage of RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP based on ionic liquid (IL) as a cross-linker. The RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP sensor demonstrated good recognition for DPA. Under the optimized conditions, the RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP sensor exhibited a DPA detection limit of 0.05 μM (S/N = 3) with a linear range of 0.1–30 μM. Moreover, the new RGO/Fe3O4-IL-MIP based sensor detected DPA in real samples with satisfactory results.
Effect of Evening Primrose Oil-Based Polyol on the Properties of Rigid Polyurethane–Polyisocyanurate Foams for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna , Borowicz Marcin , Czupryński Bogusław , Isbrandt Marek
Published: December 2018

The article presents the results of research on the synthesis of a new biopolyol based on evening primrose oil, and its use in the production of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams intended for thermal insulation. The obtained biopolyol was subjected to analytical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic tests (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR) to confirm its suitability for the synthesis of polyurethane materials. Then, it was used for the partial replacement of the petrochemical polyol in the polyurethane formulation. Obtained rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams are characterized by a lower apparent density, brittleness, water absorption, and thermal conductivity coefficient λ. In addition, foams modified by biopolyols had a higher content of closed cells and higher aging resistance. The results of the conducted research showed that the use of the biopolyol based on evening primrose oil may be an alternative to petrochemical polyols. The research presented herein is perfectly consistent with the trends of sustainable development and the philosophy of green chemistry.
Paper-Based Flexible Antenna for Wearable Telemedicine Applications at 2.4 GHz ISM Band
Authors: Ullah Md. Amanath , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Alam Touhidul , Ashraf Farhad Bin
Published: December 2018

This paper demonstrates the performance of a potential design of a paper substrate-based flexible antenna for intrabody telemedicine systems in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical radio (ISM) bands. The antenna was fabricated using 0.54 mm thick flexible photo paper and 0.03 mm copper strips as radiating elements. Design and performance analyses of the antenna were performed using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software. The antenna performances were investigated based on the reflection coefficient in normal and bent conditions. The total dimensions of the proposed antenna are 40 × 35 × 0.6 mm3. The antenna operates at 2.33–2.53 GHz in the normal condition. More than an 8% fractional bandwidth is expressed by the antenna. Computational analysis was performed at different flexible curvatures by bending the antenna. The minimum fractional bandwidth deviation is 5.04% and the maximum is 24.97%. Moreover, it was mounted on a homogeneous phantom muscle and a four-layer human tissue phantom. Up to a 70% radiation efficiency with a 2 dB gain was achieved by the antenna. Finally, the performance of the antenna with a homogeneous phantom muscle was measured and found reliable for wearable telemedicine applications.
Label-Free and Redox Markers-Based Electrochemical Aptasensors for Aflatoxin M1 Detection
Authors: Karapetis Stefanos , Nikolelis Dimitrios , Hianik Tibor
Published: December 2018

We performed a comparative analysis of the sensitivity of aptamer-based biosensors for detection mycotoxin aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) depending on the method of immobilization of DNA aptamers and method of the detection. Label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for ferrocene labeled neutravidin layers were used for this purpose. Amino-modified DNA aptamers have been immobilized at the surface of polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) of fourth generation (G4) or biotin-modified aptamers were immobilized at the neutravidin layer chemisorbed at gold surface. In the first case the limit of detection (LOD) has been determined as 8.47 ng/L. In the second approach the LOD was similar 8.62 ng/L, which is below of allowable limits of AFM1 in milk and milk products. The aptasensors were validated in a spiked milk samples with good recovery better than 78%. Comparative analysis of the sensitivity of immuno- and aptasensors was also performed and showed comparable sensitivity.
The Analysis and Suppressing of Non-Uniformity in a High-Speed Spike-Based Image Sensor
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Yanzhao , Nie Kaiming , Gao Zhiyuan , Xu Jiangtao
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the non-ideal factors, which include spatial noise and temporal noise, are analyzed and suppressed in the high-speed spike-based image sensor, which combines the high-speed scanning sequential format with the method that uses the interspike time interval to indicate the scene information. In this imager, spatial noise contains device mismatch, which results in photo response non-uniformity (PRNU) and the non-uniformity of dark current. By multiplying the measured coefficient matrix the photo response non-uniformity is suppressed, and the non-uniformity of dark current is suppressed by correcting the interspike time interval based on the time interval of dark current. The temporal noise is composed of the shot noise and thermal noise. This kind of noise can be eliminated when using the spike frequency to restore the image. The experimental results show that, based on the spike frequency method, the standard deviation of the image decreases from 18.4792 to 0.5683 in the uniform bright light by using the calibration algorithm. While in the relatively uniform dark condition, the standard deviation decreases from 1.5812 to 0.4516. Based on interspike time interval method, because of time mismatch and temporal noise, the standard deviation of the image changes from 27.4252 to 27.4977 in the uniform bright light by using the calibration algorithm. While in the uniform dark condition, the standard deviation decreases from 2.361 to 0.3678.
Real-Time Monitoring of a Botulinum Neurotoxin Using All-Carbon Nanotube-Based Field-Effect Transistor Devices
Authors: Lee Nam Hee , Nahm Seung-Hoon , Choi Insung S.
Published: December 2018

The possibility of exposure to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), a powerful and potential bioterrorism agent, is considered to be ever increasing. The current gold-standard assay, live-mouse lethality, exhibits high sensitivity but has limitations including long assay times, whereas other assays evince rapidity but lack factors such as real-time monitoring or portability. In this study, we aimed to devise a novel detection system that could detect BoNT at below-nanomolar concentrations in the form of a stretchable biosensor. We used a field-effect transistor with a p-type channel and electrodes, along with a channel comprising aligned carbon nanotube layers to detect the type E light chain of BoNT (BoNT/E-Lc). The detection of BoNT/E-Lc entailed observing the cleavage of a unique peptide and the specific bonding between BoNT/E-Lc and antibody BoNT/E-Lc (Anti-BoNT/E-Lc). The unique peptide was cleaved by 60 pM BoNT/E-Lc; notably, 52 fM BoNT/E-Lc was detected within 1 min in the device with the antibody in the bent state. These results demonstrated that an all-carbon nanotube-based device (all-CNT-based device) could be produced without a complicated fabrication process and could be used as a biosensor with high sensitivity, suggesting its potential development as a wearable BoNT biosensor.
Novel Simulation Technique of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in the Ultra High Frequency Range within Power Transformers
Authors: Umemoto Takahiro , Tenbohlen Stefan
Published: December 2018

Diagnoses of power transformers by partial discharge (PD) measurement are effective to prevent dielectric failures of the apparatus. Ultra-high frequency (UHF) method has recently received attention due to its various advantages, such as the robustness against external noise and the capability of PD localization. However, electromagnetic (EM) waves radiated from PD tend to suffer attenuation before arriving at UHF sensors, because active part of the transformer disturbs the EM wave propagation. In some cases, that results in poor detection sensitivity. To understand propagation and attenuation characteristics of EM waves and to evaluate the detection sensitivity quantitatively, a computational approach to simulate the EM wave propagation is important. Although many previous researches have dealt with EM wave simulation for transformers, validations of those simulations by comparing with the experimental ones have seldom been reported. In this paper, cumulative energies, signal amplitudes and propagation times of EM waves were measured using a 630 kVA transformer. EM wave propagation was computed using the time-domain finite integration technique and the results were compared with the experimentally obtained ones. These simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental ones. The results can serve as guidelines to improve the efficiency of UHF PD detection and offer the possibility to achieve optimal placement of UHF sensors in power transformers.
Face Recognition Using the SR-CNN Model
Authors: Yang Yu-Xin , Wen Chang , Xie Kai , Wen Fang-Qing , Sheng Guan-Qun , Tang Xin-Gong
Published: December 2018

In order to solve the problem of face recognition in complex environments being vulnerable to illumination change, object rotation, occlusion, and so on, which leads to the imprecision of target position, a face recognition algorithm with multi-feature fusion is proposed. This study presents a new robust face-matching method named SR-CNN, combining the rotation-invariant texture feature (RITF) vector, the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) vector, and the convolution neural network (CNN). Furthermore, a graphics processing unit (GPU) is used to parallelize the model for an optimal computational performance. The Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW) database and self-collection face database were selected for experiments. It turns out that the true positive rate is improved by 10.97–13.24% and the acceleration ratio (the ratio between central processing unit (CPU) operation time and GPU time) is 5–6 times for the LFW face database. For the self-collection, the true positive rate increased by 12.65–15.31%, and the acceleration ratio improved by a factor of 6–7.
Fair or Unfair: The Moderating Effect of Sustainable CSR Practices on Anticipatory Justice Following Service Failure Recovery
Authors: Lii Yuan-Shuh , Ding May-Ching , Lin Chih-Huang
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the relative effect of anticipatory justice on organizational legitimacy and consumer trust that further leads to consumer citizenship behavior following service failure recovery in Taiwan. Further, the moderating role of sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices is explored. A causal relationship and survey design with a valid sample of 269 respondents was applied. Findings indicated that organizational legitimacy and consumer trust can be restored through anticipatory justice, in particular interpersonal justice and then further mediated consumer citizenship behavior. As a moderator, a high level of sustainable CSR practices had a significantly stronger effect on anticipatory justice and organizational legitimacy than the low level one but only had an effect on interpersonal justice and consumer trust after service recovery. Practical implications are provided for service providers. The value of this research proposes an integrated model with organizational legitimacy and sustainable CSR practice that has not yet been tested in the model of service recovery. In addition, sustainable CSR practice is proposed as a moderator (high and low) that is compared in the level of strength of the relationships. This moderation effect has not been found previously in the process of service recovery.
Lateral Asymmetry of Brain and Behaviour in the Zebra Finch, Taeniopygia guttata
Authors: Rogers Lesley J. , Koboroff Adam , Kaplan Gisela
Published: December 2018

Lateralisation of eye use indicates differential specialisation of the brain hemispheres. We tested eye use by zebra finches to view a model predator, a monitor lizard, and compared this to eye use to view a non-threatening visual stimulus, a jar. We used a modified method of scoring eye preference of zebra finches, since they often alternate fixation of a stimulus with the lateral, monocular visual field of one eye and then the other, known as biocular alternating fixation. We found a significant and consistent preference to view the lizard using the left lateral visual field, and no significant eye preference to view the jar. This finding is consistent with specialisation of the left eye system, and right hemisphere, to attend and respond to predators, as found in two other avian species and also in non-avian vertebrates. Our results were considered together with hemispheric differences in the zebra finch for processing, producing, and learning song, and with evidence of right-eye preference in visual searching and courtship behaviour. We conclude that the zebra finch brain has the same general pattern of asymmetry for visual processing as found in other vertebrates and suggest that, contrary to earlier indications from research on lateralisation of song, this may also be the case for auditory processing.
Improvement of Risk Assessment Using Numerical Analysis for an Offshore Plant Dipole Antenna
Authors: Cho Yun-Jeong , Im Kichang , Shon Dongkoo , Park Daehoon , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a numerical analysis method for improving risk assessment of radio frequency (RF) hazards. To compare the results of conventional code analysis, the values required for dipole antenna risk assessment, which is widely used in offshore plants based on the British standards (BS) guide, are calculated using the proposed numerical analysis. Based on the BS (published document CENELEC technical report (PD CLC/TR) 50427:2004 and international electrotechnical commission (IEC) 60079 for an offshore plant dipole antenna, an initial assessment, a full assessment, and on-site test procedures are performed to determine if there is a potential risk of high-frequency ignition. Alternatively, numerical analysis is performed using the Ansys high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) tool to compare results based on the BS guide. The proposed method computes the effective field strength and power for the antenna without any special consideration of the structure to simplify the calculation. Experimental results show that the proposed numerical analysis outperforms the risk assessment based on the BS guide in accuracy of the evaluation.
Automated Essay Scoring: A Siamese Bidirectional LSTM Neural Network Architecture
Authors: Liang Guoxi , On Byung-Won , Jeong Dongwon , Kim Hyun-Chul , Choi Gyu Sang
Published: December 2018

Essay scoring is a critical task in education. Implementing automated essay scoring (AES) helps reduce manual workload and speed up learning feedback. Recently, neural network models have been applied to the task of AES and demonstrates tremendous potential. However, the existing work only considered the essay itself without considering the rating criteria behind the essay. One of the reasons is that the various kinds of rating criteria are very hard to represent. In this paper, we represent rating criteria by some sample essays that were provided by domain experts and defined a new input pair consisting of an essay and a sample essay. Corresponding to this new input pair, we proposed a symmetrical neural network AES model that can accept the input pair. The model termed Siamese Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Architecture (SBLSTMA) can capture not only the semantic features in the essay but also the rating criteria information behind the essays. We use the SBLSTMA model for the task of AES and take the Automated Student Assessment Prize (ASAP) dataset as evaluation. Experimental results show that our approach is better than the previous neural network methods.
A Proportionate Normalized Maximum Correntropy Criterion Algorithm with Correntropy Induced Metric Constraint for Identifying Sparse Systems
Authors: Li Yingsong , Wang Yanyan , Sun Laijun
Published: December 2018

A proportionate-type normalized maximum correntropy criterion (PNMCC) with a correntropy induced metric (CIM) zero attraction terms is presented, whose performance is also discussed for identifying sparse systems. The proposed sparse algorithms utilize the advantage of proportionate schemed adaptive filter, maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) algorithm, and zero attraction theory. The CIM scheme is incorporated into the basic MCC to further utilize the sparsity of inherent sparse systems, resulting in the name of the CIM-PNMCC algorithm. The derivation of the CIM-PNMCC is given. The proposed algorithms are used for evaluating the sparse systems in a non-Gaussian environment and the simulation results show that the expanded normalized maximum correntropy criterion (NMCC) adaptive filter algorithms achieve better performance than those of the squared proportionate algorithms such as proportionate normalized least mean square (PNLMS) algorithm. The proposed algorithm can be used for estimating finite impulse response (FIR) systems with symmetric impulse response to prevent the phase distortion in communication system.
A Novel Approach for Green Supplier Selection under a q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Yanlai
Published: December 2018

With environmental issues becoming increasingly important worldwide, plenty of enterprises have applied the green supply chain management (GSCM) mode to achieve economic benefits while ensuring environmental sustainable development. As an important part of GSCM, green supplier selection has been researched in many literatures, which is regarded as a multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problem. However, these existing approaches present several shortcomings, including determining the weights of decision makers subjectively, ignoring the consensus level of decision makers, and that the complexity and uncertainty of evaluation information cannot be adequately expressed. To overcome these drawbacks, a new method for green supplier selection based on the q-rung orthopair fuzzy set is proposed, in which the evaluation information of decision makers is represented by the q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers. Combined with an iteration-based consensus model and the q-rung orthopair fuzzy power weighted average (q-ROFPWA) operator, an evaluation matrix that is accepted by decision makers or an enterprise is obtained. Then, a comprehensive weighting method can be developed to compute the weights of criteria, which is composed of the subjective weighting method and a deviation maximization model. Finally, the TODIM (TOmada de Decisao Interativa e Multicritevio) method, based on the prospect theory, can be extended into the q-rung orthopair fuzzy environment to obtain the ranking result. A numerical example of green supplier selection in an electric automobile company was implemented to illustrate the practicability and advantages of the proposed approach.
The Complexity of Some Classes of Pyramid Graphs Created from a Gear Graph
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Daoud Salama Nagy
Published: December 2018

The methods of measuring the complexity (spanning trees) in a finite graph, a problem related to various areas of mathematics and physics, have been inspected by many mathematicians and physicists. In this work, we defined some classes of pyramid graphs created by a gear graph then we developed the Kirchhoff’s matrix tree theorem method to produce explicit formulas for the complexity of these graphs, using linear algebra, matrix analysis techniques, and employing knowledge of Chebyshev polynomials. Finally, we gave some numerical results for the number of spanning trees of the studied graphs.
Generalized Shifted Chebyshev Koornwinder’s Type Polynomials: Basis Transformations
Authors: AlQudah Mohammad A. , AlMheidat Maalee N.
Published: December 2018

Approximating continuous functions by polynomials is vital to scientific computing and numerous numerical techniques. On the other hand, polynomials can be characterized in several ways using different bases, where every form of basis has its advantages and power. By a proper choice of basis, several problems will be removed; for instance, stability and efficiency can be improved, and numerous complications can be resolved. In this paper, we provide an explicit formula of the generalized shifted Chebyshev Koornwinder’s type polynomial of the first kind, T r * ( K 0 , K 1 ) ( x ) , using the Bernstein basis of fixed degree. Moreover, a Bézier’s degree elevation was used to rewrite T r * ( K 0 , K 1 ) ( x ) in terms of a higher degree Bernstein basis without altering the shapes. In addition, explicit formulas of conversion matrices between generalized shifted Chebyshev Koornwinder’s type polynomials and Bernstein polynomial bases were given.
Normal Bases on Galois Ring Extensions
Authors: Zhang Aixian , Feng Keqin
Published: December 2018

Normal bases are widely used in applications of Galois fields and Galois rings in areas such as coding, encryption symmetric algorithms (block cipher), signal processing, and so on. In this paper, we study the normal bases for Galois ring extension R / Z p r , where R = GR ( p r , n ) . We present a criterion on the normal basis for R / Z p r and reduce this problem to one of finite field extension R ¯ / Z ¯ p r = F q / F p ( q = p n ) by Theorem 1. We determine all optimal normal bases for Galois ring extension.
Mechanical Behavior of Double-Arch Tunnels under the Effect of Voids on the Top of the Middle Wall
Authors: Min Bo , Zhang Xu , Zhang Chengping , Gong Yanping , Yuan Tengfei
Published: December 2018

Voids behind linings may affect the safety and performance of structures. In this paper, the applicability of the extended finite element method for simulating crack propagation was verified firstly through comparisons between numerical simulations and model tests. Moreover, the mechanical behavior of double-arch tunnels under effects of voids on the top of the middle wall was investigated numerically. Two factors, including void size and tunnel shape, were mainly investigated. The main results obtained were explored including internal forces, deformation and fracturing of the liner. The results showed that voids produced adverse effects on the liner. Internal forces on the liner experienced significant changes and the deformation of the liner increased. Besides, larger crack depth was observed at the crown and the connection between the spandrel and middle wall, indicating a significant decrease in bearing capacity of the structure compared with tunnels without voids.
Optimizing a Password Hashing Function with Hardware-Accelerated Symmetric Encryption
Authors: Álvarez Rafael , Andrade Alicia , Zamora Antonio
Published: December 2018

Password-based key derivation functions (PBKDFs) are commonly used to transform user passwords into keys for symmetric encryption, as well as for user authentication, password hashing, and preventing attacks based on custom hardware. We propose two optimized alternatives that enhance the performance of a previously published PBKDF. This design is based on (1) employing a symmetric cipher, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), as a pseudo-random generator and (2) taking advantage of the support for the hardware acceleration for AES that is available on many common platforms in order to mitigate common attacks to password-based user authentication systems. We also analyze their security characteristics, establishing that they are equivalent to the security of the core primitive (AES), and we compare their performance with well-known PBKDF algorithms, such as Scrypt and Argon2, with favorable results.
Influence of Food Matrices on the Stability and Bioavailability of Abrin
Authors: Tam Christina C. , Henderson Thomas D. , Stanker Larry H. , Cheng Luisa W.
Published: December 2018

Abrin, a highly toxic plant toxin, is a potential bioterror weapon. Work from our laboratory and others have shown that abrin is highly resistant to both thermal and pH inactivation methods. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of selected food processing thermal inactivation conditions against abrin in economically important food matrices (whole milk, non-fat milk, liquid egg, and ground beef). The effectiveness of toxin inactivation was measured via three different assays: (1) In vitro cell free translation (CFT) assay, (2) Vero cell culture cytotoxicity; and the in vivo mouse intraperitoneal (ip) bioassay. For both whole and non-fat milk, complete inactivation was achieved at temperatures of ≥ 80 °C for 3 min or 134 °C for 60 s, which were higher than the normal vat/batch pasteurization or the high temperature short time pasteurization (HTST). Toxin inactivation in liquid egg required temperatures of ≥ 74 °C for 3 min higher than suggested temperatures for scrambled eggs (22% solids) and plain whole egg. Additionally, the ground beef (80:20%) matrix was found to be inhibitory for full toxin activity in the mouse bioassay while retaining some activity in both the cell free translation assay and Vero cell culture cytotoxicity assay.
Discovery of Novel Conotoxin Candidates Using Machine Learning
Authors: Li Qing , Watkins Maren , Robinson Samuel D. , Safavi-Hemami Helena , Yandell Mark
Published: December 2018

Cone snails (genus Conus) are venomous marine snails that inject prey with a lethal cocktail of conotoxins, small, secreted, and cysteine-rich peptides. Given the diversity and often high affinity for their molecular targets, consisting of ion channels, receptors or transporters, many conotoxins have become invaluable pharmacological probes, drug leads, and therapeutics. Transcriptome sequencing of Conus venom glands followed by de novo assembly and homology-based toxin identification and annotation is currently the state-of-the-art for discovery of new conotoxins. However, homology-based search techniques, by definition, can only detect novel toxins that are homologous to previously reported conotoxins. To overcome these obstacles for discovery, we have created ConusPipe, a machine learning tool that utilizes prominent chemical characters of conotoxins to predict whether a certain transcript in a Conus transcriptome, which has no otherwise detectable homologs in current reference databases, is a putative conotoxin. By using ConusPipe on RNASeq data of 10 species, we report 5148 new putative conotoxin transcripts that have no homologues in current reference databases. 896 of these were identified by at least three out of four models used. These data significantly expand current publicly available conotoxin datasets and our approach provides a new computational avenue for the discovery of novel toxin families.
Sublethal Effects of Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract and Its Pure Glycoalkaloids on the Physiology of Tenebrio molitor (Mealworm)
Authors: Spochacz Marta , Chowański Szymon , Szymczak Monika , Lelario Filomena , Bufo Sabino A. , Adamski Zbigniew
Published: December 2018

Background: Solanaceae plants produce glycoalkaloids (GAs) that affect various physiological processes of herbivorous insects and they are being tested as potential alternatives for synthetic pesticides. They cause lethal and sublethal effects. Nevertheless, their mode of action remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the effects of Solanum nigrum fruit extracts and pure glycoalkaloids on a model beetle, Tenebrio molitor. Methods: Plant extracts or pure alkaloids were added to the food of the larvae for three days. The lipid, glycogen, and protein content in the fat body and the midgut were determined, and the contractility of the heart, hindgut, and oviduct muscles was tested using the video-microscopy technique. Finally, the ultrastructure of the fat body and the midgut was observed using electron microscopy. Results: No lethal effects were noted. Sublethal changes were observed in the content of biomolecules, malformations of organelles, chromatin condensation, and heart and oviduct contractility. The observed effects differed between the tested glycoalkaloids and the extract. Conclusions: Both the extract and pure GAs have a wide range of effects that may result in impaired development, food intake, and reproduction. Some early effects may be used as bioindicators of stress. The effects of the extract and pure alkaloids suggest that the substances produced by the plant may act additively or synergistically.
Evidence Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Can Improve Saccadic Eye Movement Control in Older Adults
Authors: Chen Po , Stenling Andreas , Machado Liana
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Ageing is associated with declines in voluntary eye movement control, which negatively impact the performance of daily activities. Therapies treating saccadic eye movement control deficits are currently lacking. To address the need for an effective therapy to treat age-related deficits in saccadic eye movement control, the current study investigated whether saccadic behaviour in older adults can be improved by anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using a montage that has been proven to be effective at improving nonoculomotor control functions. Method: The tDCS protocol entailed a 5 cm × 7 cm anodal electrode and an encephalic cathodal reference electrode positioned over the contralateral supraorbital area. In two experiments, healthy older men completed one active (1.5 mA current for 10 min) and one sham stimulation session, with the session order counterbalanced across participants, and eye movement testing following stimulation. In the first experiment, participants rested during the tDCS (offline), whereas in the follow-up experiment, participants engaged in antisaccades during the tDCS (online). Results: Analyses revealed improvements in saccadic performance following active anodal tDCS relative to sham stimulation in the online experiment, but not in the offline experiment, which was presumably due to the activation of the relevant networks during tDCS promoting more targeted effects. Discussion: These outcomes converge with findings pertaining to nonoculomotor cognitive functions, and provide evidence that tDCS can improve saccadic eye movement control in older adults.
Lithologic Control of the Hydrochemistry of a Point-Bar Alluvial Aquifer at the Low Reach of the Nakdong River, South Korea: Implications for the Evaluation of Riverbank Filtration Potential
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md , Lee Jeong-Ho , Jung Kyung Moon , Kwon Jang Soon , Kim Kyoung-Ho , Yun Seong-Taek
Published: December 2018

To assess the groundwater−river water interaction in a point-bar alluvial aquifer as a crucial step in site assessment for riverbank filtration, hydrochemical and hydrogeologic investigations were performed on a riverine island at the low reach of the Nakdong River, South Korea. The site was evaluated for the application of large-scale bank filtration. Unconsolidated sediments (~40 m thick) of the island comprise fine- to medium-grained sand (upper aquifer), silty sand with clay intercalations, and sandy gravel (lower aquifer) in descending order. The intermediate layer represents an impermeable aquitard and extends below the river bottom. A total of 66 water samples were collected for this study; groundwater (n = 57) was sampled from both preexisting irrigation wells, and three multi-level monitoring wells (each 35 m deep). Groundwater chemistry is highly variable, but it shows a distinct hydrochemical change with depth: shallow groundwater (<25 m deep) from the upper aquifer is characteristically enriched in NO3− and SO42−, due to agricultural contamination from the land surface, while deeper groundwater (>25 m deep) from the lower aquifer is generally free of NO3− and relatively rich in F. The lower aquifer groundwater is also higher in pH, and concentrations of K+, Mg2+, and HCO3−, indicating that the aquifer is likely fed by regional groundwater flow. Such separation of groundwater into two water bodies is the result of the existence of an impermeable layer at intermediate depth. In addition, the hyporheic flow of river water is locally recognized at the upstream part of the upper aquifer as the zone of low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) values (<200 mg/L). This study shows that the study site does not seem to be promising for large-scale riverbank filtration because 1) the productive, lower aquifer is not directly connected to the bottom of the river channel, and 2) the upper aquifer is severely influenced by agricultural contamination. This study implies that the subsurface hydrogeologic environment should be carefully investigated for site assessment for riverbank filtration, which can be aided by a detailed survey of groundwater chemistry.
Real-Time Burst Detection in District Metering Areas in Water Distribution System Based on Patterns of Water Demand with Supervised Learning
Authors: Huang Pingjie , Zhu Naifu , Hou Dibo , Chen Jinyu , Xiao Yao , Yu Jie , Zhang Guangxin , Zhang Hongjian
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a new method to detect bursts in District Metering Areas (DMAs) in water distribution systems. The methodology is divided into three steps. Firstly, Dynamic Time Warping was applied to study the similarity of daily water demand, extract different patterns of water demand, and remove abnormal patterns. In the second stage, according to different water demand patterns, a supervised learning algorithm was adopted for burst detection, which established a leakage identification model for each period of time, respectively, using a sliding time window. Finally, the detection process was performed by calculating the abnormal probability of flow during a certain period by the model and identifying whether a burst occurred according to the set threshold. The method was validated on a case study involving a DMA with engineered pipe-burst events. The results obtained demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively detect bursts, with a low false-alarm rate and high accuracy.
Impact of Eastern Redcedar Proliferation on Water Resources in the Great Plains USA—Current State of Knowledge
Authors: Zou Chris B. , Twidwell Dirac , Bielski Christine H. , Fogarty Dillon T. , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Starks Patrick J. , Will Rodney E. , Zhong Yu , Acharya Bharat Sharma
Published: December 2018

In the Great Plains of the central United States, water resources for human and aquatic life rely primarily on surface runoff and local recharge from rangelands that are under rapid transformation to woodland by the encroachment of Eastern redcedar (redcedar; Juniperus virginiana) trees. In this synthesis, the current understanding and impact of redcedar encroachment on the water budget and water resources available for non-ecosystem use are reviewed. Existing studies concluded that the conversion from herbaceous-dominated rangeland to redcedar woodland increases precipitation loss to canopy interception and vegetation transpiration. The decrease of soil moisture, particularly for the subsurface soil layer, is widely documented. The depletion of soil moisture is directly related to the observed decrease in surface runoff, and the potential of deep recharge for redcedar encroached watersheds. Model simulations suggest that complete conversion of the rangelands to redcedar woodland at the watershed and basin scale in the South-central Great Plains would lead to reduced streamflow throughout the year, with the reductions of streamflow between 20 to 40% depending on the aridity of the climate of the watershed. Recommended topics for future studies include: (i) The spatial dynamics of redcedar proliferation and its impact on water budget across a regional hydrologic network; (ii) the temporal dynamics of precipitation interception by the herbaceous canopy; (iii) the impact of redcedar infilling into deciduous forests such as the Cross Timbers and its impact on water budget and water availability for non-ecosystem use; (iv) land surface and climate interaction and cross-scale hydrological modeling and forecasting; (v) impact of redcedar encroachment on sediment production and water quality; and (vi) assessment and efficacy of different redcedar control measures in restoring hydrological functions of watershed.
Sur une nouvelle variété d'amphibole : l'eckrite
Authors: Ravier Jean
Published: December 2018

L'eckrite a été trouvée en roche filonienne, dans des gneiss de la côte occidentale du Groenland. Elle appartient au groupe des amphiboles « sodiques ». Elle se rapproche de l'arfvedsonite par ses caractères optiques, résumés en conclusion. Mais sa composition chimique est très différente : la teneur en sodium est faible, pendant que le calcium apparaît ; la moitié du fer est remplacé par du magnésium.
Étude théorique et expérimentale de la diffusion des rayons X par les ensembles denses de particules
Authors: Fournet Gérard
Published: December 2018

L'étude de la diffusion des rayons X aux faibles angles permet d'obtenir des renseignements sur les valeurs et la répartition de la densité électronique de la matière à une échelle comprise entre 10 et 1.000 Å environ.

Cette méthode d'examen est récente : le premier travail systématique et fondamental (thèse de Guinier, réf. 1), date de 1939. Ce mémoire était à peu près uniquement consacré aux cas où les particules sont éloignées les unes des autres ; le but initial de notre travail a été d'étendre à la fois sur le plan théorique et le plan expérimental le champ d'application de cette méthode.

Nous avons cherché à établir une théorie unitaire de la diffusion des rayons X par la matière permettant d'expliquer l'ensemble des faits expérimentaux à partir d'un nombre réduit de paramètres et, en particulier, de relier la diffusion par un fluide aux caractéristiques intrinsèques de ce fluide : densité et forces intermoléculaires. Cette étude montre la nécessité de connaître toute la courbe de diffusion avec une bonne précision pour pouvoir exploiter convenablement les données expérimentales.

Un nouveau dispositif expérimental a donc été mis au point : il est constitué d'un monochromateur double à lames de quartz courbées associé à un tube à anticathode tournante, à foyer fin, fonctionnant sous une forte intensité de courant. Il est ainsi possible d'étudier, avec des temps de pose courts (de l'ordre de l'heure), les hétérogénéités de la matière jusqu'à une échelle de l'ordre de quelques centaines d'angströms alors que l'ancien dispositif ne permettait pas de dépasser 80 Å.

Nous avons ainsi pu étudier certains alliages d'aluminium et des substances d'ordre biologique.