bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuel Injection Strategy for Utilization of Mineral Diesel-Methanol Blend in a Common Rail Direct Injection Engine
Authors: Singh Akhilendra Pratap , Sharma Nikhil , Kumar Vikram , Satsangi Dev Prakash , Agarwal Avinash Kumar
Published: February 2020

Methanol fueled internal combustion (IC) engines have attracted significant attention due to their contributions in reducing environmental pollution and fossil fuel consumption. In this study, a single-cylinder research engine was operated on MD10 (10% (v/v) methanol blended with mineral diesel) and baseline mineral diesel to explore an optimized fuel injection strategy for efficient combustion and reduced emissions. The experiments were conducted at constant engine speed (1500 rpm) and load (3 kW) using two different fuel injection strategies, namely, single pilot injection (SPI) and double pilot injection (DPI) strategy. For each pilot fuel injection strategy, the start of main injection (SoMI) timing was varied from −3 to 6° crank angle (CA) before top dead center (bTDC). To examine the effect of fuel injection pressure (FIP), experiments were performed at three different FIPs (500, 750, and 1000 bars). Results showed that the MD10 fueled engine resulted in superior combustion compared with baseline mineral diesel, which was further improved by DPI at higher FIPs. The use of DPI strategy was found to be more effective at higher FIPs, resulting in higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE), lower exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and reduced oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared with SPI strategy. Detailed investigations showed that the addition of methanol in mineral diesel reduced particulates, especially the accumulation mode particles (AMP). Different statistical analysis and qualitative correlations between fuel injection parameters showed that higher FIP and advanced SoMI timings were suitable for particulate reduction from the MD10 fueled engine.
Prospective investigation of pain associated with ultrasound- and computed tomography-guided percutaneous biopsies in oncological patients
Authors: Roman Andrei , Palego Federica , Achimas-Cadariu Patriciu , Vlad Catalin , Andries Alexandra , Tomuleasa Ciprian Ionut , Gata Vlad Alexandru , Pintican Roxana , Rada Maria Patricia , Feier Diana
Published: February 2020

AimsThe present study aims to investigate the pain, anxiety and other factors that are associated with percutaneous computed tomography (CT)- and ultrasound (US)-guided biopsies of tumors.Material and MethodsThe study prospectively included 60 consecutive patients, of which 24 underwent CT-guided biopsies and 36 US-guided biopsies. The location of targeted tumors was within the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and limbs. A questionnaire containing numerical rate scales (0-10) regarding procedural and post-procedural pain, anxiety, and other associated parameters was filled out by each patient 2-6 hours after the procedure. CT and ultrasound parameters were compared.  The two groups were then pooled together in order to compare pain scores per targeted organ and to analyze the parameters that were associated with pain.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the CT and US group with the exception of the positional discomfort, which was higher in the CT group (p=0.003). The average procedural pain score (2.0) was significantly higher than the post-procedural pain (1.3, p=0.006) and the phlebotomy pain (0.8, p<0.0001). There was no significant difference between the targeted organs with regards to the pain score. The factors that showed a positive correlation with the procedural pain were procedure-related anxiety (p=0.005), positional discomfort (p=0.01), and phlebotomy pain (p=0.0008). The pre interventional use of an analgesic was negatively correlated with the procedural pain (p=0.02).ConclusionsCT- and US- guided percutaneous biopsies are associated with low levels of pain that are generally well tolerated by patients irrespective of the targeted organ.
Identification of Antibiotics That Diminish Disease in a Murine Model of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Infection
Authors: Mühlen Sabrina , Ramming Isabell , Pils Marina C. , Koeppel Martin , Glaser Jana , Leong John , Flieger Antje , Stecher Bärbel , Dersch Petra
Published: February 2020

Infections with enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) cause disease ranging from mild diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and are the most common cause of renal failure in children in high-income countries. The severity of the disease derives from the release of Shiga toxins (Stx). The use of antibiotics to treat EHEC infections is generally avoided, as it can result in increased
stx
expression. Here, we systematically tested different classes of antibiotics and found that their influence on
stx
expression and release varies significantly.
Enhancement of Sphingolipid Synthesis Improves Osmotic Tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhu Guoxing , Yin Nannan , Luo Qiuling , Liu Jia , Chen Xiulai , Liu Liming , Wu Jianrong
Published: February 2020

This study demonstrated a novel strategy for the manipulation of membrane complex sphingolipids to enhance
S. cerevisiae
tolerance to osmotic stress. Elo2, a sphingolipid acyl chain elongase, was related to osmotic tolerance through transcriptome analysis of the wild-type strain and an osmosis-tolerant strain generated from ALE. Overexpression of
ELO2
increased the content of complex sphingolipid with longer acyl chain; thus, membrane integrity and osmotic tolerance improved.
Basic Amino Acid Substitution at Residue 367 of the Envelope Protein of Tembusu Virus Plays a Critical Role in Pathogenesis
Authors: Sun Mengxu , Zhang Lijiao , Cao Yanxin , Wang Jun , Yu Ziding , Sun Xue , Liu Fengli , Li Zhuolin , Liu Pinghuang , Su Jingliang
Published: February 2020

Outbreaks of Tembusu virus (TMUV) infection have caused huge economic losses in the production of domestic waterfowl since the virus was first recognized in China in 2010. To control TMUV infection, a live-attenuated vaccine candidate of TMUV was developed in our previous study, but the mechanisms of virulence attenuation are not fully understood. Here, we found that the Thr-to-Lys substitution at E367 is a crucial determinant of TMUV virulence attenuation in ducks. We demonstrated that the T367K mutation attenuates TMUV through reducing viral replication in the blood, brain, heart (ducklings), and ovaries. These data provide new insights into understanding the pathogenesis of TMUV and the rational development of novel TMUV vaccines.
Recruitment of Host Nuclear Pore Components to the Vicinity of
Theileria
Schizonts
Authors: Huber Sandra , Bär Anina , Epp Selina , Schmuckli-Maurer Jacqueline , Eberhard Naja , Humbel Bruno M. , Hemphill Andrew , Woods Kerry
Published: February 2020

Theileria
schizonts are the only known eukaryotic organisms capable of transforming another eukaryotic cell; as such, probing of the interactions that occur at the host-parasite interface is likely to lead to novel insights into the cell biology underlying leukocyte proliferation and transformation. Little is known about how the parasite communicates with its host or by what route secreted parasite proteins are translocated into the host, and we propose that nuclear trafficking machinery at the parasite surface might play a role in this. The function of AL remains completely unknown, and our work provides a basis for further investigation into the contribution that these porous, cytomembranous structures might make to the survival of fast-growing transformed cells.
Oral and Gut Microbial Diversity and Immune Regulation in Patients with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Annavajhala Medini K. , Khan Sabrina D. , Sullivan Sean B. , Shah Jayesh , Pass Lauren , Kister Karolina , Kunen Heather , Chiang Victor , Monnot Gwennaëlle C. , Ricupero Christopher L. , Mazur Rebecca A. , Gordon Peter , de Jong Annemieke , Wadhwa Sunil , Yin Michael T. , Demmer Ryan T. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin
Published: February 2020

A feedback loop between dysbiotic gut microbiota, increased translocation of microbial products such as lipopolysaccharide, and inflammation has been hypothesized to cause immune system dysfunction in early HIV infection. However, despite evidence of a chronic inflammatory phenotype in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the role of oral microbiota in systemic immune activation and the relationship between oral and gut bacterial and fungal diversity have not been explored. Our study suggests a crucial role for oral bacterial and fungal communities in long-term systemic immune activation in patients on ART, expanding the current paradigm focused on gut bacteria. Our results indicate that interventions targeting both inflammation and microbial diversity are needed to mitigate oral inflammation-related comorbidities, particularly in HIV-positive patients. More broadly, these findings can bolster general models of microbiome-mediated chronic systemic immune activation and aid the development of precise microbiota-targeted interventions to reverse chronic inflammation.
Diaphragm ultrasound examination for congenital diaphragmatic eventration in two premature neonates
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Arai Junichi
Published: February 2020

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) is always diagnosed by fluoroscopic examination. However, this technique is inappropriate for premature neonates because of risks of transport, hypothermia and ionising radiation. Herein, we describe two cases of premature neonates suspected to have CDE on radiography. We could not perform fluoroscopic examination due to their prematurity status. Therefore, we performed ultrasound examination and succeeded in diagnosing CDE without any risks. Using ultrasound examination, we could evaluate movement and thickness of the diaphragm. We consider this additional information useful for CDE diagnosis. This is the first report on CDE diagnosis using ultrasound examination.
Fetuin-A and fetal growth in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Wen-Juan , Zhang Lin , Zheng Tao , Zhang Guang-Hui , Du Kun , Yang Meng-Nan , He Hua , Wang Shufan , Wang Weiye , Zhang Jun , Ouyang Fengxiu , Luo Zhong-Cheng
Published: February 2020

Objective

Fetuin-A is a glycoprotein produced by hepatocytes and has been associated with insulin resistance and bone growth in postnatal life. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition characterized by insulin resistance. It is unclear whether GDM may affect cord blood fetuin-A levels and whether fetuin-A is associated with fetal growth.

Research design and methods

In a nested case–control study of 153 matched pairs of neonates of mothers with GDM and euglycemic pregnancies in the Shanghai Birth Cohort, we evaluated cord blood fetuin-A in association with GDM and fetal growth.

Results

Comparing the newborns of GDM versus euglycemic mothers, cord blood fetuin-A concentrations were similar (mean±SD: 783.6±320.0 vs 754.8±281.9 µg/mL, p=0.53), while insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I (76.6±27.8 ng/mL vs 68.1±25.1 ng/mL, p=0.008) and IGF-II (195.3±32.5 ng/mL vs 187.5±30.8 ng/mL, p=0.042) concentrations were higher. Cord blood fetuin-A was not correlated with insulin, IGF-I or IGF-II. Cord blood fetuin-A was negatively correlated with birth weight (r=−0.19, p=0.025) and birth length (r=−0.24, p=0.005) z scores in GDM pregnancies, while there were no significant correlations in euglycemic pregnancies (tests for interaction: p=0.014 for birth length, p=0.013 for birth length). Adjusting for maternal and neonatal characteristics, the differential associations remained.

Conclusions

GDM was not associated with cord blood fetuin-A levels. Fetuin-A was negatively associated with fetal growth in GDM but not in euglycemic pregnancies. This novel observation suggests a GDM-conditional negative correlation of fetuin-A with fetal growth.
Improving the wait time to triage at the emergency department
Authors: Shen Yuzeng , Lee Lin Hui
Published: February 2020

Triaging of patients at the emergency department (ED) is one of the key steps prior to initiation of doctor consult. To improve the overall wait time to consultation, we have identified the need to reduce the wait time to triage for ED patients. We seek to determine if the implementation of a series of plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycles would improve the wait time to triage within 1 year. The interventions related to the PDSA cycles include the refining of triage criteria, ‘eyeball’ triage by senior nurses to facilitate direct bedding of patients, formation of a triage nurse clinician role, and a needs analysis of required nursing manpower. The baseline period for this study was from January 2017 to April 2017, with the results following implementation of the respective PDSA cycles sequentially tracked from May 2017 to March 2019. There was an improvement in the wait time to triage from a baseline duration of 18 min to the postimplementation period duration of 13 min, with a 25% decrease in variance from 16 to 12 min. The improvements were sustained. Strategies to further reduce wait time to triage at the ED are discussed. We also highlight the importance of adequate triage manpower, data-driven decision making and continued engagement of stakeholders in enabling positive outcomes from this quality improvement effort.
Coronary heart disease and heart failure in asthma, COPD and asthma-COPD overlap
Authors: Ingebrigtsen Truls Sylvan , Marott Jacob Louis , Vestbo Jørgen , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne , Lange Peter
Published: February 2020

Introduction

We investigated risk of coronary heart disease and heart failure in phenotypes of obstructive airway disease.

Methods

Among 91 692 participants in the Copenhagen General Population Study, 42 058 individuals were classified with no respiratory disease, and 11 988 individuals had different phenotypes of obstructive airways disease: asthma with early onset or late-onset, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) above or below 50% of predicted value (%p) or asthma-COPD overlap (ACO).

Results

During a mean follow-up of 5.7 years we registered 3584 admissions for coronary heart disease and 1590 admissions for heart failure. Multivariable Cox regression analyses of time to first admission were used with a two-sided p value of 0.05 as significance level. Compared with no respiratory disease the highest risks of coronary heart disease and heart failure were observed in ACO with late-onset asthma and FEV1<50% p, HR=2.2 (95% CI 1.6 to 3.0), and HR=2.9 (95% CI 2.0 to 4.3), respectively. In COPD with FEV1above 50% p the HRs were 1.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.5) for coronary heart disease and 1.9 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.3) for heart failure. Asthma associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease and heart failure, however, in asthma without allergy the HR was 1.1 (95% CI 0.7 to 1.6) for coronary heart disease while individuals with allergy had an HR of 1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.6).

Conclusions

Risks of coronary heart disease and heart failure were increased in asthma, COPD and ACO. In asthma, the risk of coronary heart disease depended on presence of allergy. We suggest that cardiovascular risk factors should be assessed systematically in individuals with obstructive airway disease with the potential to facilitate targeted treatments.
Bone marrow dyspoiesis associated with severe refractory anaemia in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Varadarajan Annapoorani , Lal Deepika , Kapil Radhika , Bihari Chhagan
Published: February 2020

Background and aim

Peripheral cytopaenias and dyspoiesis are common in cirrhosis; however, the prevalence of dyspoiesis and its contribution in cirrhosis-related cytopaenias has not been studied. We aimed to study the bone marrow (BM) dyspoiesis and its impact on peripheral blood cell counts and refractory anaemia in patients with cirrhosis.

Patients and methods

We reviewed all the BM aspirates and biopsies of cirrhotic cases, done from 2011 to 2018 for clinical indications. Dyspoiesis was considered if >5% of the precursor cells of any of the three lineages showed dyspoietic changes. Primary haematological or non-haematological malignancies, chronic kidney disease, drug intake, acute and chronic hepatitis and granulomatous disease were excluded.

Results

Of 608 these, 82 cases (13.5%) showed dyspoiesis in the BM precursors. There was no difference in age (p=0.16), gender (p=0.58) and spleen size (p=0.35) in cases with or without dyspoiesis. Majority of the cases had dyspoiesis in erythroid series (62, 75.6%) and megakaryocytes (15, 18.2%). Dyspoiesis was more prominent in alcoholics 44 cases (53.6%) and autoimmune diseases 13 cases (15.8%). Erythroid hyperplasia (47.7±14.4 vs 40±11.1; p<0.001) was more in cases with dyserythropoiesis, indicating ineffective erythropoiesis. Patients with dyspoiesis had lower haemoglobin (7.5±1.9 vs 9.3±2.2 g/dL, p<0.001). 54 (8.07%) had refractory anaemia with dyspoiesis present in 48 (88.8%) (p<0.01). Dyspoiesis was independently associated with refractory anaemia when adjusted for age, gender, aetiology and liver disease severity.

Conclusions

BM dyspoiesis, especially dyserythropoiesis, is associated with severe refractory anaemia in patients with cirrhosis and requires new therapeutic approaches.
Atrial fibrillation detection with a portable device during cardiovascular screening in primary care
Authors: Diamantino Adriana C , Nascimento Bruno R , Beaton Andrea Z , Nunes Maria Carmo P , Oliveira Kaciane K B , Rabelo Lara C , Barbosa Marcia M , Tompsett Alison R , Olivieri Laura , Mata Mariana D , Costa Waydder Antônio A , Pereira Augusto F , Diamantino Luciana C , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz P , Sable Craig , Brant Luisa C C
Published: February 2020

Introduction

A novel handheld dual-electrode stick is a portable atrial fibrillation (AF) screening device (AFSD). We evaluated AFSD performance in primary care patients referred for echocardiogram (echo).

Methods

The AFSD has a light indication of irregular rhythm and single-lead ECG recording. Patients were instructed to hold the device for 1 min, and AF indication was recorded. A 12-lead ECG was performed for all AFSD-positive patients and 250 patients with negative AFSD screen. Echos were performed based on a clinical risk score: all high-risk patients and a sampling of low-risk patients underwent complete echo. Intermediate risk patients first had a screening echocardiogram, with a follow-up complete study if abnormality was suspected.

Results

In 5 days, 1518 patients underwent clinical evaluation and cardiovascular risk stratification: mean age 58±16 years, 66% women. The AFSD was positive in 6.4%: 12.6% high risk, 6.1% intermediate risk and 2.2% low risk. Older age was a risk factor (9.3% vs 4.8% in those more than and less than 65 years, p=0.001). AFSD positive was independently associated with heart disease in echo (OR=3.9, 95% CI 2.1 to 7.2, p<0.001). Compared with 12-lead ECG, the AFSD had sensitivity of 90.2% (95% CI 77.0% to 97.3%) and specificity of 84.0% (95% CI 79.3% to 88.0%) for AF detection.

Conclusion

AFSD demonstrated high sensitivity for AF detection in primary care patients referred for echo. AF prevalence was substantial and independently associated with structural or functional heart disease, suggesting that AFSD screening could be a useful primary care tool to stratify risk and prioritise echo.
Plight of the distracted pedestrian: a research synthesis and meta-analysis of mobile phone use on crossing behaviour
Authors: Simmons Sarah M , Caird Jeff K , Ta Alicia , Sterzer Franci , Hagel Brent E
Published: February 2020

Background

Pedestrians are commonly involved in vehicle collisions that result in injuries and fatalities. Pedestrian distraction has become an emerging safety issue as more pedestrians use their mobile phones while walking and crossing the street.

Objectives

The purpose of this research synthesis and meta-analysis is to determine the extent to which cell phone conversation, text messaging or browsing, and listening to music affect a number of common pedestrian behavioural measures.

Methods

A keyword search was developed with a subject librarian that used MeSH terms from selected databases including PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Medline and TRID. Supplemental searches were also conducted with Google Scholar and Mendeley.

Effect size coding

Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction. Statistical information (ie,M, SD, SE, 95% CI, OR, F, t) was extracted to generate standardised mean difference effect sizes (ie, Cohen’s d) andreffect sizes.

Results

Fourteen experimental studies were ultimately included in an N-weighted meta-analysis (k=81 effect sizes), and eight observational studies were included in a qualitative overview. Both mobile phone conversation and text messaging increased rates of hits and close calls. Texting decreased rates of looking left and right prior to and/or during street crossing. As might be expected, text messaging was generally found to have the most detrimental effect on multiple behavioural measures.

Limitations

A variety of study quality issues limit the interpretation and generalisation of the results, which are described, as are future study measurement and methods improvements.
Violence in Honduras from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Landa-Blanco Miguel , Cheon Hyunjung , Reyes Flores Luis Gerardo , Spohn Cassia , Katz Charles Max
Published: February 2020

The current study documents homicide trends in Honduras from 2008 to 2018. Specifically, this study describes demographics of homicide victims and incident profiles (ie, weapons) using homicide data from the Honduras National Police and census data from the National Institute of Statistics. A total of 58 543 homicide incidents were analysed. Results indicated that the homicide rate in Honduras increased from 2008 to 2011 and decreased substantially after 2011. In addition, the male homicide victimisation rate was significantly higher than the female homicide victimisation rate across the entire time period, with the highest rate for males aged 30–44 (233.4 per 100 000 population). Firearms were the weapons used most frequently in homicides (80.3%). Implications of the findings are discussed in light of public safety in Honduras.
Studies of gluon TMDs and their evolution using quarkonium-pair production at the LHC
Authors: Scarpa Florent , Boer Daniël , Echevarria Miguel G. , Lansberg Jean-Philippe , Pisano Cristian , Schlegel Marc
Published: February 2020

$$J/\psi $$J/ψ- or$$\Upsilon $$Υ-pair production at the LHC are promising processes to study the gluon transverse momentum distributions (TMDs) which remain very poorly known. In this article, we improve on previous results by including the TMD evolution in the computation of the observables such as the pair-transverse-momentum spectrum and asymmetries arising from the linear polarization of gluons inside unpolarized protons. We show that the azimuthal asymmetries generated by the gluon polarization are reduced compared to the tree level case but are still of measurable size (in the 5–10% range). Such asymmetries should be measurable in the available data sets of$$J/\psi $$J/ψpairs and in the future data sets of the high-luminosity LHC for$$\Upsilon $$Υpairs.
Erratum to: Decoherence of quantum parameter estimation for open Dirac particle in Garfinkle–Horowitz–Strominger dilation black hole
Authors: Huang Yumeng , Yan Kai , Wu Yinzhong , Hao Xiang
Published: February 2020

There is a small change in the reference of [1], which was reference [20] in the original article.
Pure electromagnetic-gravitational interaction in Hořava–Lifshitz theory at the kinetic conformal point
Authors: Restuccia Alvaro , Tello-Ortiz Francisco
Published: February 2020

We introduce the electromagnetic-gravitational coupling in the Hořava–Lifshitz framework, in $$3+1$$3+1 dimensions, by considering the Hořava–Lifshitz gravity theory in $$4+1$$4+1 dimensions at the kinetic conformal point and then performing a Kaluza–Klein reduction to $$3+1$$3+1 dimensions. The action of the theory is second order in time derivatives and the potential contains only higher order spacelike derivatives up to $$z=4$$z=4, z being the critical exponent. These terms include also higher order derivative terms of the electromagnetic field. The propagating degrees of freedom of the theory are exactly the same as in the Einstein–Maxwell theory. We obtain the Hamiltonian, the field equations and show consistency of the constraint system. The conformal kinetic point is protected from quantum corrections by a second class constraint. At low energies the theory depends on two coupling constants, $$\beta $$β and $$\alpha $$α. We show that the anisotropic field equations for the gauge vector is a deviation of the covariant Maxwell equations by a term depending on $$\beta -1$$β-1. Consequently, for $$\beta =1$$β=1, Maxwell equations arise from the anisotropic theory at low energies. We also prove that the anisotropic electromagnetic-gravitational theory at the IR point $$\beta =1$$β=1, $$\alpha =0$$α=0, is exactly the Einstein–Maxwell theory in a gravitational gauge used in the ADM formulation of General Relativity.
Group analysis to the time fractional nonlinear wave equation
Authors: Liu Jian-Gen , Yang Xiao-Jun , Feng Yi-Ying , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we mainly investigate the time fractional nonlinear wave equation which can be usually used to express nonlinear phenomena appearing in shallow water waves by using group analysis scheme. First, the symmetry can be obtained make uses of the group analysis to the time fractional nonlinear wave equation. Based on the above-found symmetry, this equation was able to reduce into an ordinary differential equation of fractional order. As a result, some new invariant solutions were also constructed for this considered equation. Second, the scaling transformation was also obtained by introducing new independent and dependent variables. Finally, the conservation laws were also found to satisfy the time fractional nonlinear wave equation with the help of the Ibragimov theorem. These novel results show unique nonlinear phenomena.
The refined symplectic sum formula for Gromov–Witten invariants
Authors: Tehrani Mohammad F. , Zinger Aleksey
Published: February 2020

We describe the extent to which Ionel–Parker’s proposed refinement of the standard relative Gromov–Witten invariants (GW-invariants) sharpens the usual symplectic sum formula. The key product operation on the target spaces for the refined invariants is specified in terms of abelian covers of symplectic divisors, making it suitable for studying from a topological perspective. We give several qualitative applications of this refinement, which include vanishing results for GW-invariants.
PRIORITIZATION OF RENEWABLE SOLAR ENERGY TO PREVENT ENERGY INSECURITY: AN INTEGRATED ROLE
Authors: IRAM ROBINA , ANSER MUHAMMAD KHALID , AWAN REHMAT ULLAH , ALI AMJAD , ABBAS QAISER , CHAUDHRY IMRAN SHARIF
Published: February 2020

Renewable energy decreases the threat of energy insecurity. Solar energy systems are proving to be an easy and cheaper solution to energy crisis worldwide. Developing countries including Pakistan have augmented efforts to boost the current solar capacity. The identification of desired solar power point plant fabrication requires robust analysis of several factors. Adequate research has not been done on the site selection process for solar projects in Pakistan. This study identifies and proposes multiple point states having solar energy potential. Based on the multiple main and sub-criteria obtained from the literature, a mathematical formulation has been used to install the solar projects at rural areas of Pakistan. An empirical assessment of the off-grid rural solar power projects in Pakistan has also been conducted in this case study. The results reveal that mass, money supply and ratio are important, while the transmission on the matrix, the cost of land and the sun were generated. The study found the district of Barkhan (R2) of Baluchistan to be the most ideal site, followed by Jacobabad (R3) and Mastung (R3). With respect to economic viability, this study found that solar energy systems provide electricity which is much cheaper than conventional energy supplied in the country. This study could be useful reference for South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, which are currently electrifying remote and rural areas through solar energy system.
AGRICULTURAL CREDITS AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY: CROSS-COUNTRY EVIDENCE
Authors: SEVEN UNAL , TUMEN SEMIH
Published: February 2020

We present cross-country evidence suggesting that agricultural credits have a positive impact on agricultural productivity. In particular, we find that doubling agricultural credits generates around 4–5% increase in agricultural productivity. We use two different agricultural production measures: (i) the agricultural component of GDP and (ii) agricultural labor productivity. Employing a combination of panel-data and instrumental-variable methods, we show that agricultural credits operate mostly on the agricultural component of GDP in developing countries and agricultural labor productivity in developed countries. This suggests that the nature of the relationship between agricultural finance and agricultural output changes along the development path. We conjecture that the development of the agricultural finance system generates entry into the agricultural labor market, which pushes up the agricultural component of GDP and keeps down agricultural labor productivity in developing countries; while, in developed countries, it leads to labor-augmenting increase in agricultural production. We argue that replacement of the informal credit channel with formal and advanced agricultural credit markets along the development path is the main force driving the labor market response.
Determination of supermassive black hole spins in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Piotrovich M. Yu. , Afanasiev V. L. , Buliga S. D. , Natsvlishvili T. M.
Published: February 2020

Based on spectropolarimetry for a number of active galactic nuclei in Seyfert 1 type galaxies observed with the 6-m BTA telescope, we have estimated the spins of the supermassive black holes at the centers of these galaxies. We have determined the spins based on the standard Shakura-Sunyaev accretion disk model. More than 70% of the investigated active galactic nuclei are shown to have Kerr supermassive black holes with a dimensionless spin greater than 0.9.
Analysis of the Pc(4312), Pc(4440), Pc(4457) and related hidden-charm pentaquark states with QCD sum rules
Authors: wang Zhi-Gang
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we restudy the ground state mass spectrum of the diquark–diquark–antiquark-type [Formula: see text] pentaquark states with the QCD sum rules by carrying out the operator product expansion up to the vacuum condensates of dimension 13 in a consistent way. The predicted masses support assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the hidden-charm pentaquark state with [Formula: see text], assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the hidden-charm pentaquark state with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the hidden-charm pentaquark state with [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
Predicting the SUSY breaking scale in SUGRA models with degenerate vacua
Authors: Froggatt C. D. , Nevzorov R. , Nielsen H. B. , Thomas A. W.
Published: February 2020

In [Formula: see text] supergravity, the scalar potential may have supersymmetric (SUSY) and nonsupersymmetric Minkowski vacua (associated with supersymmetric and physical phases) with vanishing energy density. In the supersymmetric Minkowski (second) phase, some breakdown of SUSY may be induced by nonperturbative effects in the observable sector that give rise to a tiny positive vacuum energy density. Postulating the exact degeneracy of the physical and second vacua as well as assuming that at high energies the couplings in both phases are almost identical, one can estimate the dark energy density in these vacua. It is mostly determined by the SUSY breaking scale [Formula: see text] in the physical phase. Exploring the two-loop renormalization group (RG) flow of couplings in these vacua, we find that the measured value of the cosmological constant can be reproduced if [Formula: see text] varies from 20 TeV to 400 TeV. We also argue that this prediction for the SUSY breaking scale is consistent with the upper bound on [Formula: see text] in the higgsino dark matter scenario.
Study of the porous media random structure model
Authors: Suo Shaoyi , Jiang Linsong , Wang Ping , Xie Maozhao
Published: February 2020

The random structure model of porous media is constructed by the gravity packed method, which can give a random packed structure that is similar to the actual packed bed structure by simulating the free fall, collision and stacking process of pellets via the OpenFOAM. Different from the existing ordered structure model of porous media, the structure model adopted in this paper has strong randomness since it simulates the actual generation process of the porous media material. Meanwhile, the following batch modeling instructions are completed with the MATLAB, which can ensure that the random structure model of porous media has the advantages of high similarity with the actual porous structure and rapid modeling.
Three-parameter correlation for the surface tension of saturated liquids
Authors: Chen Qiuju , Tian Jianxiang , Jiang Hua
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we study the multiple-parameter correlations for the surface tension of saturated liquids. The proposed three-parameter correlation requires only the critical temperature as inputs and is tested by using the NIST REFPROP data for 72 saturated liquids including refrigerants, alkanes and some other simple liquids such as argon, carbon dioxide, etc. It is found that this correlation well stands in the whole temperature range from the triple point to the critical point with high accuracy for 71 liquids with average absolute deviations (AADs) less than 5% and for 66 liquids with AADs less than 1%. These results are clearly better than the ones of other available correlations. This correlation can be directly used to estimate the value of the surface tension of the corresponding liquids at any temperature point from the triple point to the critical point. The accuracy of the predictions would clearly have economic benefits since it would allow improvement of process operating conditions, the development of new processes, the reduction of oversizing in the design of new equipment and even reduction of energy requirements.
Design of Artificial Neuron Network with Synapse Utilizing Hybrid CMOS Transistors with Memristor for Low Power Applications
Authors: Rai V. Keerthy , Sakthivel R.
Published: February 2020

Neural networks are mimetic with biological neuron which are employed on digital computers. These networks are designed with CMOS technology using 0.45[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m in cadence virtuoso. The scaling of CMOS limits parameters like power consumption, area and parallelism. To overcome the limitations, a nanoscale, nonvolatile Memristor device is used to design the synapses. The proposed network is designed for neuron synapse networks implemented with a memristor device. This network is compared with neuron linked with CMOS synapse. The proposed network has low power consumption, high spike frequency, and low delay value. The spike frequency of Memristor synapse increases by 65.51% when compared with the existing CMOS synapse and power consumption is reduced to 52.79%. The delay is reduced to 0.294[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. The simulation results are carried using Specter.
QCA-Based RAM Design Using a Resilient Reversible Gate with Improved Performance
Authors: Singh Rupali , Sharma Devendra Kumar
Published: February 2020

Reversible logic and Quantum dot cellular automata are the prospective pillars of quantum computing. These paradigms can potentially reduce the size and power of the future chips while simultaneously maintaining the high speed. RAM cell is a crucial component of computing devices. Design of a RAM cell using a blend of reversible logic and QCA technology will surpass the limitations of conventional RAM structure. This motivates us to explore the design of a RAM cell using reversible logic in QCA framework. The performance of a reversible circuit can be improved by utilizing a resilient reversible gate. This paper presents the design of QCA-based reversible RAM cell using an efficient, fault-tolerant and low power reversible gate. Initially, a novel reversible gate is proposed and implemented in QCA. The QCA layout of the proposed reversible gate is designed using a unique multiplexer circuit. Further, a comprehensive analysis of the gate is carried out for standard Boolean functions, cost function and power dissipation and it has been found that the proposed gate is 75.43% more cost-effective and 58.54% more energy-efficient than the existing reversible gates. To prove the inherent testability of the proposed gate, its rigorous testing is carried out against various faults and the proposed gate is found to be 69.2% fault-tolerant. For all the performance parameters, the proposed gate has performed considerably better than the existing ones. Furthermore, the proposed gate is explicitly used for designing reversible D latch and RAM cell, which are crucial modules of sequential logic circuits. The proposed latch is 45.4% more cost effective than the formerly reported D latch. The design of QCA-based RAM cell using reversible logic is novel and not reported earlier in the literature.
Distributed Finite-Time Coordinated Attitude Tracking Control for Multiple Spacecraft with Actuator Saturation
Authors: Gao Zhi , Zhu Zhihao , Guo Yu
Published: February 2020

For multi-spacecraft with actuator saturation, inertia uncertainties and external disturbances, a distributed finite-time coordinated attitude tracking control problem for the spacecraft with the communication topology containing fewer information paths is investigated. Aiming at reducing the communication path, a class of distributed finite-time state observers is designed. To speed up the convergence rate of the multiple spacecraft system, a fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode function is proposed. Moreover, an adaptive control term is proposed to suppress the impact of the external state-dependent disturbances and unknown time-varying inertia uncertainties. Further considering the actuator saturation owing to its physical limitations, a saturation function is designed. With the distributed finite-time observers, the fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode function, the adaptive update law and the saturation function, a distributed finite-time coordinated attitude tracking saturation controller is designed. Using the proposed controller, the follower can synchronize with the common leader with time-varying trajectory in finite time. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed controller.
Implementation of High Performance Hierarchy-Based Parallel Signed Multiplier for Cryptosystems
Authors: Elango S. , Sampath P.
Published: February 2020

Digital Cryptosystems play an inevitable part in modern-day communication. Due to the complexity involved in the execution of crypto algorithms, it is realized as modular arithmetic modules. Generally, multipliers are the most time-consuming data path elements which influence the performance of modular arithmetic implementations. In this paper, the design of a hierarchy-based parallel signed multiplier without sign extension is presented. A mathematical model of the algorithm, two VLSI architectures, namely, Carry Save Adder (CSA)-based design and Parallel Prefix-based architecture are proposed. Mathematical equations of the multiplier are verified using MATLAB tool and the architectures are coded in Verilog HDL. The functionality of the same is tested using a Zynq Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) (XC7Z020CLG484-1), and the synthesized results are presented. Parameters, such as area, power, delay, Power Delay Product (PDP) and Area Delay Product (ADP), are compared by synthesizing the designs in Cadence RTL compiler with 180[Formula: see text]nm, 90[Formula: see text]nm and 45[Formula: see text]nm TSMC CMOS technologies. The results show that CSA-based multiplier architecture has achieved an improved PDP performance of 20% with an optimum area compared to recent work. It also shows that the parallel prefix architecture has made a 27% improvement in speed with a better PDP. By using the proposed signed multiplier, modulo [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] signed arithmetic modules are implemented.
Full Error Detection and Correction Method Applied on Pipelined Structure Using Two Approaches
Authors: Dug Mehmed , Weidling Stefan , Sogomonyan Egor , Jokic Dejan , Krstic Milos
Published: February 2020

In this paper, two approaches are evaluated using the Full Error Detection and Correction (FEDC) method for a pipelined structure. The approaches are referred to as Full Duplication with Comparison (FDC) and Concurrent Checking with Parity Prediction (CCPP). Aforementioned approaches are focused on the borderline cases of FEDC method which implement Error Detection Circuit (EDC) in two manners for the purpose of protection of combinational logic to address the soft errors of unspecified duration. The FDC approach implements a full duplication of the combinational circuit, as the most complex and expensive implementation of the FEDC method, and the CCPP approach implements only the parity prediction bit, being the simplest and cheapest technique, for soft error detection. Both approaches are capable of detecting soft errors in the combinational logic, with single faults being injected into the design. On the one hand, the FDC approach managed to detect and correct all injected faults while the CCPP approach could not detect multiple faults created at the output of combinational circuit. On the other hand, the FDC approach leads to higher power consumption and area increase compared to the CCPP approach.
Enhancing the Lifetime of a Phase Change Memory with Bit-Flip Reversal
Authors: Priya Bhukya Krishna , Ramasubramanian N.
Published: February 2020

Phase Change Memory (PCM) has evolved as a promising alternative over Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) in terms of cell density and leakage power. While non-volatility is a desirable feature, it gives rise to the possibility of the data being present even after the power is switched off. To secure the data, encryption is normally done by using the standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. Encrypting the data results in huge number of bit-flips, which reduces the lifetime of a PCM. The proposed method increases the lifetime of PCM by reducing the number of bit-flips occurred due to the encryption of modified words only and leaving the unmodified words as they are. The generated encrypted text, which is written by using the bit-flips reversal method, reduces the number of cells involved in writing by approximately 25%. This method is implemented by using Gem5 simulator and is evaluated with splash2 benchmark suite. It is observed that the proposed method improves the lifetime of a PCM memory by 15% without consuming extra power.
Vanishing-off subgroups and supercharacter theory products
Authors: Burkett Shawn T. , Lewis Mark L.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we study the vanishing-off subgroups of supercharacters, and use these to determine several new characterizations of supercharacter theory products. In particular, we give a character theoretic characterization that allows us to conclude that one may determine if a supercharacter theory is a [Formula: see text]-product or ∗-product from the values of its corresponding supercharacters.
Equilibria of an aggregation model with linear diffusion in domains with boundaries
Authors: Messenger Daniel , Fetecau Razvan C.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the effect of linear diffusion and interactions with the domain boundary on swarm equilibria by analyzing critical points of the associated energy functional. Through this process we uncover two properties of energy minimization that depend explicitly on the spatial domain: (i) unboundedness from below of the energy due to an imbalance between diffusive and aggregative forces depends explicitly on a certain volume filling property of the domain, and (ii) metastable mass translation occurs in domains without sufficient symmetry. From the first property, we present a sharp condition for existence (respectively non-existence) of global minimizers in a large class of domains, analogous to results in free space, and from the second property, we identify that external forces are necessary to confine the swarm and grant existence of global minimizers in general domains. We also introduce a numerical method for computing critical points of the energy and give examples to motivate further research.
Exponential diophantine equations in rings of positive characteristic
Authors: Chilikov A. A. , Belov-Kanel Alexey
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we prove an algorithmical solvability of exponential-Diophantine equations in rings represented by matrices over fields of positive characteristic. Consider the system of exponential-Diophantine equations [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are constants from matrix ring of characteristic [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are indeterminates. For any solution [Formula: see text] of the system we construct a word (over an alphabet containing [Formula: see text] symbols) [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-tuple [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th digit in the [Formula: see text]-adic representation of [Formula: see text]. The main result of this paper is following: the set of words corresponding in this sense to solutions of a system of exponential-Diophantine equations is a regular language (i.e., recognizable by a finite automaton). There exists an algorithm which calculates this language. This algorithm is constructed in the paper.
Generalization of Rubik’s cube group to n-dimensional case
Authors: Vladislav Levashev
Published: February 2020

In this paper, Rubik’s cube group in [Formula: see text]-dimensional case is described. In that case, some interesting effects arise, which is related with angular rotations. For [Formula: see text], the group [Formula: see text] arises, which can be realized as a factor group of [Formula: see text] by commutation [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] there are no such effects, because corresponding factor is trivial. Rubik’s cube is an important model to study effects of groups related with, in particular, holonomy groups from differential geometry.
INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF DRILLED CFRP PLATES AND OPTIMIZATION OF CUTTING PARAMETERS
Authors: ERKAN ÖMER , SUR GÖKHAN , NAS ENGIN
Published: February 2020

In this study, the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material was drilled using different parameters ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Point Angle, 30, 60 and [Formula: see text] cutting speed and 0.06, 0.08 and [Formula: see text] feed rate). Experimental parameters were designed according to full factorial design method and the results were analyzed using Taguchi L18 experimental design. The results of the study show that the lowest surface roughness values are 0.1958 and [Formula: see text]m with the cutting speed of 90 [Formula: see text] and feed rate of [Formula: see text] in the Point angles of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. When the results of Anova analysis were evaluated, parameters (feed speed, cutting speed and end point angle) according to the effect ratios on surface roughness were formed at the rates of 41.06%, 33.13% and 5.07%, respectively. The most suitable parameters according to S/N ratios were determined using A2B3C1 factors for the average surface roughness.