bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCHEDULING UAV FLEETS FOR THE PERSISTENT OPERATION OF UAV-ENABLED WIRELESS NETWORKS DURING NPP MONITORING
Authors: Kliushnikov Ihor Mykolaiovych , Fesenko Herman Viktorovych , Kharchenko Vyacheslav Serhiiovych
Published: March 2020

Motivation. During nuclear power plant (NPP) monitoring, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used as an affordable and cost-efficient tool to deploy a UAV-enabled wireless network (UEWN) for providing the crisis centre (CrS) needed monitoring data from monitoring stations (MSs) of the automated radiation monitoring system in case of damage of wired networks. However, because of the high electrical power requirement, the normal operation time of a UAV of a multi-rotor type (MUAV) is just 20 to 30 min, limiting the operation time of a UEWN during NPP monitoring missions. The subject matter of the paper is the process of ensuring the persistent operation of a UEWN. The aim of this paper is to develop a queuing theory based approach to scheduling MUAVs for persistent operation of a UEWN during NPP monitoring. The objectives of the paper are: to propose a scheme of deployment of a UEWN to connect a MS with the CrS of Zaporizhzhia (ZNPP) in case of damage of the wired network between the MS and the CrS; to introduce the main parameters characterizing the automatic battery charging station (ABCS) as a multi-channel queuing system; to develop and describe in detail a queuing theory based approach to scheduling MUAVs of the UEWN for persistent NPP monitoring. The following results were obtained. A scheme of deployment of a UEWN, consisting of  LoRaWAN and WiFi segments, to connect a MS with the CrS of ZNPP in case of damage of the wired network between the MS and the CrS was proposed and described. A shift schedule for 3 MUAV fleets to ensure the persistent operation of the UEWN during ZNPP post-accident monitoring missions was built. It was shown that the ABCS can be considered as a multi-channel queuing system, in which two or more channels (battery charge points at the ABCS) are available to handle arriving MUAVs. A queuing theory based approach to scheduling MUAV fleets of the UEWN for persistent NPP monitoring is developed and described in detail. It was evaluated and illustrated by means of plots how the number of occupied channels of the ABCS depends on: 1) the battery charging time for the MUAV at the ABCS, and 2) the flight distance for the MUAV between its location point in the WiFi segment and the ABCS. The next research steps can cover issues regarding to: 1) scheduling MUAV fleets for numerous UEWNs, 2) developing models of a UEWN operation using a LiFi segment for transmission of monitoring data, and 3) developing reliability/survivability models of a UEWN taking into account UAV failures or/and wireless signal interference.
Ж.-Л. ЛАГРАНЖ КАК ОДИН ИЗ ОСНОВОПОЛОЖНИКОВ ТЕОРИИ ЭКСТРЕМУМОВ ФУНКЦИЙ МНОГИХ ПЕРЕМЕННЫХ
Authors: Прохорова Ольга Михайловна
Published: March 2020

In the article we carried out a detailed analysis of the results obtained by J.-L. Lagrange in his first. The theory of extrema of functions of many variables, as part of mathematical analysis, refers to the mathematical foundations of the study of operations. In turn, many optimization problems are actually problems on the conditional extremum of the function of many variables. The relevance of this topic is determined by the fact that the methods for solving problems on the extremum of the function of many variables obtained in the mid 18th - early 20th centuries are used in solving modern problems. A special place here is occupied by L. Euler and J.-L. Lagrange. The aim of the article is to study the conditions for the maximum and minimum functions of many variables obtained by J.-L. Lagrange, and a comparison of its results with the presentation of this topic in modern textbooks on higher mathematics and mathematical analysis. It was established that in his first printed work he first formulated and proved sufficient conditions for the existence of an extremum of the function of many variables by actually establishing a criterion for the positive (negative) definiteness of quadratic forms, long before it appeared in J. Sylvester in the mid-19th century. A comparative analysis of the results of L. Euler and J.-L. Lagrange. It was found that sufficient conditions for the existence of an extremum of functions of many variables obtained in the first printed work of the young Lagrange are included in all modern textbooks in virtually the same form. The examples shown illustrate his theory. These are tasks of geometric and physical content. Special cases are considered in detail: functions of two and three variables. It is noted that this article became programmatic for the young Lagrange, although it remained unnoticed by his contemporaries. Subsequently, based on the method he obtained, he created the variational calculus, using the principle of least action and the theory of extrema, derived the basic laws of mechanics, the rule of factors for finding the conditional extremum of functions of many variables, which is named after him.
Avaliação do Impacto da Higiene Oral Associada ao Uso do Chá de Camomila no Desenvolvimento de Mucosite Oral: Estudo-Piloto
Authors: Andrade Baião Barreto Rafael , Borges de Lima Dantas Juliana , Botelho Martins Gabriela , Barletta Sanches Ana Carla , Carrera Manoela , De Almeida Reis Sílvia Regina , Ribeiro Alves Peixoto Medrado Alena
Published: March 2020

Introdução: A mucosite oral (MO) representa uma condição inflamatória frequente em pacientes oncológicos e uma higiene oral insatisfatória tem sido relacionada como fator predisponente para o seu surgimento. O chá de camomila vem sendo estudado como terapia adjuvante no manejo da MO em razão das suas propriedades analgésicas e anti-inflamatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do chá de camomila associada a uma rigorosa higiene oral na prevenção de MO. Método: Trata-se de um estudo-piloto clínico randomizado, no qual 35 pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos. O grupo-caso foi submetido ao controle de higiene oral associado ao uso do chá de camomila antes de iniciar o primeiro ciclo de quimioterapia; no grupo-controle, não houve orientações e prescrições prévias. Foram coletados dados referentes às características sociodemográficas, à neoplasia em questão e ao tipo de tratamento quimioterápico proposto. Foram avaliadas as variáveis MO, fluxo salivar e dor associada à cavidade oral, e realizada análise estatística com nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria dos pacientes apresentava-se na quinta década de vida, a localização do tumor mais prevalente foi a mama (57%) e a droga mais utilizada por esses pacientes foi a ciclosfamida (52%). Nesta amostra, não foi observado resultado estatisticamente significativo entre os grupos, no que diz respeito às variáveis MO, fluxo salivar e dor (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os dados sugerem que o uso do chá de camomila e o rigor na higiene oral não foram suficientes para a prevenção da MO.
THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF CHILDREN OF PRESCHOOL AGE AND FIRST GRADE STUDENTS AT INFORMATION LOAD WITH VARYING DEGREES OF STRESS
Authors: Krivolapchuk I. A. , Chernova M. B.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study is to identify the features of functional state (FS) of children of senior preschool age and first grade students, manifested in the conditions of information loads. Methods. The study involved healthy children of the senior preschool age (n = 112) and first grade students (n = 137). We studied FS in four experimental situations: "comfortable wakefulness", "mobilization readiness", "load with a comfortable speed", "load with a maximum speed". Heart rate, ю-potential (OD), blood pressure were recorded. Anxiety and activity effectiveness were determined. The statistical significance of the differences was determined on the basis of Student t-test. Results. Information loads cause an increase in the level of CNS activation in children, an increase in the tension of regulatory systems and a shift in the autonomic balance towards the predominance of activity of the sympathetic division of the ANS. The most pronounced changes in the FS occurred during operation at maximum speed. Under these conditions, in senior preschool children, the shift in OD was 14,8 ± 1,3 mV (p < 0,001), heart rate (HR) 9,7 ± 1,1 beat/min (p < 0,001), average duration of the RR interval (RRNN) -31,4 ± 15,2 ms (p = 0,041), the spread of cardio intervals (MxDMn) -62,1 ± 13,9 ms (p < 0,001), quality of standard deviation (SDNN) -3,6 ± 1,7 ms (p = 0,036), mode amplitude (АМо) -6,3 ±1 ,9 % (p = 0,002), stress index (SI) 93,1 ± 17,6 rel. units (p < 0,001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) 8,5 ± 1,1 mm Hg (p < 0,001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 7,0 ± 0,9 mm Hg (p < 0,001), double product (DP) 21,6 ± 1,6 rel. units (p < 0,001). The shift of ю-potential among first grade students was 22,4 ± 1,4 mV (p < 0,001), HR 12,7 ± 1,2 beat/min (p < 0,001), RRNN -55,0 ± 11,3 ms (p < 0,001), MxDMn -67,3 ± 12,0 ms (p = 0,003), SDNN -7,2 ± 1,9 ms (p < 0,001), АМо 3,3 ± 1,3 %, (p = 0,012), SI 116,5 ± 18,1 rel. units (p < 0,001), SBP 13,2 ± 1,6 mm Hg (p < 0,001), DBP 6,5 ± 1,6 mm Hg (p < 0,001), DP 15,3 ± 1,8 rel. units (p < 0,001). It was found that the efficiency at the maximum speed is lower than under loads performed at a comfortable speed. Conclusions. Psychophysiological value of activity in preschool children is higher and its effectiveness is lower than among first grade students. Two types of response to the information load have been found out.
Analysis of Malware Dns Attack on the Network Using Domain Name System Indicators
Authors: Brahara Beni , Syamsuar Dedy , Kunang Yesi Novaria
Published: March 2020

University of Bina Darma Palembang has its own DNS server and in this study using log data from the Bina Darma University DNS server as data in the study, DNS log server data is analyzed by network traffic, using Network Analyzer tools to see the activity of a normal traffic or anomaly traffic, or even contains DGA Malware (Generating Algorthm Domain).DGA malware produces a number of random domain names that are used to infiltrate DNS servers. To detect DGA using DNS traffic, NXDomain. The result is that each domain name in a group domain is generated by one domain that is often used at short times and simultaneously has a similar life time and query style. Next look for this pattern in NXDomain DNS traffic to filter domains generated algorithmically that the domain contains DGA. In analyzing DNS traffic whether it contains Malware and whether network traffic is normal or anomaly, in this study it detects Malwere DNS From the results of the stages of the suspected domain indicated by malware, a suspected domain list table is also created and also a suspected list of IP addresses. To support the suspected domain analysis results, info graphic is displayed using rappidminer tools to test decisions that have been made using the previous tools using the Decision Tree method.
Measurement of User Satisfaction Level in the Bina Darma Information Systems Study Program Portal Using End User Computing Satisfaction Method
Authors: Saputri Nurul Adha Oktarini , Alvin Alvin
Published: March 2020

Information systems study program portal is a website developed by Bina Darma University that aims to be a media for promotion and academic information system study programs. User satisfaction is the most important thing to be a benchmark for developers of information systems study program portals to improve the quality of their websites so that users are more satisfied and do a lot of searching activities, especially academic activity searches. But so far the information systems study program portal developer does not yet know the shortcomings of the information system study program portal, so analysis is needed to measure the level of user satisfaction. In an effort to achieve User Satisfaction with the portal of the bina darma information system study program which has the si.binadarma.ac.id domain, researchers used the end user satisfaction method (EUCS). The EUCS instrument includes five components: content, accuracy, format, ease of use, and schedule. The data in this study were collected with a questionnaire instrument that was distributed to students from the information systems study program. Furthermore, the data obtained were processed using SPSS software version 24. The sampling technique used in this study was simple random sampling. The results of this study are expected to be a reference to improve the quality of information systems study program portals.

 

Keywords: website, user satisfaction, EUCS
Implementation of Android-Based Vehicle Tracking System in Trac Astra Rent A Car Palembang
Authors: Effendy Irman , Fatoni Fatoni
Published: March 2020

TRAC Astra Rent A Car is a leading car rental service provider in Indonesia, which also has a branch in the city of Palembang. Starting with only 5 units of vehicles, now PT. TRAC Astra Rent A Car rental car into a business unit that has more than 12,000 vehicles operating in more than 1,500 corporate customers segment. PT.TRAC help corporate customers improve efficiency in the transportation business and enable them to concentrate on their core business. Besides short-term car rental needs a safe and comfortable can be easily fulfilled because PT.TRAC location very easy to reach. With the development of information technology today, it would need to complete the management PT.TRAC which she rented vehicle with a tracking facility (tracking) the vehicle's location in real-time so that management can monitor the location where the vehicle which she rented was with the development of Android-Based Tracking system
OLUMLU İNFORMEL İLETİŞİMİN PERSONEL GÜÇLENDİRME ARACILIĞI İLE İŞ YERİ MUTLULUĞUNA ETKİSİ: ARAŞTIRMA GÖREVLİLERİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: KANDEMİR Hamza , ÖZDAŞLI Kürşat
Published: March 2020

Bireyler arası ilişkilerde doğal ve kendiliğinden oluşan informel iletişim işe yönelik olduğu

sürece örgüte fayda sağlayabilir. Duygusal anlamda, psikolojik olarak işyerinde iyi olma hali olarak

tanımlanan işyeri mutluluğu örgütte ki olumlu informel iletişim durumundan pozitif

etkilenebilmektedir. Diğer taraftan, bireylerin faaliyet gösterdikleri alan içinde bir başkasından onay

almaksızın karar verebilme, inisiyatif alabilme yetkisini ifade eden personel güçlendirme de

informel iletişim ortamında daha iyi uygulanabilmektedir. Bu savlar ışığında araştırmanın temel

amacı; informel iletişimin işyeri mutluluğu üzerindeki etkisini ve bu etkide personel güçlendirmenin

aracılığını ortaya koymaktır. Bülent Ecevit, Süleyman Demirel, Mehmet Akif Ersoy ve Akdeniz

Üniversitelerinde çalışan 143 araştırma görevlisi üzerinde anket uygulanmıştır. Verilerin SmartPLS

analiz yaklaşımı ile yol modeli kullanılmıştır. SmartPLS programında yapısal eşitlik modeli,

varyans tabanlı yapısal model yaklaşımı ile analiz edilmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı informel iletişim

tarzının işyeri mutluluğu ve performans güçlendirme üzerindeki etkisini görmektir. Ayrıca personel

güçlendirmenin informel iletişim ile işyeri mutluluğu arasındaki düzenleyici (aracı) etkisi de

araştırmanın bir başka amacıdır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre; informel iletişim tarzı personel

güçlendirme ve iş yeri mutluluğu üzerinde pozitif ve anlamlı etkiye sahiptir. Bunun yanında informel

iletişim ile iş yeri mutluluğu arasındaki ilişkide personel güçlendirme aracılık etkisi göstermektedir.

Araştırmaya göre informel iletişimde bir birimlik artış işyeri mutluluğunda %23 artışı sağlarken,

personel güçlendirme aracı değişken olarak modele dâhil olduğunda toplam etki

%58’e yükselmektedir.
THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ANAL FISSURES WITH FISSURE EXCISION AND BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A INJECTION (ISRCTN97413456)
Authors: Tkalich O. V. , Ponomarenko A. A. , Fomenko O. Yu. , Arslanbekova K. I. , Khryukin R. Yu. , Misikov V. K. , Mudrov A. A. , Zharkov E. E.
Published: March 2020

AIM: to assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A for chronic anal fissure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: the study included 80 patients randomized by random number generation in 2 groups. Forty patients underwent fissure excision in combination with injections of botulinum toxin type A into the internal sphincter (main group) and 40 – in combination with pneumatic balloon dilatation of the anal sphincter (control group).

RESULTS: there were no statistically significant differences in the intensity of postoperative pain after defecation and during the day between the groups, p=0.45 and p=0.39, respectively. The groups were comparable in the complications such as perianal skin hematomas (p=0.84), external hemorrhoid thrombosis (p=0.1), urinary retention (p=0.46), long-term non-healing wounds (p=0.76). Transitory weakening of the anal sphincter was significantly more often in the control group. On day 30, the transitory anal incontinence in the main group was detected in 6 (21%), in the control group – in 18 (75%) patients, p=0.0002. On day 60, the weakness of the anal sphincter remained in the main group in 3 (10.7%), in the control group – in 10 (41%) patients, p=0.02.

CONCLUSION: botulinum toxin type A and pneumatic balloon dilatation have equal effectiveness in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. The use of botulinum toxin type A can reduce the incidence of transitory weakening of the anal sphincter function in patients with chronic anal fissure.
Observability of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems Using Interval Analysis
Authors: Paradowski Thomas , Lerch Sabine , Damaszek Michelle , Dehnert Robert , Tibken Bernd
Published: March 2020

In the field of control engineering, observability of uncertain nonlinear systems is often neglected and not examined. This is due to the complex analytical calculations required for the verification. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide an algorithm which numerically analyzes the observability of nonlinear systems described by finite-dimensional, continuous-time sets of ordinary differential equations. The algorithm is based on definitions for distinguishability and local observability using a rank check from which conditions are deduced. The only requirements are the uncertain model equations of the system. Further, the methodology verifies observability of nonlinear systems on a given state space. In case that the state space is not fully observable, the algorithm provides the observable set of states. In addition, the results obtained by the algorithm allows insight into why the remaining states cannot be distinguished.
Comparing a Random Forest Based Prediction of Winter Wheat Yield to Historical Yield Potential
Authors: Roell Yannik E. , Beucher Amélie , Møller Per G. , Greve Mette B. , Greve Mogens H.
Published: March 2020

Predicting wheat yield is crucial due to the importance of wheat across the world. When modeling yield, the difference between potential and actual yield consistently changes because of advances in technology. Considering historical yield potential would help determine spatiotemporal trends in agricultural development. Comparing current and historical yields in Denmark is possible because yield potential has been documented throughout history. However, the current national winter wheat yield map solely uses soil properties within the model. The aim of this study was to generate a new Danish winter wheat yield map and compare the results to historical yield potential. Utilizing random forest with soil, climate, and topography variables, a winter wheat yield map was generated from 876 field trials carried out from 1992 to 2018. The random forest model performed better than the model based only on soil. The updated national yield map was then compared to yield potential maps from 1688 and 1844. While historical time periods are characterized by numerous low yield potential areas and few highly productive areas, current yield is evenly distributed between low and high yields. Advances in technology and farm practices have exceeded historical yield predictions, mainly due to the use of fertilizer, irrigation, and drainage. Thus, modeling yield projections could be unreliable in the future as technology progresses.
Accumulation and Distribution of Fertilizer Nitrogen and Nodule-Fixed Nitrogen in Soybeans with Dual Root Systems
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Cong , Teng Wenzhi , Wang Jing , Lyu Xiaochen , Dong Shoukun , Kang Shuang , Gong Zhenping , Ma Chunmei
Published: March 2020

The soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a crop with a high demand for nitrogen (N). The root nodules that form in soybeans can fix atmospheric N effectively, yet the goal of achieving high yields cannot be met by relying solely on nodule-fixed N. Nonetheless, the application of N fertilizer may inhibit nodule formation and biological N fixation (BNF), but the underpinning mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we grafted the roots of non-nodulated soybeans onto nodulated soybeans to generate plants with dual root system. The experiment included three treatments conducted under sand culture conditions with NO 3 − and NH 4 + as N sources. Treatment I: The non-nodulated roots on one side received 50 mg·L−1 15 NO 3 − or 15NH4+, and the nodulated roots on the other side were not treated. Treatment II: The non-nodulated roots received 50 mg·L−1 15 NO 3 − or 15 NH 4 + , and the nodulated roots received 50 mg·L−1 14 NO 3 − or 14 NH 4 + . Treatment III: Both non-nodulated and nodulated roots received 50 mg·L−1 15 NO 3 − or 15 NH 4 + . The results showed the following: (1) Up to 81.5%–87.1% of the N absorbed by the soybean roots and fixed by the root nodules was allocated to shoot growth, leaving 12.9%–18.5% for root and nodule growth. Soybeans preferentially used fertilizer N in the presence of a NO 3 − or NH 4 + supply. After the absorbed fertilizer N and nodule-fixed N was transported to the shoots, a portion of it was redistributed to the roots and nodules. The N required for root growth was primarily derived from the NO 3 − or NH 4 + assimilated by the roots and the N fixed by the nodules, with a small portion translocated from the shoots. The N required for nodule growth was primarily contributed by nodule-fixed N with a small portion translocated from the shoots, whereas the NO 3 − or NH 4 + that was assimilated by the roots was not directly supplied to the nodules. (2) Based on observations of the shoots and one side of the roots and nodules in the dual root system as an N translocation system, we proposed a method for calculating the N translocation from soybean shoots to roots and nodules during the R1–R5 stages based on the difference in the 15N abundance. Our calculations showed that when adding N at a concentration of 50 mg·L−1, the N translocated from the shoots during the R1–R5 stages accounts for 29.6%–52.3% of the N accumulation in nodulated roots (Rootn) and 9.4%–16.6% of the N accumulation in Nodulen of soybeans. Through the study of this experiment, the absorption, distribution and redistribution characteristics of fertilizer N and root nodule N fixation in soybean can be clarified, providing a theoretical reference for analyzing the mechanisms of the interaction between fertilizer N and nodule-fixed N.
Elevated Root-Zone Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Alters Plant Nutrition of Lettuce and Pepper Grown Hydroponically and Aeroponically
Authors: Leibar-Porcel Estibaliz , McAinsh Martin R. , Dodd Ian C.
Published: March 2020

Enhancing root-zone (RZ) dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels of plants grown hydroponically and aeroponically can increase biomass accumulation but may also alter plant nutrient uptake. These experiments investigated how bicarbonate (HCO3−) added to a hydroponic nutrient solution and CO2 gas added to an aeroponic system affected biomass and nutrient concentrations of lettuce and pepper plants. Applying high RZ HCO3− concentrations (20 mM) to lettuce plants grown hydroponically decreased foliar N, P, Cu, K, Mn and Zn concentrations, concurrent with decreased biomass accumulation (50% less than control plants). On the contrary, 1 mM RZ HCO3− promoted biomass accumulation (10% more than control plants), but this could not be attributed to higher tissue nutrient concentrations. While elevated RZ CO2 did not alter biomass accumulation and nutrient concentrations in pepper grown aeroponically, it decreased foliar Mg and S concentrations in lettuce grown aeroponically even though nutrient contents (concentration x biomass) did not differ between treatments, due to 22% more biomass than control plants. In addition, elevated RZ CO2 enhanced N, P, Cu and Zn contents relative to control plants, indicating greater uptake of those elements. Nevertheless, there was no consistent relationship between plant growth promotion and altered plant nutrition, suggesting alternative mechanisms of growth regulation.
Testing the Use of Standardized Laboratory Tests to Infer Hg Bioaccumulation in Indigenous Benthic Organisms of Lake Maggiore (NW Italy)
Authors: Vignati Davide A.L. , Bettinetti Roberta , Boggero Angela , Valsecchi Sara
Published: March 2020

The chronic toxicity of mercury essentially derives from its strong tendency to biomagnify along food webs. For this reason, the European regulatory framework establishes an environmental quality standard for Hg based on the total Hg concentration in prey fish to protect top predators. A considerable part of the Hg burden of prey fish can come from the ingestion of benthic organisms that, in the presence of contaminated sediments, may remobilize substantial amounts of Hg towards the pelagic food webs. The present study evaluated whether Hg accumulation in assemblages of indigenous chironomids and oligochaetes could be predicted using standardized laboratory bioaccumulation tests with Chironomus riparius and Lumbriculus variegatus. Indigenous chironomids and oligochaetes were recovered at different sites in a lake suffering from legacy Hg pollution and analyzed for total Hg content. Sediment aliquots from the same sites were used to assess Hg bioaccumulation using laboratory-reared C. riparius and L. variegatus. Mercury concentrations in indigenous versus laboratory organisms showed a good correlation (p < 0.05; Spearman correlation test) only in the case of C. riparius versus indigenous chironomids, suggesting the possibility of using linear regressions to predict Hg accumulation by these benthic invertebrates. Further research needs and caveats as to the applicability of the present results to other aquatic systems are identified and discussed.
Coastal Lakes as a Buffer Zone for the Accumulation and Redistribution of Plastic Particles from Continental to Marine Environment: A Case Study of the Dishui Lake in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Yan , Fang Jiasong
Published: March 2020

Microplastics, as an emerging environmental contaminant, have attracted increasing attention worldwide. Previous studies have addressed this environmental problem in either the marine or continental environment, but ignored the water bodies in between. Coastal lakes are transitional aquatic systems and may play an important role in transport, reworking and redistribution of plastics across catchment scale. Here, we report results of our investigation of plastic pollution in sediment of a coastal lake, the Dishui Lake, in Shanghai, China. The lake is located in coastal Shanghai and connected to the East China Sea via a 7-km long canal. Sediment samples were collected from around the lake and the canal. Plastic particles were detected in the sediment with various shapes, colors and compositions. The total particle count in the canal sediment was orders of magnitude higher than in the lake sediment. Polypropylene was the dominant polymer in the sediment. Our results suggest that coastal lakes can serve as a reworking zone for accumulation and reworkings of plastic particles, and a buffer zone contributing to plastic pollution in the marine environment. This study addresses the most understudied area of plastic pollution, i.e., reworking and redistribution of plastic debris at catchment scale across the marine and continental environment.
Age-Related Differences in Muscle Synergy Organization during Step Ascent at Different Heights and Directions
Authors: Baggen Remco J. , van Dieën Jaap H. , Van Roie Evelien , Verschueren Sabine M. , Giarmatzis Georgios , Delecluse Christophe , Dominici Nadia
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to explore the underlying age-related differences in dynamic motor control during different step ascent conditions using muscle synergy analysis. Eleven older women (67.0 y ± 2.5) and ten young women (22.5 y ± 1.6) performed stepping in forward and lateral directions at step heights of 10, 20 and 30 cm. Surface electromyography was obtained from 10 lower limb and torso muscles. Non-negative matrix factorization was used to identify sets of (n) synergies across age groups and stepping conditions. In addition, variance accounted for (VAF) by the detected number of synergies was compared to assess complexity of motor control. Finally, correlation coefficients of muscle weightings and between-subject variability of the temporal activation patterns were calculated and compared between age groups and stepping conditions. Four synergies accounted for >85% VAF across age groups and stepping conditions. Age and step height showed a significant negative correlation with VAF during forward stepping but not lateral stepping, with lower VAF indicating higher synergy complexity. Muscle weightings showed higher similarity across step heights in older compared to young women. Neuromuscular control of young and community-dwelling older women could not be differentiated based on the number of synergies extracted. Additional analyses of synergy structure and complexity revealed subtle age- and step-height-related differences, indicating that older women rely on more complex neuromuscular control strategies.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Outcome Prediction Using Phased Long Short-Term Memory with Irregularly Sampled Serial Data
Authors: Park Jihwan , Rho Mi Jung , Moon Hyong Woo , Lee Ji Youl
Published: March 2020

It is particularly desirable to predict castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, and this study aims to predict patients’ likely outcomes to support physicians’ decision-making. Serial data is collected from 1592 PCa patients, and a phased long short-term memory (phased-LSTM) model with a special module called a “time-gate” is used to process the irregularly sampled data sets. A synthetic minority oversampling technique is used to overcome the data imbalance between two patient groups: those with and without CRPC treatment. The phased-LSTM model is able to predict the CRPC outcome with an accuracy of 88.6% (precision-recall: 91.6%) using 120 days of data or 94.8% (precision-recall: 96.9%) using 360 days of data. The validation loss converged slowly with 120 days of data and quickly with 360 days of data. In both cases, the prediction model takes four epochs to build. The overall CPRC outcome prediction model using irregularly sampled serial medical data is accurate and can be used to support physicians’ decision-making, which saves time compared to cumbersome serial data reviews. This study can be extended to realize clinically meaningful prediction models.
Experimental Study on Uniform and Mixed Bed-Load Sediment Transport under Unsteady Flow
Authors: Duan Zihao , Chen Jie , Jiang Changbo , Liu Xiaojian , Zhao Bingbing
Published: March 2020

The scouring and deposition of sediment caused by unsteady flows (e.g., storm waves and floods) produces many secondary disasters. The resultant bed-load movement exhibits different transport laws compared with that by steady flow. In this study, the flume experiments were performed to study the bed-load movement under unsteady flow with different velocity skewness. The movement of uniform and non-uniform non-cohesive sediment under unsteady flow as well as the influence of the steady and unsteady flow on sediment transport rate are compared. Additionally, the non-uniform sediment transport formula of fine-to-coarse particle diameter ratio was investigated. The results showed that the sediment transport rate between uniform and non-uniform sand under the same median diameter is different. The non-uniform sediment transport rate is 1.27-, 3.19-, and 0.68-times as large as that in uniform sediment under d50 = 0.664, 1.333, and 2.639 mm under unsteady flow, respectively. For non-uniform sand, the transport rate of non-uniform sand with a larger adjacent particle size ratio (δ = 0.29) was 1.31-times greater than that of the non-uniform sand with a smaller adjacent particle size ratio (δ = 0.50). Moreover, theoretical deduction was carried out and the incipient sediment motion was analyzed from the force mechanism. A new unsteadiness parameter based on the acceleration concept was proposed. The relationship between the travel distance and velocity skewness of sediment particles was set up. The experimental results and theoretical analysis showed that sediment under unsteady flow were easier to start and transport than those under steady flow in the same flow effect. The travel distance of sediment particles was longer under unsteady flow than that under steady flow.
Real-Time Indoor Positioning Approach Using iBeacons and Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Liu Liu , Li Bofeng , Yang Ling , Liu Tianxia
Published: March 2020

For localization in daily life, low-cost indoor positioning systems should provide real-time locations with a reasonable accuracy. Considering the flexibility of deployment and low price of iBeacon technique, we develop a real-time fusion workflow to improve localization accuracy of smartphone. First, we propose an iBeacon-based method by integrating a trilateration algorithm with a specific fingerprinting method to resist RSS fluctuations, and obtain accurate locations as the baseline result. Second, as turns are pivotal for positioning, we segment pedestrian trajectories according to turns. Then, we apply a Kalman filter (KF) to heading measurements in each segment, which improves the locations derived by pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR). Finally, we devise another KF to fuse the iBeacon-based approach with the PDR to overcome orientation noises. We implemented this fusion workflow in an Android smartphone and conducted real-time experiments in a building floor. Two different routes with sharp turns were selected. The positioning accuracy of the iBeacon-based method is RMSE 2.75 m. When the smartphone is held steadily, the fusion positioning tests result in RMSE of 2.39 and 2.22 m for the two routes. In addition, the other tests with orientation noises can still result in RMSE of 3.48 and 3.66 m. These results demonstrate our fusion workflow can improve the accuracy of iBeacon positioning and alleviate the influence of PDR drifting.
Climate Change and Refrigerants: Thermodynamic Properties of Low-GWP Fluids for Domestic Applications and Binary Systems for Low-Temperature Options
Authors: Pierantozzi Mariano , Tomassetti Sebastiano , Di Nicola Giovanni
Published: March 2020

The most commonly used refrigerants are potent greenhouse gasses that can contribute to climate change. Hydro-Fluoro-Olefins are low Global Warming Potential fluids. A summary of our experimental research activity on the thermodynamic properties of two environmentally friendly Hydro-Fluoro-Olefins, namely R1234yf and R1234ze(E), is reported. In particular, the measurements were performed with an isochoric apparatus and the apparatus specifically built to reach temperatures down to about 100 K. The data elaboration confirms the validity of the choice and that R1234yf and R1234ze(E) can be adopted in many domestic applications. Moreover, considering the reduction of the flammability issues of R1234yf and R1234ze(E), the properties of binary systems containing these fluids and carbon dioxide were analyzed. The presented mixtures could be very interesting for low-temperature applications such as cascade cycles.
GSH Modification as a Marker for Plasma Source and Biological Response Comparison to Plasma Treatment
Authors: Ranieri Pietro , Mohamed Hager , Myers Brayden , Dobossy Leah , Beyries Keely , Trosan Duncan , Krebs Fred C. , Miller Vandana , Stapelmann Katharina
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the use of glutathione as a marker to establish a correlation between plasma parameters and the resultant liquid chemistry from two distinct sources to predefined biological outcomes. Two different plasma sources were operated at parameters that resulted in similar biological responses: cell viability, mitochondrial activity, and the cell surface display of calreticulin. Specific glutathione modifications appeared to be associated with biological responses elicited by plasma. These modifications were more pronounced with increased treatment time for the European Cooperation in Science and Technology Reference Microplasma Jet (COST-Jet) and increased frequency for the dielectric barrier discharge and were correlated with more potent biological responses. No correlations were found when cells or glutathione were exposed to exogenously added long-lived species alone. This implied that short-lived species and other plasma components were required for the induction of cellular responses, as well as glutathione modifications. These results showed that comparisons of medical plasma sources could not rely on measurements of long-lived chemical species; rather, modifications of biomolecules (such as glutathione) might be better predictors of cellular responses to plasma exposure.
Pro-Pluvia Rogation Ceremonies in Extremadura (Spain): Are They a Good Proxy of Winter NAO?
Authors: Bravo-Paredes Nieves , Gallego María Cruz , Domínguez-Castro Fernando , García José Agustín , Vaquero José Manuel
Published: March 2020

Rogation ceremonies are religious requests to God. Pro-pluvia rogations were celebrated during dry conditions to ask God for rain. In this work, we have recovered 37 pro-pluvia rogations from 14 documentary sources (e.g.,: ecclesiastical manuscripts, books, and different magazines and newspapers). All of the rogations were celebrated in Extremadura region (interior of southwest of Spain) during the period 1824–1931. Climate of Extremadura is strongly dominated by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Therefore, pro-pluvia rogations have been associated to the NAO index and the relationship between them has been analyzed. The most relevant results are found in the relationship between pro-pluvia rogations in month n and the positive values of the NAO index for months n-1 and n-2, being statistically significant at 95% confidence level. Thus, the results evidence that the rogation ceremonies of Extremadura are a good proxy for the NAO index.
Effects of UV-A Light Treatment on Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, Greenhouse Gases, and Ozone in Simulated Poultry Barn Conditions
Authors: Lee Myeongseong , Wi Jisoo , Koziel Jacek A. , Ahn Heekwon , Li Peiyang , Chen Baitong , Meiirkhanuly Zhanibek , Banik Chumki , Jenks William
Published: March 2020

Gaseous emissions, a side effect of livestock and poultry production, need to be mitigated to improve sustainability. Emissions of ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), greenhouse gases (GHGs), and odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have a detrimental effect on the environment, climate, and quality of life in rural communities. We are building on previous research to bring advanced oxidation technologies from the lab to the farm. To date, we have shown that ultraviolet A (UV-A) has the potential to mitigate selected odorous gases and GHGs in the context of swine production. Much less research on emissions mitigation has been conducted in the context of poultry production. Thus, the study objective was to investigate whether the UV-A can mitigate NH3, H2S, GHGs, and O3 in the simulated poultry barn environment. The effects of several variables were tested: the presence of photocatalyst, relative humidity, treatment time, and dust accumulation under two different light intensities (facilitated with fluorescent and light-emitting diode, LED, lamps). The results provide evidence that photocatalysis with TiO2 coating and UV-A light can reduce gas concentrations of NH3, CO2, N2O, and O3, without a significant effect on H2S and CH4. The particular % reduction depends on the presence of photocatalysts, relative humidity (RH), light type (intensity), treatment time, and dust accumulation on the photocatalyst surface. In the case of NH3, the reduction varied from 2.6–18.7% and was affected by RH and light intensity. The % reduction of NH3 was the highest at 12% RH and increased with treatment time and light intensity. The % reduction of NH3 decreased with the accumulation of poultry dust. The % reduction for H2S had no statistical difference under any experimental conditions. The proposed treatment of NH3 and H2S was evaluated for a potential impact on important ambient air quality parameters, the possibility of simultaneously mitigating or generating GHGs. There was no statistically significant change in CH4 concentrations under any experimental conditions. CO2 was reduced at 3.8%–4.4%. N2O and O3 concentrations were reduced by both direct photolysis and photocatalysis, with the latter having greater % reductions. As much as 6.9–12.2% of the statistically-significant mitigation of N2O was observed. The % reduction for O3 ranged from 12.4–48.4%. The results warrant scaling up to a pilot-scale where the technology could be evaluated with economic analyses.
Influence of Atmospheric Circulation on Aerosol and its Optical Characteristics in the Pearl River Delta Region
Authors: Liu Yilin , He Jianjun , Lai Xin , Zhang Chenwei , Zhang Lei , Gong Sunling , Che Huizheng
Published: March 2020

At present, few studies have focused on the impact of circulation patterns on aerosol pollution in the Pearl River delta region (PRD) region based on the objective circulation classification method. Based on PM2.5 observation data, meteorological observation data, Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) aerosol observation data and European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) ERA (European Reanalysis)-Interim data in the PRD during 2013 to 2017, the air pollution level, meteorological conditions, and aerosol optical and radiation characteristics in different circulation patterns are studied in this paper. Using ECMWF ERA-Interim sea level pressure, nine circulation patterns were determined based on the T-mode principal component analysis (PCA) combined with the k-means clustering method. There were significant differences in PM2.5 values under different circulation patterns, indicating that the change of atmospheric circulation is an important factor driving the change of air quality. The prevailing wind in winter (northerly wind) facilitates the transport of pollutants from the north of the PRD and forms severe air pollution, while the prevailing wind in summer (southerly wind) brings clean air from the South China Sea; additionally, a high frequency of precipitation benefits the wet scavenging of pollutants, resulting in improved air quality in the PRD region. The impact of circulation patterns on the AOD (aerosol optical depth) is basically similar to that of the PM2.5 concentration. The study also found that the annual average total radiation was negatively correlated with the annual average PM2.5 concentration. In future, we plan to identify which methods and data are suitable for circulation classification in the PRD region.
Development of Multiple Linear Regression for Particulate Matter (PM10) Forecasting during Episodic Transboundary Haze Event in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Samsuri , Napi Nur Nazmi Liyana Mohd , Ahmed Ali Najah , Mansor Wan Nurdiyana Wan , Mansor Amalina Abu , Ismail Marzuki , Abdullah Ahmad Makmom , Ramly Zamzam Tuah Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Malaysia has been facing transboundary haze events every year in which the air contains particulate matter, particularly PM10, which affects human health and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a PM10 forecasting model for early information and warning alerts to the responsible parties in order for them to mitigate and plan precautionary measures during such events. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and compare the best-fitted model for PM10 prediction from the first hour until the next three hours during transboundary haze events. The air pollution data acquired from the Malaysian Department of Environment spanned from the years 2005 until 2014 (excluding years 2007–2009), which included particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), wind speed (WS), ambient temperature (T), and relative humidity (RH) on an hourly basis. Three different stepwise Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models for predicting the PM10 concentration were then developed based on three different prediction hours, namely t+1, t+2, and t+3. The PM10, t+1 model was the best MLR model to predict PM10 during transboundary haze events compared to PM10,.t+2 and PM10,t+3 models, having the lowest percentage of total error (28%) and the highest accuracy of 46%. A better prediction and explanation of PM10 concentration will help the authorities in getting early information for preserving the air quality, especially during transboundary haze episodes.
Climatology and Spatiotemporal Analysis of North Atlantic Rapidly Intensifying Hurricanes (1851–2017)
Authors: Benedetto Kathleen M. , Trepanier Jill C.
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, the scientific ability to project tropical cyclone (TC) intensities and tracks has improved. Hurricanes undergoing the process of rapid intensification (RI) have created new barriers in formulating predictions of TC paths and peak velocities. Current research suggests the warming climate may produce more intense TCs with a higher probability of undergoing RI during their life cycle. The increased likelihood of rapidly intensifying TCs necessitates the development of an RI climatology spanning the current North Atlantic record. A time series count analysis suggests a significant increasing trend of RI events in the Atlantic basin by 29.1% (17%–45%) from the years 1900 to 2017. For the entire basin, the peak frequency occurs in September, followed by August, then October. Gulf of Mexico events tend to occur more regularly over June, July, August, and September, while Atlantic storms peak in August, September, and October. The onset of RI typically begins in the Western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, west of 85° W. The lifetime maximum intensity typically occurs in the Gulf of Mexico basin. Density analysis suggests the locations of lifetime maximum intensities (LMIs) in rapidly intensifying TCs are clustered through space. It should be noted that these results are dependent upon the HURDAT record of events. This research is necessary in order to find substantive trends in RI events that may aid future predictions of tropical cyclones; therefore, potentially decreasing the lives lost and the cost of damage that these storms are known to cause.