bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Clinically Applicable Computational Larynx Model
Authors: Sadeghi Hossein , Kniesburges Stefan , Falk Sebastian , Kaltenbacher Manfred , Schützenberger Anne , Döllinger Michael
Published: June 2019

The enormous computational power and time required for simulating the complex phonation process preclude the effective clinical use of computational larynx models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a numerical larynx model, considering the computational time and resources required. Using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) in a 3D numerical larynx model with prescribed motion of vocal folds, the complicated fluid-structure interaction problem in phonation was reduced to a pure flow simulation with moving boundaries. The simulated laryngeal flow field is in good agreement with the experimental results obtained from authors’ synthetic larynx model. By systematically decreasing the spatial and temporal resolutions of the numerical model and optimizing the computational resources of the simulations, the elapsed simulation time was reduced by 90% to less than 70 h for 10 oscillation cycles of the vocal folds. The proposed computational larynx model with reduced mesh resolution is still able to capture the essential laryngeal flow characteristics and produce results with sufficiently good accuracy in a significant shorter time-to-solution. The reduction in computational time achieved is a promising step towards the clinical application of these computational larynx models in the near future.
Disentangled Feature Learning for Noise-Invariant Speech Enhancement
Authors: Bae Soo Hyun , Choi Inkyu , Kim Nam Soo
Published: June 2019

Most of the recently proposed deep learning-based speech enhancement techniques have focused on designing the neural network architectures as a black box. However, it is often beneficial to understand what kinds of hidden representations the model has learned. Since the real-world speech data are drawn from a generative process involving multiple entangled factors, disentangling the speech factor can encourage the trained model to result in better performance for speech enhancement. With the recent success in learning disentangled representation using neural networks, we explore a framework for disentangling speech and noise, which has not been exploited in the conventional speech enhancement algorithms. In this work, we propose a novel noise-invariant speech enhancement method which manipulates the latent features to distinguish between the speech and noise features in the intermediate layers using adversarial training scheme. To compare the performance of the proposed method with other conventional algorithms, we conducted experiments in both the matched and mismatched noise conditions using TIMIT and TSPspeech datasets. Experimental results show that our model successfully disentangles the speech and noise latent features. Consequently, the proposed model not only achieves better enhancement performance but also offers more robust noise-invariant property than the conventional speech enhancement techniques.
Advances and Challenges of Corrosion and Topology Detection of Grounding Grid
Authors: Fu Zhihong , Wang Xiujuan , Wang Qian , Xu Xiaobin , Fu Nengyi , Qin Shanqiang
Published: June 2019

The grounding device plays performs the role of releasing a lightning current and a fault current in the power system, and the corrosion of the conductor will cause damage to the grounding body, which threatens the safe operation of the power system. The grounding grid corrosion detection technology and equipment guarantee the safe operation of the power system. This paper discusses the research status of grounding corrosion and topological detection in detail and introduces the basic principles, research difficulties and existing problems of the methods such as the electric network method, electromagnetic field method, electrochemical method, ultrasonic detection method and electromagnetic imaging method. The methods of electromagnetic imaging and time difference positioning proposed in recent years have been also discussed in detail. The paper points out that the application of grounding grid corrosion detection distance engineering still faces great challenges and that multi-disciplinary, multi-information fusion, new sensing technology, big data platforms and intelligent computing will be the trends to follow in research on grounding grid fault, corrosion detection and life prediction.
Fetch Effect on Flux-Variance Estimations of Sensible and Latent Heat Fluxes of Camellia Sinensis
Authors: Buttar Noman Ali , Yongguang Hu , Tanny Josef , Akram M Waqar , Shabbir Abdul
Published: June 2019

Precise estimation of surface-atmosphere exchange is a major challenge in micrometeorology. Previous literature presented the eddy covariance (EC) as the most reliable method for the measurements of such fluxes. Nevertheless, the EC technique is quite expensive and complex, hence other simpler methods are sought. One of these methods is Flux-Variance (FV). The FV method estimates sensible heat flux (H) using high frequency (~10Hz) air temperature measurements by a fine wire thermocouple. Additional measurements of net radiation (Rn) and soil heat flux (G) allow the derivation of latent heat flux (LE) as the residual of the energy balance equation. In this study, the Flux Variance method was investigated, and the results were compared against eddy covariance measurements. The specific goal of the present study was to assess the performance of the FV method for the estimation of surface fluxes along a variable fetch. Experiment was carried out in a tea garden; an EC system measured latent and sensible heat fluxes and five fine-wire thermocouples were installed towards the wind dominant direction at different distances (fetch) of TC1 = 170 m, TC2 = 165 m, TC3 = 160 m, TC4 = 155 m and TC5 = 150 m from the field edge. Footprint analysis was employed to examine the effect of temperature measurement position on the ratio between 90% footprint and measurement height. Results showed a good agreement between FV and EC measurements of sensible heat flux, with all regression coefficients (R2) larger than 0.6; the sensor at 170 m (TC1), nearest to the EC system, had highest R2 = 0.86 and lowest root mean square error (RMSE = 25 Wm−2). The estimation of LE at TC1 was also in best agreement with eddy covariance, with the highest R2 = 0.90. The FV similarity constant varied along the fetch within the range 2.2–2.4.
Potential Uncertainties in the Analysis of Low-Wavenumber Asymmetries Caused by Aliasing Center in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhao Chengwu , Song Junqiang , Leng Hongze , Zhao Juan
Published: June 2019

Variations in both symmetric wind components and asymmetric wave amplitudes of a tropical cyclone depend on the location of its center. Because the radial structure of asymmetries is critical to the wave–mean interaction, this study, under idealized conditions, examines the influences of a center location on the radial structure of the diagnosed asymmetries. It has been found that the amplitudes of aliasing asymmetries are mainly affected by the initial symmetric fields. Meanwhile, the radial structure of asymmetry is controlled by the aliasing direction. Sensitivity tests on the location of the center were employed to emphasize the importance of the aliasing direction using angular momentum equations. With a small displacement, the tendencies of azimuthal tangential wind are found to reverse completely when the center shifts to a different direction. This work concludes that the diagnostic results related to asymmetric decomposition should be treated rigorously, as they are prone to inaccuracies, which in turn affect cyclone prediction.
Analysis of Possible Triggering Mechanisms of Severe Thunderstorms in the Tropical Central Andes of Peru, Mantaro Valley
Authors: J.L. J.L. , A.S. A.S. , S. S. , D. D. , E. E. , Y. Y.
Published: June 2019

The aim of the present study is to analyze the triggering mechanisms of three thunderstorms (TSs) associated with severe rainfall, hail and lightening in the tropical central Andes of Peru, specifically above the Huancayo observatory (12.04 ∘ S, 75.32 ∘ W, 3313 m a.s.l.) located in the Mantaro valley during the spring-summer season (2015–2016). For this purpose, we used a set of in-situ pluviometric observations, satellite remote sensing data, the Compact Meteorological Ka-Band Cloud Radar (MIRA-35C), the Boundary Layer Tropospheric Radar and downscaling model simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model (resolutions: 18 km, 6 km and 2 km), and the Advance Regional Prediction System (ARPS) (resolution: 0.5 km) models in order to analyze the dynamic of the atmosphere in the synoptic, meso and local scales processes that control the occurrence of the three TS events. The results show that at synoptic scale, the TSs are characterized by the southern displacement of the South-east Pacific Subtropical Anticyclone up to latitudes higher than 35 ∘ S, by the weakening and south-eastern displacement of the Bolivian high–North east low system and by the intrusion of westerly winds along the west side of the central Andes at upper and medium levels of the atmosphere. At meso-scale, apparently, two important moisture fluxes from opposite directions are filtered through the passes along the Andes: one from the north-west and the other from the south-east directions converge and trigger the deep convection into the Mantaro valley. These moisture fluxes are generated by the intrusion of the sea-breeze from the Pacific ocean along the west of the Andes coupling with upper and middle westerly winds and by the thermally induced moisture fluxes coming from the South American low level jet at the east side of the Andes. At the local scale, there is a low-level conditional instability in the previous hours as well as during the occurrence of the TSs above the Huancayo observatory. In addition, the simulation results indicated the possibility of generation of inertial gravity waves in the Amazon basin, associated with geostrophic adjustment which transports energy and moisture into the central Andes plateau and consequently intensifies the thunderstorms above the Mantaro valley.
Impact of the Altitudinal Gradients of Precipitation on the Radar QPE Bias in the French Alps
Authors: Faure Dominique , Delrieu Guy , Gaussiat Nicolas
Published: June 2019

In the French Alps the quality of the radar Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) is limited by the topography and the vertical structure of precipitation. A previous study realized in all the French Alps, has shown a general bias between values of the national radar QPE composite and the rain gauge measurements: a radar QPE over-estimation at low altitude (+20% at 200 m a.s.l.), and an increasing underestimation at high altitudes (until −40% at 2100 m a.s.l.). This trend has been linked to altitudinal gradients of precipitation observed at ground level. This paper analyzes relative altitudinal gradients of precipitation estimated with rain gauges measurements in 2016 for three massifs around Grenoble, and for different temporal accumulations (yearly, seasonal, monthly, daily). Comparisons of radar and rain gauge accumulations confirm the bias previously observed. The parts of the current radar data processing affecting the bias value are pointed out. The analysis shows a coherency between the relative gradient values estimated at the different temporal accumulations. Vertical profiles of precipitation detected by a research radar installed at the bottom of the valley also show how the wide horizontal variability of precipitation inside the valley can affect the gradient estimation.
Estimation Accuracy and Computational Cost Analysis of Artificial Neural Networks for State of Charge Estimation in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Bonfitto Angelo , Feraco Stefano , Tonoli Andrea , Amati Nicola , Monti Francesco
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a tradeoff analysis in terms of accuracy and computational cost between different architectures of artificial neural networks for the State of Charge (SOC) estimation of lithium batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles. The considered layouts are partly selected from the literature on SOC estimation, and partly are novel proposals that have been demonstrated to be effective in executing estimation tasks in other engineering fields. One of the architectures, the Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Network with Exogenous Input (NARX), is presented with an unconventional layout that exploits a preliminary routine, which allows setting of the feedback initial value to avoid estimation divergence. The presented solutions are compared in terms of estimation accuracy, duration of the training process, robustness to the noise in the current measurement, and to the inaccuracy on the initial estimation. Moreover, the algorithms are implemented on an electronic control unit in serial communication with a computer, which emulates a real vehicle, so as to compare their computational costs. The proposed unconventional NARX architecture outperforms the other solutions. The battery pack that is used to design and test the networks is a 20 kW pack for a mild hybrid electric vehicle, whilst the adopted training, validation and test datasets are obtained from the driving cycles of a real car and from standard profiles.
Life Cycle Analysis of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Automotive Applications
Authors: Dai Qiang , Kelly Jarod C. , Gaines Linda , Wang Michael
Published: June 2019

In light of the increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the global vehicle market, understanding the environmental impacts of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that characterize the EVs is key to sustainable EV deployment. This study analyzes the cradle-to-gate total energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, SOx, NOx, PM10 emissions, and water consumption associated with current industrial production of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries, with the battery life cycle analysis (LCA) module in the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model, which was recently updated with primary data collected from large-scale commercial battery material producers and automotive LIB manufacturers. The results show that active cathode material, aluminum, and energy use for cell production are the major contributors to the energy and environmental impacts of NMC batteries. However, this study also notes that the impacts could change significantly, depending on where in the world the battery is produced, and where the materials are sourced. In an effort to harmonize existing LCAs of automotive LIBs and guide future research, this study also lays out differences in life cycle inventories (LCIs) for key battery materials among existing LIB LCA studies, and identifies knowledge gaps.
Partial Surface Modification of Low Generation Polyamidoamine Dendrimers: Gaining Insight into their Potential for Improved Carboplatin Delivery
Authors: Nguyen Dai Hai , Bach Long Giang , Nguyen Tran Diem-Huong , Cao Van Du , Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh , Le Thi Thu Hong , Tran Thach Thao , Thi Thai Thanh Hoang
Published: June 2019

Carboplatin (CAR) is a second generation platinum-based compound emerging as one of the most widely used anticancer drugs to treat a variety of tumors. In an attempt to address its dose-limiting toxicity and fast renal clearance, several delivery systems (DDSs) have been developed for CAR. However, unsuitable size range and low loading capacity may limit their potential applications. In this study, PAMAM G3.0 dendrimer was prepared and partially surface modified with methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) for the delivery of CAR. The CAR/PAMAM G3.0@mPEG was successfully obtained with a desirable size range and high entrapment efficiency, improving the limitations of previous CAR-loaded DDSs. Cytocompatibility of PAMAM G3.0@mPEG was also examined, indicating that the system could be safely used. Notably, an in vitro release test and cell viability assays against HeLa, A549, and MCF7 cell lines indicated that CAR/PAMAM G3.0@mPEG could provide a sustained release of CAR while fully retaining its bioactivity to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. These obtained results provide insights into the potential of PAMAM G3.0@mPEG dendrimer as an efficient delivery system for the delivery of a drug that has strong side effects and fast renal clearance like CAR, which could be a promising approach for cancer treatment.
Reporter Cell Assessment of TLR4-Induced NF-κB Responses to Cell-Free Hemoglobin and the Influence of Biliverdin
Authors: Sharma Jill , Boyd Taylor , Alvarado Claudia , Gunn Edwin , Adams Jaimie , Ness Traci , Dunwoody Robert , Lamb John , House Brittany , Knapp James , Garner Ronald
Published: June 2019

Hemoglobin (Hb) released during red blood cell lysis can initiate TLR4-dependent signaling and trigger NF-κB activation in surrounding cells. Observations of chronic bleeding in various cancers leads us to hypothesize that Hb and Hb degradation products released from lysed RBC near cancer nests might modulate local TLR4-positive cells. We addressed the hypothesis in vitro by measuring Hb- and biliverdin (Bv)-induced NF-κB signaling in an engineered human TLR4 reporter cell model (HEK-BlueTM hTLR4). Therein, TLR4 stimulation was assessed by measuring NF-κB-dependent secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP). hTLR4 reporter cells incubated with 8 ηM lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or 20-40 μM fungal mannoprotein (FM) produced significant amounts of SEAP. hTLR4 reporter cells also produced SEAP in response to human, but not porcine or bovine, Hb. HEK-Blue Null2TM reporter cells lacking TLR4 did not respond to LPS, FM, or Hb. Bv was non-stimulatory in reporter cells. When Bv was added to Hb-stimulated reporter cells, SEAP production was reduced by 95%, but when Bv was applied during LPS and FM stimulation, SEAP production was reduced by 33% and 27%, respectively. In conclusion, Hb initiated NF-κB signaling that was dependent upon TLR4 expression and that Bv can act as a TLR4 antagonist. Moreover, this study suggests that hemorrhage and extravascular hemolysis could provide competitive Hb and Bv signaling to nearby cells expressing TLR4, and that this process could modulate NF-κB signaling in TLR4-positive cancer cells and cancer-infiltrating leukocytes.
Self-Paced Online vs. Cue-Based Offline Brain–Computer Interfaces for Inducing Neural Plasticity
Authors: Jochumsen Mads , Navid Muhammad Samran , Nedergaard Rasmus Wiberg , Signal Nada , Rashid Usman , Hassan Ali , Haavik Heidi , Taylor Denise , Niazi Imran Khan
Published: June 2019

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), operated in a cue-based (offline) or self-paced (online) mode, can be used for inducing cortical plasticity for stroke rehabilitation by the pairing of movement-related brain activity with peripheral electrical stimulation. The aim of this study was to compare the difference in cortical plasticity induced by the two BCI modes. Fifteen healthy participants participated in two experimental sessions: cue-based BCI and self-paced BCI. In both sessions, imagined dorsiflexions were extracted from continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) and paired 50 times with the electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve. Before, immediately after, and 30 min after each intervention, the cortical excitability was measured through the motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) of tibialis anterior elicited through transcranial magnetic stimulation. Linear mixed regression models showed that the MEP amplitudes increased significantly (p < 0.05) from pre- to post- and 30-min post-intervention in terms of both the absolute and relative units, regardless of the intervention type. Compared to pre-interventions, the absolute MEP size increased by 79% in post- and 68% in 30-min post-intervention in the self-paced mode (with a true positive rate of ~75%), and by 37% in post- and 55% in 30-min post-intervention in the cue-based mode. The two modes were significantly different (p = 0.03) at post-intervention (relative units) but were similar at both post timepoints (absolute units). These findings suggest that immediate changes in cortical excitability may have implications for stroke rehabilitation, where it could be used as a priming protocol in conjunction with another intervention; however, the findings need to be validated in studies involving stroke patients.
Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Galardi Maria Milagros , Gaudioso Cristina , Ahmadi Saumel , Evans Emily , Gilbert Laura , Mar Soe
Published: June 2019

The differential diagnosis of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) can be broad and pose diagnostic challenges, particularly at initial presentation. Among demyelinating entities, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-ab) associated disorders, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are now well-known as unique disease processes and yet continue to overlap with MS in regards to clinical presentation and imaging. In non-inflammatory entities, such as metabolic disorders and leukodystrophies, an erroneous diagnosis of MS can be made even while applying appropriate diagnostic criteria. Knowing the epidemiology, typical clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and ancillary test results in each disease, can aid in making the correct diagnosis by contrasting these features with those of pediatric MS. Determining the correct diagnosis early, allows for efficient and effective treatment as well as appropriate prognostication.
Antibacterial Properties of Zn Doped Hydrophobic SiO2 Coatings Produced by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Pietrzyk Bożena , Porębska Katarzyna , Jakubowski Witold , Miszczak Sebastian
Published: June 2019

Bacteria existing on the surfaces of various materials can be both a source of infection and an obstacle to the proper functioning of structures. Increased resistance to colonization by microorganisms can be obtained by applying antibacterial coatings. This paper describes the influence of surface wettability and amount of antibacterial additive (Zn) on bacteria settlement on modified SiO2-based coatings. The coatings were made by sol-gel method. The sols were prepared on the basis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), modified with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and the addition of zinc nitrate or zinc acetate. Roughness and surface wettability tests, as well as study of the chemical structure of the coatings were carried out. The antibacterial properties of the coatings were checked by examining their susceptibility to colonization by Escherichia coli. It was found that the addition of zinc compound reduced the susceptibility to colonization by E. coli, while in the studied range, roughness and hydrophobicity did not affect the level of bacteria adhesion to the coatings.
Use of Virtual Environment and Virtual Prototypes in Co-Design: The Case of Hospital Design
Authors: Tiainen Tarja , Jouppila Tiina
Published: June 2019

Co-design is used for improving innovation, obtaining better solutions, and higher user satisfaction. In this paper we present how the use of a walk-in virtual environment and actual-size virtual prototypes support co-design. Unlike in most studies we presented the prototypes to users in an early phase of the design process. This study examines the co-design of healthcare facilities with multi-occupational groups. The practical case examines designing single-patient rooms for an intensive care unit. In this design process 238 participants of different hospital professions evaluated virtual prototypes in three iterative rounds. The participants improved the design by discussing their work practices. The virtual environment situation and actual size virtual prototypes make an easy environment for users to discuss and evaluate the design without any design knowledge. In addition to describing the co-design results we also outline some important issues and guidelines about creating the virtual prototypes and organizing the participants’ visits in a virtual environment.
The Artificial Mixed Fused Quartz Particles and Silicon Particles-Assisted High-Performance Multicrystalline Silicon
Authors: Cai Yanhuan , Mi Changcheng , Huang Xinming
Published: June 2019

Mixed seeds of fused quartz particles and silicon particles were laid at the bottom of the crucible to assist the growth of multicrystalline silicon crystals. The full melting process was used, and then we found that the grown crystals had higher quality. The effect of mixed seeds on the growth of multicrystalline silicon was studied. The results showed that fine and uniform initial grains could be obtained by mixed seeds assisting the growth of crystals. Increasing the number of grain boundaries can better release thermal stress and inhibit the proliferation and diffusion of dislocations. The defect density of multicrystalline silicon decreased and the minority carrier lifetime increased, thus improving the conversion efficiency of multicrystalline silicon cells.
New Ca2.90(Me2+)0.10(PO4)2 β-tricalcium Phosphates with Me2+ = Mn, Ni, Cu: Synthesis, Crystal-Chemistry, and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Altomare Angela , Rizzi Rosanna , Rossi Manuela , El Khouri Asmaa , Elaatmani Mohammed , Paterlini Veronica , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Capitelli Francesco
Published: June 2019

C a 2.90 M e 0.10 2 + ( P O 4 ) 2 (with Me = Mn, Ni, Cu) β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) powders were synthesized by solid-state reaction at T = 1200 °C and investigated by means of a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. SEM morphological analysis showed the run products to consist of sub spherical microcrystalline aggregates, while EDS semi-quantitative analysis confirmed the nominal Ca/Me composition. The unit cell and the space group were determined by X-ray powder diffraction data showing that all the compounds crystallize in the rhombohedral R3c whitlockite-type structure, with the following unit cell constants: a = b = 10.41014(19) Å, c = 37.2984(13) Å, and cell volume V = 3500.53(15) Å3 (Mn); a = b = 10.39447(10) Å, c = 37.2901(8) Å; V = 3489.22(9) Å3 (Ni); a = b = 10.40764(8) Å, c = 37.3158(6) Å, V = 3500.48(7) Å3 (Cu). The investigation was completed with the structural refinement by the Rietveld method. The FTIR spectra are similar to those of the end-member Ca β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), in agreement with the structure determination, and show minor band shifts of the (PO4) modes with the increasing size of the replacing Me2+ cation. Luminescence spectra and decay curves revealed significant luminescence properties for Mn and Cu phases.
Geometrically Necessary Dislocations on Plastic Deformation of Polycrystalline TRIP Steel
Authors: Roa Joan Josep , Suárez Sebastián , Guitar Agustina , Fargas Gemma , Mateo Antonio
Published: June 2019

In this study, the main deformation behavior in terms of geometrically necessary dislocations (GND) was investigated on a transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) stainless steel by using sharp indentation at nanometric length scale. Results evidence that austenitic grains display an isotropic behavior on terms of GND, the main deformation mechanism being the Frank–Read source activated at local level.
Survey Data for Measuring Musical Creativity and the Impact of Information
Authors: Kostagiolas Petros , Lavranos Charilaos , Manolitzas Panagiotis
Published: June 2019

This paper presents data about the analysis of Webster’s model of creative thinking in music products, and the impact of information on musical creativity. For this purpose, a specially designed closed-ended structured questionnaire was developed and distributed. The questionnaire was completed by 238 musicians and was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0. The data are presented though descriptive and inferential statistics, principal component analysis for variable reduction, and finally, bivariate regression analysis. The data provide information on Webster’s model of creative thinking in music as well as on the impact of music information on musical creativity. The survey results indicate that the overall sense of musical creativity includes conceptional and replicational musical creativity components. These are significantly positively correlated with music information. Musicians’ sense of creativity is impacted by music information availability when dealing with various musical creative activities.
Detecting Synchronous Parathyroid Adenoma and False-Positive Findings on Technetium-99m MIBI Single Photon-Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Lee Ji , Song Hee-Sung , Choi Jae , Hyun Chang , Lee Sang , Choi Joon-Hyouk , Lee Seokjae
Published: June 2019

Technetium (Tc)-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) single photon-emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is now being used increasingly for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas. Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy in a 52-year-old man with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism revealed two focal areas with retention of radioactivity in the left lobe of the thyroid gland on the delayed phase of MIBI SPECT/CT but no significant focal radioactive uptake on MIBI planar images. The patient subsequently underwent left partial parathyroidectomy. Histological analysis identified one lesion to be thyroid hyperplasia and the other to be parathyroid adenoma. This case demonstrates the value of MIBI SPECT/CT for localization of a parathyroid lesion when compared with planar images and that false-positive findings can lead to misdiagnosis in a patient with coexisting thyroid disease. An appropriate diagnostic work-up that includes Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT in addition to ultrasonography is helpful for an accurate diagnosis in patients with concomitant thyroid disease.
Role of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Management of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Eshraghi V. Thomas , Malloy Kyle A. , Tahmasbi Mehrnaz
Published: June 2019

The goal of this paper was to review the current literature surrounding the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) related to the diagnosis, prognostic determination, and treatment of periodontal diseases. A literature review was completed to identify peer-reviewed articles related to CBCT and periodontics. The results were filtered to pool only articles specific to CBCT and periodontal diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment/outcomes. The articles were reviewed and findings summarized. Author’s commentary on technological advances and additional potential uses of CBCT in the field of periodontics were included. There is evidence to suggest that CBCT imaging can be more accurate in diagnosing specific periodontal defects (intrabony and furcation defects), and therefore be helpful in the prognostic determination and treatment planning. However, at this time, CBCT cannot be recommended as the standard of care. It is up to the individual clinician to use one’s own judgment as to when the additional information provided by CBCT may be beneficial, while applying the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle. With continued technological advances in CBCT imaging (higher resolution, reduced imaging artifacts, lower exposure, etc.) the author’s believe that CBCT usage will become more prominent in diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Salivary Cortisol Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus—A Pilot Case-Control Study
Authors: Skrinjar Ivana , Vidranski Valentina , Brzak Bozana Loncar , Vidovic Juras Danica , Andabak Rogulj Ana , Brailo Vlaho , Vucicevic Boras Vanja
Published: June 2019

It is known that cortisol level increases in stress situations. The aim of the study was to measure the levels of salivary cortisol in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and healthy controls. This was a case-control pilot study which included seven patients with reticular (non-symptomatic) OLP, eight patients with atrophic/erosive (symptomatic) OLP, and nine healthy controls. We hypothesized that patients with an atrophic/erosive type of OLP have higher levels of cortisol compared to patients with the reticular type of OLP and healthy controls. In each participant, unstimulated saliva was collected in order to determine cortisol levels by using commercially available ELISA kit. Our results have shown no differences between levels of salivary cortisol in OLP patients and healthy controls. We can conclude that further research with a larger number of OLP patients is needed to determine the correlation between OLP and stress.
Offshore Platform Extraction Using RadarSat-2 SAR Imagery: A Two-Parameter CFAR Method Based on Maximum Entropy
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Jing , Su Fenzhen
Published: June 2019

The ability to determine the number and location of offshore platforms is of great significance for offshore oil spill monitoring and offshore oil and gas development. Considering the problem that the detection threshold parameters of the two-parameter constant false alarm rate (CFAR) algorithm require manual and repeated adjustment of the during the extraction of offshore platform targets, this paper proposes a two-parameter CFAR target detection method based on maximum entropy based on information entropy theory. First, a series of threshold parameters are obtained using the two-parameter CFAR algorithm for target detection. Then, according to the maximum entropy principle, the optimal threshold is estimated to obtain the target detection results of the possible offshore platform. Finally, the neighborhood analysis method is used to eliminate false alarm targets such as ships, and the final target of the offshore platform is obtained. In this study, we conducted offshore platform extraction experiments and an accuracy evaluation using data from the Pearl River Estuary Basin of the South China Sea. The results show that the proposed method for platform extraction achieves an accuracy rate of 97.5% and obtains the ideal offshore platform distribution information. Thus, the proposed method can objectively obtain the optimal target detection threshold parameters, greatly reduce the influence of subjective parameter setting on the extraction results during the target detection process and effectively extract offshore platform targets.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Islamic Banking Products in Indonesia
Authors: Setyowati Nur
Published: June 2019

The purpose of the study was to investigate which factors determine saving and financing in Islamic banks in Indonesia by using Gregory–Hansen cointegration, vector error correction mode (VECM), Granger causality, and the impulse response function. The results disclose the existence of a long-running cointegrating relationship with a structural break in the deposit and financing case to the consumer price index, industrial production, interest rate, exchange rate, and Jakarta Islamic Index. Most of the structural breaks appeared in January 2006 and April 2007 for both deposit and financing, revealing the first stage of the financial crisis. Any short-term deviation between deposit and financing will give rise to a stable relationship in the long term. In the short-term, there is bidirectional causality between deposits and industrial production and between the consumer price index and financing. This finding shows that real activity, as measured by industrial production, is a highly determinant factor of Islamic bank deposits, while inflation, as measured by the customer price index, is the determinant factor of Islamic bank financing. Our results also suggest that a mix of dynamic behaviors from both Islamic bank savings and financing was revealed in response to the shock of the macroeconomic variable, giving better insight for the government and stakeholders into Indonesian Islamic banking.
Course Evaluation for Low Pass Rate Improvement in Engineering Education
Authors: Ouahada Khmaies
Published: June 2019

A course evaluation is a process that includes evaluations of lecturers’ teaching performances and their course material moderations. These two procedures are usually implemented, whether officially by the faculty of engineering or by lecturers’ own initiatives, to help identify lecturers’ strengths and weaknesses and the ways forward to improve their performances and their qualities of teaching. This paper presents different ways of implementing these two criteria from students’ and professionals’ perspectives. Official questionnaires from the faculty of engineering, personal questionnaires using Google surveys, Moodle and special designed forms have been used for moderation and evaluations. The process of evaluation is the core of a feedback procedure followed by universities in order for them to monitor the teaching quality of their staff. Satisfactory results show that such a process can improve the lecturers’ teaching performances, courses material quality, students’ satisfaction and performances, and finally the pass rate of the class.
A 1 Gbps Chaos-Based Stream Cipher Implemented in 0.18 μm CMOS Technology
Authors: Garcia-Bosque Miguel , Díez-Señorans Guillermo , Pérez-Resa Adrián , Sánchez-Azqueta Carlos , Aldea Concepción , Celma Santiago
Published: June 2019

In this work, a novel chaos-based stream cipher based on a skew tent map is proposed and implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technology. The proposed ciphering algorithm uses a linear feedback shift register that perturbs the orbits generated by the skew tent map after each iteration. This way, the randomness of the generated sequences is considerably improved. The implemented stream cipher was capable of achieving encryption speeds of 1 Gbps by using an approximate area of ~ 20 , 000 2-NAND equivalent gates, with a power consumption of 24.1 mW. To test the security of the proposed cipher, the generated keystreams were subjected to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) randomness tests, proving that they were undistinguishable from truly random sequences. Finally, other security aspects such as the key sensitivity, key space size, and security against reconstruction attacks were studied, proving that the stream cipher is secure.
Model Predictive Current Control Method with Improved Performances for Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverters
Authors: Jun Eun-Su , Park So-young , Kwak Sangshin
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the model predictive current control (MPCC) method using two vectors has been proposed to control output currents of three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs) with small current errors and current ripples. Also, the proposed method can reduce switching losses by applying the vector pre-selection technique to the MPCC for the VSI. The VSI generates seven voltage vectors to control the output currents, but the proposed method uses four available voltage vectors with one switch, which are classified by the vector pre-selection method clamping one leg and conducting the largest output current among the three legs to reduce the switching losses. In the proposed method, selecting two future voltage vectors among the four voltage vectors and dividing them in a future sampling period are determined by an optimization process. The proposed method results in the lower total loss, better total harmonic distortion (THD), and smaller current errors than the conventional method with half the sampling period of the proposed method due to the optimal process. Simulation and experimental results of the three-phase VSIs are presented in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Application of an Adaptive Forest Management Simulation Model Based on Zoning in a Man-Made Forest
Authors: Sugiura Katsuaki , Sonohara Waka
Published: June 2019

In this study, shifts from the current forest physiognomy to a target forest physiognomy were modeled by applying the concept of zoning simulation. The objective was to present the process of generating management options for man-made forests in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The assessment method was a wide-ranging and long-term simple simulation based on several indicators, such as geographical distribution and tree species, and adapted the concept of changes in forest physiognomy. A headwater forest in Kanagawa Prefecture, which covers an area of about 3784 ha and consists of 4445 forest stands, was investigated. Four plans were established based on the present state of the forest stands. The results indicated that factors for expressing forest physiognomy and their expression methods should be determined, and physiognomy models should be constructed to establish the actual state of the forests in each region. With this simulation, it is possible to forecast long-term changes at forest stand and basin levels for each scenario. However, only data from forestry register were used in this study, and it is expected that different results would be obtained by conducting a determination of stand position in the forest physiognomy together with a field survey.
Electrically Conductive Coatings for Fiber-Based E-Textiles
Authors: Chatterjee Kony , Tabor Jordan , Ghosh Tushar K.
Published: June 2019

With the advent of wearable electronic devices in our daily lives, there is a need for soft, flexible, and conformable devices that can provide electronic capabilities without sacrificing comfort. Electronic textiles (e-textiles) combine electronic capabilities of devices such as sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and storage devices, and communication devices with the comfort and conformability of conventional textiles. An important method to fabricate such devices is by coating conventionally used fibers and yarns with electrically conductive materials to create flexible capacitors, resistors, transistors, batteries, and circuits. Textiles constitute an obvious choice for deployment of such flexible electronic components due to their inherent conformability, strength, and stability. Coating a layer of electrically conducting material onto the textile can impart electronic capabilities to the base material in a facile manner. Such a coating can be done at any of the hierarchical levels of the textile structure, i.e., at the fiber, yarn, or fabric level. This review focuses on various electrically conducting materials and methods used for coating e-textile devices, as well as the different configurations that can be obtained from such coatings, creating a smart textile-based system.
Quality Control of Fresh-Cut Apples after Coating Application
Authors: Cofelice Martina , Lopez Francesco , Cuomo Francesca
Published: June 2019

The growing demand for ready-to-eat fresh fruits has led to set-up appropriate strategies for preserving fruit quality and freshness of such commodities. To slow down the deterioration events such as respiration, moisture loss and enzymatic activity, ready-to-eat products should be protected with an edible film. A suitable coating should combine hydrophilic and hydrophobic features to ensure good mechanical and gas barrier properties. Alginate/essential oil nanoformulations, one with low and the other with high oil content, here proposed to protect apple pieces during storage, were first characterized through dynamic light scattering and rheology. The effect of the application of the nanoformulations on the quality parameters of apples stored at 4 °C was considered by evaluating weight loss, pH and titratable acidity, total phenols content and the fruit appearance during storage. Mainly on the basis of pH and titratable acididty variation, the nanoformulation with low oil content resulted eligible for preserving the quality of fresh-cut apple pieces during storage.
Analysis of the Full-Length Pyriform Spidroin Gene Sequence
Authors: Wang Kangkang , Wen Rui , Jia Qiupin , Liu Xiangqin , Xiao Junhua , Meng Qing
Published: June 2019

Spiders often produce multiple types of silk, each with unique properties suiting them to certain tasks and biological functions. Orb-weaver spiders can generate more than six types of silk fibroins, with pyriform silk used to form attachment discs, adhering silk to other surfaces and substances. The unique higher-order structuring of silk fibroins has been cited as the source of their remarkable biomechanical properties. Even so, only one full-length gene sequence of pyriform silk protein 1 (PySp1) from Argiopeargentata has been reported, and studies on the mechanical properties of natural pyriform silk fibers are also lacking. To better understand the PySp1 family of genes, we used long-distance PCR (LD-PCR) to determine the sequence of PySp1 in the Araneusventricosus species. This full-length PySp1 gene is 11,931 bp in length, encoding for 3976 amino acids residues in non-repetitive N- and C-terminal domains with a central largely repetitive region made up of sixteen remarkably homogeneous units. This was similar to the previously reported A. argentata PySp1 sequence, with PySp1 from A. ventricosus also having a long repetitive N-linker that bridges the N-terminal and repetitive regions. Predictions of secondary structure and hydrophobicity of A. ventricosus PySp1 showed the pyriform silk fiber’s functional properties. The amino acid compositions of PySp1 is obviously distinct from other spidroins. Our sequence makes an important contribution to understand pyriform silk protein structure and also provides a new template for recombinant pyriform silk proteins with attractive properties.
UAV and Airborne LiDAR Data for Interpreting Kinematic Evolution of Landslide Movements: The Case Study of the Montescaglioso Landslide (Southern Italy)
Authors: Pellicani Roberta , Argentiero Ilenia , Manzari Paola , Spilotro Giuseppe , Marzo Cosimo , Ermini Ruggero , Apollonio Ciro
Published: June 2019

Airborne remote sensing systems are increasingly used in engineering geology and geomorphology for studying and monitoring natural hazardous scenarios and events. In this study, we used two remote sensing monitoring techniques, i.e., light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to analyze the kinematic evolution of the Montescaglioso landslide (Basilicata, Southern Italy), a large rain-triggered landslide that occurred in December 2013. By comparing pre- and post-event LiDAR and UAV DEMs and UAV orthomosaics, we delineated landslide morphological features and measured horizontal displacements and elevation change differences within landslide body. Analysis of two subsequent post-events digital terrain models (DTMs) also allowed the evaluation of the evolutionary behavior of the slope instability, highlighting no signs of reactivation. The UAV-derived digital surface models (DSMs) were found consistent with the LiDAR-DTMs, but their use was in addition highlighted as highly effective to support geomorphic interpretations and complement LiDAR and field-based data acquisitions. This study shows the effectiveness of combining the two UAV-LiDAR methodologies to evaluate geomorphological features indicative of the failure mechanism and to interpret the evolutionary behavior of the instability process
Follow the High Subcritical Water
Authors: Bassez Marie-Paule
Published: June 2019

The expression “follow the water” is used to recognize inside the universe, life as it exists on Earth. It is shown here that the expression “follow the high subcritical water” can be used to recognize the components of life that formed prior to the emergence of life. It is also shown that this particular water leaves signatures inside rocks that are produced during high subcritical water–rock interactions. These signatures are ferric minerals, which are currently explained by the presence of microorganisms. The consideration of water in the high subcritical domain may lead to postpone the date of the existence of FeII-oxidizing and O2-producing microorganisms, and consequently the date of the appearance of oxygen in the atmosphere. Alkaline water at pH ~9.5 to 14 and in the specific domain of temperature ~300–350 °C, pressure ~10–25 MPa, and density ~700–600 kg/m3, allows us to understand the formation of silica and ferric minerals, and the synformation of components of life in anoxic geological terrains such as the banded iron formations on early Earth and extraterrestrial objects such as Enceladus. The high subcritical water lets appear the continuity between rocks and life, which is conceptualized by the word “geobiotropy”.