bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perbandingan Nilai Ukur Sensor Load Cell pada Alat Penyortir Buah Otomatis terhadap Timbangan Manual
Authors: WAHYUDI WAHYUDI , RAHMAN ABDUR , NAWAWI MUHAMMAD
Published: September 2017

ABSTRAKNilai ukur antara sensor load cell yang ada pada timbangan digital dan nilai ukur pada timbangan konvensional atau manual terkadang memiliki perbedaan yang sangat signifikan diantara keduanya, hal ini biasanya diakibatkan oleh beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi perbedaan nilai ukur tersebut, oleh karena itu pada penelitian kali ini, akan dilakukan suatu pengukuran dan pengujian berat suatu beban dengan objek yang ukur yaitu buah apel, tomat dan jeruk. Pengujian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui sistem mana yang lebih efisien dan akurat dalam melakukan suatu perhitungan berat suatu buah. Untuk tahap pertama, Proses pengukuran berat buah menggunakan sensor load cell dilakukan pada alat penyortir buah otomatis, kemudian untuk tahap kedua, pengukuran buah dilakukan dengan menggunakan timbangan jenis manual atau konvensioanal. Setelah didapat nilai perhitungan dari keduanya, selanjutnya akan dianalisa dan dibandingakan hasil ukur dari kedua sistem tersebut untuk mengetahui tingkat efisiensi dari keduanya.Kata Kunci : Perbandingan, Nilai Ukur, Load Cell, Timbangan Manual, keakuratan ABSTRACTThe measuring values between the load cell sensors present in the digital scales and the measured values on the conventional or manual scales sometimes have a very significant difference between them, this is usually due to several factors affecting the difference in measuring values, therefore in this study, Will be done a measurement and testing the weight of a load with the measuring object of apples, tomatoes and oranges. This test is conducted to determine which system is more efficient and accurate in performing a weight calculation of a fruit. For the first stage, the process of measuring the weight of fruit using the load cell sensor is done on the automatic fruit sorter, then for the second stage, the fruit measurement is done by using manual or conventional scales. Having obtained the value of the calculation of both, then will be analyzed and compared the results of measuring both systems to determine the level of efficiency of both.Keywords: Comparison, Measure Value, Load Cell, Manual Scales, Accuracy
Wartime Sexual Violence Against Men: Why so Oblivious?
Authors: Féron Élise
Published: September 2017

This article explores understandings of, and narratives on, wartime sexual violence against men, as well as some of the questions they raise. Based on interviews conducted since 2009 with male survivors of wartime sexual violence in Burundi and Eastern Congo, the article argues that gender representations that are dominating at local, national but also international levels hinder the acknowledgement of the existence of male survivors of sexual violence, and thus obscure our understanding of the underlying mechanisms sustaining wartime sexual violence. The article explores what accounts for such a silencing at the local, national and international levels, from stories of sexual violence where men always stand as perpetrators, to patriarchal cultures associating masculinity with strength, protection and invulnerability, and to (post)colonial representations of violence and masculinity in the developing world.
Urban Planning: a Game Theory Application for the Travel Demand Management
Authors: Koryagin Mark
Published: September 2017

Urban infrastructure in the developing nations is generating a great number of environmental problems. Therefore, the problem of land distribution among road networks, parking spaces and landscaped parks is to be researched. The passenger behavior depends on traffic congestion, parking search time, public transport frequency, parking fee, etc. The travel mode choice model is described by logit function.A city territory is subdivided into three districts, residential, central and industrial, each of them trying to develop and implement the optimal policy of land use. The district criterion includes residential travel times, congestion and impacts of the parks on the environment. Any district should solve the effective land use problem while the public transport system tries to find the optimal frequency.The travel time depends on road capacity and is described by Greenshields model. The influence of parking capacity upon the parking search time is described by the BPR formula.Participants’ solutions influence one another; therefore, the coalition-free game is constructed. The existence of Nash equilibrium is proved for districts, passengers and public transport. The numerical example shows the impacts of value of time (VOT), population density and parking fee rates on districts land use.
Contract-Based Incentive Mechanism for Mobile Crowdsourcing Networks
Authors: Zhao Nan , Fan Menglin , Tian Chao , Fan Pengfei
Published: September 2017

Mobile crowdsourcing networks (MCNs) are a promising method of data collecting and processing by leveraging the mobile devices’ sensing and computing capabilities. However, because of the selfish characteristics of the service provider (SP) and mobile users (MUs), crowdsourcing participants only aim to maximize their own benefits. This paper investigates the incentive mechanism between the above two parties to create mutual benefits. By modeling MCNs as a labor market, a contract-based crowdsourcing model with moral hazard is proposed under the asymmetric information scenario. In order to incentivize the potential MUs to participate in crowdsourcing tasks, the optimization problem is formulated to maximize the SP’s utility by jointly examining the crowdsourcing participants’ risk preferences. The impact of crowdsourcing participants’ attitudes of risks on the incentive mechanism has been studied analytically and experimentally. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed contract design scheme for the crowdsourcing incentive.
Fabrication and Characterizations of Hot-Melt Extruded Nanocomposites Based on Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate and Soluplus
Authors: Lee Song , Nam Suyeong , Choi Yohan , Kim Minju , Koo Ja , Chae Byung-Jo , Kang Wie-Soo , Cho Hyun-Jong
Published: September 2017

Zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO4)-loaded nanocomposites (NCs) were fabricated by using a hot-melt extruder (HME) system. Soluplus (SP) was adopted as an amphiphilic polymer matrix for HME processing. The micro-size of ZnSO4 dispersion was reduced to nano-size by HME processing with the use of SP. ZnSO4 could be homogeneously dispersed in SP through HME processing. ZnSO4/SP NCs with a 75 nm mean diameter, a 0.1 polydispersity index, and a −1 mV zeta potential value were prepared. The physicochemical properties of ZnSO4/SP NCs and the existence of SP in ZnSO4/SP NCs were further investigated by solid-state studies. Nano-size range of ZnSO4/SP NC dispersion was maintained in the simulated gastrointestinal environments (pH 1.2 and 6.8 media). No severe toxicity in intestinal epithelium after oral administration of ZnSO4/SP NCs (at 100 mg/kg dose of ZnSO4, single dosing) was observed in rats. These results imply that developed ZnSO4/SP NC can be used as a promising nano-sized zinc supplement formulation. In addition, developed HME technology can be widely applied to fabricate nanoformulations of inorganic materials.
What Can Synergetics Contribute to Embodied Aesthetics?
Authors: Haken Hermann
Published: September 2017

I deal with perception and action (e.g., movements) using results from synergetics, a comprehensive mathematical theory of the self-organized formation (emergence) of spatial, temporal, or functional structures in complex systems. I illustrate basic concepts such as order parameters (OPs), enslavement, complexity reduction, circular causality first by examples of well-known collective, spontaneous modes of human behavior such as rhythmic clapping of hands, and so forth, and then by face recognition. The role played by OPs depends on context. In the case of face (or pattern) recognition an OP represents the concept of an individual face (action of mind) and it enslaves the action (firing rates) of neurons (body). This insight allows me to interpret syndromes as order parameters playing their mind/body double role. I present criteria for the identification of OPs and discuss their general properties including error correction and remedy of deficiencies. Contact is made with a recent paper by Sabine Koch on embodied aesthetics. My approach includes the saturation of attention at various time scales (ambiguous figures/fashion). Adopting a psychological perspective, I discuss some ingredients of beauty such as proportionality and symmetry, but also the importance of irregularities.
Comparison of Carbon Emission Trading Schemes in the European Union and China
Authors: Zhang Mengya , Liu Yong , Su Yunpeng
Published: September 2017

Given the growing evidence and scientific consensus on global climate change, carbon emission trading schemes (ETS) have been deemed crucial in mitigating the problem. Therefore, this study compares the mechanisms of ETS in the European Union with those in China. The results indicate similarities in cap determination, the coverage and calculation method of allowance allocation, trading participants and allowance category, offset credit, and MRV. On the other hand, the allocation method and supervision of allowance allocation, allowance formats and trading methods, market risk management, market linkage mechanism, and legislation security evidently appear to vary. However, the results were unable to identify which ETS is absolutely good or bad due to the political, economic, and institutional contexts and the varying developmental phases. Eventually, drawing on these findings, we conclude with implications for the promotion of ETS.
The Effect of Glancing Angle Deposition Conditions on the Morphology of a Silver Nanohelix Array
Authors: Jen Yi-Jun , Weng Lin Yueh , Huang Yu-Jie , Chan Teh-Li
Published: September 2017

Silver nanohelices were grown on smooth substrates using glancing angle deposition and substrate cooling. Various nanohelix arrays were deposited under different deposition conditions—different deposition rates, substrate spin rates, deposition angles, and substrate temperatures. The effect of deposition conditions on the morphology of each nanohelix array in terms of pitch angle, pitch length, wire diameter, and radius of curvature was investigated. The dependence of circular dichroism on the size of the nanohelix arrays was also measured and demonstrated.
Estimating Cost Savings from Early Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Kakushadze Zura , Raghubanshi Rakesh , Yu Willie
Published: September 2017

We estimate treatment cost-savings from early cancer diagnosis. For breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers and melanoma, which account for more than 50% of new incidences projected in 2017, we combine published cancer treatment cost estimates by stage with incidence rates by stage at diagnosis. We extrapolate to other cancer sites by using estimated national expenditures and incidence rates. A rough estimate for the U.S. national annual treatment cost-savings from early cancer diagnosis is in 11 digits. Using this estimate and cost-neutrality, we also estimate a rough upper bound on the cost of a routine early cancer screening test.
Exergy Analysis of a Parallel-Plate Active Magnetic Regenerator with Nanofluids
Authors: Mugica Ibai , Roy Steven , Poncet Sébastien , Bouchard Jonathan , Nesreddine Hakim
Published: September 2017

This paper analyzes the energetic and exergy performance of an active magnetic regenerative refrigerator using water-based Al2O3 nanofluids as heat transfer fluids. A 1D numerical model has been extensively used to quantify the exergy performance of a system composed of a parallel-plate regenerator, magnetic source, pump, heat exchangers and control valves. Al2O3-water based nanofluids are tested thanks to CoolProp library, accounting for temperature-dependent properties, and appropriate correlations. The results are discussed in terms of the coefficient of performance, the exergy efficiency, and the cooling power as a function of the nanoparticle volume fraction and blowing time for a given geometrical configuration. It is shown that while the heat transfer between the fluid and solid is enhanced, it is accompanied by smaller temperature gradients within the fluid and larger pressure drops when increasing the nanoparticle concentration. It leads in all configurations to lower performance compared to the base case with pure liquid water.
Channel Coding and Source Coding With Increased Partial Side Information
Authors: Sadeh-Shirazi Avihay , Basher Uria , Permuter Haim
Published: September 2017

Let ( S 1 , i , S 2 , i ) ∼ i . i . d p ( s 1 , s 2 ) , i = 1 , 2 , ⋯ be a memoryless, correlated partial side information sequence. In this work, we study channel coding and source coding problems where the partial side information ( S 1 , S 2 ) is available at the encoder and the decoder, respectively, and, additionally, either the encoder’s or the decoder’s side information is increased by a limited-rate description of the other’s partial side information. We derive six special cases of channel coding and source coding problems and we characterize the capacity and the rate-distortion functions for the different cases. We present a duality between the channel capacity and the rate-distortion cases we study. In order to find numerical solutions for our channel capacity and rate-distortion problems, we use the Blahut-Arimoto algorithm and convex optimization tools. Finally, we provide several examples corresponding to the channel capacity and the rate-distortion cases we presented.
Second-Law Analysis of Irreversible Losses in Gas Turbines
Authors: Jin Yan , Du Juan , Li Zhiyuan , Zhang Hongwu
Published: September 2017

Several fundamental concepts with respect to the second-law analysis (SLA) of the turbulent flows in gas turbines are discussed in this study. Entropy and exergy equations for compressible/incompressible flows in a rotating/non-rotating frame have been derived. The exergy transformation efficiency of a gas turbine as well as the exergy transformation number for a single process step have been proposed. The exergy transformation number will indicate the overall performance of a single process in a gas turbine, including the local irreversible losses in it and its contribution to the exergy obtained the combustion chamber. A more general formula for calculating local entropy generation rate densities is suggested. A test case of a compressor cascade has been employed to demonstrate the application of the developed concepts.
The National Bank of Ukraine Communication Strategy Optimization within the Framework of Impact on Exchange Rate Expectations of Economic Agents
Authors: Holub Roksolana , Hlushchenko Oleksandr
Published: September 2017

An important challenge in terms of smoothing excessive exchange rate volatility under the conditions of flexible exchange rate arrangement is optimization of the communication strategy of the country’s monetary regulator. Over the past two decades, communication (information support) has become an increasingly important aspect of monetary policy. Communication enables influence of the volatility of financial markets, improvement of the predictability of monetary policy, and helps to achieve macroeconomic objectives. Nevertheless, as of today, consensus on the issue into what the optimal strategy of the central bank communication is has not been reached, either in Ukraine, nor in developed countries yet. Considering the abovementioned, the methodical approaches to improve the central bank’s communication strategies, based on the use of its verbal interventions in the context of smoothing out excessive cyclical volatility of exchange rates of the national currency, are determined in this article. It is suggested to consider the growth of the factor “information signal/information noise” as a criterion of the central bank’s optimal communication strategy. It is proved that the monetary regulator’s main task should be the continual provision of information concerning a fundamentally justified level of the exchange rate and the level of deviation of the actual rate of the national currency from its fundamental-equilibrium level, as of a given time, to the national foreign exchange market participants. The methodological approach to the improvement of information support of forecasting fundamentally specified value of the national currency is outlined.
Job Club: A Program to Assist Occupational Therapy Students’ Transition to Practice
Authors: Liddiard Katrina , Batten Rachel , Wang Yuluan , Long Karen , Wallis Amy , Brown Cary
Published: September 2017

Transition to practice can be identified as the change from the role of student to the role of practitioner. This period of transition is a time of intense professional and personal development. Typically, it can take anywhere between six months to two years before an entry-level therapist feels competent in the workplace. A number of factors affect the transition process, including role uncertainty, inadequate supervision, and an overall lack of confidence in clinical skills. This paper discusses a case example of a Job Club, provided by a Western Australian Occupational Therapy university program. The concept was initially set up to support students through the process of seeking and gaining employment. Over time, the club developed a broader scope based on the needs of attendees. This example illustrates the needs of students for greater support in this important transition, and lays the groundwork for formal research in future.
An Improved Modulation Strategy Combining Phase Shifted PWM and Phase Disposition PWM for Cascaded H-Bridge Inverters
Authors: Xiao Muxuan , Xu Qianming , Ouyang Honglin
Published: September 2017

Abstract: Multilevel modulation strategy is an important factor affecting the output performance of multilevel converters. In this paper, the relationship between phase-shifted pulse width modulation (PWM) and phase disposition PWM is analyzed, and then an improved hybrid modulation strategy is proposed for cascaded H-bridge. In addition, the implementation method of multilevel discontinuous modulation for an improved modulation strategy is described. The new modulation strategy is optimized to increase the DC link voltage utilization and further improvement in output harmonics by the injection of a common voltage into the reference. Simulation and experiment verify the effectiveness of the proposed modulation strategy.
On the Influence of Operational and Control Parameters in Thermal Response Testing of Borehole Heat Exchangers
Authors: Badenes Borja , Mateo Pla Miguel , Lemus-Zúñiga Lenin , Sáiz Mauleón Begoña , Urchueguía Javier
Published: September 2017

Thermal response test (TRT) is a common procedure for characterization of ground and borehole thermal properties needed for the design of a shallow geothermal heat pump system. In order to investigate and to develop more accurate and robust procedures for TRT control, modelling, and evaluation in semi-permeable soils with large water content, a pilot borehole heat exchanger was built in the main campus of the Universitat Politècnica de València. The present work shows the results of the experiments performed at the site, analysing the improvements that have been introduced both in the control of the heat injected during TRTs and in the methods to infer the ground thermal parameter. Three models are compared: two based on the infinite-line source theory and one based on the finite-line source scheme. The models were tested under two possible configurations of the equipment, i.e., with and without strict control of injected heat. Our results show the importance of heat injection control for a robust parameter assessment and the existence of additional heat transfer processes that the used models cannot completely characterize and that are related to the presence of significant groundwater flow at the site. In addition, our experience with the current installation and the knowledge about its strengths and weaknesses have allowed us to design a new and more complete test-site to help in the analysis and validation of new ground heat exchanger geometries.
Enhanced Efficiency of Thermoelectric Generator by Optimizing Mechanical and Electrical Structures
Authors: Chen Jinlong , Li Kewen , Liu Changwei , Li Mao , Lv Youchang , Jia Lin , Jiang Shanshan
Published: September 2017

Much attention has been paid to the application of low temperature thermal resources, especially for power generation in recent years. Most of the current commercialized thermal (including geothermal) power-generation technologies convert thermal energy to electric energy indirectly, that is, making mechanical work before producing electricity. Technology using a thermoelectric generator (TEG), however, can directly transform thermal energy into electricity through the Seebeck effect. TEG technology has many advantages such as compactness, quietness, and reliability because there are no moving parts. One of the biggest disadvantages of TEGs is the low efficiency from thermal to electric energy. For this reason, we redesigned and modified our previous 1 KW (at a temperature difference of around 120 °C) TEG system. The output power of the system was improved significantly, about 34.6% greater; the instantaneous efficiency of the TEG system could reach about 6.5%. Laboratory experiments have been conducted to measure the output power at different conditions: different connection modes between TEG modules, different mechanical structures, and different temperature differences between hot and cold sides. The TEG apparatus has been tested and the data have been presented. This kind of TEG power system can be applied in many thermal and geothermal sites with low temperature resources, including oil fields where fossil and geothermal energies are coproduced.
Performance Study of a Novel Solar Solid Dehumidification/Regeneration Bed for Use in Buildings Air Conditioning Systems
Authors: Yang Wansheng , Wang Wenhui , Ding Zezhi , Wang Zhangyuan , Zhao Xudong , He Song
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a novel solar solid dehumidification/regeneration bed has been proposed, and its three regeneration methods, i.e., simulated solar radiation regeneration, microwave regeneration, and combined regeneration of the microwave and simulated solar radiation, were experimentally investigated and compared, as well as the dehumidification performance. The degree of regeneration of the proposed system under the regeneration method combining both microwave irradiation and simulated solar radiation could reach 77.7%, which was 3.77 times higher than that of the system under the simulated solar regeneration method and 1.05 times higher than that of the system under the microwave regeneration. The maximum energy efficiency of the proposed system under the combined regeneration method was 21.7%, while it was only 19.4% for the system under microwave regeneration. All these proved that the combined regeneration method of the simulated solar and microwave radiation not only improved the regeneration efficiency of the system, but also enhanced the energy efficiency. For the dehumidification performance, the maximum transient moisture removal was 14.1 g/kg, the maximum dehumidification efficiency was 68.0% and the maximum speed of dehumidification was 0.294 g/(kg·s) when the inlet air temperature was at 26.09 °C and the air relative humidity was at 89.23%. By comparing the testing results with the semi-empirical results from the Page model, it was indicated that the Page model can predict the regeneration characteristics of the novel solar solid dehumidification/regeneration bed under the combined method of microwave and simulated solar regeneration. The results of this research should prove useful to researchers and engineers to exploit the potential of solar technologies in buildings worldwide.
Variations of Drinking Water Quality Influenced by Seasons and Household Interventions: A Case Study from Rural Maharashtra, India
Authors: Seifert-Dähnn Isabel , Nesheim Ingrid , Gosh Sambita , Dhawde Rutuja , Ghadge Appasaheb , Wennberg Aina
Published: September 2017

The majority of people in rural villages in Maharashtra, India, have access to improved drinking water sources. Nevertheless, the water quality at the point of consumption often does not satisfy the drinking water standard. In this study, we assess changes in water quality from its source to the point of consumption and explore the ties between water management practices and water quality. Water samples were collected at the water source and from 135 households’ drinking water storage tanks, and analyzed for fecal coliforms. In parallel, a survey was done to find out water treatment and storage interventions, sanitation and hygiene practices, and households’ perception of, and satisfaction with, drinking water quality. Our results show that even though 98% of the households in this study received their drinking water from an improved source, on average only 50% of sources, and even less during the monsoon, showed acceptable levels of fecal bacteria. Households’ engagement in treatment and storage interventions varied, but was considered crucial due to unreliable centralized chlorination at the village level. Further work is warranted to understand to what extent the different factors influence variations in water quality at the point of consumption and thus to determine what are the most effective interventions.
The Impact of Hemodialysis Frequency and Duration on Blood Pressure Management and Quality of Life in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Shafiee Mohammad , Chamanian Pouyan , Shaker Pouyan , Shahideh Yasmin , Broumand Behrooz
Published: September 2017

Cardiovascular complications are the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality among chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing standard hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Cardiovascular disease risk is increased significantly through persistent hypertension and blood pressure (BP) fluctuation, which are the most common complications of CKD. It was hypothesized that an extended approach with lengthier and more frequent dialysis sessions, referred to in this paper as “extended hemodialysis” (EHD), can potentially lower and stabilize blood pressure, and consequently reduce the rate of morbidity and mortality. A greater reduction of volume (salt and water) with higher frequency can improve patient quality of life (QOL). Eleven papers, including clinical trials and systematic reviews were chosen and analyzed. The extracted data was used to evaluate the change in blood pressure levels between standard HD and EHD. Overall, the studies showed that EHD resulted in improved blood pressure management; therefore, we concluded that there will be a decrease in cardiovascular disease risk, stroke, and morbidity and mortality rate. There will be also an improvement in patient QOL due to beneficial effects of the EHD.
The Lactate/Albumin Ratio: A Valuable Tool for Risk Stratification in Septic Patients Admitted to ICU
Authors: Lichtenauer Michael , Wernly Bernhard , Ohnewein Bernhard , Franz Marcus , Kabisch Bjoern , Muessig Johanna , Masyuk Maryna , Lauten Alexander , Schulze Paul , Hoppe Uta , Kelm Malte , Jung Christian
Published: September 2017

The lactate/albumin ratio has been reported to be associated with mortality in pediatric patients with sepsis. We aimed to evaluate the lactate/albumin ratio for its prognostic relevance in a larger collective of critically ill (adult) patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 348 medical patients admitted to a German ICU for sepsis between 2004 and 2009 were included. Follow-up of patients was performed retrospectively between May 2013 and November 2013. The association of the lactate/albumin ratio (cut-off 0.15) and both in-hospital and post-discharge mortality was investigated. An optimal cut-off was calculated by means of Youden’s index. The lactate/albumin ratio was elevated in non-survivors (p < 0.001). Patients with an increased lactate/albumin ratio were of similar age, but clinically in a poorer condition and had more pronounced laboratory signs of multi-organ failure. An increased lactate/albumin ratio was associated with adverse in-hospital mortality. An optimal cut-off of 0.15 was calculated and was associated with adverse long-term outcome even after correction for APACHE2 and SAPS2. We matched 99 patients with a lactate/albumin ratio >0.15 to case-controls with a lactate/albumin ratio <0.15 corrected for APACHE2 scores: The group with a lactate/albumin ratio >0.15 evidenced adverse in-hospital outcome in a paired analysis with a difference of 27% (95%CI 10–43%; p < 0.01). Regarding long-term mortality, again, patients in the group with a lactate/albumin ratio >0.15 showed adverse outcomes (p < 0.001). An increased lactate/albumin ratio was significantly associated with an adverse outcome in critically ill patients admitted to an ICU, even after correction for confounders. The lactate/albumin ratio might constitute an independent, readily available, and important parameter for risk stratification in the critically ill.
Unexplained Dyspnea in a Young Adult with Epstein–Barr Virus Infectious Mononucleosis: Pulmonary Involvement or Co-Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia?
Authors: Cunha Burke , Herrarte Fornos Scarlet
Published: September 2017

Clinically, in young immunocompetent adults, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) usually manifests as infectious mononucleosis (IM). Typical clinical findings of EBV IM include fever, profound fatigue, pharyngitis, bilateral posterior cervical adenopathy, and splenomegaly. Respiratory involvement with EBV IM may occur, but is distinctly rare. We present a case of a 20 year old female who with classic EBV IM, but was inexplicably dyspneic and hypoxemic. Further diagnostic testing confirmed co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. As a non-zoonotic atypical community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), M. pneumoniae may rarely be accompanied by severe hypoxemia and even acute respiratory distress syndrome. She represented a diagnostic dilemma regarding the cause of her hypoxemia, i.e., due to EBV IM with pulmonary involvement or severe M. pneumoniae CAP. The patient slowly recovered with respiratory quinolone therapy.
Value-Based Pricing and Reimbursement in Personalised Healthcare: Introduction to the Basic Health Economics
Authors: Garrison Louis , Towse Adrian
Published: September 2017

‘Value-based’ outcomes, pricing, and reimbursement are widely discussed as health sector reforms these days. In this paper, we discuss their meaning and relationship in the context of personalized healthcare, defined as receipt of care conditional on the results of a biomarker-based diagnostic test. We address the question: “What kinds of pricing and reimbursement models should be applied in personalized healthcare?” The simple answer is that competing innovators and technology adopters should have incentives that promote long-term dynamic efficiency. We argue that—to meet this social objective of optimal innovation in personalized healthcare—payers, as agents of their plan participants, should aim to send clear signals to their suppliers about what they value. We begin by revisiting the concept of value from an economic perspective, and argue that a broader concept of value is needed in the context of personalized healthcare. We discuss the market for personalized healthcare and the interplay between price and reimbursement. We close by emphasizing the potential barrier posed by inflexible or cost-based reimbursement systems, especially for biomarker-based predictive tests, and how these personalized technologies have global public goods characteristics that require global value-based differential pricing to achieve dynamic efficiency in terms of the optimal rate of innovation and adoption.
Investigating Semi-Automated Cadastral Boundaries Extraction from Airborne Laser Scanned Data
Authors: Luo Xianghuan , Bennett Rohan Mark , Koeva Mila , Lemmen Christiaan
Published: September 2017

Many developing countries have witnessed the urgent need of accelerating cadastral surveying processes. Previous studies found that large portions of cadastral boundaries coincide with visible physical objects, namely roads, fences, and building walls. This research explores the application of airborne laser scanning (ALS) techniques on cadastral surveys. A semi-automated workflow is developed to extract cadastral boundaries from an ALS point clouds. Firstly, a two-phased workflow was developed that focused on extracting digital representations of physical objects. In the automated extraction phase, after classifying points into semantic components, the outline of planar objects such as building roofs and road surfaces were generated by an α-shape algorithm, whilst the centerlines delineatiation approach was fitted into the lineate object—a fence. Afterwards, the extracted vector lines were edited and refined during the post-refinement phase. Secondly, we quantitatively evaluated the workflow performance by comparing results against an exiting cadastral map as reference. It was found that the workflow achieved promising results: around 80% completeness and 60% correctness on average, although the spatial accuracy is still modest. It is argued that the semi-automated extraction workflow could effectively speed up cadastral surveying, with both human resources and equipment costs being reduced
Design of Waveguide Bars for Transmitting a Pure Shear Horizontal Wave to Monitor High Temperature Components
Authors: Jia Jiuhong , Wang Qiyue , Liao Zuoyu , Tu Yun , Tu Shan-Tung
Published: September 2017

Guided wave technique could be a possible method for monitoring components working in high temperature above 350 °C. However, this would require the design of an appropriate waveguide bar to transmit the wave, so that its sensing part is not influenced by the high temperature. In the present study, the shape of waveguide bars is designed based on the analysis of wave source characteristics. The critical frequency-width and frequency-thickness products of waveguide bars are analyzed theoretically and numerically to transmit the zeroth shear horizontal wave SH0* in bars. The results show that waveguide bars can cut off all the other wave modes when their frequency-thickness products are smaller than the critical value fd*, and frequency-width products are not smaller than the critical value fw*. Six waveguide bars are designed and fabricated based on the design criteria, and an experiment system is set up to check their work performance. The testing results indicate that the wave signals of the SH0* mode propagate clearly in waveguide bars, and cut off all the other modes when the frequency-thickness products and frequency-width products of the bars meet the design criteria. It is also demonstrated that the dependency of the experimental group velocity of each waveguide bar on frequency is in good agreement with the numerical result. High-temperature experiments also validate the reliability of the designed waveguide bars. Therefore, the critical frequency-thickness product and frequency-width product can be the basis for the design of the waveguide bars.
Poly(Neopentyl Glycol Furanoate): A Member of the Furan-Based Polyester Family with Smart Barrier Performances for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Genovese Laura , Lotti Nadia , Siracusa Valentina , Munari Andrea
Published: September 2017

In the last decade, there has been an increased interest from the food packaging industry toward the development and application of bioplastics, to contribute to the sustainable economy and to reduce the huge environmental problem afflicting the planet. In the present work, we focus on a new furan-based polyester, poly(neopentyl glycol 2,5-furanoate) (PNF) to be used for sustainable food packaging applications. The aromatic polyester was successfully synthesized with high molecular weight, through a solvent-free process, starting directly from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid. PNF was revealed to be a material with good thermal stability, characterized by a higher Tg and Tm and a lower RAF fraction compared to poly(propylene 2,5-furanoate) (PPF), ascribable to the two methyl side groups present in PNF glycol-sub-unit. PNF’s mechanical characteristics, i.e., very high elastic modulus and brittle fracture, were found to be similar to those of PPF and PEF. Barrier properties to different gases, temperatures and relative humidity were evaluated. From the results obtained, PNF was showed to be a material with very smart barrier performances, significantly superior with respect to PEF’s ones. Lastly, PNF’s permeability behavior did not appreciably change after contact with food simulants, whereas it got worse with increasing RH, due to the polar nature of furan ring.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction Prepared via a Crushing Method Involving a High Shear Mixer
Authors: Shi Lei , Wu Tao , Wang Yiqing , Zhang Jie , Wang Gang , Zhang Jinli , Dai Bin , Yu Feng
Published: September 2017

The disposal of agricultural wastes such as fresh banana peels (BPs) is an environmental issue. In this work, fresh BPs were successfully transformed into nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles (N-CNPs) by using a high shear mixer facilitated crushing method (HSM-FCM) followed by carbonization under Ar atmosphere. Ammonia-activated N-CNPs (N-CNPs-NH3) were prepared via subsequent ammonia activation treatments at a high temperature. The as-prepared N-CNPs and N-CNPs-NH3 materials both exhibited high surface areas (above 700 m2/g) and mean particle size of 50 nm. N-CNPs-NH3 showed a relatively higher content of pyridinic and graphitic N compared to N-CNPs. In alkaline media, N-CNPs-NH3 showed superior performances as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst (E0 = −0.033 V, J = 2.4 mA/cm2) compared to N-CNPs (E0 = 0.07 V, J = 1.8 mA/cm2). In addition, N-CNPs-NH3 showed greater oxygen reduction stability and superior methanol crossover avoidance than a conventional Pt/C catalyst. This study provides a novel, simple, and scalable approach to valorize biomass wastes by synthesizing highly efficient electrochemical ORR catalysts.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curvularin-Type Metabolites from a Marine-Derived Fungal Strain Penicillium sp. SF-5859 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Ha Tran , Ko Wonmin , Lee Seung , Kim Youn-Chul , Son Jae-Young , Sohn Jae , Yim Joung , Oh Hyuncheol
Published: September 2017

Chemical study on the extract of a marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-5859 yielded a new curvularin derivative (1), along with eight known curvularin-type polyketides (2–9). The structures of these metabolites (1–9) were established by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of these metabolites were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Among these metabolites, 3–9 were shown to strongly inhibit LPS-induced overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with IC50 values ranging from 1.9 μM to 18.1 μM, and from 2.8 μM to 18.7 μM, respectively. In the further evaluation of signal pathways involved in these effects, the most active compound, (10E,15S)-10,11-dehydrocurvularin (8) attenuated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, compound 8 was shown to suppress the upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines via the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, but not through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Based on the comparisons of the different magnitude of the anti-inflammatory effects of these structurally-related metabolites, it was suggested that the opening of the 12-membered lactone ring in curvularin-type metabolites and blocking the phenol functionality led to the significant decrease in their anti-inflammatory activity.
Potential Application of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Monoacylglyceride in the Management of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Morin Caroline , Rodríguez Enrique , Blier Pierre , Fortin Samuel
Published: September 2017

Background: There is increasing evidence that marine omega-3 oils are involved in the reduction of cancer risk and progression. However, the anticancer effect of omega-3 monoglyceride on colorectal cancer has yet to be assessed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of eicosapentaenoic acid monoglyceride (MAG-EPA) in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. Methods: The effect of MAG-EPA was evaluated in vitro on HCT116 cells and in vivo on mouse model of HCT116 xenograft. Results: Our data reveal that MAG-EPA decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells. In a xenograft mouse model, daily per os administration of MAG-EPA reduced tumor growth. Furthermore, MAG-EPA treatments decreased EGFR, VEGFR, and AKT activation pathways and reduced VEGF and HIF1α expression levels in tumors. Conclusion: MAG-EPA may promote apoptosis and inhibit growth of tumors by suppressing EGFR and VEGFR activation pathways. Altogether, these data provide new evidence regarding the mode of action of MAG-EPA in colorectal cancer cells.
Construction of a Fluorescent H2O2 Biosensor with Chitosan 6-OH Immobilized β-Cyclodextrin Derivatives
Authors: Dong Wenbo , Li Weiping , Chen Yu , Ye Yanchun , Jin Shaohua
Published: September 2017

In the present work, a fluorescent H2O2 biosensor was constructed by encapsulating fluorescent probe Rhodamine B (RhmB) in the hydrophobic cavity of the cyclodextrin (β-CD) and immobilizing catalase (CAT) on the 2-NH2 of chitosan (CTS) in a chitosan 6-OH immobilized β-cyclodextrin derivative (CTS-6-CD). The inclusion complex of CTS-6-CD to RhmB (CTS-6-CD-RhmB) was prepared by a solution method. Its structure and inclusion efficiency were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fluorescence spectroscopy (FL). CAT was immobilized on CTS-6-CD-RhmB to eventually form the functional membrane, CTS-6-CD-RhmB-CAT, via glutaraldehyde crosslinking, which was further characterized by FTIR and FL, and used as a H2O2 biosensor. The functional membrane was used to simultaneously oxidize and detect H2O2. The detection condition was optimized as pH 8, a reaction temperature of 25 °C, and an immobilized enzyme concentration of 2 × 10−4 mol/L. The fluorescence response of the biosensor exhibited a good linear relationship with the concentration of H2O2 in the range of 20 mΜ–300 μM and the detection limit of 10−8 mol/L.
Encapsulation of Piezoelectric Transducers for Sensory Augmentation and Substitution with Wearable Haptic Devices
Authors: Sorgini Francesca , Mazzoni Alberto , Massari Luca , Caliò Renato , Galassi Carmen , Kukreja Sunil , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Carrozza Maria , Oddo Calogero
Published: September 2017

The integration of polymeric actuators in haptic displays is widespread nowadays, especially in virtual reality and rehabilitation applications. However, we are still far from optimizing the transducer ability in conveying sensory information. Here, we present a vibrotactile actuator characterized by a piezoelectric disk embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shell. An original encapsulation technique was performed to provide the stiff active element with a compliant cover as an interface towards the soft human skin. The interface stiffness, together with the new geometry, generated an effective transmission of vibrotactile stimulation and made the encapsulated transducer a performant component for the development of wearable tactile displays. The mechanical behavior of the developed transducer was numerically modeled as a function of the driving voltage and frequency, and the exerted normal forces were experimentally measured with a load cell. The actuator was then tested for the integration in a haptic glove in single-finger and bi-finger condition, in a 2-AFC tactile stimulus recognition test. Psychophysical results across all the tested sensory conditions confirmed that the developed integrated haptic system was effective in delivering vibrotactile information when the frequency applied to the skin is within the 200–700 Hz range and the stimulus variation is larger than 100 Hz.
Molecular Dynamic Analysis of Hyaluronic Acid and Phospholipid Interaction in Tribological Surgical Adjuvant Design for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Siódmiak Jacek , Bełdowski Piotr , Augé Wayne , Ledziński Damian , Śmigiel Sandra , Gadomski Adam
Published: September 2017

Tribological surgical adjuvants constitute a therapeutic discipline made possible by surgical advances in the treatment of damaged articular cartilage beyond palliative care. The purpose of this study is to analyze interactions between hyaluronic acid and phospholipid molecules, and the formation of geometric forms, that play a role in the facilitated lubrication of synovial joint organ systems. The analysis includes an evaluation of the pathologic state to detail conditions that may be encountered by adjuvants during surgical convalescence. The synovial fluid changes in pH, hyaluronic acid polydispersity, and phospholipid concentration associated with osteoarthritis are presented as features that influence the lubricating properties of adjuvant candidates. Molecular dynamic simulation studies are presented, and the Rouse model is deployed, to rationalize low molecular weight hyaluronic acid behavior in an osteoarthritic environment of increased pH and phospholipid concentration. The results indicate that the hyaluronic acid radius of gyration time evolution is both pH- and phospholipid concentration-dependent. Specifically, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine induces hydrophobic interactions in the system, causing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to shrink and at high concentration be absorbed into phospholipid vesicles. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid appears to be insufficient for use as a tribological surgical adjuvant because an increased pH and phospholipid concentration induces decreased crosslinking that prevents the formation of supramolecular lubricating forms. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine remains an adjuvant candidate for certain clinical situations. The need to reconcile osteoarthritic phenotypes is a prerequisite that should serve as a framework for future adjuvant design and subsequent tribological testing.