bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Enzymatic Properties of Endoglucanase I Enzyme from Trichoderma Reesei via Swapping from Cellobiohydrolase I Enzyme
Authors: Yenenler Aslı , Kurt Hasan , Sezerman Osman Uğur
Published: February 2019

Utilizing plant-based materials as a biofuel source is an increasingly popular attempt to redesign the global energy cycle. This endeavour underlines the potential of cellulase enzymes for green energy production and requires the structural and functional engineering of natural enzymes to enhance their utilization. In this work, we aimed to engineer enzymatic and functional properties of Endoglucanase I (EGI) by swapping the Ala43-Gly83 region of Cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) from Trichoderma reesei. Herein, we report the enhanced enzymatic activity and improved thermal stability of the engineered enzyme, called EGI_swapped, compared to EGI. The difference in the enzymatic activity profile of EGI_swapped and the EGI enzymes became more pronounced upon increasing metal-ion concentrations in the reaction media. Notably, the engineered enzyme retained a considerable level of enzymatic activity after thermal incubation for 90 min at 70 °C while EGI completely lost its enzymatic activity. Circular Dichroism spectroscopy studies revealed distinctive conformational and thermal susceptibility differences between EGI_swapped and EGI enzymes, confirming the improved structural integrity of the swapped enzyme. This study highlights the importance of swapping the metal-ion coordination region in the engineering of EGI enzyme for enhanced structural and thermal stability.
Exploiting the Synergetic Behavior of PtPd Bimetallic Catalysts in the Selective Hydrogenation of Glucose and Furfural
Authors: de Souza Priscilla M. , Silvester Lishil , da Silva Anderson G. M. , Fernandes Cibele G. , Rodrigues Thenner S. , Paul Sebastien , Camargo Pedro H. C. , Wojcieszak Robert
Published: February 2019

Mono and bimetallic catalysts based on Pt and Pd were prepared by a co-precipitation method. They were tested in liquid phase hydrogenation reactions of glucose and furfural at low temperature and pressure. The bimetallic PtPd/TiO2 catalyst proved to be an efficient material in selectively hydrogenating glucose to sorbitol. Moreover, high furfural conversion was attained under relatively soft conditions, and the furfuryl alcohol selectivity was strongly affected by the chemical composition of the catalysts. Furfuryl alcohol (FA) was the major product in most cases, along with side products such as methylfuran (MF), furan, and traces of tetrahydrofuran (THF). These results showed that the PtPd bimetallic sample was more active relative to the monometallic counterparts. A correlation between the catalytic results and the physicochemical properties of the supported nanoparticles identified key factors responsible for the synergetic behavior of the PtPd system. The high activity and selectivity were due to the formation of ultra-small particles, alloy formation, and the Pt-rich surface composition of the bimetallic particles supported on the TiO2 nanowires.
Nanoparticles and Single Atoms in Commercial Carbon-Supported Platinum-Group Metal Catalysts
Authors: Petek Urša , Ruiz-Zepeda Francisco , Bele Marjan , Gaberšček Miran
Published: February 2019

Nanoparticles of platinum-group metals (PGM) on carbon supports are widely used as catalysts for a number of chemical and electrochemical conversions on laboratory and industrial scale. The newly emerging field of single-atom catalysis focuses on the ultimate level of metal dispersion, i.e. atomically dispersed metal species anchored on the substrate surface. However, the presence of single atoms in traditional nanoparticle-based catalysts remains largely overlooked. In this work, we use aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope to investigate four commercially available nanoparticle-based PGM/C catalysts (PGM = Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt). Annular dark-field (ADF) images at high magnifications reveal that in addition to nanoparticles, single atoms are also present on the surface of carbon substrates. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and size distribution analysis show that the materials vary in nanoparticle size and type of carbon support. These observations raise questions about the possible ubiquitous presence of single atoms in conventional nanoparticle PGM/C catalysts and the role they may play in their synthesis, activity, and stability. We critically discuss the observations with regard to the quickly developing field of single atom catalysis.
Microstructural Characteristics of Vehicle-Aged Heavy-Duty Diesel Oxidation Catalyst and Natural Gas Three-Way Catalyst
Authors: Kanerva Tomi , Honkanen Mari , Kolli Tanja , Heikkinen Olli , Kallinen Kauko , Saarinen Tuomo , Lahtinen Jouko , Olsson Eva , Keiski Riitta L. , Vippola Minnamari
Published: February 2019

Techniques to control vehicle engine emissions have been under increasing need for development during the last few years in the more and more strictly regulated society. In this study, vehicle-aged heavy-duty catalysts from diesel and natural gas engines were analyzed using a cross-sectional electron microscopy method with both a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Also, additional supporting characterization methods including X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and catalytic performance analyses were used to reveal the ageing effects. Structural and elemental investigations were performed on these samples, and the effect of real-life ageing of the catalyst was studied in comparison with fresh catalyst samples. In the real-life use of two different catalysts, the poison penetration varied greatly depending on the engine and fuel at hand: the diesel oxidation catalyst appeared to suffer more thorough changes than the natural gas catalyst, which was affected only in the inlet part of the catalyst. The most common poison, sulphur, in the diesel oxidation catalyst was connected to cerium-rich areas. On the other hand, the severities of the ageing effects were more pronounced in the natural gas catalyst, with heavy structural changes in the washcoat and high concentrations of poisons, mainly zinc, phosphorus and silicon, on the surface of the inlet part.
Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Target Alpha-Synuclein and Related Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zella Maria Angela Samis , Metzdorf Judith , Ostendorf Friederike , Maass Fabian , Muhlack Siegfried , Gold Ralf , Haghikia Aiden , Tönges Lars
Published: February 2019

The etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is significantly influenced by disease-causing changes in the protein alpha-Synuclein (aSyn). It can trigger and promote intracellular stress and thereby impair the function of dopaminergic neurons. However, these damage mechanisms do not only extend to neuronal cells, but also affect most glial cell populations, such as astroglia and microglia, but also T lymphocytes, which can no longer maintain the homeostatic CNS milieu because they produce neuroinflammatory responses to aSyn pathology. Through precise neuropathological examination, molecular characterization of biomaterials, and the use of PET technology, it has been clearly demonstrated that neuroinflammation is involved in human PD. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the pathomechanisms that aSyn elicits in models of disease and focus on the affected glial cell and lymphocyte populations and their interaction with pathogenic aSyn species. The interplay between aSyn and glial cells is analyzed both in the basic research setting and in the context of human neuropathology. Ultimately, a strong rationale builds up to therapeutically reduce the burden of pathological aSyn in the CNS. The current antibody-based approaches to lower the amount of aSyn and thereby alleviate neuroinflammatory responses is finally discussed as novel therapeutic strategies for PD.
ETF-QO Mutants Uncoupled Fatty Acid β-Oxidation and Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Leading to Lipid Pathology
Authors: Chokchaiwong Suphannee , Kuo Yung-Ting , Hsu Sung-Po , Hsu Yi-Ching , Lin Shih-Hsiang , Zhong Wen-Bin , Lin Yung-Feng , Kao Shu-Huei
Published: February 2019

The electron-transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase gene (ETFDH) that encodes the ETF-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) has been reported to be the major cause of multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD). ETF-QO is an electron carrier that mainly functions in mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and the delivery of electrons to the ubiquinone pool in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. A high frequency of c.250G>A has been found in Taiwanese patients with late-onset MADD. We postulated that the ETFDH c.250G>A mutation may concomitantly impair fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial function. Using MADD patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells and specifically overexpressed ETFDH c.92C>T, c.250G>A, or coexisted c.92C>T and c.250G>A (c.92C>T + c.250G>A) mutated lymphoblastoid cells, we addressed the genotype-phenotype relationship of ETFDH variation in the pathogenesis of MADD. The decreased adenosine triphosphate synthesis, dissipated mitochondrial membrane potentials, reduced mitochondrial bioenergetics, and increased neutral lipid droplets and lipid peroxides were found in the MADD patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells. Riboflavin and/or coenzyme Q10 supplementation rescued cells from lipid droplet accumulation. All three mutant types, c.92C>T, c.250G>A, or c.92C>T + c.250G>A, had increased lipid droplet accumulation after treatment with palmitic acid. These results help to clarify the molecular pathogenesis of MADD as a result of the high frequency of the ETFDH c.250G>A and c.92C>T mutations.
Multidisciplinary Roles of LRRFIP1/GCF2 in Human Biological Systems and Diseases
Authors: Takimoto Masato
Published: February 2019

Leucine Rich Repeat of Flightless-1 Interacting Protein 1/GC-binding factor 2 (LRRFIP1/GCF2) cDNA was cloned for a transcriptional repressor GCF2, which bound sequence-specifically to a GC-rich element of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and repressed its promotor. LRRFIP1/GCF2 was also cloned as a double stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding protein to trans-activation responsive region (TAR) RNA of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1), termed as TAR RNA interacting protein (TRIP), and as a binding protein to the Leucine Rich Repeat (LRR) of Flightless-1(Fli-1), termed as Flightless-1 LRR associated protein 1 (FLAP1) and LRR domain of Flightless-1 interacting Protein 1 (LRRFIP1). Subsequent functional studies have revealed that LRRFIP1/GCF2 played multiple roles in the regulation of diverse biological systems and processes, such as in immune response to microorganisms and auto-immunity, remodeling of cytoskeletal system, signal transduction pathways, and transcriptional regulations of genes. Dysregulations of LRRFIP1/GCF2 have been implicated in the causes of several experimental and clinico-pathological states and the responses to them, such as autoimmune diseases, excitotoxicity after stroke, thrombosis formation, inflammation and obesity, the wound healing process, and in cancers. LRRFIP1/GCF2 is a bioregulator in multidisciplinary systems of the human body and its dysregulation can cause diverse human diseases.
Translating the Hypoxic Response—The Role of HIF Protein Translation in the Cellular Response to Low Oxygen
Authors: Ivanova Iglika G. , Park Catherine V. , Kenneth Niall S.
Published: February 2019

Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) play essential roles in the physiological response to low oxygen in all multicellular organisms, while their deregulation is associated with human diseases. HIF levels and activity are primarily controlled by the availability of the oxygen-sensitive HIFα subunits, which is mediated by rapid alterations to the rates of HIFα protein production and degradation. While the pathways that control HIFα degradation are understood in great detail, much less is known about the targeted control of HIFα protein synthesis and what role this has in controlling HIF activity during the hypoxic response. This review will focus on the signalling pathways and RNA binding proteins that modulate HIFα mRNA half-life and/or translation rate, and their contribution to hypoxia-associated diseases.
Mainstreaming Climate Change into the EIA Process in Nigeria: Perspectives from Projects in the Niger Delta Region
Authors: Matemilola Saheed , Adedeji Oludare H. , Elegbede Isa , Kies Fatima
Published: February 2019

Climate change incorporation in environmental assessment is a growing research area, particularly following the Paris agreement. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is considered in many quarters to be an important tool in factoring climate-related components in the planning and design of a project. However, many recent researches have shown that EIA has, so far, struggled in the attempt to incorporate climate change into its procedures. This study is an attempt to evaluate the level of consideration of climate change in the EIA process in Nigeria, with particular focus on the Niger Delta region. The result of this quantitative research shows that there is a poor political will to address climate change, as reflected in the absence of climate change requirements in the EIA guidelines of Nigeria. Although, there is a growing trend in the pattern of consideration of climate change in the EIA procedures, the overall level of consideration is still a far cry from the requirements if EIA is to be considered to be an important tool in addressing challenges of climate change in Nigeria.
Thermotropic Liquid-Crystalline Properties of Viologens Containing 4-n-alkylbenzenesulfonates
Authors: Bhowmik Pradip K. , Chang Anthony , Kim Jongin , Dizon Erenz J. , Principe Ronald Carlo G. , Han Haesook
Published: February 2019

A series of viologens containing 4-n-alkylbenzenesulfonates were synthesized by the metathesis reaction of 4-n-alkylbenzenesulfonic acids or sodium 4-n-alkylbezenesulfonates with the respective viologen dibromide in alcohols. Their chemical structures were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared, 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectra and elemental analysis. Their thermotropic liquid-crystalline (LC) properties were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. They formed LC phases above their melting transitions and showed isotropic transitions. As expected, all the viologen salts had excellent stabilities in the temperature range of 278–295 °C as determined by thermogravimetric analysis.
Comparison between Two Assessment Tests for Oral Hygiene: Adenosine Triphosphate + Adenosine Monophosphate Swab Test and Bacteria Number Counting by Dielectrophoretic Impedance Measurement
Authors: Iwawaki Yuki , Muraoka Yuki , Higashiyama Hiroaki , Kishimoto Takahiro , Liu Lipei , Goto Takaharu , Ichikawa Tetsuo
Published: February 2019

Objective assessments of oral hygiene are important to prevent oral and systemic diseases. Two objective assessment tests are available to assess oral hygiene; (1) the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) + adenosine monophosphate (AMP) swab test, which incorporates a luciferase assay and (2) a bacteria count using the dielectrophoretic impedance measurement (DEPIM) method. In this study, we compared the two tests using a subjective visual assessment by professional clinicians and investigated the clinical significance of these tests. Twenty-seven young participants (mean age 26.3 ± 3.2 years) and twenty-seven older participants (mean age 75.1 ± 5.9 years) were recruited. Oral bacteria were sampled from three areas, including the tongue dorsum, the buccal mucosa, and the faucal mucosa, and saliva was obtained using a cotton swab. The amount of ATP + AMP and the number of bacteria were measured by each specific apparatus. Additionally, one examiner assessed the overall condition of oral hygiene using the visual analog scale (VAS). In the ATP + AMP swab test, the means were highest in saliva. For the bacteria count, the means were higher in the tongue dorsum and saliva and lower in the faucal and buccal mucosa. The results of the subjective assessment of oral hygiene indicated that the VAS-value was 3.78 ± 0.97 for the young group and 3.35 ± 0.81 for the older group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups. Additionally, no significant relationship between the values of the ATP + AMP swab test and the bacteria count was found for any of the four sample sites. In the older group, the subjective assessment of oral hygiene was significantly correlated with the values of the ATP + AMP swab test (multiple correlation coefficient = 0.723, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the values provided by the ATP + AMP swab test were not always correlated to the bacteria count. The results of this study suggest that the subjective assessment of oral hygiene was more highly correlated with the results of the ATP + AMP swab test, as compared to the bacterial count assay.
Strengthening Social Interactions and Constructing New Oral Health and Health Knowledge: The Co-design, Implementation and Evaluation of A Pedagogical Workshop Program with and for Homeless Young People
Authors: Rodriguez Andrea , Beaton Laura , Freeman Ruth
Published: February 2019

Young homeless people make up nearly one-third of those experiencing homelessness. The need to provide an educative approach, to strengthen social interacting, and construct new knowledge to increase social inclusivity, is required. The aim of this qualitative exploration was to use critical consciousness as an educative tool, to co-design, implement, and evaluate a series of oral health and health pedagogical workshops to strengthen social engagement and to construct new health knowledge, with, and for, homeless young people and their service providers. An action research design permitted the simultaneous development, implementation, and evaluation of the pedagogical workshop program. A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), providing supported accommodation for young homeless people, acted as the partner organization. Thirteen young people and five staff members from this NGO participated and co-designed eight workshops. Qualitative data collection included unstructured post-intervention interviews together with verbatim quotes from the group discussions during the workshops and from the post-workshop questionnaires. The qualitative analysis was informed by content analysis to permit the emergence of key themes from the data. The two themes were: 1. ‘trust building and collective engaging’ and 2. ‘constructing knowledge and developing skills’. Theme 1 highlighted engagement with the service provider, illustrating the transformation of the young people’s relationships, strengthening of their social interacting, and enabling their critical reflexive thinking on sensitive issues present in the homelessness trajectory. Theme 2 illustrated the young people’s ability to share, lend, and encode their new health information and convert it into an understandable and useable form. This new comprehension permitted their behavior change and social interaction. These findings provide an approach to increase young people’s knowledge, health literacy, and strengthen their social interacting to support community action.
Non-Classical Correlations in n-Cycle Setting
Authors: Bharti Kishor , Ray Maharshi , Kwek Leong-Chuan
Published: February 2019

Quantum communication and quantum computation form the two crucial facets of quantum information theory. While entanglement and its manifestation as Bell non-locality have been proved to be vital for communication tasks, contextuality (a generalisation of Bell non-locality) has shown to be the crucial resource behind various models of quantum computation. The practical and fundamental aspects of these non-classical resources are still poorly understood despite decades of research. We explore non-classical correlations exhibited by some of these quantum as well as super-quantum resources in the n-cycle setting. In particular, we focus on correlations manifested by Kochen–Specker–Klyachko box (KS box), scenarios involving n-cycle non-contextuality inequalities and Popescu–Rohlrich boxes (PR box). We provide the criteria for optimal classical simulation of a KS box of arbitrary n dimension. The non-contextuality inequalities are analysed for n-cycle setting, and the condition for the quantum violation for odd as well as even n-cycle is discussed. We offer a simple extension of even cycle non-contextuality inequalities to the phase space case. Furthermore, we simulate a generalised PR box using KS box and provide some interesting insights. Towards the end, we discuss a few possible interesting open problems for future research. Our work connects generalised PR boxes, arbitrary dimensional KS boxes, and n-cycle non-contextuality inequalities and thus provides the pathway for the study of these contextual and nonlocal resources at their junction.
Matching Instruction with Modality-Specific Learning Style: Effects on Immediate Recall and Working Memory Performance
Authors: Aslaksen Karoline , Lorås Håvard
Published: February 2019

A well-known hypothesis in education and amongst the general public is that matching instructional method with an individual’s modality-specific learning style improves learning and cognitive performance. Several critical reviews in the past decade, however, have shown that the hypothesis has not been properly evaluated with appropriate methodology. Furthermore, the association between learning style and other cognitive abilities such as working memory has not been examined. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine the association between modality-specific learning style, immediate recall, and working memory performance. University students with visual or auditory learning styles were randomly assigned to one of two instructional methods and then given a multiple-choice recall test. In addition, the participants completed working memory tasks with visual or auditory presentation. The results failed to support the matching hypothesis or any association between modality-specific learning style and working memory.
Demand Forecasting DBA Algorithm for Reducing Packet Delay with Efficient Bandwidth Allocation in XG-PON
Authors: Memon Kamran Ali , Mohammadani Khalid H. , Ain Noor ul , Shaikh Arshad , Ullah Sibghat , Zhang Qi , Das Bhagwan , Ullah Rahat , Tian Feng , Xin Xiangjun
Published: February 2019

In a typical 10G-Passive Optical Network (XG-PON), the propagation delay between the Optical Network Unit (ONU) and Optical Line Terminal (OLT) is about 0.3 ms. With a frame size of 125 μs, this amounts to three frames of data in the upstream and three frames of data in the downstream. Assuming no processing delays, the grants for any bandwidth requests reach the ONU after six frames in this request-grant cycle. Often, during this six-frame delay, the queue situation is changed drastically, as much, more data would arrive in the queue. As a result, the queued data that is delayed loses its significance due to its real-time nature. Unfortunately, almost all dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) algorithms follow this request-grant cycle and hence lacking in their performance. This paper introduces a novel approach for bandwidth allocation, called Demand Forecasting DBA (DF-DBA), which predicts ONU’s future demands by statistical modelling of the demand patterns and tends to fulfil the predicted demands just in time, which results in reduced delay. Simulation results indicate that the proposed technique out-performs previous DBAs, such as GigaPON access network (GIANT) and round robin (RR) employing the request-grant cycle in terms of Throughput and Packet delivery ratio (PDR). Circular buffers are introduced in statistical predictions, which produce the least delay for this novel DF-DBA. This paper, hence, opens up a new horizon of research in which researchers may come up with better statistical models to brew better and better results for Passive optical networks.
An Efficient LMS Platform and Its Test Bed
Authors: Jung Sooyoung , Huh Jun-Ho
Published: February 2019

In order to develop an e-learning system as a method of education that frees both the teacher and learner from the constraints of time and space, it is necessary to develop software and to build the network equipment required to operate the software. The most basic system consists of a web server, a database server, and a video server. However, these elements are vulnerable to both internal and external threats. As for the web, database, and video servers, it is possible to respond to such threats by operating more than two devices, but this inevitably increases the cost of building the equipment. Therefore, this study proposed the use of a cloud service, such as AWS (Amazon Web Service), in order to save on the costs of purchasing, installing, and operating the servers, as well as a service designed to strengthen security by employees or trainees who understand the internal situation of the training institute. In other words, this study proposed the development of an efficient Learning Management System (LMS) platform and proved its efficiency using a test bed over a period of three years. The major contribution of this study is that the design of the proposed LMS has been improved to provide a more efficient performance than the existing LMSs by surmounting the traffic overload problem often found in video services. This is achieved by utilizing a lesser number of servers and maintaining the balance of the loads. Also, the interface used for the system can be adaptable to most of the web servers as they support Java, Android, and HTML-based systems. As a cloud-based LMS, this system has been tested for its efficiency and effectiveness for a period of three years during which the results have been satisfactory.
A New Type of AODF Based on an Imitation of the Weft Insertion of a Rapier Loom
Authors: Wei Shimin , Yang Zheng , Guo Lei , Song Yuan
Published: February 2019

The main distribution frame (MDF) is an important component between the user and the operator that supplies a telecommunication service and is the only layer in the seven-layer communication architecture that is not fully automated. In this paper, a cross-connect method for simulating the rapier picking of a rapier loom (shuttleless loom) is proposed to imitate the shedding and the picking action to achieve quick switching. Using the designed “shedding device” and “picking device”, a model prototype of the automatic optical distribution frame (AODF) was constructed and tested for verification.
A Free Navigation of an AGV to a Non-Static Target with Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Teso-Fz-Betoño Daniel , Zulueta Ekaitz , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Aramendia Iñigo , Uriarte Irantzu
Published: February 2019

The industry is changing in order to improve the economy sector. This is the reason why technology is improving and developing new devices. The autonomous guided vehicle with free navigation is a new machine, which uses different techniques to move such as mapping, localization, path planning, and path following. In this paper, a path following is proposed. The path following is called moving to a point, which uses the proportional distance between the target and the autonomous guided vehicles (AGV) to calculate the velocity and direction. If some obstacles appear in the trajectory, however, the vehicle stops. Instead of stopping the machine, by using moving to a point logic, an obstacle avoidance function will be implemented. In this implementation, different parameters can be configured, such as: security distance, which determinates when the obstacle avoidance must correct the pose; and proportional values, which modify the velocity and steering commands. It is also compared to a dynamic window approach (DWA) obstacle avoidance solution. Additionally, the AGV navigates to a non-static target with a path following algorithm.
Application of Artificial Neural Network for Image Noise Level Estimation in the SVD domain
Authors: Turajlic Emir , Begović Alen , Škaljo Namir
Published: February 2019

The blind additive white Gaussian noise level estimation is an important and a challenging area of digital image processing with numerous applications including image denoising and image segmentation. In this paper, a novel block-based noise level estimation algorithm is proposed. The algorithm relies on the artificial neural network to perform a complex image patch analysis in the singular value decomposition (SVD) domain and to evaluate noise level estimates. The algorithm exhibits the capacity to adjust the effective singular value tail length with respect to the observed noise levels. The results of comparative analysis show that the proposed ANN-based algorithm outperforms the alternative single stage block-based noise level estimating algorithm in the SVD domain in terms of mean square error (MSE) and average error for all considered choices of block size. The most significant improvements in MSE levels are obtained at low noise levels. For some test images, such as “Car” and “Girlface”, at σ = 1 , these improvements can be as high as 99% and 98.5%, respectively. In addition, the proposed algorithm eliminates the error-prone manual parameter fine-tuning and automates the entire noise level estimation process.
Automatic Emotion-Based Music Classification for Supporting Intelligent IoT Applications
Authors: Seo Yeong-Seok , Huh Jun-Ho
Published: February 2019

With the arrival of the fourth industrial revolution, new technologies that integrate emotional intelligence into existing IoT applications are being studied. Of these technologies, emotional analysis research for providing various music services has received increasing attention in recent years. In this paper, we propose an emotion-based automatic music classification method to classify music with high accuracy according to the emotional range of people. In particular, when the new (unlearned) songs are added to a music-related IoT application, it is necessary to build mechanisms to classify them automatically based on the emotion of humans. This point is one of the practical issues for developing the applications. A survey for collecting emotional data is conducted based on the emotional model. In addition, music features are derived by discussing with the working group in a small and medium-sized enterprise. Emotion classification is carried out using multiple regression analysis and support vector machine. The experimental results show that the proposed method identifies most of induced emotions felt by music listeners and accordingly classifies music successfully. In addition, comparative analysis is performed with different classification algorithms, such as random forest, deep neural network and K-nearest neighbor, as well as support vector machine.
100 Years of Symmetrical Components
Authors: Chicco Gianfranco , Mazza Andrea
Published: February 2019

28 June 2018 was the 100th anniversary of the first presentation on symmetrical components made by Charles LeGeyt Fortescue at the 34th Annual Convention of the American Institute of the Electrical Engineers in Atlantic City (NJ, USA). The introduction of the symmetrical component concept was immediately seen as a milestone for electrical system studies, and many applications have been developed during the ensuing years. Today, refined or advanced contributions to conceptual and practical aspects of electrical applications are still being proposed based on the powerful structure of symmetrical components. This paper recalls the most significant steps made in the electrical engineering field after the introduction of the symmetrical component theory, and indicates recent developments concerning the studies on electrical machines, harmonics and interharmonics in different applications, and the operation of power and distribution systems with distributed energy resources.
Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrators Using Ln3+-Based Ionosilicas Towards Photovoltaic Windows
Authors: Frias Ana R. , Cardoso Marita A. , Bastos Ana R. N. , Correia Sandra F. H. , André Paulo S. , Carlos Luís D. , de Zea Bermudez Veronica , Ferreira Rute A. S.
Published: February 2019

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) elements in urban environments is gaining visibility due to the current interest in developing energetically self-sustainable buildings. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) may be seen as a solution to convert urban elements, such as façades and windows, into energy-generation units for zero-energy buildings. Moreover, LSCs are able to reduce the mismatch between the AM1.5G spectrum and the PV cells absorption. In this work, we report optically active coatings for LSCs based on lanthanide ions (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Tb3+)-doped surface functionalized ionosilicas (ISs) embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). These new visible-emitting films exhibit large Stokes-shift, enabling the production of transparent coatings with negligible self-absorption and large molar extinction coefficient and brightness values (~2 × 105 and ~104 M−1∙cm−1, respectively) analogous to that of orange/red-emitting organic dyes. LSCs showed great potential for efficient and environmentally resistant devices, with optical conversion efficiency values of ~0.27% and ~0.34%, respectively.
Modelling of the Biomass mCHP Unit for Power Peak Shaving in the Local Electrical Grid
Authors: Gliński Michał , Bojesen Carsten , Rybiński Witold , Bykuć Sebastian
Published: February 2019

In the article, the method and algorithm for a control strategy of the operation of a micro combined heat and power (mCHP) unit and for reducing the power consumption peaks (peak shaving) are proposed and analyzed. Two scenarios of the mCHP’s operation, namely with and without the control strategy, are discussed. For calculation purposes, a boiler fired with wood pellets coupled with a Stirling engine, manufactured by ÖkoFEN, was used. These results were used to analyze two scenarios of the control strategy. In this study, the operation of mCHP was simulated using the energyPRO software. The application of this control strategy to dispersed mCHP systems allows for a very effective “peak shaving” in the local power grid. The results of calculation using the new algorithm show that the electricity generated by the mCHP system covers the total demand for power during the morning peak and reduces the evening peak by up to 71%. The application of this method also allows for a better reduction of the load of conventional grids, substations, and other equipment.
Stochastic Planning of Distributed PV Generation
Authors: Bazrafshan Mohammadhafez , Yalamanchili Likhitha , Gatsis Nikolaos , Gomez Juan
Published: February 2019

Recent studies by electric utility companies indicate that maximum benefits of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) units can be reaped when siting and sizing of PV systems is optimized. This paper develops a two-stage stochastic program that serves as a tool for optimally determining the placing and sizing of PV units in distribution systems. The PV model incorporates the mapping from solar irradiance to AC power injection. By modeling the uncertainty of solar irradiance and loads by a finite set of scenarios, the goal is to achieve minimum installation and network operation costs while satisfying necessary operational constraints. First-stage decisions are scenario-independent and include binary variables that represent the existence of PV units, the area of the PV panel, and the apparent power capability of the inverter. Second-stage decisions are scenario-dependent and entail reactive power support from PV inverters, real and reactive power flows, and nodal voltages. Optimization constraints account for inverter’s capacity, PV module area limits, the power flow equations, as well as voltage regulation. A comparison between two designs, one where the DC:AC ratio is pre-specified, and the other where the maximum DC:AC ratio is specified based on historical data, is carried out. It turns out that the latter design reduces costs and allows further reduction of the panel area. The applicability and efficiency of the proposed formulation are numerically demonstrated on the IEEE 34-node feeder, while the output power of PV systems is modeled using the publicly available PVWatts software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The overall framework developed in this paper can guide electric utility companies in identifying optimal locations for PV placement and sizing, assist with targeting customers with appropriate incentives, and encourage solar adoption.
Monetary Policy Effects on Energy Sector Bubbles
Authors: Caraiani Petre , Călin Adrian Cantemir
Published: February 2019

We investigate the effects of monetary policy shocks, including unconventional policy measures, on the bubbles of the energy sector, for the case of the United States. We estimate a time-varying Bayesian VAR model that allows for quantifying the impact of monetary policy shocks on asset prices and bubbles. The energy sector is measured through the S&P Energy Index, while bubbles are measured through the difference between asset prices and the corresponding dividends for the energy sector. We find significant differences in the impact of monetary policy shocks for the aggregate economy and for the energy sector. The findings seem sensitive to the interest rate use, i.e., whether one uses the shadow interest rate or the long-term interest rate.
Study on Sensitivity Differences of Critical Spontaneous Ignition Temperature between Alcohol and Hydrocarbon Fuels Based on Reaction Pathway
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Zhongchang , Ren Xiaoming , Han Yongqiang , Wang Jun , Fang Jian
Published: February 2019

In this article, the critical spontaneous ignition temperature of both hydrocarbon and alcohol fuel was acquired on a constant volume combustion bomb platform by slowly heating the inner charges, and then followed by using the CHEMKIN-PRO software to simulate the auto-ignition-dominated characteristic and parameter sensitivity of the two kinds of fuels. Results revealed that in different conditions, the critical spontaneous ignition temperature of methanol changed dramatically, with a maximum temperature of 50 K, while the counterpart temperature of n-heptane remained an invariable value of 553 K within a large changeable scope of temperature, and only a maximum temperature of 10 K was observed. The maximum difference of spontaneous ignition temperature between methanol and n-heptane reached 270 K. At the same time, a minimum difference of 170 K was obtained as well. The complete reaction of methanol requires 5 steps, involving 6 components and 11 elementary reactions. However, for the comparative part-n-heptane, more than 20 main self-ignition reactions were involved, which indicated that the whole reaction process of n-heptane has more reaction pathway branches and it was much more complicated compared to methanol. The differences of the reaction pathways triggered a considerable distinction of critical self-ignition temperature between the two charges, making a “step-by-step” spontaneous ignition combustion mode possible. In this way, a further high-efficient and clean combustion can be available to cater to much more stringent emission regulations in the future.
Impact of Local Effects on the Evolution of Unconventional Rock Permeability
Authors: Ma Xinxing , Li Xianwen , Zhang Shouwen , Zhang Yanming , Hao Xiangie , Liu Jishan
Published: February 2019

When gas is extracted from unconventional rock, local equilibrium conditions between matrixes and fractures are destroyed and significant local effects are introduced. Although the interactions between the matrix and fracture have a strong influence on the permeability evolution, they are not understood well. This may be the reason why permeability models in commercial codes do not include the matrix-fracture interactions. In this study, we introduced the local force to define the interactions between the matrix and the fracture and derived a set of partial differential equations to define the full coupling of rock deformation and gas flow both in the matrix and in the fracture systems. The full set of cross-coupling formulations were solved to generate permeability evolution profiles during unconventional gas extraction. The results of this study demonstrate that the contrast between the matrix and fracture properties controls the processes and their evolutions. The primary reason is the gas diffusion from fractures to matrixes. The diffusion changes the force balance, mass exchange and deformation.
HPLC Analysis of Phenols in Negroamaro and Primitivo Red Wines from Salento
Authors: Ragusa Andrea , Centonze Carla , Grasso Maria E. , Latronico Maria F. , Mastrangelo Pier F. , Sparascio Federica , Maffia Michele
Published: February 2019

Wine is probably the oldest and still most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. Nevertheless, it contains several biomolecules with beneficial health effects. Phenols are among them and, in this article, we identified and quantified by HPLC catechin, gallic acid, hydroxytyrosol, quercetin, trans-resveratrol, and syringic acid in Primitivo and Negroamaro red wines from Salento, in Southeast Italy. The concentrations of the analyzed antioxidant molecules were quite high in all varieties. Gallic acid and catechin were the most abundant, but significant concentrations of quercetin, hydroxytyrosol, syringic acid, and trans-resveratrol were also found. Multivariate statistical analysis was also employed to discriminate between Negroamaro and Primitivo wines, suggesting the variables influencing their separation.
Genetic Analyses Confirm SNPs in HSPA8 and ERBB2 are Associated with Milk Protein Concentration in Chinese Holstein Cattle
Authors: Li Cong , Wang Miao , Cai Wentao , Liu Shuli , Zhou Chenghao , Yin Hongwei , Sun Dongxiao , Zhang Shengli
Published: February 2019

Heat shock 70 kDa protein 8 (HSPA8) and erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) were the promising candidates for milk protein concentration in dairy cattle revealed through previous RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) study. The objective of this post-RNA-Seq study was to confirm genetic effects of HSPA8 and ERBB2 on milk protein concentration in a large Chinese Holstein population and to evaluate the genetic effects of both genes on other milk production traits. There were 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified for HSPA8 and 11 SNPs for ERBB2 by sequencing 17 unrelated Chinese Holstein sires. The SNP-rs136632043 in HSPA8 had significant associations with all five milk production traits (p = 0.0086 to p < 0.0001), whereas SNP-rs132976221 was remarkably associated with three yield traits (p < 0.0001). Nine (ss1996900615, rs109017161, rs109122971, ss1996900614, rs110133654, rs109941438, rs110552983, rs133031530, and rs109763505) of 11 SNPs in ERBB2 were significantly associated with milk protein percentage (p = 0.0177 to p < 0.0001). A 12 Kb haplotype block was formed in ERBB2 and haplotype associations revealed similar effects on milk protein traits. Our findings confirmed the significant genetic effects of HSPA8 and ERBB2 on milk protein concentration and other milk production traits and SNP phenotypic variances above 1% may serve as genetic markers in dairy cattle breeding programs.
Negative Behaviors among Healthcare Professionals: Relationship with Patient Safety Culture
Authors: Layne Diana M. , Nemeth Lynne S. , Mueller Martina , Martin Mary
Published: February 2019

Behaviors that undermine a culture of safety within hospitals threaten overall wellbeing of healthcare workers as well as patient outcomes. Existing evidence suggests negative behaviors adversely influence patient outcomes, employee satisfaction, retention, productivity, absenteeism, and employee engagement. Our objective was to examine the presence of negative behaviors within a healthcare system and the influence of negative behaviors among healthcare workers on perceptions of patient safety culture. Using a cross-sectional design, the negative behaviors in healthcare survey (NBHC) and selected composites of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPS) were combined within an electronic survey which was administered to physicians, clinical and managerial staff. Exposure to contributing factors of negative behaviors was moderately correlated with elements of HSOPS, including perceptions of teamwork within units, management response to error, and overall patient safety grade. Use of aggression and fear of retaliation were moderately correlated with HSOPS management response to error. Reducing healthcare worker exposure to contributing factors of negative behavior may result in increased perceptions of teamwork within a hospital unit, while addressing use of staff aggression and fear of retaliation potentially positively influences management response to error.
Association between PM2.5 Exposure and All-Cause, Non-Accidental, Accidental, Different Respiratory Diseases, Sex and Age Mortality in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Cai Junfang , Peng Chaoqiong , Yu Shuyuan , Pei Yingxin , Liu Ning , Wu Yongsheng , Fu Yingbin , Cheng Jinquan
Published: February 2019

Background: China is at its most important stage of air pollution control. Research on the association between air pollutants and human health is very important and necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between PM2.5 concentrations and residents’ mortality and to compare the effect of PM2.5 on the different diseases, accidental deaths, sex or age of residents from high polluted areas with less polluted areas. Methods: The semi-parametric generalized additive model (GAM) with Poisson distribution of time series analysis was used. The excess risk (ER) of mortality with the incremental increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM2.5 concentration was calculated. Concentration-response relationship curves and autocorrelation between different lags of PM2.5 were also evaluated. Results: PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with the mortality of residents. The strongest ERs per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 were 0.74% (95% CI: 0.11–1.38%) for all-cause, 0.67% (95% CI: 0.01–1.33%) for non-accidental, 1.81% (95% CI: 0.22–3.42%) for accidental, 3.04% (95% CI: 0.60–5.55%) for total respiratory disease, 6.38% (95% CI: 2.78–10.11%) for chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD), 8.24% (95% CI: 3.53–13.17%) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 1.04% (95% CI: 0.25–1.84%) for male and 1.32% (95% CI: 0.46–2.19%) for elderly. Furthermore, important information on the concentration-response relationship curves was provided. Conclusions: PM2.5 can increase the risk of residents’ mortality, even in places with less air pollution and developed economy in China.