bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal parasites in the slum-dwelling population in Naya Bazar, Kaski, Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Indu , Gyawali Pradip , Subedi Janak Raj
Published: July 2018

Background and Objectives: Gastrointestinal infection is a major cause of diarrhea, anemia, malnutrition and responsible for reducing physical and mental development especially in children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the intestinal pathogens in the slum-dwelling population in Kaski, Nepal.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in August-September 2012 in slum-dwelling community. Overall 166 human faecal samples were collected and examined using formal ether sedimentation method.Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal infections in slum-dwelling population was found to be 24.1%. The magnitude of infection was higher (26.9%) among females compared to males. The difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The prevalence of infection was higher (37.0%, P > 0.05) in Dalit group. Children (≤10 years) had higher rate of infection than older people. 22% subjects had single and 2.4% had multiple infections. In the overall population, 12.7% had G. lamblia followed by 5.4% Ascaris lumbricoides, 4.8% Hymenolepsis nana and 3.6% Trichuris trichuria. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal infections were common in the slum-dwelling populations. Lack of health education and safe drinking water contributed higher infection rate in the community. Increased exposure time to the contaminated water and gender disparity had influenced the rate of infection. Due to the semi-urban area with absence of moist soil, protozoan infection was prevalent than helminth infections.
WONCA rural medical education guidebook
Authors: Shankar Pathiyil Ravi
Published: July 2018

No abstract
Numerical calculation of stress concentration of various subsurface and undercutting pit types
Authors: Ekşi Seçil
Published: July 2018

In this study, the stress concentration effect of single subsurface (D type) pit types and undercutting (E type) pit types with various pit depth and diameter has been investigated with respect to uniaxial loading by conducting a series of 3D stress analyses systematically. Finite element analyses have been conducted in order to determine the stress concentration factor of pits. Pit aspect ratio q/a and a/2c are the main parameters affecting the value of the stress concentration factor for subsurface types of pits. e/a and e/2c are also pit aspect ratios affecting the value of the stress concentration factor for undercutting types of pits. Some equations have been made to estimate the stress concentration factor depending on the geometrical parameters from the results of stress analyses. The stress concentration factor can be calculated using an equation obtained with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.993 for D types (subsurface) pits. The stress concentration factor can also be calculated using an equation obtained with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.995 for E types (subsurface) pits.
Strain-rate controlled Gleeble experiments to determine the stress-strain behavior of HSLA steel S960QL
Authors: Neubert Sebastian , Pittner Andreas , Rethmeier Michael
Published: July 2018

In order to generate a material data base for computational welding mechanics, temperature and strain-rate dependent stress-strain experiments were performed by using a Gleeble® 3500 testing system. The object of the investigation was HSLA transformable steel S960QL and related solid phases as bainite, martensite and austenite. For the production of these solid phases, the base material was heat treated according to an average weld temperature cycle which was extracted within the heat affected zone of a thermal numerical weld simulation of a GMA weld. The hot tensile tests were carried out via cost-saving flat specimen geometries. Two experimental series with different strain-rates were conducted, where the longitudinal strain-rate was controlled by specification of the transversal strain-rate applying Poisson's-ratio. Subsequently, the resulting stress-strain curves were approximated in accordance with the Ramberg-Osgood-materials law. Consequently, it is shown that the temperature and strain-rate dependent stress-strain behavior of metals can be successfully characterized by means of a Gleeble®-system. However, this requires a control of the longitudinal strain-rate by specification of the transversal strain-rate. The related experimental procedure and the method of evaluation are explained in detail. With regard to all tested solid phases, a significant strain-rate dependency can only be observed upwards from temperatures of 400 °C. Based on experimental results, Ramberg-Osgood-parameters will be presented to describe the stress-strain behavior of steel S960QL and related solid phases for temperatures between 25 °C and 1200 °C. Furthermore, the use of cost-saving flat specimen-geometry appears reasonable.
Schichtdickenbestimmung von Oberflächenschutzsystemen für Beton mit Impulsthermografie
Authors: Altenburg Simon J. , Chien Mario , Bavendiek Florian , Krankenhagen Rainer
Published: July 2018

Kurzfassung

Im Bauwesen werden Polymerbeschichtungen auf Beton häufig eingesetzt um zum einen, ein bestimmtes Aussehen zu schaffen und zum anderen, das Bauteil vor Alterung, Verschleiß und Schädigung zu schützen. Für praktisch alle Ziele ist die Wirkung von der eigens dafür definierten Schichtdicke der Polymerbeschichtung abhängig. Daher wird die Dicke der Beschichtung nach erfolgtem Schichtauftrag überprüft. Für den in diesem Zusammenhang anspruchsvollen mineralischen Untergrund Beton stehen bislang allerdings nur zerstörende Prüfverfahren zur Verfügung. Aus diesem Grund wurden im Rahmen des Projektes IRKUTSK ein auf aktiver Thermografie basierendes Verfahren sowie ein Gerät für den vor-Ort-Einsatz entwickelt, mit dessen Hilfe eine zerstörungsfreie Schichtdickenbestimmung möglich ist. Hier wird ein kurzer Einblick in das zur Schichtdickenbestimmung entwickelte Thermografieverfahren gegeben. Die Besonderheiten bei der quantitativen Auswertung, die durch die Teiltransparenz der Polymerbeschichtungen auftreten, werden erläutert. Die Funktion des Verfahrens für einlagige Systeme wird anhand von Labormessungen mit verschiedenen optischen Quellen zur thermischen Anregung illustriert.
ESTIMATION OF THE SLIP LENGTH IN THE FLOW OF LIQUID IN MICRO-CHANNELS
Authors: Kovetska Y.Y.
Published: July 2018

Research review of phenomenon for slip flow in micro and nanocannels is presented in the paper. The analysis of theoretical and experimental data characterizing the slip length is carried out. In slip flow in microchannels the slip length is affected by the contact angle of the liquid with the surface, shear stress, pressure, dissipative heating, the amount and nature of the dissolved gas in the liquid, electrical characteristics, surface roughness. Studies of flow in microchannels with hydrophobic walls, which are based on molecular dynamics, showed that the slip length has order of 20 nm. This is much less than the values observed in the experiment. The introduction of an effective (apparent) slip length suggests the existence of a thin layer of gas bubbles near the hydrophobic surface or liquid layer with low value of viscosity and density. Since the idealized model for the total coverage of a hydrophobic surface by gas bubbles gives, as a rule, overestimated values of the slip length in comparison with experimental ones, some researchers consider the inhomogeneous coating of the wall by gas bubbles. In this case, the effect of a layer with a lower viscosity on the slip length turns out to be weaker.
INCREASE OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPLEX HEAT-RECOVERY SYSTEMS FOR BOILER PLANTS
Authors: Fialko N. M. , Navrodskaya R. A. , Presich G. A. , Gnedash G. A. , Shevchuk S. I. , Martiuk O.V.
Published: July 2018

It is revealed that the humidifying of blown air in complex heat recovery systems of gas-fired boiler plants provides the significant reduction in the concentration of nitrogen oxides in exhaust-gases due to the suppression of their formation in the boiler furnace when moisture is introduced with this air. 

Problems of environmental protection and energy-saving became priority in world practice. The main directions of deciding these pressing problems in municipal heat-power engineering is to improve the environmental indicators of heating boiler plants and increase the efficiency of using fuel in them through the use of technologies for deep recovery of the exhaust-gases heat. The relevance of scientific problems in these directions is increasing due to the steady increase in the fuel-energy costs and the strengthening of requirements to reducing environmental pollution.

When using these technologies of deep heat-recovery of exhaust-gases, the condensation mode of the heat-recovery equipment is realized, when, apart from to the so-called clear heat of these gases, the latent heat of condensation of the water vapor contained in them is also used. The condensation mode implementation also improves the ecological indicators of the boiler due to the reduction of fuel consumption and the dissolution in the resulting condensate of a part of harmful emissions formed during its combustion.

The use of modern heat-recovery technologies for the gasfired boiler plants with complex use of recovered heat for the preheating of boiler water, water of the chemical waterpurification system and blowing air makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption in the boiler and, accordingly, its harmful emissions by 8...12 %.

Humidification of the blowing air through the use of the recovery heat also provides a reduction of nitrogen oxides emissions to 60 % by suppressing their formation in the boiler combustion chamber.
ANALYSIS OF THE ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENTS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE OF A CITY WITH A POPULATION OF 300 000 PEOPLE
Authors: Sigal O.I. , Vorobiov L.I. , Pavliuk N.Y. , Serhiienko R.V.
Published: July 2018

The results of experimental studies of humidity, ash content, calorific value for сomponents of municipal solid waste in Cherkassy city are presented. The results of the research are used to develop an integrated waste management and recycling system in the Cherkassy city. 

The waste management strategy has been adopted in Ukraine. It determines the main directions of reforming the system of sanitary cleaning of cities in order to minimize environmental pollution in accordance with EU standards. In the process of preparation of the regional implementation plan for the Strategy in Cherkassy, a study of the morphology, energy and environmental characteristics of the components of solid domestic waste (SDW) was made.

This article presents the results of experimental studies of humidity, calorific value and ash content for 8 components of waste: paper, cardboard, composite materials, textiles, hygiene products, plastic, other combustible materials, wood shavings are presented. Humidity is also determined in organic residues and in fine fractions.

The investigations were carried out at the experimental stand of the Institute of Technical Thermophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Due to the absence in Ukraine of standards for the study of energy characteristics of solid waste, the measurements were carried out in accordance with standards for solid organic fuels, which slightly differ from the EU methods for the study of solid waste. In order to develop regional integrated waste management plans within the framework of the strategy implementation, based on the qualitative analysis of MSW components, it is necessary to develop standards for determining the energy characteristics of SDW in line with European normative documents.

The study of the energy characteristics of solid waste showed a significant heterogeneity in the components of solid waste, which significantly complicated the determination of characteristics and led to a considerable scatter of results and an increase in measurement uncertainty. This happened due to low weight and the need for thorough homogenization of the sample, which was experimentally investigated in accordance with the method of preparation of an analytical sample.

The article analyzes need for adaptation of the European methods of detailed morphology of solid domestic waste in Ukraine, which is necessary for separate waste collection.

The results of the research are used to develop an integrated waste management and recycling system in the city of Cherkassy.
MODELLING OF SHEAR AND SHEARLESS FLOW WITH PERIODIC VELOCITY NONSTATIONARITY
Authors: Suprun T.T.
Published: July 2018

The results of experimental modeling of shear and shearless flow with periodic velocity nonstationarity, organized using a generator of periodic wakes such as the "squirrel" cage, are presented. The purpose of this paper is to compare the structure of the flow behind the "squirrel" cages, as well as the analysis of the characteristics of the transition boundary layer for two different ways of locating the working surfaces: in the zone of the shearless core and shear periphery zone.

The physical modelling of turbulized flow with velocity periodic nonstationarity is carried out in two experimental installations. It is shown that behind rotating “squirrel” cages there are two regions in the distributions of mean time velocities: the shearless flow core located in the center of “squirrel” cage and peripheral shear part. The aim of this paper is to compare the flow structure behind “squirrel” cages as well as to analyze the features of transient boundary layer for two different installations of working surfaces. The latter were flat plates installed on the different distances from the center of the “squirrel” cages: in the shearless flow core and in shear zone. Total longitudinal fluctuations are characterized by peaks reason of which is intersections of wakes. Behind the “squirrel” cages the levels of fluctuations decrease along the plates at x~100-600 mm from ~12 to 4,5% (II) and from ~6 to 3,5% (I). Despite the development of boundary layer happens under different external conditions (in uniform (I) and shear (II) flows), wake-induced transition takes place in both installations. Transformation of velocity profiles from pseudolaminar to turbulent is similar to one taking place in bypass transition. Distributions of total longitudinal fluctuations across the boundary layer differ by quantity of peaks and their intensity.  Today the physical modeling is one of the most perspective methods for studying transport processes under complex conditions. That is why the experimental investigations of periodic external flow structure are necessary for the further optimization of different equipment and their reliability enhancement.
The Role of New Technology Intervention of Crop Maximization Project in Increase in Crop Production of Small Farmers of District Charsadda
Authors: Muhammad Kaleem , Bahadar Sher Khattak , Syed Rashid Ali
Published: July 2018

This research paper demonstrates the role of new technology intervention of crop maximization project in increasing crop production of small farmers of district Charsadda. The core objective of this study was to know the significance of new technology adoption at small scale agriculture and its effect on productivity enhancement of small farmers of district Charsadda. The research was conducted in two union councils i.e. Rajjar-II and Sarki Tetara of Tehsil and district Charsadda. For data collection Pre-tested interview schedule was used. The data were collected from 150 targeted small farmers which were purposively selected through random sampling method. The findings of the study revealed that new technology intervention of the project converted the small scale subsistence agriculture in commercial one by increasing their crop production. The collected and analyzed data indicates that a major portion (83.3%) of the respondents increased their farm production through the new technology interventions while 16.3% of them got no benefits from the new technology intervention of the project. The findings of the study further demonstrate that there is significant association and direct relation between new technology intervention of the project and the increase in farm production of small farmers.
RETRACTED: 20-HETE Inhibition by HET0016 Decreases the Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability and Brain Edema After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lu Liyan , Wang Mingliang , Wei Xiaoer , Li Wenbin
Published: July 2018

Recent studies have implicated 20-HETE as a vasoconstrictive mediator in trauma, the purpose of this study was to determine whether administration of HET0016, the 20-HETE inhibitor, could protect neurons from trauma and the effect of HET0016 on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and brain edema in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rat models with TBI were established. Brain edema was measured according to the wet and dry weight method at 3, 24, and 72 h after injury. The BBB permeability was quantified by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Superoxide production, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidative capability (T-AOC) in traumatic brain tissues were also measured. Western blot analysis was used to analyze the expression of the occludin, ZO-1, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) pathways. At 24 and 72 h after administration of HET0016 following TBI, the BBB permeability and brain edema decreased. The decrease in superoxide production and the increase in the activity of SOD and T-AOC were measured in this study. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of MMP-9 and JNK pathways was suppressed, but the expression of ZO-1 and occludin was increased. These results suggest that the administration of HET0016 could protect the BBB function and decrease brain edema after experimental traumatic injury by suppressing the expression of MMP-9 and activating the expression of tight junction proteins via suppressing the JNK pathway and oxidative stress.
The Effects of Structure Thickness, Air Gap Thickness and Silicon Type on the Performance of a Horizontal Electrothermal MEMS Microgripper
Authors: Cauchi Marija , Grech Ivan , Mallia Bertram , Mollicone Pierluigi , Sammut Nicholas
Published: July 2018

The ongoing development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) over the past decades has made possible the achievement of high-precision micromanipulation within the micromanufacturing, microassembly and biomedical fields. This paper presents different design variants of a horizontal electrothermally actuated MEMS microgripper that are developed as microsystems to micromanipulate and study the deformability properties of human red blood cells (RBCs). The presented microgripper design variants are all based on the U-shape ‘hot and cold arm’ actuator configuration, and are fabricated using the commercially available Multi-User MEMS Processes (MUMPs®) that are produced by MEMSCAP, Inc. (Durham, NC, USA) and that include both surface micromachined (PolyMUMPs™) and silicon-on-insulator (SOIMUMPs™) MEMS fabrication technologies. The studied microgripper design variants have the same in-plane geometry, with their main differences arising from the thickness of the fabricated structures, the consequent air gap separation between the structure and the substrate surface, as well as the intrinsic nature of the silicon material used. These factors are all inherent characteristics of the specific fabrication technologies used. PolyMUMPs™ utilises polycrystalline silicon structures that are composed of two free-standing, independently stackable structural layers, enabling the user to achieve structure thicknesses of 1.5 μm, 2 μm and 3.5 μm, respectively, whereas SOIMUMPs™ utilises a 25 μm thick single crystal silicon structure having only one free-standing structural layer. The microgripper design variants are presented and compared in this work to investigate the effect of their differences on the temperature distribution and the achieved end-effector displacement. These design variants were analytically studied, as well as numerically modelled using finite element analysis where coupled electrothermomechanical simulations were carried out in CoventorWare® (Version 10, Coventor, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Experimental results for the microgrippers’ actuation under atmospheric pressure were obtained via optical microscopy studies for the PolyMUMPs™ structures, and they were found to be conforming with the predictions of the analytical and numerical models. The focus of this work is to identify which one of the studied design variants best optimises the microgripper’s electrothermomechanical performance in terms of a sufficient lateral tip displacement, minimum out-of-plane displacement at the arm tips and good heat transfer to limit the temperature at the cell gripping zone, as required for the deformability study of RBCs.
Coevolution of the Features of the Dynamics of the Accelerator Pedal and Hyperparameters of the Classifier for Emergency Braking Detection
Authors: Podusenko Albert , Nikulin Vsevolod , Tanev Ivan , Shimohara Katsunori
Published: July 2018

We investigate the feasibility of inferring the intention of the human driver of road motor vehicles to apply emergency braking solely by analyzing the dynamics of lifting the accelerator pedal. Focusing on building the system that reliably classifies the emergency braking situations, we employed evolutionary algorithms (EA) to coevolve both (i) the set of features that optimally characterize the movement of accelerator pedal and (ii) the values of the hyperparameters of the classifier. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the coevolutionary approach over the analogical approaches that rely on an a priori defined set of features and values of hyperparameters. By using simultaneous evolution of both features and hyperparameters, the learned classifier inferred the emergency braking situations in previously unforeseen dynamics of the accelerator pedal with an accuracy of about 95%. We consider the obtained results as a step towards the development of a brake-assisting system, which would perceive the dynamics of the accelerator pedal in a real-time and in case of a foreseen emergency braking situation, would apply the brakes automatically well before the human driver would have been able to apply them.
Does Nitrogen Matter for Legumes? Starter Nitrogen Effects on Biological and Economic Benefits of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Guinea and Sudan Savanna of West Africa
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nurudeen , Larbi Asamoah , Kotu Bekele , Marthy Tetteh Francis , Hoeschle-Zeledon Irmgard
Published: July 2018

The hypothesis that application of starter nitrogen (N) fertilizer to cowpea may increase grain and fodder yields and profitability was tested in the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones of northern Ghana. Two cowpea varieties (Apagbaala: grain-type and Padi-Tuya: dual purpose) and three N fertilizer rates (0-30-30, 15-30-30 and 30-30-30 N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha) were evaluated using a 2 × 3 factorial treatments arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Grain and fodder yields, 100 seed weight (SW) and net return of Padi-Tuya increased significantly compared with Apagbaala in both zones. Application of starter N fertilizer increased grain yield, fodder yield, N use efficiency (NUE) and net return by more than 30% compared with the control in both zones. Padi-Tuya cowpea with 15 kg/ha N fertilizer was risk efficient at all risk aversion levels when only grain was considered, but Padi-Tuya with 30 kg/ha N fertilizer becomes the most risk efficient option when the value of fodder was included. The results suggest that small-scale farmers could apply starter N fertilizer at either 15 kg/ha N for grain only or 30 kg/ha N for both grain and fodder yields improvement of cowpea in West Africa and similar ecologies.
Potassium Supplying Capacity of Diverse Soils and K-Use Efficiency of Maize in South Asia
Authors: Islam Saiful , Timsina Jagadish , Salim Muhammad , Majumdar Kaushik , Gathala Mahesh K
Published: July 2018

Increased nutrient withdrawal by rapidly expanding intensive cropping systems, in combination with imbalanced fertilization, is leading to potassium (K) depletion from agricultural soils in Asia. There is an urgent need to better understand the soil K-supplying capacity and K-use efficiency of crops to address this issue. Maize is increasingly being grown in rice-based systems in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and North East India. The high nutrient extraction, especially K, however, causes concerns for the sustainability of maize production systems in the region. The present study was designed to estimate, through a plant-based method, the magnitude, and variation in K-supplying capacity of a range of soils from the maize-growing areas and the K-use efficiency of maize in Bangladesh. Eighteen diverse soils were collected from several upazillas (or sub-districts) under 11 agro-ecological zones to examine their K-supplying capacity from the soil reserves and from K fertilization (100 mg K kg−1 soil) for successive seven maize crops grown up to V10–V12 in pots inside a net house. A validation field experiment was conducted with five levels of K (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha−1) and two fertilizer recommendations based on “Nutrient Expert for Maize-NEM” and “Maize Crop Manager-MCM” decision support tools (DSSs) in 12 farmers’ fields in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Comilla districts in Bangladesh. Grain yield and yield attributes of maize responded significantly (p < 0.001) to K fertilizer, with grain yield increase from 18 to 79% over control in all locations. Total K uptake by plants not receiving K fertilizer, considered as potential K-supplying capacity of the soil in the pot experiment, followed the order: Modhukhali > Mithapukur > Rangpur Sadar > Dinajpur Sadar > Jhinaidah Sadar > Gangachara > Binerpota > Tarash > Gopalpur > Daudkandi > Paba > Modhupur > Nawabganj Sadar > Shibganj > Birganj > Godagari > Barura > Durgapur. Likewise, in the validation field experiment, the K-supplying capacity of soils was 83.5, 60.5 and 57.2 kg ha−1 in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Comilla, respectively. Further, the order of K-supplying capacity for three sites was similar to the results from pot study confirming the applicability of results to other soils and maize-growing areas in Bangladesh and similar soils and areas across South Asia. Based on the results from pot and field experiments, we conclude that the site-specific K management using the fertilizer DSSs can be the better and more efficient K management strategy for maize.
Intravenous Vitamin C Administration Improved Blood Cell Counts and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patient with History of Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Foster Mike N. , Carr Anitra C. , Antony Alina , Peng Selene , Fitzpatrick Mike G.
Published: July 2018

A 52-year-old female presented to Integrated Health Options Clinic in October 2014 with a history of relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML, diagnosed in 2009 and relapsed in 2014). Intravenous(IV) vitamin C therapy was initiated (in 2014) following completion of chemotherapy as an alternative to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. IV vitamin C was administered twice weekly at a dose of 70 g/infusion. Within 4 weeks of initiation of IV vitamin C therapy, there was a dramatic improvement in the patient’s blood indices with platelet cell counts increasing from 25 × 109/L to 196 × 109/L and white blood cell counts increasing from 0.29 × 109/L to 4.0 × 109/L, with further improvements observed over the next 18 months. Furthermore, there was a clear and sustained improvement in the patient’s health-related quality of life scores assessed using a validated questionnaire. She has remained healthy and in complete remission until the present day. This case study highlights the benefits of IV vitamin C as a supportive therapy for previously relapsed AML.
A High-Efficiency Super-Resolution Reconstruction Method for Ultrasound Microvascular Imaging
Authors: Guo Wei , Tong Yusheng , Huang Yurong , Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Jinhua
Published: July 2018

The emergence of super-resolution imaging makes it possible to display the microvasculatures clearly using ultrasound imaging, which is of great importance in the early diagnosis of cancer. At present, the super-resolution performance can only be achieved when the sampling signal is long enough (usually more than 10,000 frames). Thus, the imaging time resolution is not suitable for clinical use. In this paper, we proposed a novel super-resolution reconstruction method, which is proved to have a satisfactory resolution using shorter sampling signal sequences. In the microbubble localization step, the integrated form of the 2D Gaussian function is innovatively adopted for image deconvolution in our method, which enhances the accuracy of microbubble positioning. In the trajectory tracking step, for the first time the averaged shifted histogram technique is presented for the visualization, which greatly improves the precision of reconstruction. In vivo experiments on rabbits were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared to the conventional reconstruction method, our method significantly reduces the Full-Width-at-Half-Maximum (FWHM) by 50% using only 400-frame signals. Besides, there is no significant increase in the running time using the proposed method. Considering its imaging performance and used frame number, the conclusion can be drawn that the proposed method advances the application of super-resolution imaging to the clinical use with a much higher time resolution.
Poly(bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate)/Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposites: Preparation, Characterization and Application as Polymer Electrolyte Membranes
Authors: Vilela Carla , Martins Ana P. C. , Sousa Nuno , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Figueiredo Filipe M. L. , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: July 2018

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of bacterial cellulose (BC) as a substrate for the design of bio-based ion exchange membranes with an excellent combination of conductive and mechanical properties for application in devices entailing functional ion conducting elements. In this context, the present study aims at fabricating polyelectrolyte nanocomposite membranes based on poly(bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate) [P(bisMEP)] and BC via the in-situ free radical polymerization of bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (bisMEP) inside the BC three-dimensional network under eco-friendly reaction conditions. The resulting polyelectrolyte nanocomposites exhibit thermal stability up to 200 °C, good mechanical performance (Young’s modulus > 2 GPa), water-uptake ability (79–155%) and ion exchange capacity ([H+] = 1.1–3.0 mmol g−1). Furthermore, a maximum protonic conductivity of ca. 0.03 S cm−1 was observed for the membrane with P(bisMEP)/BC of 1:1 in weight, at 80 °C and 98% relative humidity. The use of a bifunctional monomer that obviates the need of using a cross-linker to retain the polyelectrolyte inside the BC network is the main contribution of this study, thus opening alternative routes for the development of bio-based polyelectrolyte membranes for application in e.g., fuel cells and other devices based on proton separators.
Wideband Ge-Rich SiGe Polarization-Insensitive Waveguides for Mid-Infrared Free-Space Communications
Authors: Vakarin Vladyslav , Ramírez Joan Manel , Frigerio Jacopo , Liu Qiankun , Ballabio Andrea , Le Roux Xavier , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Isella Giovanni , Cheben Pavel , N. Ye Winnie , Vivien Laurent , Marris-Morini Delphine
Published: July 2018

The recent development of quantum cascade lasers, with room-temperature emission in the mid-infrared range, opened new opportunities for the implementation of ultra-wideband communication systems. Specifically, the mid-infrared atmospheric transparency windows, comprising wavelengths between 3–5 µm and 8–14 µm, have great potential for free-space communications, as they provide a wide unregulated spectrum with low Mie and Rayleigh scattering and reduced background noise. Despite the great efforts devoted to the development of mid-infrared sources and detectors, little attention is dedicated to the management of polarization for signal processing. In this work, we used Ge-rich SiGe alloys to build a wideband and polarization-insensitive mid-infrared photonic platform. We showed that the gradual index change in the SiGe alloys enabled the design of waveguides with remarkably low birefringence, below 2 × 10−4, over ultra-wide wavelength ranges within both atmospheric transparency windows, near wavelengths of 3.5 µm and 9 µm. We also report on the design of a polarization-independent multimode interference device achieving efficient power splitting in an unprecedented 4.5-µm bandwidth at around 10-µm wavelength. The ultra-wideband polarization-insensitive building blocks presented here pave the way for the development of high-performance on-chip photonic circuits for next-generation mid-infrared free-space communication systems.
Coefficients of Thermal Expansion of Al- and Y-Substituted NaSICON Solid Solution Na3+2xAlxYxZr2−2xSi2PO12
Authors: Naqash Sahir , Gerhards Marie-Theres , Tietz Frank , Guillon Olivier
Published: July 2018

Because of an increasing interest in NaSICON materials as electrolyte materials in all-solid state sodium batteries, their thermal expansion was investigated in this study. The thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of the Al and Y-substituted NaSICON compositions Na3+2xAlxYxZr2−2xSi2PO12 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3 was obtained by dilatometry and compared to the CTE derived from the lattice parameters using high-temperature X-ray diffraction. The difference in CTE obtained from techniques, the influence of sodium content and central metal cation on CTE, as well as other observations such as phase changes are described and rationalized.
Review of Short-Form Questions for the Evaluation of a Diet, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behaviour Intervention in a Community Program Targeting Vulnerable Australian Children
Authors: Gifford Janelle A. , Gwynn Josephine D. , Hardy Louise L. , Turner Nicole , Henderson Lily C. , Innes-Hughes Christine , Flood Victoria M.
Published: July 2018

Childhood obesity is associated with low socioeconomic status in developed countries, and community programs can deliver cost-effective obesity interventions to vulnerable children and adolescents at scale. Evaluating these programs in a low-cost, time-efficient, and culturally appropriate way with valid and reliable measures is essential to determining their effectiveness. We aimed to identify existing valid and reliable short-form instruments (≤50 items for diet, ≤15 items for physical activity) suitable for the assessment of change in diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour in an Australian obesity intervention program for children and adolescents aged 7–13 years from low socioeconomic groups, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Relevant electronic databases were searched, with a focus on Australian literature. Validity and/or reliability studies using diet instruments (5), physical activity/sedentary behaviour instruments (12), and diet and physical activity/sedentary behaviour instruments used with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (3) children were identified. Seven questions on diet, one question on physical activity, and no questions on sedentary behaviour were recommended. These questions can be used for evaluation in community-based obesity programs among Australian children and adolescents, including those from low socioeconomic groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
A Green and Rapid Analytical Method for the Determination of Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone in Cosmetic Products by Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Miralles Pablo , Benedé Juan L. , Mata-Martín Aylén , Chisvert Alberto , Salvador Amparo
Published: July 2018

An analytical method for the determination of hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone, which is used as an alternative preservative in cosmetic products, has been developed and validated for the first time. The method is based on a simple ultrasound-assisted lixiviation of the analyte from the cosmetic matrix followed by liquid chromatography with UV spectrophotometric detection. Under optimized conditions, the method limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 30 and 90 µg·g−1, respectively. The method was validated with good recovery values (86–103%) and precision values (RSD 0.2–4.7%). Finally, the proposed analytical method was successfully applied to 7 commercially available cosmetic samples including both lipophilic and hydrophilic matrices, such as moisturizing cream, sunscreen, shampoo, liquid hand soap, and make-up. Additionally, a laboratory-made cosmetic cream containing the target analyte was prepared and analyzed. The good analytical figures of merit of the proposed method, in addition to its environmentally-friendly characteristics, demonstrate its usefulness to perform the quality control of cosmetic products to ensure the safety of consumers.
An Efficient Tate Pairing Algorithm for a Decentralized Key-Policy Attribute Based Encryption Scheme in Cloud Environments
Authors: Chandrasekaran Balaji , Balakrishnan Ramadoss
Published: July 2018

Attribute-based encryption (ABE) is used for achieving data confidentiality and access control in cloud environments. Most often ABE schemes are constructed using bilinear pairing which has a higher computational complexity, making algorithms inefficient to some extent. The motivation of this paper is on achieving user privacy during the interaction with attribute authorities by improving the efficiency of ABE schemes in terms of computational complexity. As a result the aim of this paper is two-fold; firstly, to propose an efficient Tate pairing algorithm based on multi-base number representation system using point halving (TP-MBNR-PH) with bases 1/2, 3, and 5 to reduce the cost of bilinear pairing operations and, secondly, the TP-MBNR-PH algorithm is applied in decentralized KP-ABE to compare its computational costs for encryption and decryption with existing schemes.
Energetic and Financial Optimization of Solar Heat Industry Process with Parabolic Trough Collectors
Authors: Bellos Evangelos , Daniil Ilias , Tzivanidis Christos
Published: July 2018

The objective of this work is the investigation of a solar heat industry process with parabolic trough solar collectors. The analysis is conducted for the climate conditions of Athens (Greece) and for five load temperature levels (100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C). The examined configuration combines parabolic trough solar collectors coupled to a storage tank and an auxiliary heat source for covering the thermal need of 100 kW. The solar thermal system was optimized using the collecting area and the storage tank volume as the optimization variables. There are three different optimization procedures, using different criteria in every case. More specifically, the solar coverage maximization, the net present value maximization, and the payback period minimization are the goals of the three different optimization procedures. Generally, it is found that the payback period is between five and six years, the net present value is between 500–600 k€, and the solar coverage is close to 60%. For the case of the 200 °C temperature level, the optimum design using the net present value criterion indicates 840 m2 of solar collectors coupled to a storage tank of 15.3 m3. The optimization using the solar cover indicates the use of 980 m2 of solar collectors with a tank of 28 m3, while the payback period minimization is found for a 560 m2 collecting area and an 8-m3 storage tank volume. The results of this work can be used for the proper design of solar heat industry process systems with parabolic trough collectors.
Inclisiran: A New Promising Agent in the Management of Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Kosmas Constantine E. , Muñoz Estrella Alba , Sourlas Andreas , Silverio Delia , Hilario Elizabeth , Montan Peter D. , Guzman Eliscer
Published: July 2018

The discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a serine protease which binds to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and targets the receptors for lysosomal degradation, offered an additional route through which plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels can be controlled. Initially, the therapeutic approaches to reduce circulating levels of PCSK9 were focused on the use of monoclonal antibodies. To that effect, evolocumab and alirocumab, two human monoclonal antibodies directed against PCSK9, given on a background of statin therapy, have been shown to markedly decrease LDL-C levels and significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules have been used recently to target the hepatic production of PCSK9. siRNA interferes with the expression of specific genes with complementary nucleotide sequences by affecting the degradation of mRNA post-transcription, thus preventing translation. Inclisiran is a long-acting, synthetic siRNA directed against PCSK9 and it has been shown to significantly decrease hepatic production of PCSK9 and cause a marked reduction in LDL-C levels. This review aims to present and discuss the current clinical and scientific evidence pertaining to inclisiran, which is a new promising agent in the management of hypercholesterolemia.
Host Protein BAG3 is a Negative Regulator of Lassa VLP Egress
Authors: Han Ziying , Schwoerer Michael P. , Hicks Philip , Liang Jingjing , Ruthel Gordon , Berry Corbett T. , Freedman Bruce D. , Sagum Cari A. , Bedford Mark T. , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Sudol Marius , Harty Ronald N.
Published: July 2018

Lassa fever virus (LFV) belongs to the Arenaviridae family and can cause acute hemorrhagic fever in humans. The LFV Z protein plays a central role in virion assembly and egress, such that independent expression of LFV Z leads to the production of virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic egress of infectious virus. LFV Z contains both PTAP and PPPY L-domain motifs that are known to recruit host proteins that are important for mediating efficient virus egress and spread. The viral PPPY motif is known to interact with specific host WW-domain bearing proteins. Here we identified host WW-domain bearing protein BCL2 Associated Athanogene 3 (BAG3) as a LFV Z PPPY interactor using our proline-rich reading array of WW-domain containing mammalian proteins. BAG3 is a stress-induced molecular co-chaperone that functions to regulate cellular protein homeostasis and cell survival via Chaperone-Assisted Selective Autophagy (CASA). Similar to our previously published findings for the VP40 proteins of Ebola and Marburg viruses, our results using VLP budding assays, BAG3 knockout cells, and confocal microscopy indicate that BAG3 is a WW-domain interactor that negatively regulates egress of LFV Z VLPs, rather than promoting VLP release. Our results suggest that CASA and specifically BAG3 may represent a novel host defense mechanism, whereby BAG3 may dampen egress of several hemorrhagic fever viruses by interacting and interfering with the budding function of viral PPxY-containing matrix proteins.
An Electromagnetic Analysis of Noise-Based Intrinsically Secure Communication in Wireless Systems
Authors: Migliore Marco Donald , Pinchera Daniele , Lucido Mario , Schettino Fulvio , Panariello Gaetano
Published: July 2018

Recently there has been an increasing interest toward unconditionally secure communication systems in which the mechanism assuring the secrecy of the message is physical and not computational. An interesting approach proposed in the information theory literature for unconditionally secure communication is based on the use of artificial noise at a rate related to the difference between the mutual information in perfect secrecy. Since the mechanism assuring the secrecy of the message is physical and not computational, the unauthorized receiver cannot obtain information from the received signal, regardless of how much computational power is available. For this reason, such a cryptographic system is called unconditionally secure. The aim of this paper is to investigate an electromagnetic approach to the noise-based wireless communication systems stressing the important role of the electromagnetic propagation and antenna design. In particular, the concept of the number of degrees of freedom of the field is used to clarify the physical mechanism that allows for a decrease in the mutual information of the unauthorized channel compared to the eavesdropper channel. Numerical examples regarding both free-space propagation and rich scattering environments are shown, confirming the importance of the role of the electromagnetic propagation and antenna design.
Comparison of Detection Capability by the Controlled Source Electromagnetic Method for Hydrocarbon Exploration
Authors: Guo Zhenwei , Liu Jianxin , Liao Jianping , Xiao Jianping
Published: July 2018

Marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) is an efficient offshore hydrocarbon exploration method that has been developed during the last 18 years. Sea Bed Logging (SBL) and towed streamer electromagnetic (TSEM) are two different data acquisition systems. We compared these two methods by using 1D sensitivity modeling and 2D Occam’s inversion. Based on this research, we tested the effect of frequency, offset range, water depth, reservoir size, and reservoir depth on the detection capability of the two acquisition methods in terms of sensitivity. In order to test the methodology clearly and simply, the geological model was extremely simplified for the inversion. The effect of these parameters on resolution was checked as another purpose. To easily evaluate our inversion results, a simple quantity was employed that we called the anomaly transverse resistance ratio. In the shallow water environment, both the SBL and the TSEM systems had a good sensitivity to the high resistivity targets. However, in the deep water environment, the SBL system had a low noise floor. Then, it could provide better detectability to the deep target. The TSEM had the advantage in terms of the horizontal resolution because of the dense in-line sampling of the electric field.
A Simple Pseudo-Homogeneous Reversible Kinetic Model for the Esterification of Different Fatty Acids with Methanol in the Presence of Amberlyst-15
Authors: Banchero Mauro , Gozzelino Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

Fatty acid esterification with alcohols is a crucial step in biodiesel synthesis. Biodiesel consists of long-chain alkyl esters that derive from the transesterification or hydro-esterification of the triglycerides that are contained in vegetable oils. In the first route, the esterification of the free fatty acids is an important pretreatment of the feed; in the second, it is the main reaction of the industrial process. Knowledge of appropriate kinetic models for the catalytic esterification of fatty acids with alcohols is critical in the design of biodiesel synthesis processes. In this work, the kinetic behavior of the reversible esterification of lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acid, which are the most common saturated fatty acids that are contained in triglyceride feedstocks for biodiesel, with methanol at different temperatures (70–150 °C) and molar ratios of the reactants (1:1–1:2–1:5) was investigated in a batch laboratory basket reactor both in the presence and absence of Amberlyst-15 as the catalyst. Results obtained with Amberlyst-15 were fitted through a ready-to-use pseudo-homogeneous reversible model suitable for process design. The kinetic model was compared with that obtained in a previous work with niobium oxide as the catalyst. With respect to the results that were obtained with niobium oxide, the influence of the chain length of the acid on the kinetic behavior was strongly reduced in the presence of Amberlyst-15. This phenomenon was ascribed to a different catalytic mechanism.