bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanically-Induced Long-Period Fiber Gratings Using Laminated Plates
Authors: Torres-Gómez Ismael , Ceballos-Herrera Daniel E. , Salas-Alcantara Karla M.
Published: May 2020

This work presents a formation method of mechanically-induced long-period fiber gratings using laminated plates. The mechanically-induced long-period fiber grating is temporarily inscribed by compressing the optical fiber between a flat plate and the proposed laminated plate. In turn, the new laminated plate consists of a parallel assembling of single-edged utility blades. We present the experimental characterization of mechanically-induced long-period fiber gratings while employing three laminated plates with a period of 480 ± 20 µm and low duty cycles. These mechanically-induced long-period fiber gratings display a leading rejection band (>15 dB) with a couple of shallow rejection bands (<2 dB) in the range of 1100–1700 nm. This spectral behavior is due to the new mechanical fabrication process that is based on laminated plates that we have proposed, which consists of piling multiple blades with trapezoidal edges that are polished with different levels to obtain different duty-cycles. With the proposed method, we can obtain values of duty-cycles around 10%, much lower than those obtained using traditional methods. Additionally, with this new method, the required mechanical pressure to form the grating is remarkably reduced, which minimizes the probability of the optical fiber failure in the mechanically-induced long-period fiber gratings (MI-LPFGs). Moreover, the proposed mechanically-induced long-period fiber gratings with a single rejection band open the feasibility to implement coarse wavelength division multiplexing systems that are based on long-period fiber gratings.
Thin Film Protected Flexible Nanoparticle Strain Sensors: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Aslanidis Evangelos , Skotadis Evangelos , Moutoulas Evangelos , Tsoukalas Dimitris
Published: May 2020

In this work, the working performance of Platinum (Pt), solvent-free nanoparticle (NP)-based strain sensors made on a flexible substrate has been studied. First, a new model has been developed in order to explain sensor behaviour under strain in a more effective manner than what has been previously reported. The proposed model also highlights the difference between sensors based on solvent-free and solvent-based NPs. As a second step, the ability of atomic layer deposition (ALD) developed Al2O3 (alumina) thin films to act as protective coatings against humidity while in adverse conditions (i.e., variations in relative humidity and repeated mechanical stress) has been evaluated. Two different alumina thicknesses (5 and 11 nm) have been tested and their effect on protection against humidity is studied by monitoring sensor resistance. Even in the case of adverse working conditions and for increased mechanical strain (up to 1.2%), it is found that an alumina layer of 11 nm provides sufficient sensor protection, while the proposed model remains valid. This certifies the appropriateness of the proposed strain-sensing technology for demanding applications, such as e-skin and pressure or flow sensing, as well as the possibility of developing a comprehensive computational tool for NP-based devices.
Deep Compressed Sensing for Learning Submodular Functions
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chung , Tseng Kuo-Shih
Published: May 2020

The AI community has been paying attention to submodular functions due to their various applications (e.g., target search and 3D mapping). Learning submodular functions is a challenge since the number of a function’s outcomes of N sets is 2 N . The state-of-the-art approach is based on compressed sensing techniques, which are to learn submodular functions in the Fourier domain and then recover the submodular functions in the spatial domain. However, the number of Fourier bases is relevant to the number of sets’ sensing overlapping. To overcome this issue, this research proposed a submodular deep compressed sensing (SDCS) approach to learning submodular functions. The algorithm consists of learning autoencoder networks and Fourier coefficients. The learned networks can be applied to predict 2 N values of submodular functions. Experiments conducted with this approach demonstrate that the algorithm is more efficient than the benchmark approach.
Highly Sensitive Chemiluminescence-Based Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Cardiac Troponin I Detection in Human Serum
Authors: Han Gyeo-Re , Kim Min-Gon
Published: May 2020

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have become the most common biosensing platforms for point-of-care testing due to their compliance with the ASSURED (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid/robust, equipment-free, and deliverable to end-users) guidelines stipulated by the World Health Organization. However, the limited analytical sensitivity and low quantitative capability of conventional LFAs, which use gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for colorimetric labeling, have prevented high-performance testing. Here, we report the development of a highly sensitive chemiluminescence (CL)-based LFA involving AuNPs conjugated with aldehyde-activated peroxidase and antibody molecules—i.e., AuNP-(ald)HRP-Ab—as a new conjugation scheme for high-performance testing in LFAs. When paired with the CL-based signal readout modality, the AuNP-(ald)HRP-Ab conjugate resulted in 110-fold enhanced sensitivity over the colorimetric response of a typical AuNP-Ab conjugate. To evaluate the performance of the CL-based LFA, we tested it with human cardiac troponin I (cTnI; a standard cardiac biomarker used to diagnose myocardial infarction) in standard and clinical serum samples. Testing the standard samples revealed a detection limit of 5.6 pg·mL−1 and acceptably reliable precision (with a coefficient of variation of 2.3%–8.4%), according to clinical guidelines. Moreover, testing the clinical samples revealed a high correlation (r = 0.97) with standard biochemical analyzers, demonstrating the potential clinical utility of the CL-based LFA for high-performance cTnI testing.
Performance Analysis of Scattering-Level Multiplexing (SLMux) in Distributed Fiber-Optic Backscatter Reflectometry Physical Sensors
Authors: Tosi Daniele , Molardi Carlo , Blanc Wilfried , Paixão Tiago , Antunes Paulo , Marques Carlos
Published: May 2020

Optical backscatter reflectometry (OBR) is a method for the interrogation of Rayleigh scattering occurring in each section of an optical fiber, resulting in a single-fiber-distributed sensor with sub-millimeter spatial resolution. The use of high-scattering fibers, doped with MgO-based nanoparticles in the core section, provides a scattering increase which can overcome 40 dB. Using a configuration-labeled Scattering-Level Multiplexing (SLMux), we can arrange a network of high-scattering fibers to perform a simultaneous scan of multiple fiber sections, therefore extending the OBR method from a single fiber to multiple fibers. In this work, we analyze the performance and boundary limits of SLMux, drawing the limits of detection of N-channel SLMux, and evaluating the performance of scattering-enhancement methods in optical fibers.
Recognition of the Driving Style in Vehicle Drivers
Authors: Cordero Jorge , Aguilar Jose , Aguilar Kristell , Chávez Danilo , Puerto Eduard
Published: May 2020

This paper presents three different approaches to recognize driving style based on a hierarchical-model. Specifically, it proposes a hierarchical model for the recognition of the driving style for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for vehicles. This hierarchical model for the recognition of the style of the car driving considers three aspects: the driver emotions, the driver state, and finally, the driving style itself. In this way, the proposed hierarchical pattern is composed of three levels of descriptors/features, one to recognize the emotional states, another to recognize the driver state, and the last one to recognize the driving style. Each level has a set of descriptors, which can be sensed in a real context. Finally, the paper presents three driving style recognition algorithms based on different paradigms. One is based on fuzzy logic, another is based on chronicles (a temporal logic paradigm), and the last is based on an algorithm that uses the idea of the recognition process of the neocortex, called Ar2p (Algoritmo Recursivo de Reconocimiento de Patrones, for its acronym in Spanish). In the paper, these approaches are compared using real datasets, using different metrics of interest in the context of the Internet of the Things, in order to determine their capabilities of reasoning, adaptation, and the communication of information. In general, the initial results are encouraging, specifically in the cases of chronicles and Ar2p, which give the best results.
Wearable Design Requirements Identification and Evaluation
Authors: Francés-Morcillo Leire , Morer-Camo Paz , Rodríguez-Ferradas María Isabel , Cazón-Martín Aitor
Published: May 2020

Wearable electronics make it possible to monitor human activity and behavior. Most of these devices have not taken into account human factors and they have instead focused on technological issues. This fact could not only affect human–computer interaction and user experience but also the devices’ use cycle. Firstly, this paper presents a classification of wearable design requirements that have been carried out by combining a quantitative and a qualitative methodology. Secondly, we present some evaluation procedures based on design methodologies and human–computer interaction measurement tools. Thus, this contribution aims to provide a roadmap for wearable designers and researchers in order to help them to find more efficient processes by providing a classification of the design requirements and evaluation tools. These resources represent time and resource-saving contributions. Therefore designers and researchers do not have to review the literature. It will no be necessary to carry out exploratory studies for the purposes of identifying requirements or evaluation tools either.
Parkinson’s Disease EMG Data Augmentation and Simulation with DCGANs and Style Transfer
Authors: Anicet Zanini Rafael , Luna Colombini Esther
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes two new data augmentation approaches based on Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGANs) and Style Transfer for augmenting Parkinson’s Disease (PD) electromyography (EMG) signals. The experimental results indicate that the proposed models can adapt to different frequencies and amplitudes of tremor, simulating each patient’s tremor patterns and extending them to different sets of movement protocols. Therefore, one could use these models for extending the existing patient dataset and generating tremor simulations for validating treatment approaches on different movement scenarios.
Realizing Efficient Security and Privacy in IoT Networks
Authors: Anajemba Joseph Henry , Tang Yue , Iwendi Celestine , Ohwoekevwo Akpesiri , Srivastava Gautam , Jo Ohyun
Published: May 2020

In recent times, security and privacy at the physical (PHY) layer has been a major issue of several communication technologies which comprise the internet of things (IoT) and mostly, the emerging fifth-generation (5G) cellular network. The most real-world PHY security challenge stems from the fact that the passive eavesdropper’s information is unavailable to the genuine source and destination (transmitter/receiver) nodes in the network. Without this information, it is difficult to optimize the broadcasting parameters. Therefore, in this research, we propose an efficient sequential convex estimation optimization (SCEO) algorithm to mitigate this challenge and improve the security of physical layer (PHY) in a three-node wireless communication network. The results of our experiments indicate that by using the SCEO algorithm, an optimal performance and enhanced convergence is achieved in the transmission. However, considering possible security challenges envisaged when a multiple eavesdropper is active in a network, we expanded our research to develop a swift privacy rate optimization algorithm for a multiple-input, multiple-output, multiple-eavesdropper (MIMOME) scenario as it is applicable to security in IoT and 5G technologies. The result of the investigation show that the algorithm executes significantly with minimal complexity when compared with nonoptimal parameters. We further employed the use of rate constraint together with self-interference of the full-duplex transmission at the receiving node, which makes the performance of our technique outstanding when compared with previous studies.
Evaluation of Two Low-Cost Optical Particle Counters for the Measurement of Ambient Aerosol Scattering Coefficient and Ångström Exponent
Authors: Markowicz Krzysztof M. , Chiliński Michał T.
Published: May 2020

The aerosol scattering coefficient and Ångström exponent (AE) are important parameters in the understanding of aerosol optical properties and aerosol direct effect. These parameters are usually measured by a nephelometer network which is under-represented geographically; however, a rapid growth of air-pollution monitoring, using low-cost particle sensors, may extend observation networks. This paper presents the results of co-located measurements of aerosol optical properties, such as the aerosol scattering coefficient and the scattering AE, using low-cost sensors and using a scientific-grade polar Aurora 4000 nephelometer. A high Pearson correlation coefficient (0.94–0.96) between the low-cost particulate matter (PM) mass concentration and the aerosol scattering coefficient was found. For the PM10 mass concentration, the aerosol scattering coefficient relation is linear for the Dfrobot SEN0177 sensor and non-linear for the Alphasense OPC-N2 device. After regression analyses, both low-cost instruments provided the aerosol scattering coefficient with a similar mean square error difference (RMSE) of about 20 Mm−1, which corresponds to about 27% of the mean aerosol scattering coefficient. The relative uncertainty is independent of the pollution level. In addition, the ratio of aerosol number concentration between different bins showed a significant statistical (95% of confidence level) correlation with the scattering AE. For the SEN0177, the ratio of the particle number in bin 1 (radius of 0.15–0.25 µm) to bin 4 (radius of 1.25–2.5 µm) was a linear function of the scattering AE, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.74. In the case of OPC-N2, the best correlation (r = 0.66) was found for the ratio between bin 1 (radius of 0.19–0.27 µm) and bin 2 (radius of 0.27–0.39 µm). Comparisons of an estimated scattering AE from a low-cost sensor with Aurora 4000 are given with the RMSE of 0.23–0.24, which corresponds to 16–19%. In addition, a three-year (2016–2019) observation by SEN0177 indicates that this sensor can be used to determine an annual cycle as well as a short-term variability.
Motion State Estimation of Target Vehicle under Unknown Time-Varying Noises Based on Improved Square-Root Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Song Shiping , Wu Jian
Published: May 2020

In the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), millimeter-wave radar is an important sensor to estimate the motion state of the target-vehicle. In this paper, the estimation of target-vehicle motion state includes two parts: the tracking of the target-vehicle and the identification of the target-vehicle motion state. In the unknown time-varying noise, non-linear target-vehicle tracking faces the problem of low precision. Based on the square-root cubature Kalman filter (SRCKF), the Sage–Husa noise statistic estimator and the fading memory exponential weighting method are combined to derive a time-varying noise statistic estimator for non-linear systems. A method of classifying the motion state of the target vehicle based on the time window is proposed by analyzing the transfer mechanism of the motion state of the target vehicle. The results of the vehicle test show that: (1) Compared with the Sage–Husa extended Kalman filtering (SH-EKF) and SRCKF algorithms, the maximum increase in filtering accuracy of longitudinal distance using the improved square-root cubature Kalman filter (ISRCKF) algorithm is 45.53% and 59.15%, respectively, and the maximum increase in filtering the accuracy of longitudinal speed using the ISRCKF algorithm is 23.53% and 29.09%, respectively. (2) The classification and recognition results of the target-vehicle motion state are consistent with the target-vehicle motion state.
Research of Eliminating the Day-Boundary Discontinuities in GNSS Carrier Phase Time Transfer through Network Processing
Authors: Zhang Xiangbo , Guo Ji , Hu Yonghui , Zhao Dangli , He Zaimin
Published: May 2020

Time and frequency transfer through global navigation satellite system (GNSS) precise point positioning (PPP) based on carrier-phase measurements has been widely used for clock comparisons in national timing laboratories. However, the time jumps up to one nanosecond at the day boundary epochs of adjacent daily batches lead to discontinuities in the time transfer results. Therefore, it is a major obstacle to achieve continuous carrier phase time transfer. The day-boundary discontinuities have been studied for many years, and they are believed to be caused by the long-term pseudorange noise during estimation of the clock offset in the daily batches and are nearly in accordance with a Gaussian curve. Several methods of eliminating the day-boundary discontinuity were proposed during the past fifteen years, such as shift and overlapping, longer batch processing, clock handover, and ambiguity stacking. Some errors and new noise limit the use of such methods in the long-term clock stability comparison. One of the effective methods is phase ambiguity fixing resolution in zero-differenced PPP, which is based on the precise products of wide-lane satellite bias (WSB) provided by the new international GNSS Service (IGS) Analysis Center of Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS). However, it is not suitable for new GNSS, such as the Beidou Satellite System (BDS), GALILEO, and QZSS. For overcoming the drawbacks above, Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) observation data of 10 whole days from MJD 58624 to 58633have been network processed by batch least square resolution. These observations come from several ground receivers located in different national timing laboratories. Code and carrier phase ionosphere-free measurements of GPS and BDS satellites are used, and the time transfer results from network processing are compared with PPP results provided by Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) and used for international atomic time (TAI) computation (TAIPPP) and universal time coordination (UTC). It is shown that the time offsets of three different time links are almost continuous and the day-boundary discontinuities are sharply eliminated by network processing, although a little extent of day-boundary discontinuities still exist in the results of UTC(USNO)-UTC(PTB). The accuracy of time transfer has been significantly improved, and the frequency stability of UTC(NTSC)-UTC(PTB) can be up to 6.8 × 10−15 on average time of more than one day. Thus, it is suitable for continuous multi-GNSS time transfer, especially for long-term clock stability comparison.
Characteristic Evaluation of Chameleon Luminophore Dispersed in Polymer
Authors: Kasai Miku , Sugioka Yosuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Nagata Takayuki , Nonomura Taku , Asai Keisuke , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: May 2020

A temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) using a chameleon luminophore [ Tb 0.99 Eu 0.01 ( hfa ) 3 ( dpbp ) ] n is proposed. The chameleon luminophore was dispersed in isobutyl methacrylate polymer in a toluene solvent to fix it on a sample coupon. Temperature and pressure sensitivities of the chameleon luminophore-based TSP were measured using a spectrofluorophotometer. The emission for each wavelength was confirmed to be dependent on the temperature and pressure. The temperature and pressure sensitivities of the TSP were 0.81–2.8%/K and 0.08–0.12%/kPa, respectively. Higher temperature sensitivity can be obtained using the ratio of emissions from the two lanthanide ions, Tb III and Eu III . The temperature sensitivity when using the ratio of the emission intensities at 616 nm derived from Eu III and at 545 nm derived from Tb III was 3.2%/K, which was the highest value in the present study. In addition, the pressure sensitivity for the case using the ratio of the emission intensities at 616 and 545 nm was 4.8 × 10 − 2 % /kPa. Higher temperature sensitivity and lower pressure sensitivity than that with a single wavelength can be achieved using the ratio of the emission intensities at the two peak wavelengths derived from Tb III and Eu III .
Multi-Faceted Environmental Analysis to Improve the Quality of Anthropogenic Water Reservoirs (Paprocany Reservoir Case Study)
Authors: Absalon Damian , Matysik Magdalena , Woźnica Andrzej , Łozowski Bartosz , Jarosz Wanda , Ulańczyk Rafał , Babczyńska Agnieszka , Pasierbiński Andrzej
Published: May 2020

Maintaining good condition of dam reservoirs in urban areas seems increasingly important due to their valuable role in mitigating the effects of global warming. The aim of this study is to analyze possibilities to improve water quality and ecosystem condition of the Paprocany dam reservoir (highly urbanized area of southern Poland) using current data of the water parameters, historical sources, and DPSIR (Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) and 3D modeling concerning human activity and the global warming effects. In its history Paprocany reservoir overcame numerous hydrotechnical changes influencing its present functioning. Also, its current state is significantly influenced by saline water from the coal mine (5 g L−1 of chlorides and sulphates) and biogenic elements in recreational area (about 70 mg L−1 of chlorate and to 1.9 mg L−1 Kjeldahl nitrogen) and in sediments (222.66 Mg of Kjeldahl nitrogen, 45.65 Mg of P, and 1.03 Mg of assimilable phosphorus). Concluding, the best solutions to improve the Paprocany reservoir water quality comprise: increasing alimentation with water and shortening the water exchange time, restoration of the 19th century water treatment plant, and wetlands and reed bed area revitalization. The study also proved the applicability of mathematical models in planning of the actions and anticipating their efficiency.
Comparison of Online Comprehensive HILIC × RP and RP × RP with Trapping Modulation Coupled to Mass Spectrometry for Microalgae Peptidomics
Authors: Sommella Eduardo , Salviati Emanuela , Musella Simona , Di Sarno Veronica , Gasparrini Francesco , Campiglia Pietro
Published: May 2020

In this work, two online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography platforms, namely Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography × Reversed phase (HILIC × RP) and Reversed phase × Reversed Phase (RP × RP) coupled to mass spectrometry, were compared for the analysis of complex peptide samples. In the first dimension, a HILIC Amide and C18 Bioshell peptide (150 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 and 2.0 μm) columns were selected, while, in the second dimension, a short C18 (50 × 3.0 mm, 2.7 μm) Bioshell peptide column was used. Two C18 trapping columns (10 × 3.0 mm, 1.9 μm), characterized by high retention and surface area, were employed as modulation interface in both HILIC × RP and RP × RP methods. The LC × LC platforms were coupled to UV and tandem mass spectrometry detection and tested for the separation and identification of two gastro-intestinal digests of commercial microalgae formulations (Spirulina Platensis and Klamath). Their performances were evaluated in terms of peak capacity, maximum number and properties of identified phycocyanin peptides. Our results showed that the HILIC × RP approach provided the highest peak capacity values (nc HILIC × RP: 932 vs. nc RP × RP: 701) with an analysis time of 60 min, while the RP × RP approach was able to identify a slight higher number of phycocyanin derived peptides (HILIC × RP: 88 vs. RP × RP: 103). These results point out the flexibility and potential of HILIC × RP and RP × RP based on trapping modulation for peptide mapping approaches.
The Use of Remote Sensing Analysis for Evaluating the Impact of Development Projects in the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
Authors: Sidman Gabriel , Fuhrig Sydney , Batra Geeta
Published: May 2020

Remote sensing has long been valued as a data source for monitoring environmental indicators and detecting trends in ecosystem stress from anthropogenic causes such as deforestation, river dams and air and water pollution. More recently, remote sensing analyses have been applied to evaluate the impacts of environmental projects and programs on reducing environmental stresses. Such evaluation has focused primarily on the change in above-surface vegetation such as forests. This study uses remote sensing ocean color products to evaluate the impact on reducing marine pollution of the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) portfolio of projects in the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem. Chlorophyll concentration was derived from satellite images over a time series from the 1990s, when GEF projects began, until the present. Results show a 50% increase in chlorophyll until 2011 followed by a 34% decrease until 2019, showing a potential delayed effect of pollution control efforts. The rich time series data is a major advantage to using geospatial analysis for evaluating the impacts of environmental interventions on marine pollution. However, one drawback to the method is that it provides insights into correlations but cannot attribute the results to any particular cause, such as GEF interventions.
Investigation of Freight Agents’ Interaction Considering Partner Selection and Joint Decision Making
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Wang Xiaokun (Cara)
Published: May 2020

Freight transportation plays an increasingly important role in sustainable development. However, freight travel demand has not been understood comprehensively, due to its unique features: freight activities are the result of collaboration among freight agents. It distinguishes freight transportation from passenger transportation, in which travel decisions are made mostly by individuals. Specifically, two processes in the collaboration can be observed: partner selection and joint decision making. Using the supplier-customer collaboration as an example, partner selection is a process for suppliers and customers to evaluate their potential partners and select the best one. Joint decision making allows suppliers and customers to seek common interests and make compromises. As a traditional travel demand model cannot model the two processes effectively, this research develops an innovative econometric model, spatial matching model, to bridge the gap. The proposed model is specified based on freight agents’ behavioral, estimated by Bayesian MCMC methods, and demonstrated by numerical examples. The proposed model and estimation methods can recover the coefficient values in the econometric models, and establish the relationship between the influential factors and the observed matching behavior. The analysis improves the understanding of freight travel demand in a behavioral-consistent manner and enriches the body of freight demand modeling literature.
A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Knowledge of Mosquito-Borne Infections and Barriers for Protection in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Chapot Lorraine , Nguyen-Tien Thang , Pham-Thanh Long , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Craven Luke , Lindahl Johanna F
Published: May 2020

Dengue is a growing problem in Hanoi, with cyclical epidemics of increasing frequency and magnitude. In June 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using mixed methods to investigate how inhabitants of Hanoi perceive and respond to the risk of mosquito-borne diseases (MBD). A total of 117 participants recruited using a stratified random sampling method were interviewed in three districts of Hanoi. Knowledge and practices (KP) regarding MBDs were assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Inferential statistics were used to identify factors associated with KP scores and describe the relationship between variables. Additionally, a “risk-mapping” exercise was conducted in a subsample through semi-structured interviews and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the System Effects platform. Factors significantly associated with knowledge scores were education and family history of MBDs. While knowledge and practice scores were found to be positively correlated in the statistical analysis, this was not corroborated by our observations on the field. The results also revealed gaps in knowledge about MBDs and vectors and highlighted a general feeling of powerlessness which prevented the adoption of protective behaviors. Therefore, educational interventions which provide concrete tools to empower communities should have a positive impact on improving vector control.
Effects of Meglumine Antimoniate Treatment on Cytokine Production in a Patient with Mucosal Leishmaniasis and Chagas Diseases Co-Infection
Authors: Rezende-Oliveira Karine , Gómez-Hernández Cesar , Silva Marcos Vinícius da , Faria de Oliveira Rafael , Reis Machado Juliana , de Almeida Silva Teixeira Luciana , Castellano Lúcio Roberto Cançado , Correia Dalmo , Rodrigues Virmondes
Published: May 2020

The influence of antimoniate treatment on specific anti-protozoan T-cell responses was evaluated in a 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with mucosal leishmaniasis and Chagas disease infection. Before and after treatment, PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) were cultured in the absence or presence of Leishmania braziliensis or Trypanosoma cruzi live parasites, their soluble antigens, or PHA (phytohaemagglutinin). Cytokines were measured and Treg (T regulatory) cell percentages were quantified. Before treatment, PBMC were able to produce higher amounts of TNF-α, IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and IL-10 (Interleukin-10) but lower amounts of IL-12 (Interleukin-12) in response to culture stimulation. However, after treatment, there was a down-modulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 cytokines but an up-modulation in IL-12 production. PBMC had the ability to produce TNF-α only against live parasites or PHA. There was an overall decrease of circulating Treg cells after treatment. In mixed Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease infection, treatment with antimoniate could modulate immune responses toward a more protective profile to both diseases.
Toxicity in Goats Exposed to Arsenic in the Region Lagunera, Northern Mexico
Authors: Ortega-Morales Natalia B. , Cueto-Wong José A. , Barrientos-Juárez Eutiquio , García-Vargas Gonzalo , Salinas-González Homero , Buendía Garcia Alain , Morán-Martínez Javier
Published: May 2020

The Region Lagunera, a region in northeast Mexico, is undergoing significant problems with the quality of its groundwater, which exceeds the permissible limits of contaminants and/or heavy metals stipulated in Mexican legislation. The present study evaluated chronic toxicity in male goats exposed to arsenic via one ex situ Group 1 (n = 5) and one in situ female goats Group 3 (n = 10). The treatment in Group 1 was carried out in the La Laguna experimental field of the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), located in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico. Sodium arsenite (2 mg/kg) was orally administered for 84 days to five male Creole goats, aged between four and five years old and weighing between 60 and 70 kg, in order to determine its effect on urine toxicity, libido, and physiological condition, an untreated group (n = 5) was included (Group 2). The experiment in group 3 was conducted on ten female Creole goats, aged between four and six years old and weighing between 40 and 49 kg, in both the contaminated sampling area in the rural community of El Venado and the control sampling area in the rural community of Nuevo Reynosa (Group 4 (n = 5)), in which the arsenic levels were measured in the urine of the exposed goats, as was their physiological condition. Significant differences (p < 0.01) between the groups were found in both the arsenic concentration in the urine and the physiological condition observed in both experimental groups.
Iš Lietuvos etnologijos istorijos: aprangos tyrimo pagrindų paieškos
Authors: Šidiškienė Irma
Published: May 2020

Works by 19th-century Lithuanian authors on Lithuanian clothing are considered in the historiography of ethnology to be historical or ethnographic sources, but no comparative analysis of such works on clothing has been performed so far. To fill this gap, we analyse texts written in the 19th century and up to 1918, in order to determine the basics of clothing research in ethnology. The aims are to analyse the information provided in these works, written in different languages, on Lithuanian (also known as peasant, or folk) clothing, discussing questions of the use of old names for clothing in these works. Key words: ancient and traditional Lithuanian clothing, history of ethnology, clothing terms, ethnographic sources, historical sources, historiography of ethnology.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VIBRATIONS OF VISCOUS CONCRETE MEDIUM IN A VIBROFORM WITH CYLINDRICAL PUNCHES
Authors: Kirilov I. , Khanin S. , Voronov V.
Published: May 2020

The relevance of using volumetric vibroforming machines in the production of reinforced concrete products is considered. A step-by-step vibration effect created by the cylindrical surface of a punch fixed to the vibration form of a continuous formless forming machine is described. The expediency of achieving effective compaction by changing the vibration velocity is proved. The spread of vibration by a punch immersed in a viscous concrete medium is described. Analytical expressions describing changes in amplitude and phase variations of vibration propagation velocity in viscous concrete medium are obtained. Using the obtained analytical expressions, the corresponding graphical dependencies characterizing the impact on the concrete medium vibroform with punches, consisting of two parts that oscillate with different amplitude and frequency characteristics are constructed. The influence of the radial size r of cylindrical punch surface, frequency and amplitude of its oscillations on the change of amplitude and phase shift of vibration propagation velocity is established.
MODELING THE INFLUENCE OF THE DESIGN OF THE AERATION DEVICE ON THE UNLOADING OF THE AIR PUMP
Authors: Bogdanov V. , Anciferov S. , Bogdanov D. , Vöth S. , Kulakov L.
Published: May 2020

It is impossible to imagine the technological process of production of building materials, dry building mixes, reinforced concrete products without an important technological operation of transporting powder materials. Pneumatic chamber pumps are widely used for transporting powder bulk materials and are a mandatory element in the configuration of concrete plants and other mixing equipment. Their advantages are the possibility of full automation of work, reliable protection from atmospheric influences and the necessary sanitary and hygienic working conditions. Therefore, pneumatic chamber pumps are increasingly used for transportation. Compressed air is piped into the pump chamber. The bulk material is saturated with air, the resulting aerated mixture under the influence of excess pressure enters the pipeline and is transported in the specified direction. The disadvantage of pneumatic chamber pumps is the increased consumption of compressed air during transportation. To reduce air consumption, various aeration devices are used. Currently, at the modeling stage, modern software is used to determine the effectiveness of the developed aeration device. The influence of the air flow velocity on the discharge of a pneumatic chamber pump is considered. A design solution for the aeration device of the TA-29 pneumatic chamber pump is proposed.
Premodern European Capitalism, Christianity, and Florence
Authors: Caferro William
Published: May 2020

The essay examines the role of Christianity in premodern European capitalism, with regard to the city of Florence. It traces the formation of the historical construct and the influence of Werner Sombart’s Der moderne Kapitalismus, a work much neglected nowadays in the Anglophone academy. The article seeks to historicize and contextualize faith and economy, tostress their fundamentally intertwined nature and more specifically how notions of “negotiation” and diriturra (moral Christianrectitude) connect the seemingly antagonistic sides, and connect also Florentine finance and business history, which are too often studied independently. It argues that Christianrectitude and service to the church (a noncynical quid pro quo) were conjoined with a calculated, reasoned profit motive–evident especially among papal bankers, a key sector of the Florentine economy
KALP YETERSİZLİĞİ VE BESLENME İLE İLİŞKİLİ FAKTÖRLER
Authors: TOKLU Hilal
Published: May 2020

Kalp
yetersizliği (KY) prevalansı yaşla birlikte artan ve çeşitli risk
faktörlerinden etkilenen bir sendromdur. Diyabet, obezite, hipertansiyon gibi
beslenme ile ilişkili metabolik hastalıklar kalp yetersizliğinin patogenezinde
önemli rol oynamaktadır. Hastalığın tedavisinde beslenme önerileri değişkenlik
göstermekle beraber genel olarak sodyumdan kısıtlı bir diyet önerilmektedir. Ancak
bu hastalarda diüretik ilaç kullanımına bağlı olarak farklı besin ögelerinde
yetersizlikler ve sonuç olarak malnütrisyon gözlenebilmektedir. Kalp yetersizliğinin
önlenebilmesi ya da semptomların düzeltilebilmesi için farklı diyetsel
yaklaşımlar uygulanıp, omega-3 ve yetersizliği görülen mikro besin ögeleri
takviye olarak verilebilir. Artan prevalansın bir sonucu olarak bu konuda
yapılan çalışmaların sayısı artmış olmasına karşın, beslenme önerileri
değişkenlik göstermektedir.
KRONİK OBSTRÜKTİF AKCİĞER HASTALIĞINDA FENOTİPLERE GÖRE KAN BİYOBELİRTEÇLERİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: MUTLU Pınar , AYLANÇ Nilüfer , MİRİCİ N.arzu , İLÇİN GÜVEN Merve
Published: May 2020

Amaç: Kronik
obstrüktif akciğer hastalığı (KOAH)'nda hava yolu inflamasyonu, biyobelirteçler
kullanılarak ölçülebilir. Bu çalışma, sistemik inflamasyonun biyobelirteçlerini
kullanarak KOAH'ın heterojenliğini araştırmak için yapılmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntem: 19
KOAH'lı hastanın toraks bilgisayar tomografisi amfizem baskın ve kronik bronşit
baskın olmasına göre değerlendirildi ve kan biyobelirteçleriyle
karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Çalışma
grubunun yaş ortalaması 72,1±8,0 yıldı. KOAH fenotipiyle kan biyobelirteçleri
arasında bir fark saptanmazken, amfizem baskın ile kronik bronşit arasında, toraks
anteroposterior (AP) ve transvers çap açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı
fark saptanmıştır. AP çap/transvers çap oranı ile TNF-alfa arasında pozitif
yönlü güçlü istatistiksel olarak anlamlı korelasyon saptandı.

Sonuç: Yaygın kronik
bronşitli hastalar ile yaygın pulmoner amfizemi olan hastalar arasında inflamatuar
biyobelirteçler açısından anlamlı fark bulunmaması, bu iki klinik ve
fonksiyonel fenotipin benzer inflamatuar bir paterne sahip olabileceğini
düşündürmüştür. Sonuç olarak, KOAH'ın fenotipik ayrımı ya da tedaviye yanıtın
değerlendirilmesi için biyobelirteçlerin kullanımına büyük bir ilgi vardır.
Sonuçlarımızın, daha büyük klinik çalışmaların planlanmasında fayda
sağlayacağını düşünüyoruz.
DİYABETİK SIÇANLARIN YAVRULARINDA AKCİĞER GELİŞİMİNİN TARAMALI ELEKTRON MİKROSKOBUNDA İNCELENMESİ
Authors: BALCIOĞLU Esra , ÖZDAMAR Saim
Published: May 2020

Diabetes mellitus hiperglisemi ile karakterizedir ve pek çok organın gelişimi kadar, göz, kan damarları, sinirler ve böbrekleri etkileyen kronik komplikasyonlara neden olur. Bu çalışmanın amacı doğum sonrası akciğer gelişimi üzerine diyabetin etkilerini incelemektir. Gebeliğinin yedinci gününde STZ enjeksiyonu ile sıçanlarda diyabet oluşturuldu. Doğum günü, doğum sonrası beşinci gün ve 10. günlerde kontrol ve deney grubuna ait yeni doğanların akciğer dokuları alındı, ışık ve taramalı elektron mikroskobu (SEM) için rutin takipleri yapıldı. Akciğer histopatolojisi, alveol duvarının kalınlığı ve alveol genişliği ölçülerek değerlendirildi. Doğum gününde, doğum sonrası beşinci ve 10. günlerde alveol duvar kalınlığının deney gruplarında kontrol gruplarına göre daha kalın olduğu buna karşı alveol çaplarının daha dar olduğu gözlendi. Fakat doğum sonrası 10. günde, her iki grubun akciğerlerinin erişkindekine benzer süngerimsi görünüme ulaştığı gözlenmiştir. Bu çalışma diyabetik annelerin yeni doğan yavrularının kontrollere göre olgunlaşmamış akciğerlere sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu sonuçlar insülinin akciğer gelişimi ve olgunlaşmasını düzenleyen önemli bir hormon olduğunu ve hiperinsülineminin STZ ile oluşturulmuş sıçan modelinde diyabetik annelerin yavrularında akciğer gelişiminin gecikmesinden sorumlu olabileceğini göstermektedir.
OVER KANSERİ HÜCRELERİNDE PRİMA-1 Met TEDAVİSİNE YANIT OLARAK DEĞİŞEN miRNA EKSPRESYON ANALİZİ
Authors: İMİR Nilüfer , AYDEMİR Esra , ŞİMŞEK Ece
Published: May 2020

Tümör hücrelerinde p53
fonksiyonunun restorasyonu, over kanseri tedavisinde çekici bir strateji olacağı
düşünülmektedir, çünkü p53 mutasyonlarının over kanserlerinde görülme
sıklığı  %50-60 arasındadır. Küçük
molekül Prima-1Met'in, p53'ün tümör baskılama fonksiyonunu geri
kazandığı ve insan tümör hücrelerinde hücre
büyümesini inhibe ettiği ve apoptozu indüklediği gösterilmiştir. MikroRNA'lar hem transkripsiyonel hem de translasyonel
seviyelerde gen ekspresyonunu düzenler ve hücre proliferasyonu, farklılaşma ve
hematopoez gibi çok çeşitli fizyolojik ve biyolojik süreçlerde etki yapar.
Epitelyal over kanserinde yapılan çok sayıdaki miRNA profillemesi
çalışmalarında, kemoterapi direnci ve hastalık progresyonu ile ilişkili
miRNA'lar tanımlanmıştır, fakat, Prima-1Met'e yanıt olarak
miRNA'ların tutulumu hakkında çok az şey bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, apoptotik
etkisi olduğu bilinen Prima-1Met ile
muamele edilmiş over kanseri hücre hatlarında, bu ilaca yanıt olarak
ekspresyonu değişen miRNA’ların belirlenmesini hedeflendi ve bunun için ilaç
verilen hücre hatlarında hem kanser hem de apoptosis yolaklarını hedefleyen
miRNA’ların ekspresyonları miScript PCR array ile belirlenip analiz edilmiştir.
Analiz sonucunda, her iki hücre hattında da hem over kanseri hem de
apoptosisle ilişkili olarak Prima-1Metuygulamasıyla
ekspresyonu artan miRNA’lar; miRNA-1, miRNA-134, miRNA-141, miRNA-143,
miRNA-145, miRNA-204, miRNA-205, miRNA-214, miRNA-29a ve miRNA-29c olarak
belirlenmiştir. Ekspresyonu azalan miRNA’lar ise miRNA-21, miRNA-221 ve
miRNA-222 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma Prima-1Met indüklü
apoptosisin moleküler mekanizmasının aydınlatılması için bir temel
oluşturmaktadır.
İMPLANT CERRAHİSİNDE HAYATI TEHDİT EDEN HEMATOM: OLGU SUNUMU VE LİTERATÜR TARAMASI
Authors: ÜLKER Ömer , DEMİRBAŞ Ahmet Emin
Published: May 2020

Dental implantlar
günümüzde dişsiz çenelerde sıklıkla ve başarılı bir şekilde uygulanan güncel
bir tedavi yöntemidir. Maksillo-mandibular alanlarda uygulanan bu tedavi yöntemi
özellikle antikoagülan ilaç kullanımı olan hastalarda ciddi komplikasyonların
meydana gelmesine sebep olabilir. Bu komplikasyonlardan en önemlisi majör
cerrahi işlemler sırasında veya sonrasında görülen hayatı tehdit eden
kanamadır. Bu tip kanamalar sonrasında ağız tabanı ve çevresinde hematom
gelişmesi ile hava yolunun tam veya kısmi olarak tıkanmasına kadar giden ciddi
problemlere yol açabilir. Sonuçta hastaların hava yolu güvenliğinin sağlanması
için acil olarak entübe edilmesi ya da trakeotomi yapılması gerekmektedir. Bu vaka
raporunda, 65 yaşında kalp kapak replasmanı nedeniyle varfarin sodyum kullanan
erkek hasta protetik tedavi için kliniğimize başvurdu. Lokal anestezi altında
çoklu diş çekimlerini takiben maksilla ve mandibulaya 9 adet implant yerleştirildi.
Cerrahi işlemden bir gün sonra görülen yaygın ve diffüz tipte hematom yaklaşık
on gün sürdü.  Hastanın kan hemoglobin
değerindeki ani düşüş nedeniyle iki defa acil olarak kan replasmanı yapıldı.
Kanama kontrolü için lokal hemostatik ajanlar ile bimanuel kompresyon ve
elektrokoter kullanıldı. İyileşme tamamlandıktan dört ay sonra hastanın
protezleri yapılarak tedavisi sorunsuz bitirildi.
BİYOELEKTRİK İMPEDANS YÖNTEMİ VE ANTROPOMETRİK ÖLÇÜMLER İLE VÜCUT KOMPOZİSYON ANALİZİNİN SEDANTER GENÇ ERKEK VE KADINLARDA KARŞILAŞTIRILMALI OLARAK DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: UĞRAŞ Seda , ÖZDENK Çağrı
Published: May 2020

Amaç: Optimal vücut kompozisyonu, sağlıklı vücudu yansıtmaktadır. Uygun olmayan vücut kompozisyonları, diyabet ve obezite gibi sağlık problemleri ortaya çıkarabilir. Klinik ve spor bilimlerinde, farklı amaçlar için vücut kompozisyon analiz yöntemleri kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, biyoelektrik impedans analizini (BIA) kullanarak vücut kompozisyonunun karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmesi ve korelasyon elde etmek için vücut kompozisyonu ve vücut kitle indeksi (VKİ), bel çevresi ve bel-kalça oranı ile arasındaki ilişkileri incelemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya yaşları 18 ile 25 arasında değişen toplam 280 sedanter genç erkek (175) ve kadın (105) (erkek yaş: 21.4 ± 1.6 yıl, kadın 21.3 ± 1.8 yıl) katılmıştır. Sonuçların istatistiksel olarak değerlendirilmesinde lineer regresyon analiz yöntemi kullanıldı.Bulgular: Yağ miktarı ile VKİ arasında anlamlı pozitif korelasyon bulundu (erkeklerde r = 0.906 p <0.0001, kadınlarda r = 0.879 p <0.0001). Bununla birlikte, bel kalça oranı ile yağ oranı (r = 0.696, erkeklerde p <0.0001 ve r = 0.235, p = 0.01 kadınlarda) ve ayrıca bel / kalça oranı ve yağ miktarı arasında düşük ancak anlamlı bir ilişki vardır (r = 0.753) erkeklerde p <0.0001 ve r = 0.318, p <0.0001 kadınlarda). Sonuç: VKİ ve BIA yöntemi sağlıklı vücut kompozisyonu üzerinde güçlü korelasyon sağlar. BIA, klinik denemelerde sağlıklı ve hastalıklı denekler arasında vücut kompozisyonunu tahmin etmek için kullanılan faydalı bir yöntemdir.
Removalof Cephalexin From Aqueous Solutions Using Magnesium Oxide/Granular Activated Carbon Hybrid Photocatalytic Process
Authors: Seid-Mohammadi Abdolmotaleb , Bahrami Mina , Omari Sana , Asadi Fateme
Published: May 2020

In the present study, magnesium oxide/granular activated carbon (MgO/GAC) composite as a catalyst was synthesized using the sol-gel method and its catalytic potential was investigated in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for the removal of cephalexin (CLX) in a batch mode reactor. Then, the characterization of the MgO/GAC composite was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Next, the effect of operational parameters was evaluated, including the pH of the solution (3-11), the dosage of composite (1-6 g/L), initial CLX concentration (20-100 mg/L), and contact time (10-60 minutes). The maximum CLX degradation with an initial concentration of 20 mg/L was as high as 98% at pH=3, 4 g/L of MgO/GAC composite with UV irradiation within 60-minute contact time. In addition, the removal process of CLX could be described by the pseudofirst-order kinetic. Further, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate were 78% and, 62.3% in optimum conditions, respectively. The results indicated that the UV/MgO/GAC hybrid photocatalytic process can be considered as an efficient alternative for treating the wastewater containing CLX.