bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictores de respuestas psicológicas de duelo ante la pérdida de la salud
Authors: Miaja Ávila Melina , De la Rubia José Moral
Published: February 2019

Un concepto relevante para el estudio del duelo ante la pérdida de salud es la resiliencia, la cual contribuye en la asimilación y recuperación frente a la pérdida, y en un mayor  bienestar psicológico y físico. La resiliencia no se ha aplicado dentro del marco teórico de fases de duelo de Kübler-Ross. Así cabría preguntarse: ¿cómo se relaciona la resiliencia en el proceso de duelo ante la pérdida de la salud?, y ¿cómo influyen la resiliencia sobre las respuestas psicológicas de duelo frente a otras variables significativas como religiosidad, ingresos económicos y escolaridad? Para responder estas interrogantes se estudió la relación de las respuestas psicológicas de duelo ante la pérdida de la salud con la resiliencia, variables sociodemográficas y de religiosidad; asimismo, se especificó y contrastó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para predecir las respuestas psicológicas de duelo. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo-correlacional con diseño no experimental transversal en una muestra no probabilística de 120 mujeres mexicanas en tratamiento oncológico. Se aplicaron dos instrumentos de medición: la escala de Respuestas Psicológicas de Duelo ante la Pérdida de la Salud (RPD-PS-38) y la Escala de Resiliencia Mexicana (RESI-M). Se encontró que la resiliencia tuvo una mayor asociación con las respuestas psicológicas de duelo que con las variables sociodemográficas y la religiosidad. El modelo predictivo tuvo un buen ajuste a los datos, el primer factor de segundo orden (menor reacción de afecto negativo ante la enfermedad) fue predicho por mayor apoyo familiar, mayor frecuencia de asistencia a los servicios religiosos y mayor ingreso económico familiar; el segundo factor de segundo orden (actitud positiva ante la enfermedad con apoyo en creencias religiosas) fue predicho por mayor competencia social, mayor asistencia a los servicios religiosos, menor escolaridad e ingreso económico familiar, siendo los dos factores de segundo orden del duelo independientes entre sí. Se concluye que la resiliencia es una variable importante en el proceso de duelo; como también lo es la religiosidad, que está asociada con escolaridad e ingresos bajos. Se sugiere trabajar estos aspectos dentro de dinámicas de grupo para facilitar los procesos de duelo en mujeres en tratamiento oncológico.
Validación del Modelo Unidimensional de la Escala de Valoración de la Relación en Personas Casadas y en Unión Libre de Monterrey, México
Authors: De la Rubia José Moral
Published: February 2019

El estudio de las relaciones de pareja cobra especial importancia, ya que esta unión constituye la base de la familia. La satisfacción con la relación se puede definir como la actitud global hacia la relación y la pareja. La escala de Valoración de la Relación (RAS) de Hendrick es un instrumento comúnmente usado para evaluar el constructo. Esta escala ha demostrado tener consistencia interna alta y una estructura unidimensional. Aunque existen estudios de validación de la RAS, estos han empleado técnicas estadísticas inadecuadas para analizar sus ítems tipo Likert y para determinar el número de factores; además, previamente no se ha contrastado su invarianza factorial por sexo. Por tanto, en este estudio se plantean las siguientes preguntas de investigación: ¿la RAS tiene ítems consistentes y discriminativos? Basados los análisis en la matriz de correlaciones policóricas, ¿cuál es su nivel de consistencia interna?, ¿cuál es su número de factores usando métodos empíricos rigurosos?, y ¿el modelo de un factor es invariante por sexo? A fin de responder a estas preguntas de investigación, se usó un muestreo probabilístico de rutas aleatorias en este estudio instrumental de validación de la RAS. La muestra se extrajo de la población de personas casadas o en unión libre de la ciudad de Monterrey en México. Hubo 431 participantes femeninas y 376 participantes masculinos en este estudio. Los siete ítems de la RAS fueron consistentes y discriminativos. La consistencia interna de la escala fue excelente en la muestra conjunta (α ordinal = .93), en la de mujeres (α ordinal = .94) y en la de hombres (α ordinal = .92). El análisis paralelo de Horn y la prueba de la correlación parcial media mínima de Velicer sugirieron una solución de un factor. Además, el modelo de un factor (con una correlación entre los residuos de los dos ítems inversos) tuvo buen ajuste a los datos y sus propiedades de invarianza por sexo fueron aceptables por el método de Mínimos Cuadrados No Ponderados. Se concluye que la escala presenta consistencia interna y validez cruzada por sexo. Se recomienda el uso de la escala en la población estudiada de parejas casadas y que viven juntas.
Investigación sobre la creatividad y la televisión en los niños
Authors: Muñoz Serafín Aldea
Published: February 2019

Para comenzar analizamos el significado de las dos variables que nos ocupan a través de una introducción y de una revisión histórica literaria. A continuación, realizamos un estudio teórico-empírico cuyo objetivo principal es establecer la relación entre las variables televisión-creatividad. Establecemos un objetivo teórico y dos empíricosa través de unas hipótesis. El tipo de investigación propuesto es correlacional y descriptivo partiendo de los conceptos de creatividad, espontaneidad y televisión. La muestra real corresponde a dos clases de 6º de Primaria de la zona rural de Navarra y utilizamos como instrumento de medida el cuestionario aplicado a padres, profesores y niños.
Lärares benägenhet att gripa in
Authors: Samuelsson Marcus
Published: February 2019

Förmågan eller avsaknaden av förmåga att gripa in när ingripande kan anses befogat diskuteras från tid till annan. Det sker inte sällan som en följd av en massmedialt uppmärksammad händelse. Detta oavsett det gäller interventioner i krishärdar från organ som EU eller FN eller stater som USA eller det rör sig om enskilda medborgares beteende i särskilda situationer skriver Marcus Samuelsson.
Att fokusera bibliotek
Authors: Eriksson Gustavsson Anna-Lena
Published: February 2019

Arbetet med förankring av synen på fokusbiblioteket som en central aktör i den pedagogiska verksamheten på skolorna behöver ständigt påminnas om, stärkas och intensifieras.
Folkhögskollärare som folkbildare
Authors: Andersson Per
Published: February 2019

Folkhögskollärarna framstår som folkbildare med ett visst uppdrag. Men hur förhåller sig folkhögskollärarna till den idégrund som finns för skolans verksamhet? Per Andersson har undersökt hur lärarna ser på sitt arbete, kompetensbehoven samt förhållandet mellan individens utveckling och den samhälleliga inriktningen.
Folkbildningen behöver ett ansikte
Authors: Bokvist Sara
Published: February 2019

Staten har formulerat fyra syften med folkbildningen. De statliga anslag vi studieförbund får, ska ge oss möjlighet att uppfylla dessa syften. En av folkbildningens framtida utmaningar är att vi på ett tydligare sätt måste kunna visa vad de statliga anslagen faktiskt leder till – vi måste ge folkbildningen ett ansikte.
Början på ett utbyte för framtiden
Authors: Sezgin Natalie , Tengelin Kristina
Published: February 2019

Som pionjärer i ett lärarstudentutbyte mellan Linköpings universitet och Western Kentucky University, USA, tillbringade författarna fem veckor i februari-mars 2012 i den amerikanska staden Bowling Green, Kentucky. Utbytet är ett av flera och ett ökande antal internationella avtal som Linköpings universitet slutit med länder över hela världen.

Ambitionen är att möjliggöra för fler svenska lärarstudenter att göra sin slutpraktik på en utländsk skola och på så sätt bredda sina erfarenheter inför det kommande arbetslivet.
Inre motivation positiv för elevers utveckling och lärande
Authors: Jungert Tomas
Published: February 2019

Har yttre belöningar (exempelvis guldstjärnor i kanten av skrivboken) en negativ inverkan på elevers inre motivation? Minskar intresset för människor att engagera sig i eller prestera väl i en uppgift när yttre belöningar erbjuds? Flera meta-analyser har visat att så är fallet. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) är en teori som såväl teoretiskt som praktiskt belyser hur lärare kan stödja elever för att öka deras inre motivation.
Fullt upp från morgon till kväll
Authors: Ellegård Kajsa
Published: February 2019

Grundskollärare har långa arbetsdagar, i genomsnitt cirka 9,5 timmar. Men genomsnittstiden säger inte mycket om hur dagarna ser ut, när olika arbetsaktiviteter genomförs under dagen, hur länge de varar, om de splittras upp av annat, om några aktiviteter är mer vanliga hos vissa lärare än andra eller hur fördelningen mellan arbetet på skolan eller i hemmet ser ut. En ökad kunskap om lärares tidsanvändning visar den komplexitet som följer med skolans vardag och möjliggör nya vägar att hantera den.
Linköpingsdoktorer höjer nivån på pedagogisk forskning i Rwanda
Authors: Andersson Sven B. , Andersson Ingrid
Published: February 2019

Tack vare samarbetet med Linköpings universitet har en forskarutbildning i pedagogik för första gången genomförts med deltagare från Rwanda. Nio universitetslärare vid Universitetet i Rwanda har doktorerat i pedagogik vid Institutionen för beteendevetenskap och lärande vid Linköpings universitet.
En mix av två världar – vägen från student till professionell lärare
Authors: Edlund Camilla , Erlandsson Sofia , Jansson Kerstin , Nordahl Jenny , Pettersson Nina , Wesolowska Malgorzata
Published: February 2019

Vi måste hjälpa nyexaminerade lärare att bli säkra i sin profession. Ett framgångsrecept kan vara att blanda tysk lärarutbildning med svensk. Detta skulle kunna medföra att vi på ett bättre sätt säkrar elevers måluppfyllelse och får fler nya lärare att stanna kvar i yrket.
A Two-Level Rolling Optimization Model for Real-time Adaptive Signal Control
Authors: Yao Zhihong , Wang Yibing , Xiao Wei , Zhao Bin , Peng Bo
Published: February 2019

Recently, dynamic traffic flow prediction models have increasingly been developed in a connected vehicle environment, which will be conducive to the development of more advanced traffic signal control systems. This paper proposes a rolling optimization model for real-time adaptive signal control based on a dynamic traffic flow model. The proposed method consists of two levels, i.e., barrier group and phase. The upper layer optimizes the length of the barrier group based on dynamic programming. The lower level optimizes the signal phase lengths with the objective of minimizing vehicle delay. Then, to capture the dynamic traffic flow, a rolling strategy was developed based on a real-time traffic flow prediction model. Finally, the proposed method was compared to the Controlled Optimization of Phases (COP) algorithm in a simulation experiment. The results showed that the average vehicle delay was significantly reduced, by as much as 17.95%, using the proposed method.
Multi-Objective Design Optimization of a Shape Memory Alloy Flexural Actuator
Authors: Haigh Casey D. , Crews John H. , Wang Shiquan , Buckner Gregory D.
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a computational model and design optimization strategy for shape memory alloy (SMA) flexural actuators. These actuators consist of curved SMA wires embedded within elastic structures; one potential application is positioning microcatheters inside blood vessels during clinical treatments. Each SMA wire is shape-set to an initial curvature and inserted along the neutral axis of a straight elastic member (cast polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS). The elastic structure preloads the SMA, reducing the equilibrium curvature of the composite actuator. Temperature-induced phase transformations in the SMA are achieved via Joule heating, enabling strain recovery and increased bending (increased curvature) in the actuator. Actuator behavior is modeled using the homogenized energy framework, and the effects of two critical design parameters (initial SMA curvature and flexural rigidity of the elastic sleeve) on activation curvature are investigated. Finally, a multi-objective genetic algorithm is utilized to optimize actuator performance and generate a Pareto frontier, which is subsequently experimentally validated.
The Replication Hypothesis along the Take-Off Run and a System of Equilibrium Equations at the Lift-Off of a Protobird
Authors: Burgers Phillip
Published: February 2019

An extant bird resorts to flapping and running along its take-off run to generate lift and thrust in order to reach the minimum required wing velocity speed required for lift-off. This paper introduces the replication hypothesis that posits that the variation of lift relative to the thrust generated by the flapping wings of an extant bird, along its take-off run, replicates the variation of lift relative to the thrust by the flapping wings of a protobird as it evolves towards sustained flight. The replication hypothesis combines experimental data from extant birds with evidence from the paleontological record of protobirds to come up with a physics-based model of its evolution towards sustained flight while scaling down the time span from millions of years to a few seconds. A second hypothesis states that the vertical and horizontal forces acting on a protobird when it first encounters lift-off are in equilibrium as the protobird exerts its maximum available power for flapping, equaling its lift with its weight, and its thrust with its drag.
Soil Amendment with Raw Garlic Stalk: A Novel Strategy to Stimulate Growth and the Antioxidative Defense System in Monocropped Eggplant in the North of China
Authors: Ghani Muhammad Imran , Ali Ahmad , Atif Muhammad Jawaad , Ali Muhammad , Amin Bakht , Anees Muhammad , Cheng Zhihui
Published: February 2019

Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) is a vegetable with known medicinal value. It is not only rich in nutrients, but also has the ability to combat different microbial infections. This is, however, the first study to investigate the effect of soil incorporation of the raw garlic stalk (RGS) on the growth and antioxidative defense system of eggplant. The experiments were conducted in pots using soil amendments of RGS in different ratios (RGS1 1:100; RGS2 3:100; RGS3 5:100 and control (CK) 0:100 of RGS: Soil w/w) and repeated in two consecutive years (2016 and 2017). A dose-dependent response of RGS amendment was observed in the growth and physiology of the eggplant. RGS1 and RGS2 significantly enhanced the plant height, root/shoot weight, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, root activity, pigment contents (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll), and photosynthetic parameters, but reduced intracellular CO2 (Ci) and enhanced fruit yield as compared with the respective controls. Consistently, RGS also enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes of eggplant reported as a defense against stress indicators. RGS in its higher ratios (RGS3), however, caused a reduction in all of the growth and physiological parameters and increased stress indicators such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Overall, RGS2 was found to be the most efficient for regulation of plant defense systems, reducing H2O2 and MDA and enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and phenylalanine ammonia–lyase (PAL) activity. It can be concluded that the appropriate ratio of RGS could efficiently promote plant growth and regulate the reactive oxygen-based plant defense system.
Avian Liver: The Forgotten Organ
Authors: Zaefarian Faegheh , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza , Cowieson Aaron , Ravindran Velmurugu
Published: February 2019

Despite having huge responsibilities in avian species, published reports on the influence of dietary factors and other possible constraints on the size, development and function of liver are limited. Consideration of the factors that could influence and alter liver function is therefore of critical relevance. In the current review, aspects of liver structure and function, and the influence of feed restriction, anti-nutritional factors, structural components and feed additives on liver are discussed. Effects of feed technology techniques such as thermal treatment and pelleting, feed particle size and whole grain feeding on the liver are also reviewed. A discussion of lipogenesis and lipid storage in poultry is presented to provide a better understanding and to differentiate the normal pathways of lipid metabolism from abnormal (i.e., disordered) pathways. The liver is the main site of fat synthesis in poultry, but under certain conditions, excessive fat can accumulate in the liver and cause problems. Factors contributing to the fatty liver syndrome are also examined.
Comments on Ahmad, I.M. et al. Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters. Antioxidants, 2019, 8, 12
Authors: Bevelacqua Joseph J. , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2019

This commentary is regarding the paper recently published by Ahmad et al [...]
Wine Lees as a Source of Antioxidant Compounds
Authors: Jara-Palacios María José
Published: February 2019

The winemaking industry produces large amount of byproducts, including grape pomace, stalks, and lees. Wine lees are a natural source of phenolic compounds, which have important antioxidant and biological properties. Due to the high quantities produced worldwide, this byproduct can be an ideal raw material for obtaining phenolic compounds that could be of interest in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this mini review, the main characteristics of wine lees as well as their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity have been summarized from the information in the literature.
Investigating the Effect of Cutting Parameters of Ti–6Al–4V on Surface Roughness Based on a SPH Cutting Model
Authors: Niu Weilong , Mo Rong , Chang Zhiyong , Wan Neng
Published: February 2019

This work establishes a 2D numerical model to simulate the cutting process of workpieces made of Ti–6Al–4V, by applying an improved Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics algorithm together with a modified constitutive model based on the Johnson–Cook model known as Hyperbolic Tangent (TANH). The location information of the surface particles obtained by the SPH cutting model are used to evaluate the variation trend of surface roughness with different parameters. Parameters that affect the surface roughness are investigated in detail by using the Taguchi method and the SPH cutting model. The present work provides an efficient and cost-effective approach to determine the optimal parameters for cutting processes for Ti–6AL–4V workpieces, through computer simulations in virtual environments, instead of expensive and time-consuming cutting experiments using actual workpieces.
Peridynamic Modeling of Mode-I Delamination Growth in Double Cantilever Composite Beam Test: A Two-Dimensional Modeling Using Revised Energy-Based Failure Criteria
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Wei , Guo Shijun , Li Hao , Wang Hai
Published: February 2019

This study presents a two-dimensional ordinary state-based peridynamic (OSB PD) modeling of mode-I delamination growth in a double cantilever composite beam (DCB) test using revised energy-based failure criteria. The two-dimensional OSB PD composite model for DCB modeling is obtained by reformulating the previous OSB PD lamina model in x–z direction. The revised energy-based failure criteria are derived following the approach of establishing the relationship between critical bond breakage work and energy release rate. Loading increment convergence analysis and grid spacing influence study are conducted to investigate the reliability of the present modeling. The peridynamic (PD) modeling load–displacement curve and delamination growth process are then quantitatively compared with experimental results obtained from standard tests of composite DCB samples, which show good agreement between the modeling results and experimental results. The PD modeling delamination growth process damage contours are also illustrated. Finally, the influence of the revised energy-based failure criteria is investigated. The results show that the revised energy-based failure criteria improve the accuracy of the PD delamination modeling of DCB test significantly.
Sub-Terahertz Computer Generated Hologram with Two Image Planes
Authors: Surma Mateusz , Ducin Izabela , Zagrajek Przemyslaw , Siemion Agnieszka
Published: February 2019

An advanced optical structure such as a synthetic hologram (also called a computer-generated hologram) is designed for sub-terahertz radiation. The detailed design process is carried out using the ping-pong method, which is based on the modified iterative Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm. The novelty lies in designing and manufacturing a single hologram structure creating two different images at two distances. The hologram area is small in relation to the wavelength used (the largest hologram dimension is equivalent to around 57 wavelengths). Thus, it consists of a small amount of coded information, but despite this fact, the reconstruction is successful. Moreover, one of the reconstructed images is larger than the hologram area. Good accordance between numerical simulations and experimental evaluation was obtained.
Hepatic Steatosis Assessment Using Quantitative Ultrasound Parametric Imaging Based on Backscatter Envelope Statistics
Authors: Zhou Zhuhuang , Zhang Qiyu , Wu Weiwei , Wu Shuicai , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: February 2019

Hepatic steatosis is a key manifestation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Early detection of hepatic steatosis is of critical importance. Currently, liver biopsy is the clinical golden standard for hepatic steatosis assessment. However, liver biopsy is invasive and associated with sampling errors. Ultrasound has been recommended as a first-line diagnostic test for the management of NAFLD. However, B-mode ultrasound is qualitative and can be affected by factors including image post-processing parameters. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) aims to extract quantified acoustic parameters from the ultrasound backscattered signals for ultrasound tissue characterization and can be a complement to conventional B-mode ultrasound. QUS envelope statistics techniques, both statistical model-based and non-model-based, have shown potential for hepatic steatosis characterization. However, a state-of-the-art review of hepatic steatosis assessment using envelope statistics techniques is still lacking. In this paper, envelope statistics-based QUS parametric imaging techniques for characterizing hepatic steatosis are reviewed and discussed. The reviewed ultrasound envelope statistics parametric imaging techniques include acoustic structure quantification imaging, ultrasound Nakagami imaging, homodyned-K imaging, kurtosis imaging, and entropy imaging. Future developments are suggested.
Numerical Modelling of the Fire Extinguishing Gas Retention in Small Compartments
Authors: Boroń Sylwia , Węgrzyński Wojciech , Kubica Przemysław , Czarnecki Lech
Published: February 2019

Active fire protection systems are critical elements of good process safety. Among them, gaseous extinguishing systems provide quick, clean suppression and prolonged protection due to long retention process of the gas. Standard design methods do not provide sufficient tools for optimisation of the retention process, thus the necessity for development and validation of new tools and methods—such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. This paper presents a simplified approach to CFD modelling, by the omission of the discharge phase of the gas system. As the flow field after discharge is stable and driven mainly by the hydrostatic pressure difference, buoyancy and diffusion, this simplified approach appears as an efficient and cost-effective approach. This hypothesis was tested through performing CFD simulations, and their comparison against experimental measurements in a bench scale in a small compartment (0.72 m3), for six mixtures that differ in their density. Modelling the retention of the standard IG55 mixture was very close to the experiment. Modelling of mixtures with a density close to the density of ambient air has proven to be a challenge. However, the obtained results had sufficient accuracy (in most cases relative error <10%). This study shows the viability of the simplified approach in modelling the retention process, and indicates additional benefits of the numerical analyses in the determination of the fire safety of protected premises.
Simultaneous OTDR Dynamic Range and Spatial Resolution Enhancement by Digital LFM Pulse and Short-Time FrFT
Authors: Zhang Pu , Feng Qiguang , Li Wei , Zheng Qiang , Wang You
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a novel optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) method based on the digital linear frequency modulation (LFM) pulse, which can achieve a tradeoff between maximum measurable distance and spatial resolution. Direct modulation and detection are adopted at the transmitting and receiving ends, respectively, which is simple in construction and does not require additional optics. The short-time fractional Fourier transform (STFrFT) is introduced for the signal processing and noise filtering. The theoretical analysis of the working principle confirmed that the spatial resolution is determined by the sweep frequency range of the digital LFM signal rather than the pulse width. The influence of the STFrFT window on the peak sidelobe ratio of the reflection peak is also studied. By combining STFrFT and sidelobe suppression, the dynamic range and spatial resolution can be appreciably enhanced simultaneously. In the demo experiments testing the proposed method on a conventional OTDR development board for comparison, a 7-dB improvement in the dynamic range and an approximately 10-times improvement in the spatial resolution are simultaneously achieved.
The Effects of TiO2 Diffuser-Loaded Encapsulation on Corrected Color Temperature Uniformity of Remote Phosphor White LEDs
Authors: Chou Yung-Fang , Chen Chi-Feng , Ying Shang-Ping , Yeh Yun-Ying
Published: February 2019

With the development of high-efficiency and high-power LEDs, they have become the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly artificial light source. Phosphor-converted white LEDs are currently mainstream in the market. The remote phosphor is an effective way to enhance the conversion efficiency and lifetime of phosphor-converted LEDs. For applications of high-quality lighting and LCD backlights, the uniformity of angular correlated color temperature (CCT) is very important. This report explored a remote phosphor white LED with low angular CCT variance and high luminous efficiency by using TiO2 diffuser-loaded encapsulation. Experimental results revealed that for the TiO2 diffuser-loaded encapsulation remote phosphor white LED, the angular color uniformity could be improved by 31.82% and the luminous flux by 8.65%. Moreover, the mean CCTs of the TiO2 diffuser-loaded encapsulation and non-diffuser remote phosphor white LEDs were similar at a driving current of 350 mA. Finally, we showed that incorporating the TiO2 diffuser into the phosphor layer of the remote phosphor white LEDs, does not influence the reliability of the LED.
Combining Fuzzy C-Means Clustering with Fuzzy Rough Feature Selection
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Gu Lize , Zhu Xiaoning
Published: February 2019

With the rapid development of the network, data fusion becomes an important research hotspot. Large amounts of data need to be preprocessed in data fusion; in practice, the features of datasets can be filtered to reduce the amount of data. The feature selection based on fuzzy rough sets can process a large number of continuous and discrete data to reduce the data dimension, making the selected feature subset highly correlated with the classification but less dependent on other features. In this paper, a new method of fuzzy rough feature selection is proposed which combines the membership function determination method of fuzzy c-means clustering and fuzzy equivalence to the original selection. Different from the existing research, our method takes full advantage of knowledge about the dataset itself and the differences between datasets, which makes the features selected have a higher correlation with the classification, improves the classification accuracy, and reduces the data dimension. Experimental results on the UCI machine learning repository datasets confirmed the performance and effectiveness of our method. Compared to the existing method, smaller subsets of features and an average of 1% higher classification accuracies were achieved.
Thermodynamic Performance Analyses and Optimization of Dual-Loop Organic Rankine Cycles for Internal Combustion Engine Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Ge Zhong , Li Jian , Duan Yuanyuan , Yang Zhen , Xie Zhiyong
Published: February 2019

Waste heats of an internal combustion engine (ICE) are recovered by a dual-loop organic Rankine cycle (DORC). Thermodynamic performance analyses and optimizations are conducted with 523.15–623.15 K exhaust gas temperature (Tg1). Cyclopentane, cyclohexane, benzene, and toluene are selected as working fluids for high-temperature loop (HTL), whereas R1234ze(E), R600a, R245fa, and R601a are selected as working fluids for low-temperature loop (LTL). The HTL evaporation temperature, condensation temperature, and superheat degree are optimized through a genetic algorithm, and net power output is selected as the objective function. Influences of Tg1 on system net power output, thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, HTL evaporation temperature, HTL condensation temperature, HTL superheat degree, exhaust gas temperature at the exit of the HTL evaporator, heat utilization ratio, and exergy destruction rate of the components are analyzed. Results are presented as follows: the net power output is mainly influenced by HTL working fluid. The optimal LTL working fluid is R1234ze(E). The optimal HTL evaporator temperature increases with Tg1 until it reaches the upper limit. The optimal HTL condensation temperature increases initially and later remains unchanged for a cyclopentane system, thus keeping constant for other systems. Saturated cycle is suitable for cyclohexane, benzene, and toluene systems. Superheat cycle improves the net power output for a cyclopentane system when Tg1 is 568.15–623.15 K.
Validation of All-Sky Imager Technology and Solar Irradiance Forecasting at Three Locations: NREL, San Antonio, Texas, and the Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Richardson Walter , Cañadillas David , Moncada Ariana , Guerrero-Lemus Ricardo , Shephard Les , Vega-Avila Rolando , Krishnaswami Hariharan
Published: February 2019

Increasing photovoltaic (PV) generation in the world’s power grid necessitates accurate solar irradiance forecasts to ensure grid stability and reliability. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) SkyImager was designed as a low cost, edge computing, all-sky imager that provides intra-hour irradiance forecasts. The SkyImager utilizes a single board computer and high-resolution camera with a fisheye lens housed in an all-weather enclosure. General Purpose IO pins allow external sensors to be connected, a unique aspect is the use of only open source software. Code for the SkyImager is written in Python and calls libraries such as OpenCV, Scikit-Learn, SQLite, and Mosquito. The SkyImager was first deployed in 2015 at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as part of the DOE INTEGRATE project. This effort aggregated renewable resources and loads into microgrids which were then controlled by an Energy Management System using the OpenFMB Reference Architecture. In 2016 a second SkyImager was installed at the CPS Energy microgrid at Joint Base San Antonio. As part of a collaborative effort between CPS Energy, UT San Antonio, ENDESA, and Universidad de La Laguna, two SkyImagers have also been deployed in the Canary Islands that utilize stereoscopic images to determine cloud heights. Deployments at three geographically diverse locations not only provided large amounts of image data, but also operational experience under very different climatic conditions. This resulted in improvements/additions to the original design: weatherproofing techniques, environmental sensors, maintenance schedules, optimal deployment locations, OpenFMB protocols, and offloading data to the cloud. Originally, optical flow followed by ray-tracing was used to predict cumulus cloud shadows. The latter problem is ill-posed and was replaced by a machine learning strategy with impressive results. R2 values for the multi-layer perceptron of 0.95 for 5 moderately cloudy days and 1.00 for 5 clear sky days validate using images to determine irradiance. The SkyImager in a distributed environment with cloud-computing will be an integral part of the command and control for today’s SmartGrid and Internet of Things.
Role of Wetland Plants and Use of Ornamental Flowering Plants in Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: A Review
Authors: Sandoval Luis , Zamora-Castro Sergio Aurelio , Vidal-Álvarez Monserrat , Marín-Muñiz José Luis
Published: February 2019

The vegetation in constructed wetlands (CWs) plays an important role in wastewater treatment. Popularly, the common emergent plants in CWs have been vegetation of natural wetlands. However, there are ornamental flowering plants that have some physiological characteristics similar to the plants of natural wetlands that can stimulate the removal of pollutants in wastewater treatments; such importance in CWs is described here. A literature survey of 87 CWs from 21 countries showed that the four most commonly used flowering ornamental vegetation genera were Canna, Iris, Heliconia and Zantedeschia. In terms of geographical location, Canna spp. is commonly found in Asia, Zantedeschia spp. is frequent in Mexico (a country in North America), Iris is most commonly used in Asia, Europe and North America, and species of the Heliconia genus are commonly used in Asia and parts of the Americas (Mexico, Central and South America). This review also compares the use of ornamental plants versus natural wetland plants and systems without plants for removing pollutants (organic matter, nitrogen, nitrogen and phosphorous compounds). The removal efficiency was similar between flowering ornamental and natural wetland plants. However, pollutant removal was better when using ornamental plants than in unplanted CWs. The use of ornamental flowering plants in CWs is an excellent option, and efforts should be made to increase the adoption of these system types and use them in domiciliary, rural and urban areas.
Experimental Investigation into the Structural and Functional Performance of Graphene Nano-Platelet (GNP)-Doped Asphalt
Authors: Hafeez Murryam , Ahmad Naveed , Kamal Mumtaz Ahmed , Rafi Javaria , Haq Muhammad Faizan ul , Jamal  , Zaidi Syed Bilal Ahmed , Nasir Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2019

With the increase in the demand for bitumen, it has become essential for pavement engineers to ensure that construction of sustainable pavements occurs. For a complete analysis of the pavement, both its structural and functional performances are considered. In this study, a novel material (i.e., Graphene Nano-Platelets (GNPs)) has been used to enhance both of the types of pavements’ performances. Two percentages of GNPs (i.e., 2% and 4% by the weight of the binder) were used for the modification of asphalt binder in order to achieve the desired Performance Grade. GNPs were homogeneously dispersed in the asphalt binder, which was validated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and a Hot Storage Stability Test. To analyze the structural performance of the GNPs-doped asphalt, its rheology, resistance to permanent deformation, resistance to moisture damage, and bitumen-aggregate adhesive bond strength were studied. For the analysis of the functional performance, the skid resistance and polishing effect were studied using a British Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester. The results showed that GNPs improved not only the rutting resistance of the pavement but also its durability. The high surface area of GNPs increases the pavement’s bonding strength and makes the asphalt binder stiffer. GNPs also provide nano-texture to the pavement, which enhances its skid resistance. Thus, we can recommend GNPs as an all-around modifier that could improve not only the structural performance but also the functional performance of asphalt pavements.
Characteristics and Sources of Water-Soluble Ions in PM2.5 in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Chen Yuan , Xie Shao-dong , Luo Bin , Zhai Chongzhi
Published: February 2019

To track the particulate pollution in Sichuan Basin, sample filters were collected in three urban sites. Characteristics of water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) were explored and their sources were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). During 2012–2013, the PM2.5 concentrations were 86.7 ± 49.7 μg m−3 in Chengdu (CD), 78.6 ± 36.8 μg m−3 in Neijiang (NJ), and 71.7 ± 36.9 μg m−3 in Chongqing (CQ), respectively. WSIIs contributed about 50% to PM2.5, and 90% of them were secondary inorganic ions. NH4+ and NO3− roughly followed the seasonal pattern of PM2.5 variations, whereas the highest levels of SO42− appeared in summer and autumn. PM2.5 samples were most acidic in autumn and winter, but were alkaline in spring. The aerosol acidity increased with the increasing level of anion equivalents. SO42− primarily existed in the form of (NH4)2SO4. Full neutralization of NH4+ to NO3− was only observed in low levels of SO42− + NO3−, and NO3− existed in various forms. SO42− and NO3− were formed mainly through homogeneous reactions, and there was the existence of heterogeneous reactions under high relative humidity. The main identified sources of WSIIs included coal combustion, biomass burning, and construction dust.
Simulating the Effects of Urban Parameterizations on the Passage of a Cold Front During a Pollution Episode in Megacity Shanghai
Authors: Wang Jian , Mao Jingbo , Zhang Yan , Cheng Tiantao , Yu Qi , Tan Jiani , Ma Weichun
Published: February 2019

Urbanization significantly influences meteorological conditions and air quality. Statistically, air pollution in the megacity of Shanghai usually occurs with cold weather fronts. An air pollution episode during a cold front was simulated using weather research and forecasting and the Community Multi-scale Air Quality model system. In this study, we used two urban schemes, a simple bulk scheme (denoted BULK) and the single-layer urban canopy model (SLUCM), to check the effects of urban parameterization. Our results showed that SLUCM better predicted the arrival time and cooling process of the cold front and more realistically simulated the moving process of the cold front. The improvement in the temperature and relative humidity simulation achieved using SLUCM was more effective under higher urbanization levels, whereas the wind speed simulation was better in rural areas. The simulated concentrations at sites with high urbanization were obviously improved by urban parameterization. The barrier role of the urban canopy during a cold front was better represented and was shown to cause a wider polluted area and higher pollutant concentration using SLUCM than with BULK. Overall, accurate meteorological simulations in the atmospheric boundary layer using SLUCM are expected to provide good prediction of urban air quality.
Heteroclinic Solutions for Classical and Singular ϕ-Laplacian Non-Autonomous Differential Equations
Authors: Minhós Feliz
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we consider the second order discontinuous differential equation in the real line, a t , u ϕ u ′ ′ = f t , u , u ′ , a . e . t ∈ R , u ( − ∞ ) = ν − , u ( + ∞ ) = ν + , with ϕ an increasing homeomorphism such that ϕ ( 0 ) = 0 and ϕ ( R ) = R , a ∈ C ( R 2 , R ) with a ( t , x ) > 0 for ( t , x ) ∈ R 2 , f : R 3 → R a L 1 -Carathéodory function and ν − , ν + ∈ R such that ν − < ν + . The existence and localization of heteroclinic connections is obtained assuming a Nagumo-type condition on the real line and without asymptotic conditions on the nonlinearities ϕ and f . To the best of our knowledge, this result is even new when ϕ ( y ) = y , that is for equation a t , u ( t ) u ′ ( t ) ′ = f t , u ( t ) , u ′ ( t ) , a . e . t ∈ R . Moreover, these results can be applied to classical and singular ϕ -Laplacian equations and to the mean curvature operator.
First Order Coupled Systems With Functional and Periodic Boundary Conditions: Existence Results and Application to an SIRS Model
Authors: Fialho João , Minhós Feliz
Published: February 2019

The results presented in this paper deal with the existence of solutions of a first order fully coupled system of three equations, and they are split in two parts: 1. Case with coupled functional boundary conditions, and 2. Case with periodic boundary conditions. Functional boundary conditions, which are becoming increasingly popular in the literature, as they generalize most of the classical cases and in addition can be used to tackle global conditions, such as maximum or minimum conditions. The arguments used are based on the Arzèla Ascoli theorem and Schauder’s fixed point theorem. The existence results are directly applied to an epidemic SIRS (Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered-Susceptible) model, with global boundary conditions.
Getting the Akt Together: Guiding Intracellular Akt Activity by PI3K
Authors: Yudushkin Ivan
Published: February 2019

Intracellular signaling pathways mediate the rapid response of cells to environmental cues. To control the fidelity of these responses, cells coordinate the activities of signaling enzymes with the strength, timing, and localization of the upstream stimuli. Protein kinase Akt links the PI3K-coupled receptors to cellular anabolic processes by phosphorylating multiple substrates. How the cells ensure that Akt activity remains proportional to upstream signals and control its substrate specificity is unclear. In this review, I examine how cell-autonomous and intrinsic allosteric mechanisms cooperate to ensure localized, context-specific signaling in the PI3K/Akt axis.
The Contribution of Pluripotent Stem Cell (PSC)-Based Models to the Study of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
Authors: Abu Diab Manar , Eiges Rachel
Published: February 2019

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of cognitive impairment. It results from a deficiency in the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) due to a CGG repeat expansion in the 5′-UTR of the X-linked FMR1 gene. When CGGs expand beyond 200 copies, they lead to epigenetic gene silencing of the gene. In addition, the greater the allele size, the more likely it will become unstable and exhibit mosaicism for expansion size between and within tissues in affected individuals. The timing and mechanisms of FMR1 epigenetic gene silencing and repeat instability are far from being understood given the lack of appropriate cellular and animal models that can fully recapitulate the molecular features characteristic of the disease pathogenesis in humans. This review summarizes the data collected to date from mutant human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and hybrid fusions, and discusses their contribution to the investigation of FXS, their key limitations, and future prospects.
Detecting Chromosome Instability in Cancer: Approaches to Resolve Cell-to-Cell Heterogeneity
Authors: Lepage Chloe C. , Morden Claire R. , Palmer Michaela C. L. , Nachtigal Mark W. , McManus Kirk J.
Published: February 2019

Chromosome instability (CIN) is defined as an increased rate of chromosome gains and losses that manifests as cell-to-cell karyotypic heterogeneity and drives cancer initiation and evolution. Current research efforts are aimed at identifying the etiological origins of CIN, establishing its roles in cancer pathogenesis, understanding its implications for patient prognosis, and developing novel therapeutics that are capable of exploiting CIN. Thus, the ability to accurately identify and evaluate CIN is critical within both research and clinical settings. Here, we provide an overview of quantitative single cell approaches that evaluate and resolve cell-to-cell heterogeneity and CIN, and discuss considerations when selecting the most appropriate approach to suit both research and clinical contexts.
Infiltration of FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells is a Strong and Independent Prognostic Factor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Seminerio Imelda , Descamps Géraldine , Dupont Sophie , de Marrez Lisa , Laigle Jean-Alexandre , Lechien Jérôme R , Kindt Nadège , Journe Fabrice , Saussez Sven
Published: February 2019

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC) are characterized by a large heterogeneity in terms of the location and risk factors. For a few years now, immunotherapy seems to be a promising approach in the treatment of these cancers, but a better understanding of the immune context could allow to offer a personalized treatment and thus probably increase the survival of HNSCC patients. In this context, we evaluated the infiltration of FoxP3+ Tregs on 205 human formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded HNSCC and we assessed its prognostic value compared to other potential prognostic factors, including HPV infection. First, we found a positive correlation of FoxP3+ Treg infiltration between the intra-tumoral (IT) and the stromal (ST) compartments of the tumors (p < 0.0001). A high infiltration of these cells in both compartments was associated with longer recurrence-free (ST, RFS, p = 0.007; IT, RFS, p = 0.019) and overall survivals (ST, OS, p = 0.002; ST, OS, p = 0.002) of HNSCC patients. Early tumor stage (OS, p = 0.002) and differentiated tumors (RFS, p = 0.022; OS, p = 0.043) were also associated with favorable prognoses. Multivariate analysis revealed that FoxP3+ Treg stromal infiltration, tumor stage and histological grade independently influenced patient prognosis. In conclusion, the combination of these three markers seem to be an interesting prognostic signature for HNSCC.
In Vitro Activity of 3-Bromopyruvate, an Anticancer Compound, Against Antibiotic-Susceptible and Antibiotic-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Strains
Authors: Krzyżek Paweł , Franiczek Roman , Krzyżanowska Barbara , Łaczmański Łukasz , Migdał Paweł , Gościniak Grażyna
Published: February 2019

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium capable of inducing chronic active gastritis, which in some people, develops into gastric cancers. One of the substances that may be useful in the eradication of this microorganism is 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP), an anticancer compound with antimicrobial properties. The aim of this article was to determine the activity of 3-BP against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined using a disk-diffusion method, broth microdilution method, time-killing assay, and checkerboard assay. The research was extended by observations using light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The growth inhibition zones produced by 2 mg/disk with 3-BP counted for 16–32.5 mm. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 32 to 128 μg/mL, while the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for all tested strains had values of 128 μg/mL. The time-killing assay demonstrated the concentration-dependent and time-dependent bactericidal activity of 3-BP. The decrease in culturability below the detection threshold (<100 CFU/mL) was demonstrated after 6 h, 4 h, and 2 h of incubation for MIC, 2× MIC, and 4× MIC, respectively. Bacteria treated with 3-BP had a several times reduced mean green/red fluorescence ratio compared to the control samples, suggesting bactericidal activity, which was independent from an induction of coccoid forms. The checkerboard assay showed the existence of a synergistic/additive interaction of 3-BP with amoxicillin, tetracycline, and clarithromycin. Based on the presented results, it is suggested that 3-BP may be an interesting anti-H. pylori compound.