bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification and Test Performance of Rack Type Hybrid (Solar-Biomass) Dryer
Authors: Martiani Erni , Murad - , Putra Guyup Mahardhian Dwi
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to modify biomass furnaces source of heat energy from the combustion of biomass, study thermal energy generated from combination of solar and biomass energy, and determine efficiency of furnaces and efficiency of total system of a rack type hybrid (solar-biomass) dryer. Method used in this research was experimental method. Used fuel was coconut shell charcoal and used tools include iron plate, blower, pipe, grinding and welding tools, thermometer, anemometer, lux meter, data logger and analytical balance. Observed parameters were temperature, air humidity, sun radiation, velocity and flow rate of hot air towards the drying chamber, drying period, energy loss and energy produced inside the furnace. Modification made by adding drawer shaped biomass furnace with 0.65 m length, 0.65 m wide and 0.25 m height. The furnace was equipped with a chimney and blower. Results from the test performance showed that this tool yield total heat loss of 18,173.15 KJ at the upright furnace wall. Whereas heat loss at furnace floor was 4380.899 KJ. Energy consumption was 151,602.064 for solar energy and 48,399.4 KJ for biomass energy, with total drying energy generated by solar energy and biomass i.e. 200,001 KJ. Efficiency value of the drying system was 19% with 30% furnace efficiency.

Keywords: Hybrid dryer, heat loss, biomass furnaces

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memodifikasi tungku biomassa sebagai tempat sumber energi panas dari pembakaran biomassa, mempelajari energi panas yang dihasilkan oleh kombinasi energi surya dan energi biomassa, dan mengetahui efisiensi tungku dan efisiensi total sistem pada alat pengering hybrid (surya-biomassa) tipe rak. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode eksperimental. Bahan bakar yang digunakan yaitu arang tempurung kelapa dan alat yang digunakan antara lain plat besi, blower, pipa, gerinda, las, thermometer, anemometer, lux meter, data logger, dan timbangan analitik. Parameter yang diamati terdiri dari suhu, kelembaban udara, radiasi matahari, kecepatan aliran udara panas menuju ruang pengering, debit aliran udara menuju ruang pengering, lama waktu pengeringan, kehilangan energi pada tungku dan energi yang dihasilkan. Modifikasi yang dilakukan adalah menambahkan tungku biomassa yang berbentuk seperti laci dengan ukuran panjang 0,65 m, lebar 0,65 m  dan tinggi 0,25 m. Tungku ini dilengkapi dengan cerobong asap dan blower. Hasil pengujian alat ini diperoleh total kehilangan panas pada dinding tegak tungku 18.173,15 KJ, sedangkan kehilangan panas pada lantai tungku 4.380,899 KJ. Konsumsi penggunaan energi, yaitu energi surya 151.602,064 KJ dan energi biomassa 48.399,4 KJ dengan total energi pengeringan yang dihasilkan oleh energi surya dan biomassa sebesar 200.001 KJ. Nilai efisiensi sistem pengeringan yang dihasilkan yaitu 19% dengan efisiensi tungku 30%.

Kata kunci: alat pengering Hybrid, kehilangan panas, tungku biomassa
The Effect of Liquid Smoke Powder of Coconut (Cocos Nucifera Linn) Concentration and Storage Time in Smoked Milkfish Presto Quality
Authors: Herwati Elya , Prarudianto Agustono , Saloko Satrijo
Published: January 2018

Aimed of this study was to determine the effect of the concentration of liquid smoke powder of coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn) and storage time and their interaction in maintaining the quality of smoked milkfish presto. The chemical qualities were based on water content and crude protein content, and the organoleptic qualities were based on colour, odour, texture and flavour. The research was conducted in Randomized Complete Block with two factorial design. The first factor was the concentration of liquid smoke powder 0%, 5% and 10%; whereas the second factor was storage time 0, 2 and 4th days at room temperature; using 3 replications. The results showed that smoking process with different concentration of liquid smoke powder and different storage time affect the chemical and organoleptic qualities of milkfish presto smoke, between 2 treatments their interaction gave significant effect (p <0.05) on milkfish presto smoke chemical quality and shows the linear pattern of trends (55.03% – 62.91% water content and 28.66% – 34.00% crude protein content). Based on organoleptic tests, the concentrations of 5% liquid smoke powder and 2 days storage time gave the best combination that can maintain the quality of milkfish presto smoke.Keywords: milkfish presto smoke, liquid smoke powder, storage time

 

ABSTRAKTujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh konsentrasi bubuk asap cair tempurung kelapa (Cocos nucifera linn) dan lama penyimpanan beserta interaksinya dalam mempertahankan kualitas bandeng presto asap. Kualitas kimia berdasarkan pada kadar air dan kadar protein kasar, sedangkan kualitas organoleptik berdasarkan pada warna, aroma, tekstur dan rasa. Rancangan percobaan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok dengan percobaan faktorial terdiri atas dua faktor. Faktor pertama adalah konsentrasi bubuk asap cair 0%, 5% dan 10%, sedangkan faktor kedua adalah lama penyimpanan hari ke-0, ke-2 dan ke-4 pada suhu ruang. Masing-masing perlakuan diulang sebanyak tiga kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proses pengasapan dengan konsentrasi bubuk asap cair yang berbeda dan lama penyimpanan yang berbeda dapat mempengaruhi kualitas kimia dan organoleptik bandeng presto asap. Ditunjukkan juga bahwa hasil interaksi keduanya memiliki pengaruh  nyata (p<0,05) terhadap kualitas kimia bandeng presto asap dan menunjukkan pola kecendrungan dengan pola linier (kadar air 55,03% – 62,91% dan kadar protein kasar 28,66% – 34,00%). Berdasarkan uji organoleptik, konsentrasi bubuk asap cair 5% dan lama penyimpanan 2 hari adalah kombinasi terbaik yang dapat mempertahankan kualitas bandeng presto asap. Kata kunci: bandeng presto asap, bubuk asap cair, lama penyimpanan
Peripartum Hysterectomy and Analysis of Risk Factors
Authors: Basnet Pritha , Rai Rubina , Agrawal Ajay , Thakur Achala , Shrestha Ramesh
Published: January 2018

Aims: To determine the incidence and risk factors of  women undergoing peripartum hysterectomy at BPKIHS, Dharan.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted  for all women undergoing peripartum hysterectomy in two years from July 2012 to June 2014.Various maternal characteristics  including  demographic data, previous obstetric details, antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum data were  collected and analysed.Results: There were 29 cases of peripartum hysterectomy among 19,539 births in 2 yrs (1.48 per 1000 births). Indications for peripartum hysterectomy were uterine rupture (65.5%), morbid adherence of the placenta (13.8%) and uterine atony (12.9%). Previous caesarean section was identified as independent risk factor with relative risk of 1.8 (95% CI 1.3-2.5, p< 0.003). Maternal morbidity was significant with febrile morbidity and urinary tract injury among the most common complications.Conclusions: Uterine rupture causing severe haemorrhage was the commonest indication for peripartum hysterectomy. Timely intervention reduces the peripartum maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Experience of Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgeries at Kathmandu Model Hospital
Authors: Bajracharya Nishma , Dangal Ganesh G. , Karki A. , Pradhan H. , Shrestha R. , Bhattachan K. , Poudel R.
Published: January 2018

Aims: Laparoscopy has become the most common procedure in recent set-ups. It is now a major diagnostic as well as therapeutic modality for infertility, endometriosis, extrauterine pregnancy and benign ovarian tumors. The aim of the study was to share the experience of gynecological laparoscopic surgeries performed at Kathmandu Model Hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out at Kathmandu Model Hospital from 1st January 2011 to 1st May 2017. All the patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgeries were analyzed for the indication, type of procedure and its complications. Results: Out of 217, majority 24.4 %(n=53) patients were in age group 26-30 years. There were 51.1% (111) cases of ovarian cyst, 12.44%(27) cases of ectopic pregnancy. Eight cases were done with surgeons for cholecystectomy and ovarian cystectomy or hysterectomy. There were 15% (n=32) cases of diagnostic laparoscopy. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was done in 16% (n=33) cases. Conversion to laparotomy was done in 3%(8) cases. There was one case of vascular injury. Most common immediate post-operative complaint was variable degree of pain, managed with parenteral and oral analgesics. Oral diet started at 4-6th hour post-operatively, and mobilization started after 24 hours. 75% (164) cases had a hospital stay of 2 days and 25%(53) cases stayed for 3 days. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery at our hospital has been well demonstrated in terms of reducing postoperative pain and decreasing postoperative morbidity, short hospital stay, and less postoperative recovery time. However, adequate advanced training and devices are needed to perform skillful laparoscopic surgeries.
Sound Immersion
Authors: Wong Adrienne
Published: January 2018

In this article, I will look at the immersive work that I’ve collaborated on, and attempt to articulate how sound plays into the construction and mechanics of each piece. I want to share the notions that I brought into each process, how they played out and fed into the next project, and the ways that sound supports and becomes integral to immersive, site-specific work. The two pieces that I will refer to most, Podplays and Landline, are locative works set in the city space.
The Making of Nightmare Dream
Authors: Tindyebwa Mumbi , Motion
Published: January 2018

‘The Making of Nightmare Dream’ reflects on the process of creating and producing a site-specific, immersive theatre experience within Toronto’s Historic Campbell House. In this conversation, director/creator Mumbi Tindyebwa and playwright Motion reflect on the origins of their collaboration, and key aspects of their immersive work—from concept to page to production. Before the creation of Nightmare Dream, the two theatre artists met while participants in artist development programs at Obsidian Theatre Company in Toronto. Discovering a mutual interest in multi-disciplinary arts, they set out to create an inter-disciplinary theatre production to be presented at Summerworks, which emerged into an exploration of the African’s experience with “the other.” Through this process, they explored themes such as immigration, Diaspora history, identity, race, colonialism, cultural legacy and reinvention, intergenerational conflicts, and the complex stories where these intersect. The site-specific nature of Nightmare Dream grew out of the concept of creating a story to counter the historical use of space within the Campbell House—one of the oldest remaining Upper Canada Georgian-era homes in Toronto. Inspired by an actual dream, the work developed into a series of haunting installations, which inhabited the whole house, requiring the audience to move with the narrative. From the workshop, rehearsal and production phases, the authors revisit the collaborative process of creating with a team to achieve the immersive experience. They discuss the functionality of sound, costume, performance, movement, and text, and the challenges of creating, performance, and producing within an existing space. They have continued to collaborate and develop new immersive theatre projects, including Motherland and Oraltorio: A Theatrical Mixtape.
Origin Story: SKAMpede
Authors: Payne Matthew
Published: January 2018

Theatre SKAM’s Artistic Producer, Matthew Payne, describes the origin story of SKAMpede, the company’s unique site-specific festival, which features a mobile audience.
Sovereignty, Spirituality and Resurgence: A Proud Indigenous Theatre Community
Authors: Lachance Lindsay
Published: January 2018

Edited by Algonquin theatre practitioner Yvette Nolan and scholar Ric Knowles, Performing Indigeneity is Playwright Canada Press’ sixth volume in the New Essays on Canadian Theatre series. As a work that gathers Indigenous voices from various nations across Turtle Island, Performing Indigeneity houses conversations that are inherently political, spiritual, and performative.
Between the Archive and the Repertoire: History, Memory, Performance
Authors: Stowell-Kaplan Isabel
Published: January 2018

In History, Memory, Performance, David Dean, Yana Meerzon, and Kathryn Prince draw together a diverse collection of scholarship to examine how history and performance problematize and enrich one another. Though there are recurrent theoretical threads, the collection is wide-ranging and eclectic–moving from nineteenth-century Russia to modern-day Australia-encouraging us to revisit and rethink this timely topic.
Approaches to Multiple-Attribute Decision-Making Based on Pythagorean 2-Tuple Linguistic Bonferroni Mean Operators
Authors: Tang Xiyue , Huang Yuhan , Wei Guiwu
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we investigate multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) with Pythagorean 2-tuple linguistic numbers (P2TLNs). Then, we combine the weighted Bonferroni mean (WBM) operator and weighted geometric Bonferroni mean (WGBM) operator with P2TLNs to propose the Pythagorean 2-tuple linguistic WBM (P2TLWBM) operator and Pythagorean 2-tuple linguistic WGBM (P2TLWGBM) operator; MADM methods are then developed based on these two operators. Finally, a practical example for green supplier selection is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Current Status and Recent Developments in Biopesticide Use
Authors: Damalas Christos , Koutroubas Spyridon
Published: January 2018

Biopesticides have attracted attention in pest management in recent decades, and have long been promoted as prospective alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Biopesticides have also attracted great interest in the international research community, with a significant increase in the number of publications devoted to the subject. Recently, new substances, like strains of the fungus Talaromyces flavus SAY-Y-94-01, extracts of the plant Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea), products of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, products of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis strain Xd3 (Btt-Xd3), the alkaloid compound oxymatrine, fermentation products of the bacterium Lactobacillus casei strain LPT-111, stilbenes accumulated in grape canes, and olive mill wastes, have been reported in the literature as promising compounds for use as biopesticides, but more field research is required to assess the effects on specific pest problems under diverse cropping systems. Nevertheless, biopesticides have not yet reached the desired level of use, whereby they could displace the dominance of chemical pesticides, given that the commercialization of new products in the market is lagging behind. Currently, biopesticides comprise a small share of the total crop protection market globally, with a value of about $3 billion worldwide, accounting for just 5% of the total crop protection market. Fewer biopesticide-active substances are registered in the European Union (EU) than in the United States, India, Brazil, or China, due to long and complex registration processes in the EU, which follow the model for the registration of conventional pesticides. Nanoformulations and microencapsulation technologies can improve the stability and residual action of biopesticide products, and this could increase their field use. Regulations that promote registration of low-risk compounds with the provision of incentives could also facilitate commercialization and availability of biopesticides in the market.
Reevaluation of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score, a Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Part I. Development, Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Alidjanov Jakhongir , Naber Kurt , Abdufattaev Ulugbek , Pilatz Adrian , Wagenlehner Florian
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to reevaluate the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS). The ACSS is a simple and standardized self-reporting questionnaire for the diagnosis of acute uncomplicated cystitis (AC) assessing typical and differential symptoms, quality of life, and possible changes after therapy in female patients with AC. This paper includes literature research, development and evaluation of the ACSS, an 18-item self-reporting questionnaire including (a) six questions about “typical” symptoms of AC, (b) four questions regarding differential diagnoses, (c) three questions on quality of life, and (d) five questions on additional conditions that may affect therapy. The ACSS was evaluated in 228 women (mean age 31.49 ± 11.71 years) in the Russian and Uzbek languages. Measurements of reliability, validity, predictive ability, and responsiveness were performed. Cronbach’s alpha for ACSS was 0.89, split-half reliability was 0.76 and 0.79 for first and second halves, and the correlation between them was 0.87. Mann-Whitney U test revealed a significant difference in scores of the “typical” symptoms between patients and controls (10.50 vs. 2.07, p < 0.001). The optimal threshold score was 6 points, with a 94% sensitivity and 90% specificity to predict AC. The “typical” symptom score decreased significantly when comparing before and after therapy (10.4 and 2.5, p < 0.001). The reevaluated Russian and Uzbek ACSS are accurate enough and can be recommended for clinical studies and practice for initial diagnosis and monitoring the process of the treatment of AC in women. Evaluation in German, UK English, and Hungarian languages was also performed and in other languages evaluation of the ACSS is in progress
Dietary Antioxidants and Health Promotion
Authors: Huang Dejian
Published: January 2018

Accumulating scientific evidence suggests that over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be the root cause of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and ageing per se [1,2].[...]
Live Convolution with Time-Varying Filters
Authors: Brandtsegg Øyvind , Saue Sigurd , Lazzarini Victor
Published: January 2018

The paper presents two new approaches to artefact-free real-time updates of the impulse response in convolution. Both approaches are based on incremental updates of the filter. This can be useful for several applications within digital audio processing: parametrisation of convolution reverbs, dynamic filters, and live convolution. The development of these techniques has been done within the framework of a research project on crossadaptive audio processing methods for live performance. Our main motivation has thus been live convolution, where the signals from two music performers are convolved with each other, allowing the musicians to “play through each other’s sound”.
Application of Machine Learning for the Spatial Analysis of Binaural Room Impulse Responses
Authors: Lovedee-Turner Michael , Murphy Damian
Published: January 2018

Spatial impulse response analysis techniques are commonly used in the field of acoustics, as they help to characterise the interaction of sound with an enclosed environment. This paper presents a novel approach for spatial analyses of binaural impulse responses, using a binaural model fronted neural network. The proposed method uses binaural cues utilised by the human auditory system, which are mapped by the neural network to the azimuth direction of arrival classes. A cascade-correlation neural network was trained using a multi-conditional training dataset of head-related impulse responses with added noise. The neural network is tested using a set of binaural impulse responses captured using two dummy head microphones in an anechoic chamber, with a reflective boundary positioned to produce a reflection with a known direction of arrival. Results showed that the neural network was generalisable for the direct sound of the binaural room impulse responses for both dummy head microphones. However, it was found to be less accurate at predicting the direction of arrival of the reflections. The work indicates the potential of using such an algorithm for the spatial analysis of binaural impulse responses, while indicating where the method applied needs to be made more robust for more general application.
Modeling kV X-ray-Induced Coloration in Radiochromic Films
Authors: Shahmohammadi Beni Mehrdad , Krstic Dragana , Nikezic Dragoslav , Yu Kwan
Published: January 2018

Commercially available radiochromic films are primarily designed for clinical X-ray dosimetry. These films change color upon exposures to radiation as a result of solid-state polymerization (SSP). Built on a previous model developed for SSP upon exposures to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a new model was developed in the present work for X-ray-induced coloration in Gafchromic EBT3 films. Monte Carlo simulations using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code were employed to model the transport and interaction of photons and the generated secondary electrons within the film active layer. The films were exposed to continuous-energy photon beams. The dose DE in the external radiation detector (i.e., ionization chamber) was determined and the realistic dose DA in the film active layer was then obtained using the calibration coefficient R (=DA/DE). The finite element method (FEM) was used to solve the classical steady-state Helmholtz equation using the multifrontal massively parallel sparse direct solver (MUMPS). An extensive grid independence test was carried out and the numerical stability of the present model was ensured. The reflected light intensity from the film surface was used to theoretically obtain the net reflective optical density of the film exposed to X-ray. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental and theoretical results of the net reflective optical density of the film. For X-ray doses >~600 cGy, due to the already formed densely cross-linked structure in the active layer of the EBT3 film so further bond formation was less likely, the reflected light intensity from the film surface increased at a relatively lower rate when compared to those for dose values <~600 cGy.
Application of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Technology for Bolt Force Status Monitoring in Roadways
Authors: Liang Minfu , Fang Xinqiu
Published: January 2018

Bolts support have become a major active support method in coal mine roadways to control roadway roof failure and improve surrounding rock structure stability. The traditional bolt force status monitoring (BFSM) method has poor anti-interference performance, is easily affected by harsh downhole environments, and cannot support remote real-time monitoring. This paper presents a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) bolt force sensor that monitors the force of roadway bolts. This sensor uses a cantilever and a diaphragm as elastic elements and two FBGs bonded on the top and bottom surfaces of the cantilever as sensing elements. The experimental results indicate that the measuring sensitivity is improved by using the center wavelength difference between the two FBGs. The sensitivity is 38.79 pm/kN within the range from 0 to 150 kN, and the correlation coefficient reaches 99.98%. The engineering applications show that the FBG sensing technology can automatically acquire, and monitoring results are of great significance in roadway anchorage engineering safety and bolt support quality evaluation. Furthermore, such a sensor is also widely used in quasi-distributed measurement and long-term online monitoring of bolt force status in such fields as geotechnical engineering, tunnel engineering, and slope engineering.
Flow Cell Coupled Dynamic Light Scattering for Real-Time Monitoring of Nanoparticle Size during Liquid Phase Bottom-Up Synthesis
Authors: Meulendijks Nicole , Van Ee Renz , Stevens Ralph , Mourad Maurice , Verheijen Marcel , Kambly Nils , Armenta Ricardo , Buskens Pascal
Published: January 2018

To tailor the properties of nanoparticles and nanocomposites, precise control over particle size is of vital importance. Real-time monitoring of particle size during bottom-up synthesis in liquids would allow a detailed study of particle nucleation and growth, which provides valuable insights in the mechanism of formation of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, it facilitates a rational scale-up, and would enable adequate intervention in the production process of nanoparticle dispersions to minimize the number of off-spec batches. Since real-time monitoring requires particle size measurements on dispersions in flow, conventional dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques are not suited: they rely on single scattering and measure the Brownian motion of particles dispersed in a liquid. Here, we present a set-up that allows accurate measurements in real-time on flowing dispersions using a DLS technique based on modulated 3D cross-correlation. This technique uses two simultaneous light scattering experiments performed at the same scattering vector on the same sample volume in order to extract only the single scattering information common to both. We connected the reactor to a flow-cell in the DLS equipment using a tailor-made analysis loop, and successfully demonstrated the complete set-up through monitoring of the size of spherical silica nanoparticles during Stöber synthesis in a water-alcohol mixture starting from the molecular precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate.
The Effect of Laser Pulse Widths on Laser—Ag Nanoparticle Interaction: Femto- to Nanosecond Lasers
Authors: Jeon Jin-Woo , Yoon Sangwoo , Choi Hae , Kim Joohan , Farson Dave , Cho Sung-Hak
Published: January 2018

The effect of the laser pulse width on the production of nanoparticles by laser fragmentation was investigated. Laser pulse widths of 164 fs, 5 ps, 4 ns, 36 ns, 64 ns, and 100 ns were used. To assess the effect of the laser pulse width on the energy distribution in the nanoparticles, the energy distribution was simulated using wave optics. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were produced by laser irradiation of an Ag target in distilled water. The wavelength of the femtosecond, picosecond, and nanosecond lasers used was 1070 nm, and their fluences were 0.10–0.13 mJ/cm2. Nanoparticle microstructure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the nanoparticle size distribution was evaluated using a particle size analyzer.
Analysis of Nonlinear Vibration in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors under Unbalanced Magnetic Pull
Authors: Zhang Ao , Bai Yan , Yang Bo , Li He
Published: January 2018

The vibration and noise of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are mainly caused by unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP). This paper aims to investigate nonlinear vibration in PMSMs. Firstly, the analytical model of the air-gap magnetic field with an eccentric rotor in PMSM is studied, and the analytical model is verified by the finite element method. Then the dynamic model of an offset rotor-bearing system is established, and the gyroscopic effect, nonlinear bearing force and UMP are taken into consideration. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of different static displacement eccentricities, rotor offsets and radial clearances are investigated in both the time domain and the frequency domain. The results show that the amplitudes of dynamic responses increase with the static displacement eccentricity and rotor offset and high integer multiples of rotating frequency appear with the increase of displacement eccentricity. The coupling effects of bearing force, unbalanced mass force and UMP are observed in the frequency domain, and the frequency components in the dynamic responses indicate that the bearings have an effect on the system.
Structural Health Monitoring and Time-Dependent Effects Analysis of Self-Anchored Suspension Bridge with Extra-Wide Concrete Girder
Authors: Zhou Guangpan , Li Aiqun , Li Jianhui , Duan Maojun
Published: January 2018

The present work is aimed at studying the structural health status of Hunan Road Bridge, which is currently the widest concrete self-anchored suspension bridge in China. The monitoring data included the structural deformations, internal forces, and vibration characteristics from April 2015 to April 2016 were analyzed to evaluate the structural changes and safety. The influences brought by the ambient temperature changes and the dual effects composed of concrete shrinkage & creep (S&C) and seasonal temperature changes were analyzed based on the measured data. The long-time effects of concrete S&C were predicted using the CEB-FIP 90 model and the age-adjusted effective modulus method based on the ANSYS beam finite element model. The measured data showed that the transverse displacements of towers were more significant than the longitudinal ones. The spatial effect of the extra-wide girder is significant, which performs as the longitudinal stresses change unevenly along the transverse direction. The seasonal ambient warming caused overall increases in girder compressive stresses, and the cooling resulted in decreases along with significant temperature gradient effects. The prediction results show that the cable anchoring positions at girder ends and tower tops will move towards the mid-span affected by concrete S&C. In terms of the middle region of mid-span girder, significant increases in longitudinal stresses of top plate and decreases in the ones of bottom plate will be caused by the significant deflection. Comprehensively, the increases in the girder compressive stresses of side-span bottom plate and mid-span top plate are worthy of attention when confronted with extreme high temperature during the bridge service life cycle.
Underwater Cylindrical Object Detection Using the Spectral Features of Active Sonar Signals with Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Seo Yoojeong , On Baeksan , Im Sungbin , Shim Taebo , Seo Iksu
Published: January 2018

The issue of detecting objects bottoming on the sea floor is significant in various fields including civilian and military areas. The objective of this study is to investigate the logistic regression model to discriminate the target from the clutter and to verify the possibility of applying the model trained by the simulated data generated by the mathematical model to the real experimental data because it is not easy to obtain sufficient data in the underwater field. In the first stage of this study, when the clutter signal energy is so strong that the detection of a target is difficult, the logistic regression model is employed to distinguish the strong clutter signal and the target signal. Previous studies have found that if the clutter energy is larger, false detection occurs even for the various existing detection schemes. For this reason, the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) magnitude spectrum of acoustic signals received by active sonar is applied to train the model to distinguish whether the received signal contains a target signal or not. The goodness of fit of the model is verified in terms of receiver operation characteristic (ROC), area under ROC curve (AUC), and classification table. The detection performance of the proposed model is evaluated in terms of detection rate according to target to clutter ratio (TCR). Furthermore, the real experimental data are employed to test the proposed approach. When using the experimental data to test the model, the logistic regression model is trained by the simulated data that are generated based on the mathematical model for the backscattering of the cylindrical object. The mathematical model is developed according to the size of the cylinder used in the experiment. Since the information on the experimental environment including the sound speed, the sediment type and such is not available, once simulated data are generated under various conditions, valid simulated data are selected using 70% of the experiment cylinder data. The selected simulated data are used to train the model. Randomly selected experiment cylinder data, which are 70% of the total experimental cylinder data, and the rock measurement data are used to test the model. This process is repeatedly carried out 1000 times. The results show that the proposed method is effective under the circumstance where experimental data are not sufficient and a mathematical model is available for a target.
Impact Fatigue of Viscoelastic Materials Subjected to Pounding
Authors: Zhang Peng , Huo Linsheng , Song Gangbing
Published: January 2018

The pounding tuned mass damper (PTMD) is a novel vibration control device that can be used for many different structures. The PTMD utilizes a viscoelastic delimiter to enhance its vibration control effectiveness and robustness though pounding between the tuned mass and the viscoelastic material. However, the viscoelastic material is subjected to repeated poundings during its service life, which influences the property of the material and degrades its energy dissipation ability. Therefore, this study investigates the fatigue behavior of the viscoelastic material under impact loading. An experimental apparatus, which can generate and sense the lateral impacts, is designed and fabricated to facilitate the fatigue study of the viscoelastic material subject to impact loading. Based on experimental data, the pounding stiffness and the hysteresis loops are employed to characterize the behavior of the material. It is revealed that the impact fatigue process can be divided into two phases: the cyclic-hardening phases and the cyclic-softening phase. The energy dissipation is firstly reduced, and then increased, by the repeated impacts. In summary, with a total of 360,000 impacts, the viscous elastic material is still effective in dissipating impact energy.
X-ray Observations at Gaisberg Tower
Authors: Hettiarachchi Pasan , Cooray Vernon , Diendorfer Gerhard , Pichler Hannes , Dwyer Joseph , Rahman Mahbubur
Published: January 2018

We report the occurrence of X-rays at ground level due to cloud-to-ground flashes of upward-initiated lightning from Gaisberg Tower, in Austria, which is located at an altitude of 1300 m. This is the first observation of X-ray emissions from upward lightning from a tower top located at high altitude. Measurements were carried out using scintillation detectors installed close to the tower top in two phases from 2011 to 2015. X-rays were recorded in three subsequent strokes of three flashes out of the total of 108 flashes recorded in the system during both phases. In contrast to the observations from downward natural or triggered lightning, X-rays were observed only within 10 µs before the subsequent return stroke. This shows that X-rays were emitted when the dart leader was in the vicinity of the tower top, hence during the most intense phase of the dart leader. Both the detected energy and the fluence of X-rays are far lower compared to X-rays from downward natural or rocket-triggered lightning. In addition to the above 108 flashes, an interesting observation of X-rays produced by a nearby downward flash is also presented. The shorter length of dart-leader channels in Gaisberg is suggested as a possible cause of this apparently weaker X-ray production.
RNA-Targeted Therapies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Mathis Stéphane , Le Masson Gwendal
Published: January 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor disease in adults. Its pathophysiology remains mysterious, but tremendous advances have been made with the discovery of the most frequent mutations of its more common familial form linked to the C9ORF72 gene. Although most cases are still considered sporadic, these genetic mutations have revealed the role of RNA production, processing and transport in ALS, and may be important players in all ALS forms. There are no disease-modifying treatments for adult human neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. As in spinal muscular atrophy, RNA-targeted therapies have been proposed as potential strategies for treating this neurodegenerative disorder. Successes achieved in various animal models of ALS have proven that RNA therapies are both safe and effective. With careful consideration of the applicability of such therapies in humans, it is possible to anticipate ongoing in vivo research and clinical trial development of RNA therapies for treating ALS.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Biomimetics in 2017
Authors:   Biomimetics Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Journal maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
Transmission Electron Microscopy of Carbon: A Brief History
Authors: Harris Peter
Published: January 2018

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used in the study of solid carbon since the 1940s. A number of important forms of carbon have been discovered through the use of TEM, and our understanding of the microstructure of carbon has largely been gained through the application of TEM and associated techniques. This article is an attempt to present an historical review of the application of TEM to carbon, from the earliest work to the present day. The review encompasses both graphitic carbon and diamond, and spectroscopic techniques are covered, as well as imaging. In the final section of the review, the impact of aberration-corrected TEM on current carbon research is highlighted.
mTOR Pathways in Cancer and Autophagy
Authors: Paquette Mathieu , El-Houjeiri Leeanna , Pause Arnim
Published: January 2018

TOR (target of rapamycin), an evolutionarily-conserved serine/threonine kinase, acts as a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation and survival in response to nutritional status, growth factor, and stress signals. It plays a crucial role in coordinating the balance between cell growth and cell death, depending on cellular conditions and needs. As such, TOR has been identified as a key modulator of autophagy for more than a decade, and several deregulations of this pathway have been implicated in a variety of pathological disorders, including cancer. At the molecular level, autophagy regulates several survival or death signaling pathways that may decide the fate of cancer cells; however, the relationship between autophagy pathways and cancer are still nascent. In this review, we discuss the recent cellular signaling pathways regulated by TOR, their interconnections to autophagy, and the clinical implications of TOR inhibitors in cancer.
EpCAM Immunotherapy versus Specific Targeted Delivery of Drugs
Authors: Macdonald Joanna , Henri Justin , Roy Kislay , Hays Emma , Bauer Michelle , Veedu Rakesh , Pouliot Normand , Shigdar Sarah
Published: January 2018

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), or CD326, was one of the first cancer associated biomarkers to be discovered. In the last forty years, this biomarker has been investigated for use in personalized cancer therapy, with the first monoclonal antibody, edrecolomab, being trialled in humans more than thirty years ago. Since then, several other monoclonal antibodies have been raised to EpCAM and tested in clinical trials. However, while monoclonal antibody therapy has been investigated against EpCAM for almost 40 years as primary or adjuvant therapy, it has not shown as much promise as initially heralded. In this review, we look at the reasons why and consider alternative targeting options, such as aptamers, to turn this almost ubiquitously expressed epithelial cancer biomarker into a viable target for future personalized therapy.
Alcohol-Derived Acetaldehyde Exposure in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Stornetta Alessia , Guidolin Valeria , Balbo Silvia
Published: January 2018

Alcohol is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a human carcinogen and its consumption has been associated to an increased risk of liver, breast, colorectum, and upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers. Its mechanisms of carcinogenicity remain unclear and various hypotheses have been formulated depending on the target organ considered. In the case of UADT cancers, alcohol’s major metabolite acetaldehyde seems to play a crucial role. Acetaldehyde reacts with DNA inducing modifications, which, if not repaired, can result in mutations and lead to cancer development. Despite alcohol being mainly metabolized in the liver, several studies performed in humans found higher levels of acetaldehyde in saliva compared to those found in blood immediately after alcohol consumption. These results suggest that alcohol-derived acetaldehyde exposure may occur in the oral cavity independently from liver metabolism. This hypothesis is supported by our recent results showing the presence of acetaldehyde-related DNA modifications in oral cells of monkeys and humans exposed to alcohol, overall suggesting that the alcohol metabolism in the oral cavity is an independent cancer risk factor. This review article will focus on illustrating the factors modulating alcohol-derived acetaldehyde exposure and effects in the oral cavity.
Incorporating the Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole Unit into a Coordination Polymer with Interdigitated Structure
Authors: Millan Simon , Makhloufi Gamall , Janiak Christoph
Published: January 2018

The linker 2,5-di(4-pyridyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (Dptztz), whose synthesis and structure is described here, was utilized together with benzene-1,3-dicarboxylate (isophthalate, 1,3-BDC2−) for the preparation of the two-dimensional coordination network [Zn(1,3-BDC)Dptztz]·DMF (DMF = dimethylformamide) via a solvothermal reaction. Compound [Zn(1,3-BDC)Dptztz]·DMF belongs to the class of coordination polymers with interdigitated structure (CIDs). The incorporated DMF solvent molecules can be removed through solvent exchange and evacuation such that the supramolecular 3D packing of the 2D networks retains porosity for CO2 adsorption in activated [Zn(1,3-BDC)Dptztz]. The first sorption study of a tztz-functionalized porous metal-organic framework material yields a BET surface of 417 m2/g calculated from the CO2 adsorption data. The heat of adsorption for CO2 exhibits a relative maximum with 27.7 kJ/mol at an adsorbed CO2 amount of about 4 cm3/g STP, which is interpreted as a gate-opening effect.
Production Methods of Van der Waals Heterostructures Based on Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Qi Haimei , Wang Lina , Sun Jie , Long Yi , Hu Peng , Liu Fucai , He Xuexia
Published: January 2018

Two dimensional (2D) materials have gained significant attention since the discovery of graphene in 2004. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become the focus of 2D materials in recent years due to their wide range of chemical compositions and a variety of properties. These TMDs layers can be artificially integrated with other layered materials into a monolayer (lateral) or a multilayer stack (vertical) heterostructures. The resulting heterostructures provide new properties and applications beyond their component 2D atomic crystals and many exciting experimental results have been reported during the past few years. In this review, we present the various synthesis methods (mechanical exfoliation, physical vapor transport, chemical vapor deposition, and molecular beam epitaxy method) on van der Waals heterostructures based on different TMDs as well as an outlook for future research.
Long-Term Functional Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Peek Jesse , Vos Cornelis , Ünlü Çağdas , Schreve Michiel , Van de Mortel Rob , De Vries Jean-Paul
Published: January 2018

First rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is clinically successful and safe in most patients. However, long-term functional outcomes are still insufficiently known. Long-term functional outcome was assessed using a validated questionnaire. A multicenter retrospective cohort study including all patients who underwent operations for TOS from January 2005 until December 2016. Clinical records were reviewed and the long-term functional outcome was assessed by the 11-item version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Sixty-two cases of TOS in 56 patients were analyzed: 36 neurogenic TOS, 13 arterial TOS, 7 venous TOS, and 6 combined TOS. There was no 30-day mortality. One reoperation because of bleeding was performed and five patients developed a pneumothorax. Survey response was 73% (n = 41) with a follow-up ranging from 1 to 11 years. Complete relief of symptoms was reported postoperatively in 27 patients (54%), symptoms improved in 90%, and the mean QuickDASH score was 22 (range, 0–86). Long-term functional outcome of surgical treatment of TOS was satisfactory, and surgery was beneficial in 90% of patients, with a low risk of severe morbidity. However, the mean QuickDASH scores remain higher compared with the general population, suggesting some sustained functional impairment despite clinical improvement of symptoms.
Performance Features of a Stationary Stochastic Novikov Engine
Authors: Schwalbe Karsten , Hoffmann Karl
Published: January 2018

In this article a Novikov engine with fluctuating hot heat bath temperature is presented. Based on this model, the performance measure maximum expected power as well as the corresponding efficiency and entropy production rate is investigated for four different stationary distributions: continuous uniform, normal, triangle, quadratic, and Pareto. It is found that the performance measures increase monotonously with increasing expectation value and increasing standard deviation of the distributions. Additionally, we show that the distribution has only little influence on the performance measures for small standard deviations. For larger values of the standard deviation, the performance measures in the case of the Pareto distribution are significantly different compared to the other distributions. These observations are explained by a comparison of the Taylor expansions in terms of the distributions’ standard deviations. For the considered symmetric distributions, an extension of the well known Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency to a stochastic Novikov engine is given.
Synchronization in Fractional-Order Complex-Valued Delayed Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Cao Jinde , Chen Dingyuan , Alsaadi Fuad
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the synchronization of fractional order complex valued neural networks (FOCVNN) at the presence of time delay. Synchronization criterions are achieved through the employment of a linear feedback control and comparison theorem of fractional order linear systems with delay. Feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system are validated through numerical simulations.
Transfer Entropy as a Tool for Hydrodynamic Model Validation
Authors: Sendrowski Alicia , Sadid Kazi , Meselhe Ehab , Wagner Wayne , Mohrig David , Passalacqua Paola
Published: January 2018

The validation of numerical models is an important component of modeling to ensure reliability of model outputs under prescribed conditions. In river deltas, robust validation of models is paramount given that models are used to forecast land change and to track water, solid, and solute transport through the deltaic network. We propose using transfer entropy (TE) to validate model results. TE quantifies the information transferred between variables in terms of strength, timescale, and direction. Using water level data collected in the distributary channels and inter-channel islands of Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana, USA, along with modeled water level data generated for the same locations using Delft3D, we assess how well couplings between external drivers (river discharge, tides, wind) and modeled water levels reproduce the observed data couplings. We perform this operation through time using ten-day windows. Modeled and observed couplings compare well; their differences reflect the spatial parameterization of wind and roughness in the model, which prevents the model from capturing high frequency fluctuations of water level. The model captures couplings better in channels than on islands, suggesting that mechanisms of channel-island connectivity are not fully represented in the model. Overall, TE serves as an additional validation tool to quantify the couplings of the system of interest at multiple spatial and temporal scales.