bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing Challenges for Mapping Irrigated Fields in Subhumid Temperate Regions by Integrating Remote Sensing and Hydroclimatic Data
Authors: Xu Tianfang , Deines Jillian , Kendall Anthony , Basso Bruno , Hyndman David
Published: February 2019

High-resolution mapping of irrigated fields is needed to better estimate water and nutrient fluxes in the landscape, food production, and local to regional climate. However, this remains a challenge in humid to subhumid regions, where irrigation has been expanding into what was largely rainfed agriculture due to trends in climate, crop prices, technologies and practices. One such region is southwestern Michigan, USA, where groundwater is the main source of irrigation water for row crops (primarily corn and soybeans). Remote sensing of irrigated areas can be difficult in these regions as rainfed areas have similar characteristics. We present methods to address this challenge and enhance the contrast between neighboring rainfed and irrigated areas, including weather-sensitive scene selection, applying recently developed composite indices and calculating spatial anomalies. We create annual, 30m-resolution maps of irrigated corn and soybeans for southwestern Michigan from 2001 to 2016 using a machine learning method (random forest). The irrigation maps reasonably capture the spatial and temporal pattern of irrigation, with accuracies that exceed available products. Analysis of the irrigation maps showed that the irrigated area in southwestern Michigan tripled in the last 16 years. We also discuss the remaining challenges for irrigation mapping in humid to subhumid areas.
A Piezoelectric Sensor Signal Analysis Method for Identifying Persons Groups
Authors: Ueno Hitoshi
Published: February 2019

The is an increasing number of elderly single-person households causing lonely deaths and it is a social problem. We study a watching system for elderly families by laying the piezoelectric sensors inside the house. There are few privacy issues of this system because piezoelectric sensor detects only a person’s vibration signal. Furthermore, it has a benefit of sensing the ability for a bio-signal including the respiration cycle and cardiac cycle. We propose a method of identifying the person who is on the sensor by analyzing the frequency spectrum of the bio-signal. Multiple peaks of harmonics originating from the heartbeat appear in the graph of the frequency spectrum. We propose a method to identify people by using the peak shape as a discrimination criterion.
Multi-UAV Reconnaissance Task Assignment for Heterogeneous Targets Based on Modified Symbiotic Organisms Search Algorithm
Authors: Chen Hao-Xiang , Nan Ying , Yang Yi
Published: February 2019

This paper considers a reconnaissance task assignment problem for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with different sensor capacities. A modified Multi-Objective Symbiotic Organisms Search algorithm (MOSOS) is adopted to optimize UAVs’ task sequence. A time-window based task model is built for heterogeneous targets. Then, the basic task assignment problem is formulated as a Multiple Time-Window based Dubins Travelling Salesmen Problem (MTWDTSP). Double-chain encoding rules and several criteria are established for the task assignment problem under logical and physical constraints. Pareto dominance determination and global adaptive scaling factors is introduced to improve the performance of original MOSOS. Numerical simulation and Monte-Carlo simulation results for the task assignment problem are also presented in this paper, whereas comparisons with non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and original MOSOS are made to verify the superiority of the proposed method. The simulation results demonstrate that modified SOS outperforms the original MOSOS and NSGA-II in terms of optimality and efficiency of the assignment results in MTWDTSP.
A Non-Invasive Medical Device for Parkinson’s Patients with Episodes of Freezing of Gait
Authors: Punin Catalina , Barzallo Boris , Clotet Roger , Bermeo Alexander , Bravo Marco , Bermeo Juan Pablo , Llumiguano Carlos
Published: February 2019

A critical symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the occurrence of Freezing of Gait (FOG), an episodic disorder that causes frequent falls and consequential injuries in PD patients. There are various auditory, visual, tactile, and other types of stimulation interventions that can be used to induce PD patients to escape FOG episodes. In this article, we describe a low cost wearable system for non-invasive gait monitoring and external delivery of superficial vibratory stimulation to the lower extremities triggered by FOG episodes. The intended purpose is to reduce the duration of the FOG episode, thus allowing prompt resumption of gait to prevent major injuries. The system, based on an Android mobile application, uses a tri-axial accelerometer device for gait data acquisition. Gathered data is processed via a discrete wavelet transform-based algorithm that precisely detects FOG episodes in real time. Detection activates external vibratory stimulation of the legs to reduce FOG time. The integration of detection and stimulation in one low cost device is the chief novel contribution of this work. We present analyses of sensitivity, specificity and effectiveness of the proposed system to validate its usefulness.
Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites (NFRP) Fabricated from Lignocellulosic Fibres for Future Sustainable Architectural Applications, Case Studies: Segmented-Shell Construction, Acoustic Panels, and Furniture
Authors: Dahy Hanaa
Published: February 2019

Due to the high amounts of waste generated from the building industry field, it has become essential to search for renewable building materials to be applied in wider and more innovative methods in architecture. One of the materials with the highest potential in this area is natural fibre-reinforced polymers (NFRP), which are also called biocomposites, and are filled or reinforced with annually renewable lignocellulosic fibres. This would permit variable closed material cycles’ scenarios and should decrease the amounts of waste generated in the building industry. Throughout this paper, this discussion will be illustrated through a number of developments and 1:1 mockups fabricated from newly developed lignocellulosic-based biocomposites from both bio-based and non-bio-based thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Recyclability, closed materials cycles, and design variations with diverse digital fabrication technologies will be discussed in each case. The mock-ups’ concepts, materials’ compositions, and fabrication methods are illustrated. In the first case study, a structural segmented shell construction is developed and constructed. In the second case study, acoustic panels were developed. The final case studies are two types of furniture, where each is developed from a different lignocellulosic-based biocomposite. All of the presented case studies show diverse architectural design possibilities, structural abilities, and physical building characteristics.
Accurate and Cost-Effective Micro Sun Sensor based on CMOS Black Sun Effect
Authors: Saleem Rashid , Lee Sukhan
Published: February 2019

An accurate and cost-effective micro sun sensor based on the extraction of the sun vector using a phenomenon called the “black sun” is presented. Unlike conventional image-based sun sensors where there is difficulty in accurately detecting the sun center, the black sun effect allows the sun center to be accurately extracted even with the sun image appearing irregular and noisy due to glare. This allows the proposed micro sun sensor to achieve high accuracy even when a 1 mm × 1 mm CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 250 × 250 pixels is used. The proposed micro sun sensor is implemented in two application modes: (1) a stationary mode targeted at tracking the sun for heliostats or solar panels with a fixed pose of single image sensor of 1 mm × 1 mm × 1.74 mm in size and (2) a non-stationary mode targeted at determining the orientation of moving platforms with six sensors on the platform, which is configured in an icosahedron geometry of 23 mm × 23 mm × 12 mm in size. For the stationary mode, we obtained an accuracy of 0.013° by applying Kalman filter to the sun sensor measurement for a particular sensor orientation. For the non-stationary mode, we obtained an improved accuracy of 0.05° by fusing the measurements from three sun sensors available at any instant of time. Furthermore, experiments indicate that the black sun effect makes the precision of sun vector extraction independent of the sun location captured on the image plane.
Joint Optimization for Task Offloading in Edge Computing: An Evolutionary Game Approach
Authors: Dong Chongwu , Wen Wushao
Published: February 2019

The mobile edge computing (MEC) paradigm provides a promising solution to solve the resource-insufficiency problem in mobile terminals by offloading computation-intensive and delay-sensitive tasks to nearby edge nodes. However, limited computation resources in edge nodes may not be sufficient to serve excessive offloading tasks exceeding the computation capacities of edge nodes. Therefore, multiple edge clouds with a complementary central cloud coordinated to serve users is the efficient architecture to satisfy users’ Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements while trying to minimize some network service providers’ cost. We study a dynamic, decentralized resource-allocation strategy based on evolutionary game theory to deal with task offloading to multiple heterogeneous edge nodes and central clouds among multi-users. In our strategy, the resource competition among multi-users is modeled by the process of replicator dynamics. During the process, our strategy can achieve one evolutionary equilibrium, meeting users’ QoS requirements under resource constraints of edge nodes. The stability and fairness of this strategy is also proved by mathematical analysis. Illustrative studies show the effectiveness of our proposed strategy, outperforming other alternative methods.
Finer SHM-Coverage of Inter-Plies and Bondings in Smart Composite by Dual Sinusoidal Placed Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors
Authors: Raman Venkadesh , Drissi-Habti Monssef , Limje Preshit , Khadour Aghiad
Published: February 2019

Designing of new generation offshore wind turbine blades is a great challenge as size of blades are getting larger (typically larger than 100 m). Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), which uses embedded Fiber Optics Sensors (FOSs), is incorporated in critical stressed zones such as trailing edges and spar webs. When FOS are embedded within composites, a ‘penny shape’ region of resin concentration is formed around the section of FOS. The size of so-formed defects are depending on diameter of the FOS. Penny shape defects depend of FOS diameter. Consequently, care must be given to embed in composites reliable sensors that are as small as possible. The way of FOS placement within composite plies is the second critical issue. Previous research work done in this field (1) investigated multiple linear FOS and sinusoidal FOS placement, as well. The authors pointed out that better structural coverage of the critical zones needs some new concepts. Therefore, further advancement is proposed in the current article with novel FOS placement (anti-phasic sinusoidal FOS placement), so as to cover more critical area and sense multi-directional strains, when the wind blade is in-use. The efficiency of the new positioning is proven by numerical and experimental study.
Monitoring Land Subsidence in Wuhan City (China) using the SBAS-InSAR Method with Radarsat-2 Imagery Data
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Yaolin , Jin Manqi , Jing Ying , Liu Yi , Liu Yanfang , Sun Wei , Wei Junqing , Chen Yiyun
Published: February 2019

Wuhan city is the biggest city in central China and has suffered subsidence problems in recent years because of its rapid urban construction. However, longtime and wide range monitoring of land subsidence is lacking. The causes of subsidence also require further study, such as natural conditions and human activities. We use small baseline subset (SBAS) interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) method and high-resolution RADARSAT-2 images acquired between 2015 and 2018 to derive subsidence. The SBAS-InSAR results are validated by 56 leveling benchmarks where two readings of elevation were recorded. Two natural factors (carbonate rock and soft soils) and three human factors (groundwater exploitation, subway excavation and urban construction) are investigated for their relationships with land subsidence. Results show that four major areas of subsidence are detected and the subsidence rate varies from −51.56 to 27.80 millimeters per year (mm/yr) with an average of −0.03 mm/yr. More than 83.81% of persistent scattered (PS) points obtain a standard deviation of less than −6 mm/yr, and the difference between SBAS-InSAR method and leveling data is less than 5 mm/yr. Thus, we conclude that SBAS-InSAR method with Radarsat-2 data is reliable for longtime monitoring of land subsidence covering a large area in Wuhan city. In addition, land subsidence is caused by a combination of natural conditions and human activities. Natural conditions provide a basis for subsidence and make subsidence possible. Human activities are driving factors and make subsidence happen. Moreover, subsidence information could be used in disaster prevention, urban planning, and hydrological modeling.
Three-Dimensional Visualization System with Spatial Information for Navigation of Tele-Operated Robots
Authors: Kim Seung-Hun , Jung Chansung , Park Jaeheung
Published: February 2019

This study describes a three-dimensional visualization system with spatial information for the effective control of a tele-operated robot. The environmental visualization system for operating the robot is very important. The tele-operated robot performs tasks in a disaster area that is not accessible to humans. The visualization system should perform in real-time to cope with rapidly changing situations. The visualization system should also provide accurate and high-level information so that the tele-operator can make the right decisions. The proposed system consists of four fisheye cameras and a 360° laser scanner. When the robot moves to the unknown space, a spatial model is created using the spatial information data of the laser scanner, and a single-stitched image is created using four images from cameras and mapped in real-time. The visualized image contains the surrounding spatial information; hence, the tele-operator can not only grasp the surrounding space easily, but also knows the relative position of the robot in space. In addition, it provides various angles of view without moving the robot or sensor, thereby coping with various situations. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a more natural appearance than the conventional methods.
Analysis and Evaluation of the Image Preprocessing Process of a Six-Band Multispectral Camera Mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Winter Wheat Monitoring
Authors: Jiang Jiale , Zheng Hengbiao , Ji Xusheng , Cheng Tao , Tian Yongchao , Zhu Yan , Cao Weixing , Ehsani Reza , Yao Xia
Published: February 2019

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral sensors have great potential in crop monitoring due to their high flexibility, high spatial resolution, and ease of operation. Image preprocessing, however, is a prerequisite to make full use of the acquired high-quality data in practical applications. Most crop monitoring studies have focused on specific procedures or applications, and there has been little attempt to examine the accuracy of the data preprocessing steps. This study focuses on the preprocessing process of a six-band multispectral camera (Mini-MCA6) mounted on UAVs. First, we have quantified and analyzed the components of sensor error, including noise, vignetting, and lens distortion. Next, different methods of spectral band registration and radiometric correction were evaluated. Then, an appropriate image preprocessing process was proposed. Finally, the applicability and potential for crop monitoring were assessed in terms of accuracy by measurement of the leaf area index (LAI) and the leaf biomass inversion under variable growth conditions during five critical growth stages of winter wheat. The results show that noise and vignetting could be effectively removed via use of correction coefficients in image processing. The widely used Brown model was suitable for lens distortion correction of a Mini-MCA6. Band registration based on ground control points (GCPs) (Root-Mean-Square Error, RMSE = 1.02 pixels) was superior to that using PixelWrench2 (PW2) software (RMSE = 1.82 pixels). For radiometric correction, the accuracy of the empirical linear correction (ELC) method was significantly higher than that of light intensity sensor correction (ILSC) method. The multispectral images that were processed using optimal correction methods were demonstrated to be reliable for estimating LAI and leaf biomass. This study provides a feasible and semi-automatic image preprocessing process for a UAV-based Mini-MCA6, which also serves as a reference for other array-type multispectral sensors. Moreover, the high-quality data generated in this study may stimulate increased interest in remote high-efficiency monitoring of crop growth status.
Enhanced Auditory Steady-State Response Using an Optimized Chirp Stimulus-Evoked Paradigm
Authors: Liu Xiaoya , Liu Shuang , Guo Dongyue , Sheng Yue , Ke Yufeng , An Xingwei , He Feng , Ming Dong
Published: February 2019

Objectives: It has been reported recently that gamma measures of the electroencephalogram (EEG) might provide information about the candidate biomarker of mental diseases like schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, affective disorder and so on, but as we know it is a difficult issue to induce visual and tactile evoked responses at high frequencies. Although a high-frequency response evoked by auditory senses is achievable, the quality of the recording response is not ideal, such as relatively low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Recently, auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) play an essential role in the field of basic auditory studies and clinical uses. However, how to improve the quality of ASSRs is still a challenge which researchers have been working on. This study aims at designing a more comfortable and suitable evoked paradigm and then enhancing the quality of the ASSRs in healthy subjects so as to further apply it in clinical practice. Methods: Chirp and click stimuli with 40 Hz and 60 Hz were employed to evoke the gamma-ASSR respectively, and the sound adjusted to 45 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Twenty healthy subjects with normal-hearing participated, and 64-channel EEGs were simultaneously recorded during the experiment. Event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) and SNR of the ASSRs were measured and analyzed to verify the feasibility and adaptability of the proposed evoked paradigm. Results: The results showed that the evoked paradigm proposed in this study could enhance ASSRs with strong feasibility and adaptability. (1) ASSR waves in time domain indicated that 40 Hz stimuli could significantly induce larger peak-to-peak values of ASSRs compared to 60 Hz stimuli (p < 0.01**); ERSP showed that obvious ASSRs were obtained at each lead for both 40 Hz and 60 Hz, as well as the click and chirp stimuli. (2) The SNR of the ASSRs were –3.23 ± 1.68, –2.44 ± 2.90, –4.66 ± 2.09, and –3.53 ± 3.49 respectively for 40 Hz click, 40 Hz chirp, 60 Hz click and 60 Hz chirp, indicating the chirp stimuli could induce significantly better ASSR than the click, and 40 Hz ASSRs had the higher SNR than 60 Hz (p < 0.01**). Limitation: In this study, sample size was small and the age span was not large enough. Conclusions: This study verified the feasibility and adaptability of the proposed evoked paradigm to improve the quality of the gamma-ASSR, which is significant in clinical application. The results suggested that 40 Hz ASSR evoked by chirp stimuli had the best performance and was expected to be used in clinical practice, especially in the field of mental diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and affective disorder.
Sustainable and Resilient Urban Water Systems: The Role of Decentralization and Planning
Authors: Leigh Nancey Green , Lee Heonyeong
Published: February 2019

Urban water systems face multiple challenges related to future uncertainty and pressures to provide more sustainable and resilient modes of service delivery. Transitioning away from fully centralized water systems is seen as a primary solution to addressing these urban challenges and pressures. We first review the literature on advantages, potential risks, and impediments to change associated with decentralized water system. Our review suggests that adopting decentralized solutions may advance conditions of sustainability and resilience in urban water management. We then explore the potential to incorporate decentralized water systems into broader urban land use patterns that include underserved residential neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and industrial districts.
Quantitative Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment of Crop Loss in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China
Authors: Xu Wei , Ming Xiaodong , Ma Yunjia , Zhang Xinhang , Shi Peijun , Zhuo Li , Lu Bingqiang
Published: February 2019

Due to their complexity, hazard interactions are often neglected in current studies of multi-hazard risk assessment. As a result, the assessment results are qualitative or semi-quantitative and are difficult to use in regional risk management. In this paper, the crop loss risk due to heavy rain and strong wind in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China was quantitatively assessed, based on the joint return periods of these hazards and a vulnerability surface. The joint return period is obtained with a copula function based on the marginal distribution of each hazard. The vulnerability is fitted by considering the joint hazard intensity, the sown area of crops, elevation, and GDP per capita. The results show that counties with a high value of joint hazard probability are clustered in the southeast coastal area and that the value gradually decreases from south to north and from east to west. The multi-hazard risk has a similar pattern, with a large value in the southeast coastal area and a low value in the northwest. The proposed method can be used for quantitative assessment of multi-hazard risk, and the results can be used for regional disaster risk management and planning.
Analysis of Hong Kong’s Wind Energy: Power Potential, Development Constraints, and Experiences from Other Countries for Local Wind Energy Promotion Strategies
Authors: Gao Xiaoxia , Xia Lu , Lu Lin , Li Yonghua
Published: February 2019

The wind energy utilization in Hong Kong is limited, although its potential has proven to be significant. The lack of effective policy for wind energy development is the main constraint. In this paper, the wind power potential in Hong Kong is analyzed, and the wind power potential assessment is conducted based on one-year field measured wind data using Light Detection & Ranging (LiDAR) technology in a proposed offshore wind farm. Results show that the offshore wind power potential in Hong Kong was 14,449 GWh which occupied 32.20% of electricity consumption in 2017. In addition, the electricity market and power structure in Hong Kong are also reviewed with the existing policies related to renewable energy development. Conclusions can be made that the renewable energy target in Hong Kong is out of date and until now there have been no specific effective policies on wind energy. In order to urge Hong Kong, catch up with other countries/regions on wind energy development, the histories and evolution of wind energy policies in other countries, especially in Denmark, are reviewed and discussed. Suggestions are provided in the aspects of economics, public attitude, and political factors which can stimulate wind power development in Hong Kong.
A Holistic Wetland Ecological Water Replenishment Scheme with Consideration of Seasonal Effect
Authors: Duan Haiyan , Xu Menghong , Cai Yu , Wang Xianen , Zhou Jialong , Zhang Qiong
Published: February 2019

Wetland ecological water replenishment becomes necessary in most developing countries. A holistic water replenishment scheme considering both wetland ecosystem services and irrigation requirement is needed for river water reallocation. A framework was developed in this study to calculate wetland ecological water demand (WD), river water supply capacity (RSC) and the benefit of wetland ecological water replenishment and crop irrigation with consideration of the seasonal effects. The Xianghai wetland and the Taoerhe irrigation district (TID) were considered as the study area to investigate various wetland ecological water replenishment schemes (WRS). The results showed that the WRS, considering both wetland function and agricultural irrigation, has the highest overall benefit compared to the schemes with a single focus (either wetland or irrigation). In addition, the WRS design must consider the seasonal effect because of seasonal variation of rainfall, crop growth, and wetland plants and animals’ growth. The WRS design with consideration of seasonal effect not only increased the total value of river basin from $74.83 million to $104.02 million but also balanced the benefit between TID and wetland while meeting wetland WD. This study offers a decision-making framework of developing a holistic WRS considering benefits from multiple water users and seasonal variation.
The Research on Temporal–Spatial Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of Ancient Settlements in the Songhua River Basin
Authors: Zhu Meng , Dong Jianfei , Gao Yingzhi
Published: February 2019

Settlements have a high cultural and historical value in regions as indicators of human habitation and culture. The Songhua River Basin is on the edge of a traditional cultural center, which has scattered ecological elements, a special culture, and historical faults. Because of the superposition of traces of different ethnic activities in different periods, the Songhua River has a special and diversified cultural foundation and heritage, which is of high research value. However, the ancient settlements in this region have not been given sufficient attention and as a result it is difficult to achieve a complete and systematic study. In order to promote the cultural value of this historical region and the development of a regional and cultural industry, this paper seeks to study the ancient settlements of Songhua River Basin. With the help of GIS technology, archeological excavations, and the concept of ethnic pedigree in ethnology, this study analyzes the temporal–spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin, in order to determine how the heritage value of these settlements can be sustainably protected.
Study on Column-Top Seismic Isolation of Single-Layer Latticed Domes
Authors: Zhai Yongmei , Fu Xuxia , Chen Yihui , Hu Wei
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a single-layer lamella reticulated dome with reinforced concrete bearings was studied, and a method of column-top isolation was proposed to improve the seismic performance of the whole structure, thereby avoiding too large support stiffness in engineering practice. A nonlinear time-history analysis showed that lead rubber bearings (LRB) can reduce the support reaction to a certain extent and make it distribute uniformly, reducing the support design requirements under frequent earthquakes. During rare earthquakes, the LRB was basically in the plastic state and the support reaction remained near the yield force, which was reduced greatly compared with that of the original structure. The bearing hysteresis curve was full, while the plasticity development degree of the upper reticulated dome was greatly reduced and the elasticity was basically maintained, thus achieving a good damping effect.
An Analytical Numerical Method for Solving Fuzzy Fractional Volterra Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Alaroud Mohammad , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Rozita Ahmad Rokiah , Salma Din Ummul Khair
Published: February 2019

The modeling of fuzzy fractional integro-differential equations is a very significant matter in engineering and applied sciences. This paper presents a novel treatment algorithm based on utilizing the fractional residual power series (FRPS) method to study and interpret the approximated solutions for a class of fuzzy fractional Volterra integro-differential equations of order 0 < β ≤ 1 which are subject to appropriate symmetric triangular fuzzy conditions under strongly generalized differentiability. The proposed algorithm relies upon the residual error concept and on the formula of generalized Taylor. The FRPS algorithm provides approximated solutions in parametric form with rapidly convergent fractional power series without linearization, limitation on the problem’s nature, and sort of classification or perturbation. The fuzzy fractional derivatives are described via the Caputo fuzzy H -differentiable. The ability, effectiveness, and simplicity of the proposed technique are demonstrated by testing two applications. Graphical and numerical results reveal the symmetry between the lower and upper r -cut representations of the fuzzy solution and satisfy the convex symmetric triangular fuzzy number. Notably, the symmetric fuzzy solutions on a focus of their core and support refer to a sense of proportion, harmony, and balance. The obtained results reveal that the FRPS scheme is simple, straightforward, accurate and convenient to solve different forms of fuzzy fractional differential equations.
Nonclassical Symmetry Solutions for Non-Autonomous Reaction-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Bradshaw-Hajek Bronwyn
Published: February 2019

The behaviour of many systems in chemistry, combustion and biology can be described using nonlinear reaction diffusion equations. Here, we use nonclassical symmetry techniques to analyse a class of nonlinear reaction diffusion equations, where both the diffusion coefficient and the coefficient of the reaction term are spatially dependent. We construct new exact group invariant solutions for several forms of the spatial dependence, and the relevance of some of the solutions to population dynamics modelling is discussed.
On Meromorphic Functions Defined by a New Operator Containing the Mittag–Leffler Function
Authors: Elhaddad Suhila , Darus Maslina
Published: February 2019

This study defines a new linear differential operator via the Hadamard product between a q-hypergeometric function and Mittag–Leffler function. The application of the linear differential operator generates a new subclass of meromorphic function. Additionally, the study explores various properties and features, such as convex properties, distortion, growth, coefficient inequality and radii of starlikeness. Finally, the work discusses closure theorems and extreme points.
Hemoptysis in the Immunocompromised Patient: Do Not Forget Strongyloidiasis
Authors: Shrestha Prakash , O’Neil Sean E. , Taylor Barbara S. , Bode-Omoleye Olaoluwa , Anstead Gregory M.
Published: February 2019

Strongyloidiasis, due to infection with the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, affects millions of people in the tropics and subtropics. Strongyloides has a unique auto-infective lifecycle such that it can persist in the human host for decades. In immunosuppressed patients, especially those on corticosteroids, potentially fatal disseminated strongyloidiasis can occur, often with concurrent secondary infections. Herein, we present two immunocompromised patients with severe strongyloidiasis who presented with pneumonia, hemoptysis, and sepsis. Both patients were immigrants from developing countries and had received prolonged courses of corticosteroids prior to admission. Patient 1 also presented with a diffuse abdominal rash; a skin biopsy showed multiple intradermal Strongyloides larvae. Patient 1 had concurrent pneumonic nocardiosis and bacteremia with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis. Patient 2 had concurrent Aspergillus and Candida pneumonia and developed an Aerococcus meningitis. Both patients had negative serologic tests for Strongyloides; patient 2 manifested intermittent eosinophilia. In both patients, the diagnosis was afforded by bronchoscopy with lavage. The patients were successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and ivermectin. Patient 1 also received albendazole. Strongyloidiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis in immunocompromised patients with possible prior exposure to S. stercoralis.
Genetic Determinants of the Re-Emergence of Arboviral Diseases
Authors: Ketkar Harshada , Herman Daniella , Wang Penghua
Published: February 2019

Mosquito-borne diseases constitute a large portion of infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. Mosquito-transmitted viruses, such as yellow fever, dengue, West Nile, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, have re-emerged recently and remain a public health threat worldwide. Global climate change, rapid urbanization, burgeoning international travel, expansion of mosquito populations, vector competence, and host and viral genetics may all together contribute to the re-emergence of arboviruses. In this brief review, we summarize the host and viral genetic determinants that may enhance infectivity in the host, viral fitness in mosquitoes and viral transmission by mosquitoes.
Differential Response Following Infection of Mouse CNS with Virulent and Attenuated Vaccinia Virus Strains
Authors: Israely Tomer , Paran Nir , Erez Noam , Cherry Lilach , Tamir Hadas , Achdout Hagit , Politi Boaz , Israeli Ofir , Zaide Galia , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Vitner Einat B. , Lustig Shlomo , Melamed Sharon
Published: February 2019

Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) lead to a broad range of pathologies. CNS infections with Orthopox viruses have been mainly documented as an adverse reaction to smallpox vaccination with vaccinia virus. To date, there is insufficient data regarding the mechanisms underlying pathological viral replication or viral clearance. Therefore, informed risk assessment of vaccine adverse reactions or outcome prediction is limited. This work applied a model of viral infection of the CNS, comparing neurovirulent with attenuated strains. We followed various parameters along the disease and correlated viral load, morbidity, and mortality with tissue integrity, innate and adaptive immune response and functionality of the blood–brain barrier. Combining these data with whole brain RNA-seq analysis performed at different time points indicated that neurovirulence is associated with host immune silencing followed by induction of tissue damage-specific pathways. In contrast, brain infection with attenuated strains resulted in rapid and robust induction of innate and adaptive protective immunity, followed by viral clearance and recovery. This study significantly improves our understanding of the mechanisms and processes determining the consequence of viral CNS infection and highlights potential biomarkers associated with such outcomes.
Eye Movement Dynamics Differ between Encoding and Recognition of Faces
Authors: Arizpe Joseph M. , Noles Danielle L. , Tsao Jack W. , Chan Annie W.-Y.
Published: February 2019

Facial recognition is widely thought to involve a holistic perceptual process, and optimal recognition performance can be rapidly achieved within two fixations. However, is facial identity encoding likewise holistic and rapid, and how do gaze dynamics during encoding relate to recognition? While having eye movements tracked, participants completed an encoding (“study”) phase and subsequent recognition (“test”) phase, each divided into blocks of one- or five-second stimulus presentation time conditions to distinguish the influences of experimental phase (encoding/recognition) and stimulus presentation time (short/long). Within the first two fixations, several differences between encoding and recognition were evident in the temporal and spatial dynamics of the eye-movements. Most importantly, in behavior, the long study phase presentation time alone caused improved recognition performance (i.e., longer time at recognition did not improve performance), revealing that encoding is not as rapid as recognition, since longer sequences of eye-movements are functionally required to achieve optimal encoding than to achieve optimal recognition. Together, these results are inconsistent with a scan path replay hypothesis. Rather, feature information seems to have been gradually integrated over many fixations during encoding, enabling recognition that could subsequently occur rapidly and holistically within a small number of fixations.
Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and sensor applications of PtSe2 nanosheets synthesized by wet chemistry
Authors: Pawar Mahendra S , Late Dattatray J
Published: February 2019

We report on a wet chemistry method used to grow PtSe2 nanosheets followed by thermal annealing. The SEM and TEM analysis confirms the formation of PtSe2 nanosheets. Furthermore, XRD, Raman, XPS and SAED patterns were used to analyze the crystal structure and to confirm the formation of the PtSe2 phase. The temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy investigations were carried out on PtSe2 nanosheets deposited on Si substrates in the temperature range 100–506 K. The shifts in Raman active Eg and A1g modes as a function of temperature were monitored. The temperature coefficient for both modes was calculated and was found to match well with the reported 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. A PtSe2 nanosheet-based sensor device was tested for its applicability as a humidity sensor and photodetector. The humidity sensor based on PtSe2 nanosheets showed an excellent recovery time of ≈5 s, indicating the great potential of PtSe2 for future sensor devices.
Convergent synthesis of the pentasaccharide repeating unit of the biofilms produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Gucchait Arin , Ghosh Angana , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: February 2019

A pentasaccharide repeating unit containing α-linked D-glucuronic acid, β-linked D-mannose, corresponding to the repeating unit of biofilms produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae, has been synthesized using a stereoselective [2 + 3] convergent glycosylation strategy. The β-D-mannosidic moiety has been synthesized using a D-mannose-derived thioglycoside by a two-step activation process. Late stage TEMPO-mediated oxidation of the pentasaccharide derivative using phase-transfer reaction conditions furnished the target compound in satisfactory yield.
DECISION SUPPORT FOR THE EVALUATION OF BUILDING LIFE CYCLE EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Banaitiene Nerija , Turskis Zenonas
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a multiple criteria decision model for the life cycle of single family houses analysis based on a decision support system. Methods of multiple criteria analysis are applied for a complex analysis of the single‐family houses life cycle as well as for the evaluation of decisions. The method of multivariant design is applied for making variants of the life cycle of single‐family houses. The multivariant design and multiple criteria evaluation of a building life cycle allow the interested parties (client, contractor, user, etc.) to make efficient decisions on the ground of a quantitative and qualitative variants analysis. The decision maker's attitude can be reflected in the analysis process by the weighting of criteria.

The proposed methodology provides a useful tool for building life cycle evaluation. Having applied the information gathered in the database, using the models of a model base, various interested parties of a building life cycle are able to make effective decisions. The system provides a user with all the necessary support required for decision making: in information terms the receipt of quantitative and conceptual information describing a building life cycle, gathering and use thereof, in terms of evaluation the analysis of such information applying the methods of a multiple criteria analysis.
DETERMINING OF TECHNOLOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF BUILDING SYSTEMS BY AHP METHOD
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Podvezko Valentinas , Andruškevičius Algirdas
Published: February 2019

The successful performance of construction enterprises as well as their competitiveness are largely determined by the construction technology and management methods used. In this respect two levels referring to a building or structure itself and to a construction enterprise as a whole should be distinguished. The technology of a building or structure embraces its construction system generally characterizing building materials, design solutions and load‐bearing structures and enclosures used in the construction of this particular building. The problem of selecting a general technological criterion for the whole construction enterprise arises.

A construction enterprise fulfilling its annual program can simultaneously construct buildings and structures based on various construction systems, i.e. it can use various technologies. Searching for an integrated criterion to describe an enterprise as a whole three main issues including the variation of the applied technologies and their volumes and technological effectiveness should be taken into consideration.

In the paper the problem of determining technological effectiveness of construction systems is considered. A method of pairwise comparison developed by T. Saaty was used to address this problem. The calculations were made for all thirteen technologies currently used in Lithuanian construction industry. Based on the suggested approach the weight of technological effectiveness was determined for each of them in the parts of one.
A General-relativistic Determination of the Threshold Mass to Prompt Collapse in Binary Neutron Star Mergers
Authors: Köppel Sven , Bovard Luke , Rezzolla Luciano
Published: February 2019

We study the lifetimes of the remnant produced by the merger of two neutron stars and revisit the determination of the threshold mass to prompt collapse, M
th. Using a fully general-relativistic numerical approach and a novel method for a rigorous determination of M
th, we show that a nonlinear universal relation exists between the threshold mass and the maximum compactness. For the temperature-dependent equations of state considered here, our results improve a similar linear relation found recently with methods that are less accurate but yield quantitatively similar results. Furthermore, exploiting the information from GW170817, we use the universal relation to set lower limits on the stellar radii for any mass.
A Mass-dependent Slope of the Galaxy Size–Mass Relation out to z ∼ 3: Further Evidence for a Direct Relation between Median Galaxy Size and Median Halo Mass
Authors: Mowla Lamiya , Wel Arjen van der , Dokkum Pieter van , Miller Tim B.
Published: February 2019

We reassess the galaxy size–mass relation out to z ∼ 3 using a new definition of size and a sample of >29,000 galaxies from the 3D-HST, CANDELS, and COSMOS-DASH surveys. Instead of the half-light radius r
50 we use r
80, the radius containing 80% of the stellar light. We find that the r
80–M
* relation has the form of a broken power law, with a clear change of slope at a pivot mass M
p. Below the pivot mass the relation is shallow (

); above it, it is steep (

). The pivot mass increases with redshift, from

at z = 0.4 to

at z = 1.7–3. We compare these

relations to the

relations derived from galaxy–galaxy lensing, clustering analyses, and abundance matching techniques. Remarkably, the pivot stellar masses of both relations are consistent with each other at all redshifts, and the slopes are very similar both above and below the pivot when assuming

. The implied scaling factor to relate galaxy size to halo size is r
80/R
vir = 0.047, independent of stellar mass and redshift. From redshift 0 to 1.5, the pivot mass also coincides with the mass where the fraction of star-forming galaxies is 50%, suggesting that the pivot mass reflects a transition from dissipational to dissipationless galaxy growth. Finally, our results imply that the scatter in the stellar-to-halo mass is relatively small for massive halos (∼0.2 dex for

).
Unique botanical values in a metropolitan area and the landscape history reasons of their occurrence on the Széchenyi Hill, Budapest
Authors: Nagy Károly Menyhért , Malatinszky Ákos
Published: February 2019

Urban areas host several threatened species in small reserves that face habitat loss and fragmentation due to land-use change. Despite historical and current disturbances, these areas sometimes still maintain high biological diversity. As only 5% of the European Union territory was classified as natural, the permanent grasslands represent overriding value, especially in metropolitan areas. Our aim was to explore protected and adventive plant species in a small and valuable, but till now, not deeply studied area of the densely inhabited 12th district in the metropolitan city Budapest (Hungary), which is visited by large numbers of people. We compared various historical map sources in order to explain how the extension of the grasslands has changed during the past centuries and, thus, which patches are permanent grassland habitats. We found 29 protected and 1 strictly protected plant species. The highest number of protected plant species and their stands were found in the permanent grasslands. Besides urbanisation, a heavy load of tourism (especially on non-designated routes), off-road mountain biking, airsoft races, some illegal shelters for homeless people and game damage threaten this unique refuge of high natural values. The extension of grasslands between 1783 and 2016 varies from 6.7 ha to 21.5 ha. Their area constantly increased due to deforestation until 1867 and exceeded 20 ha, probably due to the mass increase in livestock grazing; then it stagnated until the 1920s, with a slight decrease due to expanding urban areas. Golf greens appeared, walker and skiing tourism increased and these apparently have not decreased the coverage of grasslands, but surely affected the composition of their species. Recent scrub encroachment and re-forestation caused a further decrease. Our distribution maps show the highest density of protected plant species on the southern slopes (2.4 hectare) that have constantly been grasslands since 1783 to date. Contrarily, the cutting of grasslands from 1861 to date contains only half of their number per area unit. Thus, the number of valuable plant specimens refers to the age of the grassland. Three species occur only in the oldest grasslands. Conservation actions should first and foremost focus on these patches.
Hippocampus whitei Bleeker, 1855, a senior synonym of the southern Queensland seahorse H. procerus Kuiter, 2001: molecular and morphological evidence (Teleostei, Syngnathidae)
Authors: Short Graham , Harasti David , Hamilton Healy
Published: February 2019

The taxonomic status of the seahorse Hippocampusprocerus Kuiter, 2001, type locality Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia, was re-examined based on its strong morphological similarity and geographical proximity to its congener H.whitei Bleeker, 1855, a species recorded in ten estuaries of New South Wales, Australia. Kuiter (2001) distinguished H.procerus from H.whitei by a taller coronet, marginally lower meristics, and spinier physiognomy. Meristic, morphometric, and key diagnostic morphological character comparisons from vouchered specimens of the two purported species collected from Sydney Harbour, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, NSW and Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, and Moreton Bay, QLD did not show diagnostic differences to support species-level classification of H.procerus. Furthermore, partial mitochondrial COI sequence data from specimens sampled from known geographical distributions in NSW and Southport, QLD failed to discriminate between populations as a result of shared haplotypes, and revealed an average intraspecific divergence of 0.002%. Hippocampusprocerus is hereby placed in the synonymy of H.whitei; a redescription is provided, with a revised record of its range across eastern Australia.