bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Idea of a University: Rethinking the Malaysian Context
Authors: Da Wan Chang , Sirat Morshidi , Razak Dzulkifli
Published: July 2015

This article explores the idea of a university with a specific focus in the Malaysian context. We begin the article guided by these questions—“What is a university?” and “What are universities for?”—in examining the historical and conceptual development of universities. This is followed by asking a more specific question—“What are Malaysian universities for?”—in which we discussed the overarching roles of public and private universities in this developing country. Having examined the roles of public and private universities, and taken into context the complexity and challenges surrounding these important societal institutions, we discuss two “experimental” initiatives in Malaysia: the APEX University (Accelerated Program for Excellence) focusing on sustainability and the “humanversity”. On the one hand, these initiatives are intended to prepare and transform Malaysian universities to address not only the needs of society today, but critically, of tomorrow. On the other hand, they have implications and contributions to frame our thinking about the future ideas of a university not only in Malaysia, but regionally and globally.
Emergency Response System for Pollution Accidents in Chemical Industrial Parks, China
Authors: Duan Weili , He Bin
Published: July 2015

In addition to property damage and loss of lives, environment pollution, such as water pollution and air pollution caused by accidents in chemical industrial parks (CIPs) is a significant issue in China. An emergency response system (ERS) was therefore planned to properly and proactively cope with safety incidents including fire and explosions occurring in the CIPs in this study. Using a scenario analysis, the stages of emergency response were divided into three levels, after introducing the domino effect, and fundamental requirements of ERS design were confirmed. The framework of ERS was composed mainly of a monitoring system, an emergency command center, an action system, and a supporting system. On this basis, six main emergency rescue steps containing alarm receipt, emergency evaluation, launched corresponding emergency plans, emergency rescue actions, emergency recovery, and result evaluation and feedback were determined. Finally, an example from the XiaoHu Chemical Industrial Park (XHCIP) was presented to check on the integrality, reliability, and maneuverability of the ERS, and the result of the first emergency drill with this ERS indicated that the developed ERS can reduce delays, improve usage efficiency of resources, and raise emergency rescue efficiency.
Annona muricata (Annonaceae): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Isolated Acetogenins and Biological Activities
Authors: Moghadamtousi Soheil , Fadaeinasab Mehran , Nikzad Sonia , Mohan Gokula , Ali Hapipah , Kadir Habsah
Published: July 2015

Annona muricata is a member of the Annonaceae family and is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional use. A. muricata, also known as soursop, graviola and guanabana, is an evergreen plant that is mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The fruits of A. muricata are extensively used to prepare syrups, candies, beverages, ice creams and shakes. A wide array of ethnomedicinal activities is contributed to different parts of A. muricata, and indigenous communities in Africa and South America extensively use this plant in their folk medicine. Numerous investigations have substantiated these activities, including anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, antiparasitic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical studies reveal that annonaceous acetogenins are the major constituents of A. muricata. More than 100 annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from leaves, barks, seeds, roots and fruits of A. muricata. In view of the immense studies on A. muricata, this review strives to unite available information regarding its phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities.
Effects of a Short Physical Exercise Intervention on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Kerling Arno , Keweloh Karin , Tegtbur Uwe , Kück Momme , Grams Lena , Horstmann Hauke , Windhagen Anja
Published: July 2015

Background: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to investigate if a short-term endurance or combined endurance/resistance exercise program was sufficient to improve aerobic capacity and maximum force in adult patients (18–65 years) with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: All patients performed a three-month exercise program consisting of two training sessions per week, lasting 40 min each, with moderate intensity. All patients had a maximum value of 6 (low to moderate disability) on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). One group (combined workout group (CWG); 15 females, 4 males) completed a combined endurance/resistance workout (20 min on a bicycle ergometer, followed by 20 min of resistance training), while the other group (endurance workout group (EWG); 13 females, 5 males) completed a 40 min endurance training program. Aerobic capacity was assessed as peak oxygen uptake, ventilatory anaerobic threshold, and workload expressed as Watts. Maximum force of knee and shoulder extensors and flexors was measured using isokinetic testing. Quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire, and fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Results: Both training groups increased in aerobic capacity and maximum force. EWG, as well as CWG, showed improvement in several subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire and decrease of their fatigue. Conclusion: A short exercise intervention increased both aerobic capacity and maximum force independent of whether endurance or combined endurance/resistance workouts were performed.
Chromium-Induced Ultrastructural Changes and Oxidative Stress in Roots of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Eleftheriou Eleftherios , Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis , Panteris Emmanuel , Fatsiou Maria
Published: July 2015

Chromium (Cr) is an abundant heavy metal in nature, toxic to living organisms. As it is widely used in industry and leather tanning, it may accumulate locally at high concentrations, raising concerns for human health hazards. Though Cr effects have extensively been investigated in animals and mammals, in plants they are poorly understood. The present study was then undertaken to determine the ultrastructural malformations induced by hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], the most toxic form provided as 100 μM potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), in the root tip cells of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. A concentration-dependent decrease of root growth and a time-dependent increase of dead cells, callose deposition, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and peroxidase activity were found in Cr(VI)-treated seedlings, mostly at the transition root zone. In the same zone, nuclei remained ultrastructurally unaffected, but in the meristematic zone some nuclei displayed bulbous outgrowths or contained tubular structures. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was less affected under Cr(VI) stress, but Golgi bodies appeared severely disintegrated. Moreover, mitochondria and plastids became spherical and displayed translucent stroma with diminished internal membranes, but noteworthy is that their double-membrane envelopes remained structurally intact. Starch grains and electron dense deposits occurred in the plastids. Amorphous material was also deposited in the cell walls, the middle lamella and the vacuoles. Some vacuoles were collapsed, but the tonoplast appeared integral. The plasma membrane was structurally unaffected and the cytoplasm contained opaque lipid droplets and dense electron deposits. All electron dense deposits presumably consisted of Cr that is sequestered from sensitive sites, thus contributing to metal tolerance. It is concluded that the ultrastructural changes are reactive oxygen species (ROS)-correlated and the malformations observed are organelle specific.
Improved Genetic Algorithm Optimization for Forward Vehicle Detection Problems
Authors: Gang Longhui , Zhang Mingheng , Zhao Xiudong , Wang Shuai
Published: July 2015

Automated forward vehicle detection is an integral component of many advanced driver-assistance systems. The method based on multi-visual information fusion, with its exclusive advantages, has become one of the important topics in this research field. During the whole detection process, there are two key points that should to be resolved. One is to find the robust features for identification and the other is to apply an efficient algorithm for training the model designed with multi-information. This paper presents an adaptive SVM (Support Vector Machine) model to detect vehicle with range estimation using an on-board camera. Due to the extrinsic factors such as shadows and illumination, we pay more attention to enhancing the system with several robust features extracted from a real driving environment. Then, with the introduction of an improved genetic algorithm, the features are fused efficiently by the proposed SVM model. In order to apply the model in the forward collision warning system, longitudinal distance information is provided simultaneously. The proposed method is successfully implemented on a test car and evaluation experimental results show reliability in terms of both the detection rate and potential effectiveness in a real-driving environment.
Dihydrogen Phosphate Stabilized Ruthenium(0) Nanoparticles: Efficient Nanocatalyst for The Hydrolysis of Ammonia-Borane at Room Temperature
Authors: Durap Feyyaz , Caliskan Salim , Özkar Saim , Karakas Kadir , Zahmakiran Mehmet
Published: July 2015

Intensive efforts have been devoted to the development of new materials for safe and efficient hydrogen storage. Among them, ammonia-borane appears to be a promising candidate due to its high gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity. Ammonia-borane can release hydrogen on hydrolysis in aqueous solution under mild conditions in the presence of a suitable catalyst. Herein, we report the synthesis of ruthenium(0) nanoparticles stabilized by dihydrogenphosphate anions with an average particle size of 2.9 ± 0.9 nm acting as a water-dispersible nanocatalyst in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. They provide an initial turnover frequency (TOF) value of 80 min−1 in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane at room temperature. Moreover, the high stability of these ruthenium(0) nanoparticles makes them long-lived and reusable nanocatalysts for the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. They provide 56,800 total turnovers and retain ~80% of their initial activity even at the fifth catalytic run in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane at room temperature.
Laminarin from Irish Brown Seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria hyperborea: Ultrasound Assisted Extraction, Characterization and Bioactivity
Authors: Kadam Shekhar , O'Donnell Colm , Rai Dilip , Hossain Mohammad , Burgess Catherine , Walsh Des , Tiwari Brijesh
Published: July 2015

Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE), purification, characterization and antioxidant activity of laminarin from Irish brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminarina hyperborea were investigated. UAE was carried out using 60% ultrasonic power amplitude and 0.1 M hydrochloric acid for 15 min. Separately, solid-liquid extraction was carried in an orbital shaker using 0.1 M hydrochloric acid at 70 °C for 2.5 h. UAE with hydrochloric acid resulted in the highest concentration of laminarin, 5.82% and 6.24% on dry weight basis from A. nodosum and L. hyperborea, respectively. Purification of all extracts was carried out using molecular weight cut off dialysis at 10 kDa. Characterization of the laminarin fraction was carried out using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity of A. nodosum and L. hyperborea extracts had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition levels of 93.23% and 87.57%, respectively. Moreover, these extracts have shown inihibition of bacterial growth of Staphylcoccus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium.
Multiscale Modeling of Skeletal Muscle Active Contraction in Relation to Mechanochemical Coupling of Molecular Motors
Authors: Chen Jiangcheng , Zhang Xiaodong , Lin Shengmao , Wang He , Gu Linxia
Published: July 2015

In this work, a mathematical model was developed to relate the mechanochemical characterizations of molecular motors with the macroscopic manifestation of muscle contraction. Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics were used to study the collective behavior of myosin molecular motors in terms of the complex conformation change and multiple chemical states in one working cycle. The stochastic evolution of molecular motor probability density distribution during the contraction of sarcomere was characterized by the Fokker-Planck Equation. Quick muscle contraction was demonstrated by the collective dynamic behavior of myosin motors, the muscle contraction force, and the muscle contraction velocity-force relation. Our results are validated against published experiments, as well as the predictions from the Hill’s model. The quantitative relation between myosin molecular motors and muscle contraction provides a novel way to unravel the mechanism of force generation.
Integrase Inhibitor Prodrugs: Approaches to Enhancing the Anti-HIV Activity of β-Diketo Acids
Authors: Nair Vasu , Okello Maurice
Published: July 2015

HIV integrase, encoded at the 3′-end of the HIV pol gene, is essential for HIV replication. This enzyme catalyzes the incorporation of HIV DNA into human DNA, which represents the point of “no-return” in HIV infection. Integrase is a significant target in anti-HIV drug discovery. This review article focuses largely on the design of integrase inhibitors that are β-diketo acids constructed on pyridinone scaffolds. Methodologies for synthesis of these compounds are discussed. Integrase inhibition data for the strand transfer (ST) step are compared with in vitro anti-HIV data. The review also examines the issue of the lack of correlation between the ST enzymology data and anti-HIV assay results. Because this disconnect appeared to be a problem associated with permeability, prodrugs of these inhibitors were designed and synthesized. Prodrugs dramatically improved the anti-HIV activity data. For example, for compound, 96, the anti-HIV activity (EC50) improved from 500 nM for this diketo acid to 9 nM for its prodrug 116. In addition, there was excellent correlation between the IC50 and IC90 ST enzymology data for 96 (6 nM and 97 nM, respectively) and the EC50 and EC90 anti-HIV data for its prodrug 116 (9 nM and 94 nM, respectively). Finally, it was confirmed that the prodrug 116 was rapidly hydrolyzed in cells to the active compound 96.
Cu and Boron Doped Carbon Nitride for Highly Selective Oxidation of Toluene to Benzaldehyde
Authors: Han Hongling , Ding Guodong , Wu Tianbin , Yang Dexin , Jiang Tao , Han Buxing
Published: July 2015

A novel Cu and boron doped graphitic carbon nitride catalyst (Cu-CNB) was synthesized using cheap precursors and systematically characterized. The selective oxidation of toluene proceeded very smoothly over the catalyst at 70 °C using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant to exclusively afford benzaldehyde. The catalyst can be used for at least five cycles without decrease in activity and selectivity.
Associations between Blood Zinc Concentrations and Sleep Quality in Childhood: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ji Xiaopeng , Liu Jianghong
Published: July 2015

Little evidence is available regarding the relationship between zinc and sleep in school children. The present study aimed to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between blood zinc concentrations and sleep quality throughout childhood. A total of 1295 children from the Jintan Child Cohort in China were included in this study. Venous blood sample of zinc and subjective sleep data were collected when the children were at preschool age (3–5 years old) and early adolescence (11–15 years old). Odds ratios (ORs) reflect the odds of the sleep quality/subdomain being at a greater impairment level associated with 1 unit increase in log zinc concentration. Cross-sectional analyses showed negative correlation of blood zinc concentrations with insufficient sleep duration (OR = 0.432, p = 0.002), sleep disturbances (OR = 0.454, p = 0.009) and poor sleep quality (OR = 0.559, p = 0.049) in adolescence, but no association at preschool age (p > 0.05). Longitudinal analyses indicated that blood zinc concentrations at preschool age predict poor sleep efficiency (OR = 0.186, p = 0.000) and poor sleep quality (OR = 0.358, p = 0.020) in adolescence. Our findings suggest that sufficient zinc concentration is associated with good sleep quality, dependent on the developmental stage in childhood. Future interventional research is warranted to examine the short and long-term effect of zinc status on sleep heath.
Keeping Control: The Role of Senescence and Development in Plant Pathogenesis and Defense
Authors: Häffner Eva , Konietzki Sandra , Diederichsen Elke
Published: July 2015

Many plant pathogens show interactions with host development. Pathogens may modify plant development according to their nutritional demands. Conversely, plant development influences pathogen growth. Biotrophic pathogens often delay senescence to keep host cells alive, and resistance is achieved by senescence-like processes in the host. Necrotrophic pathogens promote senescence in the host, and preventing early senescence is a resistance strategy of plants. For hemibiotrophic pathogens both patterns may apply. Most signaling pathways are involved in both developmental and defense reactions. Increasing knowledge about the molecular components allows to distinguish signaling branches, cross-talk and regulatory nodes that may influence the outcome of an infection. In this review, recent reports on major molecular players and their role in senescence and in pathogen response are reviewed. Examples of pathosystems with strong developmental implications illustrate the molecular basis of selected control strategies. A study of gene expression in the interaction between the hemibiotrophic vascular pathogen Verticillium longisporum and its cruciferous hosts shows processes that are fine-tuned to counteract early senescence and to achieve resistance. The complexity of the processes involved reflects the complex genetic control of quantitative disease resistance, and understanding the relationship between disease, development and resistance will support resistance breeding.
Turbulent Drag Reduction with Polymers in Rotating Disk Flow
Authors: Hong Cheng , Jang Chun , Choi Hyoung
Published: July 2015

The frictional drag in turbulent flow can be drastically reduced by the addition of minute amounts of suitable linear flexible high-molecular-weight polymers, and the various physical characteristics of the polymers used are known to be closely related to the drag reduction efficiency. This feature article briefly reviews polymer additives and factors in the system affecting turbulent drag reduction in external flow, more specifically in a rotating disk flow.
Leveraging Qualitative Reasoning to Learning Manipulation Tasks
Authors: Wolter Diedrich , Kirsch Alexandra
Published: July 2015

Learning and planning are powerful AI methods that exhibit complementary strengths. While planning allows goal-directed actions to be computed when a reliable forward model is known, learning allows such models to be obtained autonomously. In this paper we describe how both methods can be combined using an expressive qualitative knowledge representation. We argue that the crucial step in this integration is to employ a representation based on a well-defined semantics. This article proposes the qualitative spatial logic QSL, a representation that combines qualitative abstraction with linear temporal logic, allowing us to represent relevant information about the learning task, possible actions, and their consequences. Doing so, we empower reasoning processes to enhance learning performance beyond the positive effects of learning in abstract state spaces. Proof-of-concept experiments in two simulation environments show that this approach can help to improve learning-based robotics by quicker convergence and leads to more reliable action planning.
LiDAR Scan Matching Aided Inertial Navigation System in GNSS-Denied Environments
Authors: Tang Jian , Chen Yuwei , Niu Xiaoji , Wang Li , Chen Liang , Liu Jingbin , Shi Chuang , Hyyppä Juha
Published: July 2015

A new scan that matches an aided Inertial Navigation System (INS) with a low-cost LiDAR is proposed as an alternative to GNSS-based navigation systems in GNSS-degraded or -denied environments such as indoor areas, dense forests, or urban canyons. In these areas, INS-based Dead Reckoning (DR) and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technologies are normally used to estimate positions as separate tools. However, there are critical implementation problems with each standalone system. The drift errors of velocity, position, and heading angles in an INS will accumulate over time, and on-line calibration is a must for sustaining positioning accuracy. SLAM performance is poor in featureless environments where the matching errors can significantly increase. Each standalone positioning method cannot offer a sustainable navigation solution with acceptable accuracy. This paper integrates two complementary technologies—INS and LiDAR SLAM—into one navigation frame with a loosely coupled Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to use the advantages and overcome the drawbacks of each system to establish a stable long-term navigation process. Static and dynamic field tests were carried out with a self-developed Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) platform—NAVIS. The results prove that the proposed approach can provide positioning accuracy at the centimetre level for long-term operations, even in a featureless indoor environment.
Integral Images: Efficient Algorithms for Their Computation and Storage in Resource-Constrained Embedded Vision Systems
Authors: Ehsan Shoaib , Clark Adrian , Rehman Naveed , McDonald-Maier Klaus
Published: July 2015

The integral image, an intermediate image representation, has found extensive use in multi-scale local feature detection algorithms, such as Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF), allowing fast computation of rectangular features at constant speed, independent of filter size. For resource-constrained real-time embedded vision systems, computation and storage of integral image presents several design challenges due to strict timing and hardware limitations. Although calculation of the integral image only consists of simple addition operations, the total number of operations is large owing to the generally large size of image data. Recursive equations allow substantial decrease in the number of operations but require calculation in a serial fashion. This paper presents two new hardware algorithms that are based on the decomposition of these recursive equations, allowing calculation of up to four integral image values in a row-parallel way without significantly increasing the number of operations. An efficient design strategy is also proposed for a parallel integral image computation unit to reduce the size of the required internal memory (nearly 35% for common HD video). Addressing the storage problem of integral image in embedded vision systems, the paper presents two algorithms which allow substantial decrease (at least 44.44%) in the memory requirements. Finally, the paper provides a case study that highlights the utility of the proposed architectures in embedded vision systems.
Medium to Long Range Kinematic GPS Positioning with Position-Velocity-Acceleration Model Using Multiple Reference Stations
Authors: Hong Chang-Ki , Park Chi , Han Joong-hee , Kwon Jay
Published: July 2015

In order to obtain precise kinematic global positioning systems (GPS) in medium to large scale networks, the atmospheric effects from tropospheric and ionospheric delays need to be properly modeled and estimated. It is also preferable to use multiple reference stations to improve the reliability of the solutions. In this study, GPS kinematic positioning algorithms are developed for the medium to large-scale network based on the position-velocity-acceleration model. Hence, the algorithm can perform even in cases where the near-constant velocity assumption does not hold. In addition, the estimated kinematic accelerations can be used for the airborne gravimetry. The proposed algorithms are implemented using Kalman filter and are applied to the in situ airborne GPS data. The performance of the proposed algorithms is validated by analyzing and comparing the results with those from reference values. The results show that reliable and comparable solutions in both position and kinematic acceleration levels can be obtained using the proposed algorithms.
Visual Contrast Enhancement Algorithm Based on Histogram Equalization
Authors: Ting Chih-Chung , Wu Bing-Fei , Chung Meng-Liang , Chiu Chung-Cheng , Wu Ya-Ching
Published: July 2015

Image enhancement techniques primarily improve the contrast of an image to lend it a better appearance. One of the popular enhancement methods is histogram equalization (HE) because of its simplicity and effectiveness. However, it is rarely applied to consumer electronics products because it can cause excessive contrast enhancement and feature loss problems. These problems make the images processed by HE look unnatural and introduce unwanted artifacts in them. In this study, a visual contrast enhancement algorithm (VCEA) based on HE is proposed. VCEA considers the requirements of the human visual perception in order to address the drawbacks of HE. It effectively solves the excessive contrast enhancement problem by adjusting the spaces between two adjacent gray values of the HE histogram. In addition, VCEA reduces the effects of the feature loss problem by using the obtained spaces. Furthermore, VCEA enhances the detailed textures of an image to generate an enhanced image with better visual quality. Experimental results show that images obtained by applying VCEA have higher contrast and are more suited to human visual perception than those processed by HE and other HE-based methods.
The Walking Renaissance: A Longitudinal Analysis of Walking Travel in the Greater Los Angeles Area, USA
Authors: Joh Kenneth , Chakrabarti Sandip , Boarnet Marlon , Woo Ayoung
Published: July 2015

Promoting walking travel is considered important for reducing automobile use and improving public health. Recent U.S. transportation policy has incentivized investments in alternative, more sustainable transportation modes such as walking, bicycling and transit in auto-oriented cities such as Los Angeles. Although many past studies have analyzed changes in walking travel across the U.S., there is little clarity on the drivers of change. We address this gap by conducting a longitudinal analysis of walking travel in the greater Los Angeles area from 2001 to 2009. We use travel diary and household data from regional and national surveys to analyze changes in walking trip shares and rates across our study area. Results show that walking has significantly increased across most of Los Angeles, and that increases in walking trips generally correspond with increases in population, employment, and transit service densities. Estimates from fixed-effects regression analysis generally suggest a positive association between population density and walking, and that higher increases in transit stop density are correlated with increased walking trips to and from transit stops. These findings illustrate how regional planning efforts to pursue a coordinated land use-transit planning strategy can help promote walking in auto-oriented or vehicle adopting cities.
CFD Analysis of Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient on External Surfaces of Buildings
Authors: Vollaro Andrea , Galli Giorgio , Vallati Andrea
Published: July 2015

Convective heat transfer coefficients for external building surfaces are essential in building energy simulation (BES) to calculate convective heat gains and losses from building facades and roofs to the environment. These coefficients are complex functions of: building geometry, building surroundings, local air flow patterns and temperature differences. A microclimatic analysis in a typical urban configuration, has been carried out using Ansys Fluent Version 14.0, an urban street canyon, with a given H/W ratio, has been considered to simulate a three-dimensional flow field and to calculate the thermal fluid dynamics parameters that characterize the street canyon. In this paper, the convective heat transfer coefficient values on the windward external façade of the canyon and on the windward and leeward inner walls are analyzed and a comparison with values from experimental and numerical correlations is carried out.
Modeling Viral Infectious Diseases and Development of Antiviral Therapies Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Systems
Authors: Trevisan Marta , Sinigaglia Alessandro , Desole Giovanna , Berto Alessandro , Pacenti Monia , Palù Giorgio , Barzon Luisa
Published: July 2015

The recent biotechnology breakthrough of cell reprogramming and generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which has revolutionized the approaches to study the mechanisms of human diseases and to test new drugs, can be exploited to generate patient-specific models for the investigation of host–pathogen interactions and to develop new antimicrobial and antiviral therapies. Applications of iPSC technology to the study of viral infections in humans have included in vitro modeling of viral infections of neural, liver, and cardiac cells; modeling of human genetic susceptibility to severe viral infectious diseases, such as encephalitis and severe influenza; genetic engineering and genome editing of patient-specific iPSC-derived cells to confer antiviral resistance.
A SIMULATION STUDY ON THE MANOEUVRABILITY OF A LARGE SIZE SEMITRAILER
Authors: Koszałka Grzegorz , Zniszczyński Andrzej
Published: July 2015

As part of a research project aimed at designing the structure of a new special-purpose multi-axle semitrailer for transporting large machines and equipment, a simulation study on the manoeuvrability of the semitrailer during its passage through a tight corner was performed. The aim of this study was to determine whether the semitrailer would meet the legal requirements regarding manoeuvrability after it has been implemented for production. The simulations were carried out using a specially designed spreadsheet. The spreadsheet enabled analysis of the movements of the wheels of the tractor-trailer combination, with the assumption that they roll without skidding; it also described changes in the steering angles of trailer wheels, as well as off-tracking and corner-cutting during turning. When the geometrical parameters of the tractor and trailer were changed, the spreadsheet allowed tracing their impact on the manoeuvrability of the whole combination. This paper presents the results of the simulations and points to the desired features of a semitrailer steering system that facilitate negotiating tight corners.
EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY OF A DIESEL COMMON RAIL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
Authors: Mickevičius Tomas , Slavinskas Stasys , Kreivaitis Raimondas
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a comparative experimental study for determining the effect of ethanol on functionality of a high pressure pump of the common rail fuel injection system. For experimental durability tests were prepared two identical fuel injection systems, which were mounted on a test bed for a fuel injection pump. One of the fuel injection systems was feed with diesel fuel; other fuel injection system was fuelled with ethanol–diesel fuel blend. A blend with 12% v/v ethanol and 88% v/v diesel fuel and low sulphur diesel fuel as a reference fuel were used in this study. To determine the effect of ethanol on the durability of the high pressure pump total fuel delivery performance and surface roughness of pump element were measured prior and after the test. Results show that the use of the ethanol–diesel blend tested produced a negative effect on the durability of the high pressure fuel pump. The wear of plungers and barrels when using ethanol–diesel fuel blend caused a decrease in fuel delivery up to 30% after 100 h of operation.
HOW USUAL BEHAVIOUR CAN AFFECT PERCEIVED DRIVERS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE WHILE DRIVING
Authors: Cardamone Angelo Stephen , Eboli Laura , Forciniti Carmen , Mazzulla Gabriella
Published: July 2015

Road accidents have a relevant impact in terms of economic and social costs. As a consequence, many research studies have focused on identifying the key factors affecting accident severity. Traditionally, these factors can be included in the infrastructural, human and vehicle groups. Among these, human factors have a relevant impact on accident severity, which depends on driving experience, driver’s socio-economic characteristics, and driving behaviour, but also on the driver’s psychological state while driving. In this paper we investigate on the relationships between driving behaviour usually taken by the driver and his/her perceived psychological state while driving. In order to achieve this goal we adopt an Ordered Probit (OP) model formulation calibrated on the basis of experimental data collected by a sample survey. We demonstrate that the adopted methodology accounts for the differential impacts of certain human factors on driver’s psychological state.
Investigating boundary effects of congestion charging in a single bottleneck scenario
Authors: Ge Ying-En , Stewart Kathryn , Liu Yuandong , Tang Chunyan , Liu Bingzheng
Published: July 2015

Many congestion charging projects charge traffic only within part of a day with predetermined congestion tolls. Demand peaks have been witnessed just around the time when the charge jumps up or down. Such peaks may not be desirable, in particular (a) when the resulting peaks are much higher than available capacities; (b) traffic speeding up to get into the charging zone causes more incidents just before the toll rises up to a higher level; or (c) traffic slowing down or parking on the roadside decreases road traffic throughput just before the toll falls sharply. We term these types of demand peaks ‘boundary effects’ of congestion charging. This paper investigates these effects in a bottleneck scenario and aims to design charging schemes that reduce undesired demand peaks. For this purpose, we observe and analyse the boundary effects utilising a bottleneck model under three types of toll profiles that are indicative of real charging schemes. The first type maintains a constant toll across the charging period, the second type allows the toll to increase from zero to a given maximum level and then decrease back to zero and the third type allows the toll to rise from zero to a given maximum level, remain at this level for a fixed period and then fall down to zero. This investigation shows that all three types of toll profiles can produce greater boundary peak demands than the bottleneck capacity. A significant contribution of this work is that instead of designing an optimal traffic congestion pricing scheme we analyse how existing sub-optimal congestion pricing schemes could be improved and suggest how observed problems may be overcome. Hence, we propose a set of extra requirements to supplement existing principles or requirements for design and implementation of congestion charging, which aim to reduce the adverse consequences of boundary effects. Concluding remarks are made on implications of this investigation for the improvement of existing congestion charging projects and for future research.
Catalogue of type specimens of fungi and lichens deposited in the Herbarium of the University of Granada (Spain)
Authors: Vizoso M. Teresa , Quesada Carmen
Published: July 2015

A catalogue of types from the Herbarium of the University of Granada has not previously been compiled. As a result, a search of these collections in order to compile digital images for preservation and publication yielded a large number of formerly unrecognized types.

This dataset contains the specimen records from the catalogue of the nomenclature types of fungi and lichens in the Herbarium of the University of Granada, Spain. These herbarium specimens are included in the GDA and GDAC collections, acronyms from Index Herbariorum (Thiers 2014). At this time, the type collection of fungi and lichens contains 88 type specimens of 49 nominal taxa, most from Agaricales and the genus Cortinarius, described from the western Mediterranean, mainly Spain, by the following authors: V.Antonin, J.Ballarà, A.Bidaud, G.F.Bills, M.Bon, C.Cano, M.Casares, G.Chevassut, M.Contu, F.Esteve-Raventós, R.Galán, L.Guzmán-Dávalos, R.Henry, E.Horak, R.Mahiques, G.Malençon, P.Moënne-Loccoz, G.Moreno, A.Ortega, F.Palazón, V.N.Suárez.-Santiago, A.Vêzda, J.Vila, and M.Villareal.

For each specimen, the locality indication, species name, observation date, collector, type status, related information, associated sequences, other catalogue numbers related to each type, and image URL are recorded. The dataset is associated with an image collection named “Colección de imágenes de los tipos nomenclaturales de hongos, líquenes, musgos y algas incluidos en el Herbario de la Universidad de Granada (GDA y GDAC)” (Vizoso and Quesada 2013) which is housed and accessible at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility in Spain (GBIF.ES) Hosting and Publishing Service “Biodiversity Image Portal of Spanish collections” and is also available at the Herbarium of University of Granada institutional web (Vizoso 2014a, Vizoso 2014b). That image collection contains 113 images, of which 56 correspond to the nomenclature types of 49 taxa (47 fungi, 2 lichens), the rest of the images in this collection correspond to documents and specimens or microscopy photographs which are included in the herbarium specimens of fungi. These complement and document the process of the typification.
Traditional Timber Frame Walls
Authors: Vasconcelos Graça , Poletti Elisa
Published: July 2015

Timber frame construction is a characteristic of several historic city centres as well as of vernacular architecture in several countries around the world, either motivated by the availability of materials and construction traditions or by the need of reducing the seismic vulnerability of buildings, namely in south European countries, where this construction technique was adopted for seismic-resistance purposes. From past earthquakes, it has been seen that timber frame construction can be viewed as an interesting technology as it has exhibited a very reasonable behaviour when compared to other traditional construction techniques such as masonry walls. This chapter provides an overview of the main insights on the seismic performance of timber frame buildings from the evidences of past earthquakes and provides the main results of recent research focused on the in-plane cyclic behavior of timber frame walls with distinct geometrical configurations. Additionally, the main seismic performance indexes of timber frame walls, both unreinforced and retrofitted, are presented and discussed in detail.
Passive Control Techniques and their Applications in Historic Structures
Authors: Papalou Angeliki
Published: July 2015

Preservation of historic heritage is an endeavor of great significance. Environmental causes and earthquake activity have deteriorated and damaged monuments of important historical value. Passive control techniques that have been used for many years to control vibrations of structures and machines could also be used to protect historic structures from earthquakes. These passive techniques not only increase the seismic safety of structures but also respect their appearance which can be significantly altered by conventional strengthening techniques. This chapter reviews the most important passive techniques and presents selected applications to significant historical structures and monuments.
Seismic Vulnerability of Ancient Colonnade
Authors: Sarhosis Vasilis , Lignola Gian Piero , Asteris Panagiotis G.
Published: July 2015

In this chapter, a numerical study to investigate the seismic vulnerability of the two storey colonnade of the Forum in Pompeii has been conducted. Software based on the Distinct Element Method (DEM) of analysis has been used. The colonnade was represented as an assemblage of distinct blocks connected together by zero thickness interfaces which could open and/or close depending on the magnitude and direction of stresses applied to them. Both static and non-linear static analyses have been undertaken. Also, a sensitivity study has been performed to investigate the effect of frictional resistance of the joints on the structural response of the colonnade. This was to simulate potential joint degradation effects and/or possible water lubrication at the joint.
Lifecycle Assessment of Structures and Probabilistic Performance Approaches
Authors: Strauss Alfred , Wendner Roman
Published: July 2015

This contribution is particularly focused on the lifetime assessment of structures where the concept of risk informed decision is based on the structural performance. Regarding the lifetime performance of structures general aspects such as structural system, component-system performance assessment, the concept of robustness in the component-component-system interaction and its assessment framework are introduced. Furthermore, aspects of both deterministic and probabilistic performance evaluation approaches were investigated, while extra emphasis is given to the probabilistic performance assessment approaches. This illustration of the probabilistic performance approaches includes the concepts of uncertainty quantifications, hazard identification methods and techniques, and the formulation of random variables and stochastic structural deterioration processes. In addition, lifecycle performance assessment and prediction methods, approaches and tools for engineering structures are presented.
Seismic Vulnerability of Arches, Vaults and Domes in Historical Buildings
Authors: Mahdi Tariq
Published: July 2015

Arches, vaults and domes are common features in the cultures of old civilizations. They were usually made of sun-dried bricks, fired bricks or stones with different types of mortar. The majority of these components are vulnerable to seismic effects. Furthermore, the thrust actions transmitted by arches, vaults and domes to walls and piers usually cause damage to the supporting walls or piers. The present chapter discusses the structural behaviour and performance of these elements in past earthquakes and reviews the numerical models used for the seismic assessment of these elements. Furthermore, different damage assessment approaches are reviewed and suggestions are made on further research.
Seismic Retrofitting for Masonry Historical Buildings
Authors: Viskovic Alberto
Published: July 2015

The static and seismic retrofitting design, for masonry historical buildings, has to follow a right hierarchy of interventions, taking into account that to improve the seismic behavior of a masonry structure, it is necessary to guarantee a “closed box” behavior for the whole structural body or, in case of complex buildings, to guarantee a closed box behavior for each building's wing. Thus it is fundamental to distinguish the interventions for the global behavior improvement from those related to local reinforcements. In this chapter is then proposed a scheme of interventions hierarchy and, therefore, a related design process road-map together with the explanation of a correct design philosophy for the static and seismic retrofitting of historical masonry buildings. Moreover it is also reported an example of two distinguished levels of intervention, with numerical analyses supporting that solution.
Performance of a Post-Byzantine Triple-Domed Basilica under Near and Far Fault Seismic Loads
Authors: Spyrakos Constantine C. , Maniatakis Charilaos A. , Kiriakopoulos Panagiotis , Francioso Alessio , Taflampas Ioannis M.
Published: July 2015

In this Chapter a triple-domed basilica constructed at the end of the 19th century is selected as a case study to present a methodology for the selection of the appropriate intervention techniques in monumental structures. The methodology includes in-situ and laboratory testing, application of analytical methods, consideration of geotechnical parameters and regional seismicity. Seismic loads are estimated according to contemporary and older concepts for seismic design. Since the impact of near-fault phenomena on masonry structures has not been thoroughly studied, although considered as responsible for extensive structural damage during major seismic events, a procedure is presented in order to account for the special characteristics of strong ground motion, in the so-called near-fault region. The seismic performance of the structure before and after interventions, using traditional and new technology, is assessed by applying a validated finite element model. Also, the out-of-plane behavior of structural parts is evaluated through kinematic analysis of selective collapse mechanisms.
On Visual Computing for Architectural Heritage
Authors: Brusaporci Stefano
Published: July 2015

Aim of the chapter is to present a critical discourse on the use of visual computing for the study of historic architecture. From the analysis of the experiences in other scientific fields and of current researches in the architectural one, the paper highlights how visual computing has become an important approach in built heritage study and how it could favor new lines, in particular according to the non-linear spatial narratives of the 3D models. They are useful to analyze and describe the buildings and provide an aggregative core for the heterogeneous bulk of information related to historic buildings (drawings, texts, images, data, metadata, etc.). In this way visual architectural modeling and database modeling correlate together, and the whole system gives rise to complex informative models – manipulable, navigable and interactive –, helpful for the understanding, knowledge, preservation, communication and enhancement of architectural heritage.
Shape and Geometry in the Integrated Digital Survey
Authors: Paris Leonardo
Published: July 2015

The study of the shape in the architectural survey is the principal goal of the surveyor. Any shape is based on stringent geometric rules that the current digital methods of data acquisition don't detect directly. The basic element in the integrated digital survey is today the point that must to be processed, automatically or manually, to generate a 3D mathematic model. In this chapter the author wants to highlight how these data are important not only for metric information but also to characterize the quality of the shape through the digital photographic techniques. The description of some practical examples proves that in both phases of the survey, acquisition and processing, it is important to know the relations between the shape of the object and the instrumental characteristics in the different methods.
Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM)
Authors: Dore Conor , Murphy Maurice
Published: July 2015

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is a new approach for modelling historic buildings which develops full Building Information Models (BIMs) from remotely sensed data. HBIM consists of a novel library of reusable parametric objects, based on historic architectural data and a system for mapping theses library objects to survey data. This chapter describes the development of a library of parametric objects for HBIM that can be used to model classical architectural elements. Steps towards automating the HBIM process are also described in this chapter. Using concepts from procedural modelling, a new set of rules and algorithms have been developed to automatically combine HBIM library objects and generate different building arrangements by altering parameters. This is a semi-automatic process where the required building structure and objects are first automatically generated and then refined to match survey data. The use of procedural modelling techniques with HBIM library objects introduces automation and speeds up the slow process of plotting library objects to survey data.