bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KERENTANAN HIDUP PEREMPUAN PENARIK LANCANG DI KAWASAN PANTAI JAKAT KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Osira Yessilia
Published: June 2019

Pulling a sailboat, locally known as nyongsong, is one of informal sector jobs at Pantai Jakat of Bengkulu city. The workers‘ lives depended on the job of fishermen in catching fish, whose income was uncertain. This Study shows that the number of nyongsong woman-workers was increasing, and it was dominated by women aged more than 40 years old with three to seven dependents. Even though initially the motivation of those women in doing their job was just to help their respective family‘s economy, the job is now playing an important role in fulfilling family need. The study shows that the nyongsong may raise vulnerability, namely: a) vulnerability of job and outcome, b) job risk, c) inability to access and manage social guarantee. However, the nyongsong was able to adapt in: a) changing the motivation to help family in fulfilling the family need, b) collecting the fish together with the fishermen, and the result would be divided for two parties, c) producing dried fish, becoming farming laborers, selling vegetables, if there was no job to do.Key words : Sailboat pulling worker, Vulnerability
PENGEMBANGAN WISATA BERBASIS KOMUNITAS : PANTAI TAPAK PADERI KELURAHAN KEBUN KELING, KECAMATAN TELUK SEGARA, KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Tuljana Viva , Hanum Sri Handayani , Nopianti Heni
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengembangan kawasan pesisir menjadi objek wisata. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Pantai Tapak Paderi Kelurahan Kebun Keling Kecamatan Teluk Segara Kota Bengkulu. Karena masyarakat yang bertempat tinggal di kawasan pesisir pantai Tapak Paderi ini memiliki kreatifitas untuk mengelola sampah-sampah yang dijadikan ornamen di spot selfie, dan dijadikan tempat objek wisata Pondok Sandal Jodoh di Pantai Tapak Paderi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu kualitatif dengan teknik observasi, wawancara mendalam dan dokumentasi, informan ditentukan dengan teknik snowball sampling terhadap yang mengelola objek wisata Pondok Sandal Jodoh. Untuk menganalisis hasil penelitian ini menggunakan teori aksi dari paradigma definisi sosial. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengembangan kawasan pesisir menjadi objek wisata, karena para nelayan setempat yang merasa prihatin dengan banyaknya sampah botol dan sandal yang hanyut di pantai,sehingga para nelayan mengumpulkan sampah-sampah tersebut sesuai dengan jenisnya masing-masing. Sehingga masyarakat pesisir pantai melakukan kegiatan gotong royong untuk membersihkan kawasan pesisir pantai dan masyarakat pun memanfaatkan sampah-sampah yang ada di kawasan pesisir untuk dikelola menjadi suatu kreasi yang unik dan menarik sehingga satu titik kawasan pantai dijadikan tempat berphoto atau berselfie. Sampah tersebut berupa sandal bekas, botol plastik dan sampah-sampah yang lainnya. Karena adanya konflik kepentingan itu maka akhirnya objek wisata Pondok Sandal Jodoh ditutup pada bulan September 2017. Tetapi dengan tutupnya objek wisata Pondok Sandal Jodoh, maka muncul objek wisata yang lain menggantikan onjek wisata yang baru dan letaknya pun bersebelahan. Kata Kunci: Partisipasi Masyarakat, Pengembangan, Wisata, Komunitas
STRATEGI BERTAHAN HIDUP PEREMPUAN PEDAGANG ASONGAN (Studi Kasus Pada Perempuan Pedagang Asongan di Stasiun Selero Kelurahan Lubuklinggau Ilir Kecamatan Lubuklinggau Barat II, Kota Lubuklinggau, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan)
Authors: Indahsari Novy , Purwaka Purwaka , Hartati Sri
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan menjelaskan strategi bertahan hidup perempuan pedagang asongan memenuhi kebutuhan hidup yang berdaganng dilokasi Stasiun Selero Kelurahan Lubuklinggau Ilir, Kecamatan Lubuklinggau Barat II, Kota Lubuklinggau, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif mengunakan teknik pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Penentuan informan dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan teknik Snowball Sampling. Teori yang digunakan yaitu teori Fungsionalisme Struktural AGIL karya Talcots Parson mengahasilkan kesimpulan bahwa perempuan pedagang asongan tiga startegi bertahan hidup yaitu strategi aktif yaitu memanfaatkan waktu dengan berkerja sampingan, straregi pasif yaitu membudayakan hidup hemat dengan meminimalisir pengeluaran kebutuhan dan strategi jaringan yaitu dengan memanfaatkan lingkungan sosial. Strategi ini sebuah usaha dalam memenuhi kebutuhan untuk bertahan hidup. Kata Kunci: Strategi Bertahan Hidup dan Perempuan Asongan
MAKNA SIMBOLIK TARI KEJEI SUKU REJANG
Authors: Apindis Gennes Arlin Mela C. , Hanum Sri Handayani , Hartati Sri
Published: June 2019

Tari Kejeimerupakan salah satu tarian sakral yang berasal dari Suku Rejang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui makna simbolik yang terkandung dalam setiap rangkaian Tari Kejei. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriftip kualitatif dengan menggunakan Teori Interaksionisme Simbolik. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Selanjutnya analisis data menggunakan reduksi data, analisis data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Kejeiadalah tarian yang memiliki makna rasa syukur kepada sang pencipta dan kepada sang leluhur karena telah diberikan rezeki yang melimpah, bisa hidup rukun berdampingan antar sesama masyarakat. Tarian ini juga sekaligus sebagai ajang pertemuan bujang dan gadis masyarakat Rejang untuk bermain bersama dan sebagai sarana untuk mencari jodoh. Tari Kejeidimulai dengan ritual Temu’un gongyaitu ritual sebelum penggunaan alat musik pengiring. Kemudian Jampi limauuntuk keselamatan para penari yang disebut juga anak sangei. Selanjutnya yaitu tari penyambutan, tarian ini untuk menyambut tamu yang hadir dan mempersilahkan duduk ditempat yang telah disediakan. Setelah tari penyambutan, lalu inti dari Tari Kejei yang terdiri dari 6 gerakan. Pertama, gerak sembah menari yang bermakna sebagai penghormatan kepada roh leluhur, kepada tamu agung dan kepada para penonton yang hadir pada saat acara Kejeiberlangsung. Kedua, gerak bederap salah pinggang yaitu gerak yang bermakna sebagai kebijaksanaan dalam mengambil keputusan. Ketiga, gerak metik jari sebagai bentuk penerimaanterhadap keluarga atau teman baru. Keempat, gerak mateak dayung sebagai makna penyerahan hidup kepada yang Maha Esa. Kelima, gerak sembah penyudo sebagai makna ucapan terimakasih atas kelancaran dalam melaksankan Tari Kejei. Keenam, gerakan yang terakhir yaitu gerak mendayung sebagai makna perpisahan. Baik perpisahan kepada leluhur, kepada penonton, kepada sesama penari. Tari Kejei tak luput dari unsur-unsur yang mendukung diantaranya penari, pemusik, sesaji sebagai simbol kemakmuran, kostum dan Tuwei batin(pawang). Kata Kunci: Makna Simbol, Tari Kejei.
BUANG AIR BESAR DI KEBUN (Studi Kasus pada Masyarakat Desa Pagar Gading, Kecamatan Pino Raya, Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan)
Authors: Yani Dwi Yonif , Sun Heri , Widiono Sumarto
Published: June 2019

Beberapa masyarakat di Desa Pagar Gading masih melakukan buang air besar di kebun. Padahal di desa ini sudah tersedia fasilitas jamban umum. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan dan mengetahui makna dan faktor penyebab buang air besar di kebun pada masyarakat Desa Pagar Gading. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Penentuan informan menggunakan teknik snowball sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menjelaskan bahwa masyarakat yang melakukan buang air besar di kebun dimaknai sebagai perilaku yang masih benar dilakukan sampai saat ini, perilaku buang air besar dikebun dianggap sebagai hal yang biasa, buang air besar dikebun dinilai lebih ekonomis, lebih praktis dan tidak menimbulkan masalah kesehatan. Hal ini disebabkan oleh: Faktor nilai-nilai kebenaran yang masih diyakini dan dipertahankan sampai saat ini sehinga masyarakat melakukan pembenaran atas perilaku buang air besar di kebun. Faktor kebiasaan buang air besar yang telah berlangsung lama, sejak dahulu secara turun temurun, sehingga menimbulkan persepsi bahwa perilaku buang air besar di kebun dianggap sebagai hal yang biasa. Tidak adanya sanksi dan larangan membuat masyarakat menganggap buang air besar di kebun tidak mengganggu orang lain. Faktor ekonomi masyarakat yang hanya mampu mencukupi kebutuhan pokok, sehingga masyarakat menilai buang air besar di kebun lebih ekonomis, tidak memerlukan biaya pembuatan tempat buang air besar. Rendahnya pengetahuan masyarakat sehingga sulit menerima informasi terkait buang air besar di kebun melalui berbagai media informasi. Serta minimnya sosialisasi terkait pemanfaatan jamban berdampak terhadap rendahnya pengetahuan masyarakat terkait dampak yang ditimbulkan dari perilaku buang air besar di kebun. Kata Kunci: Buang Air Besar di Kebun
STRATEGI BERTAHAN HIDUP PENGEMIS TUNANETRA (Studi Pada Pengemis di Lampu Merah Sukamerindu)
Authors: Zukna Zukna , Pribadi Hasan , Nopianti Heni
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan strategi yang dapat dilakukan oleh pengemis tunanetra untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidupnya, dilokasi Lampu Merah Sukamerindu Kota Bengkulu. Metode yang digunakan yaitu kualitatif dengan teknik observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi, teknik triangulasi (keabsahan data) dan teknik snowball sampling untuk mendapatkan data yang lebih objektif. Teori yang digunakan berupa teori aksi karya Max Weber yang termasuk dalam paradigma definisi sosial. Penelitian ini menghasilkan informasi tentang strategi yang dilakukan pengemis tunanetra dalam bertahan hidup dan bertahan menjadi pengemis. Strategiyang dilakukan oleh pengemis tunanetra yaitu: strategi aktif dengan pengoptimalan anggota keluarga dalam mencari uang, strategi pasif dengan penghematan dalam memenuhi kebutuhan pokok dan strategi jaringan dengan kelompok Pertuni yang memberikan dampak positif untuk mengatasi himpitan ekonomi yaitu membentuk kelompok arisan dan saling meminjamkan uang. Sedangkan strategi dalam mengemis meliputi pemilihan waktu dan lokasi mengemis. Kata Kunci: Pengemis Tunanetra dan Strategi Bertahan Hidup.
A Virtual Design of Experiments Method to Evaluate the Effect of Design and Welding Parameters on Weld Quality in Aerospace Applications
Authors: Madrid Julia , Lorin Samuel , Söderberg Rikard , Hammersberg Peter , Wärmefjord Kristina , Lööf Johan
Published: June 2019

During multidisciplinary design of welded aircraft components, designs are principally optimized upon component performance, employing well-established modelling and simulation techniques. On the contrary, because of the complexity of modelling welding process phenomena, much of the welding experimentation relies on physical testing, which means welding producibility aspects are considered after the design has already been established. In addition, welding optimization research mainly focuses on welding process parameters, overlooking the potential impact of product design. As a consequence, redesign loops and welding rework increases product cost. To solve these problems, in this article, a novel method that combines the benefits of design of experiments (DOE) techniques with welding simulation is presented. The aim of the virtual design of experiments method is to model and optimize the effect of design and welding parameters interactions early in the design process. The method is explained through a case study, in which weld bead penetration and distortion are quality responses to optimize. First, a small number of physical welds are conducted to develop and tune the welding simulation. From this activity, a new combined heat source model is presented. Thereafter, the DOE technique optimal design is employed to design an experimental matrix that enables the conjointly incorporation of design and welding parameters. Welding simulations are then run and a response function is obtained. With virtual experiments, a large number of design and welding parameter combinations can be tested in a short time. In conclusion, the creation of a meta-model allows for performing welding producibility optimization and robustness analyses during early design phases of aircraft components.
Review of Classical Diffusion-Limited Regression Rate Models in Hybrid Rockets
Authors: Marquardt Timothy , Majdalani Joseph
Published: June 2019

In this article, we undertake a concise review of several milestone developments in classical regression rate models of hybrid rocket motors. After a brief description of the physical processes entailed in hybrid rocket combustion, Marxman’s diffusion-limited theory is re-constructed and discussed. Considerations beyond the scope of basic convection-driven models, which address disparate forms of the blowing correction, variable fluid properties, and pressure and radiation effects, are also given. Finally, a selection of kinetically-limited models is presented, with the aim of comparing the characteristics of several competing theories that become applicable under particular circumstances.
Elevated CO2 Levels Impact Fitness Traits of Vine Mealybug Planococcus ficus Signoret, but Not Its Parasitoid Leptomastix dactylopii Howard
Authors: Schulze-Sylvester Maria , Reineke Annette
Published: June 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the primary factors driving climate change impacts on plants, pests, and natural enemies. The present study reports the effects of different atmospheric CO2 concentrations on the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) and its parasitoid wasp Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard). We investigated the life-history parameters of both species on grapevine Vitis vinifera (L.) plants grown under elevated (eCO2) and ambient (aCO2) CO2 levels in a greenhouse and in a vineyard free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) facility. The greenhouse experiments with an eCO2 level of around 800 ppm showed a significant increase in survival rates, a strong trend towards declining body size, and an increasing fecundity of female mealybugs, while fertility and development time did not change. However, none of these parameters were altered by different CO2 concentrations in the VineyardFACE facility (eCO2 level around 450 ppm). On the other hand, the parasitism success, development time and sex ratio of L. dactylopii, reared on P. ficus under eCO2 or aCO2, varied neither in the greenhouse nor in the FACE facility. These results suggest that future CO2 levels might cause small-scale changes in vine mealybug fitness; however, this is not necessarily reflected by parasitoid performance.
Soil Macronutrient Responses in Diverse Landscapes of Southern Tallgrass to Two Stocking Methods
Authors: Northup Brian K. , Starks Patrick J. , Turner Kenneth E.
Published: June 2019

Macronutrient (N, P, S, K, Ca, and Mg) availability and distribution in soils of grassland ecosystems are affected by diverse factors, including landscape position, climate, and forms of management. This study examined flux in plant-available macronutrients in production-scale (60 to 80 ha) paddocks of southern tallgrass prairie of central Oklahoma, United States, managed (2009–15) under two contrasting stocking methods (continuous yearlong; rotational stocking among 10 sub-paddocks). Macronutrient availability within the 0–7.5 cm and 7.5–15 cm soil depths were determined with sets of anion-cation exchange membrane probes at 16 locations within paddocks, oriented along transects from water sources to far corners. No clear overall effect related to stocking method was recorded for all macronutrient distributions. The only significant stocking method × location interaction occurred for K (p = 0.01). All other macronutrients displayed significant (p < 0.08) location effects that were common across stocking methods. Effects relatable to stocking method occurred in interactions with soil depth or time of year (p < 0.10), but responses of macronutrient flux to stocking method in these interactions varied. Higher flux occurred in available S, Ca, and Mg in proximity (<24 m) to water sources, which may be related to grazing, but local features of the landscape may also have been involved. More attention to landscape features included within paddocks, and standardized organization of water and other features within paddocks, would improve the potential to define grazing effects on macronutrient distribution.
Comparative Personality Traits Assessment of Three Species of Communally Housed Captive Penguins
Authors: Quintavalle Pastorino Giovanni , Preziosi Richard , Faustini Massimo , Curone Giulio , Albertini Mariangela , Nicoll Dawn , Moffat Lorna , Pizzi Romain , Mazzola Silvia
Published: June 2019

Understanding animal personalities has notable implications in the ecology and evolution of animal behavior, but personality studies can also be useful in optimizing animal management, with the aim of improving health and well-being, and optimizing reproductive success, a fundamental factor in the species threatened with extinction. Modern zoos are increasingly being structured with enclosures that host different species, which permanently share spaces. This condition has undeniable positive aspects, but, in some species, it could determine the appearance of collective or synchronized behaviors. The aim of this study was to verify, in a colony of three species of communally housed penguins (Pygoscelis papua, Aptenodytes patagonicus and Eudyptes moseleyi), through a trait-rating assessment, if interspecific group life impacts on the expression of personality traits, and if it is possible to highlight specie-specific expression of personality traits, despite the influence of forced cohabitation. For many of the personality traits we analyzed, we have observed that it was possible to detect an expression that differed, according to the species. From a practical point of view, these data could ameliorate the management of the animals, allowing to design animal life routines, according to the different behavioral characteristics of the cohabiting species.
Isolation and Culture of Skin-Derived Differentiated and Stem-Like Cells Obtained from the Arabian Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Saadeldin Islam M. , Swelum Ayman Abdel-Aziz , Noreldin Ahmed E. , Tukur Hammed A. , Abdelazim Aaser M. , Abomughaid Mosleh M. , Alowaimer Abdullah N.
Published: June 2019

Elite camels often suffer from massive injuries. Thus, there is a pivotal need for a cheap and readily available regenerative medicine source. We isolated novel stem-like cells from camel skin and investigated their multipotency and resistance against various stresses. Skin samples were isolated from ears of five camels. Fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and spheroid progenitors were extracted. After separation of different cell lines by trypsinization, all cell lines were exposed to heat shock. Then, fibroblasts and dermal cyst-forming cells were examined under cryopreservation. Dermal cyst-forming cells were evaluated for resistance against osmotic pressure. The results revealed that resistance periods against trypsin were 1.5, 4, and 7 min for fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and spheroid progenitors, respectively. Furthermore, complete recovery of different cell lines after heat shock along with the differentiation of spheroid progenitors into neurons was observed. Fibroblasts and spheroid progenitors retained cell proliferation after cryopreservation. Dermal cyst-forming cells regained their normal structure after collapsing by osmotic pressure. The spheroid progenitors incubated in the adipogenic, osteogenic, and neurogenic media differentiated into adipocyte-, osteoblast-, and neuron-like cells, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, we isolated different unique cellular types and stem-like cells from the camel skin and examined their multipotency for the first time.
Ultrasound B-Mode Imaging: Beamforming and Image Formation Techniques
Authors: Matrone Giulia , Ramalli Alessandro , Tortoli Piero
Published: June 2019

In the last decade, very active research in the field of ultrasound medical imaging has brought to the development of new advanced image formation techniques and of high-performance systems able to effectively implement them [...]
Adaptive Super-Twisting Control for Mobile Wheeled Inverted Pendulum Systems
Authors: Zhang Mengshi , Huang Jian , Cao Yu
Published: June 2019

Recently, the mobile wheeled inverted pendulum (MWIP) has gained an increasing interest in the field of robotics due to traffic and environmental protection problems. However, the MWIP system is characterized by its nonlinearity, underactuation, time-varying parameters, and natural instability, which make its modeling and control challenging. Traditionally, sliding mode control is a typical method for such systems, but it has the main shortcoming of a “chattering” phenomenon. To solve this problem, a super-twisting algorithm (STA)-based controller is proposed for the self-balancing and velocity tracking control of the MWIP system. Since the STA is essentially a second-order sliding mode control, it not only contains the merits of sliding mode control (SMC) in dealing with the uncertainties and disturbances but can also be effective in chattering elimination. Based on the STA, we develop an adaptive gain that helps to learn the upper bound of the disturbance by applying an adaptive law, called an adaptive super-twisting control algorithm (ASTA). The stability of the closed-loop system is ensured according to the Lyapunov theorem. Both nominal experiments and experiments with uncertainties are conducted to verify the superior performance of the proposed method.
Perspectives in Liquid-Crystal-Aided Nanotechnology and Nanoscience
Authors: Shen Yuan , Dierking Ingo
Published: June 2019

The research field of liquid crystals and their applications is recently changing from being largely focused on display applications and optical shutter elements in various fields, to quite novel and diverse applications in the area of nanotechnology and nanoscience. Functional nanoparticles have recently been used to a significant extent to modify the physical properties of liquid crystals by the addition of ferroelectric and magnetic particles of different shapes, such as arbitrary and spherical, rods, wires and discs. Also, particles influencing optical properties are increasingly popular, such as quantum dots, plasmonic, semiconductors and metamaterials. The self-organization of liquid crystals is exploited to order templates and orient nanoparticles. Similarly, nanoparticles such as rods, nanotubes and graphene oxide are shown to form lyotropic liquid crystal phases in the presence of isotropic host solvents. These effects lead to a wealth of novel applications, many of which will be reviewed in this publication.
Fabrication and Analysis of a Ti6Al4V Implant for Cranial Restoration
Authors: Moiduddin Khaja , Mian Syed Hammad , Umer Usama , Alkhalefah Hisham
Published: June 2019

A custom made implant is critical in cranioplasty to cushion and restore intracranial anatomy, as well as to recover the appearance and attain cognitive stability in the patient. The utilization of customized titanium alloy implants using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technique and fabricated using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) has gained significant recognition in recent years, owing to their convenience and effectiveness. Besides, the conventional technique or the extant practice of transforming the standard plates is unreliable, arduous and tedious. As a result, this work aims to produce a customized cranial implant using 3D reconstruction that is reliable in terms of fitting accuracy, appearance, mechanical strength, and consistent material composition. A well-defined methodology initiating from EBM fabrication to final validation has been outlined in this work. The custom design of the implant was carried out by mirror reconstruction of the skull’s defective region, acquired through computer tomography. The design of the customized implant was then analyzed for mechanical stresses by applying finite element analysis. Consequently, the 3D model of the implant was fabricated from Ti6Al4V ELI powder with a thickness of ≃1.76–2 mm. Different tests were employed to evaluate the bio-mechanical stability and strength of the fabricated customized implant design. A 3D comparison study was performed to ensure there was anatomical accuracy, as well as to maintain gratifying aesthetics. The bio-mechanical analysis results revealed that the maximum Von Mises stress (2.5 MPa), strain distribution (1.49 × 10−4) and deformation (3.26 × 10−6 mm) were significantly low in magnitude, thus proving the implant load resistance ability. The average yield and tensile strengths for the fabricated Ti6Al4V ELI EBM specimen were found to be 825 MPa and 880 MPa, respectively, which were well over the prescribed strength for Ti6Al4V ELI implant material. The hardness study also resulted in an acceptable outcome within the acceptable range of 30–35 HRC. Certainly, the chemical composition of the fabricated EBM specimen was intact as established in EDX analysis. The weight of the cranial implant (128 grams) was also in agreement with substituted defected bone portion, ruling out any stress shielding effect. With the proposed approach, the anatomy of the cranium deformities can be retrieved effectively and efficiently. The implementation of 3D reconstruction techniques can conveniently reduce tedious alterations in the implant design and subsequent errors. It can be a valuable and reliable approach to enhance implant fitting, stability, and strength.
Tracking the Movements of Juvenile Chinook Salmon using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle under Payload Control
Authors: Eiler John H. , Grothues Thomas M. , Dobarro Joseph A. , Shome Rahul
Published: June 2019

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) under payload control (PC) was used to map the movements of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) tagged with acoustic transmitters. After detecting a tag, the AUV deviated from its pre-programmed route and performed a maneuver designed to enhance the location estimate of the fish and to move closer to collect proximal environmental data. Nineteen fish were released into marine waters of southeastern Alaska. Seven missions with concurrent AUV and vessel-based surveys were conducted with two to nine fish present in the area per mission. The AUV was able to repeatedly detect and estimate the location of the fish, even when multiple individuals were present. Although less effective at detecting the fish, location estimates from the vessel-based surveys helped verify the veracity of the AUV data. All of the fish left the area within 48 h of release. Most fish exhibited localized movements (milling behavior) before leaving the area. Dispersal rates calculated for the fish suggest that error associated with the location estimates was minimal. The average movement rate was 0.62 body length per second and was comparable to marine movement rates reported for other Chinook salmon stocks. These results suggest that AUV-based payload control can provide an effective method for mapping the movements of marine fish.
A Novel 2D Micro-Displacement Measurement Method Based on the Elliptical Paraboloid
Authors: Lv Zekui , Li Xinghua , Su Zhikun , Zhang Dong , Yang Xiaohuan , Li Haopeng , Li Jue , Fang Fengzhou
Published: June 2019

The micro-displacement measurement system with 2D/3D has become increasingly important in the field of scientific research and technology application. In order to explore the application of an optical surface in micro-displacement measurement, a novel and simple 2D micro-displacement measurement method based on the elliptical paraboloid was designed and subjected to experiment. The measurement system takes advantage of the elliptical paraboloid instead of a plane mirror in the optical structure of an autocollimator which has been ameliorated to adapt to curved surface measurement. Through the displacement of the light spot on the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) detector, the displacement of the target could be measured with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The accuracy of the system is about ± 0.3 μm in a wide range in two dimensions. The results were in good agreement with the theoretical analysis and indicated the potential applicability of the proposed system in the detection of geometric errors of CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machine tools.
A Convolutional Neural Network Based Auto Features Extraction Method for Tea Classification with Electronic Tongue
Authors: Zhong Yuan hong , Zhang Shun , He Rongbu , Zhang Jingyi , Zhou Zhaokun , Cheng Xinyu , Huang Guan , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2019

Feature extraction is a key part of the electronic tongue system. Almost all of the existing features extraction methods are “hand-crafted”, which are difficult in features selection and poor in stability. The lack of automatic, efficient and accurate features extraction methods has limited the application and development of electronic tongue systems. In this work, a convolutional neural network-based auto features extraction strategy (CNN-AFE) in an electronic tongue (e-tongue) system for tea classification was proposed. First, the sensor response of the e-tongue was converted to time-frequency maps by short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Second, features were extracted by convolutional neural network (CNN) with time-frequency maps as input. Finally, the features extraction and classification results were carried out under a general shallow CNN architecture. To evaluate the performance of the proposed strategy, experiments were held on a tea database containing 5100 samples for five kinds of tea. Compared with other features extraction methods including features of raw response, peak-inflection point, discrete cosine transform (DCT), discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and singular value decomposition (SVD), the proposed model showed superior performance. Nearly 99.9% classification accuracy was obtained and the proposed method is an approximate end-to-end features extraction and pattern recognition model, which reduces manual operation and improves efficiency.
Evaluating Methods for the Identification of Off-Chain Transactions in the Lightning Network
Authors: Nowostawski Mariusz , Tøn Jardar
Published: June 2019

Payment channels and off-chain transactions are used to address blockchain scalability. Those mechanisms rely on the blockchain proper, as the resolution mechanism. They allow for high transaction throughput due to the pure peer-to-peer nature of the transaction exchange that happens directly between the peers, without the involvement of the blockchain transactions. The transactions are not mediated through the blockchain but happen off-chain. The transactions in such overlay networks are not included in the blockchain, they nevertheless leave some data traces in a public ledger. We have used the Bitcoin mainnet and testnet blockchains together with the Lightning network node to explore what can be inferred from the underlying blockchain in the context of Lightning transactions, channel setup, and channel teardown. The main purpose of this study is to identify what methods, transaction signatures, and data can be used to understand the non-visible publicly off-chain transactions. We have proposed heuristics for identifying the setup and teardown transactions, quantified and analyzed the effectiveness of our proposed methods. Using the data from the Bitcoin blockchain, as well as the data from the Lightning network to link related information we have found when parsing the blockchain, we generate network graph representations showing the relationships between the Lightning network channels identified on the blockchain. This study is significant from the personal data and privacy perspectives, as well as from forensics. We have established that at least 75% of all P2WSH transactions are Lightning transactions, and some of the channels can be deduced from the blockchain analysis. The synthesized results demonstrate that our methods are viable for identifying a subset of transactions and that only partial topology of the payment channels can be obtained from the data left in the blockchain.
DC2Anet: Generating Lumbar Spine MR Images from CT Scan Data Based on Semi-Supervised Learning
Authors: Jin Cheng-Bin , Kim Hakil , Liu Mingjie , Han In Ho , Lee Jae Il , Lee Jung Hwan , Joo Seongsu , Park Eunsik , Ahn Young Saem , Cui Xuenan
Published: June 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a significant role in the diagnosis of lumbar disc disease. However, the use of MRI is limited because of its high cost and significant operating and processing time. More importantly, MRI is contraindicated for some patients with claustrophobia or cardiac pacemakers due to the possibility of injury. In contrast, computed tomography (CT) scans are much less expensive, are faster, and do not face the same limitations. In this paper, we propose a method for estimating lumbar spine MR images based on CT images using a novel objective function and a dual cycle-consistent adversarial network (DC 2 Anet) with semi-supervised learning. The objective function includes six independent loss terms to balance quantitative and qualitative losses, enabling the generation of a realistic and accurate synthetic MR image. DC 2 Anet is also capable of semi-supervised learning, and the network is general enough for supervised or unsupervised setups. Experimental results prove that the method is accurate, being able to construct MR images that closely approximate reference MR images, while also outperforming four other state-of-the-art methods.
Advanced Fault Ride-Through Strategy by an MMC HVDC Transmission for Off-Shore Wind Farm Interconnection
Authors: Lee Junghun , Yoo Yeuntae , Yoon Minhan , Jang Gilsoo
Published: June 2019

In order to solve the problems brought upon by off-shore wind-power plants, it is important to improve fault ride-through capability when an on-shore fault occurs in order to prevent DC overvoltage. In this paper, a coordinated control strategy is implemented for a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based off-shore wind farm, which connects to on-shore land by a modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system during an on-shore fault. The proposed control strategy adjusts the DC voltage of the off-shore converter to ride through fault condition, simultaneously varying off-shore AC frequency. The grid-side converter detects the frequency difference, and the rotor-side converter curtails the output power of the DFIG. The surplus energy will be accumulated at the rotor by accelerating the rotor speed and DC link by rising DC voltage. By the time the fault ends, energy stored in the rotor and energy stored in the DC capacitor will be released to the on-shore side to restore the normal transmission state. Based on the control strategy, the off-shore wind farm will ride through an on-shore fault with minimum rotor stress. To verify the validity of the proposed control strategy, a DFIG-based wind farm connecting to the on-shore side by an MMC HVDC system is simulated by PSCAD with an on-shore Point of Common Coupling side fault scenario.
The Counteracting Effects of Exercise on High-Fat Diet-Induced Memory Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Ponce Pamela , Zou Liye , Li Hong
Published: June 2019

The objective of the present review was to evaluate whether exercise can counteract a potential high-fat diet-induced memory impairment effect. The evaluated databases included: Google Scholar, Sports Discus, Embase/PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychInfo. Studies were included if: (1) an experimental/intervention study was conducted, (2) the experiment/intervention included both a high-fat diet and exercise group, and evaluated whether exercise could counteract the negative effects of a high-fat diet on memory, and (3) evaluated memory function (any type) as the outcome measure. In total, 17 articles met the inclusionary criteria. All 17 studies (conducted in rodents) demonstrated that the high-fat diet protocol impaired memory function and all 17 studies demonstrated a counteracting effect with chronic exercise engagement. Mechanisms of these robust effects are discussed herein.
Frugoside Induces Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death through Inhibition of Sulfiredoxin Expression in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Song In-Sung , Jeong Yu Jeong , Kim Ji Eun , Shin Jimin , Jang Sung-Wuk
Published: June 2019

Malignant melanoma is the most life-threatening neoplasm of the skin. Despite the increase in incidence, melanoma is becoming more resistant to current therapeutic agents. The bioactive compound frugoside has been recently reported to inhibit growth when used in various cancer cells. However, this effect has not been demonstrated in melanoma. Here, we found that frugoside inhibited the rate of reduction of hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins (Prxs) by downregulating sulfiredoxin (Srx) expression. Furthermore, frugoside increased the accumulation of sulfinic Prxs and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stimulated p-p38 activation, resulting in the mitochondria-mediated death of M14 and A375 human melanoma cells. The mitochondria-mediated cell death induced by frugoside was inhibited by the overexpression of Srx and antioxidants, such as N-acetyl cysteine and diphenyleneiodonium. In addition, we observed that frugoside inhibited tumor growth without toxicity through a M14 xenograft animal model. Taken together, our findings reveal that frugoside exhibits a novel antitumor effect based on a ROS-mediated cell death in melanoma cells, which may have therapeutic implications.
Pilot Study of Circulating Tumor Cells in Early-Stage and Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Anand Kartik , Roszik Jason , Gombos Dan , Upshaw Joshua , Sarli Vanessa , Meas Salyna , Lucci Anthony , Hall Carolyn , Patel Sapna
Published: June 2019

Nearly 50% of uveal melanoma (UM) patients develop metastatic disease, and there remains no current standard assay for detection of minimal residual disease. We conducted a pilot study to check the feasibility of circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection in UM. We enrolled 40 patients with early or metastatic UM of which 20 patients had early-stage disease, 19 had metastatic disease, and one was not evaluable. At initial blood draw, 36% of patients had detectable CTCs (30% in early-stage vs. 42% in metastatic), which increased to 54% at data cutoff (40% in early-stage vs. 68% in metastatic). Five early-stage patients developed distant metastases, 60% (3/5) had detectable CTCs before radiographic detection of the metastasis. Landmark overall survival (from study enrollment) at 24 months was statistically lower in CTC-positive vs. negative early-stage UM (p < 0.05). Within this small dataset, the presence of CTCs in early-stage UM predicted an increased risk of metastatic disease and was associated with worse outcomes.
Mucosal Injury during Anti-Cancer Treatment: From Pathobiology to Bedside
Authors: Basile Debora , Di Nardo Paola , Corvaja Carla , Garattini Silvio Ken , Pelizzari Giacomo , Lisanti Camilla , Bortot Lucia , Da Ros Lucia , Bartoletti Michele , Borghi Matteo , Gerratana Lorenzo , Lombardi Davide , Puglisi Fabio
Published: June 2019

Mucositis is one of the most common debilitating side effects related to chemotherapy (CT), radiation therapy (RT), targeted agents and immunotherapy. It is a complex process potentially involving any portion of the gastrointestinal tract and injuring the mucosa, leading to inflammatory or ulcerative lesions. Mechanisms and clinical presentation can differ according both to the anatomic site involved (oral or gastrointestinal) and the treatment received. Understanding the pathophysiology and management of mucosal injury as a secondary effect of anti-cancer treatment is an important area of clinical research. Prophylaxis, early diagnosis, and adequate management of complications are essential to increase therapeutic success and, thus, improve the survival outcomes of cancer patients. This review focuses on the pathobiology and management guidelines for mucositis, a secondary effect of old and new anti-cancer treatments, highlighting recent advances in prevention and discussing future research options.
Inhibition of Gap Junctions Sensitizes Primary Glioblastoma Cells for Temozolomide
Authors: Potthoff Anna-Laura , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Evert Bernd O. , Almeida Filipe Rodrigues , Behringer Simon P. , Dolf Andreas , Güresir Ági , Güresir Erdem , Joseph Kevin , Pietsch Torsten , Schuss Patrick , Herrlinger Ulrich , Westhoff Mike-Andrew , Vatter Hartmut , Waha Andreas , Schneider Matthias
Published: June 2019

Gap junctions have recently been shown to interconnect glioblastoma cells to a multicellular syncytial network, thereby allowing intercellular communication over long distances as well as enabling glioblastoma cells to form routes for brain microinvasion. Against this backdrop gap junction-targeted therapies might provide for an essential contribution to isolate cancer cells within the brain, thus increasing the tumor cells’ vulnerability to the standard chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. By utilizing INI-0602—a novel gap junction inhibitor optimized for crossing the blood brain barrier—in an oncological setting, the present study was aimed at evaluating the potential of gap junction-targeted therapy on primary human glioblastoma cell populations. Pharmacological inhibition of gap junctions profoundly sensitized primary glioblastoma cells to temozolomide-mediated cell death. On the molecular level, gap junction inhibition was associated with elevated activity of the JNK signaling pathway. With the use of a novel gap junction inhibitor capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier—thus constituting an auspicious drug for clinical applicability—these results may constitute a promising new therapeutic strategy in the field of current translational glioblastoma research.
The 6th R of Radiobiology: Reactivation of Anti-Tumor Immune Response
Authors: Boustani Jihane , Grapin Mathieu , Laurent Pierre-Antoine , Apetoh Lionel , Mirjolet Céline
Published: June 2019

Historically, the 4Rs and then the 5Rs of radiobiology explained the effect of radiation therapy (RT) fractionation on the treatment efficacy. These 5Rs are: Repair, Redistribution, Reoxygenation, Repopulation and, more recently, intrinsic Radiosensitivity. Advances in radiobiology have demonstrated that RT is able to modify the tumor micro environment (TME) and to induce a local and systemic (abscopal effect) immune response. Conversely, RT is able to increase some immunosuppressive barriers, which can lead to tumor radioresistance. Fractionation and dose can affect the immunomodulatory properties of RT. Here, we review how fractionation, dose and timing shape the RT-induced anti-tumor immune response and the therapeutic effect of RT. We discuss how immunomodulators targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors and the cGAS/STING (cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase/Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway can be successfully combined with RT. We then review current trials evaluating the RT/Immunotherapy combination efficacy and suggest new innovative associations of RT with immunotherapies currently used in clinic or in development with strategic schedule administration (fractionation, dose, and timing) to reverse immune-related radioresistance. Overall, our work will present the existing evidence supporting the claim that the reactivation of the anti-tumor immune response can be regarded as the 6th R of Radiobiology.
Ni(II)-Aroylhydrazone Complexes as Catalyst Precursors Towards Efficient Solvent-Free Nitroaldol Condensation Reaction
Authors: Sutradhar Manas , Roy Barman Tannistha , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Martins Luísa M.D.R.S.
Published: June 2019

The aroylhydrazone Schiff bases 2-hydroxy-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide and (2,3-dihydroxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide have been used to synthesize the bi- and tri-nuclear Ni(II) complexes [Ni2(L1)2(MeOH)4] (1) and [Ni3(HL2)2(CH3OH)8]· (NO3)2 (2). Both complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques [IR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)], and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The coordination behavior of the two ligands is different in the complexes: The ligand exhibits the keto form in 2, while coordination through enol form was found in 1. Herein, the catalytic activity of 1 and 2 has been compared with the nitroaldol condensation reaction under various conditions. Complex 2 exhibits the highest activity towards solvent-free conditions.
Surface Properties of Pine Scrimber Panels with Varying Density
Authors: Wei Jinguang , Lin Qiuqin , Zhang Yahui , Yu Wenji , Hse Chung-Yun , Shupe Todd
Published: June 2019

Coating quality for scrimber products against exterior conditions is largely dependent on the surface properties. The wettability, morphology, and chemical composition of pine scrimber surfaces were investigated to better understand the surface properties. The scrimber was found to be a hydrophilic material because the water contact angles were less than 90°. The panels with a density of 1.20 g/cm3 had the largest angle change rate (k = 0.212). As the panel density increased, the instantaneous contact angle of each test liquid (i.e., water, formamide, and diiodomethane) on the panels decreased, and so did surface free energy. Panels with higher density showed lower surface roughness. Surface roughness across the wood grain was greater than that along the grain. SEM observations showed the high-density panels had a smoother surface with fewer irregular grooves in comparison with the low-density panels. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that more unoxygenated groups appeared on the surface of high-density panels.
Preparation and Anticorrosive Property of Soluble Aniline Tetramer
Authors: Ding Yongbo , Liang Jia , Liu Gaofeng , Ni Wenting , Shen Liang
Published: June 2019

Soluble aniline tetramer (AT) was successfully prepared by chemical oxidation method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) were used to characterize its structure. The redox behavior of AT was identified through the electrochemical cyclic voltammetry studies. Then, the epoxy coating was prepared by using AT as inhibitor. Its anticorrosive property was evaluated by salt solution resistance test, polarization curve, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Salt solution resistance test, polarization curves, and EIS measurements indicate that the obtained epoxy anticorrosive coating, containing 1.0% AT, exhibits remarkably enhanced corrosion protection properties on Q235 steel electrodes as compared to pure epoxy anticorrosive coating without AT. The significantly improved anticorrosion performance may be owing to the redox behavior of the AT, adsorption and inhibition effect of AT on Q235 steel surface, as well as synergistic curing effect by AT and polyamide.
Detection of Salient Crowd Motion Based on Repulsive Force Network and Direction Entropy
Authors: Zhang Xuguang , Lin Dujun , Zheng Juan , Tang Xianghong , Fang Yinfeng , Yu Hui
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes a method for salient crowd motion detection based on direction entropy and a repulsive force network. This work focuses on how to effectively detect salient regions in crowd movement through calculating the crowd vector field and constructing the weighted network using the repulsive force. The interaction force between two particles calculated by the repulsive force formula is used to determine the relationship between these two particles. The network node strength is used as a feature parameter to construct a two-dimensional feature matrix. Furthermore, the entropy of the velocity vector direction is calculated to describe the instability of the crowd movement. Finally, the feature matrix of the repulsive force network and direction entropy are integrated together to detect the salient crowd motion. Experimental results and comparison show that the proposed method can efficiently detect the salient crowd motion.