bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Performance for Steam Turbine in Thermal Power Plants Using Artificial Neural Network and Electric Circuit Design
Authors: Salim Hosham , Faisal Khalid , Jawad Raheel
Published: December 2018

Design and implantation of electric circuit for enhanced performance of steam power plant and artificial neural networks technique are used to control turbine. Artificial neural networks technique is used to control a lot of industrial models practically. Artificial neural network has been applied to control the important variables of turbine in AL–Dura power plant in Baghdad such as pressure, temperature, speed, and humidity. In this study Simulink model was applied in MATLAB program (v 2014 a) by using artificial neural network (ANN). The method of controlling model is by using NARMA to generate data and train network. ANN is offline. ANN requires data to obtain results and for comparison with actual power plant. The values of the input variables have a large effect on the number of nodes and epochs and in hidden layer of the artificial neural network they also affect performance of ANN. The electric circuit of sensors consists of transformer, DC bridge, and voltage regulator. Comparing the results from modeling by ANN and electric circuit with experimental data reveals a good agreement and the maximum deviation between the experimental data and predicted results from ANN and circuit design is less than 1%. The novelty in this paper is applying NARMA controller for the purpose of enhancement of turbine performance.
Bionic Design of the Bumper Beam Inspired by the Bending and Energy Absorption Characteristics of Bamboo
Authors: Zou Meng , Song Jiafeng , Xu Shucai , Liu Shengfu , Chang Zhiyong
Published: December 2018

This study conducted quasistatic three-point bending tests to investigate the effect of bamboo node on the energy absorption, bending, and deformation characteristics of bamboo. Results showed that the node had a reinforcing effect on the energy absorption and bending strength of the bamboo culm subjected to bending load. The experimental results demonstrated that nodal samples (NS) significantly outperform internodal samples without node (INS). Under the three-point bending load, the main failure mode of bamboo is the fracture failure. The node also showed split and fracture prevention function obviously. Based on that, a series of bionic bumper beams were designed inspired by the bamboo node. The FEM results indicated that the performance of bionic bumpers was better than that of a normal bumper with regard to bending strength, energy absorption, and being lightweight. In particular, the bionic bumper beam has the best performance with regard to bending, energy absorption, and being lightweight compared with the normal bumper under pole impact. The characteristic of the bionic bumper beam is higher than that of the normal bumper beam by 12.3% for bending strength, 36.9% for EA, and 31.4% for SEA; moreover, there was a mass reduction of 4.9%, which still needs further optimization.
Optimal SES Selection Based on SVD and Its Application to Incipient Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Li Longlong , Cui Yahui , Chen Runlin , Liu Xiaolin
Published: December 2018

Rotating machinery has extensive industrial applications, and rolling element bearing (REB) is one of the core parts. To distinguish the incipient fault of bearing before it steps into serious failure is the main task of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis technology which could guarantee the reliability and security of rotating machinery. The early defect occurring in the REB is too weak and manifests itself in heavy surrounding noise, thus leading to the inefficiency of the fault detection techniques. Aiming at the vibration signal purification and promoting the potential of defects detection, a new method is proposed in this paper based on the combination of singular value decomposition (SVD) technique and squared envelope spectrum (SES). The kurtosis of SES (KSES) is employed to select the optimal singular component (SC) obtained by applying SVD to vibration signal, which provides the information of the REB for fault diagnosis. Moreover, the rolling bearing accelerated life test with the bearing running from normal state to failure is adopted to evaluate the performance of the SVD‐KSES, and results demonstrate the proposed approach can detect the incipient faults from vibration signal in the natural degradation process.
Simulink-Based Analysis for Coupled Metabolic Systems
Authors: Wu Shinq-Jen , Wu Cheng-Tao
Published: December 2018

Stability analysis and dynamic simulation are important for researchers to capture the performance and the properties of underling systems. S-systems have good potential for characterizing dynamic interactive behaviour of large scale metabolic and genetic systems. It is important to develop a platform to achieve timely dynamic behaviour of S-systems to various situations. In this study, we first set up the respective block diagrams of S-systems for module-based simulation. We then derive reasonable theorems to examine the stability of S-systems and find out what kinds of environmental situations will make systems stable. Three canonical systems are used to examine the results which are carried out in the Matlab/Simulink environments.
Cognitive Stimulation for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Living in Long-Term Care: Preliminary Data from a Randomized Crossover Pilot Study
Authors: Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Dorn Miriam E. , Roheger Mandy , Maassen Marco , Koerts Janneke , Tucha Oliver , Altgassen Mareike , Sack Alexander T. , Smit Diede , Haarmann Lena , Kalbe Elke
Published: December 2018

Background. While the efficacy of cognitive stimulation (CS) has been demonstrated in patients with dementia, no study has included patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Objective. For the first time, this randomized crossover pilot study examined the feasibility and potential effects of CS in PDD. Methods. All residents of a PDD-specific long-term care unit in the Netherlands that were eligible for the study (n=12) were randomly allocated to group A (n=6) receiving CS (eight weeks, twice weekly for 60 minutes) or group B (n=6) receiving usual care (control group, CG). The CG participated in CS afterwards, resulting in an experimental group (EG), consisting of n=12. Pre- and postassessments and a six-week follow-up (FU) were conducted for cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes. Results. Between-group analysis with difference scores from pre- to posttest revealed a group difference for global cognition (CERAD total score) favoring the EG, with a moderate effect size and a p value just failing to reach statistical significance (p=0.067; r = 0.43). A further statistical trend was observed for neuropsychiatric symptoms, again with a moderate effect size (p=0.075; r = 0.42). Within-group analyses indicated improvement only in the EG with large effects also just failing to reach significance for global cognition (short term, p=0.060; r = 0.70) as well as for depression (long term, p=0.072; r = 0.61). ADL deteriorated significantly at FU in the EG (p=0.014; r = 0.71). Conclusions. Although our data are preliminary due to the small sample size, this study shows that CS is feasible and potentially effective for cognitive and noncognitive outcomes in PDD patients. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these promising results.
Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. (Anil): Plant Profile, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology Review
Authors: Campos Janaina K. L. , Araújo Tiago F. da S. , Brito Thaíse G. da S. , Silva Ana P. S. da , Cunha Rebeca X. da , Martins Mônica B. , Silva Nicácio H. da , Santos Bianka S. dos , Silva César A. da , Lima Vera L. de M.
Published: December 2018

Indigoferasuffruticosa Mill. (Fabaceae) is known as anil or anileira and also with other names, due to the production of a blue pigment, which is commonly used for yarn dyeing. It is distributed in some states of Brazil (Pernambuco, Paraíba, Mato Grosso, São Paulo, Bahia, Pará, and others) and is used in the popular medicine as a febrifuge, antispasmodic, diuretic, abortive, analgesic, purgative, or soothing agent against stomach and urinary problems, jaundice, and ulcers and also as an insecticide. In addition, I. suffruticosa can be used as animal feed. This review aimed at providing important data on the botanical, distribution, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity of I. suffruticosa based on the scientific literature. Information on I. suffruticosa was gathered via the Internet (from Elsevier, NCBI, and Sci-Hub) and libraries in the period from February to March 2016. More than 40 chemical compounds have been identified and a few compounds isolated, and the main origins are the essential oils, organic extracts, and aqueous extracts of different parts of the plant. I. suffruticosa and its active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions in the literature, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidative, antitumor, antimutagenic, anticonvulsant, gastroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Therefore, as an important traditional popular medicine, further studies on I. suffruticosa are required for the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases.
Expert Consensus of Syndrome Differentiation for Phlegm Turbidity Syndrome for Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Chen Xin-lin , Liu Xiao-qi , Xie Rong , Peng Dan-hong , Wang Yan-ping , Zhou Xuan , Wang Bin , Mo Chuan-wei , Xu Qian , Li Xiantao
Published: December 2018

Objective. The purpose of the study was to form a questionnaire of expert consensus about phlegm turbidity syndrome of coronary heart disease (CHD) using literature method and Delphi method, which could provide the objective evidences for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for CHD. Method. The CBM, CNKI, VIP, and PubMed were searched. The articles about phlegm turbidity syndrome for CHD with the definite related four diagnostic data were included. Based on the results of the literature method, two rounds of Delphi method were conducted. The TCM experts about CHD were enrolled. Concentration and coordination index of the experts were used to select the items. Results. Literature method: A total of 118 articles were included. Greasy fur, slippery pulse, chest fullness or chest pain, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, vertigo, excessive phlegm, abdominal fullness, head heaviness, obesity, stringy pulse, physical heaviness, soft pulse, somnolence, fatigue, and pale tongue (16 items) had the relatively high proportion, and they were eligible for Delphi process. Delphi method: A total of 93 experts (22 for the first round, 71 for the second round) were included. The reliability of the items was 0.885 for all the experts. The 16 items were not significantly different between the two rounds (P>0.05). According to the results of mean, frequency, sum of ranks and coefficient of variation, the item of nausea and vomiting, somnolence, pale tongue, and soft pulse were deleted. Conclusions. The questionnaire of phlegm turbidity syndrome of CHD was established, with good reliability. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire are still necessary to further validate for clinical or scientific use.
Double‐Target Switching Control of Vehicle Longitudinal Low‐Frequency Vibration Based on Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Hao Donghao , Zhao Changlu , Huang Ying , Dai Peilin , Liu Yongjian
Published: December 2018

Rapid increase of vehicle longitudinal acceleration is required in an engine torque increasing phase, whereas little overshoot and oscillating acceleration are required in a torque holding phase. These two features give satisfying results with respect to both drivability and comfortability. However, when subjected to a sudden torque change in the tip‐in condition, the driveline undergoes strong low‐frequency torsional vibration which has an adverse impact on vehicle comfortability. Normally, a linear quadratic (LQ) controller has a good comfort performance in reducing the vibration but with negative impact on the dynamic response of the vehicle which weakens the drivability. The two different performance demands in the two phases cannot be achieved simultaneously by only adjusting the weighting coefficients of the LQ controller. Therefore, a new control strategy decoupling the two phases is necessary and proposed in this paper. A linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is used in the torque increasing phase for dynamic response demand while a linear quadratic tracking (LQT) controller is applied in the torque holding phase for comfortability demand. The two controllers are switched smoothly via a fusion weighting factor based on the proposed fuzzy logic switching strategy. A quantitative evaluation method is used to evaluate the performances of the proposed control strategy. The results show that the double‐targets switching control keeps better performances in both drivability and comfortability. The comfortability index of the proposed strategy is improved by 79.74% compared with that of the LQT whereas the dynamic response index is improved by 21.88% compared with that of the LQR.
Activated Hydrotalcites Obtained by Coprecipitation as Photocatalysts for the Degradation of 2,4,6‐Trichlorophenol
Authors: Ramos-Ramírez Esthela , Gutiérrez-Ortega Norma , Tzompantzi Francisco , Gómez Claudia M. , del Angel Gloria , Herrera-Pérez Gabriel , Serafín-Muñoz Alma Hortensia , Tzompantzi-Flores Clara
Published: December 2018

A gallery of hydrotalcite‐type mesoporous materials with different Mg/Al molar ratios were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The materials were activated by heat treatment to test their activity in the photodegradation of 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol under UV light irradiation. The physicochemical properties of the different synthesized and activated materials were determined using XRD, physical adsorption/desorption of N2, FTIR, SEM, DTA, and TGA. Their banned band energy was determined by UV‐Vis to identify their potential to be used as a semiconductor in catalytic photodegradation processes. The results of photodegradation tests of 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol showed that hydrotalcites have a high degradation capacity, up to 100% for the catalyst of Mg/Al ratio = 2, with a high mineralization capacity of 80%. The degradation capacity of most of the catalysts tested is mainly due to the presence of holes and the formation of superoxide free radicals, which are the determining species within the degradation mechanism.
Diagnosis of Vitreoretinal Aspergillosis with Transvitreal Retinochoroidal Biopsy
Authors: Peddada Krishi , Khan Nida M. , Rubin Jascha , Zakaryan Haykanush , Liu Yaobin , Popnikolov Nikolay , Sangani Roshun , Li Weiye
Published: December 2018

Diagnosing culture-proven endophthalmitis is complicated by the insufficient yield of intraocular samples and the variety of etiologies which mimic true endophthalmitis. In cases of impending vision loss where vitreous biopsy cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, transvitreal retinochoroidal biopsy can be an effective next step. Our case is a 48-year-old male with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that presented with counting fingers vision, redness, and tearing of the left eye. Exam showed cell and flare with hypopyon as well as dense vitritis. The patient underwent diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy and vitreous culture was negative at the time. Flow cytometry demonstrated no malignant cells. However, the patient’s vision and mental status continued to clinically decline despite being started on intravitreal and systemic antibiotic and antifungal therapy. Neuroimaging revealed rim-enhancing brain lesions. Transvitreal retinochoroidal biopsy was performed in an elevated area of the retina. The biopsy helped rule out malignancy and showed acute-angle, septate, branching hyphae characteristic ofAspergillus fumigatus. Ultimately, the vitreous biopsy, cultures, and a biopsy from the left frontal lobe brain abscess all confirmed this diagnosis as well. Transvitreal retinochoroidal biopsy can play a role in the diagnosis of a case of posterior uveitis and can be particularly effective in diagnosing a fungal endophthalmitis.
Sum of Squares Approach for Nonlinear H∞ Control
Authors: Pang Ai-ping , He Zhen , Zhao Ming-han , Wang Guang-xiong , Wu Qin-mu , Li Ze-tao
Published: December 2018

A proper Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Isaacs (HJI) inequality must be solved in a nonlinear H∞ control problem. The sum of squares (SOS) method can now be used to solve an analytically unsolvable nonlinear problem. A HJI inequality suitable for SOS approach is derived in the paper. The SOS algorithm for solving the HJI inequality is also provided. Conservativeness of the SOS method is then discussed in the paper. The conservativeness of the SOS approach is caused by the method itself, because it is really a synthesis method over the entire state space. To reduce the conservativeness, a local H∞ design on a restricted state‐space region is proposed. But the SOS approach for the local H∞ design also suffers from the conservativeness problem, because the S‐procedure for solving the set‐containment constraint provides only a sufficient condition. The above‐mentioned sources of conservativeness are peculiar for the SOS approaches. So a proper approach must be carefully selected in the design process to get a reasonable result. A design example is also given in the paper.
Caregivers’ Experience of Decision-Making regarding Diagnostic Assessment following Cognitive Screening of Older Adults
Authors: Lee Jamie J. Y. , Barlas Joanna , Thompson Claire L. , Dong Yan Hong
Published: December 2018

Targeted screening for dementia among older adults in primary healthcare has potential benefits such as better clinical outcomes and the opportunity to access services. Cognitive screening can be followed up by further diagnostic assessment to determine a diagnosis of dementia. Unfortunately, the rates of accepting further diagnostic assessment following cognitive screening are low. The objective of this study was to explore the caregivers’ decision-making process regarding uptake of diagnostic assessment following positive screening results. A qualitative design was employed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data. Three major themes in caregiver decision-making were identified: gathering information, protecting the patient, and balancing obligation and convenience in caregiving. These findings suggest that the decision-making process involved effort to process information through observations of the patient and that caregivers emphasized quality of life.
Metabolic Activity of Micromycetes Affecting Urban Concrete Constructions
Authors: Yakovleva Galina , Sagadeev Eugene , Stroganov Viktor , Kozlova Olga , Okunev Rodion , Ilinskaya Olga
Published: December 2018

Concrete resistance to the destructive action of microorganisms is considered as a measure of its durability and is increasingly being raised as an important issue. We focused our study on the biodeterioration of concrete specimens widely used as a building material of urban houses by micromycetes isolated from the inner wall surface of the former military hospital in Kazan city, Tatarstan, Russia. Fungal community consists of 9 Penicillium isolates, 6 Aspergillus, 2 Trichoderma, and 1 isolate of Alternaria. First, we have identified two dominant isolates, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium brevicompactum, and characterized their destructive properties according to the radial growth rate, antagonistic activity towards bacterial habitants of concrete, and production of organic acids. Then, we have demonstrated that five tested brands of high-strength concrete differ in bioreceptivity. The alterations in concrete resistances to compression and flexure after fungal attack were recorded at the trend level, mainly due to a short exposure time of concrete to fungal destructors in tests recommended by national Russian standard. Finally, using scanning electron microscopy we have shown that colonization of concrete by the dominant fungi includes their penetration into the thickness of concrete and germination in cracks. Elementary analysis revealed the decrease of calcium content on about 41% after fungal growth on the concrete in liquid phase and on 32% by superficial growth in comparison with the samples without fungal treatment.
Adaptive‐Neural‐Network‐Based Shape Control for a Swarm of Robots
Authors: Lan Xuejing , Wu Zhenghao , Xu Wenbiao , Liu Guiyun
Published: December 2018

This paper considers the region‐based formation control for a swarm of robots with unknown nonlinear dynamics and disturbances. An adaptive neural network is designed to approximate the unknown nonlinear dynamics, and the desired formation shape is achieved by designing appropriate potential functions. Moreover, the collision avoidance, velocity consensus, and region tracking are all considered in the controller. The stability of the multirobot system has been demonstrated based on the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, three numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed formation control scheme to deal with the narrow space, loss of robots, and formation merging problems.
Finite‐Time Synchronization for Complex‐Valued Recurrent Neural Networks with Time Delays
Authors: Zhang Ziye , Liu Xiaoping , Lin Chong , Chen Bing
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on the finite‐time synchronization analysis for complex‐valued recurrent neural networks with time delays. First, two kinds of common activation functions appearing in the existing references are combined together and more general assumptions are given. To achieve our aim, a nonlinear delayed controller with two independent parameters different from the existing ones is provided, which leads to great difficulty. To overcome it, a newly developed inequality is used. Then, via Lyapunov function approach, some criteria are derived to guarantee the finite‐time synchronization of the considered system, and the settling time for synchronization is also estimated. Finally, two numerical simulations are given to support the effectiveness and advantages of the obtained results.
Nuclear Imaging Study of the Pharmacodynamic Effects of Debio 1143, an Antagonist of Multiple Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs), in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Bellaye Pierre-Simon , Oudot Alexandra , Vrigneaud Jean-Marc , Raguin Olivier , Bichat Francis , Vaslin Anne , Maby-El Hajjami Hélène , Zanna Claudio , Vuagniaux Grégoire , Fumoleau Pierre , Denat Franck , Brunotte François , Collin Bertrand
Published: December 2018

Background. Debio 1143, a potent orally available SMAC mimetic, targets inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) members and is currently in clinical trials. In this study, nuclear imaging evaluated the effects of Debio 1143 on tumor cell death and metabolism in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line (MDA-MB-231)-based animal model. Methods. Apoptosis induced by Debio 1143 was assessed by FACS (caspase-3, annexin 5 (A5)), binding of 99mTc-HYNIC-Annexin V, and a cell proliferation assay. 99mTc-HYNIC-Annexin V SPECT and [18F]-FDG PET were also performed in mice xenografted with MDA-MB-231 cells. Results. Debio 1143 induced early apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo 6 h after treatment. Debio 1143 inhibited tumor growth, which was associated with a decreased tumor [18F]-FDG uptake when measured during treatment. Conclusions. This imaging study combining SPECT and PET showed the early proapoptotic effects of Debio 1143 resulting in a robust antitumor activity in a preclinical TNBC model. These imaging biomarkers represent valuable noninvasive tools for translational and clinical research in TNBC.
Video Analytic Based Health Monitoring for Driver in Moving Vehicle by Extracting Effective Heart Rate Inducing Features
Authors: Lee Kanghyu , Han David K. , Ko Hanseok
Published: December 2018

We propose a novel remote heart rate (HR) estimation method using facial images based on video analytics. Most of previous methods have been demonstrated in well-controlled indoor environments. In contrast, this paper proposes a practical video analytic framework under actual driving conditions by extracting key HR inducing features. In particular, when cars are driven, effective and stable HR estimation becomes challenging as there are many dynamic elements, such as rapid illumination changes, vibrations, and ambient lighting that can exist in the vehicle interior. To overcome those disturbances of HR estimation, the driver face region is first detected and cropped to the region of interest (RoI). Second, the components related to HR are extracted from mixed noisy components using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). Finally, the extracted signal is analyzed in frequency domain and smoothed with temporal filtering. To verify our approach, the proposed method is compared with recent prominent methods employing a public HCI dataset. It has been demonstrated that the proposed approach delivers superior performance under driving conditions using Bland-Altman plots.
Sedimentary Environment Analysis by Grain-Size Data Based on Mini Batch K-Means Algorithm
Authors: Su Qiao , Zhu Yanhui , Jia Yalin , Li Ping , Hu Fang , Xu Xingyong
Published: December 2018

During the last several decades, researchers have made significant advances in sedimentary environment interpretation of grain-size analysis, but these improvements have often depended on the subjective experience of the researcher and were usually combined with other methods. Currently, researchers have been using a larger number of data mining and knowledge discovering methods to explore the potential relationships in sediment grain-size analysis. In this paper, we will apply bipartite graph theory to construct a Sample/Grain-Size network model and then construct a Sample network model projected from this bipartite network. Furthermore, we will use the Mini Batch K-means algorithm with the most appropriate parameters (reassignment ratio ϵ=0.025 and mini batch = 25) to cluster the sediment samples. We will use four representative evaluation indices to verify the precision of the clustering result. Simulation results demonstrate that this algorithm can divide the Sample network into three sedimentary categorical clusters: marine, fluvial, and lacustrine. According to the results of previous studies obtained from a variety of indices, the precision of experimental results about sediment grain-size category is up to 0.92254367, a fact which shows that this method of analyzing sedimentary environment by grain size is extremely effective and accurate.
Research on Face Recognition Method by Autoassociative Memory Based on RNNs
Authors: Han Qi , Wu Zhengyang , Deng Shiqin , Qiao Ziqiang , Huang Junjian , Zhou Junjie , Liu Jin
Published: December 2018

In order to avoid the risk of the biological database being attacked and tampered by hackers, an Autoassociative Memory (AAM) model is proposed in this paper. The model is based on the recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for face recognition, under the condition that the face database is replaced by its model parameters. The stability of the model is proved and analyzed to slack the constraints of AAM model parameters. Besides, a design procedure about solving AAM model parameters is given, and the face recognition method by AAM model is established, which includes image preprocessing, AAM model training, and image recognition. Finally, simulation results on two experiments show the feasibility and performance of the proposed face recognition method.
Altered Functional Network Affects Amyloid and Structural Covariance in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chang Ya-Ting , Huang Chi-Wei , Chang Wen-Neng , Lee Jun-Jun , Chang Chiung-Chih
Published: December 2018

Background. We aimed to investigate how altered intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) affect pathologic changes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at a network-based level. Methods. Thirty normal controls (NCs), 23 patients with AD-mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 20 patients with AD-dementia were enrolled. We compared the organization of grey matter structural covariance and functional connectivity in ICNs between NCs and all AD patients who were amyloid β (Aβ)-positive. We further used seed-based interregional covariance analysis to compare structural and Aβ plaque covariance in default mode network (DMN) between AD-MCI and AD-dementia groups. Results. The patients with AD had increased functional interregional covariance among the regions of the ICN anchored to dorsal caudate (DC) seeds compared to the NCs. The increased connectivity was associated with extended patterns of reduced Aβ plaque covariance in the AD-dementia group compared to the AD-MCI group within the striatal network anchored to DC seeds. Patterns of lower Aβ plaque covariance in the AD-dementia group compared to the AD-MCI group were more extended within the network anchored to DC seeds than within the DMN, which was undergoing functional failure in the patients with AD. Significant decreased structural covariance in the AD-dementia group compared to the AD-MCI group was more extended in the DMN during functional failure. Conclusions. Functional connectivity in ICNs affects the topographic spread of molecular pathologies. The temporal trajectory of pathologic alterations can be well demonstrated by pathologic covariance comparisons between different clinical stages. Pathologic covariance can provide critical support to pathologic interactions at network and molecular levels.
Organizational and Technological Aspects of a Platform for Collective Food Awareness
Authors: Volpentesta Antonio P. , Felicetti Alberto M. , Frega Nicola
Published: December 2018

Can Internet-of-food technologies foster collective food awareness within a food consumer community? The paper contributes to answer this question in a fourfold aspect. Firstly, we model a cooperative process for generating and sharing reliable food information that is derived from food instrumental measurements performed by consumers via smart food things. Secondly, we outline the functional architecture of a platform capable to support such a process and to let a consumer community share reliable food information. Thirdly, we identify main entities and their attributes necessary to model the contextualized interaction between a consumer and the platform. Lastly, we review articles reviewing technologies capable of acquiring and quantifying food characteristics for food performances assessment. The purpose is to give an insight into current research directions on technologies employable in a platform for collective food awareness.
Effects of Irbesartan Pretreatment on Pancreatic β‐Cell Apoptosis in STZ‐Induced Acute Prediabetic Mice
Authors: Chen Cuihong , Li Li , Qin Haijing , Huang Zhenxing , Xian Jing , Cai Jinwei , Qin Yingfen , Zhang Jie , Liang Xinghuan
Published: December 2018

The current study was performed to investigate the effects and potential effects of irbesartan pretreatment on pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis in a streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced acute mouse model of prediabetes. Twenty‐four male BALB/C mice (18–22 g) were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (NC, n = 6), STZ group (STZ, n = 8), and irbesartan + STZ group (IRB + STZ, n = 10). In the IRB + STZ group, mice were administered irbesartan (300 mg/kg per day) by gavage for one week. The STZ group and IRB + STZ group received STZ (80 mg/kg by intraperitoneal (IP) injection once). The NC group received normal saline (80 mg/kg by IP injection once). Fasting blood glucose prior to STZ injection and presacrifice was analysed using samples withdrawn from the caudal vein to confirm the induction of prediabetes. Haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical detection of insulin, and apoptosis analysis were performed. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), caspase‐3, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) mRNA expression. Blood glucose was significantly higher in the STZ group (9.01 ± 1.1089 vs 4.78 ± 0.7026) and IRB + STZ group (7.86 ± 1.1811 vs 4.78 ± 0.7026) compared with the NC group (P < 0.05). In comparison to the STZ group, the islet cell damage was marginally improved in the IRB + STZ group, and the IRB + STZ group had a significantly lower apoptotic rate than the STZ group (22.42 ± 8.3675 vs 50.86 ± 5.3395, P < 0.001). AT1R expression in the IRB + STZ group was lower than that in the STZ group (1.56 ± 1.2207 vs 3.92 ± 2.4392, P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of caspase‐3 in pancreatic tissue was significantly lower in the IRB + STZ group than in the STZ group (0.90 ± 0.7272 vs 1.88 ± 1.0572, P < 0.05). Similarly, the IRB + STZ group also had lower p38MAPK levels than the STZ group (1.16 ± 1.0642 vs 2.55 ± 1.7925, P > 0.05). In conclusion, irbesartan pretreatment improved glucose levels and insulin secretion and decreased islet β‐cell apoptosis to protect islet β cells in an STZ‐induced acute prediabetic mouse model.
Real‐Time Video Latency Measurement between a Robot and Its Remote Control Station: Causes and Mitigation
Authors: Kaknjo Admir , Rao Muzaffar , Omerdic Edin , Robinson Luke , Toal Daniel , Newe Thomas
Published: December 2018

This work presents a detailed study, characterization, and measurement of video latency in a real‐time video streaming application. The target application consists of an automatic control system in the form of a control station and the mini Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped with a camera, which is controllable over local area network (LAN) and the Internet. Control signal transmission and feedback measurements to the operator usually impose real‐time constraints on the network channel. Similarly, the video stream, which is required for the normal system control and maneuvering, imposes further strict requirements on the network in terms of bandwidth and latency. Based on these requirements, controlling the system in real time through a standard Internet connection is a challenging task. The measurement of important network parameters like availability, bandwidth, and latency has become mandatory for remotely controlling the system in real time. It is necessary to establish a methodology for the measurement of video and network latency to improve the real‐time controllability and safety of the system as such measurement is not possible using existing solutions due to the following reasons: insufficient accuracy, relying on the Internet resources such as generic Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers, inability to obtain one‐way delay measurement, and many solutions only having support for web cameras. Here, an efficient, reliable, and cost‐effective methodology for the measurement of latency of a video stream over a LAN and the Internet is proposed. A dedicated stratum‐1 NTP server is used and the necessary software needed for acquiring and measuring the latency of a video stream from a generic IP camera as well as integration into the existing ROV control software was developed. Here, by using the software and dedicated clock synchronization equipment (NTP server), it was found that normal video latencies in a LAN were in the range of 488ms – 850ms, while latencies over the Internet were measured to be in the range of 558ms – 1211ms. It is important to note that the values were obtained by using a generic (off‐the‐shelf) IP camera and they represent the actual latencies which might be experienced during control over long range and across international territory borders.
Fully Flexible Parallel Merge Sort for Multicore Architectures
Authors: Marszałek Zbigniew , Woźniak Marcin , Połap Dawid
Published: December 2018

The development in multicore architectures gives a new line of processors that can flexibly distribute tasks between their logical cores. These need flexible models of efficient algorithms, both fast and stable. A new line of efficient sorting algorithms can support these systems to efficiently use all available resources. Processes and calculations shall be flexibly distributed between cores to make the performance as high as possible. In this article we present a fully flexible sorting method designed for parallel processing. The idea we describe in this article is based on modified merge sort, which in parallel form is designed for multicore architectures. The novelty of this idea is in particular way of processing. We have developed a fully flexible method that can be implemented for a number of processors. The tasks are flexibly distributed between logical cores to increase the efficiency of sorting. The method preserves separation of concerns; therefore, each of the processors works separately without any cross actions and interruptions. The proposed method was described in theoretical way, examined in tests, and compared to other methods. The results confirm high efficiency and show that with each newly added processor sorting becomes faster and more efficient.
Water Quality Assessment of Tributaries of Batang Baleh in Sarawak Using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Ling Teck-Yee , Soo Chen-Lin , Heng Teresa-Lee-Eng , Nyanti Lee , Sim Siong-Fong , Grinang Jongkar , Lee Karen-Suan-Ping , Ganyai Tonny
Published: December 2018

Assessment of river water quality is essential as it provides the knowledge required to make informed decisions. Therefore, water quality was determined at 15 tributary stations located along the Batang Baleh, Sarawak. Results of the study indicate that all tributaries were well-aerated (≈ 7.7 mg/L) with pH (≈ 7.3) and conductivity (≈ 37.3 μS/cm) values falling within acceptable ranges. However, there were tributaries that showed very high turbidity (> 1000 NTU) and suspended solids (> 800 mg/L) which were contributed by the soil erosion from logging activities in the watershed. Tributary stations associated with logging activities also showed significantly higher total phosphorus and organic nitrogen. Cluster analysis demonstrated that water quality at tributary stations along the Batang Baleh exhibited a longitudinal variation from upstream to downstream regions, particularly, dissolved oxygen, five-day biochemical oxygen demand, and nitrite-nitrate nitrogen, which were found higher in upstream region and steadily decreased towards the downstream region. Two stations located at Sg. Serani and Sg. Melatai were distinct from the other stations with the highest concentrations of turbidity, total suspended solids, organic nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Thus, there is an urgent need to reduce the pollutants in the tributaries of Batang Baleh for the health of the sensitive aquatic organisms.
Optimizing the Composite Cost Involved in Road Motor-Transporting Trucks by Taking into Account Traffic Condition
Authors: Fei Hongying , Zhang Chengyi
Published: December 2018

With the rapid development of modern automotive logistics industry, vehicle logistics has drawn more and more attention. Since the vehicle transporters mainly are the severe-polluting heavy-duty vehicles and their exhaust emissions vary under different traffic conditions, it is necessary to improve the planning of road motor-transporting services by taking into account road traffic condition, especially for urban areas. This study aims at minimizing the composite cost, including both the economic cost related to the driver cost and fuel consumption, and the social cost related to the vehicle emissions. The dynamic road traffic condition is imitated dynamically with a discretization technique. A metaheuristic is applied with data collected from a dense district in a huge city. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can always converge quickly to the best solution and the solution with minimal composite cost can always dominate the other solutions with classic route optimization goals.
Study on Dynamic Strain Regularity and Influencing Factors of Shallow Buried Metal Pipe under Collapse Impact Load
Authors: Wang Min , Zhong Mingshou , Long Yuan , Ding Kai , Xie Xingbo , Ying Liu
Published: December 2018

With the combination of model experiment and numerical simulation, we explore the effect of collapse height, weight, and pipe‐soil stiffness ratio on dynamic strain of shallow buried metal pipe under the collapse impact load. By analyzing the strain at different measuring points of the buried pipeline, the strain law of the buried pipeline under the collapse impact load is obtained. Based on the range analysis and variance significance analysis, it was found that the pipe‐soil stiffness ratio has a more significant impact on the dynamic strain of the buried pipeline under impact compared to the collapse height and the weight. Then, the numerical simulation method was used to further analyze the effect of pipe‐soil stiffness ratio on the dynamic response of buried pipelines; the following conclusions are drawn: As the stiffness ratio of pipe‐soil increases, the plastic stress and strain of the buried pipeline will decrease, and influence of the pipeline by the collapse impact is slighter.
Albumin-Bilirubin Grade as a Novel Predictor of Survival in Advanced Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yong , Pang Qing , Jin Hao , Zhou Lei , Hu Xiaosi , Qian Zhen , Man Zhongran , Yang Song , Liu Huichun
Published: December 2018

Aim. Child-Pugh (CP) grade has been used to assess liver function and postoperative outcomes in biliary tract neoplasms. The aim of this study was to preliminarily explore the prognostic significance of an alternative model of liver function, called albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC). Methods. A total of 109 advanced EHC patients, who received percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting combined with iodine-125 seed implantation from January 2012 to April 2017 in our department, were enrolled. Preoperative clinical data were collected to calculate the CP and ALBI grades. The performance of ALBI score in predicting postoperative death was compared with that of CP score by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression model were performed for overall survival (OS) analysis. Results. The median survival time of our cohort was 12 months, and the 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 56.9% and 12.8%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of ALBI score for predicting death was significantly greater than the CP score (0.751, 95% CI: 0.641–0.861, P<0.001 vs. 0.688, 95% CI: 0.567–0.809, P<0.001). The univariate analysis revealed that the factors related to overall survival of EHC were carbohydrate antigen 19-9, total bilirubin, albumin, ALBI grade, and CP score. In multivariate analysis, ALBI grade (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.04–2.61, P=0.032), but not CP score, was identified as an independent prognostic model. Conclusion. We demonstrated that the ALBI grade could be used as a predictor of survival in unresectable EHC patients.
Sex-Specific Association between Childhood BMI Trajectories and Asthma Phenotypes
Authors: Wadden Danny , Allwood Newhook Leigh-Anne , Twells Laurie , Farrell Jamie , Gao Zhiwei
Published: December 2018

Background. Asthma and obesity are two common health problems in the pediatric population. Obesity is associated with several comorbidities which are of great consequence. Excess adipose tissue has been linked to asthma in a number of studies. However, little is known about childhood body mass index (BMI) trajectories and the development of asthma phenotypes. Objective. The current study aims to investigate the significance of BMI trajectories over childhood and the risk of asthma phenotypes. Methods. The current study is a prospective cohort of children aged 0-2 years who were followed every two years for eight years through cycles one to five in the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youths (NLSCY). Statistical analysis: a latent class growth modelling (LCGM) method was used to identify BMI trajectory patterns from cycles one to five. Multiple imputation (number of imputations=5) was carried out to impute children with missing values on height or weight information. Sampling weights and 1,000 bootstrap weights were used in SAS PROC SURVEYLOGISTIC to examine the association between BMI trajectory and asthma phenotypes (persistent or transient asthma) in a multivariate analysis. Results. The study consisted of 571,790 males and 549,230 females. Among them, 46% of children showed an increasing trajectory in terms of change in BMI percentile during childhood, followed by the stable-trajectory group (41%) and decreasing-trajectory group (13%). After controlling for confounding factors, females in the increasing BMI trajectory group were four times more likely to be associated with persistent asthma (OR = 4.09; 95% CI:1.04-16.15; p = 0.0442) than females in the stable BMI trajectory group. No such relationship was found in males. The BMI trajectory was not significantly associated with risk of transient asthma for either sex. Conclusion. We report a female-specific association between increasing adiposity, measured by BMI, and persistent asthma.
A Study on Lump Solutions to a Generalized Hirota‐Satsuma‐Ito Equation in (2+1)‐Dimensions
Authors: Ma Wen-Xiu , Li Jie , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: December 2018

The Hirota‐Satsuma‐Ito equation in (2+1)‐dimensions passes the three‐soliton test. This paper aims to generalize this equation to a new one which still has abundant interesting solution structures. Based on the Hirota bilinear formulation, a symbolic computation with a new class of Hirota‐Satsuma‐Ito type equations involving general second‐order derivative terms is conducted to require having lump solutions. Explicit expressions for lump solutions are successfully presented in terms of coefficients in a generalized Hirota‐Satsuma‐Ito equation. Three‐dimensional plots and contour plots of a special presented lump solution are made to shed light on the characteristic of the resulting lump solutions.
On the Second-Order Quantum (p,q)-Difference Equations with Separated Boundary Conditions
Authors: Promsakon Chanon , Kamsrisuk Nattapong , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a boundary value problem for second-order quantum (p,q)-difference equations with separated boundary conditions, by using classical fixed point theorems. Examples illustrating the main results are also presented.
Daily Objective Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Adults with COPD Using Spirometry Data from Canadian Measures Health Survey
Authors: Bernard P. , Hains-Monfette G. , Atoui S. , Moullec G.
Published: December 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to be the third leading cause of premature death and disability in Canada and around the world by the year 2020. The study aims to compare objective physical activity (PA) and sedentary time in a population-based sample of adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compare a group, and to investigate whether these behaviors differ according to COPD severity. From the 2007–2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey dataset, accelerometer and prebronchodilator spirometry data were available for 6441 participants, aged 35 to 79. Two weighted analyses of covariance were performed with adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, accelerometer wearing time, season, work, smoking (cotinine), education level, and income. A set of sensitivity analyses were carried out to examine the possible effect of COPD and type of control group. A cross-sectional weighted analysis indicated that 14.6% of study participants had a measured airflow obstruction consistent with COPD. Time in PA (moderate-vigorous and light PA), number of steps, and sedentary duration were not significantly different in participants with COPD, taken together, compared to controls. However, moderate to severe COPD participants (stages ≥2) had a significantly lower daily time spent in PA of moderate and vigorous intensity level compared to controls. Canadian adults with COPD with all disease severity levels combined did not show lower daily duration of light, moderate, and vigorous PA, and number of steps and higher daily sedentary time than those without airflow obstruction. Both groups are extremely sedentary and have low PA duration. Thus, “move more and sit less” public health strategy could equally target adults with or without COPD.